68% of Ohio fourth graders are not proficient in reading, according to new study
Reading proficiency has dropped 4 points since 2019 despite Ohio's science of reading mandate, though the state still outperforms the national average.
Megan Henry
at 
Ohio Capital Journal
Ohio Capital JournalArticles by Megan Henry
Ohioans received $182.5 million from the state’s unclaimed funds during 2026 fiscal year
Payouts nearly tripled after DeWine tapped $1 billion in unclaimed funds for stadiums, with 14 facilities still competing for a remaining $400 million.
‘The precipice of an emergency.’ Marietta residents worry drinking water could become contaminated.
ODNR has confirmed brine waste migration from seven Washington County injection wells since 2019, prompting four owners to voluntarily halt operations this July.
Ohio children unable to access mental healthcare because of insurance, costs, and lack of providers
A Health Policy Institute study finds nearly half of Ohio families cite insurance barriers, with out-of-network therapy costing $220 monthly versus $28 in-network.
‘It’s a big help.’ Weekly mobile routes provide meals to hundreds of Ohio children during summer
Children's Hunger Alliance operates four mobile routes across Ohio, serving hundreds of kids weekly as summer hunger peaks for families losing school meal access.
Bill would give more independence to Ohio’s civic centers one year after Senate Bill 1 took effect
University professors' group warns the bill will force schools to prioritize the civic centers' funding, driving up tuition for other students.
More than 15,000 acres of Ohio public land approved to be fracked by out-of-state companies
Gov. DeWine just signed a bill to speed up fracking approvals on state parks, as the commission approved $241 million in bids from Texas and Oklahoma companies.
More than 110 Ohio school districts and schools have armed staff members
Ohio teachers' union argues 24 hours of training is inadequate for armed staff to make split-second decisions in active shooter situations.
Ohioans rally to support Haitians living with temporary protected status after Supreme Court ruling
Hours after the Supreme Court upheld Trump's power to revoke their status, hundreds gathered in Springfield to support the 12,000-15,000 Haitians facing potential deportation to a violence-torn nation.
Ohio cities brace for impact of Supreme Court allowing Trump to take legal status away from Haitians
Springfield, home to 12,000–15,000 Haitians, faces a projected $400 million economic loss if deportations proceed, despite a federal judge's earlier block.
People experiencing homelessness in Ohio went up 3% in 2025, according to federal report
Ohio's count rose to 12,196 even as U.S. homelessness fell 3%, with Franklin County projected to see a 68% spike in unsheltered homelessness by 2028.
Ohio Equal Rights will try to get two amendments on 2027 ballot
The group cited election attacks, high marketing costs, and alignment with the Ohio Coalition to End Qualified Immunity as reasons to target 2027 instead.
