Ohio courts still mulling reproductive rights cases, one set to extend into 2026
Ohioans are still awaiting the resolution of two different cases related to reproductive rights in the state. A resolution won’t…
Susan Tebben
at 
Ohio Capital Journal
Ohio Capital JournalArticles by Susan Tebben
Food insecurity faces ripple effects of shutdown, SNAP pauses
Ohio food banks and children’s hunger programs report major demand increases after federal SNAP disruptions and funding cuts, prompting expanded holiday meal support and renewed calls for stronger public investment.
Federal court decision spells win for State Library of Ohio, libraries nationwide
A federal court blocked Trump’s bid to dismantle the nation’s library funding agency, but Ohio’s State Library still faces state budget cuts threatening core services.
Staff cuts finalized at Ohio Planned Parenthood system, includes clinic closure
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio has finalized 17 staff cuts and will close its Franklinton clinic in 2025 after major federal and Medicaid funding losses, marking the second workforce reduction this year.
Ohio bill would add political parties to school board races, reduce State Board of Education seats
Ohio lawmakers advanced a bill to add partisan labels to school board races and eliminate all elected State Board of Education seats, shifting the entire board to governor appointments and prompting renewed debate over education governance.
Bill regulating drugs including medication abortion pills passes Ohio House
The Ohio House passed HB 324, a drug regulation bill critics say could restrict medication abortion access by relying on non–peer-reviewed data and imposing new in-person requirements.
Ohio Senate passes bill that lists Ten Commandments as ‘historical document’
The Ohio Senate approved a bill requiring classrooms to display selected historical documents, including the Ten Commandments, despite constitutional concerns and Democratic pushback.
Workers at one of Ohio’s largest library systems set to unionize
Columbus Metropolitan Library employees are pushing to unionize, citing low pay, safety concerns, and rising demands on frontline staff as they seek stronger wages, benefits, and a voice in workplace policies.
Ohio health insurance to get much more costly without action to renew federal credits
With enhanced ACA tax credits expiring, Ohioans face steep premium increases and a potential surge in uninsured residents as rising medical costs and Medicaid cuts strain access to care.
Ohio bill requiring legal statement prior to abortion treatment could sow mistrust, experts say
A new Republican-backed bill in the Ohio Senate would require doctors who prescribe abortion medication to tell patients they can sue them, a move critics say could frighten both patients and providers. Medical experts call the legislation unnecessary and misleading, noting that abortion pills are safe and already subject to informed consent laws.
Ohio Head Start programs suffer, close as federal government shutdown rolls on
As the Trump administration’s government shutdown continues, Ohio’s Head Start programs are running out of money. Two centers have already closed, and more are set to follow — leaving hundreds of teachers unpaid and more than 1,000 children without care or early education. Advocates warn the closures will deepen the state’s child care crisis.
Greater Ohio Planned Parenthood affiliate plans further staff cuts due to Medicaid losses
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio will cut up to 15 staff positions amid steep declines in patients and funding tied to federal restrictions on Medicaid reimbursements. The organization says the loss of Medicaid support is forcing painful reductions that will limit access to critical preventive health care for thousands of Ohioans.
