Children's Issues / Public News Service

As part of the Trump administration's budget-cutting moves, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has eliminated $1 billion in programs connecting local producers with food banks and school lunch programs. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, March 21, 2025

USDA cuts could halt progress of SD local food scene

South Dakota farmers leading the "locally grown" movement have visions of a dynamic regional food production system but some of it is in doubt with lo…

A proposed $12 billion in cuts to federal school meal funding could impact 75 Montana schools serving more than 10,000 students. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, March 20, 2025

School meal programs on GOP's chopping block

Children's advocates are crying foul after House Republicans called for $12 billion in cuts to school meal programs, including the Community …

The U.S. Department of Education's civil rights office is charged with protecting students from discrimination and sexual assault and making sure all Americans have equal access to education. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Colorado takes Trump to court over efforts to abolish Education Department

As the Trump administration makes good on promises to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, educators and parents are raising concerns about the …

Gregor Willms assists the Cedarburg High School team in the soil pit at Envirothon 2024. (Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association)

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Competition prepares students for environmental science careers

A local event that brings students face-to-face with outdoor habitats is serving to ignite a lifelong passion in some that go on to pursue "green jobs…

Research shows students' sense of belonging improves academic outcomes, increases continuing enrollment in school and is protective for mental health. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Immigrant children face increased cases of bullying across TX

As the immigration debate continues, many children of immigrants in Texas who are American citizens are caught in the middle. An elementary school …

Changes to Arkansas' abortion ban clarifies doctors acting in good faith would not be prosecuted for saving the life of a pregnant person. (Sikov/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

New findings: Arkansas abortion ban could impact potential workforce

As members of the Arkansas Legislature debate changing the wording in the state's abortion ban, a new study showed states with strict abortion laws …

Oregon's system for funding early childhood special education was last updated in 2011. House Bill 2682 has garnered strong support from a broad coalition of early childhood advocates and educators. (Wosunan/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Bill would revamp OR special ed preschool funding

Legislation to overhaul the way Oregon funds early childhood special education has advanced through the state House with near unanimous support…

Gov. Josh Shapiro's new budget proposal boosts special education funding by $40 million, raising the total to over $1.5 billion to support high-quality services for students with disabilities and special needs. (nimito/AdobeStock)

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

PA teachers union opposes Trump plan to dismantle U.S. Department of Education

The Trump administration's effort to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education is facing strong opposition from the Pennsylvania State Education …

Some 557 Colorado schools serving more than 206,293 students are projected to be affected by a proposed $12 billion in cuts to federal school meal funding. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Blowback on GOP's proposed cuts to school meal programs

Children's advocates are crying foul after House Republicans called for $12 billion in cuts to school meal programs, including the Community …

An August 2024 KFF analysis found Medicaid covers 3 in 8 Pennsylvania children, 5 in 8 nursing home residents, 2 in 5 people with disabilities, and 1 in 6 adults aged 19-64. (Selene Studio/AdobeStock)

SNAP, Medicaid cuts would strain PA emergency food system

By Anna Gustafson for the Pennsylvania Independent.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Pennsylvan…

When President Donald Trump took office, the Department of Education had 4,133 workers. Following last week's cuts, that number has dropped to around 2,183. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 17, 2025

MI educator says federal education cuts hit hard in Hamtramck schools

Cuts to the U.S. education system are expected to create a profound ripple effect on students and staff in Hamtramck's already struggling school …

More than 70% of people who are imprisoned as a minor have experienced physical abuse growing up. (Adobe Stock)

Some MD youth in justice system traumatized by the experience

Maryland ranks second in the nation for charging children who have committed crimes as adults. But one expert says a more trauma-informed response in …

The U.S. Department of Education is putting laid-off workers on paid leave starting Friday, March 21 and says they will be paid through June 9. (Neal/Adobe Stock)

School employees speak out against mass layoffs at U.S. Dept. of Education

School employees are expressing outrage at the mass layoffs of half the U.S. Department of Education workforce. Secretary of Education Linda …

The American Heart Association said a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan can increase survival rates by 50% or more when people are trained in practices like CPR or how to use an automated external defibrillator until first responders arrive. (Adobe Stock)

MN looks to ensure all schools are ready for cardiac scares

A Minnesota Senate committee today will hear testimony about a rare but scary scenario for families: sudden cardiac events in school settings…

Immigrants in Ohio pay $7 billion a year in taxes and have a spending power of $20 billion contributing significantly to the state's economy. (Adobe Stock)

Research shows economic impact of deportation in Ohio, U.S.

As nationwide deportation efforts continue, new research examined how past policies have shaped the economy and what could happen if the Trump …

In 2024, Tennessee approved more than 1,350 Summer Food Service Program meal sites across the state and served approximately 3.4 million meals to children. (Kirsten D/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock)

TN nonprofits plan ahead for end of Summer EBT food program

Gov. Bill Lee has opted Tennessee out of the federal Summer EBT program and nonprofit groups in the state said they will work to fill the gap for …

The latest data from Open Sky Policy Institute show more than 182,000 Nebraska children are enrolled in Medicaid and other social service safety net programs. (Adobe Stock)

NE mental health providers warn Medicaid cuts would 'reverse progress'

Nebraska mental health professionals worry the Trump administration's proposed $880 billion in Medicaid funding cuts would threaten progress the state…

In some areas, Medicaid funding pays a portion of the school nurse's salary. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid cuts could threaten schools supports in NJ

As federal government spending cuts loom, advocates for keeping Medicaid intact are calling attention to how the funding is used in public schools…

During the Great Depression, the U.S. enacted the

Data, history show mass deportations harm U.S. economy

As nationwide deportation efforts continue, new research examined the labor market of a past president to help forecast what could happen if …

The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled four times, starting with the DeRolph decision in 1997, that the state's method of funding schools violates the state constitution, prompting ongoing efforts to reform the system. (jovannig/Adobe Stock)

Multiyear fight for fair school funding in Ohio continues

Despite being four years into Ohio's six-year Fair School Funding Plan, it has yet to receive full funding. Advocates of the plan are pushing for …

According to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey from the Indiana Youth Institute, suicide is among the top three causes of death for kids ages 10-19. (Adobe Stock)

Adding supports for IN teens with mental health challenges

Diagnoses of mental health conditions in children and teens are on the rise, including in Indiana. But getting kids the help they need can be a …

A governor's office spokesperson said the Indiana Department of Health will push back on birth certificate changes after this week's executive order. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana limits gender identity recognition, college sports participation

Executive orders have been issued by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun that restrict state funds from promoting gender identity and ban transgender women from …

During a recent American Federation of Teachers-Texas town hall meeting, educators from around the state, including former Department of Education employees, said they are confused by some of the job and spending cuts already made. (ahmed/Adobe Stock AI)

TX educators eye changes at the Department of Education

Educators in Texas are concerned about the Trump administration's plans to dismantle the Department of Education. One of the Department's primary …

About 1.2 million people in Wisconsin are covered by Medicaid, including nearly one-third of children in rural communities, and 12% of state residents receive SNAP benefits. (Adobe Stock)

WI group pitches in to help voters share views with reps in Congress

As new federal policies and proposed funding cuts spark confusion and chaos, Wisconsinites are looking to voice their concerns to their elected …

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recommends removing play sand rather than trying to clean it, because fire debris, ash and dirt from residential and structural fires may contain asbestos, heavy metals and other hazardous substances. (Supersomik/Adobe Stock)

After L.A. fires, questions remain about sandbox safety

Concerned parents are pushing the authorities to help parks and day cares remove sand from sandboxes contaminated with ash after the Los Angeles fires…

University campuses are being told to create best practices for faculty and staff to assist immigrant and international students. (Sabrina/Adobe Stock)

Changes in U.S. immigration policy affect AR college campuses

Arkansas colleges and universities are trying to ensure learning is not disrupted because of executive orders by the Trump administration. President …

Tennessee has made progress in child care availability but as of 2024, 37 counties are still considered child care

Report: Investing in child care would help TN families, economy

Many Tennessee families cannot afford child care and providers cannot afford to pay their staff fair wages, according to a new report. The …

Raye Montague was honored with a United States dollar coin released by the United States Mint in January as part of a set honoring innovators and innovations from Arkansas, Michigan, Florida and Texas. (Photo Courtesy UALR)

AR engineer honored with U.S. coin

March is Women's History Month and an Arkansas native has made history by being honored with a $1 coin from the U.S. Mint. The late Raye Montague …

The Center for American Progress lists Minnesota as among the more expensive states when it comes to child care costs. (Adobe Stock)

MN child care stakeholders: 'Broken' system needs more than minor fixes

Some 45 day care centers in Minnesota temporary closed their doors early this week to highlight the ongoing child care crisis. Advocates said the …

The Texas Department of State Health Services says a dose of MMR is given to unvaccinated people within 72 hours of their exposure to the measles to lessen the severity of the illness if they get sick from their exposure to the virus. (Luci/Adobe Stock)

TX doctors concerned about vaccination rates during measles outbreak

Health officials across Texas remain on high alert after a deadly measles outbreak in the South Plains region. The state health department said one …

Illinois founded the first juvenile court more than 100 years ago on the premise children in conflict with the law should be treated separate and distinct from adults. Katherine Buchanan with the Illinois Juvenile Justice Initiative said today, many children are jailed for offenses adults would not be jailed for. (Adobe Stock)

IL report calls for juvenile-justice reform; proposed bill would initiate

A recent report is highlighting the need for a complete overhaul of the Illinois juvenile justice system. It called for a renewed rehabilitative …

Public health officials said measles typically causes a rash, red eyes, cough and high fever and can sometimes lead to more severe health problems. (airdone/AdobeStock)

NM measles outbreak prompts new helpline, web resources

Most New Mexicans are vaccinated against measles but a recent upsurge in Texas has led the state's health department to launch a new phone helpline an…

Black and Native American youth are largely overrepresented in juvenile facilities compared to their white counterparts. (Sophon_Nawit/Adobe Stock)

Act would give incarcerated WA youth a second chance

Several bills working their way through the Washington Legislature focus on reforming the state's juvenile legal system, including one known as the …

The 2023 Kentucky Early Learners Survey found rates of cavities and untreated tooth decay among children ages 2-5 at rates considerably higher than the national average. (Adobe Stock)

Bill would expand reach of dental hygienists across rural Kentucky

A recent study showed high rates of tooth decay among young children in Kentucky, particularly in rural areas, and dental health advocates are …

Gov. Mike Braun's budget and the House GOP plan to cut funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which was 0.013% of the state budget. (Indiana Governor's Office)

Push to save Dolly Parton’s Indiana book program grows

Indiana's new budget does not include funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. The program sends free books to children from birth to age 5…

Adults can model proper brushing for their children by brushing alongside them. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

NC dentist has advice before Children's Dental Health Month ends

Children's Dental Health Month is wrapping up but tips for parents and guardians could help their child's health beyond their teeth. Oral health is …

The State of Montana first passed its Indian Child Welfare Act in 2023, decades after a federal version was enacted by Congress in 1978. A bill to expand Montana's law advanced from the state Senate to the House on Tuesday. (Wikimedia Commons)

MT Senate bills on Native education, child welfare advance to House

Three Montana bills regarding Native rights and culture advanced from the Senate to the House this week, despite some previous setbacks. Bills to …

Lawmakers estimate providing Arkansas students free breakfast could cost an estimated $14.7 million (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

All AR students to receive free breakfast in upcoming school year

Workers in the fight against hunger in Arkansas are celebrating the passage and signing of Senate Bill 59. The legislation makes free breakfast …

Food insecurity worsens as Indiana slips in child well-being

Indiana leaders are working to improve children's lives, as the state's national ranking for child well-being has slipped. The latest report showed …

A total of 195,972 Arkansas households are impoverished and another 366,907 are defined as ALICE. (Andrii/Adobe Stock)

More AR families rely on Child Tax Credit

By Wesley Brown for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-Wi…

Gov. Josh Shapiro's Pennsylvania state budget proposal includes $10 million to continue universal free breakfast in schools, to help support children's academic success through better nutrition. (Oksana Kuzmina)

PA budget proposal boosts early childhood education funding

A Pennsylvania nonprofit is praising Gov. Josh Shapiro's new budget proposal, which includes a funding increase for early childhood education…

According to the National Library of Medicine, most studies examining universal free school meals, including free lunches, found positive links with diet quality, food security and academic performance. (Adobe Stock)

No-cost school lunch bill nears important stage in ND Legislature

House floor votes are expected early this week for a North Dakota bill that would expand free school meals to all students, regardless of their …

Researchers say although federal relief money is no longer available, states could be targeting federal Title I and state funding to implement intervention programs. (insta_photos/Adobe Stock)

COVID-19 learning loss still being felt in TX schools

Texas ranks 31st among states in terms of the change in math achievement between 2019 and 2024, and 8th in reading. That's according to a study that …

Many community health centers offer mental health services to help children cope with stress related to immigration enforcement. (Oksana/Adobe Stock)

CA children’s advocates speak out against impending immigration raids

California is bracing for large-scale immigration raids - and groups that advocate for children are speaking out against the climate of fear…

Participants in the Nebraska RAICES teacher training program receive leadership development and mentoring designed to support them in their teaching careers. (Adobe Stock)

Federal cuts jeopardize rural NE teacher training program

The future of a teacher training program in rural Nebraska is in danger since the Trump administration has cut diversity-related grants in its effort …

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program currently helps feed more than 40 million low-income Americans. (New Mexico Association of FoodBanks)

NM's anti-hunger advocates make case for funding at Roundhouse

Antihunger advocates and relief organizations are gathering at New Mexico's State Capitol today as part of "Hunger Action Day." Advocates will urge l…

Another option states could consider to make up for added costs would be to reduce provider payment rates, which many argue are already too low and disincentivizes providers from accepting Medicaid patients. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Nearly 30% on Medicaid risk losing coverage under proposed cuts

As Congress continues to threaten deep cuts to the Medicaid program, a new KFF report shows how some of the proposed changes could end coverage for …

Continuous glucose monitors are now used by most of the estimated 300,000 people in the United Staates who are younger than age 20 and living with Type 1 diabetes, according to health experts. (Adobe Stock)

Schools struggle to keep up with diabetes tech, leaving parents to fill gaps

By Phil Galewitz for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Serv…

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Children's

USDA cuts could halt progress of SD local food scene

School meal programs on GOP's chopping block

Colorado takes Trump to court over efforts to abolish Education Department

Competition prepares students for environmental science careers

Immigrant children face increased cases of bullying across TX

New findings: Arkansas abortion ban could impact potential workforce

Bill would revamp OR special ed preschool funding

PA teachers union opposes Trump plan to dismantle U.S. Department of Education

Blowback on GOP's proposed cuts to school meal programs

SNAP, Medicaid cuts would strain PA emergency food system

MI educator says federal education cuts hit hard in Hamtramck schools

Some MD youth in justice system traumatized by the experience

School employees speak out against mass layoffs at U.S. Dept. of Education

MN looks to ensure all schools are ready for cardiac scares

Research shows economic impact of deportation in Ohio, U.S.

TN nonprofits plan ahead for end of Summer EBT food program

NE mental health providers warn Medicaid cuts would 'reverse progress'

Medicaid cuts could threaten schools supports in NJ

Data, history show mass deportations harm U.S. economy

Multiyear fight for fair school funding in Ohio continues

Adding supports for IN teens with mental health challenges

Indiana limits gender identity recognition, college sports participation

TX educators eye changes at the Department of Education

WI group pitches in to help voters share views with reps in Congress

After L.A. fires, questions remain about sandbox safety

Changes in U.S. immigration policy affect AR college campuses

Report: Investing in child care would help TN families, economy

AR engineer honored with U.S. coin

MN child care stakeholders: 'Broken' system needs more than minor fixes

TX doctors concerned about vaccination rates during measles outbreak

IL report calls for juvenile-justice reform; proposed bill would initiate

NM measles outbreak prompts new helpline, web resources

Act would give incarcerated WA youth a second chance

Bill would expand reach of dental hygienists across rural Kentucky

Push to save Dolly Parton’s Indiana book program grows

NC dentist has advice before Children's Dental Health Month ends

MT Senate bills on Native education, child welfare advance to House

All AR students to receive free breakfast in upcoming school year

Food insecurity worsens as Indiana slips in child well-being

More AR families rely on Child Tax Credit

PA budget proposal boosts early childhood education funding

No-cost school lunch bill nears important stage in ND Legislature

COVID-19 learning loss still being felt in TX schools

CA children’s advocates speak out against impending immigration raids

Federal cuts jeopardize rural NE teacher training program

NM's anti-hunger advocates make case for funding at Roundhouse

Report: Nearly 30% on Medicaid risk losing coverage under proposed cuts

Schools struggle to keep up with diabetes tech, leaving parents to fill gaps