Kaitlin Thorne

While Kentucky and West Virginia are only beginning to authorize charter schools, Ohio’s approval of controversial programs like the 1776 Curriculum raise questions about how the effort will roll out across the region.

Though biological mothers often have an earlier bond with their infants due to pregnancy and childbirth, serve and return interactions can occur with any person providing consistent care for the infant. The problem comes when that consistency is interrupted, like when a mother is incarcerated.

Advocates argue the bail system needs to be reformed because it disproportionately harms poor people who can’t afford to pay it. Supporters of bail reform in Ohio argue the system has left many sitting in county jails longer than necessary while they wait for their court dates, as they often can’t afford the pay bail.

On a cold Wednesday morning in February, cars arrive at an abortion provider in Knoxville, Tennessee. The women inside their cars are met with a line of people, mostly men, on either side of the parking lot entrance.