Ohio News & Current Events | Public News Service

At 16 months of age, Lexi Badenhop's team of physicians say she is hitting milestones she might have missed without fetal surgery for spina bifida. (Nationwide Children's Hospital)

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Transforming lives through spina bifida treatment in Columbus

October marks Spina Bifida Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a birth defect that affects one in 2,000 births in the United …

The Gavin Coal Plant in Gallia County is responsible for emitting nearly 10 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, a level comparable to emissions from 3.1 million cars driving for an entire year. (Rosemarie Mosteller/Adobe Stock)

Gavin coal plant sale leaves Ohio communities in limbo

The sale of Ohio's Gavin coal-fired power plant is sparking uncertainty among residents and energy experts alike. The plant, which has been one of …

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose altered the language of State Issue 1 from what voters originally signed to support the amendment, adding the commission would be

Ohio voters to decide on redistricting reform with Issue 1

In the swing state of Ohio, voters will soon decide the fate of State Issue 1, a proposal to establish a 15-member citizens' redistricting commission …

A report from the Network for Public Education says four of 10 charter school closures happened without adequate notice, often occurring midyear or just before a new school year. The primary reason was insufficient enrollment, which accounted for 47% of all closures. (NuFa Studio/Adobe Stock)

The financial landscape of Ohio's charter schools

Ohio's charter schools have been a topic of debate for more than two decades, with strong opinions on both sides. Charter schools operate …

Data suggest that, contrary to popular belief, rural and urban voters in America share many bedrock values. (Matt/Adobe Stock)

Ohio voters have more in common than you might think

As Ohio heads into a pivotal election season, the divide between rural and urban voters might seem deep - but one expert says the gap isn't as wide …

Around 42% of female survivors experienced their first rape prior to age 18; 28% of male survivors were first raped prior to age 11. One in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually victimized before age 18. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

Improving Ohio's sexual violence response teams

Sexual violence remains a significant concern in Ohio, and specialized teams, such as Sexual Assault Response Teams and Coordinated Community …

Domestic violence-related homicides in Ohio doubled from 2018 to 2019, highlighting a growing crisis in the state. (Domarita Lopez-Wilcox)

Tragic toll of domestic violence in Ohio

In Ohio, the effects of domestic violence continue to devastate families. The Ohio Domestic Violence Network released its ninth annual fatality …

The American Clean Power Second Quarter 2024 Market Report ranked Ohio fourth nationally and first in the Midwest for clean power installations and first in the Midwest for utility-scale solar capacity this year. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

Ohio’s clean-energy surge drives jobs, growth

As Ohio continues to embrace clean energy solutions, the debate over its economic and environmental impact remains a focal point for residents…

At Ohio State, 36 were arrested for alleged criminal trespassing, including students, a staff member and supporters unrelated to the institution during protests this spring. (Erman Gunes/Adobe Stock)

Ohio's evolving landscape of student activism

By Eduardo Miranda Strobel / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Protests at …

This round of debt relief forgave more than $14.6 million in medical debt for 7,717 residents of Lucas County after RIP acquired ProMedica's debt portfolio. (Adobe Stock)

Program provides life-changing relief from medical debt for Ohioans

Medical debt has long been a burden for many Americans, with millions struggling to pay off their healthcare bills. In the Buckeye State, however…

In 2021, 48 of 50 states recorded the highest number of online shopping fraud reports within the past five years. (A2Z AI/Adobe Stock)

Ohioans confront event ticketing challenges

Concert and sports fans in Ohio are expressing growing frustration over rising ticket prices and hidden fees. In response, Congress is considering …

FollowtheCrypto.org finds that the crypto industry provided more than $174 million for the 2024 election so far. (VideoFlow/Adobe Stock)

The power of crypto in Ohio's political landscape

As cryptocurrency becomes more prevalent, it's also making its way into the political arena. With millions of dollars being funneled into campaigns …

Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump has denied he would sign a national abortion ban if elected president and would leave limits on abortion access up to individual states to decide. (Nicholas J. Klein/Adobe Stock)

Navigating local priorities in Ohio House District 43

In Ohio's 43rd House District race in Toledo, candidates are discussing a range of issues of interest to their constituents. Incumbent Rep. Michele …

The March of Dimes reports 2.2 million women live in maternity care

Addressing postpartum depression in rural Ohio

A new report sheds light on the state of women's health in Ohio, with growing concerns about maternal care and postpartum mental health. As …

The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is anticipated to save over $350 million annually on electric bills for 900,000 low-income households nationwide and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 million metric tons over five years. (Felix Mizioznikov/Adobe Stock)

Solar power drives change in Ohio’s disadvantaged areas

Ohio's most vulnerable communities are set to benefit from more than $312 million in federal funding aimed at reducing energy costs and promoting envi…

Ohio is among 13 jurisdictions requiring Saturday and Sunday hours for early voting. (PX Media/Adobe Stock)

Reports highlight Ohio's evolving voting options for 2024

This week, National Voter Registration Day was another timely reminder for Ohioans preparing for the 2024 general election. The latest reports from …

Toledo's Dorr Street once boasted more than 130 businesses between Collingwood Blvd. and Detroit Ave., including retail shops, restaurants, lodging, medical offices, entertainment venues, and services like auto repair, laundry and beauty salons. (Wikimedia Commons)

Local leaders revive Toledo’s historic 'Black Wall Street'

Toledo's historic Dorr Street Corridor was once the beating heart of Black culture, wealth and business in the city. Now, community leaders and local …

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine compares the situation in Springfield to a natural disaster, suggesting the federal government provide assistance to help communities handle large surges in migrant populations. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Tensions are rising in Springfield, Ohio, as controversial claims from Sen. J.D. Vance about migrants in the area have garnered national attention…

The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals child poverty in America increased slightly in 2023. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

During this week's presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris proposed reviving the Child Tax Credit, which was part of the American Rescue …

Ohio spends about $12,000 per student annually on public education, which is slightly below the national average. (Pixels Hunter/Adobe Stock)

Critical choices: How Ohio’s elections will affect education

In Ohio, the upcoming elections could have a significant effect on public education. Educators are urging voters to consider how the candidates' …

In 2022, 42.4% of full-time undergraduate students worked while enrolled to cover their costs, reflecting the growing challenge of affording higher education. (William W. Potter/Adobe Stock)

Ohio universities see tuition spike, enrollment decline

By John Hilber / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. In the last 21 years…

An AARP report showed Medicare drug plan enrollees nationwide who reach the new out-of-pocket cap will see average savings of roughly $1,500, or 56%, in 2025 for their prescription drugs. (ink drop/Adobe Stock)

New cap on prescription costs offers relief to Ohio seniors

Ohioans struggling with rising prescription drug prices may find relief in a new law, which caps annual out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D …

Weston Lombard, at his Athens County farm, uses regenerative practices funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. (Photo credit Sijie Yuan)

Ohio reacts to Biden's investment targeting rural electrification

President Joe Biden has announced a landmark $7.3 billion investment, the largest since the FDR New Deal, aimed at electrifying rural America…

Ohio House Bill 458 limits who can deliver absentee ballots to the voter, postal workers or specific close relatives, excluding caregivers and non-relatives. (PhotoSpirit/Adobe Stock)

Controversy erupts over Ohio's proposed drop-box ban

As Ohio gears up for the upcoming election, debates over new voting regulations are heating up. The recent proposal by Secretary of State Frank …

Nearly three in five households surveyed are not participating in SNAP. For those that are <br />participating, nearly two-thirds report that their SNAP benefits are exhausted in two weeks or <br />less each month. (mdurson/Adobe Stock)

Food insecurity grows as Ohio food bank demand surges

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks has recently sounded the alarm over worsening conditions in the state's hunger relief network, with food insecurity …

Research indicated between 50% and 70% of coaches are not educators in their school buildings. Although they have community support for athletics, they often miss out on the training and daily interactions that are part of being a teacher. (Anela R/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Coaching beyond the game for student growth in Ohio and elsewhere

The Coach Beyond program, started by Ohio State University's Life Sports, is making waves across Ohio by helping coaches address more than just the …

Ohio public schools have about 100,000 teachers, averaging 16 students per teacher and 220,000 non-teaching staff, averaging seven students per non-teaching position, with nearly all teachers holding a bachelor's degree or higher. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

The quiet preparation: Ohio teachers before the first bell

As Ohio students head back to school, many parents may think the return to the classroom begins when the first bell rings but for educators, the …

Based on input from 162 caseworkers and 85 families, respecting, listening, and being vulnerable were the most important caseworker behaviors in the PACT Behavioral Research Project. (D Lahoud/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Building bridges: How PACT is redefining child welfare through relationships

The Public Children's Services Association of Ohio has launched a groundbreaking new initiative called Practice in Action Together, aimed at …

The poll finds unmarried women are most worried about housing costs (50%), losing rights (46%), and unaffordable taxes (46%), with 57% believing Democrats are more likely to address these issues.(Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Power of unmarried women may shape Ohio's 2024 vote

In Ohio, the upcoming election could hinge on the voting patterns of unmarried women younger than 55, a group that's proving to be a key demographic …

Despite segregation, Howard Street, once Akron's thriving music hub known as

Akron to honor role in jazz from past to present

By Rose Vance-Grom for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Col…

The Cleveland Cliffs Middletown Works project includes replacing an old blast furnace with two electric furnaces to produce iron with nearly zero greenhouse gas emissions. It is expected to create 170 permanent jobs, 1,200 temporary union construction jobs and sustain 2,500 existing jobs. (Adobe Stock)

Inflation Reduction Act boosts Ohio’s economy, environment

As the Inflation Reduction Act marks its second anniversary, Ohio communities are seeing changes spurred by investments in clean energy and …

According to the 2019-2020 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, 23% of undergraduate and 12% of graduate students experience food insecurity, translating to over four million students nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's food insecurity bill: A path to academic success

A new Ohio bill aims to address the growing issue of food insecurity among college students. The legislation proposes establishing food resource …

According to more than 1,000 parents surveyed nationally, the top challenges in forming classroom connections are: Too much time with technology (50%), bullying (30%) and the social effects of the pandemic (22%). (I/Adobe Stock)

Building belonging: Prioritizing mental health in Ohio schools

As Ohio students prepare for the new school year, mental health experts are highlighting the importance of belonging in the classroom. A national …

The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act is the largest climate investment in U.S. history, allocating around $370 billion to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. (DMstock/Adobe Stock)

Driving Ohio's energy-efficiency plans with IRA support

This past Friday marked the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, a milestone for Ohioans looking to make their buildings and homes more …

More than one in five Ohio residents, 2,427,966 people, receive Social Security benefits. The payments inject more than $44.7 billion into the state's economy every year. (Chris Langer)

Social Security at 89: Ohio conversation tackles myths and reform

As Social Security marks its 89th anniversary, the program's future remains a crucial topic of discussion. Jennifer Carlson, state director for AARP …

The 2014 water crisis due to algal blooms had an economic impact of around $65 million. (Elena/Adobe Stock)

Climate change contributes to shift in Lake Erie’s harmful algal blooms

By Kathiann Kowalski for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Networ…

A Great Plains Institute study found health benefits valued at $63.8 million to $144 million from reducing harmful co-pollutants by installing carbon capture technologies in the Midwest region. (Ramon Cliff/Adobe Stock)

Carbon capture: Balancing industry, environment in Ohio

Ohio is becoming a focal point in the fight against climate change, thanks in part to its industrial might and a growing interest in carbon capture …

While four of the five Ohio Democratic incumbents running for reelection to the U.S. House are women, there are no women of any party running for Ohio's U.S. Senate seat. (Ayman Haykal/Adobe Stock)

Financial inequality undermines women’s political voice in Ohio

In Ohio, women's political voices are facing a significant challenge, as a new analysis by the Center for American Women and Politics revealed a …

Yellow Springs Development Corp. has applied for a $200,000 Department of Energy prize for the microgrid project. The prize winners will be selected by the end of August. (oasisamuel/Adobe Stock)

Solar microgrids bring energy and opportunity to Yellow Springs

The small community of Yellow Springs, Ohio, is leading an innovative effort to harness renewable energy while directly supporting low-income …

The most severe tornado this year occurred on March 14 in Logan County, where an EF-3 tornado resulted in three fatalities. (Nick Fox/Adobe Stock)

Record-breaking tornado number 66 hits Ohio

Ohio is experiencing an unprecedented year for tornadoes, with the latest confirmed touchdown occurring on Wednesday. In 2024, Ohio has seen its 66…

On January 1 and 2, Ohio recorded more 11.3 million betting transactions, the highest in the nation. Cincinnati led the state with 1.9 million transactions. Ohio is expected to see between $8 billion and $12 billion in bets placed in 2023.(ehrlif/Adobe Stock)

Ohio's sports betting boom and its effects

By John Hilber / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. In the first two days …

According to census data, the national average energy burden for low-income households is more than 8%, which is three times higher than for households that are not low-income. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Experts: Shifting to electricity could ease Ohioans’ energy burden

Natural gas is an unpredictable source of affordable energy, Ohio experts said, as more communities work to electrify homes and buildings to lower …

Ohio solar developers use Inflation Reduction Act to help overcome 'bias'

By Hilary Beaumont for Floodlight and Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Investigate M…

In Ohio, 30% of older voters identify as family caregivers, making up 17% of voters. In addition, 39% percent of senior Black voters and 32% of women older than 50 identified as family caregivers. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Ohio seniors list inflation, economy, Social Security as top issues

Recent changes on the political scene may have brought many younger voters into the fold, but a new poll shows that in Ohio, older voters could still …

The Ohio Legislature is considering eliminating the commercial activity tax for businesses with more than $150,000 in sales, a tax currently paid by only about 10% of Ohio businesses. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

Ohio lawmakers look to eliminate state income tax, major commercial tax

By John Hilber / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Republicans in the Ohio …

A life-size butter sculpture of a cyclist is included in this year's butter cow display at the Ohio State Fair. Sculptors built a hidden armature to convey the motion of the cyclist leaning to the side as he rounds a curve. (American Dairy Association Mideast)

At Ohio State Fair, butter sculpture highlights local dairy industry

This week at the Ohio State Fair, residents can view 2,000 pounds of butter sculpted into cows and elite athletes, honoring the state's dairy …

Two members of Ohio's congressional delegation, Democratic Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes and Republican Rep. Michael Rulli, are cosponsors of HR 8996, to improve rail safety for trains transporting hazardous materials. (Wikimedia Commons)

Ohio lawmakers call for passage of rail safety bill

Ohio lawmakers are asking Congress to address longstanding safety failures of class-one freight railroads, to prevent disasters like last year's …

More than 50 members of Congress publicly indicated they would not attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address, including Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. (seaseasyd/Adobe Stock)

Vance skips Netanyahu's address amid boycotts, OH student protests

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, now the GOP's vice-presidential candidate, cited campaign commitments as his reason for not attending Israeli Prime Minister …

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