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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)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

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 …

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…

U.S. vehicle manufacturing has been steadily declining since the 1970s, according to a report by the advocacy group All American. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Toledo plant to manufacture EVs with federal funding

Ohio will receive more than $32 million in federal funding to help revive auto manufacturing and jobs in the state, specifically electric vehicle …

The National Association of Broadcasters said more than 82 million individuals tune in to AM radio. (bennian_1/Adobe Stock)

Ohio senators back AM radio in new cars, critics warn of costs

The "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act" now in Congress would mandate all new cars in the U.S. be equipped with AM radios, and it's stirring a debate in …

The United Nations estimates global shipping is responsible for about 3% of emissions worldwide. (Francis/Adobe Stock)

Cleveland port’s ‘electrification hub’ anchors progress toward net-zero emissions

By Kathiann M. Kowalski for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

Solar energy helps provide more than 263,000 jobs across the U.S., according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. (chungking/Adobe Stock)

Report: Ohio ranks 17th in U.S. for solar power installations

Ohio homes and businesses have installed enough solar energy to power nearly 300,000 homes each year. A new report released by the Solar Energy …

A previous Bloomberg grant laid the groundwork for significant initiatives, such as the city's solar array and passage of the Issue 7 transportation levy. (jonbilous/Adobe Stock)

Empowering Cincinnati: Bloomberg grant fuels climate and equity initiatives

Cincinnati is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies' $200 million Sustainable Cities initiative and will hire three new staff members to merge climate solu…

Ohio's minimum wage increased this year to $10.45 per hour, but a report by the Coalition on Housing and Homelessness in Ohio found full-time workers in the Columbus area need to earn $22.37 an hour to rent a two-bedroom apartment. (Adobe Stock)

Annual point-in-time count of homeless set for Columbus, Franklin County

More than 150 volunteers will fan out across Columbus and Franklin County this week for the annual point-in-time count of the homeless. Last year's …

Clean-air advocacy groups and the electric truck sector are calling on state governments to consider tax credits that would make EV trucks more affordable. (Adobe Stock)

EV companies call for building heavy-duty vehicle infrastructure

Clean-energy advocates in Ohio and around the country say now is the time for the government to ensure the nation has the medium- and heavy-duty truck…

$Nizer Lukerson, a delivery driver, stands outside Cleveland Heights City Hall after appearing in municipal court for driving under suspension. Lukerson owes $1,000 in fines to remove a number of suspensions issued in local courts for minor infractions. (GUS CHAN FOR THE MARSHALL PROJECT)<br />$

No license to drive: Why so many Ohioans are barred from driving

By Mark Puente for The Marshall Project.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Marshall Project-Public News Se…

The share of electric cars in total sales has more than tripled in three years, from around 4% in 2020 to 14% in 2022, according to IEA. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio Drivers Remain Interested in Electric Vehicles

Despite reports electric vehicle sales are slowing down, experts say consumer interest in Ohio remains high. Four in 10 Americans said they are …

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, Ohio pedestrian fatalities were 17% higher in 2021 than they were in 2020. (rh2010/Adobe Stock)

Pedestrian Crashes Drop, but OH Drivers, Walkers Should Stay Cautious

By Nathalia Teixeira / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. According to the Ohio …

Ohio Army National Guard and Ohio State Highway Patrol officers assist with traffic control after the train derailment in East Palestine. (Flickr/Ohio National Guard)<br />

East Palestine Residents Want FEMA to Address Long-Term Needs

Four months after the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, residents say they continue to struggle with ongoing health problems, and face an …

Devoted mother, daughter, sister and niece, Ohio resident Erica Easley died at age 39 in a car crash caused by distracted driving. (Courtesy of Stephanie Easley)<br />

Ohio Distracted Driving Deaths Up; Family Members Raise Awareness

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and in Ohio, fatal accidents caused by distracted drivers are on the rise. Deaths in 2021 …

In 2022, there were more than 37,000 dollar stores in the United States, up by 1,500 from the previous year, according to the website Statista. (Adobe Stock)

In Toledo, Dollar Stores Leave Trail of Neighborhood Disinvestment

New research found more communities are rejecting the expansion of so-called "dollar stores" into their areas, and even enacting local laws to limit …

I-75, which runs through Cincinnati and is a key freight corridor stretching from Canada to Florida, is the scene of massive traffic bottlenecks on the Brent Spence Bridge that connects Northern Kentucky and Ohio. (Adobe Stock)<br />

OH Small Business Owners Give 'Thumbs Up' to Bridge Project

Cincinnati's small business owners say they're eagerly anticipating upgrades to the Brent Spence Bridge, announced jointly last week by President Joe …

The fatality rate for Black bike riders is 30% higher than for white bike riders, according to the League of American Bicyclists. (Adobe Stock)

Bike to Work Day: Cycling Not Just for Recreation

Today is National Bike to Work Day, and while it may sound "easier said than done," it may not be as daunting as you think. Enthusiasts said the …

Columbus ranks 62nd among the top 100 cities for the best public transportation. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Group Urges Expanded Transit for "Silicon Heartland"

With Intel's plans to make central Ohio the Silicon Heartland, public-transportation advocates are calling on leaders to ensure development plans …

Cincinnati Public Art Boosts Community Ties, Quality of Life

By Marianne Dhenin for Yes! Media. Broadcast version by Emily Scott for Ohio News Service, reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

Columbus and Grove City are planning to transition to 100% renewable energy from new wind and solar generation facilities in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Applaud "Seismic Shift" in Clean-Energy Landscape

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Cities around Ohio are creating a seismic shift in the state's energy landscape. Voters in Columbus and Grove City this month …

High-speed internet has become a lifeline for older Ohioans who need access to telehealth services during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Broadband Expansion Bill Heads to Ohio Senate

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio is a step closer to creating a program to help more Ohioans get online. In Ohio, 1 million people lack reliable internet …

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement could result in $34 billion in new investments for the auto industry. (Ford Motor Company)

Automaker says Ohio Workers Need New Trade Deal

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Congressional leaders are still trying to hammer out a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, and there's a lot on the …

Experts say the problem of excess consumption is likely to get much worse as the world population grows. (Myriams-fotos/Pixabay)

Global Waste Limit Surpassed for 2019

COLUMBUS, Ohio – This is Earth Overshoot Day, the day of the year that environmental activists say humanity has used up more natural resources …

Many older adults prefer to age in place in their own home and community rather than an assisted-living facility or nursing home. (rawpixel/Pixabay)

New Research Examines Community Supports for Older Ohioans

COLUMBUS, Ohio — New research provides insight into how Ohio communities can ensure they're capable of responding to the needs of an aging …

The Ohio to Erie Trail will be a crucial part of the 3,600-mile Great American Rail-Trail. (Tom Bower/Flickr)

Ohio Trail a Major Part of Ambitious Coast-to-Coast Route

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio is in the spotlight today, unveiling part of an ambitious coast-to-coast multi-use trail made up of segments that, for the most …

There's disagreement whether hot development areas such as Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati should be among 320 census tracts recommended for a new federal tax incentive program. (Hannaford/Flickr)

Tax Program: Boon or Bust for Poor Ohio Communities?

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new federal program could be a game changer for some of Ohio's poorest communities. The Opportunity Zone Program provides …

Cuyahoga County plans to purchase five electric vehicles for the community's fleet in 2019. <br />(Pixabay)

Putting the Pedal to the Metal on Electric Vehicle Fleets

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Some Ohio city and community leaders are among dozens around the world putting the pedal to the metal on electric vehicle …

Health experts contend that air pollution generated by continued dependence on fossil-fuel-burning cars comes at a cost to everyone's health and bottom line. (D.L./Flickr)

Opponents React to Clean Car Standards Rollback

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The EPA on Thursday announced a proposed role that would freeze fuel-economy standards, and hold them to 2020 levels. This …

Climate action groups believe automakers need to set an end date for the sale of combustion-engine vehicles. (Guy Frankland/Flickr)

Ohio Communities Join the Call for Cleaner Cars

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio businesses and cities are being invited to become part of a global vision for a cleaner future. The Zero Emissions Vehicle …

The Village of McComb used grant money from the AARP Community Challenge to install benches on walking paths around a reservoir. (Village of McComb)

Wanted: Quick-Action Livability Community Projects in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio - With the nation facing an aging population, many communities are examining ways to become places where people of all ages can thrive…

There are 61 transit systems in Ohio serving an estimated 3 million people each weekday. (Raymond Wambsgam/Flickr)

Ohio Transit Systems Spread Valentine's Day Love

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Some Ohio transit systems have a sweet Valentine's Day gift for their riders. The Ohio Public Transit Association (OPTA) has …

One in four people will be age 65 or older by the year 2050. (Vee/Flickr)

An Aging Nation: Ohio Communities Address Longevity

COLUMBUS, Ohio – We're living in an aging nation, and a growing number of Ohio cities are stepping up to address the needs of older populations…

Environmental groups are hopeful Ohio will use funds from the Volkswagen settlement to invest in electric vehicle technologies. (mariordor59/Flickr)

Ohio Considers How to Spend VW Settlement Money

COLUMBUS, Ohio – In the new year, Ohioans can weigh in on how the state can best spend $75 million from the Volkswagen settlement to clean up …

Obama-era fuel-efficiency standards are expected to save 23 billion gallons of gasoline annually by 2030. (Jenn Durfey/Flickr)

Ohio Trump Voters Among Supporters of 40 MPG Standards

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Federal lawmakers are considering putting the brakes on fuel-efficiency standards for cars - a move that might be out of sync with …

The integrity of Ohio bridges could be threatened by the impacts of climate change. (M. Kuhlman)

Bridges, Roads in Midwest Threatened by Climate Impacts

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Parts of the country along the coasts have been battered this year by Mother Nature, and a new study warns that the threat of …

The Clean Power Plan calls for a 32 percent reduction in carbon pollution from 2005 levels by 2030. (Pixabay)

Clean Power Plan Repeal a Step Backward for Health?

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Trump administration is making good on its promise to repeal the Clean Power Plan, a decision some groups argue could put lives …

Some Ohioans with disabilities say public transportation can be hard to access and doesn't always run on time. (Metro Bus/Flickr)

Survey: Transportation a Roadblock for Ohioans with Disabilities

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Not having a ride can certainly be an inconvenience, but for individuals with disabilities, it can be a major roadblock in …

The Ohio House of Representatives could vote on a bill by the end of March that would dilute the state's clean-energy standards. (Alexander Smith/Wikimedia)

A New Clash Brews Over Ohio’s Clean-Energy Standards

COLUMBUS, Ohio – With Ohio's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Standards still thawing after a two-year freeze, there's another clash …

Several Ohio mayors were part of a group that met with congressional leaders and top administration officials this week in Washington. (Doug Kerr/Flickr)

From Ohio to DC: Mayoral Meeting of Minds

WASHINGTON – Several mayors from Ohio's largest cities are in Washington this week, hoping their voices are heard as a new president is sworn …

Ohio ranks 27th nationally for pedestrian deaths reported between 2005 and 2014. (Pixabay)<br />

Report says 13 Pedestrians Die Daily, Blames Poor Street Planning

COLUMBUS, Ohio – On average, 13 people are killed every day from being hit by a vehicle, and older adults and people of color are most often …

In Ohio, there are 207 businesses in the solar supply chain, 134 in the wind supply chain and 20 that supply both industries. (Pixabay)

Report: Solar and Wind Good Business for Ohio Companies

COLUMBUS, Ohio – As Ohio lawmakers debate the future of the freeze on the state's clean-energy standards, a new report highlights how strong …

Some faith leaders believe they have a moral obligation to educate communities about climate change. (Don Christner/Flickr)

Pollution, Faith and Care for Creation

COLUMBUS, Ohio – As a U.S. District Court begins to hear opening arguments in a case challenging the EPA's Clean Power Plan, faith leaders in …

Ohioans living near oil refineries earn about $20,000 less than those in other regions. (Ed Webster/Flickr)

Report: Ohioans Living Near Oil Refineries Earn Less

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio is among the top 10 oil-refining states in the nation, and a new report examines the potential economic impacts of the …

Research says 30,000 childhood asthma attacks occur in Ohio, just over the summer months, due to air pollution from oil and gas operations. (Phyllis Buchanan/Flickr)

Ohio Kids Gasping for Breath?

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Hundreds of Ohio kids spend their days gasping for breath, according to a new report. A first-of-its-kind analysis from the …

Semitrucks traveling across Ohio will soon have to include improved carbon-emissions technology. (Doug Kerr/flickr.com)

Are Clearer Skies Coming for Ohio's Heavily Trucked Roads?

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio drivers have to share the road with thousands of heavy-duty trucks that transport thousands of pounds of goods across the state …

With the right policies, a new report predicts a boost in clean-energy jobs in Ohio and throughout the Midwest. Credit: cocreatr/Flickr

Report: Green Economy Could Boost Ohio Manufacturing Jobs

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A clean-energy economy will benefit the environment and the wallets of Ohioans, according to a new report by NextGen Climate …

Blighted properties can divide neighborhoods and hurt property values. Credit: drummerboy/Morguefile

Report Puts Spotlight on Ohio's Blighted Housing

COLUMBUS, Ohio – It's been years since the foreclosure crisis struck, yet dilapidated and abandoned houses can still be spotted on many Ohio …

A PUCO hearing is underway in Columbus to investigate a FirstEnergy proposal that critics contend is a bailout of aging power plants. Credit: Nyttend/Wikipedia.

Billions at Stake as First Energy PUCO Hearing Begins

COLUMBUS, Ohio – FirstEnergy executives took the stand Monday in a long-awaited Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) hearing, with …

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OH: Urban Planning and Transportation