Public News Service

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 …

Black Americans have lost their jobs or had job offers revoked because of hair discrimination, according to the Legal Defense Fund. (Adobe Stock)

CROWN Act would ban discrimination based on Black hairstyles in Ohio

By Faith Fistler for Kent State NewsLab.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan. The first time Tyana Barton was singled out because of her hair was …

A proposed amendment in Ohio would permit same-day voter registration during early voting and on Election Day, allow

Push is on to add Voters Bill of Rights to Ohio Constitution

Ohioans may have the chance to add a new Voters Bill of Rights to the state Constitution to support ballot access. Voting rights' advocates said …

Midterm voter turnout declined in Ohio from around 55% in 2018 to around 51.1% in 2022, according to data from the Ohio Secretary of State's Office. (Adobe Stock)">

Ohio Governor Signs Citizenship-Status Voter ID Bill

In a few months, Ohio voters will no longer be allowed to vote with utility bills or other non-photo documents as proof of identification, when a new …

The Ohio Supreme Court could lose its power to review factors used in setting bail if Issue 1 is passed by voters. (Adobe Stock)

Issue 1 Puts Public Safety, Bail Before Ohio Voters

Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment are putting public safety on Ohio's ballot this Election Day. Issue 1 came about after the Ohio …

The Farm Labor Organizing Committee won a collective-bargaining deal covering workers on tomato farms in Ohio in 1983, after an eight-year campaign and boycott. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Farm Workers Still Shut Out of Federal Labor Protections

An organization defending the rights of thousands of farmworkers in Ohio and other states is creating its road map for the future. The Farm Labor …

Ohio's 11 death row exonerees spent a collective 216 years in prison for crimes they didn't commit. (Adobe Stock)

Ohioans Mark 4 Years Since Last Execution with 'Day of Hope'

Ohio's last execution was four years ago today, and advocates for ending the death penalty are hopeful it remains the last. At noon, people at …

Ohioans can no longer register for the Aug. 2 special primary, but the deadline to register for the November general election is Oct. 11.

Voters Encouraged to Partake in Ohio's Rare Second Primary

A rare August election is just a couple of weeks away, and Ohio voters are encouraged to cast their ballot early. They'll select candidates for the …

Research suggests Black women are more often targeted by corporate grooming policies. (Adobe Stock)

CROWN Act Aims to End Discriminatory Policing of Hairstyles

Some Ohio lawmakers are following in the footsteps of federal legislators with a bill to ban the policing of hairstyles based on racial stereotypes…

Several anti-protest laws have been passed in the United States in retaliation to the growing movements for racial justice and other issues. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Anti-Protest Bill Still on the Table in Ohio Legislature

By Halena Sepulveda at Kent State UniversityBroadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration…

Un votante ausente permanente reducir�a el papeleo necesario para votar por correo. (Adobe Stock)

Proyecto de ley busca simplificar el voto en ausencia en Ohio

Hay un nuevo esfuerzo en la cámara estatal para facilitar que los habitantes de Ohio voten por correo mediante la creación de una lista perm…

A permanent absentee voter would reduce the paperwork needed to vote by mail. (Adobe Stock)

Measure Aims to Streamline Absentee Voting in Ohio

There's a new effort at the statehouse to make it easier for Ohioans to vote by mail by creating a permanent absentee voter list. To vote absentee …

Early, in-person voting is slated to start Apr. 5 for the May 3 Ohio primary election. (Tim Evanson/Flickr)

Ohio's 2022 Primary: Groups Urge New Date, Not Two Dates

With just five weeks before the May 3 primary election - and Ohio's legislative redistricting debacle still not settled - voting-rights groups say it'…

La votaci�n anticipada en persona est� programada para comenzar el 5 de abril para las elecciones primarias de Ohio del 3 de mayo. (Tim Evanson/Flickr

Primarias de Ohio 2022: grupos instan a una nueva fecha, no dos fechas

A solo cinco semanas de las elecciones primarias del 3 de mayo, y la debacle legislativa de redistribución de distritos en Ohio que aún no …

If confirmed, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson would fill the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy created by Justice Stephen Breyer's retirement. (H2rty/Wikimedia Commons)

SCOTUS Hearings: Black Leaders See Attacks as Disheartening

Black leaders are speaking out about what they see as racially charged lines of questioning during this week's Supreme Court confirmation hearing for …

Fifty-nine percent of Black domestic-violence survivors surveyed said they avoided calling the police out of fear of further violence from their abuser. (Adobe Stock)

Marginalized Survivors Report Bias When Seeking Help in Ohio

A new survey reveals instances of bias in the ways police, courts and social services respond to domestic-violence survivors in Ohio in times of …

Fewer than 5% of demonstrators in the United States in the summer of 2020 engaged in violence. (AdobeStock)

Ohio Protest Bill: Anti-Civil Disorder or Anti-Civil Rights?

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- An Ohio bill dubbed by opponents as "anti-free speech" is up for a possible vote. House Bill 109 increases the penalties for …

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both …

Maeve Walsh, the former special projects editor for Ohio State University's student newspaper, was among reporters pepper-sprayed by police officers while shouting

Does Press Freedom Extend to Covering Police?

By Lucia Walinchus, Marisa Twigg and Jaelynn Grisso for Eye on Ohio, The Ohio Center for Investigative JournalismBroadcast version by Lily Bö…

Since 2017, 45 states have considered bills restricting people's right to free assembly. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Lawmakers Hear Testimony on Anti-Protest Legislation

COLUMBUS, Ohio - As protests against racial injustice continue across the country, lawmakers in the Buckeye State are considering bills opponents say …

H.R. 6 would give DACA recipients immediate green-card status. (AdobeStock)

New Hope for Citizenship for Ohio's Dreamers

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio's roughly 4,400 "Dreamers" are a step closer to the chance to become American citizens. The U.S. House approved the American …

Ohio is one of 28 states that still has the death penalty, but that could change. (Adobe Stock)

New "Stronger Voice" Fights to End Ohio's Death Penalty

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio lawmakers from both parties and in both chambers are joining forces on a bill to abolish the death penalty in the state. Sen…

Groups are pushing for guest worker visa reforms that would prevent farm labor contractors from exploiting workers brought to the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Labor Group Calls for End to Farm Contractor Abuses

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A legal victory in North Carolina could open the door to reforms that would protect farm workers in the Buckeye State as well…

Volunteering at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter is one way to honor Dr. King's legacy of service. (Adobe Stock)

"What Are You Doing for Others?" Ohioans Answer Dr. King’s Call

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In the midst of challenging times, volunteers throughout Ohio are showing their commitment to improving their communities. For the …

A study revealed Black women were more than 30% likely to receive a formal grooming policy in the workplace. (AdobeStock)

CROWN Act Supporters Fight to End Racially Based Hair Discrimination

By Ashley Johnson / Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann Kuhlman reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. CLEVELAND…

Ohio voters with a disability represent an estimated 17.5% of the electorate. (AdobeStock)

Disability Community: Voter Access More Than Just a Talking Point

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The pandemic has pushed the issue of voter access to the forefront, but for Ohio's disability community, it's more than just …

The entrance to Ohio State University's student union celebrates the school's founding. (AdobeStock)

Native Americans Demand More Recognition from Universities They Funded

Print version by Caitlin Hunt Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann Kuhlman Reporting for the Eye on Ohio, The Ohio Center for Investigative …

Research in 2019 found people of color are up to 25% more likely than white defendants to have to pay a monetary bail amount, and are less likely to be able to afford it. (Adobe Stock)

Bail Funds Fight to End Cash-Bail System in Ohio, U.S.

By Ashley Johnson/ Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann Kuhlman Reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration The sudden killing o…

In the two weeks following the death of George Floyd, an estimated 10,000 people were arrested during protests in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Coalition Demands Black Lives Matter Arrests Be Dismissed

CINCINNATI -- There are new demands that the City of Cincinnati drop the charges against hundreds of people arrested during racial-injustice protests…

Groups need to collect more than 452,000 valid Ohio voter signatures to get a constitutional amendment added to the Nov. 3 ballot. (AdobeStock)

Judge Allows Online Signature Collection for Ohio Ballot Initatives

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio groups trying to put ballot measures before voters in November won't have to go door-to-door looking for support. A federal …

Dr. Leon McDougle is part of a national coalition advocating to consider race and ethnicity when screening for COVID-19 tests. (Eye on Ohio)

CDC Reverses Course on Using Race as COVID-19 Testing Criteria

By Afi Scruggs for Eye on Ohio Broadcast version by Diane Bernard for Public News Service Reporting for the Eye on Ohio, The Ohio Center for …

Ohio hospitals remain mum on changes to local bed and ventilator counts. (AdobeStock)

Are There Enough Hospital Beds in Your Community?

Print version by Bonnie Jean Feldkamp and Kathiann Kowalski Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann Kuhlman Reporting for the Eye on Ohio, The Ohio …

Ohio's voting sites would not open for the state's postponed primary under a new vote-by-mail-only plan. (AdobeStock)

Groups Say New Plan for Ohio's Primary Falls Short

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Civil-rights groups caution that Ohio's new plan to address the state's postponed primary could deprive people of their right to …

An estimated 79,000 people are incarcerated in Ohio. (Adobe Stock)

Calls for Better Coronavirus Response in Ohio Jails, Prisons

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio is being hailed as a national leader for taking bold steps to protect residents from the new coronavirus, and civil-rights …

Ohio would need to double the number of black students in high school advanced-placement classes to ensure fair representation, according to new research. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Ohio Students of Color Shut Out of Advanced Learning

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Despite their ability to succeed at advanced coursework, new research shows, black and Latino students in Ohio and other states …

Nearly 5,000 Ohio females are incarcerated, one of the highest per-capita rates in the country for women, according to the Ohio Dept. of Rehabilitation and Corrections. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Courts Work to Lower Ohio's High Rate of Girls in Detention

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio ranks in the top eight states nationwide for the number of girls in youth detention facilities, and Cuyahoga County is now …

Cincinnati Police Stops by Census Block, Percent African American by Census Black. (Lucia Walinchus)

Police Stops in 3 Ohio Cities: Are Black Residents, Neighborhoods Singled Out?

By Lucia Walinchus and Max Londberg. Video by Michael Nygerges. Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann Kuhlman Reporting for the Eye on Ohio…

Does Senate Bill 33 chill free speech or protect public safety? (Adobe Stock)

Ohio 'Anti-Protest' Bill Could Move to House Floor

COLUMBUS, Ohio – An Ohio House committee could vote today to approve so-called "anti-protest" legislation. The House Public Utilities …

Amazon is reportedly coaching police officers about how to request access to video recordings from homeowners'

Amazon Ring: Home Safety Device or Civil Rights Concern?

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Civil rights groups are sounding the alarm about Amazon's Ring doorbell system. Representatives from 30 groups have signed …

Ohioans are encouraged to review their voter registration status on the Secretary of State's website this month. (NatalieMayor/Flickr)

Massive Ohio Voter Purge Today

COLUMBUS, Ohio – After scoring a victory in court, the Ohio Secretary of State's Office is expected to follow through on a massive voter …

Sojourner Truth was in Ohio when she delivered one of the most important women's rights speeches in American history. (Ohio History Connection)

Remembering Ohio's Deep Roots in Early Suffrage Movement

COLUMBUS, Ohio – It's been 99 years since American women gained the right to vote – a milestone achieved thanks in part to the dedication …

Researchers say if people resist a person's gender identity, they're also more likely to say it's OK to discriminate against that person. (ronniechua/Adobe Stock)

Survey Contradicts Arguments for Restricting Transgender Rights

COLUMBUS, Ohio – In the ongoing battle for transgender rights in Ohio and across the country, researchers have some new insights into how the …

A new report says too many people are being held in jail before trial, many because they can't afford to pay bail. (kritchanut/Adobe Stock)

Report: Pre-Trial Detention Behind Jail Overcrowding

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Across America, the population in local and regional jails has tripled oveer the last 40 years. New research suggests over the …

There are about 4,000 DACA recipients in Ohio. (The All-Nite Images/Flickr)

Dreamers Still Delayed

CINCINNATI – March 5, 2018, was the deadline President Donald Trump gave Congress to develop permanent solutions for DACA recipients. The day …

As a farmer, educator and social-justice advocate, Onika Abraham says organic practices are rooted in past generations, from all walks of life and across the globe. (OEFFA)

Overcoming Oppressive Roots to Bring Diversity to Farming

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A premiere gathering for sustainable farmers, backyard growers and local food enthusiasts in Ohio marks a key milestone this …

The 2010 Citizens United ruling said political donations from corporations should be considered free speech and don't have to be disclosed. (Fibonacci Blue/Flickr)

Campaign Finance: "What's Legal Often Isn't Ethical"

COLUMBUS, Ohio — This week marks the ninth anniversary of the landmark Citizens United Supreme Court decision, which critics say prompted a …

Researchers say segregation in Cleveland is a result of decades of discriminatory policy decisions<br />and disinvestment in areas populated primarily by African-Americans. (Eric Drost/Flickr)

Segregation and Life Outcomes: A Look at a Major Ohio City

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A person's ZIP code can be a determining factor in life outcomes, and a new analysis examines the impacts of structural …

Supporters of the Pastor Protection Act contend it's needed to prevent tension and lawsuits regarding same-sex marriage. (qimono/Pixabay)

Caution Urged as Ohio Senate Mulls Pastor Protection Act

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Controversial legislation in Ohio known as the Pastor Protection Act is making its way closer to the governor's desk. A …

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OH: Civil Rights