Ohio News & Current Events | Public News Service

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Lake Erie is exposed to the greatest stress from urbanization, industrialization and agriculture, and leads in the amount of liquid waste from sewage treatment and plants. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 6, 2025

OH group wants federal accountability for Lake Erie phosphorus reduction

Legal action continues in efforts at cleaning up a portion of Ohio's waterways. The Ohio EPA has been added as a defendant, along with the U.S. EPA…

Cincinnati Public Schools serves approximately 35,000 students, with more than one in 10 being English learners who do not speak it as their first language. (Sundry Photography/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Educators, Ohio leaders react to new ICE rules

A new federal policy allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents into public schools has sparked concerns nationwide, including here in Ohio…

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, nearly 48 million Americans provide care to an adult family member or friend, with 61% also holding jobs. (ChayTee/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Push for caregiver tax relief gains momentum in Ohio, nationally

During his campaign, President Donald Trump promised tax credits for family caregivers. With Trump now in office, advocates in Ohio and across the …

Data from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce showed, of the 2,540 students in Akron City who use EdChoice, almost 88% are

Monday, February 3, 2025

Debate intensifies over OH school vouchers as Trump advocates expansion

As Ohio's private school voucher program nears $1 billion in funding, the Trump administration is pushing to expand school choice nationwide by …

In 2020, nearly every victim service provider in Ohio experienced a 37% cut in their Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding, significantly impacting their ability to support survivors. (ozerkina/Adobe Stock)

Federal funding instability challenges Ohio's crisis support services

Service providers and advocacy groups in Ohio and across the country are facing uncertainty following recent executive orders that have thrown federal…

In 2025, women occupy 34% of Ohio's 132 legislative seats, with the General Assembly welcoming seven additional female lawmakers. (Adobe Stock)

Scholarships help OH women in public service amid diversity program cuts

The gender gap in Ohio politics persists, and President Donald Trump's new executive order eliminating federal diversity programs is expected to …

In 2022, Ohio's WIC program served an average of 160,145 participants per month, including 38,097 women, 40,358 infants and 81,690 children. (Adobe Stock)

WIC benefits in Ohio unaffected, but federal spending review sparks concern

The White House has rescinded a directive that froze federal grants and loans after a federal judge ruled it unlawful. While the freeze was lifted…

The major sources of groundwater contamination in Ohio are due to volatile organic compounds and heavy metals, according to a 2024 Ohio Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report. (Adobe Stock)

Turning sludge from Ohio streams into art

By Amy Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Collaboratio…

A new Ohio State University study found Ohio households paid an estimated $1.2 billion more over the past decade by choosing retail electricity suppliers instead of staying with the utility's default service. (Adobe Stock)

Study reveals market failures in Ohio electricity

Ohioans have long had the ability to choose their electricity providers but new research highlighted the financial consequences of such decisions…

Ohio has nearly 750,000 lead service lines, the third-highest number in the U.S. out of over 6 million such lines still in use nationwide, according to the EPA. (PikePicture/Adobe Stock)

Ohio communities look to update water systems

Lead contamination in drinking water continues to be a significant concern in Ohio. With new federal regulations to tackle the issue, local water …

Four of the five richest men in the world attended the inauguration of President Donald Trump on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Wikimedia Commons)

Ohio's political landscape, 15 years after Citizens United

This week marks 15 years since the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. The ruling reshaped campaign …

Ohio has the eighth-highest number of children that are covered by Medicaid in small towns and rural communities nationally. (IB Photography/Adobe Stock)

Ohio faces health care challenges as Medicaid funding wavers

As Congress debates potential cuts to Medicaid, a new report from Georgetown University sheds light on how these changes could disproportionately …

In 2021, Ohio spent approximately $1.3 billion on child welfare services, ranking it among the top states for reliance on local funding, with counties shouldering nearly half of the cost. (Mediaphotos/Adobe Stock)

Addressing Ohio’s youth care crisis

Finding appropriate placements for youths entering Ohio's child welfare system has become increasingly difficult. Rachel Reedy, outreach and member …

Ohio State University will host events honoring Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. all week, concluding with the Legacy Awards Reception on Jan. 28. (forestgraphic/Adobe Stock)

Celebrating Dr. King and new beginnings in Ohio

Today, Ohioans come together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with events across the state celebrating his contributions to …

According to the Pew Research Center, 42% of Ohio residents support Republicans, while 40% lean Democratic and 18% show no specific favor for either party. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Ohio Dems encourage community-focused people to run for office

The Ohio Democratic Party is ramping up to get more people thinking about running for statewide offices. The goal is to boost representation in …

In 2024, Ohio's Human Trafficking Initiative created specialized resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on personal safety, healthy relationships and preventing exploitation.(design.designer/Adobe Stock)

Ohio takes action against human trafficking

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, spotlighting efforts to combat the crime. Human trafficking, the world's second-largest …

Ohio is the nation's fifth-largest producer of soybeans and corn, making agricultural policies like the Farm Bill critical for its economy. (JJ Gouin/Adobe Stock)

Ohio farmers navigate uncertainty amid Farm Bill delays

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboratio…

Ohio's clean energy sector has seen significant growth, with clean energy and clean vehicle jobs reaching more than 119,000 in 2023, a 4.4% increase from the previous year. (Oleksii Syrotkin/Stocksy)

Ohio cities embrace clean energy innovation

Clean energy initiatives are gaining momentum across Ohio, with efforts aimed at expanding access and advancing sustainability. Not limited to …

Ohio ranks among the top 10 states in U.S. natural gas production, contributing about 5% of the nation's output and reserves, which is integral to the state's hydrogen hub project. (Calin Tatu/Adobe Stock)

Local concerns rise over Ohio’s hydrogen project

Ohioans are raising questions about the future of fracking and its environmental and community impacts, following the ARCH2 hydrogen hub open house …

The next DAV Patriot Boot Camp will be held February 5-7 in the Cincinnati area. (JenkoAtaman/Adobe Stock)

Building success for Ohio vets beyond service

The Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded GI Bill benefits, removing the 36-month cap for veterans with multiple periods of service. This …

President-elect Donald Trump announced a policy to expedite reviews for investors committing $1 billion or more in the tech field. (Pascal Huot/Adobe Stock)

Trump's $20 billion investment announcement sparks hope in Ohio

Ohio is poised to play a key role in a $20 billion investment announced by President-elect Donald Trump, with plans to establish data centers across …

For the taxpayer, the current tax due on a $100,000 property is $17.47 for a full year. If the 0.7 mill replacement and 0.3 mill increase levy is passed by the voters, the same property tax would increase to $35 annually. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio funding gaps leave Adams County kids in crisis

The rising costs of children's placements and a failed tax levy in Adams County have heightened concerns about the future of children's services in Oh…

The Perry Nuclear Power Generating Station on the shores of Lake Erie near Cleveland is one of two nuclear power plants currently operating in Ohio. (Wikipedia)

Ohio passes new law redefining nuclear power as 'green' energy

Backers say a law adding nuclear power to the definition of "green" energy will give Ohioans another option to cut carbon emissions but some environme…

Homeowners in a record number of school districts aren't getting the full benefit of Ohio state law meant to keep property-tax

'Safety valve' meant to limit OH property tax hikes doesn’t help some

By Andrew Tobias for Signal Cleveland.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Signal Ohio-Public News Service Col…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture spends about $38 billion a year on subsidies and other aid to farmers and ranchers to reduce the cost of meat and other products at the grocery store. (Adobe Stock)

Government subsidies make meat cost less, but with hidden expenses

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborat…

In 2022, around 63% of Republican voters in the U.S. did not have college degrees, compared to 49% of Democratic voters, highlighting the educational divide in political affiliation. (gguy/Adobe Stock)

Has Ohio lost its battleground state status?

By Vanessa Davidson / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. “As Ohio …

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 40% of full-time undergraduate students and 74% of part-time undergraduates were employed while enrolled, with many working over 20 hours per week to cover living expenses. (jaz_online/Adobe Stock)

OH students fight for fair, livable on-campus wages

By Hevin Wilkey / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Ohio students are …

Ohio ranked 26th in the nation for per-pupil K-12 education funding in 2024, slightly below the national average. With a higher proportion of charter schools than many states and mixed performance outcomes, state policies often focus on addressing disparities and improving results in both. (Adobe Stock)

Standardized test scores at center of Ohio education debate

Ohioans are paying close attention to the fast-tracking of Senate Bill 295 through the Statehouse during the lame-duck session. The proposed …

Only 29% of municipal government seats in Ohio cities with populations over 10,000 are held by women, highlighting continued underrepresentation at the local level. (Kenny/Adobe Stock)

Ohio’s milestone moment for women in government

Ohio is seeing big gains in women's representation at the Statehouse, with the General Assembly poised to welcome seven additional women lawmakers in …

If the STORK Act is passed, Ohio would join states such as Georgia, which already allow tax deductions for unborn children, a policy enacted in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio’s STORK Act: Tax relief for parents or a push against abortion rights?

By Vanessa Davidson / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Ohio Rep. Gary …

Save Ohio Parks group photo taken July 1st 2023 at Salt Fork State Park. (Photo Credit Paul Becker Photo)

Protesters rally against fracking near Ohio parks

Protesters are gathering at the Columbus Public Safety Building today to voice opposition to plans that could expand fracking activities near the stat…

The Faculty Alliance of Miami, officially formed in June 2023, held a

Miami University contract talks drag on for more than 460 days

After a new union at Miami University was certified by the state in June 2023, its members are still waiting for an initial contract. The Faculty …

Ohio Medicaid recipients are encouraged to update their contact information to avoid losing coverage, as recent changes may require recipients to renew or transition to Marketplace plans. (syahrir/Adobe Stock)

Free, unbiased health insurance help available for Ohioans

Ohioans have until Jan. 15 to sign up for health insurance coverage during the open enrollment period. Programs like Get Covered Ohio are available …

In 2023, nearly $30,000 of the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence's $3 million revenue came from donations, with 90 cents of every dollar allocated to survivor services. (ckybe/Adobe Stock)

Sustaining services for rural Ohio's sexual-violence survivors

The giving season offers Ohioans an opportunity to reflect on the importance of supporting community services. For survivors of sexual violence in …

Fourteen states prohibit transgender people from using the restroom consistent with their gender identity, according to Human Rights Campaign. (Chad Robertson/Adobe Stock)

Ohio becomes latest state to enact bathroom-access restrictions

By Andrew Tobias for Signal Cleveland.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Signal Ohio-Public News Service …

According to the National Retail Federation, American consumers spend an average of $902 on gifts and other holiday items each Christmas. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Consumer interested in buying 'Made in America' holiday gifts

Today is Black Friday, when Ohioans kick into high gear to shop for the holiday season. Many say they would like to buy American-made goods but a …

A 2024 survey builds on The Marshall Project's 2020 political survey, which debunked the assumption incarcerated individuals would predominantly support Democrats, as the trend remains unchanged. Art Credit: Diana Ejaita for The Marshall Project

The politics of prison: Ohio's incarcerated reflect on the 2024 election

The 2024 presidential election has raised complex emotions for incarcerated Ohioans, many of whom are unable to vote but remain deeply engaged in …

Food systems are responsible for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with meat production, particularly beef, being a significant driver. (CanYalicn/Adobe Stock)

From Ohio to Azerbaijan: How COP29 could shape local farming

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration …

Ohio's inadequate family leave policies and systemic gaps contribute to high rates of infant mortality (7.06 per 1,000 births) and maternal mortality (18.8 per 100,000 births) both above the U.S. average). (Best/Adobe Stock)

Report: Paid family leave and what it could mean for Ohio

Ohio is among the many states where a majority of workers lack access to paid family leave. A new report by Groundwork Ohio finds three in four …

Dual-eligible Medicare-Medicaid enrollees are a diverse group - nearly half are people of color, and 40% are under age 65 - yet they share common traits, including limited financial means and more complex healthcare needs than typical Medicare enrollees. (Deemerwha studio/Adobe Stock)

From health care to groceries: Ohio dual benefits help vulnerable residents

With the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period underway, many Ohioans find themselves weighing their health plan options for the new year. This period…

Lymphedema affects up to 90 million people worldwide, with up to 40% of breast cancer survivors experiencing this condition. (James/OSUCCC)

Ohio study offers new hope for lymphedema care

Ohio is leading the way in new research that may help those affected by lymphedema. Lymphedema is a chronic condition that causes painful swelling …

The Ohio Department of Aging dispels myths about older workers, highlighting employees in their 50s tend to stay with an employer longer than those in their 20s or 30s, which may lower retraining costs.(Daniel Laflor/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Ohio’s workforce gets an age advantage

By Eduardo Miranda Strobel / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Adults 55 …

According to a United Nations 2015 report, food system emissions were responsible for 18 billion tons of carbon dioxide, making up 34% of global emissions. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Investors, activists both work to shape companies' climate goals

The food we consume is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with beef production -- key to the fast food industry -- among …

More than 2 million votes were cast for the Democratic ticket in Ohio, although more than 55% of Ohio voters supported the Republican ticket. (Wikimedia Commons)

Middletown looks to JD Vance to help improve local economy

Ohio Republicans will soon have stronger representation in Washington, D.C., as Buckeye State native and Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance is set to …

A course at Ohio State University critically evaluates evidence the human capacity for hope and the human desire to believe in a supernatural deity evolved because they helped our ancestors survive. (M-SUR/Adobe Stock)

Ohio State course bridges science and faith in polarized times

In a time of heightened polarization, particularly as the nation waits for election results, many Ohioans find themselves grappling with differences …

Following Roe vs. Wade's overturn, over 40,000 people in restrictive states obtained medication abortions through shielded providers in the second half of 2023, reflecting a sharp rise in use. (NanSan/Adobe Stock)

Election Day raises new fears over Comstock Act, reproductive rights

By Lauren Rankin for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News Service …

Informing Democracy found 39 of 528 Ohio election officials, or 7%, across 33 counties may pose risks to free and fair elections. (Marko/Adobe Stock)

How partisan poll watchers could test Ohio’s election system

In a polarized political season, Ohio's election system faces new challenges as partisanship and election integrity concerns come to the forefront…

The Ohio Organizing Collaborative registered nearly 160,000 new voters for the Nov. 5 election, which represents the largest grassroots voter registration program in the country. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's voting system affects BIPOC communities

Ohio voters are facing significant challenges at the ballot box, with some groups expressing concerns over voter roll purges and gerrymandering …

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