Ohio

Ohio voted on abortion. Next year, 11 more states might, too.

The push for sending the contentious issue to voters comes on the heels of last year’s string of ballot measure wins for abortion rights in six states.

  • By Bram Sable-Smith, KFF Health News

What to watch for in Tuesday’s high-stakes elections

Abortion rights are playing a pivotal role in elections in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

How efforts to restrict democracy in Ohio also make it harder to fight climate change

Gerrymandering, voter suppression, dark money and other moves insulate policymakers from accountability when they prop up fossil fuels at the expense of clean energy.

  • By Kathiann M. Kowalski, Energy News Network

Officials Tout Data Centers’ Economic Benefits

Amazon said its facilities in Virginia paid more than $300 million in taxes last year alone, and local leaders said the campuses contribute to economic development.

  • By Chris Teale

How Localities in One Midwest State are Spending New Federal Funds

Local leaders shared work they have underway using pandemic aid and infrastructure dollars during a White House visit.

  • By Molly Bolan

Toxic Algal Blooms are Driving Up Water Costs in the Great Lakes

In Toledo, Ohio, monitoring and treating algae-contaminated water from Lake Erie costs $100 per family per year.

  • By Diana Kruzman, Grist

How a Small City Pushed Ahead with its Downtown Revival, Despite the Pandemic

Lorain, Ohio Mayor Jack Bradley describes how he worked to keep momentum going during the past two years with a downtown “renaissance.”

  • By Andre Claudio

Is This the Year for Two-woman Tickets?

Ohio Democrats this week picked women as their nominees for governor and lieutenant governor. Other voters could follow suit in a year when more women are running to lead their states.

  • By Barbara Rodriguez, The 19th

The States and Counties Taking Russian Vodka Off Liquor Store Shelves

Removing Russian-made products from government-run stores “is just the right thing to do,” one official said.

  • By Andre Claudio

Food Delivery Robots Gaining Popularity

The emerging technology poses regulatory questions for state and local governments.

  • By Andre Claudio

Snowy Roads Will Be Cleared, But It Will ‘Take Extra Time’

The ongoing labor shortage has exacerbated existing plow driver hiring problems, transportation officials said.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

The Federal Poverty Line Struggles To Capture the Economic Hardship That Half of Americans Face

COMMENTARY | Millions of Americans struggle to pay their bills each month, despite earning wages well above the federal poverty line and holding multiple jobs.

  • By Celine-Marie Pascale, The Conversation
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Supply Chain Issues, Poll Worker Shortages Worry States Ahead of Elections

Election officials in some states are recruiting more poll workers but say getting power supplies and extension cords are also problems.

  • By Andrea Noble

A First Responder Dies Every Other Week on US Roadsides

To protect public safety workers and tow truck drivers and reduce tragedies, traffic safety advocates say ‘move over’ laws are needed in all 50 states.

  • By Andre Claudio

Four-State Economic Renewal Plan Gets Fresh Attention

Local officials and others launched discussions this week about a broad revitalization proposal for Appalachia. Talks come as federal legislation could unlock money to help make it feasible.

  • By Bill Lucia

One State’s Covid-19 Vaccine Lottery Prompted More Than 100,000 People To Get Vaccinated

Research from Harvard University found that Ohio’s Vax-a-Million promotion, which offered money and scholarships, was an effective way to persuade hesitant residents to get the shots.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

This Week in Federal Funding

In the July 6 edition we look at how states have approached their American Rescue Plan Act allotments so far.

  • By Bill Lucia

Judge Sides With Ohio in Fight Against ARPA Tax Cut Restrictions

The ruling curtails Treasury's ability to enforce the so-called "tax mandate" in the American Rescue Plan Act, but only applies to the Buckeye State. Similar legal disputes are pending in other courts.

  • By Bill Lucia

Police Recruitment is Down. How One State is Partnering to Boost the Ranks

Ohio’s Office of Law Enforcement Recruitment is launching a pilot program at two universities that guarantees criminal justice graduates jobs in local law enforcement.

  • By Andrea Noble

Ohio Lawmakers Approve Bill to Allow Teleworkers to Seek Commuter Tax Refunds

The issue of how to tax remote workers has been debated in several states, including New Hampshire, which filed a federal lawsuit against Massachusetts over the practice.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Justice Department Defends Tax Mandate Provision in Covid Relief Bill

In a court filing, the department responded to a lawsuit filed by Ohio’s attorney general, who said the tax mandate was unconstitutional and encroached on his state’s financial decisions.

  • By Andrea Noble