Ohio

Serious concerns raised over proliferation of Ohio data centers

Massive tax cuts, meager job creation, large power requirements, and delayed action on climate change were among the concerns.

Why Ohio companies are investing in hydrogen cars despite infrastructure issues

Hydrogen fuel cell cars could overcome some buyers’ reluctance to switch from gasoline-powered vehicles, but whether fueling infrastructure can deliver is iffy.

Government watchdogs, Black lawmakers urge Ohio's governor to veto police video changes

Among the dozens of measures sitting on Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk, is one proposal that would allow police departments to charge $75 per hour of body camera footage with a cap of $750.

Weeks before the election, and some states still don't know who's allowed to vote

A blizzard of GOP lawsuits and the devastation of two hurricanes are complicating plans for administering the 2024 general election.

Ohio voters will once again weigh in on redistricting reform

After previous efforts to stop gerrymandering failed, Ohioans will try again—this time completely removing lawmakers and other politicians from the redistricting process.

Haitian immigrants find new footholds, and familiar backlash, in the Midwest, South

Jobs are drawing Haitians from traditional communities in Florida and New York.

Six months later, what did cities learn from the solar eclipse? Plan, plan, plan.

Communities in the path of totality look back at the lessons learned. Preparing for the worst and biggest impacts is worth it, they say.

Mayors rally to support Springfield amid 'unprecedented' situation

Local leaders have experience responding to crises that attract national attention, from natural disasters to shootings, but the politics and threats of violence in the central Ohio town make this situation different.

In an unprecedented move, Ohio is funding construction of private religious schools

The state is giving millions in taxpayer dollars directly to private schools to help them renovate and expand their campuses. It may be the next frontier in the push to increase the use of school vouchers, proponents say.

The nation’s last refuge for affordable homes is in Northeast Ohio

There are no states left where everybody could afford to buy a home.

How Ohio schools reduced chronic absenteeism

COMMENTARY | When schools changed how they discipline students, fewer kids missed class.

So your school wants to ban cellphones. Now what?

Whether they use Yondr to secure devices or send students to their lockers, educators are finding that setting policy is easy. Enforcement is hard.

Using ‘mindfulness’ to train employees against cyberattacks

Ohio has launched a cyber range that promises a different curriculum for state and local employees than the standard, once-a-year cyber training most public employees get.

Report shows Ohio one of many states still prosecuting ‘HIV-related’ crimes

A new report shows more than 200 cases of "HIV-related prosecutions" in Ohio between 2014 and 2020.

One state looks to collect multiyear data to address the mental health crisis

Ohio has launched a $20 million research project to study the social and biological factors influencing mental health. Researchers hope the study will continue for two decades and deliver actionable insights for policymakers nationwide.

Municipalities taxing stay-at-home workers during pandemic was OK, court says

The Ohio Supreme Court upheld a temporary state law that allowed employers to withhold municipal income tax irrespective of where their employees performed their work. The ruling sets a precedent in the state.

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.

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.

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.

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.