WOSU Public NewsRoom Archive

Ohioans Grumble About Proposed Bailout. (2008-09-24)
Many people in Ohio are grumbling about a proposed 700 billion dollar bailout of troubled financial institutions.

Food Give-Away Turns Raucous (2008-09-24)
Central Ohioans, especially low-income people, are still struggling to recover from a severe windstorm earlier this month. Hundreds lined up for food gift cards at a Salvation Army site.

Mid-Ohio Food Bank offers perishable foods (2008-09-24)
Many families lost food last week after remnants of Hurricane Ike caused power outages. And for those living pay check to pay check losing groceries is tough. WOSU reports the Mid-Ohio Food Bank is helping out.

Was the wind storm a budget buster for Columbus? (2008-09-23)
As Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman looks ahead to the November budget, city council voted last night to take money out of its rainy day fund to fill a $10 million gap in its budget. WOSU spoke with the mayor to find out how the wind storm impacted the city's pocketbook.

Payday Loan Industry Falls Short in Petition Drive (2008-09-23)
The payday loan industry struck out in its initial bid to repeal Ohio's new law cracking down on how much interest it can charge customers.

Columbus Symphony A Leaner Orchestra (2008-09-23)
The contract approved by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra board and musicians makes the CSO a leaner operation. The number of musicians remains at 53, but their pay is cut by more than 25 percent.

Private Study: 8th Grade Algebra Scores Drop. (2008-09-22)
Private researchers are reporting that more kids than ever are taking algebra in eighth grade but not necessarily learning more math. Enrollment in algebra classes doubled from 1990 to 2007. Nearly a third of all U.S. eighth-graders were taking algebra last year, 35 percent were in Ohio.

Ohio State Welcomes 7,000 Freshman (2008-09-22)
The nation's largest university is welcoming its newcomers. Ohio State says 7,000 first-year students will learn about the school's history and traditions during a ceremony this morning at St. John Arena.

Community Organizing Helped Us Cope with Storm (2008-09-22)
Last week's windstorm blew politics off the front page and to the bottom of newscasts. But WOSU Commentator Andrew Miller suggests politicians and voters can learn something from the storm and its aftermath.

Supporters of Payday Loans Take to the Air in Ohio (2008-09-22)
It's still not clear whether Ohioans will definitely vote in November on a plan to crack down on those two-week "payday" loans.

BMV Clerk Pleads Guilty in Bogus ID Card Case (2008-09-22)
A clerk at a Columbus office of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles is the seventh person to plead guilty to conspiring to obtain bogus identification cards for illegal immigrants in Virginia and elsewhere.

Columbus Symphony Musicians Approve 3-Year Contract (2008-09-22)
Columbus Symphony musicians on Monday approved a 3-year contract with the CSO board. Principal Tuba player Jim Akins says under the new contract, the orchestra will maintain all 53 musicians, but the season will be shortened and salaries reduced.

Efforts Underway to Gain Additional Emergency Assistance (2008-09-22)
Franklin County is one of dozens of counties in Ohio still working on debris clean up more than a week after the record-setting winds of September 14th.

Firewood is not the Only Option for Trees Felled by The Big Wind (2008-09-21)
Sounds of chain saws continue to fill the air in neighborhoods across Ohio as homeowners gradually cut and chop limbs and trees felled by the Big Wind of September 14th.

Grocery Stores Restock as Power Returns (2008-09-19)
Some 300,000 Ohioans remain without power more than five days after high winds roared across the state. After Tuesday, anyone who saw the power come back on likely faced a trip to the grocery store to replace items lost in dark refrigerators and freezers.

The making of a Classical Pianist begins in Worthington (2008-09-19)
Worthington native Classical Pianist Mark Swartzentruber now lives in London and makes music the world over.

Ohio Court Strikes Down Ban on Guns in Parks (2008-09-18)
The Ohio Supreme Court has struck down a law in the city of Clyde that banned people from carrying concealed guns in a public park.

Landscapers clean up in more ways than one (2008-09-18)
Long after the power is restored, the cleanup will continue. Tree limbs and branches line nearly every street in Central ohio Although it may be unfortunate for the people who lost trees due to the high winds from remnants of Hurricane Ike, landscapers and mulching companies are cleaning up - in more ways than one.

Power Outages Force Columbus To Close Schools Again. (2008-09-18)
Utility crews are battling the dark for a fifth day today while some Ohio students return to class for the first time since remnants of Hurricane Ike struck on Sunday. Ohio power companies report that about 900,000 homes and businesses still have no power, down from a high of 2.6 million after the wind storm hit.

Candidates for Ohio Attorney General Differ on Process to Hire Outside Counsel (2008-09-18)
A familiar debate is taking shape in the race for Ohio Attorney General as candidates talk about the process they would use to hire outside law firms to do work for the A-G's office.

Invalid Signatures are a Problem for Supporters of a Ballot Issue to Overturn Ohio's Tough New Law on Payday Lenders (2008-09-18)
The supporters of a ballot issue that would toss out Ohio's new crackdown on payday lenders could be in trouble.

Windstorm Leaves Extensive Tree Damage at Great Circle Mound (2008-09-18)
Officials with the Ohio Historical Society say the Great Circle Earthworks in Newark suffered the greatest tree damage of the society's 75 sites statewide.

Meals On Wheels Rolling Again After Wind Storm (2008-09-17)
Going without electricity for four days is testing the endurance of some Ohio families. But for certain agencies, a single power outage touches thousands of lives. Central Ohio's Meals on Wheels provider Lifecare Alliance had power restored Monday to its kitchens on Mound Street. Still, meal deliveries did not resume until today.

Got power? You may not, but your neighbors might. Why? (2008-09-17)
As of Wednesday afternoon, about a third of AEP's Franklin County customers were still without power. In some neighborhoods lights may go on tonight as other homes stay dark. WOSU set out to find out why this happens.

Governor Strickland Surveys Storm Damage (2008-09-17)
An estimated 400,000 homes and businesses in Central Ohio, remain without electricity this morning while grocery and hardware stores try to keep up with demand for food, ice and batteries in areas hit by Sunday's wind storm. Some schools are closed for a third consecutive day others are operating on delayed openings.

Clean-Up Continues Tuesday (2008-09-16)
The number of Ohio households and businesses without electricity is beginning to shrink....but some of those without power may have to wait several more days to see it turned back on. Ohio Public Radio's Bill Cohen has an update on the aftermath of the weekend wind storm.

Red Cross sets up shelter for Ike victims at state fairgrounds (2008-09-16)
For Central Ohioans still without power, it's been about 48 hours since they last had electricity. That means perishable foods like meats, milk and cheese are no longer fit to eat. To help people in need of a good meal and a hot shower, the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus has a shelter at the Ohio State Fairgrounds.

Columbus Dec;lares Emergency. Schools Close Again (2008-09-16)
Ohio power companies say some of their 2,000,000 customers left without power in Sunday's wind storm may not have service restored until the weekend. Utilities have summoned hundreds of reinforcement crews. Columbus Mayor Michael has declared a state of emergency.

Congressional Candidates Debate Domestic Issues (2008-09-16)
The economy, rising energy prices and health care dominated a debate last night among candidates in one of the hottest and closest Congressional races in the country. The two men and woman looking to replace Congresswoman Deborah Pryce agreed some and disagreed some in the hour-long televised forum.

Columbus Businesses Respond To Power Outages. (2008-09-16)
It is not just local families who have a lot of clean up and recovery ahead of them after Sunday's wind storm. Local businesses are hurting after power outages forced them to close their doors.

Franklin County Landfill Markets Natural Gas (2008-09-16)
A landfill in central Ohio is among the first in the world to be converting a gas released in the decomposition of trash into fuel for vehicles. The Franklin County landfill has been capturing carbon dioxide and methane to keep them from being released into the atmosphere.

Aftermath of Hurricane Ike: No Power, No Ice (2008-09-15)
The remnants of Hurricane Ike lashed out on Columbus leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power. Many people are picking up tree limbs, leaves and other debris out of their yards. Others are looking for ice to help prevent their food from spoiling.

Ohio State graduate promoted to Brigadier General (2008-09-15)
A 1983 Ohio State graduate pinned on another star Friday to become a Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. General Jeff Smith helps lead nearly 20,000 U.S. soldiers in Iraq along the Syrian, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait borders. WOSU spoke with Smith who is in Iraq. The general's primary duties deal with reconstruction and economic activities in a part of Iraq that is one-and-a-half times the size of Ohio. Click on the listen icon to hear the extended interview.

Hurricane Force Winds Leave Much of Ohio In Dark (2008-09-15)
American Electric Power crews worked through the night. The utility says it could be several days to as long as a week before all power is restored.

Storm Leaves 2 Million Without Power in Ohio (2008-09-15)
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland says about 2 million customers in the state are without power in the wake of high winds from the remnants of Hurricane Ike.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS FOR TUESDAY, 9 16 (2008-09-15)
Sunday's storm and resulting power outages have forced several Central Ohio School Districts to canceled classes for Tuesday, September 16th.

Don't Automatically Hate Taxes (2008-09-15)
It's the stretch run of the campaign. When politicians are not vowing to cut taxes, they are accusing their rivals of wanting to raise taxes. WOSU Commentator Jerolyn Barbee wonders what's so bad about taxes.

Crime Fighters Step Up to Tougher Criminals (2008-09-12)
Crime investigators are using high tech tools and old fashioned detective work to take on criminals.

Green Ideas, Companies Display Their Wares (2008-09-12)
This is the second day of the three-day Summit on Sustainability and the Environment here in Columbus. Yesterday exhibitors at the Columbus Convention Center displayed their ideas on ways to achieve a greener world.

23 Percent of Ohio Voters Undecided in Presidential Race (2008-09-12)
Ohio poll shows that Sen. John McCain has a slight lead against Sen. Barack Obama in the race for the white house. The poll also shows that some voters have not quite made up their minds.

Complex Columbus Bond Package Awaits Voters in November (2008-09-11)
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and his administration are campaigning hard for passage of a $1.6 billion bond package.

Obama Takes Slim Lead In New Poll. (2008-09-11)
A new poll has Barack Obama edging ahead of Republican rival John McCain in Ohio. The Quinnipiac University survey of nearly 1,400 likely Ohio voters shows 49% support Democrat Obama, 44% are for McCain. In a similar poll last month, the two presidential candidates were about even.

Columbus woman thankful for family members' 9-11 fate (2008-09-11)
September 11 remembrance services continue this afternoon across the country. To honor those lost that tragic day, Franklin County Commissioners held a flag raising ceremony this morning at the courthouse. WOSU was there and spoke with one woman who could have easily lost two family members that day.

Ohio Highway Patrol Fires 12 in Cheating Scandal (2008-09-10)
Twelve officers accused in a cheating scandal have been fired from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Governor: "There is a Much Larger Storm Looming" (2008-09-10)
Governor Strickland says he has ordered $540 million in new cuts and other state budget adjustments as revenue shortfalls continue.

Battelle for Kids Researches Extraordinary Teachers (2008-09-10)
The non-profit Battelle for Kids organization is developing on-line courses it says will help classroom teachers be more effective with their students. Attendees at the Columbus Metropolitan Club forum got a preview.

DHL CEO Tells Congress: Company Agonized Over Decision to Leave Wilmington (2008-09-09)
A Congressional committee Tuesday held hearings on DHL's plans to move its air cargo delivery business out of Ohio to UPS.

Inspector General finds Excessive Overtime Payments at ODOT (2008-09-09)
A new report says the Ohio Department of Transportation violates federal labor laws by paying $2 million a year in overtime to managers and other workers who are ineligible to receive the payments.

Coleman Campaigns for $1.6 Billion Bond Package (2008-09-09)
With the faltering economy and a budget deficit on the horizon, Columbus Mayor Michael Columbus is campaigning for passage of a $1.6 billion dollar bond issue. Coleman wants voters to approve the bond issue that will appear on the November 4th ballot. It's the largest bond issue in Columbus history.

Caring for Children is a Concern of Everyone (2008-09-08)
The US Census Bureau says nearly 30 percent of Columbus children live in poverty. WOSU Commentator Elizabeth Martinez says that number should worry all of us, not just the families caring for those children.

Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader rallies in Bexley (2008-09-08)
Another Presidential candidate visited Columbus Monday. But he has virtually no chance of winning the White House. Independent candidate Ralph Nader rallied supporters in Bexley.

Citizen-Scientists Help Count Ohio Dragonflies. (2008-09-08)
Ohio Citizens have been volunteering as part-time scientists at least since 1900, when the Audobon Society started its Christmas Bird Count. Now, WOSU's Jonathan Hickman reports they're helping count Ohio dragonflies.

Upper Arlington Challenges Ballot Initiative onTrash (2008-09-08)
Trash has been a contentious issue in Upper Arlington ever since the city council privatized solid waste collection. Some residents want the city service back and they are trying to get the issue on the November ballot. The City of Upper Arlington is challenging the ballot initiative.

Ohio Church says IRS Found No Improper Politics from Pulpit (2008-09-08)
A church that faced allegations of improperly endorsing a gubernatorial candidate says the Internal Revenue Service has cleared it of wrongdoing.

Ohio Citizen Scientists Seek 'Ultimate Insect.' (2008-09-08)
Ohio Citizens are helping to study a family of creatures that make up a big part of a baby bird's diet spiders. In the second of WOSU's series on citizen science, Jonathan Hickman reports on the Ohio Spider Survey.

Ohioans Help NASA Find "Space Dust." (2008-09-08)
People from across Ohio and around the globe have been helping NASA find tiny specks of interstellar dust. In the final installment of our series on citizen science, WOSU's Jonathan Hickman reports on how Ohioans are sifting through high-tech NASA instruments on the screens of their home computers.

Franklin County budget fairs well in whirlwind of deficits (2008-09-05)
Cuyahoga County said today it faces an $18 million budget deficit by year's end. And the City of Columbus expects a huge budget gap. As deficits swirl around Ohio, WOSU reports how Franklin County looks in the midst of big shortfalls.

Abandoned Sick Leave Campaign was Costly (2008-09-05)
Some Ohio labor unions, anti-poverty groups, and others Thursday dropped their campaign for a ballot issue that would require many Ohio businesses to offer workers at least seven paid sick leave days a year.

Oldest Columbus Area Movie Theater Closing (2008-09-04)
The screen will go dark next month at the oldest movie house in the Columbus metro area. Thursday marks the 82nd anniversary of the Drexel Grandview, whose owner announced a day earlier that the place will close Sept. 27th.

Upper Arlington Challenges Ballot Initiative onTrash (2008-09-04)
Trash has been a contentious issue in Upper Arlington ever since the city council privatized solid waste collection. Some residents want the city service back and they are trying to get the issue on the November ballot. But the City of Upper Arlington is challenging the ballot initiative.

NTSB Crash Investigation Continues (2008-09-04)
The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the crash of a cargo plane near Columbus Monday. The crash killed the three people on board.

Grandview residents "shocked" at local theatre's closing (2008-09-04)
It's a dying breed - the single screen movie theater. They are disappearing fast, unable to compete with the fancy new multi-plexes with their digital surround sound and stadium seating with cup holders. The latest victim is the historical Drexel Grandview theatre. It is set to close at the end of the month. WOSU found neighbors shocked to hear their beloved movie house is closing its doors.

Ohio's Mandatory Sick Leave Effort Ends (2008-09-04)
Ohio voters will not get the chance to vote for a mandatory sick leave proposal. The group pushing the sick leave issue has asked that the issue be taken off the ballot.

Ohio's Top Elected Officials Unveil Plan to Boost Economy (2008-09-03)
Gov. Ted Strickland says Ohio needs to target nine industries over the next decade to grow the state's economy.

Old Schottenstein Department Store demolition begins to make room for new health clinic (2008-09-02)
The Schottenstein Department Store stood on South Parsons avenue for nearly a century. But it's been vacant for several years and now its demolition is underway. For neighbors the sadness of seeing a landmark disappear is eased by plans to build a new health center in its place.

Appeals Court Strikes Down Ohio Grocery Tax (2008-09-02)
An appeals court in Ohio says a state tax levied on grocery store sales is unconstitutional.

1888 Columbus Convention Was One for the Ages (2008-09-02)
It's political convention time. The democrats met in Denver last week. The republicans are meeting in St. Paul this week. Columbus has seen its share of conventions, most of them non-political. Local historian and WOSU commentator Ed Lentz remembers one 19th century convention that had a lasting impact.

Final Game At Cooper 'The End of an Era' (2008-09-02)
The Columbus Clippers proclaimed it the end of an era. Monday night the Clippers played their final game at the 76-year-old Cooper Stadium.

Lasik eye surgeries down for Cincinnati company (2008-09-02)
The number of laser eye surgery procedures conducted by publicly traded LCA-Vision dropped 38 percent in the second quarter from a year ago -- a reflection of industry wide troubles.

Supporters of Ohio's Tough New Regulations on the Payday Loan Industry Win Unexpected Endorsements (2008-09-02)
Supporters of a new state law that slashes the interest charges payday lenders may charge have won two unexpected endorsements.

Surgical Simulators Gaining Popularity Among Medical Students (2008-09-02)
Before the invention of the computer and the CD-ROM, medical students learned surgical procedures by studying textbooks, practicing on cadavers and watching other surgeons. Now, with even more advanced technology than the CD-ROM, med students can learn some of the most delicate operations on virtual simulators.

Buckeye Republicans Prepare For Convention. (2008-08-29)
Ohio's Republicans are readying for a rally in Dayton where their presidential candidate will reveal his running mate. And some of them are also preparing for the work they'll do at their party's convention, starting on Labor Day. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.

American Muslims Come To Columbus (2008-08-29)
The 45th Annual Islamic Society of North America convention is estimating a total of 30,000 American Muslims to attend their three-day convention.

Obama and Biden Travel to Ohio (2008-08-29)
On one of their first stops after the Democratic National Convention, Barak Obama and Joe Biden will be in Cleveland Saturday.

John McCain Introduces VP Pick at Dayton Rally (2008-08-29)
Republican presidential candidate John McCain wasted little time Friday, trying to grab the media spotlight from Barack Obama, after Obama accepted the Democratic party's nomination for president Thursday night.

Democrats Return To Ohio For Campaign Finish (2008-08-29)
The parties, speeches, strategy sessions and spectacle are over, and Ohio's delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver will begin trickling back into the state today. Last night they heard Barack Obama accept his nomination as their candidate for president. Now the delegates must make Obama's case to skeptical Ohio voters.

Ohio: Epicenter of Presidential Race (2008-08-28)
It appears increasingly likely that Republican nominee-in-waiting John McCain will introduce his vice-presidential pick tomorrow in Ohio.

Attorney: Foreclosure is a Legal Process that Can Move Quickly (2008-08-28)
Numerous local and state agencies that work with homeowners facing the loss of a house are struggling to keep up with the phone calls and foot traffic of those frantically seeking resources to stay in their home.

Strickland Brings Ohio Message To Denver (2008-08-27)
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland joined other Democratic governors who lined up yesterday to criticize Republican John McCain and offered a chorus of praise for their party's nominee, Barack Obama.

Ohio Moves into Political Spotlight Friday (2008-08-27)
Barack Obama, will embark on a bus tour of battleground states Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan later this week after Obama receives the Democratic presidential nomination. John McCain returns to Ohio for a rally Friday.

Election Law Analyst Says Ohio Is Again Ripe For Court Disputes. (2008-08-27)
While political conventions and campaigns take center stage this summer, county Boards of Election in Ohio are busy preparing for the November vote and trying to stave off any legal disputes. Today, an election law analyst says another close presidential contest will likely spawn more litigation.

Job Fair at Rickenbacker Draws Hundreds (2008-08-27)
Hundreds of job seekers attended a job fair at Rickenbacker Airport on Wednesday.

Researcher: Family Ties are a Powerful Influence in Lives of Black Youth (2008-08-27)
Parents who think their teenagers are ignoring them might be encouraged by research underway at Ohio State University.

Public Schools Score Higher Grades. (2008-08-26)
Ohio education officials say 85% of public school districts in Ohio now rank effective, excellent or excellent with distinction. It's a record percentage for the state.

OSU Researchers Say Flower Blooms Provide Clues To Pest Management. (2008-08-26)
The late-blooming flowers in Ohio's state gardens and arboretums are wonderful to look at and teach us about horticulture. They may also help scientists and land managers use less insecticide and do a better job of controlling pests at the same time.

Democratic Convention Has Ohio Flavor Today (2008-08-26)
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today addresses the Democratic National Convention.

Former Davis Besse Engineer Convicted of Lying About Reactor Corrosion (2008-08-26)
Jurors in Toledo, Ohio, have convicted a former nuclear plant engineer of misleading regulators about the worst corrosion ever found at a U.S. reactor.

As Economy Falters, More Ohioans Classified As Poor (2008-08-26)
The Census Bureau Tuesday reported new numbers on poverty, income and health insurance. It's an annual snapshot of the economic well-being of nation's households.

Arson Charges Are Pending in Early Morning Fire (2008-08-26)
Columbus firefighters say arson charges are pending against a woman who received first and second degree burns in a fire early Tuesday on the southwest side of the city.

GOP Governor From Minnesota Campaigns In Ohio. (2008-08-25)
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, mentioned often as a possible running mate for John McCain, is campaigning for the Republican in Ohio. Pawlenty spoke today at a Columbus company that makes acrylic sheet products. He did not address speculation regarding McCain's vice presidential pick.

Olympics Games Gave Columbus Couple a Preview of Where They Will Live (2008-08-25)
The record-breaking run of U-S swimmer Michael Phelps helped boost viewership of the just-ended Olympics in China. But for one Columbus couple, watching the Beijing Olympics was a preview of where they will live and work for the next four years.

Binging on the Olympics (2008-08-25)
The Olympics are over. After watching more than two weeks of spectacle, competition and controversy, we and WOSU commentator Michael Ivey are looking for something else to do.

Ohio Inmate Facing Execution Asks State for Mercy (2008-08-25)
A death row inmate who says he's so fat that Ohio executioners would have trouble finding his veins is ready to plead for mercy today before the state parole board.

Ohio Death Row Inmate Gets Parole Hearing Today. (2008-08-25)
A death row inmate who says he's so obese that Ohio executioners would have trouble finding his veins is ready to plead for mercy today before the state parole board.

Ohio Democrats Head West For National Convention. (2008-08-22)
An estimated 500 Ohioans are headed to Denver this week-end. The group includes delegates, super-delegates and party staff.

Controversy Follows Some Petition Circulators (2008-08-22)
Controversy seems to follow some petition circulators on the streets.

Ohio Ministers Join Others Planning Civil Disobedience (2008-08-22)
Some conservative Christian ministers in Ohio and across the nation are planning to commit a kind of civil disobedience from the pulpit on Sunday September 28th.

Childrens' Hospital Leads National Research into Childhood Injuries (2008-08-22)
Childrens' Hospital Friday became the go-to site for research on childhood injuries in the U.S.

Columbus Housing Market Sluggish (2008-08-21)
The central Ohio housing market continues to struggle. The Columbus Board of Realtors says home sales were down nearly 12 percent last month - compared to a year ago. Realtors are pointing to one stat that might give home sellers some hope.

Scientists And Engineers Face Tougher Job Market. (2008-08-21)
In recent years Ohio and other states have allocated more money for science and math curricula in elementary and secondary schools. At the college level, Ohio State University competes aggressively for research grants. While some politicians and authors say the emphasis is warranted because of a looming shortage of highly-trained engineers and scientists, the Chronicle of Higher Education recently published articles that warn of a possible glut of scientists in United States.

Secretary of State Considers How to Fill Congressional Vacancy (2008-08-21)
Ohio election officials are studying how to fill the congressional seat left vacant by the death of Cleveland Democrat Stephanie Tubbs Jones.

Governor Urges Voters to Oppose Sick Leave Ballot Issue (2008-08-21)
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has come out against a fall ballot issue guaranteeing seven paid sick days to most workers in the state.

Ohio Voting Machines Missed Votes in the Primary (2008-08-21)
The maker of the most widely used touch-screen voting machine in Ohio has acknowledged the machines have a programming error that led to about 1,000 votes being dropped in the March primary.

U.S. Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones Succumbs to Aneurysm (2008-08-20)
A Cleveland Clinic official says Democratic U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones of Ohio has died.

The Phelps Effect - Kids Flocking to the Pool, Swim Teams (2008-08-20)
As the Olympics are winding down, many American kids are just starting to get wound up about their chances for winning gold.

Candidates for Ohio Attorney General Spar over Corruption (2008-08-20)
The GOP candidate for Ohio Attorney General is proposing a new commission to deal with corruption. His opponent says the idea is just more bureaucracy.

Port Columbus to get another low-fare airline (2008-08-20)
Another low-fare airline is set to start serving Port Columbus later this year. AirTran will fill some of the hole left by the defunct Skybus. An industry expert says, though, AirTran's arrival does not mean more low-cost carriers are prepared to land in Columbus.

Bumper pot crop in SW Ohio (2008-08-19)
Authorities in southwest Ohio say warm but not too hot weather this summer has been good for growing the region's No.1 illegal cash crop, marijuana.

Ohio Lawmakers Hear Complaints From Wilmington Workers (2008-08-19)
State lawmakers are prepared to hear from local officials and workers concerned about a package carrier's plan threatening more than 8,000 jobs in southwest Ohio. The head of the German company that owns DHL says the company already is arranging severance and other benefits to ease the economic blow to Wilmington.

Ohio State students: Underage people will still drink (2008-08-19)
OSU President Gordon Gee and other university Presidents around the nation draw both praise and scorn for their call for an examination of the legal drinking age. The university leaders want lawmakers to open a debate on whether to lower the legal drinking age from 21 to 18. The leaders have succeeded in one aspect; they've opened a debate.

Secretary of State Stands By Early Voting Order (2008-08-19)
Republicans are still waiting for the Secretary of State to take back an order that the GOP says will open the door to voter fraud.

OSU's Gee, College Presidents Seek Debate on Drinking Age (2008-08-19)
College presidents from about 100 of the nation's best-known universities -- including Ohio State -- are calling on lawmakers to consider lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18.

Ohio Regulators Hear Public on Natural Gas issue (2008-08-19)
Customers of Ohio's second largest natural gas provider have complained to state regulators about a proposed tripling of monthly service charges.

Curfew Joint Venture with YMCA Nears End (2008-08-19)
Only one week remains for the night curfew program that's being operated by the City of Columbus and the YMCA. It's an effort to remove young people who are on the street past certain hours.

NFIB Study Says Mandatory Sick Leave is a "Job Killer" (2008-08-19)
A group of independent businesses in Ohio says the mandatory sick leave ballot issue is a job killer, according to a study they've paid for.

High Oil Prices Boosts Drilling In Ohio. (2008-08-18)
High energy prices and concerns about oil from foreign sources have some calling for more drilling, in Ohio and across the US. But the current situation has others demanding different action.

Buckeyes Outpoll Browns And Bengals. (2008-08-18)
If you're tired of hearing public opinion polls about the presidential race, this next story might be refreshing. It's about a poll...but it doesn't have anything to do with politics. It's about Ohio SPORTS....and the big winners ARE --- the Ohio State University Buckeyes.

Stivers Receives Endorsements (2008-08-18)
Republican Steve Stivers recently picked up two endorsements to his campaign for Ohio's 15th Congressional District.

Positive Change in a Weekend of Work (2008-08-18)
Most of us want to have a positive impact on our community. We want to do something to make our city, our neighborhood a better place. But where do we start? WOSU Commentator Andrew Miller suggests we start on a weekend.

Sustained High Fuel Prices Stir Interest in "Going Green" (2008-08-18)
The longer fuel prices remain high, the more attention is given energy alternatives by political candidates, business owners and consumers.

Flu Vaccine Shipped Earlier Than Usual (2008-08-15)
Flu shots will arrive earlier than expected. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention began shipment two weeks ago.

Ohio Unemployment Reaches 16-Year High (2008-08-15)
New unemployment figures for July show Ohio's jobless rate is the highest in 16 years.

Payday Loan Industry Wins "Word War." (2008-08-15)
How Ohioans will vote in November on a ballot issue on payday loans could depend on exactly how the proposal is worded. That's why backers and opponents of the measure watched a marathon meeting of the Ohio Ballot Board so closely Thursday...and why each side had such different reactions to the ballot language the Board adopted.

Ohio Native Works to Save Indiana's Limberlost Swamp (2008-08-15)
Growing up in Mercer County, Ohio native Ken Brunswick wanted to be an ornithologist; he wanted to study birds. He became a farmer instead. But about ten years ago he was inspired to begin working to resurrect a long lost habitat once teeming with a wide variety of birds.

Ohio Unemployment Jumps In July. (2008-08-15)
Ohio's jobless rate increased again in July. It now stands at 7.2%. Job losses in banking, government and manufacturing boosted the number.

51 Central Ohio Residents Sickened by Parasite Found in Swimming Pools (2008-08-15)
Columbus Public Health Commissioner Theresa Long has ordered the area's 28 largest swimming pools to close and raise the level of chlorine to get ride of a parasite.

Columbus Residents Pose Questions For Democrats (2008-08-14)
Residents of Columbus and seven other cities across the country had the opportunity Wednesday to tell the Democratic Party exactly what they think about the state of the country.

Ballot Board Mulls Wording on Controversial Ballot Issues (2008-08-14)
A state panel is meeting Thursday to decide the easiest, fairest and shortest way to explain three contentious ballot issues to voters this fall.

TSA Unveils New Plan for Security Checkpoints (2008-08-14)
Homeland Security officials today unveiled a new cuing system for passengers going through security at Port Columbus.

Board Reaches Impasse on Weekend Voting (2008-08-14)
Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner will decide whether Franklin County voters cast ballots on weekends before the November election. During a meeting Thursday members of the Board of Elections disagreed on weekend balloting.

Ohio GOP and Democrats At Odds Over Voting Procedure (2008-08-14)
This election is the first presidential contest where Ohioans are allowed to vote early through no-excuse, absentee balloting.

State Lawmaker Wants To Revisit Smoking Ban (2008-08-14)
In the year the state's smoking ban has been in effect, most Ohioans have gotten used to it, whether they like it or not. Now a lawmaker says the law needs exemptions that voters wanted in the first place.

Buy Local Movement Gets Boost from High Fuel Costs (2008-08-13)
Kroger, Giant Eagle, Wal Mart and other major grocers are featuring local produce.

Brutus on Parade Steps Off at Schottenstein Center (2008-08-12)
The area around the Schottenstein Center on the Ohio State University campus is sprouting some colorful characters with names like Blarney, Adventure, First in Space.

Cutting Programs Puts Kids at Risk (2008-08-12)
In these final weeks of summer parents everywhere are struggling to keep their kids busy. In the inner city, programs to keep kids involved in positive activities is especially important. But as WOSU Commentator Jerolyn Barbee says, many of those activities are threatened with cuts.

Franklin Co. Commission Opposes Union Co. Egg Farm (2008-08-12)
Another government body has gone on record opposing the Hi-Q Egg farm proposed for Union County. On Tuesday the Franklin County Commission expressed its opposition to the 6-million-chicken facility. The resolution comes as one of the Franklin County Commissioners is looking for votes in Union County.

Ohio's Attorney General Urges Shoppers Read Fine Print. (2008-08-12)
Ohio's Attorney General is warning Ohioans to read the fine print when they go shop back to school sales. Spokeswoman Nadine Ballard says customers should also look to see whether there's a restocking fee on an item if it's returned.

Obama's Ohio Plan Features Statewide Grassroots (2008-08-12)
Top campaign officials from the Barack Obama campaign and governor Ted Strickland Tuesday laid out the Democrat's plan to win Ohio's 20 electoral votes.

Ohio Man Cleared Of Rape Charge After 18 Years. (2008-08-12)
An Ohio man is free after spending nearly 18 years in prison on a charge of raping a 10-year-old girl. A judge ordered the release of Robert McClendon, 52,after a lab re-examining cases across Ohio showed that his DNA profile didn't match evidence from the crime scene.

Ohio Think Tank Launches Public Records Project (2008-08-11)
A conservative Ohio think tank has launched an initiative aimed at improving the availability of state and local government records online.

Older Columbus Suburbs Show Signs Of Voter Changes. (2008-08-11)
In recent years, the political swing state of Ohio has seen some older suburbs become swing communities themselves. They have supported a more even mix of voters as Democrats move in and some Republican voters settle in new suburbs even farther from city centers.

Franklin County Seeks Ways To Reduce Voter Waiting Lines. (2008-08-11)
The Franklin County Board of Elections has turned to a scientific study to help it allocate voting machines in November. Director Michael Stinziano says the board wants to avoid lines similar to those in 2004 that deterred 20-thousand or more potential voters from casting ballots.

Price Records Set In Annual "Sale Of Champions." (2008-08-11)
Price records in three livestock categories were set yesterday at the Ohio State Fair Sale of Champions. Levi Kimley of Clark County sold his reserve grand champion barrow to Meijer Inc. for $26,000, beating the record set last year of $20,000.

Ohio Tax Revenues Fall $140 Million (2008-08-08)
There's more bad news on Ohio's budget front. State tax revenues are down across the board.

Former National Century CEO Gets 10 Years (2008-08-08)
A federal judge in Columbus has sentenced a former health care financing executive to 10 years in prison for trying to bribe a trial witness.

Site Recommended for Cleveland Convention Center (2008-08-08)
A riverfront location has been recommended for Cleveland's new convention center. The location along the Cuyahoga River is adjacent to the Tower City enclosed shopping mall and close to the Flats nightclub district.

Battle Over Payday Lending Law Moves to Ballot Wording (2008-08-08)
Opposing sides in the battle over newly-passed limits on payday loans have one thing in common.

Governor, Legislative Leaders Vow to Fight Payday Lenders (2008-08-07)
Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and Republican legislative leaders vow to fight an effort by payday lenders to repeal tougher regulations on short-term loans.

Leaders Launch Campaign to Protect Payday Loan Law (2008-08-07)
Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and Republican legislative leaders will fight an effort by payday lenders to repeal restrictive caps on the short-term loans they offer.

Cuyahoga corruption probe turns to suburban court (2008-08-07)
A federal investigation of alleged public corruption in Ohio's most populous county has turned to a suburban Cleveland traffic court.

Ohio Patrol: Fewer Motorcycle Deaths so far in '08 (2008-08-06)
This year is seeing fewer motorcycling fatalities in Ohio, coming off the state's deadliest year for motorcyclists since 1987.

Two National Century Executives Face Prison (2008-08-06)
A federal judge Wednesday sentenced two former executives with a health care financing firm.

Union County Egg Facility Could House 6 Million Hens (2008-08-06)
Two Iowa investors want to build what could be Ohio's largest egg production facility. The site is in Union County north of Marysville. Hi-Q Egg Products is asking the state Department of Agriculture for permission to house up to 6 million laying hens on a 500-acre tract. The company is holding a public meeting tonight in Marysville.

Sentencing Scheduled Today For National Century Execs. (2008-08-06)
The government wants a federal judge to sentence four co-defendants convicted in a $1,900,000,000 corporate fraud case to prison terms that could mean life behind bars. Two of four former executives with National Century Financial Enterprises are scheduled to be sentenced today in federal court in Columbus.

Ohio State Professors Isolate Source Of Natural Methane (2008-08-05)
After years of effort, Ohio State Professors Michael Chan and Joseph Krycki have developed a picture of a unique protein. It's found in microbes that are common in many environments around the world, and it's responsible for most of the natural production of the greenhouse gas methane.

Ohio Launches Keno To Help Erase Red Ink. (2008-08-05)
Its Day Two for the new Ohio Lottery game - KENO. Governor Ted Strickland pushed the state lottery commission to add the game, so schools could collect an extra $73,000,000 every year in lottery profits. Nearly a thousand bars, restaurants, and bowling alleys are now offering the game across Ohio.

White Police Officer Acquitted By Lima Jury (2008-08-05)
Black religious leaders in Lima say they're "grossly disappointed" with the acquittal of a white police officer who killed a black woman. An all-white jury found Sergeant Joseph Chavalia not guilty of misdemeanor charges of negligent homicide and negligent assault.

Odds Are Casino Plan Will Be on Ballot (2008-08-05)
The odds are good that Ohioans will be voting in November on yet another plan to legalize casino gambling.

Sick Leave Proposal Likely Ballot Issue (2008-08-05)
Ohio voters might soon be deciding on whether to approve a plan that would require many businesses in the state to give their employees seven paid sick days a year.

Obama in Ohio Calls for Ending Reliance on Foreign Oil (2008-08-05)
Barack Obama tells an audience in Youngstown that the economy is in turmoil and it's time to end America's reliance on foreign oil.

John McCain Returns to Ohio Thursday (2008-08-05)
Republican presidential candidate John McCain plans to return to Ohio with a town hall meeting in the city of Lima on Thursday.

Presidential Campaigns Return To Ohio. (2008-08-04)
Barack Obama plans to spotlight energy and the economy in campaign stops this week in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. The Democrat is scheduled to make two stops in Ohio tomorrow, for town hall meetings at a Youngstown high school and at Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea.

Natural Landscaping Upsets Some Neighbors (2008-08-01)
For many people the front yard consists of grass, a couple of trees - boxwoods might line the walkway to the front door, and there may be some flowers for added color. At least two Upper Arlington residents want more. They prefer an environmentally-friendly landscape that requires less manicuring. WOSU reports on natural landscapes and what the neighbors think.

Coleman Says Lay-offs Needed to Balance City Budget (2008-08-01)
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman Friday announced 42 lay-offs and 60 open positions that will not be filled as the city tries to avoid a budget deficit.

Emergency Food Supplies Dwindling In Southeast Ohio. (2008-08-01)
Emergency food supplies are dwindling in Southeast Ohio and some food pantries in the region have now been forced to close.

Poll Shows McCain And Obama Tied In Ohio. (2008-07-31)
A new poll shows Republican John McCain is virtually even now with Democrat Barack Obama in the presidential race in Ohio. The Quinnipiac University survey out today shows Obama with 46%, McCain with 44% among likely Ohio voters.

Company adjusts work week to help worker save money (2008-07-31)
The U.S. Department of transportation says people have really cut back on driving due to high gas prices - and that's hacking into federal and state funds to repair roads. At least one area employer is helping its worker be among the millions of Americans driving less. WOSU found a company in Hilliard that adjusted its workers' hours to help them save on gas.

Record-Breaking Crowd at Columbus Health Department Farmers' Market (2008-07-31)
A record number of people turned out Thursday for the first of the city health department's farmers' markets this year.

Ohio Voters See New Campaign Ads. (2008-07-30)
Barack Obama's campaign today begins airing an ad on Ohio television stations, dismissing John McCain's criticism as just "Old Politics." Republican McCain aired an ad last week that blamed his Democratic rival for high gas prices.

Worms Change Great Lakes Forests (2008-07-30)
For thousands of years, there were no earthworms in the forests around the Great Lakes. Now many exotic species are invading the region, changing the way the forest floor looks and feels.

State fair vendors' profits affected by rising fuel and food costs (2008-07-30)
Although gas prices have decreased after hovering at the $4 mark for weeks, food prices continue to rise. As the Ohio State Fair opened its doors Wednesday WOSU found out how rising fuel and food costs affect carnival vendors' bottom lines.

School Districts Try Fuel Saving Measures (2008-07-30)
Recent surveys show school districts across the country are feeling the pinch of higher fuel prices. Some are considering a four-day school week while others plan to eliminate field trips to save money. In Central Ohio, districts are trying a variety of approaches to save on fuel.

Ivey Yearns For "Made In USA" label. (2008-07-30)
Many recent polls indicate the economy is the top concern among voters this fall as the country prepares to elect new leadership. Perhaps, not surprisingly then, the economy is also today's topic for W-O-S-U Commentator Michael Ivey.

Groups Plan Electoral Battle Over Sick Leave. (2008-07-30)
A conservative-leaning public policy organization says it plans to wage a paid-media campaign against a proposal to mandate paid sick days for Ohio workers. The Ohio Roundtable says it sent information opposing the sick-day plan to 12,000 business leaders. The organization says it would raise $1 million to air television and radio ads.

ODOT: Bridges Safe in Ohio (2008-07-29)
It was one year ago that an interstate highway bridge collapsed in Minneapolis, killing 13 people and injuring 144.

President Bush Will Visit Ohio Today. (2008-07-29)
A Cleveland area company that makes welding supplies is ready to welcome President Bush and show him around. The president plans to make a visit to Lincoln Electric Company in suburban Euclid. While at the company he's scheduled to give a brief talk about energy and the economy.

Ohio State Fair Stirs Concern Over "Cow Town" Image (2008-07-29)
The Ohio State Fair opens Wednesday in Columbus. One of the most recognizable and longest-running major events in Columbus, the fair attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Strickland: Cleveland Probe is Distrubing (2008-07-29)
Cuyahoga County's top elected official has pledged cooperation with a federal investigation into alleged public corruption in Ohio's most populous county.

Interest Spikes For OSU Soil Research. (2008-07-28)
This year's world food crisis may be just a harbinger of what's to come if droughts, climate change, and poor farming practices continue to make soils less hospitable to agriculture. Ohio State professor Rattan Lal is working on global solutions to these problems, starting right here in central Ohio.

Gas Prices Fall In Ohio. (2008-07-28)
Prices have dropped 18 cents in the past week at gas pumps around Ohio, thanks to plunging oil prices. The daily Triple-A survey shows regular-grade gasoline is averaging $3.73 per gallon statewide, down from $3.91 last Monday.

Some Police Officers Drop "Tough Guy" Approach to Help Mentally Ill (2008-07-28)
Ohio has trained more than 3,000 police officers how to deal with people who have mental health problems.

Ohioans Reduce Miles Driven and State Tax Base (2008-07-28)
A federal study shows that high gasoline prices are prompting Americans to drive a little less. That's also happening in Ohio.

Federal Agents Raid Cuyahoga County Administration Building (2008-07-28)
An estimated 200 FBI and IRS agents served search warrants at county offices and homes in Cleveland.

The Central Ohio Transit Authority Will Expand Routes. (2008-07-28)
As more Central Ohioans park their cars for their daily commute, The Central Ohio Transit Authority reports more riders. In response, COTA will increase the number of buses on the city's busiest routes and work with employers to deliver workers. COTA is riding the wave of double-digit increases in ridership resulting from high fuel costs.

GOP Balks at Democratic Governor's GOP Nominee (2008-07-25)
The Ohio Republican Party is criticizing Democratic Governor Strickland's appointment of a Republican.

In Ohio, Candidate McCain Talks Health Care (2008-07-25)
Cancer survivor and multiple Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong is holding a Live-strong Summit in Columbus. The event began last night with Armstrong hosting a presidential town hall meeting on cancer. Republican candidate John McCain attended the meeting. Democrat Barack Obama did not because he's traveling in Europe.

Ohio State President's Son-in-Law Dies of Injuries (2008-07-24)
Funeral arrangements are pending for Dr. Allan Moore, son in law of Ohio State University President Gordon Gee.

Minor Party Candidates Look to Ohio (2008-07-24)
Ohio's attorney general and secretary of state will not appeal a federal judge's order in favor of the Libertarian party.

Ohio Prepares To Launch Keno (2008-07-24)
The Ohio Lottery begins its new KENO game August 4th. Hundreds of businesses with liquor permits, bars, restaurants, and bowling alleys, are having new video screens installed to display winning KENO numbers, 15 rounds of them each hour. Meanwhile, lottery PLAYERS are looking forward to the new diversion.

Sick Leave Proposal Remains in Limbo (2008-07-24)
Governor Strickland is continuing to work to head off a ballot issue on the subject of sick leave.

Emergency Declared In Perry County (2008-07-23)
Officials in central Ohio have declared a state of emergency as they clean up from a storm that brought high winds and knocked down trees and power lines.

Ohio GOP Selects Crites as Attorney General Candidate (2008-07-23)
About a month after the Democratic party named Richard Cordray to be its candidate for attorney general, the Ohio Republican Party today named its choice.

Governor Holds First "Conversation on Education" (2008-07-23)
Governor Strickland held the first of his Conversations on Education Tuesday at COSI in Columbus. It's the first of 12 meetings he's convening around the state to solicit input for reforming Ohio's education system.

Model T Owners Celebrate 100th Anniversary as Ford Struggles to Downsize (2008-07-23)
Ford Motor Company is struggling to reduce the number of workers at plants in Ohio and elsewhere to match production with slumping sales.

State Will Provide $550 Million to Repair Harding Tomb (2008-07-22)
The Harding Memorial in Marion will receive extensive repair work.

Consumer Activists Question Proposed Rules for Electric Rate Hikes (2008-07-22)
When Ohio legislators approved a new law on electricity rates earlier this year, they declared that details would be left up to utility regulators at the Public Utilities Commission.

Private Insurance Companies Seek Role in Health Care Debate (2008-07-22)
The health insurance industry is entering the national conversation over how to heal America's health insurance problems and help the 47 million Americans who are uninsured - including 1.2 million Ohioans.

Ohio Lawmakers Pare Budgets (2008-07-22)
The Ohio House and Senate are cutting a total of $2,700,000 from their budgets in an ongoing state effort to pare expenses in a tight economy.

Battle Brewing Over Proposed Wind Turbines in Western Ohio (2008-07-21)
There's a battle brewing along the ridges of Western Ohio. Several wind energy companies might build hundreds of giant turbines to generate electricity. There's support -- but a lot of opposition.

Battle Brewing Over Proposed Wind Turbines in Western Ohio (2008-07-21)
The rush to harness wind energy in Ohio has spawned controversy along the ridges in western Ohio. Several wind energy companies want to build hundreds of giant turbines to generate electricity. But some property owners object.

Gasoline Prices Drop At Ohio Stations. (2008-07-21)
Ohio gasoline prices have dropped about 14 cents in the last week amid plunging oil prices. Monday's statewide average for regular is $3.91, according to AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. That's down from just under $4.05 per gallon one week ago.

Study Says Ohio Often Cites "Unfit" Drivers. (2008-07-21)
Commercial truck and bus drivers who are medically unfit to drive remain a threat on America's highways, despite government warnings and hundreds of deaths and injuries. A new safety study obtained by The Associated Press shows truckers violating federal medical rules have been caught in every state.

Ravines, Their History Add to Columbus (2008-07-21)
Compared to the Rocky Mountains or the coast of Maine, the landscape of central Ohio seems pretty boring. But WOSU commentator and local historian Ed Lentz says if you think our landscape is boring, you're not looking closely enough.

Dayton Philharmonic: Columbus Symphony fans not a "big pork chop" (2008-07-21)
The uncertain future of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra seemingly creates an opportunity for other orchestras looking to tap the Central Ohio market. A contract dispute between the CSO board and musicians canceled the summer Pops series and threatens the fall schedule. WOSU set out to see if other symphonies are honing in a possible marketing opportunity.

Few Teens Violate Columbus Curfew (2008-07-18)
The head of Juvenile Justice Programs for the downtown Columbus Y-M-C-A, Don Heard, says 18 juveniles have been dropped off at the curfew center during the first three weeks of enforcement.

Fire Kills Four In Portsmouth. (2008-07-18)
Authorities say firefighters have found four people dead at the scene of a house fire reported overnight in Portsmouth in southern Ohio.

West Nile Virus Found in Franklin County (2008-07-18)
Federal authorities say tomatoes are again safe to eat, and the beef recall seems to have quelled the e-coli outbreak, but West Nile Virus has arrived for its summer visit in Franklin County.

Sex Trafficking Of Minors Is U.S. Problem. (2008-07-18)
Human trafficking is a term that many of us associate with foreign affairs. Today human trafficking is not only an issue abroad, but one that is becoming more prevalent within the U.S.

Eclectic Crowd Converges On Southern Ohio. (2008-07-18)
Tucked in the rolling hills of rural Meigs County, Ohio, is a sight that seems just a little out of place. Skatopia is a do-it-yourself skate park where there's a lot to skate and few rules.

Huntington Bancshares Beat Earnings Forecasts. (2008-07-17)
Huntington Bancshares says its second quarter earnings rose 26%, topping Wall Street forecasts, but the regional banking company has lowered its full-year outlook in anticipation of continued losses from loans and leases.

More Workers in the Attorney General's Office Claim "Hostile Environment" (2008-07-17)
Allegations are being made against the two women who initiated the investigation that lead to the resignation of former A-G Marc Dann.

Religious Activists Vow to Keep "Sleaze" Out of Political Ads (2008-07-17)
Political TV commercials are the bread-and-butter of election year campaigning. Many people often complain that the ads are too negative, untrue, and downright sleazy.

Some religious activists here in Ohio are beginning to rate the 30-second campaign ads to try to discourage candidates from going too far.

John McCain Reaches Out To Civil Rights Convention (2008-07-17)
Senator John McCain reached out to the NAACP Wednesday at the organization's national convention in Cincinnati. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee says whether or not he wins the support of members, he'll need the group's council if elected.

Ohio Officials Offer Help To Struggling Homeowners. (2008-07-16)
Ohio is beefing up efforts to inform homeowners facing possible foreclosure that they could take action that might save their home.

Ohio Banker Speaks To Consumer Fears. (2008-07-16)
The head of an Ohio banking trade group says the state's depositors should not be fearful after the recent collapse of California-based IndyMac Bank. Ohio Bankers League President Mike Van Buskirk says no Ohio bank is likely to fail, though he says some are facing challenges as big customers in manufacturing lay off workers or stop paying overtime.

Streetcars Debated in Columbus (2008-07-16)
Columbus Mayor Coleman's streetcar proposal was debated today at the Columbus Metropolitan Club. Coleman wants to build a 103-million-dollar line that would connect downtown with Ohio State University along North High Street.

Commentator Andrew Miller Weighs Cost of Driving. (2008-07-16)
WOSU Commentator Andrew Miller recently has spent some time crunching numbers for a proposed streetcar line between downtown and the University District. He suggests its worthwhile to find alternatives to driving.

Main Street Bridge Arch Complete (2008-07-15)
The new Main Street Bridge in Columbus has moved one step closer to completion. Tuesday marked the topping of the incline arch.

NAACP Convention Welcomes Barack Obama. (2008-07-15)
Democrat Barack Obama received a prideful welcome Monday night in Cincinnati from the annual NAACP convention. In a stirring speech to the nation's oldest civil rights organization, he insisted blacks must show greater responsibility for improving their own lives.

More Farmers Turn Away From Chemical Fertilizers. (2008-07-15)
With the cost of commercial fertilizer keeping pace with gasoline prices, more and more farmers are turning to their great grandfathers' fertilizer--manure. Last week's annual Great Lakes Regional Manure Handling Expo, held this year in London, Ohio, gave the public a chance to learn about how to turn this waste product into a resource, and how the environment might benefit as a result.

Governor Strickland Counters Recent Press Coverage Of Ohio (2008-07-14)
Governor Ted Strickland brought a message of tempered optimism to downtown Cleveland. The governor took an unusual tack as he plotted a course of economic recovery for Ohio.

Report Advises Ohio How to Shore Up Unemployment Fund (2008-07-14)
A report released today advises Ohio to make a number of adjustments to keep its unemployment fund from going bankrupt.

Conventioneers Await Candidate Appearances. (2008-07-14)
Members of the NAACP are looking forward to hearing from Barack Obama tonight at their annual convention in Cincinnati. The man on track to become a major party's first black presidential nominee will make his case directly to the civil rights group,

Workers Accuse DHL of Antitrust Violations (2008-07-14)
Six weeks ago, DHL announced plans to close down its Wilmington based overnight delivery service and move to Kentucky taking between 6,000 and 9,000 jobs with it.

Fellow POW In North Vietnam Now Campaigns For Senator McCain . (2008-07-14)
Among the nearly 2,400 delegates headed to the Republican National Convention in September is a retiree from Lancaster who has ties to candidate John McCain dating back 40 years, to 1968. Neither could imagine their role in this year's bid for the White House.

Columbus Federal Jury Finds Racial Discrimination. (2008-07-11)
A jury has awarded about $10,000,000 in damages to nearly 70 residents near Zanesville who argued that they were denied public water service for nearly 50 years because they are black.

Columbus Mayor's streetcar dream still alive (2008-07-11)
The Columbus Dispatch reported Friday that Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman's streetcar proposal is "off-line." WOSU with the mayor's Urban Ventures Coordinator, Mike Brown, who said Coleman's streetcar dream has not been derailed. Click the listen icon to hear the interview.

Coal Industry Wary Of Obama. (2008-07-11)
Barack Obama is coming back to Ohio today, to discuss what he calls his plan for "a secure energy future." When he appears at a town hall meeting in Dayton, the Democratic presidential hopeful will bring a proposal to cap carbon emissions and boost investment in renewable energies.

State Lawmakers Take On Pit Bull Controversy. (2008-07-11)
Pit bulls have been blamed in a few very serious attacks in Ohio in recent weeks. In Lorain, a five year old boy was hospitalized after an attack by a pit bull. And last month, pit bulls mauled a Youngstown boy, bit a 12 year old Cincinnati boy 16 times, and went after two suburban Columbus postal workers. But the problem pit bulls present is so difficult that two lawmakers with opposite views are teaming up to deal with it.

New Downtown TIF will benefit only Downtown area; Other states do it differently (2008-07-10)
Columbus City Council approved another TIF district that's supposed to help with Downtown's revitalization. WOSU took a deeper look into the TIF structure and how one other state handles TIFs.

McCain Makes Fifth Visit to Ohio in Four Months (2008-07-10)
John McCain appealed to conservative voters in Portsmouth, Ohio.

Trains Can Provide Options for Commuters (2008-07-09)
Passenger rail is a big part of Ohio's history and some are hoping it will also play a role in Ohio's future. The Ohio Hub project would link Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland to much of the nation by rail. Governor Strickland supports the plan, but as WOSU's Lauren Schmoll reports... It will still face many challenges.

Portsmouth Readies For Candidate Visit. (2008-07-09)
Republican John McCain is returning to Ohio, bringing his presidential campaign to the southern part of the state. Wednesday's town hall meeting at the Portsmouth High School gym comes less than two weeks after the candidate's last trip to Ohio.

Sentence Is Pending In Ohio Workers Comp Case. (2008-07-08)
A federal court is hoping to wrap up what a judge has described as the longest sentencing hearing he has ever seen. The sentence is expected Tuesday for investment adviser Mark Lay, who was convicted of fraud charges in the loss of $216 million at the Ohio Bureau of Workers'Compensation.

Southern Ohio Monitors Spread Of Kudzu. (2008-07-08)
Long synonymous with the Deep South, Kudzu may now be creeping its way north. The fast growing vine, which is native to Japan, has been growing for decades in parts of southern Ohio, but climate change may make the state even more hospitable to kudzu in coming decades. Though it isn't yet the scourge here that it is in the South, efforts are under way to make Ohio Kudzu-free.

Hedge Fund Founder Gets 12 Years in Prison in Ohio BWC Fraud Case (2008-07-08)
An investment adviser has been sentenced to 12 years in prison on fraud charges related to the loss of $216 million in a hedge fund at the state agency for injured workers.

Cardinal Health Cutting 600 Jobs Including 90 in Central Ohio (2008-07-08)
Health care products and services company
Cardinal Health says it will cut 600 jobs as it streamlines its business into two primary segments.

Out-of-state Veterans to Pay In-state Tuition in Ohio (2008-07-08)
Ohio now allows out-of-state veterans to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities.

Energy Prices a Key Issue in Race Between Kilroy, Stivers (2008-07-08)
High gasoline prices have become a major theme in the race for Ohio's 15th Congressional district. Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy,(D) and State Senator Steve Stivers,(R) have both developed their own energy plans.

Empathy Deficity Disorder; Not a true disorder, but a big problem (2008-07-07)
There's a new disorder out there and you may have it. It's called empathy deficit disorder. But don't go running off to the doctor just yet. EDD is not a "real" psychological disorder - it's more of a cultural one.

Environmentalist group protests AMP-Ohio; protesters arrested (2008-07-07)
An environmental activist group protested American Municipal Power of Ohio just off of 1-670 in Columbus Monday. The group said AMP-Ohio, which is planning several coal-fired projects in southern Ohio, is "making a bad decision for its member communities."

Veterans Group Begins T-V Ad Campaign In Ohio. (2008-07-07)
Republican John McCain, who has made support for President Bush's troop buildup in Iraq the centerpiece of his presidential campaign, is getting help from a veterans group launching a national TV ad campaign this week.

Independence Means Hope (2008-07-07)
The recent 4th of July celebration gives us time to look back and to appreciate all the freedoms we have. WOSU commentator Jerolyn Barbee says we should also use the holiday to renew our hope in the American Dream.

Columbus Housing Partnership Awaits Senate Vote On Mortgage Relief. (2008-07-07)
A pending Senate bill offers $300,000,000,000 in mortgage help to borrowers and lenders. The bill also allocates nearly $4,000,000,000 to rehabilitate homes in older neighborhoods. The Columbus Housing Partnership says it hopes to get some of that money.

Ohio Child Protection Agencies Try a New Way of Dealing with Cases of Child Abuse and Neglect (2008-07-07)
The state of Ohio now has a new tool for dealing with cases of child abuse and neglect.

Columbus Symphony players to put on two summer pops concerts (2008-07-03)
For months Columbus Symphony Orchestra musicians and management have battled about the symphony's budget. Recently the summer pops concerts were canceled and it's uncertain if there will be a symphony at all next season. Columbus Symphony Orchestra Committee chair Jim Akins said in an effort to keep the music alive and help raise funds for lost wages the musicians decided to put on a couple of their own pops shows. Click on the listen icon to hear the interview.

Safety Activists Want To Ban Backyard Fireworks (2008-07-03)
This July 4th holiday, in backyards throughout the state, thousands of Ohioans will be lighting sparklers, snaps, snakes, and other devices that are legal to use here....and thousands will also be igniting firecrackers, bottle rockets, and other fireworks that are illegal to use here. If some safety activists get their way, it will be against the law to sell any of those items in Ohio.

Ohio Hedge Fund Investor Faces Prison Term. (2008-07-03)
An investment adviser will learn his sentence for fraud charges related to $216 million in hedge fund losses at Ohio's agency for injured workers. A federal judge in Akron on Thursday will sentence Mark Lay, chief executive and founder of the now defunct MDL Capital Management of Pittsburgh.

Ohio Treasurer Wants Changes In Credit Card Rules. (2008-07-03)
Thousands of people in deep financial trouble claim credit cards are their reason for ruin, blaming skyrocketing fees, changing interest rates and shortened payment periods. Now, Ohio's treasurer says people need to come forward to try to change the rules that control credit cards.

Advocates Want Changes To Ohio Purchase Policies. (2008-07-02)
Some unions, religious and social advocacy groups say Ohio is using taxpayer dollars to support sweatshops overseas.

"No Refusal Weekend" in Columbus (2008-07-02)
Columbus police plan to spend the holiday weekend cracking down on drunk drivers. From July 3rd through the 5th, police will have extra traffic officers working overtime, and those suspected of driving under the influence may face additional consequences.

Candidate Kilroy Wants All Alternative Fuel Cars by 2020 (2008-07-02)
Members of Congress and the President are trading blame for rising gas prices. President Bush says Congress continues to block offshore oil drilling. In Columbus Wednesday Illinois Congressman Rahm Emanuel says Mr. Bush forced Congress to block programs that Democrats believe would lead to energy independence.

Obama Discusses Faith In Southeast Ohio (2008-07-02)
Standing on the steps of a Zanesville food pantry, Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama yesterday unveiled his plan to strengthen ties between the White House and faith-based groups. Obama says he wants to expand a Bush Administration program to help fight poverty and meet emergency needs.

Workers Rally To Save Jobs (2008-07-01)
A group of workers and citizens has presented DHL with petitions urging the package delivery company not to move work and thousands of jobs away from its hub in Wilmington.

Arts, Social Studies Advocates Want More Classtime. (2008-07-01)
State lawmakers and education leaders say high-tech businesses are blooming, so it's time to focus on educating kids in science, technology, engineering and math - otherwise known as the STEM curriculum. But advocates for the arts, social studies and other courses say the classes shouldn't be cut to give STEM room to grow.

Franklin County Commission Funds Summer Music Lessons. (2008-07-01)
Franklin County Commissioners spend most of their $314,000,000 General Fund budget on justice and public safety. But, they also provide $28,000 for free lesson on piano, guitar and other stringed instruments for children in low-income families.

Obama Campaigns Today In Zanesville (2008-07-01)
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama highlights food and hunger issues today when he plans to visit an eastern Ohio agency providing food, clothing and other services to needy families.

Senator Voinovich Presses For Energy Changes (2008-07-01)
U.S. Sen. George Voinovich of Ohio calls it "insane" that America spent more than $327,000,000,000 to import oil last year and that about one fifth of the money went to Iran.

Advocates Question Ohio's Focus On Science And Math Curricula. (2008-06-30)
State and national educators have moved to boost the amount of classroom time studnets get in science, engineering, technology and math. But advocates say they're worried other courses and disciplines are being pushed aside to allow the so-called STEM classes to grow.

How Are the Children? - A Question We Should Ask (2008-06-30)
This time of year, people with children often ask, or are asked the question : "What are the kids doing this summer?" WOSU commentator Elizabeth Martinez says we should ask another question.

Ohio Farmers Count Blessings (2008-06-30)
Some Ohio farmers who thought their harvest would suffer because corn and soybean planting was delayed by wet spring weather say at least they will have a crop.

Ancient Cranberry Bog is Unique and Endangered (2008-06-28)
Buckeye Lake is home to an ancient piece of property that goes largely unnoticed by the casual visitor.

Economic Stimulus Checks Might Be Diverted by State or Federal Authorities (2008-06-28)
Parents who owe back child support payments or Ohioans who owe the state back taxes are finding they are not getting that economic stimulus check that was promised by Uncle Sam.

Gambling Critics Mobilize For Fall Campaign. (2008-06-27)
Critics of expanded gambling in Ohio are getting re-organized,again. Three times over the past 18 years, they've successfully mobilized voters to reject proposals to legalize gambling. Now, they're organizing to try to block yet another gambling ballot issue, One that would authorize a single mammoth casino and resort in Clinton County.

More Rain In Ohio Brings Minor Flooding (2008-06-27)
Flooding has closed Interstate 70 east of Columbus, following more rain overnight coming on top of several inches that fell Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The State Highway Patrol said Friday that traffic in both directions is being detoured at state Route 79 just north of Buckeye Lake.

Chrysler Temporarily Shuts Down Toledo Plant. (2008-06-27)
Chrysler is shutting down production of the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro for two months at its Toledo assembly plant. United Auto Workers officials say slow sales forced the move.

McCain Campaigns for Second Day in Ohio (2008-06-27)
John McCain addresses energy policy and courts voters in town hall meetings.

Biologists Re-introduce Mussel Species To Big Darby Creek. (2008-06-27)
1700 former Pennsylvania 'residents' are settling into their new homes in the bed of the Big Darby Creek. In a partnership with Battelle Darby Metroparks and the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio State University researchers waded into the Big Darby Creek Wednesday to transplant 1700 Northern Riffleshell Mussels.

Severe Weather Knocks Out Power For Thousands In Central Ohio. (2008-06-26)
For many across central Ohio, a dark morning with no power has followed a night filled with the noise of thunder and tornado sirens.

A Fight for the Christian Vote in Ohio (2008-06-25)
New poll shows religious Ohioans voting more independent, less Republican.

Ohio Governor Pares Spending With Selective Vetoes. (2008-06-25)
Governor Ted Strickland has again thwarted the Legislature's intent to use part of the state's $1,100,000,000 rainy day fund to pay for programs outside what he sees as appropriate use for the money.

Portsmouth Man Faces Legal Trouble For Rock Removal. (2008-06-25)
An Ohio man is facing trial in Kentucky for taking an 8-ton rock out of the Ohio River. That boulder is considered an artifact on both sides of the river, and the situation is rocking officials in both states.

Kroger and USDA Issue Recall for Ground Beef (2008-06-25)
The USDA late Wednesday issued a recall regarding ground beef sold by Kroger.

Insurance Industry Warns Against "Chop Shops" (2008-06-25)
You'd think with Lojack, On-star and global positioning satellites, car thievery would be a dying industry. But experts say its not.

E.coli cases linked to one source; Investigators hunt for supplier (2008-06-25)
Investigators continue to look for the source of the E.coli outbreak that has sickened about three dozen people in Ohio and Michigan. Ground beef is one source. The Ohio Departments of Health and Agriculture say a sample of ground beef that tested positive for E-coli is linked genetically to the strain that made people sick. The next step is to find out the meat's original source.

Governor Seeks State Savings through Group Discounts (2008-06-25)
Gov. Ted Strickland has ordered state agencies to buy paper clips, airplane propellers and all other supplies as a group when possible, which could save up to $72 million a year.

Ground Beef Linked to E. Coli (2008-06-25)
Ohio Department of Health officials say a raw ground beef sample linked to an E. coli case in Ohio has tested positive for the bacteria. A Kroger spokeswoman says some of the beef was in Michigan and Ohio stores in late May and is no longer on store shelves.

Study: Demand for Mass Transit Rising Sharply (2008-06-25)
A new study shows Ohioans who received economic stimulus checks from the federal government probably spent most of that money on gasoline.

Ohio Attorney General Examines Company Move To Eliminate Jobs. (2008-06-24)
Ohio is launching an examination of whether a proposal by package delivery company DHL would violate antitrust laws.

Ohio Boy Scout Dies on Hiking Trip (2008-06-23)
Authorities say an 11-year-old boy has died after collapsing on a hiking trip with his Boy Scout troop.

Columbus - Sometimes Being in the Middle Isn't Bad (2008-06-23)
It's been said Columbus has always had a bit of an inferiority complex - a feeling of inadequacy when compared to Cleveland and Cincinnati. Historian and WOSU commentator Ed Lentz traces the roots of these feelings.

Libertarians to Take Ballot Complaint to Federal Court (2008-06-23)
Five months before election day, Ohio Libertarians are heading to federal court.

Federal Court Asks Ohio Supreme Court to look at RU-486 Law (2008-06-23)
Federal judges in Cincinnati want the Ohio Supreme Court to clarify a state law restricting the use of a bill that induces abortion that was supposed to go into effect in 2004.

Congressional Hopeful Kilroy Pushes Alternative Energy (2008-06-23)
Democrat Franklin County Commissioner and 15th Congressional District candidate Mary Jo Kilroy said the U.S. Congress and everyday people need to step up to help with global warming and the energy crisis.

Ohio Gas Prices Average More Than $4 Per Gallon (2008-06-23)
Ohio gasoline prices have crossed a new threshold and are now averaging more than $4 a gallon. The statewide cost for regular hit a new all-time high on Sunday, averaging $4.02 according to AAA and the Oil Price Information Service.

Buffers Help Keep Big Darby Clean (2008-06-23)
A new Franklin County initiative to maintain buffer zones along the creek and its tributaries aims to help keep the Big Darby healthy.

Franklin County Moves To Further Protect Big Darby Creek. (2008-06-23)
The Big Darby Creek is one of the cleanest aquatic ecosystems of its size in the Midwest. A new Franklin County initiative to maintain buffer zones along the creek and its tributaries aims to help the Big Darby stay environmentally healthy.

Report says Ohio Teacher Burned "Crosses" on Students' Arms (2008-06-20)
An outside investigation concludes that a popular Mount Vernon public school teacher taught creationism in his science class and was insubordinate for failing to remove a Bible from his classroom. The report about Mount Vernon Middle School teacher John Freshwater was discussed Friday during a special meeting of the local board of education.

High Fuel Prices Stir Interest in Travel by Rail (2008-06-20)
The high price of gasoline is bad news for drivers but good news for public transportation.

Mt. Vernon School Board Fires Science Teacher. (2008-06-20)
The Mount Vernon school board voted 5-0 today to pass a resolution of intent to terminate the contract of middle school teacher John Freshwater.

Historic Lincoln Theatre improvements coming along nicely (2008-06-20)
The revitalization of the Lincoln Theatre on East Long Street is moving ahead as planned. The 80 year-old-theatre is set to re-open in April next year. The Lincoln will combine 21st Century amenities with its old-time style.

State Jobless Rate up Sharply in May (2008-06-20)
The state says Ohio's unemployment rate was 6.3% in May, up from 5.6% in April.

As Gas Prices Soar, Some Commuters Turn to the Bus (2008-06-19)
An official with the Central Ohio Transit Authority says high gasoline prices are causing more people to ride the bus.

Disgraced Ohio Atty. General Mentors Other Attorneys General (2008-06-19)
The former Ohio attorney general who resigned after saying he was not prepared for office is now part of a group that mentors attorneys general across the country.

City Bond Package Would Pay for Basics (2008-06-19)
Columbus voters now know exactly how the city plans to spend almost $1.7 billion it wants to borrow. The list of projects is not too fancy.

Attorney General Rejects Ballot Wording from Payday Lenders (2008-06-19)
Ohio Attorney General Nancy Rogers has rejected proposed language for a ballot issue to repeal the state's tough new regulations on payday lenders.

Challenge Possible of Plans to Draw Blood from Repeat Drunken Drivers (2008-06-19)
Later this year, police in Ohio might have the power to forcibly take blood from suspected repeat drunk drivers.

Is Central Ohio's Flood Control Adequate? (2008-06-18)
Flooding along the Mississippi River has already caused 1-point-5 billion dollars in damage. With more and more levees failing, more devastation is expected. Central Ohio's levee system - and the Scioto River - are small in comparison. But is major flooding possible here?

Judge Strikes Down Ohio Law for Second Time (2008-06-18)
A judge has struck down a law that limits the amount contractors can give to the political campaigns of officials with whom they do business.

Ohioans Will Likely Pay More for Corn-related Products (2008-06-18)
Ohio has been spared the record flooding in Iowa and elsewhere, but residents will still pay higher prices for corn products.

Poll: Obama Has Modest Lead over McCain in Ohio (2008-06-18)
A new poll puts Barack Obama a few points ahead of John McCain among Ohioans likely to vote for president in November.

New Rules on Ohio Utility Shutoffs Coming (2008-06-17)
The state is already preparing for the prospect that Ohioans will have difficulty paying the hefty natural gas bills that are expected next winter. The state consumers' counsel says regulators are likely to issue new rules soon on when and how utilities can cut off a customer.

Nurses Protest to Gain More Help (2008-06-17)
Ohio hospitals would be required to hire more nurses, under a plan proposed by one nurse's union.

E. Coli Hits Central Ohio (2008-06-17)
Twelve cases of E. Coli have been confirmed in central Ohio. WOSU talks with Delaware General Health about what they're doing to prevent more cases.

Despite Settlement, Sheriff Sees No Need for Additional Training (2008-06-17)
Two-and-a-half years ago Franklin County Sheriff's Deputies fatally shot a Somali immigrant suffering from a psychotic episode. The county reached a settlement with the man's family. Part of that settlement includes additional training for deputies.

Columbus Police: Two Brothers Responsible for 31 Air Conditioner Thefts (2008-06-16)
Columbus police say evidence linking two brothers to several thefts of air conditioning units in the northeast part of the city will be presented to a grand jury.

Logan Washboard Festival Helps Keep Unique Music Alive (2008-06-16)
In 1999 the Columbus Washboard Company moved from Columbus to Logan. Soon after the move to southeast Ohio, Logan began hosting the annual washboard festival.

Solution to High Gas Prices: Energy Independence (2008-06-16)
We may get some relief from high gas prices soon. Saudi Arabia has announced it plans to boost oil production next month. WOSU Commentator Michael Ivey says, it's about time and he also says it's time we weaned ourselves from our dependence on foreign oil.

New payday lending law includes online short-term lenders (2008-06-16)
Ohioans seeking a short-term or payday loan may be hard pressed to get one come September when House Bill 545 takes effect.

Ohio's Unemployment Compensation Fund Running out of Money (2008-06-16)
If Ohio lawmakers fail to take action, the fund that provides benefits to jobless residents will run out of money.

Settlement Reached in Shooting Death of Mentally Ill Somali Man (2008-06-16)
The family of a mentally ill Somali man fatally shot by Franklin County Sheriff's deputies has reached a settlement with the County.

Columbus Leaders Want Change In Transportation. (2008-06-15)
When Columbus City Council recently approved a multi-million dollar plan to expand bike paths, Public Service Director Mark Kelsey quipped the city was moving away from a "car-centric" road system. But, any major shift will require lots of public money and an adjustment in many driver's mindset.

Investigation Begins At Ohio Attorney General's Office (2008-06-13)
Ohio's new Democratic attorney general has told her staff that a bipartisan panel headed by a former federal judge has met to begin an internal probe of the office.

Sky-high Gas Prices Prompt Protest (2008-06-13)
he AFL-CIO is using sky-high gasoline prices to bash Republican presidential candidate John McCain. In fact, the labor federation's affiliate called Working America is staging 12 protests across Ohio

Toledo Jury Convicts Three in Plot to Kill U.S. Troops (2008-06-13)
Three men in Toledo have been convicted of plotting to kill U.S. soldiers in Iraq.

Possible trash collection fee not popular among residents (2008-06-12)
It's been roughly 60 years since the city of Columbus charged residents to pick up their garbage. But with less revenue coming to the city, a trash collection fee could be imposed.

Open Line schedule: Week of June 9 - 13, 2008 (2008-06-11)
Mon., 6/9. 10:00: The future of journalism in the U.S. 11:00. Women's wit and humor.
Tues., 6/10 10:00: America's hidden history. 11:00: Why many Americans today describe themselves as spiritual, not "religious."
Wed., 6/11 10:00: Open forum. 11:00: U.S. foreign policy
Thurs., 6/12 10:00: The U.S. Constitution. 11:00: Birds in our neighborhood and in the wild.
Fri., 6/13 10:00: Words and the adventure of language. 11:00: The great outdoors in Ohio

Columbus School District Levy Committee to Present Findings to School Board (2008-06-11)
Members of the Columbus School district levy millage committee is preparing the present to the Board of Education the results of its research into levy options for the school district.

Four infants die in past week after "co-sleeping" with parents (2008-06-11)
In the last week, four Franklin County infants have died after co-sleeping with adults. The county coroner is alerting parents to the dangers that come with co-sleeping.

Columbus Bar Faces Escalating Fines over Smoking Charges (2008-06-11)
The Columbus health Department will determine whether a local bar has violated the state's no-smoking law. If so, it would not be the first time.

Governor Endorses Cordray for Attorney General (2008-06-11)
Gov. Ted Strickland has endorsed state Treasurer Richard Cordray to be the Democrats' choice for attorney general.

Columbus Council Approves Bicycle Routes (2008-06-10)
At a time when high gasoline prices are making bicycling more popular, Columbus is planning a major expansion in bike paths. The city council has approved a $20,000,000 plan calling for 100 miles of new bike lanes and trails by the city's 200th birthday in 2012.

Ohio Approves Great Lakes Compact (2008-06-10)
Ohio lawmakers Tuesday moved to make the state the sixth to approve an agreement aimed at protecting the Great Lakes.

Former Ohio First Lady helps elderly woman get home painted (2008-06-10)
When it's time to put a fresh coat of paint on the house, many home owners say "gimme a ladder and a brush." But for those who are elderly or low-income, keeping up a home is not quite as simple. Former Ohio first lady Hope Taft stepped in and helped a woman who was in this very predicament.

Governor Expected to Endorse Treasurer to be Attorney General (2008-06-10)
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland Wednesday is expected to endorse state Treasurer Richard Cordray for attorney general.

Angry Woman Allegedly Assaults Police Officers (2008-06-10)
A woman was arraigned Tuesday on charges she assaulted two police officers Monday night at Columbus City Hall. The woman was part of a group planning to protest at a city council meeting the police shooting on Friday of a 31-year-old man.

Defense Gives Closing Arguments In Ohio Trial Of Accused Terrorists. (2008-06-10)
A defense attorney in the trial of three men in Toledo accused of plotting attacks on U.S. soldiers in Iraq says the defendants would have never met if it weren't for an FBI informant. Attorney Stephen Hartman says the informant secretly recorded the men and created the illusion of a conspiracy.

Credit Unions Look to Fill In Gap if Payday Lenders Leave Ohio (2008-06-10)
The payday lending industry is threatening to pull out of Ohio after passage of tough new regulations covering short term loans.

Ohio Judge Rules In Lethal Injection Case. (2008-06-10)
A judge in northern Ohio has ruled that Ohio must stop using two of the three drugs administered in lethal injections. Today's ruling from Lorain County Common Pleas Judge James Burge comes in the case of two murder defendants who say the state's execution method doesn't provide the quick and painless death required by Ohio law.

Some Cities and One National Company Take Airm at Plastic Bags (2008-06-09)
Customers often have a decision to make at the grocery store check-out - "paper or plastic?"

Columbus Copes With Hydrant Openings (2008-06-09)
Columbus fire officials say the early summer heat in Ohio has brought the early arrival of an annual summer problem: illegally opened fire hydrants. Battalion Chief Doug Smith says in the last three days, Columbus firefighters have had to respond to more than 70 hydrants that were turned into fountains.

Columbus Advocate for Homeless Knows "Life in Trenches" (2008-06-09)
Erika Clark Jones is wrapping up her third month as the director of Homeless and Social Services for the city of Columbus.

'08 Columbus Arts Festival Underway (2008-06-06)
The 47th annual Columbus Arts Festival opens today for a three-day run. The festival is filled with music and poetry. Several hundred artists will display their work in wood, glass, precious metals, tile and pottery, fabrics, painting and photography.

Ohio Voters Might Decide the Future of Payday Lenders (2008-06-05)
The controversy continues over short term loan operations in Ohio, despite passage of one of the nation's toughest regulations of the payday lending industry.

Senator Brown Endorses Obama (2008-06-05)
During the past week many democrats have switched sides in support of the presumptive democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. Senator Sherrod Brown, who remained neutral throughout the primary season, has made his endorsement.

State Senator Stivers touts gas plan to create better security (2008-06-05)
As gas prices continue to hover around $4 a gallon, the Republican candidate for the 15th congressional district seat, Steve Stivers, said he has a plan that will make the U.S. more self-sufficient and safer.

Biofuel Production Raises Concerns Over Deforestation (2008-06-04)
As Ohio prepares to invest millions of dollars in development of bioproducts to increase jobs, environmentalists consider ways to identify and measure the downside of such a move.

Tornado Watch Extended as Storms Pound Central, Southern Ohio (2008-06-04)
A tornado watch has been extended until 4 p.m. across central and southern Ohio while thunderstorms continue to pummel the region.

Statewide smoking ban violators get a say (2008-06-04)
It's been a year since the statewide smoking ban took effect. Wednesday the Columbus Health Department began holding hearings for businesses that have been charged with violating the smoke-free workplace law.

Study: Columbus Downtown Can Support More Retail. (2008-06-04)
A Columbus retail analyst says as City Center empties the city's downtown is now a wide open field for retailers. The new study estimates untapped buying potential of nearly $300,000,000.

Ohio Supreme Court: Private Clubs Covered by Smoking Ban (2008-06-04)
The Ohio Supreme Court has rejected an appeal to exempt veterans halls and other private clubs from the state's smoking ban.

New Poll Shows Ohioans Pessimism About Economy. (2008-06-04)
As headlines blare word of more and more job layoffs, a new poll finds Ohioans pessimistic about the state's economy.

Governor: Ohio Poised to Be a Leader in Biofuels (2008-06-03)
Dozens of researchers from across the country are gathered in Columbus this week to talk about their efforts to turn crops into something that's not edible but IS useful.

Ohio A-G Makes Moves To Avoid Possible Conflict-of-Interest (2008-06-03)
Ohio Attorney General Nancy Rogers says she's making personnel changes in her office to avoid possible conflicts of interest.

Worthington man pleads guilty to conspiracy to commit terrorist acts (2008-06-03)
A Worthington man Tuesday pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to conspiring to commit violent jihad against Americans.

Local theater group explores The Exquisite Art of Aging (2008-06-03)
A group of Central Ohio women explore aging through writing and theater.

More High School Academic Stars Choose Out-of-State Colleges (2008-06-03)
Ohio educators say more of this year's class of high-achieving high school seniors are heading to colleges and universities out of state. Jefferson Blackburn-Smith of Ohio State's undergraduate admissions office says all the state's public colleges are worried about the trend.

Postal Workers Petition To Save Jobs. (2008-06-02)
The American Postal Workers Union is organizing opposition to an air freight carrier's plan that could eliminate 6,000 jobs in Wilmington. The union held a forum Sunday to discuss the announcement that DHL wants to hire United Parcel Service to take over U.S. air transport of DHL packages.

Teen Curfew Enforcement Begins June 5th (2008-06-02)
Starting June 5th, the city of Columbus will crack down on young people who violate the city's decades old curfew. Mayor Coleman says that children 17 years of age or younger who are picked up by police for being on the streets after hours will be taken to the YMCA. It's a move he says that's meant to keep children safe and off the streets.'

Newspaper carriers feel the pain at the pump, too (2008-06-02)
No one is immune to the rising cost of fuel. Truck drivers are hit hard, long commuters feel the pinch at the pump, and so do newspaper carriers. At least one Columbus Dispatch delivery person decided to call it quits after gas prices kept eating away at his profits.

Want to Solve Poverty? Look to Poor for Answers (2008-06-02)
A new study indicates Ohio's poverty is at its highest level since the mid-60's. Governor Strickland is looking to reduce poverty. WOSU commentator Jerolyn Barbee says the governor, and others, should seek solutions from the poor themselves.

Worthington man accused of helping al-Qaida agrees to plead guilty (2008-06-02)
A Worthington man accused of helping a terrorist group has agreed to plead guilty. He's set to make his plea in Federal Court Tuesday.

Law Enforcement Agencies Target Columbus Metro Area (2008-05-30)
The Ohio Highway Patrol and Columbus area law enforcement agencies are launching six weeks of stepped up enforcement on Monday.

Ohio C-diff Figures Difficult to Find (2008-05-30)
A study out this week says the number of hospitalizations with the intestinal superbug known as C-diff has doubled in recent years, and the percentage of people dying from C-diff is also doubling.

Prison Workers Picket over Job Cuts (2008-05-30)
About 20 prisons workers Friday picketed the Corrections medical Center south of Columbus.

6000 Job Cuts Possible in Southwest Ohio (2008-05-30)
Southwest Ohio is bracing for massive job losses as one of its biggest employers is set to axe 6000 jobs.

Audit of Former Attorney General Seeks Reimbursement (2008-05-30)
An audit of former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann's campaign expenses asks him to reimburse his campaign for roughly $33,500 he spent to install security features at his home.

Soup Kitchen Closed After Theft (2008-05-29)
A Franklinton Soup Kitchen that serves thousands of needy each month remained closed Thursday after compressors were stolen from a walk-in freezer.

Ohio State Part of National Consortium Studying Ways to More Quickly Move Medical Research from Labs to Patients (2008-05-29)
Ohio State University has been awarded $34 million to help find ways to reduce the time it takes to move medical research from the lab to the physician's office.

Columbus Symphony not alone in plight; Jacksonville orchestra suffered lock-outs (2008-05-29)
After months of getting nowhere in negotiations with the Columbus Symphony board, the musicians are looking for support from local government to keep the orchestra alive. The musicians have asked Governor Strickland, Mayor Coleman and Columbus City Council to support non-binding mediation to help reach an agreement. Other orchestras have faced similar financial problems. The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra in Florida recently overcame its own labor battle.

Ohio Lawmakers Fail to Agree on Plan to Proect Great Lakes (2008-05-29)
A plan to remove Ohio as the last roadblock to finishing an agreement among the Great Lakes states to protect their water has run into a barrier - again.

Metal Thieves Force Temporary Closure Of Popular Soup Kitchen (2008-05-29)
One of the city's most popular soup kitchens has been forced to temporarily close. Metal thieves took compressors from walk-in refrigerators and forced the Holy Family soup kitchen to throw away thousands of dollars in food for some of the city's hungry.

Commuters turn to COTA as gas prices rise (2008-05-29)
Many Central Ohio commuters are turning to public transportation to ease the pain of rising gas prices. So far this year, the Central Ohio Transit Authority reports a 7.6 percent passenger increase compared to last year. And in the last couple months, COTA ridership has jumped by double digits.

Strickland Taps OSU Law School Dean as New AG (2008-05-28)
Governor Strickland has tapped the Dean of Ohio State University's Law School as the state's new attorney general. Nancy Rogers was sworn in this morning. She replaces Marc Dann who resigned earlier this month amid a sexual harassment scandal.

Reversal of Political Endorsement Raises Questions For John McCain (2008-05-28)
Now that Republican presidential candidate John McCain has rejected the endorsement of Ohio televangelist Rod Parsley, and Parsley has withdrawn his endorsement of McCain, a key political question arises: Will the incident make it harder for McCain to win the votes of the evangelical Christian conservatives that Parsley helps to lead?

Unlikely Partners Back Climate Change Bill (2008-05-28)
A group of unlikely partners in Ohio has come together to support tougher environmental regulations. It urges Congress to pass the Climate Security Act. The group also wants Ohio to become a leader in alternative energy industries.

Ohio Senate Approves Jobs Creation Package (2008-05-28)
The Ohio Senate has given its approval to a $1.57 billion job creation package.

Kids Show Support for Columbus Symphony (2008-05-28)
A lot of business executives and community leaders are trying to rally support to save the financially strapped Columbus Symphony Orchestra. But it's not just middle aged adults trying to save the orchestra. WOSU's Christopher Purdy has the story of the group - Kids with Passion - which wants the CSO to live on.

Longtime leader of Ohio's public schools to resign (2008-05-28)
Ohio schools Superintendent Susan Tave Zelman has announced she intends to resign.

Trial Begins For Ohio Marine (2008-05-28)
In San Diego today, a Marine intelligence officer from Ohio faces trial on charges of obstruction of justice and making false statements during an investigation into the killings of 24 Iraqis. The court-martial of 1st Lt. Andrew Grayson of Springboro near Dayton is the first case to come to trial in the biggest U.S. criminal case involving civilian deaths to come out of the Iraq war.

Ohio Colleges Report Fewer Freshman Applications. (2008-05-27)
Ohio colleges are waiting to see if the sluggish economy will lead to smaller freshman class sizes in the fall. Officials worry that some students who already have been accepted will pull out at the last minute because they can't come up with enough tuition money.

GCAC Funding for Columbus Symphony "Tabled" (2008-05-27)
The Greater Columbus Arts Council allocated several million dollars in arts funding today. Absent from the list of organizations receiving grants - the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

Columbus Symphony board and players hold more talks but gain little ground (2008-05-27)
Columbus Symphony Orchestra musicians and board members are considering their next steps in negotiations to keep the CSO operating. The two sides met Monday for another round of bargaining. The meeting came almost a week after musicians held a news conference to present a plan that would add "in-kind" donations to the budget's bottom line.

Is Technology Too Ubiquitous? (2008-05-26)
A new study indicates that texting - the art of punching truncated words into a cell phone - can actually improve children's literacy. A British professor says texting encourages kids to use their imaginations to come up with creative abbreviations. WOSU Commentator Elizabeth Martinez, says new technology might encourage some creativity.. but it can stifle social interaction.

Events Around Central Ohio Remember Veterans and Their Families (2008-05-26)
On the square in downtown Newark this afternoon, veterans and other volunteers read the names of 880 men who lost their lives in service from the Mexican War to the present.

Ohio House Votes To Eliminate 2,700 State Jobs. (2008-05-23)
The Ohio House has passed a bill authorizing state budget cuts that would eliminate up to 2,700 state jobs through attrition, layoffs and early retirements.

Asian Festival to raise money for Myanmar and China natural disaster victims (2008-05-23)
Volunteers at Franklin Park were there early today getting ready for the Asian Festival that's expected to draw in thousands of people. And this year's festival will focus on more than just fun. It will be a fund-raising venue for the natural disaster victims in Myanmar and China.

New bill in legislature to expand Inspector General's power (2008-05-23)
There's a new bill in the Ohio legislature that would give the state's inspector general authority to investigate the state's top office holders. Some lawmakers say this bill is needed to make sure there's a way to keep elected statewide leaders accountable for their actions.

GOP presidential candidate John McCain rejects another evangelical endorsement (2008-05-23)
Republican presidential candidate John McCain is now rejecting the endorsement he'd received months ago from Ohio televangelist Rod Parsley.

New Ohio poll: Hillary leads McCain, Obama trails (2008-05-22)
A new poll continues to suggest that Hilliary Clinton would do better than Barack Obama against John McCain in Ohio and other eastern swing states.

Age Progression Photo Seeks to Find Woman Missing 50 Years (2008-05-22)
National Missing Children's Day is this Sunday. Each year Ohio law enforcement receives thousands of reports about missing young people. One of the tools experts are using is a technique called age progression' - it's an artist's rendering that represents the appearance of a child as he or she ages. Recently Central Ohio residents received a missing person notice that uses the technique.

Carmakers respond to rising demands for fuel efficient cars (2008-05-22)
Higher fuel prices are driving more people to choose vehicles that get higher gas mileage. And car makers - including Honda in Marysville - are scrambling to keep up. The factory shut down production Thrusday and Friday to adjust inventory levels.

Grocery Store Opens In Near East Side Neighborhood. (2008-05-22)
On East Main Street in Columbus, a new grocery store opened Wednesday. The Sav-a-Lot store will try to make a profit in an area that other grocers abandoned years ago.

Ohio Governor Evaluates Possible Replacements For Attorney General. (2008-05-22)
Democratic Governor Ted Strickland says he is evaluating about 40 people as possible replacements for former Attorney General Marc Dann.

Ohio House Votes For Jobs Plan (2008-05-22)
The Ohio House of Representatives has approved a two-pronged plan to create jobs while boosting high-tech research, paying for highway improvements, and funding college internships. If state senators add their okay, Ohio voters will help decide part of the plan.

Magazine Details Rise and Fall of Skybus (2008-05-21)
The June issue of Columbus C.E.O. carries a feature story on the rise and fall of Columbus-based Skybus Airlines.

Ohio Supreme Court Upholds 134 Year Sentence (2008-05-21)
The Ohio Supreme Court upheld a 134 year prison term handed down by a Columbus Judge against one of the so-called German Village home invaders. The attorney for the man convicted in the case plans to ask the justices to reconsider.

Dump truck driver charged in death of Hilliard crossing guard (2008-05-20)
Police in Hilliard have charged the driver of a dump truck that struck and killed a crossing guard who tried to protect an 8-year-old boy from getting hit

Columbus Symphony musicians make budget proposal hoping to save orchestra (2008-05-20)
With the possibility there will NOT be a Columbus Symphony Orchestra next season, musicians came together Tuesday and presented a financial plan they hope will save the symphony.

Hearing Challenging Smoking Ban Delayed (2008-05-20)
A magistrate has continued Wednesday's planned hearing challenging Ohio's smoking ban. A health department spokesman says the attorney for Zeno's requested the delay.

Ohio Remembers Fallen Soldiers. (2008-05-20)
27 Ohioans died in military service between April 2007 and last month. The state honored them with a public wreath laying ceremony at statehouse square.

Rock n Roll Fans and Group Members Call for Truth in Oldies But Goodies Concerts (2008-05-19)
Music fans and rock groups say anyone attending an "oldies but goodies" concert expecting to see the Shirelles, the Drifters, the Temptations or some other rock and roll group from decades ago might not be seeing the original group.

Detectives Say Reluctant Witnesses At Crime Scenes Are A Problem. (2008-05-19)
As summer approaches, Columbus police will use curfew enforcement and so-called strike forces in some neighborhoods to stanch violence. But, some homicides remain unsolved and criminals remain free for lack of a witness willing to come forward.

Fixation with Lawncare Has Short History (2008-05-19)
This time of year, everyone is an expert landscaper. With cool temperatures and plenty of water, it's hard not to have a nice green lawn. It's not so easy during the hot summer. Lawn care has become an obsession for many in Central Ohio, but WOSU Commentator and historian Ed Lentz says the fixation is relatively new.

Paper Changes for County Commissioners (2008-05-19)
Franklin County Commissioners want county employees to use less paper and use recycled paper. The board of commissioners plans to expand it's 2006 county-wide environmental policy. Officials hope to inspire others to do the same.

CSO Might Lose Arts Council Funding (2008-05-16)
If the Columbus Symphony Orchestra hopes to resurrect itself for a fall season, it might have to do so without funding from the Greater Columbus Arts Council.

New Albany Company Reports Higher Earnings. (2008-05-16)
Teen retailer Abercrombie & Fitch Co. says its first-quarter earnings rose 3 percent from a year ago on stronger sales.

Columbus gay rights leader speaks about California's decision to allow same-sex marriages (2008-05-16)
California makes the second state in the nation to allow same-sex couples the right to marry after its state Supreme Court reversed a state ban on gay marriage. WOSU spoke with the executive director of Stonewall Columbus, Karla Rothan. Stonewall Columbus is a gay, lesbian, transgender and bi-sexual advocacy group. Rothan said Ohio's Constitutional Marriage Amendment will have to be repealed before Ohio's gay and lesbian couples can share the same joy.

Some Clinton Supporters Threaten to Campaign Against Obama (2008-05-16)
Some women who back Hillary Clinton for President are threatening to campaign against Barack Obama if he gets the Democratic Party nomination.

McCain says Iraq War will be over by 2013, if he's elected president (2008-05-15)
GOP presidential hopeful Senator John McCain, speaking in Columbus Thursday outlined accomplishments he plans to make by the end of his first term if he's elected in November.

Possible End to Short-Term Loans in Ohio (2008-05-15)
A battle is waging in Ohio between lawmakers and payday lenders.

Columbus residents react to Senator John McCain's speach at Convention Center (2008-05-15)
GOP presidential hopeful Senator John McCain spoke at the Columbus Convention Center this morning. McCain focused on what he plans to have done by the end of his first term if he's elected president. WOSU got the thoughts of some of the people from the crowd.

Tension Between Cars and Bicycles on the Increase (2008-05-14)
Thousands of central Ohioans are riding their bicycles to work to beat high gasoline prices. But there's tension on the streets of Columbus between cars and bicycles.

Report: Dann to Address Future at Noon (2008-05-14)
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann reportedly will address his political future later today.

It's unclear whether attorney general will address scandal (2008-05-14)
A spokesman for Attorney General Marc Dann says no announcement regarding Dann's political future is planned at this time.

Marc Dann Resigns (2008-05-14)
Facing possible impeachment, Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann resigned this afternoon amid the scandal of a sexual harassment investigation in his office and his extramarital affair.

Embattled Ohio attorney general plans statement (2008-05-14)
Embattled Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann plans to make a statement with Gov. Ted Strickland, a fellow Democrat.

Inspectors take materials from Ohio attorney general office (2008-05-14)
Deputies of the state's top watchdog removed a cartload of computers and files from the office of scandal-plagued Attorney General Marc Dann.

Columbus woman tells her story of eviction threats due to late power bills (2008-05-14)
Many people at some point in their life have been a tenant, whether it was renting an apartment, townhouse or single family home. And for most, it's understood, and in the lease, that if you fall behind on rent there's a risk of eviction. But what about eviction for being behind on you power bill? WOSU spoke to one Columbus women who has had this happen to her.

Report: Dann to Quit. AG's Office Says Nothing Planned (2008-05-13)
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann is expected to announce his resignation later today, according to a published report. But Dann's office say the Attorney General has not resigned and no further announcements are planned.

Upper Arlington High Closed Because of Threat (2008-05-13)
Upper Arlington officials canceled high school activities Tuesday and canceled high school classes for Wednesday because of an on-line threat.

High gas prices might keep Ohioans home this summer (2008-05-13)
As vacation season approaches, many travelers may be factoring high gas prices into their plans. That could be good news for Ohio's 38 billion dollar tourism industry. Ohio hotel operators and state officials expect the gas prices to keep some Ohioans closer to home this summer.

Ohio House Democrats Seek To Impeach Attorney General (2008-05-13)
Ohio House Democrats have filed articles of impeachment against scandal-scarred Attorney General Marc Dann, seeking the fellow Democrat's removal for allegations including malfeasance in office.

Lawmaker: Dann wants a deal before he quits (2008-05-13)
An Ohio House lawmaker says the state's scandal-plagued attorney general is offering to resign if an investigation into his office is delayed.

Report: Dann to Quit (2008-05-13)
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann is expected to announce his resignation later today, according to a published report.

House Dems File Impeachment Articles Against Dann (2008-05-13)
Ohio House Democrats have filed nine articles of impeachment against embattled Attorney General Marc Dann. Democrats have accused Dann of obstructing an investigation and making misleading statements under oath during a sexual harassment investigation in his office.

Ohio Democratic Party Shuns Marc Dann (2008-05-12)
The standoff between Governor Strickland and others against Attorney General Marc Dann ought to appear to followers of this year's contentious Democratic presidential primary as just more of the same.

Women choose to give birth in water instead of at the hospital (2008-05-12)
Since the 1960s the standard way for a woman to give birth is at a hospital. While the numbers of mothers choosing to give birth at home may be increasing, the increase is slight. But one method of giving birth is gaining popularity among women who do want to deliver at home - and that's the water birth.

If Van Halen Can Do It, So Can America (2008-05-12)
As many 40-somethings know, the 1970's and 80's rock band Van Halen has reunited. The group played a sold out show in Columbus last week. The comeback tour has given WOSU commentator Michael Ivey hope that other things will turn-around.

Judge Sets Bond For Man Accused In Killing His Twin Brother. (2008-05-12)
A Franklin County judge today set a $750,000 cash or surety bond for an 18 year old Columbus man charged in the killing of his twin brother. Judge Patrick Sheeran says he weighed the gravity of the crime, the weight of evidence, the safety of the community and Derris Lewis' family ties in setting the bond.

Communication Breakdown During Tornado (2008-05-12)
The Franklin County Emergency Management Association is investigating why there was an eight minute delay Sunday between the time when a Tornado warning was issued for Franklin county, and the time when the county's Tornado sirens were sounded.

Military Funeral Scheduled Saturday For Central Ohio Marine. (2008-05-09)
Calling hours are today for a central Ohio Marine killed last week when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Iraq. Four Marines were killed May 2 in al Anbar Province. The Pentagon says Lance Cpl. James Kimple, 21, was among them.

Top Lawmakers Move on Independent Probe of Attorney General (2008-05-09)
The leaders of the Ohio legislature say they expect to pass a bill in both the House and Senate in the coming days that will enable an independent investigation of Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann.

Van Cilburn - 50 Years Later Through the Ears of His Piano Tuner (2008-05-09)
2008 marks the 50th anniversary of Van Cliburn's astounding victory at the first Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow. WOSU's Boyce Lancaster provides us with a unique perspective of this oft-told tale through the eyes of the man who tuned Van Cliburn's pianos.

Another Employee of Attorney General's Office Faces a Probe (2008-05-09)
As state lawmakers prepare to launch an probe of allegations of sexual harassment and other problems in Attorney General Marc Dann's office, another employee is being investigated.

Columbus Symphony suspends summer operations (2008-05-08)
The Columbus Symphony has canceled its popular summer series and will suspend operations June 1. While the symphony is legally obligated to pay the musicians until the end August, officials say there is not enough money.

College seniors explore non-profit sector (2008-05-08)
Graduation is approaching for many college seniors and these students are learning the challenges of joining the job market. Many students in this situation may be familiar with career fairs. It's when big company recruiters talk with graduating seniors. But Otterbein College hosted a different kind of career fair Thursday. The big business executives were replaced by leaders of not-for-profit organizations.

Customers Line Up for 23 Cent Pizza (2008-05-08)
Customers in Ohio waited as long as 2 1/2 hours for cheap pizza as Papa John's makes good on its apology to Cleveland Cavaliers fans.

Coalition Plans to Put Sick Leave Proposal Before Voters (2008-05-08)
A coalition that wants to require most Ohio businesses to give their employees paid sick days says it wants to put the issue on the November ballot.

Tired of Paying High Gas Prices? Try Something Else (2008-05-08)
A quick check of gasoline pump prices this morning shows little relief for commuters. But, WOSU Commentator Andrew Miller pays scant attention to the price of gas. He finds alternate ways to get to and from work.

Ohio Supreme Court Will Decide Residency Dispute (2008-05-08)
The Ohio Supreme Court will decide whether cities have the right to require police officers and other employees to live within city limits. The high court agreed yesterday to hear appeals brought by the cities of Lima and Akron, where officials have fought a 2006 state law that blocked cities from imposing residency requirements.

Voucher Proposal Passed by Senate Unlikely to Become Law (2008-05-07)
In the Ohio legislature, state senators have approved a proposal, offering vouchers to parents of children with mental or physical disabilities

Twin Will Stand Trial As Adult in Death of Brother (2008-05-07)
A judge has ordered a teen accused of being an accomplice in the shooting death of his identical twin brother to be tried as an adult.

Lawmakers Investigate Impeachment Process (2008-05-07)
Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted says lawmakers determining whether Attorney General Marc Dann should be impeached over a sex scandal need help from an unlikely source: the attorney general himself.

Firestone Mansion Falls to Wrecking Ball (2008-05-06)
Efforts to save the city's Firestone Mansion from demolition have failed. Workmen have completed salvaging pieces from the 3-story home built by Columbus carriage maker Joseph Firestone.

House Leaders Contemplate Impeachment Proceedings Against Attorney General (2008-05-06)
Ohio lawmakers are moving cautiously on impeachment proceedings against embattled Attorney General Marc Dann.

Payday Lending Store Owners and Employees Rally at Statehouse (2008-05-06)
A large rally was held Tuesday at the statehouse in support of Ohio's 1600 payday lending stores.

New Bill for Cancer Patients (2008-05-05)
At Ohio State alone, there are more than 200 clinical trials for cancer patients. At least 20-percent of patients who attempt to enroll in those programs face problems with their insurance companies.

Democratic Leaders Urge Attorney General To Resign (2008-05-05)
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and other Democratic leaders are calling on scandal-scarred Attorney General Marc Dann to resign. Strickland, Sen. Sherrod Brown, Dann's fellow Democratic state officeholders and all Democratic state legislators sent Dann a letter Monday imploring him to step down.

Pressure Mounts On Ohio Attorney General. (2008-05-05)
A Democrat running for Congress and major Ohio newspapers are calling for Attorney General Marc Dann to resign.

Senator Brown Calls for Dann Resignation (2008-05-05)
Politicians from around the state are calling for a resignation from Attorney General Marc Dann. Monday, Senator Sherrod Brown commented on the situation.

Ohio State unsure about future of student housing vice president after weekend arrest (2008-05-05)
Ohio State said it's shocked at the arrest of one of its vice presidents. The university said it's uncertain what the future holds for its assistant vice president of housing while an investigation continues.

Who Would Replace Ohio's Embattled Attorney General? (2008-05-05)
If scandal-plagued Marc Dann either resigns his job as Ohio attorney general or is taken out of office by state legislators, Governor Ted Strickland could appoint an interim replacement.

Casino Backers Campaign Agressively For Ballot Issue. (2008-05-05)
Backers of the latest attempt to bring a casino to Ohio are using glitz, local government payouts and the argument of inevitability to build support.

Dann Aides Fired for Sexual Harrassment (2008-05-02)
Three aides have been forced out of their jobs in Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann's office over a sexual harassment scandal.

Results Expected Today In Sexual Harassment Case. (2008-05-02)
The results of an internal investigation into sexual harassment complaints inside Attorney General Marc Dann's office are expected to be released Friday. Two women in the office have accused their boss, Anthony Gutierrez of harassing them with vulgar language, come-ons and intimidation.

Researchers Document Similarities Between Newark Earthworks and Stonehenge (2008-05-02)
Researchers expect the Newark Earthworks to become a World Heritage Site within the next few years.

Strickland Sees "Double Standard" in Sexual Harassment Case in Attorney General Marc Dann's Office (2008-05-02)
Governor Strickland says there seems to be a double standard in Attorney General Marc Dann's office because Dann is going unpunished while three top aides in a sexual harassment scandal have been forced out.

Dann Takes Responsibility, Admits Affair (2008-05-02)
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann says he had an affair with an employee and that he won't resign in the wake of scandal over sexual harassment allegations against an aide.

State Could End Smoker Help Line (2008-05-01)
The state senate debated the future of the Ohio Tobacco Prevention Foundation Thursday afternoon. Earlier this week, the House voted to defund the Foundation and assign the state's anti-smoking efforts to the health department. Governor Strickland and some lawmakers want to use money from the landmark tobacco settlement to fund a jobs bill. The move could bring to an end the foundation's 1-800-QUIT-NOW help line.

Arrests made in shooting of two Columbus police officers (2008-05-01)
Columbus Police say two of their own are in intensive care after they were shot serving a search warrant Thursday night. Two men have been charged with the shooting.

Ohio House Wants Children Ages 4 to 8 in Booster Seats (2008-05-01)
If state representatives get their way, Ohio drivers could soon be fined if they fail to place children, ages 4 to 8, into booster seats, before they're strapped into safety belts.

Poll: Clinton Running Stronger than Obama in Ohio (2008-05-01)
A new public opinion poll on the presidential race in Ohio shows, at the moment, Democrat Hillary Clinton running much stronger than fellow Democrat Barrack Obama

CSX to Bring New Cars to Ohio (2008-05-01)
CSX Corporation says it will spend $300 million on upgrades that would allow trains with double-stacked cars to run from the East Coast to the Midwest.

Payday Lending Reined In By Ohio House (2008-05-01)
Consumers advocates are cheering, and owners of payday loan stores are jeering now that the Ohio House of Representatives has passed a bill, slapping tough new limits on controversial short-term loans.

Two Columbus Police Officers Suffer Gunshot Wounds. (2008-05-01)
Two Columbus police officers are reported in stable condition this morning and undergoing surgery at Grant Medical Center. The officers suffered gunshot wounds while trying to serve warrants at a East Rich Street address.

Governor Signs Energy Bill (2008-05-01)
Governor Ted Strickland has signed into law a new energy policy for Ohio.

Hottinger Proposal Would End Tobacco Prevention Foundation (2008-04-29)
Just a few weeks after an Ohio anti-smoking agency tried to prevent state legislators from siphoning away some of its money, lawmakers are moving to wipe out the agency altogether.

Record Gas Prices Bring Out Drivers' Concern for Less Fortunate (2008-04-29)
The week began with new record-high gasoline prices.

Remember Fallen Servicemen and women (2008-04-29)
There's a saying - When one person dies it's a tragedy, when thousands die, it's a statistic. As the Iraq War continues, WOSU Commentator Jerolyn Barbee reminds us to look beyond the statistics.

Despite Season Saving Gift, CSO & Musicians Far Apart (2008-04-29)
A six-figure anonymous donation was made to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra so the show can go on until May. While that's good news for many, including the CSO's board and musicians, the stalemate between the two shows no improvement.

Streetcar forum draws mixed feelings from the public (2008-04-29)
More than 150 people showed up for a public hearing at city hall about Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman's streetcar proposal. Some people waited more than three hours to address the city council.

LISTEN: Extended interview with CSO President Buzz Trafford (2008-04-29)
Click the Listen Icon to hear Marilyn' Smith's interview with Columbus Symphony Orchestra President Robert "Buzz" Trafford.

"Capture the Moment" Features the Best of Photojournalism (2008-04-28)
Photojournalism isn't often considered an art form - for many, it's just a quick and easy vehicle to communicate the latest news.

Federal Prosecutors Seek Repayment From Executives. (2008-04-28)
Federal prosecutors who worked to convict five executives in last month's $1,900,000,000 fraud trial say they want the executives held financially responsible. Assistant U.S. Attorney Doug Squires says in federal filings that prosecutors will ask a judge to attach a $1,700,000,000 I-O-U to the defendants, who worked for National Century Financial Enterprises.

Busy Day for Bomb Squad (2008-04-28)
It's only Monday, but it has already been a busy week for the Columbus Division of Fire Bomb Squad after two bomb threats, at two locations, in two days here in Columbus.

Ohio Leaders Reluctant To Restart Executions. (2008-04-28)
Ohio leaders have been reluctant to restart executions after a U.S. Supreme Court decision ended a seven-month national pause to killing inmates. Governor Strickland has said he is not comfortable with the death penalty, and Attorney General Marc Dann has said he thinks the state can do better in applying it.

Max & Erma's Becomes Second Columbus-Based Restaurant Chain to be Sold in a Week (2008-04-28)
Max & Erma's stock closed up nearly 30 percent Monday on word the Columbus-based restaurant chain is being purchased by a G & R Acquisition Inc of Pittsburgh.

U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Voter ID Well Received by Some in Ohio (2008-04-28)
Indiana's Republican secretary of state says today's U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding the state's voter ID law means voters can have confidence in elections.

Mount Vernon school system scrutinizes "religious" teacher (2008-04-28)
Mount Vernon school administrators await results from an independent investigator before taking any action in the case of Eighth grade science instructor John Freshwater. Freshwater refuses to remove a Bible from his desk at the local middle school. While supporters rallied, others say he uses his teaching position to preach his Christian views.

Ohio Wildlife Center Begins 25th Season (2008-04-28)
The Ohio Wildlife Center has just opened for its 25th season in central Ohio.

Musicians Reject CSO's "Final Offer" (2008-04-25)
Musicians with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra say they have rejected what they call the symphony board's final offer for a new contract.

Many states appear to be in recession (2008-04-25)
A survey being released today shows that finances in many states have deteriorated to where they appear to be in a recession, even if that's not true for the nation as a whole.

Lawmaker Floats Payday Loan Compromise (2008-04-25)
For months, various ideas have been floated in the Ohio legislature to put new limits on those controversial short-term loans called "payday loans."

Worthington Industries Founder Dies (2008-04-25)
The founder of Worthington Industries died Friday day after a long illness.

Governor Expected to Sign Measure to Increase Protection Against ID Theft (2008-04-24)
Ohioans who have their credit cards stolen will soon be getting a little more protection against identity theft.

Dublin "Optimistic" Wendy's Will Remain (2008-04-24)
Despite a bleak earnings report, Wendy's stock price closed up more than 4 percent Thursday on news that Triarc companies is buying the Dublin - based fast food chain.

School Groups Fail to Put School-Funding Measure on Statewide Ballot (2008-04-24)
Once again, a coalition of Ohio school groups has failed in its effort to put a school-funding proposal onto the statewide ballot.

Mayor plans to bring Israeli businesses to Columbus (2008-04-24)
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman says he wants to bring international bio-technology companies into the city. Coleman recently returned from a trade trip in Israel and he spoke downtown about he plans to bring Israeli companies into the Central Ohio economy.

Governor announces statewide broadband network (2008-04-24)
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland met with several public and private-sector leaders Thursday to discuss plans for a broadband network that would cover the entire state, and eventually the country.

Arby's Owner to Buy Wendy's (2008-04-24)
Wendy's International Inc has agreed to be bought by Triarc Cos Inc, the investment arm of billionaire investor Nelson Peltz, in a deal valued at $2.34 billion that would bring Triarc's Arby's restaurant chain and Wendy's under one umbrella.

OSU Writer Scores with Collection of Short Stories (2008-04-24)
An Ohio author with a troubled past and a bright future has hit what is being praised as a homerun in the literary world. Chilliclothe resident Don Pollack's new collection of short stories entitled "Knockemstiff" recently received a rave review in the New York Times book review

Privatization of trash collection, racially-charged notes anger community (2008-04-23)
Trash Collection, something many people take for granted, has caused quite a stir in Upper Arlington. Late last year city council voted to privatize trash collection and lay off some city workers. Since then residents have circulated petitions, started Web sites and held rallies. Things escalated even further Tuesday when the newly-contracted trash company filed a complaint with police for what they call ethnic intimidation.

Findings Expected Next Week in AG Sexual Harassment Probe (2008-04-23)
The office of Attorney General Marc Dann says testimony is complete in its investigation into two women's complaints of sexual harassment against their supervisor.

Senate OK's Energy Bill (2008-04-23)
The Senate has sent sweeping changes in Ohio's electric power policy to Gov. Ted Strickland, who has promised to sign it into law.

Ohio gasoline prices have spurted to a new record (2008-04-23)
Ohio gasoline prices have spurted to a new record high. The cost of regular has jumped by about 8 cents in 24 hours to today's statewide average of close to $3.48 per gallon, according to AAA and the Oil Price Information Service.

Ohioans Jolted by Another Big Jump in Gas Prices (2008-04-23)
Ohio gasoline prices have spurted to a new record high.

Controlled burning planned in Ohio's only national forest (2008-04-23)
Drivers on U.S. 33 shouldn't be alarmed if they see smoke rising from the Wayne National Forest in Athens County. Firefighters plan to burn almost 1,500 acres over the course of the next month.

Ohio teacher accused of burning crosses on to students (2008-04-23)
A spokesman for an Ohio public school teacher who keeps a Bible on his desk says the school district is now engaging in character assassination. The Mount Vernon City district says it has hired an independent investigator to look into complaints that eighth-grade teacher John Freshwater used a science teaching tool to burn crosses into students' skin.

Ohio Supreme Court Will Decide Whether School Districts Are Responsible for Volunteer's Actions (2008-04-23)
State Supreme Court justices will determine whether a school district is liable for actions by a volunteer.

McCain brings campaign to Youngstown, Toledo (2008-04-22)
John McCain is spending Pennsylvania primary day next door in Ohio, where he's scheduled to appear at a town hall meeting and a fundraiser for his presidential campaign.

Police: No Charges Against Dann Aide (2008-04-22)
Columbus police say they won't file criminal charges against an aide to Attorney General Marc Dann who has been accused of sexual harassment.

House approves sweeping energy plan (2008-04-22)
The Ohio House has overwhelmingly approved a compromise long-term energy plan after adding changes designed to keep customers' bills down.

High metal prices bring renassaince of the "junk man" (2008-04-22)
The price of most metals has increased sharply in recent years. The value of copper alone has tripled over the last ten years, and now sits at nearly $4 per pound. As prices have shot up, so too has the business of scrap metal recycling so much that more and more people are making a living collecting and selling seemingly-junk items.

Ohio University to rename newsroom for Fox News' Roger Ailes (2008-04-22)
Fox News boss Roger Ailes returns to Ohio University today for a ceremony rededicating the student radio and TV newsroom in his honor.

State audit critical of Columbus City Schools (2008-04-22)
A state audit says the district cannot properly account for nearly a million dollars in grant money. The report also shows that Columbus City Schools has failed to correct past financial problems.

Dann Releases More than 2,000 E-mails (2008-04-22)
Ohio's attorney general has released more than 22 hundred emails between himself and his former scheduler.

Economy sparks concerns about summer crime (2008-04-21)
Officials and academic scholars are concerned that the typical summer spike in crime will be worse this year because of Ohio's tough economic conditions.

Is Ethanol An Efficient Gasoline Additive? (2008-04-21)
There's a new refinery in Bloomingburg, Ohio. It's an ethanol plant just outside the village of 900 people. Much of the major ingredient for producing ethanol - corn - will come from area farms. But there's an ongoing debate about whether the energy used to produce ethanol makes it an efficient gasoline additive.

Magnitude-4.5 aftershock reported from Midwest earthquake (2008-04-21)
A strong aftershock shook southern Illinois on Monday, three days after a magnitude 5.2 quake rattled the Midwest.

National City Secures $7B in Funding (2008-04-21)
National City says it will raise $7 billion to help bail out the Cleveland bank from continuing losses on mortgages.

Frustration works best when kept refrigerated (2008-04-21)
Are you having a bad day? WOSU Commentator Elizabeth Martinez has had a few and has some advice.

Midwest Earthquake Felt In Ohio. (2008-04-18)
A 5.4 earthquake centered in southern Illinois has rocked people awake as far away as Chicago and Ohio. People in the Cincinnati area reported their beds shook and dishes rattled.

Chinese students from Ohio State host Olympic celebration (2008-04-18)
The Beijing Olympics are less than four months away. So Friday, a group of Chinese students from Ohio State University kicked off a celebration of their own to show pride in their homeland's hosting of the games.

Ohio Workers Feel Effects Of Weaker Economy. (2008-04-18)
The state says Ohio's unemployment rate was 5.7% in March, up from 5.3%in February. The figures released Friday show that the number of unemployed workers in March was 344,000, up from 316,000 in February. The number of unemployed workers has increased by 15,000 in the past year.

Supreme Court Orders Release Of Names Of Foster Parents. (2008-04-17)
The Ohio Supreme Court has ordered the state to release names and addresses of some foster parents. The justices ruled unanimously Thursday in favor of a public records request The Cincinnati Enquirer made during its coverage of the case of Marcus Fiesel, a developmentally disabled 3-year-old boy who died while in foster care in 2006.

More conflicting testimony on payday loans (2008-04-17)
A legislative committee Thursday heard more public testimony that put lawmakers between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, legislators were told that those 2-week loans handed out by payday lending stores are a rip-off. But, on the other hand, lawmakers were told, if they slapped tighter limits on the interest charges, the loans would no longer be available to consumers who needed emergency cash.

Ohio ranks second to last in benefits to veterans (2008-04-17)
According to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Ohio ranks second to last among all states in disability payments to veterans. Ohio's congressional delegation is pushing legislation they say will narrow the gap.

KeyCorp Executive Stays Mum On Possible Merger With National City. (2008-04-17)
The top executive of KeyCorp won't say whether the bank holding company is interested in acquiring its struggling Cleveland-based rival National City Corp. Key chairman and chief executive Henry Meyer III told analysts on a conference call Thursday morning that it's inappropriate to talk about any possible acquisition.

Report Says Ohio Education Chief Looking For New Job. (2008-04-17)
Gov. Ted Strickland and members of the state school board are reportedly discussing a plan to force out state schools chief Susan T. Zelman.

Convicted Executives Plead For Freedom Before Prison. (2008-04-16)
In Columbus, defendants awaiting sentencing in a corporate fraud case say an unreliable informant told the government they were plotting to run away to Aruba. The four men arrested earlier this month want to be released on bond.

Former Skybus Workers File Suit Against Bankrupt Airline. (2008-04-16)
Former employees of Skybus Airlines have filed a class action lawsuit against the company in bankruptcy court, saying they weren't properly told of the airline's plan to shut down operations.

An anti-gun violence group remembers VA Tech students who died one year ago (2008-04-16)
A small group from the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence commemorated the anniversary of the Virginia Tech massacre at the Ohio State campus. Also, the group was protesting what they call "lax" gun regulations.

Three of four former execs denied bond (2008-04-16)
A federal judge in Columbus has revoked bond for several former executives of Dublin-based National Century Financial Enterprises. Last month five executives with the now-defunct company were found guilty on multiple counts of fraud and conspiracy. Yesterday's ruling to revoke bond comes after the disappearance of one executive, and an alleged plot for the others to do the same.

Central Ohio's 'State of the Region' Report (2008-04-16)
A half-million people are expected to move to Central Ohio during the next two decades. The Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission says preparing for the influx needs to begin now.

Dann Spokesman Placed on Leave (2008-04-15)
For the second time in two weeks, a high ranking employee of the Ohio Attorney General's Office has been put on paid administrative leave. And that's not all. Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports the A-G isn't complying with some requests for public documents.

Ohio Legislators Consider Sick Leave (2008-04-15)
Ohio lawmakers are considering a bill that would give up to seven paid sick days to more than two million employees.

Ohio Legislators Move to Outlaw Plant Hallucinogenic (2008-04-15)
A plant that's become popular as a hallucinogenic drug is a step closer to becoming illegal in Ohio.

Airline merger has positives, negatives for Ohio passengers (2008-04-15)
The recently announced multi-billion dollar merger between Delta and Northwest may be another hit to the shrinking airline market for Central Ohio passengers. But an industry analyst says the consolidation could benefit the Delta hub in Cincinnati.

Neighbors say mayor's help is long overdue (2008-04-15)
Columbus Mayor Coleman kicked off a new season of his Neighborhood Pride program at Brentnell Recreation Center today. Neighborhood residents are encouraged to work with the city to ensure code enforcement, pick up litter, and spruce up their houses.

Condo market better in city than 'burbs (2008-04-14)
For many people the housing market is not the best place to be right now. It's almost inevitable that at least once a day one will hear something about home foreclosures, the credit crunch and the R word - that's recession. In this report, WOSU takes a look at how the nation's economy is affecting the condominium market in Franklin County.

High Gasoline Prices Here to Stay? (2008-04-14)
With the upsurge in prices for gasoline and food, central Ohio consumers are looking for ways to make each dollar go farther.

Spring Cleaning - Not a New Phenomenon (2008-04-14)
There are many unmistakable signs of Spring sprouting up around Central Ohio - tiny snow crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths. For many people spring cleaning is not far behind. Commentator Ed Lentz looks through the prism of history at the origins of Spring cleaning.

Marysville Company Warns of Lower Profits. (2008-04-14)
Lawn and garden company Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. is blaming stubborn winter weather as it warns about weaker-than-expected second-quarter earnings.

Dann Spokesman Placed on Leave (2008-04-14)
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann has placed his communications director and one-time condo-mate on administrative leave, citing new information received over the weekend in a scandal over sexual harassment allegations.

Shoppers Look to Resale Shops to Stretch Dollars (2008-04-14)
With the upsurge in prices for gasoline and food, central Ohio consumers are looking for ways to make each dollar go farther.

Building Community Converstations - Embrace On-Line (2008-04-14)
The town hall meeting makes for a nice Norman Rockwell painting but it's not the most convenient of public forums. WOSU Commentator Andrew Miller says with our increasingly busy lives, we should embrace on-line and electronic community building tools.

Beijing Government Seeks Cultural "Bridges" In Ohio. (2008-04-14)
As American athletes prepare for the summer Olympics in China, the competitors will be hard-pressed to gain the exposure inside China of Ohio State University graduate student, Patrick McAloon. McAloon is among recent winners of an Academic and Performance Competition seen by hundreds of millions of Chinese. But, McAloon won for performing something uniquely American.

Governor Threatens to Veto Energy Bill (2008-04-11)
Gov. Ted Strickland says he would veto the Ohio House's energy plan if it passes the Legislature in current form.

Some OSU Doctoral Programs Jeopardized. (2008-04-11)
Ohio State University says it needs to overhaul 34 doctoral programs if it wants to be more competitive with other leading schools. In a new report, the university says five Ph.D. courses of study could be scrapped unless improvements are made.

Ohio House Finalizes Energy Plan (2008-04-10)
The Ohio House has finalized a long-awaited energy plan to restructure the electricity industry and increase renewable energy investments in the state.

Franklin County Judge Places a Hold on Battle Over Tobacco Money (2008-04-10)
A judge has frozen the fight between the state's top elected officials and a tobacco prevention foundation over how best to use money originally designated to prevent smoking.

OSU cuts summer edition of student newspaper (2008-04-10)
Many commercial newspapers have, over the last decade, seen significant declines in circulation and advertising dollars. Insiders say newer technologies like the Internet and podcasts have shaped a generation not as keen on getting their news from newspapers. After years of going against that trend, many college papers are now struggling with the same issues as their commercial counterparts.

Limited Brands Suffers Sales Drop. (2008-04-10)
Columbus-based Limited Brands is one of many major retailers today reporting sharp drops in sales for March. Analysts say stores got squeezed last month as consumers limited their shopping to food and other essentials amid anxiety over the economy.

DNA links North Carolina man to 1991 murder case (2008-04-10)
Investigators recently made a breakthrough in a 17-year-old rape and murder case. A former Ohio resident was arrested on charges related to the 1991 death of a 15-year-old Columbus teenager.

Pollution Fines Used To Buy Southern Ohio Forest. (2008-04-10)
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources plans to establish a new state forest in southeastern Ohio with help from an American Electric Power smog settlement.

Realtors speak on "real story" on local housing market (2008-04-09)
The Columbus Board of Realtors Wednesday kicked off a new marketing campaign to tell people The Grass is Greener here. They're spending about $200,000 to show central Ohio has faired better than most areas in the recent housing crisis. But that may depend on which figures you reference.

Proponents of Paid Sick Leave Criticize Ohio Lawmakers (2008-04-09)
Leaders of a campaign for a new state law giving paid sick leave to most Ohio workers are using strong words to criticize state legislators who are balking at passing the measure.

Dispute Over Tobacco Money Goes to Court (2008-04-09)
An anti-smoking group wants to stop the state treasurer from putting $230 million of its funding in a job-creation program controlled by Governor Strickland and legislative leaders.

Appeal Unlikely in Overturned Death Sentence (2008-04-09)
Prosecutors say an appeal is unlikely in the case of a man whose death sentence was overturned Wednesday because he was mentally retarded.

Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Case Involving State Law and City Law (2008-04-09)
Attorneys for an Ohio city and the state presented their cases Wednesday regarding an apparent conflict in a city law and a state law.

Ohio Attorney General Recuses Himself From Harassment Case. (2008-04-09)
Attorney General Marc Dann says he is withdrawing from an internal investigation into two employees' accusations that they were sexually harassed by a director in the office.

Skybus founder trying to save airline (2008-04-08)
The founder of Skybus Airlines is working on a plan to revive the bankrupt carrier.

OSU introduces new medical center official (2008-04-08)
Ohio State President Gordon Gee introduced a new leader for the University Medical Center Tuesday afternoon. Dr. Steven Gabbe takes on the leadership position as the Medical Center undergoes the biggest expansion project in university history.

National Century Executive Denies He's A Flight Risk. (2008-04-08)
Attorneys for an executive convicted of fraud have filed a court motion saying a government source lied when saying the executive plotted to flee to Aruba. A federal judge last week jailed four of five former executives convicted in a $1,900,000,000 fraud trial involving the now-defunct health care financing company National Century Financial Enterprises

Drivers most at risk in work zones (2008-04-07)
The start of the highway construction season has authorities reminding drivers to slow down in work zones, and follow the rules. Of all the counties in Ohio, Franklin County has the worst record when it comes to work zone crashes.

Trial Delayed For Alleged Terrorist. (2008-04-07)
The trial of a man accused of plotting to bomb European tourist resorts frequented by Americans and overseas military installations has been delayed six months. The trial for Christopher Paul of the Columbus suburb of Worthington was supposed to start in January 2009.

Mortgage Lenders Say They'll Help Struggling Homeowners. (2008-04-07)
Nine mortgage lenders have agreed to a compact proposed by Gov. Ted Strickland that is designed to keep more struggling homeowners in their homes.

Skybus Bankruptcy: Millions in Debt (2008-04-07)
Bankruptcy papers for Skybus Airlines show hundreds of companies are owed into the millions of dollars. The low-cost carrier filed papers in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware Saturday night.

Skybus goes SkyBUST (2008-04-05)
It was a tough weekend for some airline travelers at Port Columbus. Some Skybus passengers were left stranded after the airline folded. Skybus will be in court Monday to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Brown Accuses Senate Republicans of Betraying Middle Class (2008-04-04)
Ohio Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown is blasting Republicans for blocking a proposal that he says would help Ohio families keep their homes.

FBI Informant Testifies In Toledo Trial Of Alleged Conspirators. (2008-04-04)
A government informant says one of three men accused of plotting to kill U.S. soldiers overseas showed videos displaying gruesome beheadings and U.S. Marines killing Iraqis.

Ohio Tobacco Money On Hold (2008-04-04)
The Ohio Tobacco Prevention Foundation is not willing to give the governor and legislative leaders millions of dollars to help fund a $1.5 billion economic stimulus package.

Ohio Keno Dispute Prompts Legislation (2008-04-04)
A state senator has introduced a measure to prevent the Ohio Lottery from offering Keno and similar games, to stop Governor Strickland's plan to use Keno to raise the funds to plug a looming budget deficit. But he's finding opposition in an outspoken member of his own party.

Debate Deepens over Electric Deregulation (2008-04-04)
A highly-complex debate continues in the Ohio legislature over whether to continue regulation of electricity rates.

Airman With Ohio Ties Is Killed In Iraq Explosion. (2008-04-04)
Local officials say an airman whose parents live in western Ohio has died in Iraq. Springboro Mayor John Agenbroad and city Police Chief Jeff Kruithoff say Travis Griffin, 27, was killed in an explosion yesterday in central Baghdad.

National Century execs stay in custody (2008-04-03)
Two National Century executives appeared in court Thursday morning. A federal judge ruled to keep them in custody after investigators alleged they were planning to flee to Aruba.

Apartment Dwellers Hit by Foreclosure Crisis (2008-04-03)
Newark attorney Scott Torguson says some tenants are being caught up in the high number of foreclosures.

Elections Commission Gives Record Fine (2008-04-03)
Ohio's Elections Commission has slapped an Ohio political action committee with a record-high fine

Columbus Mayor Builds Business Ties With Israel. (2008-04-03)
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman is making his second trip to Israel -- this time to promote the city as a place for Israeli technology companies to expand.

Jobs package to be revamped in bipartisan compromise (2008-04-02)
Legislative leaders have struck a deal with Governor Strickland on a 1$1.57 billion package to try to help the state's sagging economy. The compromise would have the state take on less debt than the governor originally proposed.

Columbus Trucker Resigned To High Diesel Prices (2008-04-02)
Some independent truckers pulled their rigs off the road while others slowed to a crawl on major highways as part of a loosely organized protest of high fuel prices.

Regents Chancellor Wants Academic Semesters Not Quarters (2008-04-02)
Several of Ohio's larger public universities schedule classes on the quarter system rather than the semester system. Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut says he wants a common academic calendar across the University system. That would mean quarters replaced by semesters.

FBI: Convicted National Century Executives Planned to Flee U.S. (2008-04-02)
Attorneys for four men arrested today on charges they were planning to flee the country before being sentenced on fraud charges are disputing the arrests.

New Economic Stimulus Plan Uses Millions in Tobacco Money (2008-04-02)
The economic stimulus plan being promoted by Governor Strickland and Republican legislative leaders would take hundreds of millions of dollars from tobacco education efforts.

Huntington Park on Schedule, County Commisioner Says (2008-04-02)
The Columbus Clippers baseball team will play one last season in Cooper stadium beginning Thursday night. The team is expected to move to the new Huntington Park stadium downtown a year from now.

Governor, Legislative Leaders Reach Compromise on Economic Stimulus Package (2008-04-02)
For several weeks, it appeared that Democratic Governor Ted Strickland's mammoth job-creation proposal would be stalled by the legislature.

AEP chief executive preaches importance of alt ernative energy, practicality of coal (2008-04-02)
The Chief executive officer of American Electric Power spoke on the Ohio State University campus today. The main message: alternative sources of energy still have a ways to go...

Ohio Lawmakers Debate Insurance Coverage for Colonoscopies (2008-04-01)
Ohioans have seen the medical advice on billboards and television ads :"If you're over 50, get a colonoscopy to check for cancer."

State's move back to traditional work hours causes backlash among employees (2008-04-01)
For years thousands of state employees have taken advantage of flexible work schedules: finding ways to get their daily job done outside the regular 9 to 5. Now that's changing. Governor Ted Strickland has given agencies until May 2nd to implement a new personnel policy that limits flextime, compressed work weeks and telecommuting from home.

State Oversees Efforts to Help Ohio Residents Facing Foreclosure (2008-04-01)
Governor Strickland says 1,100 Ohio attorneys have volunteered to give legal services to struggling homeowners facing foreclosure.

CPR is Simplified: May Attract More Users (2008-03-31)
The first significant change for the public in how CPR is used was announced Monday. Medical professionals and others hope the newer, simpler CPR will encourage more people to try to revive someone in medical distress.

Change in dorm policy could hurt landlords, alter neighborhoods (2008-03-31)
For more than 50 years incoming students at Ohio State have been required to spend their first year in a dorm. OSU president Gordon Gee has proposed requiring sophomores to do the same. University officials cite research that shows living on campus leads to higher student grade point averages and graduation rates. But some university-area residents fear removing a big chunk of renters would have an impact on the urban flavor of the neighborhood.

A former Ohio prison inmate who had a stillbirth in 2007 says more should have been done to save the baby (2008-03-31)
The pitter patter of little feet racing around a house is an unmistakable sound for parents, especially moms. It's a sign the child is growing from tiny, helpless infant to independent toddler. This time last year a mother of four from Tipp City was looking forward to these kinds of milestones for a fifth time. But something went wrong. WOSU tells this woman's story about having a stillbirth as an Ohio prison inmate.

Former Ohio prison inmate thinks stillborn could have been prevented; Prison and hospital officials say otherwise (2008-03-31)
In November 2006 a woman from Tipp City entered Ohio's prison system - she was about four months pregnant. By the end of February the eight month old fetus was dead. Hill alleges the prison system and hospital should have done more to try to save her unborn child. But officials say they took every necessary precaution. In the second part of a two-part series, WOSU asks the prison and hospital if inmates get top notch care.

Landlords Fear Loss Of Thousands Of Potential Renters In Campus Area. (2008-03-28)
For more than 50 years incoming students at Ohio State have been required to spend their first year in a dorm. OSU president Gordon Gee has proposed requiring sophomores to do the same. But some university-area residents fear removing a big chunk of renters will have an impact on the urban flavor of the neighborhood.

Variety of Funds Will Pay for Streetcars (2008-03-28)
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman promised there would be no sales, property or city income tax increases to support his proposed streetcar system. Thursday night at city hall he released funding details for where the money will come from.

Appellate Court Rules In Favor Of Columbus City Schools. (2008-03-28)
A state appellate court says Columbus City School officials were justified when they fired a Mifflin High School principal accused of not reporting a sexual assault of a developmentally disabled student.

President Bush addresses Dayton crowd (2008-03-27)
President Bush today told an Ohio audience that the troop surge in Iraq has resulted in significant security gains for the country.

Jury Enters Second Day of Deliberation In Fraud Case (2008-03-26)
A federal jury in Columbus will continue its deliberations in the witness tampering trial of a former health care executive. The jury started reviewing evidence after receiving final instructions from U.S. District Judge Algenon Marbley yesterday in Columbus.

Jury Convicts National Century Founder (2008-03-26)
Defense attorneys for the founder of a failed health care financing company say they're surprised by a jury's guilty verdict.

Six Big City Mayors Call for Crackdown on Payday Lenders in Ohio (2008-03-26)
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and five other big city mayors in Ohio are calling on state lawmakers to crackdown on payday lending practices.

Streetcar Financial Details to be Released Thursday (2008-03-26)
Now that Net Jets will remain and expand in Columbus, Mayor Coleman is turning his attention to ground-based public transportation. In a meeting tonight, Coleman will release details of a financing plan that would see the return of street cars.

Closing Arguments Get Underway In Corporate Fraud Case. (2008-03-25)
Closing arguments are scheduled this morning in the witness tampering trial of former health care executive Lance Poulsen. The government says Poulsen tried to bribe a witness in his upcoming $1,900,000,000 corporate fraud case.

Audit Finds $80,000 in Bonuses by Ken Blackwell Illegal (2008-03-25)
Seventeen employees of Ohio's former elections chief must return more than $80,000 in bonuses and severance payments he approved.

Ohio Highway Patrol Tracks Criminal Activity in Franklin County and Elsewhere (2008-03-25)
Using computers and GPS technology to track criminal activity, the Ohio Highway Patrol finds Franklin County the number one spot for felony and misdemeanor warrants and arrests.

Commuters share rides to save gas money (2008-03-25)
As crude oil prices reach record numbers, commuters feel the pressure of high gas prices especially those that travel from outside of the city. Transportation alternatives, such as carpools, are becoming more popular among commuters to reduce the cost of gas.

Vets Need Better Healthcare (2008-03-24)
The number of American soldiers killed during the war in Iraq has reached 4,000. Thousands more have been wounded. Many of those vets and other vets from past years end up at V.A. Hosptials. After a recent visit to an out of state V.A. Hospital, WOSU Commentator Michael Ivey says veterans' healthcare has a lot of room for improvement.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey vs. Northern Michigan, 3/07 & 3/08/08 (2008-03-24)
Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey versus Northern Michigan. Games played 03/07 and 03/08/08 at Marquette, MI. Hosted by Neil Sika.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey vs. Miami (OH) 2/26 & 2/29/08 (2008-03-24)
Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey versus Miami (OH). Games played 02/26 and 02/29/08 at Columbus, OH, and Oxford, OH. Hosted by Neil Sika.

Shortage of Geriatricians Drives Change in Their Role (2008-03-22)
In little more than a decade, the aging Baby Boomers are expected to produce a surge in numbers of people needing medical care.

Geriatricians Question Shortage of Physicians in Their Field (2008-03-21)
The oldest baby boomers are about 10 years from the age when they will likely require additional medical attention.

Columbus Christians celebrate Good Friday (2008-03-21)
Christians around the world celebrate Good Friday today, many of them through fasting and repenting of sins. A group of Columbus Episcopalians walked around the statehouse reenacting Christ's footsteps to the His crucifixion.

Capital University Professor brings passion to poetry. (2008-03-21)
Capital University professor is popular with students and professors, alike.

Election board in Cleveland looking into party switchers (2008-03-20)
The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections is investigating whether any Republicans broke the law when they switched parties in the March 4 presidential primary to back a weaker opponent for GOP nominee-in-waiting John McCain.

Researchers, police split over red light cameras (2008-03-20)
Red light cameras have caused controversy in Columbus since they first arrived at some city intersections two years ago. Many drivers say the cameras are intrusive and unnecessary. Police insist they cut down on red-light running and accidents at problematic intersections. Researchers at the University of South Florida recently finished a study they say contradicts many police claims.

Flooding Reported Across Ohio (2008-03-20)
It's an ominous first day of spring across Ohio, as authorities watch rivers that are expected to crest well above flood stage. Already, communities are dealing with swamped homes and submerged roads after several days of heavy rain.

Foreclosure Assistance Program Available April 1st in Franklin County (2008-03-19)
Franklin County Commissioners this week approved a program to offer financial assistance to residents at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure.

U-S Senator Sherrod Brown Predicts Democratic Presidential Will Soon Be Over. (2008-03-19)
As an uncommitted super delegate, Ohio's democratic U-S senator, Sherrod Brown, is being courted by both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. But, Brown says it won't be long before the hotly contested democratic race is decided.

Flooding Closes Central Ohio Roads (2008-03-19)
Flooding closes roads in Pickaway County. Flooding in southwest Ohio might be responsible for the death of a woman found inside a home near the flooded Whitewater River west of Cincinnati. Fire officials say the woman - identified as Betty Lou Wood - appears to have drowned, but the death is still being investigated.

U-S Senator Sherrod Brown Predicts Democratic Presidnetial Will Soon Be Over. (2008-03-19)
As an uncommitted super delegate, Ohio's democratic U-S senator, Sherrod Brown, is being courted by both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. But, Brown says it won't be long before the hotly contested democratic race is decided.

Ohio State secures nation's top football recruit (2008-03-19)
Ohio State's football team secured the nation's top ranked recruit Wednesday. WOSU was at a Columbus sports bar to get the immediate reaction from Buckeye fans on their lunch breaks.

Cardinal Health Hires Ethics Compliance Officer (2008-03-19)
Cardinal Health says its hired a former top Justice Department official and federal prosecutor who helped put an Ohio congressman behind bars. The Dublin-based health care products and services company says Craig Morford,49, will join the company May 5th.

Buckeye Poll: African American Women Voters Decide Presidential Picks (2008-03-19)
Women voters are getting more attention in this presidential season than ever before. In Ohio 59 percent of the electorate was female and the overwhelming majority voted for Hilary Clinton. For African American Ohio women the choice between Clinton and Barack Obama may have been more difficult.

Ohio Truckers Squeezed By High Fuel Prices (2008-03-18)
Crude oil prices dropped sharply Monday but, prices for diesel fuel rose above $4.00 per gallon, making diesel fuel substantially higher than the prices for regular gasoline.

Potential Homeowners Look For Deals (2008-03-18)
Many Ohioans are hoping to cash in on the slow housing market and become first-time homeowners. The Columbus Board of Realtors reports that 16,000 houses were on the market in January, the most on record.

Columbus Symphony, musicians' union resume labor talks (2008-03-18)
Leaders of the financially struggling Columbus Symphony Orchestra and their musicians' union met this afternoon for the first time in nearly two months. Union reps walked out of their last meeting, after the board proposed cutting 22 of the symphony's 53 full-time positions.

Help Your Kids - Kick Them Outside (2008-03-17)
Spring officially begins on Thursday and we'll all be getting outside more often. Do you remember the day when you'd kick the kids out of the house and say, don't come back until dark. Now many moms and dads themselves are out until dark shuttling kids to various organized activities. WOSU Commentator Andrew Miller wonders if times have changed, or if adults have changed.

Economy Ohioans Number One Concern in Presidential Election (2008-03-17)
A new poll by the University of Akron finds that Ohioans see the economy as the top issue in this fall's presidential election.

Ohio Marine Reflects On Service And Sacrifice (2008-03-17)
In five years, Nearly 200 Ohio military have been killed in action, and thousands more of its reserve and national guard have served in Iraq. One marine who served with Lima Company during 2005 has now returned to his job in Licking County.

OSU Researcher: Scientific Discovery Threatened by Lack of Funding (2008-03-14)
An Ohio State researcher testified before Congress this week about the need for additional funding for the National Institutes of Health.

National Century verdict has far-reaching effects (2008-03-14)
Pension funds and investment groups from throughout the country have a stake in the National Century criminal trial. A group of investors has a $1.6 billion civil lawsuit against two of the five executives convicted of fraud in federal court yesterday.

Columbus Symphony Weeks Away from Insolvency (2008-03-14)
The chair of the Columbus Symphony board of directors says the orchestra will soon run out of money. Without an infusion of cash, Buzz Trafford says the orchestra could cease to function in less than 60 days.

YMCA Lends Helping Hand With New Curfew (2008-03-14)
Columbus police commanders welcome Mayor Coleman's program to crack down on teenagers who break the city's decades old curfew. And the place where the curfew breakers would go - the downtown YMCA - says its up to the challenge.

Columbus Zoo Director Will Retire at the End of the Year (2008-03-13)
Longtime Columbus Zoo Director Jerry Borin is ready to call it quits - almost.

Special Series Part 2: Franklin Co. Elections: Prelude to November Balloting (2008-03-13)
Franklin County elections officials say the March 4th primary went smoothly with just a few glitches here and there. In spite of complaints from dissatisfied voters, the primary proved to be a prelude to the big event in November.

National Century Execs. Found Guilty (2008-03-13)
Five National Century executives were found guilty of fraud charges Thursday in what is described as one of the biggest corporate fraud cases since Enron. The Dublin-based company was once the nation's top healthcare financers.

WOSU looks back at Mayor Coleman's 2007 State of City Address (2008-03-13)
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman is set to deliver his first State of the City Address of his new term tonight. WOSU spoke with the mayor this week to see how some of his proposals he made last year are going.

Columbus Mayor makes ninth State of the City Address (2008-03-13)
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman gave his ninth State of the City Address last night. He addressed a decades old curfew law that's never been enforced and downtown housing.

South-side residents hope health center can spark change (2008-03-13)
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman Thursday announced plans to rebuild the John Maloney South Side Health Center on Parsons Avenue. The move comes two years after officials closed and demolished the original facility because of structural damage. Neighborhood residents say need better access health care, and they welcome any sign of economic development.

Angry teachers union members' e-mails flood state board (2008-03-12)
Thousands of members of the state's largest teachers union have been jamming the e-mail accounts of State Board of Education members after they raised the cost for a teaching license.

National Century fraud case goes to jury (2008-03-12)
Federal court jurors in Columbus have the fraud case of former executives of a bankrupt Dublin based company.

Special Series Part 1 : The Mechanics Behind the Election (2008-03-12)
There's more to an election than touch screen voting or darkening ovals on a ballot. There's a lot of teaching and testing that goes on beforehand as WOSU's Sam Hendren found out prior to the March 4th primary. Here's part 1 of Series about voting in Franklin County.

Ohio Senate Passes Bill to Discourage Theft of Copper and other Metals (2008-03-12)
State senators Wednesday approved a bill that aims to crackdown on metal thieves.

NetJets Stays in Columbus (2008-03-12)
NetJets, the world's largest private jet company, announced today it will make Columbus the site for a major expansion. Officials say the move will create at least 810 new jobs and build the largest flight safety facility in the world.

Drug enforcement agencies face major budget cuts (2008-03-12)
Law enforcement agencies around Ohio are expressing deep concern about cuts in the federal budget recently approved by the Appropriations Committee. More specifically, they're worried about cuts to a grant many agencies say is crucial to battling the drug trade.

Ohio BMV Workers Accused in ID Conspirarcy Case (2008-03-11)
A federal grand jury in Virginia has accused eight people of providing Ohio identification documents to illegal immigrants.

Advocates Push Gay-Rights Bill (2008-03-11)
A bipartisan group of state lawmakers says a bill prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation has its best chance of passage this year.

Deliberations to Begin in $1.9 Billion Corporate Fraud Trial (2008-03-11)
A $1.9 billion corporate fraud trial has concluded with the government saying former executives lied, cheated and covered up wrongdoing.

F-117 Fighter Jet Retired at Wright Patterson (2008-03-11)
The world's first stealth series of aircraft was retired today in ceremonies at Wright Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton. Supporters say Lockheed's F-117 Nighthawk proved its capabilities in almost 30 years of service.

Consumers and Organic Dairly Producers Oppose New Milk Labels (2008-03-11)
A coalition of consumer groups and organic dairy producers is mobilizing against a proposed rule about milk labels that say whether the cows were given synthetic hormones.

Ohioan Aboard Space Shuttle Endeavor (2008-03-11)
Shuttle Endeavour is on its way to the International Space Station and an Ohio native is onboard. Michael Foreman of Wadsworth is on Endeavour's 16-day trip to space. NASA says he will be part of three spacewalks.

Election Issue: "It's The Economy, Stupid." (2008-03-11)
The economic stats don't lie. The opinion surveys don't lie. The economy is the number one concern from voters here in Ohio and in most other states. WOSU Commentator Jerolyn Barbee hopes the current and future president are listening.

Ohio Officials keep watch on local rivers and streams. (2008-03-10)
Local officials worry rivers and streams might overflow their banks as record-setting snowfall begins to melt.

Ohio gas prices up a sharp 18 cents from last week (2008-03-10)
Information Service shows regular-grade gas is now averaging about $3.25 a gallon around the state, up a steep 18 cents from last Monday.

River watch follows snowstorm (2008-03-10)
River watchers in southern Ohio are keeping an eye on melting snow. Just how fast the foot of snow from this weekend's storm melts will determine how much of a flood threat there is along the Ohio River.

Crews to continue cleanup from record snow (2008-03-10)
Morning commuters have encountered cleared highways and main roads in those parts of the state hit by the weekend's record snowstorm that shut down highways and stranded air travelers.

Winter Storm Poses Threat of Floods (2008-03-10)
Mother Nature continues her wrath on central Ohio as warm temperatures melt snow and pose the threat of floods.

Lifeguard Shortage Plagues Summer Pools (2008-03-10)
The Columbus Zoo will open a 22.7 acre water park this summer. Zoombezi Bay will be the first water park in the county to offer admission to both a zoo and a water park on one ticket. The zoo is currently trying to staff enough lifeguards to monitor the water park something other area pools have been struggling with for the past few years.

Late Winter Storm Bears Down On Ohio (2008-03-07)
Forecasters say Ohio is in the path of a major winter storm that could bring double-digit snowfalls to areas along Interstate 71. While most Ohio counties are under a winter storm warning, the National Weather Service says the heaviest snow will be dumped in a band stretching from Cincinnati through Columbus and on to Cleveland, Akron and Youngstown.

Four Die in Portsmouth House Fire (2008-03-07)
Authorities have identified the victims of an early-morning house fire in Portsmouth.

Ohio State Neurosurgeon Uses Onyx to Help Slow Bleeding in the Brain (2008-03-07)
A neurosurgeon at the Ohio State University Medical Center has moved from using a crazy glue - like substance to something more like lava to prevent ruptures and strokes in patients with brain abnormalities.

Storm forces OSU to cancel Saturday Classes (2008-03-07)
The fierce winter storm has forced Ohio State University to cancel its Saturday classes.

Ohio Beekeepers Seek Financial Aid From Congress (2008-03-06)
Honeybees that help pollinate Ohio's fruits, crops, and vegetables are declining in numbers. So,beekeepers are looking to get some relief in the next Farm bill.

Kilroy Addresses UAW Concerns (2008-03-06)
One local race is already picking up where the presidential primary left off with a big focus on trade and lost jobs.

Columbus' Advocate for Homeless first such position in the country (2008-03-06)
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman Thursday created a new cabinet position: Advocate for the Homeless and Social Services. City and homeless officials say it's also the first such position in the country.

Hilliard voters reject levy, contract dispute goes on (2008-03-05)
Hilliard School District last night suffered a major defeat when voters rejected a crucial operating levy.

Hillary Clinton Prevails Among Blue Collar and Women Voters in Ohio. (2008-03-05)
Hillary Clinton last night stopped Barack Obama from prevailing among groups, white men and late-deciders, that she struggled with in the weeks before Ohio's Democratic primary.

The Met brings Opera to the masses via cinemas (2008-03-05)
The Metropolitan Opera has gone into the movie business. The "Met" offers live hi-definition transmissions of performances from the New York's Metropolitan Opera house shown on movie screens worldwide.

John O'Grady Democratic nominee for Franklin County Commission (2008-03-05)
After a rather unfriendly race between two democrats vying for a nomination for a seat on the Franklin County Commission, the numbers are in. WOSU spent some time last night with both the campaigns .

Paper Ballot Convoy Assures No Slow-Down in Voting (2008-03-05)
Super Tuesday Number 2 has come and gone in Franklin County with minor problems reported at the polls. One had to do with the secretary of state's order to provide paper ballots to voters who ask.

Hillary Clinton Posts Win In Ohio (2008-03-05)
Hillary Clinton won a smashing victory last night over Barack Obama in Ohio's Democratic presidential primary, halting a string of 11 straight losses in other primary states.

Ohio Delegate Math - Hillary picks up nine more than Barack (2008-03-05)
Hillary Clinton's win in Ohio's Democratic presidential primary election, is not going to help her catch up very much with Barack Obama in the crucial race for convention delegates.

Handful of Ohio Mayors Identified with One Party Switched for Primary Vote (2008-03-05)
Among widespread reports of people "switching" parties in Tuesday's primary, there were five interesting incidents involving voters moving from one party to another.

Paper ballots go largely unused (2008-03-05)
Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner earlier this year issued a state-wide directive to counties, requiring them to have a supply of paper ballots on hand. The measure was announced shortly after a study found voting machines may be susceptible to tampering. Now one day after the Ohio primary, many counties are left with many of those ballots unused.

Problems in Cuyahoga, Sandusky Counties delay results (2008-03-04)
Voting results are being delayed in Ohio because of problems in two counties.

Democratic Hopefuls Play "Ground Game" in Ohio (2008-03-03)
Whoever wins Ohio's democratic presidential primary Tuesday may be the candidate who has the best "get out the vote" drive and grassroots support. Ohio Public Radio's Bill Cohen has been watching that factor in both the Barack Obama campaign and the Hillary Clinton campaign.

Young Voters Weigh in on Democratic Presidential Contest (2008-03-03)
Recent national polls show democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is more popular with young voters than his opponent, democrat Hillary Clinton.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey vs. Notre Dame, 2/22 & 2/23/08 (2008-03-03)
Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey versus Notre Dame. Games played 02/22 and 02/23/08 at South Bend, IN. Hosted by Neil Sika.

Ohio's democratic delegate process unmasked (2008-03-03)
Delegates, delegates, delegates...it could be one of the most used words in American right now - at least in politics. From what most people hear or read in the news delegates are what presidential hopefuls are trying to secure out of the primaries. Whichever candidate gets the most delegates wins his or her party's nomination. WOSU explains who delegates are, where they are and how they're awarded.

Mentors Can Transform Lives (2008-03-03)
Communities all around the country and here in Central Ohio have tried many things to cut violent crime, improve student performance and lower dropout rates WOSU commentator Elizabeth Martinez says solutions to these problems might come with mentoring.

Democrat Replaces Republican at Franklin Co. Elections Board (2008-03-02)
With only two days before the Ohio primary, there's been a shake-up at the Franklin County Board of Elections. Republican Matt Damschroder was removed as director Sunday. He'll remain as a consultant through the end of the year. There have been reports of friction between Damschroder and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, a Democrat.

Emily's List Active In Ohio Elections (2008-02-29)
The founder and president of the political action committee Emily's List was in Columbus Friday. Ellen Malcolm heads one of the largest PACs in the U.S. Emily's List is supporting Mary Jo Kilroy for Congress and Hillary Clinton's bid for the White House. But a Republican spokesman says that in Ohio an Emily's List endorsement might do more harm than good

Stivers, Wagner vie for republican representative candidacy (2008-02-29)
Two Republicans are vying for the opportunity to run for 15th District Representative Deborah Pryce seat in the House. Pryce is retiring, and either Steve Stivers or Robert Wagner will run against Mary Jo Kilroy in the general election. Wagner and Stivers discussed their plans for health care on WOSU's Openline program with Fred Andrle.

COTA Puts 26 Old Buses on the Auction Block (2008-02-29)
The Central Ohio Transit Authority is putting some old buses on the auction block Saturday.

Hillary Clinton Holds Economic Summit in Zanesville (2008-02-28)
Six days before the March 4th primaries, Hillary Clinton tried to persuade Ohioans that her plans to revive the faltering [U.S.] economy can also resuscitate her dwindling campaign. The Democratic presidential candidate and former first lady held a round-table discussion on economic issues yesterday at Ohio University's Zanesville campus. From Ohio Public Radio station W-O-S-U, Sam Hendren reports

Local students take unique approach to musical (2008-02-28)
Each year students around the country perform in their school musical. Some sing in a chorus, while some play an instrument or memorize a dance routine. The fourth and fifth graders at Gahanna's Blacklick Elementary School take a different approach: they write and produce their production.

Residents Discuss Health Coverage (2008-02-28)
As we have heard many times in recent days, health care has become one of the top issues of this year's campaign. Thursday, a diverse group of health care advocates and people coping with chronic disease met to try to force politicians to make change.

Ohio Voters Face New Round of Political Commercials (2008-02-28)
For the last few weeks, Ohioans have be deluged with TV commercials.

Former Police Officer Sentenced to Life in Prison (2008-02-27)
A former police officer has been sentencedto life in prison with a chance of parole after 57 years for killing Jessie Davis and her unborn daughter avoiding a possible death sentence.

Fire Investigators: Boy Playing With Lighter Started Fire That Killed 3 Children (2008-02-27)
Investigators say a boy playing with a lighter started the house fire that killed three children in the western Ohio city of Sidney Feb. 12.

Ohio Church Leaders Suppport Restrictive Payday Loan Legislation (2008-02-27)
Church leaders in Ohio have joined the list of people trying to help pass a bill that would more closely regulate payday lending. House bill 333 would cap loans at 36 percent - down from the current annual percentage rate of 391 percent.

Senator Barack Obama urges voters to cast primary ballots early (2008-02-27)
Thousands of people, bundled in scarves, long overcoats and hats, braved single digit wind chills Wednesday morning, some for an hour, to hear Senator Barack Obama speak at Ohio State. Only the nose bleed section of Saint John Arena had vacant seats.

Democrats Tackle Tax Returns and NAFTA in Last Debate (2008-02-27)
Issues facing Ohio were some of the main topics in last night's Democratic Presidential debate in Cleveland. In the final head-to-head match-up before next week's Ohio primary, Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama found some common ground on how to help the state's economy.

Obama Speaks at Ohio State (2008-02-27)
Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are back on the Ohio campaign trail today. Obama is speaking to a rally this hour on Ohio State's campus. New York Senator Hillary Clinton is taking her campaign to Appalachian Ohio today. She has scheduled appearances today in Zanesville and Saint Clairsville. Candidate spouses, Bill Clinton and Michelle Obama will make campaign stops in Ohio during the next three days.

One Group of Older Voters Sees No Clear Winner in Clinton-Obama Ohio Debate (2008-02-27)
About two dozen people watched the Ohio Democratic debate at an AARP-sponsored event in Columbus.

Columbus set to cut off subsidy for recyclers (2008-02-26)
It's going to cost more to be "green" in Columbus. Curb side recyclers in the city will soon have to pay a higher fee for the service after a city council vote to stop subsidizing the program.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey vs. Northern Michigan, 2/15 & 2/16/08 (2008-02-26)
Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey versus Northern Michigan University. Games played 02/15 and 02/16/08 at Columbus, Ohio. Hosted by Neil Sika.

Winter storm closes universities, zoo in northern Ohio (2008-02-26)
Snow is blanketing northern Ohio, forcing even the Akron Zoo to close for the day. Universities also are calling off classes, including Toledo,Akron and Kent State.

US House Committee votes for Blackwell Subpoena (2008-02-26)
A US House subcommittee Tuesday voted to issue a subpoena for former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell. To prepare for this November's general elections the subcommittee on Civil Rights is investigating.

Poll: Strickland's popularity remains firm (2008-02-26)
A new poll shows Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland's job approval has taken a slight dip but remains high.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Interview with OSU's Tom Fritsche (2008-02-26)
Host Neil Sika interviews OSU men's hockey senior forward Tom Fritche.

Huckabee Looks for Votes in Ohio (2008-02-26)
Mike Huckabee tells Ohioans the race is not over yet.

Budget Chief: Projected Shortfall Unchanged (2008-02-26)
Gov. Ted Strickland's budget chief says a projected shortfall of $733 million first identified in November remains unchanged.

Obama continues to climb in polls of Ohio Democrats (2008-02-25)
Two new public opinion polls in Ohio are confirming what presidential campaign watchers have suspected --- Hillary Clinton is still ahead of Barack Obama.....but Obama's popularity is surging.

Former President Clinton Campaigns Again in Ohio (2008-02-25)
Bill Clinton today campaigned for his wife in Southern Ohio. The Former President made stops in Portsmouth, Athens and Lancaster. WOSU's Sam Hendren reports on Bill Clinton's visit to Chillicothe.

Ohio State program keeps injured workers on the job (2008-02-25)
Ohio State University is keeping injured employees working and saving millions of dollars in the process.

Ohio Bicentennials, Embrace Them (2008-02-25)
Columbus has a big birthday coming up in a few years. Planning for the city's 2012 bicentennial is underway. WOSU Commentator Ed Lentz says such celebrations help us remember how far we've come.

Political Science professor predicts outcome for Ohio's presidential primary (2008-02-25)
In eight days Ohio voters finally get their turn to go to the polls and cast their ballots for the 2008 presidential primary. WOSU spoke with a political scientist to talk about what the results of the Ohio primary could look like.

More campaign visits in Ohio ahead of March 4th primary (2008-02-25)
Presidential hopeful Barack Obama will head to rallies in Cincinnati and Dayton while rival Hillary Clinton's campaign is sending Bill Clinton to southern Ohio. Republican John McCain, meanwhile, is in the Cleveland area today.

Governor Calls for Review of Flexible Work Hours (2008-02-22)
Gov. Ted Strickland wants state agencies to review employee work schedules to make sure departments are adequately staffed during traditional business hours.

Clinton, Obama to campaign in Ohio this weekend (2008-02-22)
Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton all have Ohio campaign stops planned for this weekend.

Ney moves to halfway house (2008-02-22)
The federal prisons Web site shows that former U.S. Rep. Bob Ney has been moved from prison to a halfway house in Cincinnati.

Democratic candidates for county commissioner debate the issues (2008-02-22)
Slated alongside the anticipated presidential primary is a local contest for the democratic candidate for the county commission.. In anticipation of their March 4 primary, Cindy Lazarus and John O'Grady squared off in a Friday afternoon debate. They discussed the foreclosure crisis, public transportation, and the recent Huntington Park contract dispute.

Poll: Clinton's lead narrows in Ohio (2008-02-22)
A new opinion poll shows Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton holds a seven point lead over opponent Barack Obama in Ohio.

Antioch College to Suspend Operations (2008-02-22)
Antioch University's trustees have decided that Antioch College in Ohio will suspend operations June 30 and remain closed for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Convicted Ohio Congressman Moves To Half-Way House (2008-02-21)
The federal prisons Web site shows that former U.S. Rep. Bob Ney has been moved from prison to a halfway house in Cincinnati. The six-term Republican from Heath in central Ohio resigned after pleading guilty in a congressional bribery scandal.

New Ohio House Plan Includes Benchmarks for Renewable Energy (2008-02-21)
Ohio House Republicans say electric utility companies will have to increase the use of renewable energy sources by one-quarter of one percent by the end of next year.

Columbus searches for its identity (2008-02-21)
Energy, imagination and sex appeal-- these are all terms used to describe Columbus' identity. Last night at a Metropolitan Club forum city residents and young professionals debated Columbus' image and how it should be marketed to attract more business and culture.

Presidential Candidates Talk Less About Iraq (2008-02-21)
The economy seems to be the number one focus of most of the presidential candidates these days when they are traveling Ohio.

Huckabee supporters lobby for Ohio debate and hope for a miracle (2008-02-21)
Despite impossible odds, Ohio supporters of GOP Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee are keeping the faith. They want a media organization to sponsor a debate between him John McCain and Ron Paul. C-N-N canceled its Republican debate in Ohio that was set for next week. WOSU sat down with a couple of central Ohio Huckabee supporters to find out why they want a debate so badly.

NASA's "Future Forum" Highlights Ohio's Contributions (2008-02-21)
NASA celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The space agency is visiting seven U.S. cities to commemorate its past and to promote its role in the future.

Returning to the moon by 2020 is one of the agency's goals.

At an event hosted Thursday at COSI [co-sigh] in Columbus, the agency's deputy administrator says NASA has some very ambitious plans.

Festival attracts national acts, highlights local musicians (2008-02-21)
Some of the top blues musicians from places like Chicago and Mississippi will be in Central Ohio this weekend, as the Columbus Blues Alliance Saturday hosts the 13th annual Traditional Acoustic Blues Festival. And as WOSU's Steve Brown reports, many local musicians will jam along side them.

Ohio Court Ruling Favors Manufacturers (2008-02-21)
At the Ohio Supreme Court today there's a victory for Ohio manufacturers and a loss for some people injured by faulty products. The justices have ruled that key parts of new laws that put limits on lawsuits by injured workers is constitutional.

County Prosecutors Get Help From Ohio Attorney General (2008-02-20)
In the past year the Ohio attorney general's office has expanded its Special Prosecutions Section into a $1 million operation. It has six newly hired lawyers traveling the state tending to nearly 50 criminal cases.

Large Scale Collection of Emerald Ash Borers to Begin This Spring (2008-02-20)
State agriculture officials have a new way to try to stop a tree-killing insect. They will begin hanging more than 7,000 traps this spring to catch the Emerald Ash Borer. The Asian insect has damaged or killed an estimated 25 million ash trees in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.

High court: Sex offender residence law not retroactive (2008-02-20)
The state's high court ruled Wednesday that a sex offender may not be booted from a home within 1,000 feet of a school if he owned it and committed his crime before the distance restriction became law.

Columbus Tries Council to Recruit Women and Minority Police Applicants (2008-02-20)
The first meeting of the Columbus police division's Diversity Recruiting Council was held Tuesday evening. The council is made up of members who will represent the city's various ethic groups. The intent is to try to bring greater diversity to Columbus's police force.

Backers Say Sick Leave Bill on Hold (2008-02-20)
Backers of a bill to give Ohio workers paid sick days say they've been given assurance that members of the state legislature will allow it to have a hearing.

Ohio schools sitting on recalled beef (2008-02-20)
State education officials say schools around Ohio have an estimated 60,000 pounds of beef affected by the nation's largest-ever meat recall.

Candidate Obama Rallies Ohio Supporters (2008-02-19)
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama brought his campaign yesterday to northeast Ohio, a key region for Democratic votes in the state. Obama focused on the economy during his trip to the economically depressed manufacturing region of Ohio.

Franklin County Judge Rules in Favor of Secretary of State (2008-02-19)
A judge says Ohio counties do not have the power to challenge an order from the state's chief elections officer that they provide paper ballots to any voter who wants one in the upcoming primary elections.

McCain Comes to Columbus Hoping to Lock up Nomination (2008-02-19)
John McCain's campaign says the Arizona senator is hosting an election night party at a hotel to watch the results of Wisconsin's Republican presidential primary.

Government-backed Group Counts Vacant Houses. (2008-02-19)
A report released today says more than 25,000 vacant and abandoned properties cost eight Ohio cities at least $63,000,000. The study was commissioned by ReBuild Ohio, a coalition of local government, nonprofit and civic organizations.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Interview with OSU's Tom Goebel (2008-02-18)
Host Neil Sika interviews OSU men's hockey senior winger Tom Goebel

Ohio Lawmakers Take on China (2008-02-18)
Some Ohio Democratic lawmakers are leading a push for actions against China. They say Chinese trade policies are unfair and need to be corrected.

Foreign-born Physician Program Fails to East Doctor Shortage (2008-02-18)
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports Monday that Ohio's program for foreign-born medical graduates is not easing the state's shortage of primary care doctors.

Race Should Not Matter in Race for President (2008-02-18)
Regardless of who wins the Democratic Nomination for President it will be an historical achievement. Democrats will either choose a woman or an African American as their choice for President. WOSU Commentator Michael Ivey wonders when such distinctions won't matter.

Former President Clinton tells Ohio voters they have clear choice (2008-02-18)
Former President Bill Clinton told voters in blue-collar towns across Ohio yesterday that they have a clear choice for president in times of economic uncertainty.

Ohio Democrats in Congress Lead Effort to Change Chinese Trade Policies (2008-02-18)
Some Ohio Democratic lawmakers are leading a push for actions against China. They say Chinese trade policies are unfair and need to be corrected.

Gardeners Lay the Groundwork for Spring (2008-02-18)
To the untrained eye, the snow and ice of recent days are obstacles to driving and walking.

Lawmakers spar over protecting lake waters (2008-02-18)
Ohioans will begin hearing much this week about the issue of preventing Great Lakes waters from being diverted to the water-hungry Southwest.

Twin accused in murder of brother faces more time in juvenile detention (2008-02-15)
The lawyer representing Linden teen accused of killing his twin brother appeared in juvenile court this morning. 18-year-old Derris Lewis faces delinquency murder and other charges. But today's hearing shed little light in details of the case.

Dublin erects temporary barrier to ponds following second death (2008-02-15)
The city of Dublin today placed concrete barriers between the Avery Road/161 interchange and two retention ponds. The move comes just over a week after a second man drowned when his car veered off Avery Road into one of the ponds.

Michelle Obama stumps in Columbus (2008-02-15)
The wife of Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama campaigned for him in Columbus Friday. In a speech to more than 300 on the Ohio State University campus, Michelle Obama portrayed her husband as a uniter with a world view.

Two more primary election developments (2008-02-15)
Tthe Obama campaign got a boost from two labor unions Friday. They announced they were switching their support from John Edwards to Obama.

Central Ohio Receives Dose of Presidential Politics. (2008-02-15)
Hillary Clinton spent the whole day Thursday in Ohio. With some signs that support for her may be slipping, it's considered a must-win state, even by her backers. That's why she wrapped up the day with a speech on the Ohio State University campus, where support for her rival, Barrack Obama, seems strong.

Hearing Scheduled Today On Challenge To Secretary of State (2008-02-14)
The extent of the authority of Ohio's chief elections officer is at stake in a court case by Union County that is scheduled to have a hearing today. The county is challenging Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner's order to offer voters paper ballots in the March 4th primary as an alternative to electronic touch screen voting machines.

Tax Ruling Against Columbia Gas (2008-02-14)
Officials of Ohio schools and local governments are breathing a sigh of relief today.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey vs. Bowling Green, 2/01 & 2/02/08 (2008-02-14)
Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey versus Bowling Green. Games played 2/01 and 2/02/08 in Columbus, OH. Hosted by Neil Sika.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey vs. Nebraska-Omaha, 2/08 & 2/09/08 (2008-02-14)
Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey versus Nebraska-Omaha. Games played 02/08 and 02/09/08 at Omaha, Nebraska. Hosted by Neil Sika.

Twin brother accused of murder due in court Friday morning (2008-02-14)
The lawyer representing the East Side teen accused of killing his twin brother appeared in juvenile court this morning. 18-year-old Derris Lewis faces murder and other charges in connection with last month's shooting death of Dennis Lewis. Police still are not saying much about the case.

Obama Ohio: Textbook Grassroot Campaigning (2008-02-14)
Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama has beaten Hillary Clinton in several primary elections and caucuses, even though Clinton had more money and more endorsements.

Campaign Rallies Cost Taxpayers (2008-02-14)
It won't cost you anything to get in the door at the Clinton rally tonight, but the visits cost Columbus taxpayers more than you might think.

Gospel Music - From the Spirituals to Hip Hop (2008-02-14)
Music has always been a key element in African-American churches, but that music has gone through many transformations. Raymond Wise teaches at Denison University, OSU, and Trinity Lutheran Seminary. In his research he's identified five distinct eras in gospel music in the twentieth century.

Chelsea Clinton campaigns for mom at Ohio State (2008-02-13)
Democrat Senator Hillary Clinton at one time had more delegates than her opponent Senator Barack Obama. But that's changed. As Ohio's March fourth presidential primary draws near the candidates are campaigning more aggressively. Clinton's daughter, Chelsea, visited several Ohio colleges Wednesday in hopes of drawing young voters to her mother's campaign. Clinton made her first stop at Ohio State University.

Hilliard Schools dispute headed to federal mediator (2008-02-13)
A federal mediator is now involved in a contract dispute between Hilliard School District teachers and administrators after teachers overwhelmingly defeated the district's latest contract proposal.

Dennis Lewis' twin brother arrested Wednesday in his murder (2008-02-13)
The murder of 17-year-old Dennis Lewis last month disturbed many people. Lewis was a member of East High School's marching band and the National Honor Society. But now an arrest has been made in his murder.

Snow and Ice Force School Closings and Delays (2008-02-13)
Early morning temperatures are in the low 20s across much of Central Ohio this morning making for slick sidewalks and roadways. The combination of overnight snow and icy conditions has forced Columbus City Schools to close for the second consecutive day. Other districts have also closed or delayed classes this morning.

Filmmaker Spike Lee Holds Columbus Press Conference (2008-02-12)
Filmmaker Spike Lee has received the Wexner Prize. The award honors a contemporary artist whose work has been consistently original and influential. The prize recognized Lee's feature films, documentaries and other works. The Wexner Center for the Arts is showing a few of Lee's works this month.

GM offers buyout to 74,000 employees (2008-02-12)
General Motors workers in Ohio have a lot to think about. GM Tuesday announced it's offering buyouts to 74,000 United Auto Workers. There are more than 10,000 UAW workers in Ohio alone.

Deliberations Begin in Murder Trial of Former Canton Police Officer (2008-02-12)
Jurors in Canton began deliberating Tuesday afternoon whether to believe a former police officer who says his pregnant lover's death was an accident.

Snow storm covers most of Ohio (2008-02-12)
Schools have closed across much of Ohio as a bout of winter weather rolls across the state.

SWAT Shooting Brings Jesse Jackson to Lima (2008-02-11)
Jesse Jackson said his visit to Lima Monday goes beyond last month's police shooting of a woman and her one-year-old son.

Former Canton Officer Accused of Murder Testifies (2008-02-11)
A former police officer accused of killing his pregnant lover is testifying in his murder trial.

Franklin county Judge to Rule in Paper Ballots Directive (2008-02-11)
A Franklin County judge says he'll hear arguments between Ohio's chief elections official and a county prosecutor who said she overstepped her authority by ordering counties to offer paper ballots.

Ohio University earns most from patent fees (2008-02-11)
A new survey shows Ohio University earned more than $3 million from patent licensing fees in 2006, more than any other public college in the state.

ODA's New Milking Labeling Balances Public's Right To Know with Free Speech (2008-02-11)
After months of study by the state and after input from various stakeholders, the Ohio agriculture department has developed new rules governing the labeling of dairy products. The state agriculture director says the new regulations balance the right of free speech with the public's right to know.

Governor Strickland Votes, Pushes Early Voting (2008-02-11)
Ohio's presidential primary election is set for March 4th, but Ohioans don't need to wait until then to cast their ballots. One of the state's top politicians proved that point Monday.

Dangerous wind chills close or delay Ohio schools (2008-02-11)
Districts all over Ohio closed schools or delayed the start of classes amid this morning's Arctic temperatures and brutal winds.

Columbus - The Inde Art Capital of the World (2008-02-11)
COlumbus has all kinds of slogans: The best place to live work and raise a family. A 21st Century City. The Heart of Ohio. Cowtown. But WOSU Commentator Andrew Miller says some young people embrace a new slogan that celebrates the city's creative spirit.

State leaders spar over extent of fiscal crisis (2008-02-11)
An expert on government budgeting says its unusual for a state with a looming budget gap to take on added debt before using the money set aside in its rainy day fund.

Voters Show Up To Cast Absentee Ballots (2008-02-08)
Many Ohioans are casting their votes for the March 4th primary almost a month in advance. Starting Friday, county elections boards are sending out absentee ballots to voters who requested them. Or, voters may go to their local elections office to pick up a ballot and vote in person.

Police Puzzled by Second Stabbing in Portsmouth (2008-02-08)
Police say they do not know why a second woman was stabbed before a man attacked his estranged wife while she was teaching at a southern Ohio school.

Governor Tours Northwest Ohio Flooding (2008-02-08)
Governor Strickland says the state is ready to do whatever it can to help victims of this week's flooding in northwest Ohio.

City helps arts organizations (2008-02-08)
While the Columbus Symphony faces musician cuts and budget shortfalls, local cultural organizations and the city are banding together to find a long-term solution to problems with arts funding. Friday Columbus City Council pledged $700,000 dollars to the Columbus Cultural Leadership Consortium. They hope the funds will be matched by the county commissioners and corporate sponsors.

Aide Says Senator Obama Considers Skipping Ohio Debate. (2008-02-07)
Barack Obama is considering skipping the presidential primary debate scheduled for later this month in Ohio to instead spend time talking to voters. The Dayton Daily News quotes an Obama spokesman as saying that Obama has debated Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton 18 times during this campaign, including four times in the last month.

Teacher Stabbed in Portsmouth Classroom (2008-02-07)
A man who police say stabbed his wife and fired a gunshot while she taught fifth grade Thursday morning was found dead inside his home in Portsmouth in southern Ohio.

Trial begins in National Century fraud case (2008-02-07)
Testimony began Thursday in federal court in Columbus in the fraud trial of five former executives of National Century Financial Enterprises. The defendants are accused of multiple counts of fraud that cost investors nearly $2 billion.

O'Bama Will Debate Clinton in Ohio (2008-02-07)
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama Thursday agreed to debate opponent Hillary Clinton in Ohio before the March 4th primary.

Governor's Early College Plan Draws Mixed Reviews (2008-02-07)
Educators are both applauding and raising questions about Governor Strickland's proposal to offer eligible high schoolers free tuition.

Lawmakers Question Strickland's Budget Cuts (2008-02-07)
Some Ohio legislators are skeptical that the state government is facing a money shortfall that's so big, it justifies spending cuts that Governor Ted Strickland has ordered.

Despite concerns, Dublin failed to install safety device in interchange ponds (2008-02-07)
In recent years, two cars have sunk into a pond at an elaborate Dublin interchange and two men have died. Now WOSU news has learned that despite significant safety concerns, the city never installed a safety measure designed to keep vehicles from sinking.

Hancock county officials begin evacuations (2008-02-06)
Emergency officials in the Findlay area have started evacuations in response to teh rising Blanchard River.

A Judge Stays Part of New Sex Offender Notification Law (2008-02-06)
A federal judge has extended the deadline for sex offenders to challenge their reclassification under a law that took effect this year.

Reaction is Mixed to Strickland's State of the State (2008-02-06)
Reaction to governor Strickland's state-of-the-state address is mixed. Minority Democrats in the legislature are praising it.

Presidential Candidates Expected to Turn Attention to Ohio (2008-02-06)
The national political spotlight is expected to shine brightly on delegate-rich Ohio.

Ohio Court Takes Up Ballot Issue (2008-02-05)
A federal judge in Cleveland is scheduled to hear arguments today over a lawsuit challenging Cuyahoga County's new voting system in the March 4 presidential primary. The county plans to drop an electronic touch-screen system in favor of a paper ballot system.

OSU Urban Arts Space opens in old Lazarus building (2008-02-05)
The Ohio State University College of Arts has a new art gallery in downtown Columbus - the OSU Urban Arts Space. It's located in the old Lazarus building. The new space that opens Tuesday.

Education point of focus in State of the State address (2008-02-05)
Governor Strickland says education is the central isssue he faces, and he's determined to bring real results.

Judge Denies ACLU's Motion to Block Change in Cleveland Voting System (2008-02-05)
A federal judge in Cleveland today denied a motion by the ACLU to block Cuyahoga County's switch from a touch-screen electronic system to paper ballots for the March 4 presidential primary.

Marysville building 1.2 billion gallon reservoir to accomodate growth (2008-02-05)
The city of Marysville has a water problem; it does not have enough to keep up with its growth. Since former governor James Rhodes convinced Honda to build their first U.S. manufacturing facility in southern Union County, the area has seen an economic transformation. Now city officials are ready to build a new reservoir that has a very unique feature.

Ohio Farmers Consider Food-Fuel Options (2008-02-04)
At the grocery store and at the gas station, consumers are paying more this year for food and fuel. As a result, farmers in Ohio and across the United States face a critical financial choice as another growing season approaches. At issue: whether they should produce food or energy.

Gun Owners Want More Legal Protection (2008-02-04)
Committee hearings are underway in the Ohio House and Senate on measures to change the self defense burden of proof in cases of home invasion.

Attorneys are Whittling the Jury Pool for Executives' Fraud Trial (2008-02-04)
About a quarter of 125 potential jurors were dismissed Monday from the Columbus trial of former executives with a huge health care finance company.

Federal Fraud Trial Begins For Former Executives (2008-02-04)
Five former executives at a huge health care finance company go on trial in Columbus today in what federal prosecutors have portrayed as one of the largest corporate fraud cases since Enron. Investors lost more than a billion dollars when National Century Financial Enterprises of Dublin collapsed in 2002.

Black History Month - Worth Noting (2008-02-04)
February is Black History Month. Organizations throughout the region will spend the month honoring African American Heritage. WOSU Commentator Jerolyn Barbee explains this commeration is still important

Columbus Residents Get "Coats for Kids" Assistance (2008-02-01)
St. Stephens Community House at 1500 East 17th Ave. in Columbus is in the middle of its "Coats or Kids" program. St. Stephens is expecting about one thousand people to receive new and used winter clothing to those in need, no questions asked.

Groups Speak Out On Governor's Budget Cuts (2008-02-01)
Groups that will be affected by Governor Ted Strickland's proposed budget cuts are speaking out.

Filene's Basement holds 8th annual "Running of the Brides" (2008-02-01)
It's often compared to Spain's running of the bulls, except there are no red-eyed, snorting bulls, just brides-to-be. And they're running toward racks of highly discounted wedding gowns. Filene's Basement held its eighth annual "Running of the Brides" Friday morning.

News Network Says It Will Bring Presidential Debates To Ohio. (2008-02-01)
CNN says it will bring Democratic and Republican presidential debates to Ohio at the end of February. The news network says it's partnering with the two political parties to air the debates from the battleground state.

Governor Criticized for KENO Proposal (2008-02-01)
Governor Ted Strickland's plan to legalize electronic gaming machines like KENO at bars and veterans halls across Ohio is drawing fire from anti-gambling activists.

Headline: In the Crease with Neil Sika: Interview with Phil Lauderdale (2008-01-31)
Tease: Host Neil Sika interviews goalie Phil Lauderdale of the OSU Men's Hockey team.

Governor's Budget Fix Hits State Workers (2008-01-31)
State employees may feel the brunt of Governor Strickland's plan to plug Ohio's budget shortfall.

Ohio's Primary Gaining Importance (2008-01-31)
The field of presidential candidates is thinning. Political scientist John Green says that may make Ohio's primary more important, not less.

Strickland Cuts State Budget (2008-01-31)
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland is calling for more than 700 million dollars worth of cuts to the state's budget.

Death Knell for Columbus Symphony Orchestra? (2008-01-31)
Reaction to budget cuts at the Columbus Symphony Orchestra has been mixed. Some have expressed shock, others think it's time the orchestra faced economic reality. At the moment it seems reconciliation between the symphony board and orchestra musicians is as wide as a chasm.

OSU taking steps to keep sophomores on campus (2008-01-31)
Right now Ohio State University only requires freshmen to live in campus dorms. OSU officials Thursday took a step towards requiring sophomore students to live on campus. They discussed a four-year $195 million project to improve and expand housing on campus.

OhioTraffic Cameras Will Stay (2008-01-31)
In a unanimous decision today, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled the use of red-light cameras to ticket motorists does not violate the state's constitution.

Governor Wants to Cut Hundreds of Jobs and Close Two Hospitals for Mentally Ill (2008-01-31)
Governor Strickland says the state will cut up 2,700 jobs and close two hospitals for the mentally ill as a way to deal with budget troubles.

Ohio Supreme Court Upholds Use of Traffic Cameras (2008-01-31)
The state Supreme Court is giving a green light to cities that use cameras to catch and fine drivers who break traffic laws.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Interview with Phil Lauderdale (2008-01-31)
Host Neil Sika interviews OSU men's hockey goalie Phil Lauderdale

Victim Wants Stalkers To Be Tracked Electronically (2008-01-30)
Ohio legislators heard Wdnesday from a victim of stalking. She endorsed a plan that would open the door for judges to order electronic monitoring of some stalkers.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey vs. Lake Superior State, 1/25 & 1/26/08 (2008-01-30)
Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey versus Lake Superior State; games played 01/25 and 01/26/08 at Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Hosted by Neil Sika.

Appeals court denies deportation review for alleged Nazi guard (2008-01-30)
A federal appeals court in Cincinnati has rejected John Demjanjuk's challenge to a final order for his deportation over accusations that he was a Nazi death camp guard.

Rock Star of the Immigrant Talent Movement Speaks Out (2008-01-30)
The outsourcing of U.S. jobs to other countries, has many Americans concerned. But this past week in Northeast Ohio, one of the loudest voices for keeping America strong in a time of offshore competition came from a man with a foreign accent.

STEM Schools Recieve Multi-Million Dollar Grant (2008-01-30)
The plan to create five public schools dedicated to a curriculum of science, technology, engineering and math - STEM - is pushing forward, powered by a multi-million dollar boost from a national foundation.

Thousands Turn Out for Columbus "Citizen Summit." (2008-01-30)
What was billed as a "Citizen Summit" drew an estimated 2,000 to the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The summit marks the start of a planning effort for the city's bi-centennial in 2012. And suggested projects that make the cut will be included in a bi-centennial blueprint and possibly funded by a city bond issue.

Ohio Congressional Delegation Reacts To State of The Union. (2008-01-29)
President Bush used his final State of the Union speech to talk about the Iraq war, to promote his No Child Left Behind Act, and to urge Americans to overcome their fears of recession. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler talked to a sample of the Ohio Congressional delegation and asked them about the speech.

FBI Investigates Credit Card Fraud at Kenyon College (2008-01-29)
Nearly two dozen people in the rural college town of Gambier are victims of credit card fraud totaling close to $10,000.

Community Shelter Board: Number of Homeless in Central Ohio Might be Down (2008-01-29)
Community Shelter Board officials say initial estimates indicate that Franklin County might have fewer homeless people living outside shelters than last year.

Mexican Authorities Issue Warrants In Death Of Ohio Marine (2008-01-29)
Authorities in Mexico now have a warrant out for the U.S. Marine suspected of killing a pregnant colleague from Vandalia, Ohio. A U.S. Embassy official says the arrest warrant is for Corporal Cesar Laurean's extradition.

Republicans propose health care plan (2008-01-29)
There's a new bill being considered by Ohio lawmakers that's meant to help more Ohioans afford health care coverage. In fact, backers of the plan say it would cut the ranks of the uninsured in half over the next few years.

Ohio's U-S Senators Grade President's State of Union Address. (2008-01-29)
Ohio's two U.S. senators are both urging President Bush to focus on economic policies during his final year in office. Republican Sen. George Voinovich says Bush's legacy on domestic issues will depend on his ability to take action on the economy and the rising cost of health care.

Veteran bonus plan moves forward despite money crunch (2008-01-29)
The huge projected shortfall in the state budget doesn't seem to be slowing down a proposal to give bonuses to modern-day Ohio veterans.

GOP Leader Sees Role for Ohio in Presidential Selection (2008-01-28)
Former Ohio House Speaker Jo Ann Davidson sees a role for Ohio in the presidential selection process, even after voters in 22 states have their say next week.

Chillicothe school mourns death of principal, 35 (2008-01-28)
Students and faculty at a Catholic school in southern Ohio are said to be in shock over the sudden death of their 35-year-old principal. Kenneth Kessler of Bishop Flaget School in Chillicothe died at his home Sunday morning.

Columbus Promoters Say Convention Business Lags. (2008-01-28)
City leaders say Columbus is considered a great spot for conventions - it's centrally located, close to the airport and has good nightlife. Despite those pluses the city is losing convention business.

Ohio Prisons Chief Moves To Ease Overcrowding (2008-01-28)
State prison officials plan to add about 450 inmates to two Dayton prisons in an attempt to ease crowding at other Ohio correctional institutes. Officials say the additions will bring both prisons to at least 150 percent capacity and force at least half the cells to go to double bunks.

Democrats Start Thinking About Ohio (2008-01-28)
In just five weeks, Ohio voters will be casting ballots in the presidential primary, but there's been little visible campaign activity here. That's expected to change right after the Super Tuesday primary elections in many other states February 5th.

State auditor cites $7 million in improper Head Start payments (2008-01-28)
A state audit shows that a Cleveland-based Head Start provider accepted $7 million in state education funding for thousands of children it did not serve.

All work and no play (2008-01-28)
In our hustle and bustle lives, WOSU Commentator Elizabeth Martinez says we need time for play, even an afternoon siesta.

Wendy's Dumps Pigtailed Pitchman (2008-01-28)
After only eight months, Wendy's is scrapping its commercials featuring young men in red Wendy wigs with pigtails. The Dublin based fast food chain says the ads generated attention -- but haven't resulted in stronger sales.

Potential foreclosure victims unaware of help (2008-01-25)
Ohio's foreclosure crisis is one of the worst in the nation, but there is a little help on the way. The federal government is making money available for non-profit groups to provide financial counselling to families who are having problems keeping up with their mortgage payments. That advice could come in handy because many Ohio homeowners do not seem aware of some low-interest loans that could get them out of their jam.

Local voting officials weigh in (2008-01-25)
Local voting officials throughout Ohio are telling Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner they aren't concerned about the security of voting systems in their counties.

Ohio Supreme Court Declines To Rule On Abortion Records Case. (2008-01-25)
The Ohio Supreme Court has declined to consider whether a Cincinnati Planned Parenthood clinic should hand over a decades' worth of abortion records to a family suing over a teenage girl's abortion. The court voted 4-3 this week not to hear the suit.

Ohio Awakens To Frigid Temperatures (2008-01-25)
A frigid Friday morning with temperatures in the single digits and lower has led schools around Ohio to delay the start of classes and has filled homeless shelters. The National Weather Service says the mercury dipped to 5-below zero at Newark. 2 degrees in Toledo, zero in Dayton, 7 in Columbus.

Kucinich Withdraws from Presidential Race (2008-01-24)
Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich is giving up on his second bid for the White House.

State law causes confusion, backlog in county courts (2008-01-24)
Judges in at least four Ohio counties have raised questions about the constitutionality of changes to the state's sex offender registration laws. At issue: whether offenders convicted prior to changes in the law can be punished retroactively.

Governor Strickland and Ohio House Speaker Disagree on How to Resolve the Budget Shortfall (2008-01-24)
As Governor Strickland stares down a red-soaked state budget, there's a warning from the House Speaker against any plan to solve the shortfall that involves taxes.

$1.9 Billion Budget Hole (2008-01-24)
A cutting of state services is one option for plugging a $1.9 billion hole in Ohio's budget.

ACORN Kicks Off Columbus Voter Registration (2008-01-24)
The political organization known as ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, held a rally Thursday on the Near East side of Columbus. The group says it has begun its voter registration drive in advance of the 2008 elections.

$1.9 Billion Budget Hole (2008-01-24)
A cutting of state services is one option for plugging a $1.9 billion hole in Ohio's budget.

Governor and Legislators Consider Options to Resolve Budget Shortfall (2008-01-24)
A cutting of state services is one option for plugging a $1.9 billion hole in Ohio's budget.

East High School student remembered at funeral following tragic murder (2008-01-24)
Dennis Lewis was a senior at East on Arcadia High School. Lewis died last week after being shot during a robbery in his Linden home. Lewis's funeral was held Thursday.

Akron Mayor Takes Issue with Stimulus Package (2008-01-24)
The President and House leaders have come to agreement on a stimulus package built around consumer rebates and added deductions for business.

Ohio Officials Get Fuel-Efficient Rides. (2008-01-23)
The state of Ohio is cutting back on big, gas-guzzling vehicles. Ohio plans to replace many state employees' midsize sedans with smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

State Supreme Court hears case about body parts after autopsy (2008-01-23)
The Ohio Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case challenging how coroners handle body parts left over from an autopsy. It's common practice for coroners to keep a brain or other organs for testing and return the rest of the body to the family for burial or cremation. But some people want coroners to give families a chance to get the organs back for burial.

Electricity Prices May Stay in Hands of Government (2008-01-23)
Ohio legislators are continuing to hear conflicting testimony about whether they should keep having state government control electricity rates. At the moment, the Public Utilities Commission is scheduled to lose its regulatory power over electric bills, starting next year. But the Ohio Senate has approved a bill bringing back government price controls and a legislative committee in the house is now looking at it.

Ohio Attorney General sues Freddie Mac (2008-01-23)
Ohio's attorney general has sued mortgage lender Freddie Mac. Marc Dann accuses the lending giant of defrauding the state's mammoth pension fund by systematically investing in sub-prime home loans.

Ohio Predicts Budget Shortfall Up To $1.9 Billion (2008-01-23)
The state is expecting a budget shortfall of between $700 million and nearly $2 billion in the fiscal year that begins July First.

Ohio election officials oppose voting changes (2008-01-23)
Representatives of Ohio's county election officials voted unanimously today (Wednesday) to oppose the secretary of state's recommendation that all Ohio counties scrap their touch-screen voting machines and return to paper ballots.

Same-sex households bring in less money, study shows (2008-01-22)
A new study shows thousands of same-sex couples in Ohio are raising kids, but the report also busts what the study's author calls some common myths.

Fed rate cuts help local stocks (2008-01-22)
Local stocks are recovering this afternoon from an early morning plunge in the market. The Dow Jones plummeted nearly 500 points amid concerns about U.S. and global markets, but rebounded with news of significant cuts in key interest rates.

Many Things Lie Below The Surface of Columbus (2008-01-22)
City of Columbus officials are still tabulating the cost to repair the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Last week a broken water main flooded the building, lifting the floor. The old water main ran underneath the building, and city workers were not aware the pipe was there. WOSU Commentator and local historian Ed Lentz reminds us there are a lot of things hidden below the surface.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Interview with Jason DeSantis (2008-01-22)
In the Crease with Neil Sika: Neil interviews senior defenseman Jason DeSantis from the OSU men's hockey team.

Report shows medical malpractice claims dropping in Ohio (2008-01-22)
A new report says the number of medical malpractice claims has dropped considerably in the state in recent years.

Stock market plunge bad news for state government (2008-01-22)
The plunge in the stock market might signal a decline in tax revenues for state government in Ohio. That, in turn, could mean a decline in state services.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey vs. Michigan State, 1/18 & 1/19/08 (2008-01-22)
Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey versus Michigan State; games played 01/18 and 01/19/08 at Columbus. Hosted by Neil Sika.

Ohio Considers Controversial Milk Labeling (2008-01-22)
The Ohio Department of Agriculture is expected to release new rules on milk labeling as early as this week. At issue is whether producers will have the right to label their milk as synthetic growth hormone-free.

Chrysler to Pump Millions into Toledo Plant (2008-01-21)
Chrysler LLC said Monday that the automaker will invest more than $27 million in its Toledo Machining Plant, an investment that should retain about 200 jobs.

Westerville Police Probe Death at St. Ann's Hospital (2008-01-21)
An autopsy was completed Monday in what authorities are calling a suspicious death at St. Ann's Hospital.

"King"-sized Competition For Kids (2008-01-21)
Civil rights leaders say teaching the message of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior to each new generation is critical in keeping his legacy alive. Each year, kids from around Ohio enter a statewide oratory contest with King's words and work as its focus. Here are some excerpts from this year's winning speeches, delivered by their authors.

NPR News Headlines (2008-01-19)
The latest from NPR News: Top Stories, Business News, and Arts and Culture.

One Goal of Columbus Art Museum Fundraising: New Loading Dock (2008-01-18)
The Columbus Museum of Art has passed the halfway point for its 80-million-dollar Art Matters fundraising campaign. The museum will allocate part of the money raised to an endowment. The remainder will go toward expansion and renovation which includes, oddly enough, a new loading dock.

ProMusica Looks for Rising Stars (2008-01-18)
Small organizations like ProMusica cannot afford to attract superstars to perform with them. So the Columbus chamber orchestra is tries to get the superstars on their way up.

Dann Goes After Fourth Charter School (2008-01-18)
Ohio's Attorney General is going to court to try to shut down another charter school. It's the fourth time that Marc Dann has accused of a charter school of violating its duty as a charitable trust.

Bus Crash Prompts New Highway Sign Proposal (2008-01-18)
A bus crash that killed five Bluffton University baseball team members prompted the Federal Highway Administration to consider changing rules for signs and pavement markings on highway commuter lanes.

The Democratic Party is Targeting Two Ohio Congressional Candidates for Extra Help (2008-01-18)
Democratic congressional candidates Mary Jo Kilroy of Columbus and Jon Boccieri of the Canton area will receive additional financial and strategic help from the Democratic party.

Former OSU Chimps Lose Lawsuit (2008-01-18)
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is considering appealing a Texas court decision that seven former Ohio State University primates do not have the legal right to sue. PETA tried to get legal standing for the primates, saying the conditions of their sanctuary was substandard.

Secretary of State Backs Off Centralized Vote Counting (2008-01-18)
Ohio's county boards of elections will not be required to count votes at multiple precinct centers in this November's presidential election.

Ohio jobless rate rises in December (2008-01-18)
The state says Ohio's unemployment rate was 6.0% in December, up from 5.6% in November.

Columbus Symphony proposes musician cuts to save finances (2008-01-18)
Musicians and board members worry this could be the last season for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Six musicians walked out of a meeting with Columbus Symphony officials Thursday to protest changes which include job losses for full-time musicians.

ACLU Challenges Voting Switch in Cuyahoga County (2008-01-17)
A federal lawsuit has been filed in Cleveland in hopes of blocking the state's biggest county from putting a paper voting system in place by the March 4th primary.

Michigan Man Pleads Not Guilty in Toledo Crash that Killed 5 (2008-01-17)
A Michigan man charged in a wrong-way crash in Toledo that killed a mother and four children Thursday pleaded not guilty.

State-subsidized savings accounts would be first in country (2008-01-17)
State lawmakers and bank executives are reviewing a taxpayer-subsidized plan to encourage Ohioans to save money. Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray's plan would give Ohioans higher interest rates. The program is meant to attract and educate new savers, and reverse a trend of increasing debt and overspending.

Medical provider sues Ohio for more money (2008-01-17)
A private Ohio ambulance company says every time it transports a medicaid patient to a hospital or dialysis session, it loses money because the state reimbursement payments are so low. The company is asking a judge to order an increase in state payments to medicaid providers, but state officials say that's nearly impossible, especially because of a looming state budget crunch.

English-Only Driving Test (2008-01-16)
One Ohio legislator says the state's highways may not be as safe as they used to be, because a growing number of truckers cannot read highway signs written in English.

Ohio's Economy Options (2008-01-16)
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland is mulling over options to deal with the state's lackluster economy.

Bill aims to limit tainted imports; critics call it unnecessary (2008-01-16)
Local steel workers Wednesday rallied in support of tougher safety regulations on imported food and drugs. Members of the United Steel Workers union say the U.S. Food and Product REsponsibility Act is a good thing for American workers. But some Conservatives see it as a barrier to free trade.

More parking garages for downtown Columbus? (2008-01-16)
Some people consider parking in downtown Columbus, well, a commodity. At times finding a place to park can be quite difficult, especially if there's a big event in progress. Mayor Michael Coleman announced he wants to build two parking garages with construction starting this year.

Ohio Senate Democrats Back Columbus Lawmaker. (2008-01-16)
Ohio Senate Democrats have decided to stick with Ray Miller as their new leader, despite questions raised by an unpaid big hotel bill. Public records obtained by The Associated Press show the longtime lawmaker from Columbus owes the downtown Hyatt Regency more than $26,000 for a 2006 banquet.

Fugitive Marine On Columbus Billboards (2008-01-15)
A North Carolina prosecutor says an autopsy has left unanswered the question of whether a pregnant Marine from Ohio gave birth before she was killed. But the coroner for the Camp Lejeune area says they have determined that the death of Lance Corporal Maria Lauterbach was from a head injury. Authorities are looking for Marine Corporal Cesar Laurean, a suspect in the death of Lauterbach. They are using billboards as part of an effort to locate Laurean.

As goes Michigan, so goes Ohio? (2008-01-15)
The political leanings of Michigan voters will be revealed later today as ballots are counted for the state's Presidential primary. But, the Michigan vote may also present a preview of Ohio's picks for the Presidency.

Ohio Republicans to hold secret election meeting (2008-01-15)
Ohio's top elections official says leaders of Ohio's Republican party are trying to inject politics into the voting process by holding secret meetings with republican county election officials.

Governor Strickland Seeks To Downsize State Government (2008-01-15)
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has directed state agencies to come up with plans for offering early retirement incentives to trim their work forces and save money. Spokesman Keith Dailey says Strickland is concerned about the possibility of a recession and its potential impact on the state budget.

Make telemarketer do-not-call list permanent? (2008-01-15)
In 2003, millions of Americans - including hundreds of thousands of Ohioans - put their names on the national "Do not call" list so they wouldn't be bothered by phone calls from telemarketers. What some people didn't realize was that signing the list stops the calls only for five years. That's why there's a question over over what to do now.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey in the Ohio Hockey Classic 12/29 & 12/30/07 (2008-01-15)
Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey in the Ohio Hockey Classic. Games played 12/29 and 12/30/07 at Columbus. Teams: Harvard, Miami (OH), and St. Cloud St. Hosted by Neil Sika.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Interview with Matt McIlvane (2008-01-15)
Neil Sika interviews senior forward Matt McIlvane of the OSU Men's Hockey team.

Senator touts OSU research, renewable energy (2008-01-15)
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown today took his campaign for what he calls a comprehensive energy policy to Ohio State's Center for Automotive Research.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey vs. Alaska, 1/04 & 1/5/08 (2008-01-15)
Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey versus Alaska; games played 01/04 and 01/05/08 at Columbus. Hosted by Neil Sika.

Man Charged in Deaths of Wife and Four Children in Mason (2008-01-14)
A man who jumped from a second-floor window of his family's burning home in Ohio is now facing murder charges in the deaths of his wife and four children.

Myspace Settles With Ohio To Curb Predators On Net (2008-01-14)
MySpace.com has reached agreement with Ohio and dozens of other states to add extensive measures aimed at combatting sexual predators. An official familiar with the deal says the huge social networking Web site will include several online protections and participate in a working group to develop age-verification and other technologies.

GOP to meet privately on Secretary of State's Voting Proposal (2008-01-14)
An e-mail has gone out inviting Republican elections board members from around Ohio to a meeting on the Secretary of State's voting proposals.

Ohio Gasoline Prices Fall In Tandem With Oil Prices (2008-01-14)
Oil prices have been retreating, and Ohio gasoline prices have been coming down,too. According to AAA and the Oil Price Information Service, Ohio's current average price for regular-grade gas is $3.04 a gallon, $0.12 lower than a week ago.

Help for Homeowners Caught in 'Mortgage Crisis' (2008-01-14)
The most recent figures on mortgage defaults and foreclosures in Ohio are alarming. Last October, for example, there were 17,000 filings, up 136 percent from the year before. That's one filing for every 290 Ohio households. Now some homeowners are finding assistance from the non-profit Columbus Housing Partnership.

Brunner Leads Discussion About Voting Machines (2008-01-14)
Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner is meeting with elections officials and concerned voters in the near future to discuss her recommended changes to the voting process in November.

Study: Ohio Faces Budget Challenge As More Retirees Leave Workforce (2008-01-11)
A new study shows Ohio's population is quickly getting older. The Ohio Public Expenditure Council says the number of people turning 65 will increase from 14 people a day now to 119 by 2012.

Renaming the Jake (2008-01-11)
No more Jake. Progressive Insurance company is paying nearly 58 million dollars over 16 years for a partnership with the Cleveland Indians that includes renaming Jacobs Field.

Ohioans might decide presidential nominees after all? (2008-01-11)
Pay attention, Ohioans you may still play a key role in deciding who the major parties nominate for President. That's the advice from political scientist John Green of the University of Akron. For many months, it looked as if the Democrats and Republicans might be anointing their nominees before Ohio's March 4th primary election. But Green says things have shifted.

Commissioners' decision lands county in court (2008-01-11)
The company that lost its bid to install plumbing and heating ventilation and air-conditioning in huntington ballpark has taken legal action against the county.

House Republicans want to keep free market in energy bill (2008-01-10)
Last year, state senators okayed a proposal they said would keep Ohio electricity bills from skyrocketing. By a vote of 32 to nothing, senators approved a bill to keep government price controls on electricity, instead of letting prices float in a free market, starting next year. Now,some key leaders in the Ohio House are declaring they want to change that measure, so that the free market approach is still a big option. Some consumer advocates are worried about that.

Ohio Congressman runs for two offices; addresses critics (2008-01-10)
Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich addressed his critics Wednesday and assured supporters he's not giving up his seat in the 10th District without a fight.

Columbus Economist Predicts Sluggish Growth For Region (2008-01-10)
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce says the region's economy is still struggling. Chamber economist Bill Lafayette predicts less growth than in 2007.

Convention center hosting convention one day after flood (2008-01-10)
COnvention-goers have returned to the Greater Columbus Convention Center on North High Street, one day after the entire first floor was flooded by a water main break. The Longaberger Basket Company's annual sales convention resumed this morning, as officials assessed damages and prepared to repair the building.

New Ideas on Dealing With Sex Offenders (2008-01-09)
Every few months, there's a new proposal in the Ohio legislature to crack down on sex offenders who've already served their prison time. One idea is to require them to use special green license plates on their cars. Another idea is to force them to live in treatment centers. The latest idea is to make it a crime for them to be in schools.

Convention center suffers damage after water main break (2008-01-09)
Engineers say The Greater Columbus Convention Center is "structurally sound" after a major water main break this morning. A 16-inch water main burst and flooded much of the first floor of the 400-thousand square foot building on North High Street. Crews suspect a faulty plate cause the break. Officials insist damage to the building is only aesthetic, but the future of at least one convention remains undecided.

Electricity Going Green at a High Price? (2008-01-09)
Ohio legislators are trying to answer what could be a multi-billion dollar question: should electric companies be ordered to get at least 25% of their power from so-called advanced sources by the year 2025 and what should those alternative sources be? The House committee held a session today that included some widely divergent views and a bit of guerilla theater.

Columbus Convention Center Damaged By Water Main Break (2008-01-09)
Engineers say The Greater Columbus Convention Center is "structurally sound" after a major water main break this morning. A 16-inch water main burst and flooded much of the first floor of the 400-thousand square foot building on North High Street. Crews suspect a faulty plate cause the break. Officials insist damage to the building is only aesthetic, but the future of at least one convention remains undecided.

Ohioans Will Likely Have Fewer Candidate Choices In March. (2008-01-09)
Ohio State University political Scientist Paul Beck says primary election results in New Hampshire will keep some candidates in the race a little longer. But,its still uncertain whether Ohio primary voters will have much choice.

Ohio's Primary Does Matter (2008-01-08)
Voters in the New Hampshire Primary get all the power and attention. Ohio primary voters don't go to the polls until March. That kind of bothers WOSU Commentator Jerolyn Barbee.

Ohio State Loses BCS Championship Bid (2008-01-08)
The Ohio State Buckeyes lost their second straight shot at a national football championship title Monday night. Second ranked LSU defeated Ohio State 38 to 24 at the Superdome in New Orleans.

Land dispute over Lake Erie shore continues (2008-01-08)
That dispute over who owns the strip of land along the Lake Erie shore is continuing to boil in the courts. And two top Democrats - the governor and the attorney general - continue to take different stands on the issue.

Commissioners award contract to union company despite lower bidder (2008-01-08)
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners Tuesday voted not to award a large construction project to the lowest bidder. Instead, the contract for plumbing work on the Clippers' new downtown ballpark went to an out-of-state unionized company. Commissioners cite concerns over safety violations and prevailing wage law violations, but the low-bidding company and other business leaders accuse the board of partisan politics.

Emergency Rooms Being Flooded With the Uninsured (2008-01-07)
The number of trips to Ohio emergency rooms continues to rise, but almost none of the increase is coming from patients who have private insurance.

OSU researchers want to use cell phones to encourage exercise (2008-01-07)
Ohio State University researchers are trying to use cell phones to gently nag older women into exercising. Researchers are recruiting women to take part in a 12 week long study that will send the women automated cell phone reminders to exercise. OSU communications professor Prabu David leads the study. He says this is a great time of year to begin research like this because of new year's resolutions. Click the icon to hear the interview.

Scotsman freed from Ohio death row after 20 years (2008-01-07)
A Scotsman who spent two decades on Ohio's death row and created news around the world is out of jail after pleading no contest to three charges in a deal with prosecutors. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler talked to the former inmate and filed this report.

Language Gets in the Way of Safety, ODPS Looks to Bridge Gap (2008-01-04)
The Ohio Department of Public Safety is trying to facilitate more outreach programs to learn about the state's growing diverse populations so that ODPS can provide more people with the proper safety services. In its first steps towards reaching this goal, ODPS hosted an information forum in Columbus today.

Its a No Grow for Ohio (2008-01-04)
Ohio may hit a historic benchmark in the next few years. Its population may stop growing, for the first time ever. But some experts have different ideas on how to change that.

Drubbing in last year's championship game contributes to apathy this year (2008-01-04)
The Ohio State football team will, for the second straight season, play for the national championship. Last year Ohio State finished undefeated and was favored to win. But the Buckeyes were soundly defeated by the University of Florida in the BCS National Championship Game. And as WOSU's Steve Brown reports, that loss may be contributing to a relative lack of excitement about this year's finale.

Ohio Attorney General: DNA does not link Spirko to crime (2008-01-03)
After years of tests on samples, Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann concludes that there's no DNA evidence linking a man on death row to the killing that got him there. John Spirko is scheduled for execution on January 24th.

Ohio Troops Say They'll Cast Ballots From Kuwait For New Commander-in-Chief. (2008-01-03)
149 members of the Ohio National Guard gathered at a far east side church today. The Army reserve troops are beginning a year-long deployment to Kuwait where they'll provide support to U-S forces in southern Iraq. The send-off occurs just as the U-S begins selecting a new President and commander-in chief.

Appeals Court: No Smoking! In Ohio's Private Clubs (2008-01-03)
An Ohio appeals court has ruled that state health official erred when they tried to exempt veterans halls, fraternal organizations, and other private clubs from the statewide smoking ban.

Obama Files for Ohio Ballot (2008-01-02)
The first of the presidential candidates filed today for the Ohio ballot. Barack Obama's campaign gathered with supporters and elected officials from all over the state to hand over the petitions to the Ohio Secretary of State. Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman led the contingent.

Two Bowling Green State International Students Killed in Crash (2008-01-02)
Bowling Green State University says two students killed in a van crash in northeastern Indiana were from India and Nepal.

Ohio Senate Leaders Look Back at 2007 (2008-01-02)
The leaders of the Ohio Senate seem to have a lot in common; they are both pleased with what was accomplished in their chamber in 2007, a year some called a very slow one. But they disagree strongly on some issues, and at least one could come up for a debate in the next few months.

Ohio National Guard prepares for deployment (2008-01-02)
The Ohio National Guard is preparing for its largest single unit deployment since World War Two. 1600 guard members from Ohio and 950 from Michigan begin active duty this week and are headed to Kuwait to support troops in Iraq.

Report: Ohio's Youth Prisons Need Reform (2008-01-01)
A new report says Ohio's youth prisons are overcrowded and understaffed and failing to educate children behind bars or to keep them safe. The report by consultant Fred Cohen says excessive use of force is common and guards regularly place children in solitary confinement for inappropriately long periods of time.

Columbus, Cincinnati see 24 percent fewer homicides in '07 (2008-01-01)
Police statistics show homicides dropped by an identical 24 percent in two of the state's largest cities in 2007. But Columbus and Cincinnati officers say it's too early to declare any kind of trend.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey vs. St. Lawrence, 12/07 & 12/08/07 (2007-12-31)
Highlights of OSU Men's Hockey versus St. Lawrence; games played 12/07 and 12/08/07 at Columbus. Hosted by Neil Sika.

School Funding Still Dragging Its Feet (2007-12-31)
Ohioans have been waiting more than a decade for big changes in the way schools are funded. They will likely have to wait at least another year.

New Mayor Says Urbancrest Future Will Build on Rich History (2007-12-31)
The small village of Urbancrest in southwest Franklin County begins the new year with a new mayor. He won the office on a coin toss after a recount failed to change the vote of 66 to 66.

Toledo Police Charge Driver in Crash that Killed 5 (2007-12-31)
Police in Toledo say a man had been drinking before he drove the wrong way on an interstate and collided with a minivan last night, killing a woman and four children.

New Year Brings New Tax Cuts in Ohio (2007-12-31)
The new year brings Ohioans a state income tax cut.

Ohio Elected Officials React To Bhutto's Assassination (2007-12-28)
The assassination of Benazir Bhutto has raised concern among Ohioans who follow developments in Pakistan. U.S. Senator George Voinovich has issued a statement condemning those who attacked Bhutto while calling her a voice of moderation and progress.

House Leaders Focus on Quality not Quantity of Laws Passed in 2007 (2007-12-28)
It was a slow year at the Statehouse, but the leaders of the Ohio House say they're proud of all they did.

March Ballot Issues approved (2007-12-28)
Franklin County Board of Elections to another step toward finalizing the March 4, 2008 primary election ballot.

NAACP Challenges Red Light Traffic Cameras in Cincinnati (2007-12-28)
The local NAACP chapter is launching a petition drive against a plan to install red-light cameras in Cincinnati. Chapter president Christopher Smitherman says the cameras are part of an expansion of government into people's private lives.

Unsealed Documents Detail Lethal Injection Procedure in Ohio (2007-12-28)
Newly unsealed documents have revealed a missing log that documents the last hours of the first inmate executed by injection in Ohio.

Ohio Supreme Court Holds Pain-and-Suffering Law Constitutional (2007-12-27)
The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled constitutional --a new state law that limits the amount of money injured people who sue may collect for damages above and beyond their medical bills and lost work-days.

ACLU: Change to Optical Scan Voting in Cuyahoga County Would Violate State Law (2007-12-27)
A voting rights organization Thursday is urging the Cuyahoga County elections board not to use central count optical scan voting for the presidential primary in Ohio on March 4th.

Ohio's Language Programs in Trouble (2007-12-27)
A new report from the Ohio's Foreign Language Advisory Council says changes need to be made to the state's language programs.

Ohioans Help Presidential Campaigns In Iowa (2007-12-27)
The Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary are just days away. And while Ohio's presidential primaries isn't until March 4th, Ohio natives are in the middle of the campaign fever pitch.

Ohio lawyers support call to help money-strapped homeowners (2007-12-26)
More than 200 Ohio lawyers have volunteered to help financially strapped homeowners facing foreclosure.

Hundreds of Air Passengers Stranded in Columbus (2007-12-26)
Hundreds of airplane passengers have been stranded in Columbus during the Christmas holiday because a new discount airline is having problems with its planes.

Archdiocese of Cincinnati turns to online collection baskets (2007-12-24)
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati is taking the collection basket online in its 230 parishes in southwest Ohio.

Background checks on bus drivers reveal arrests, invalid licenses (2007-12-24)
State officials say background checks on school bus drivers have revealed drivers with invalid licenses and prior arrest records.

Incarcerated moms get to spend a special Christmas day with their children (2007-12-24)
Moms all across Ohio will wake up tomorrow morning and give their children big Christmas hugs. They'll watch as their little ones tear open presents. Later they'll dine on turkey and ham. But for some Ohio mothers their Christmas came earlier and was much less conventional. WOSU's Mandie Trimble spent part of a Saturday morning earlier this month at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville. There she witnessed what Christmas is like for moms behind bars.

Crack Cocaine Sentences Adjusted (2007-12-24)
At least 620 Ohio prisoners serving federal sentences for crack cocaine offenses could be released early because of new guidelines that bring crack and powdered cocaine sentences into closer line.

High School Project Spawns Internet Frenzy (2007-12-21)
Internet bloggers are in an uproar over an immigration project assigned to some students at a central Ohio school. For the past five years, a Spanish language teacher at Olentangy Liberty High School has had her students develop plans for sneaking into the United States.

Way clear for casino petition drive (2007-12-21)
The way has been cleared for two Cleveland-area developers to hit the streets with a petition drive that - they hope - will eventually lead to a statewide vote, letting them build Ohio's only legal gambling casino.

Former Death Row Inmate Leaves Hospital for Jail (2007-12-21)
Ken Richey Friday left a Lima hospital and returned to a northwest Ohio county jail.

Ohio Returning to Paper Ballots? (2007-12-21)
Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner wants Cuyahoga County to switch from electronic touch screen voting to an optical scanning system that uses paper ballots. Elections officials in other counties wonder if they too will be required to make the change.

Ohio Jobless Rate Drops Slightly in November (2007-12-21)
The state says Ohio's unemployment rate fell to 5.6 percent last month, from 5.9 in October.

Secretary of State Signals New Voting System for Cleveland (2007-12-21)
The state's chief elections officer is signaling that she will issue a decision to require the state's largest county to overhaul its voting system.<

Plea Hearing Off for Scotsman Who Spent 2 Decades on Death Row (2007-12-20)
Former Ohio death row inmate Ken Richey has been taken to a hospital for medical treatment, postponing Thursday's hearing that would have won him his freedom.

Three Companies Claim Workers' Comp Premiums "Excessive" (2007-12-20)
Three companies filed a lawsuit against the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation over a system that they say costs employers million of dollars in excessive premiums.

Supreme Court: Contract Voided Surrogate Mother's Right to Triplets (2007-12-20)
A divided Ohio Supreme Court ruled that a surrogate mother who kept triplets does not have the same rights as a parent.

Historic Firestone Mansion in Jeopardy (2007-12-20)
The battle over the planned demolition of an historic Columbus building is coming to a head. Preservation groups and neighbors are fighting the proposed demolition of the Firestone Mansion on East Broad Street. The Columbus Foundation owns the building. It's next door to the foundation's headquarters at the old governor's mansion.

Cuyahoga Elections Board Deadlocked on New Voting System (2007-12-20)
The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections has deadlocked on whether to switch to a new voting system for the March primary, leaving the state's chief elections officer to break the 2-2 tie.

Supreme Court Ruling Raises Questions (2007-12-20)
For the first time, the Ohio Supreme Court says some contracts for surrogate parenting are legally enforceable. But that leaves a lot of surrounding questions unanswered.

Plasma Donation Centers Are Overcrowded But Donations Can Not Meet Demand (2007-12-20)
During the holiday season, a little extra money always comes in handy. Some Columbus area residents are turning to plasma donations to get it but are finding themselves stuck waiting in long lines in order to donate.

Attorney General Disciplines Close Friend (2007-12-19)
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann has disciplined a close friend who is also his right-hand man and spokesperson.

Lawmaker wants to give tax breaks to renewable energy firms (2007-12-19)
One of Ohio's most powerful legislators has unveiled a plan he says could convince renewable energy companies to locate their factories and their jobs in the Buckeye State.

U.S.-British citizen to take plea in fire death, will get freedom (2007-12-19)
His attorney says a man who was on Ohio's death row for 20 years until his death sentence was overturned will go free as part of a plea deal.

Utility Bills May Not Be a Burden Anymore (2007-12-19)
Ohioans who are having trouble keeping up with their utility bills won't have to worry about having their heat shut off during this cold winter.

Planned building would be Cincinnati's tallest structure (2007-12-19)
A building proposed for downtown Cincinnati would be the city's tallest structure, a 40-story office tower near the Ohio River.

U.S.-British Citizen to Take Plea in Fire Death (2007-12-19)
His lawyer says a man who spent 20 years on Ohio's death row has agreed to a plea deal that will provide his freedom.

Government Watchdog Critical of Energy Bill Secret Meetings (2007-12-19)
In a series of closed-door meetings, the Ohio House is negotiating energy legislation that would affect the size of Ohioans' future electric bills.

Max & Erma's risks being delisted by Nasdaq (2007-12-19)
Max and Erma's Restaurants says it has received a notice warning that its stock could be delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market in 90 days.

Regulators Bar Utility Cut-Offs (2007-12-19)
Regulators approve moratorium on utility cutoffs State regulators have agreed to Governor Strickland's request for a winter moratorium on utilities shutting off customers' gas or electricity.

Middle Schools in Columbus City Schools district could soon be a thing of the past (2007-12-19)
Columbus City Schools is considering getting rid of its poor performing middle schools. Superintendent Gene Harris suggested the plan at the board meeting Tuesday.

County uses cornstalks to prevent snow drifting (2007-12-18)
Franklin County is using cornstalks to help keep country roads clear of snow. Franklin County Commissioners today approved a program which pays local farmers to leave cornstalks up over the winter.

Ohio avoids tort reform group's judicial hell hole list (2007-12-18)
A group that supports limits on so-called frivilous lawsuits is praising recent changes in Ohio law. But trial lawyers feel differently.

Budget deficits, spending cuts ahead for states (2007-12-18)
Ohio is among states bracing for budget problems during the next two years.

City Center Site Has Risen and Fallen and Risen Before (2007-12-18)
As Christmas Shoppers crowd area malls, there is one place that has plenty of elbow room - The City Center Mall. The mall is largely empty as the city tries to find a new use for the site. WOSU Commentator and local historian Ed Lentz tells us the City Center site has gone through this before.

Report: Ohio mostly doing OK in preparing for health emergencies (2007-12-18)
A new report on how well states have prepared for public health emergencies says Ohio has done adequately in nine out of 10 categories.

OSU freshman dies in accidental shooting (2007-12-18)
Friends and family are mourning the death of an Ohio State University freshman who was killed in an accidental shooting.

City Doubles Wastewater Cleaning Capacity (2007-12-17)
Columbus officials were on hand Monday afternoon to see a new addition to the Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant on South High Street. The $106 million facility doubles the city's wastewater cleaning capacity.

Cuyahoga Elections Officials Struggle with Voting Technology (2007-12-17)
The elections board in Ohio's biggest county might have a decision by Thursday on whether to scrap its electronic voting system.

Some Donate Hair For Holidays (2007-12-17)
Shoppers are scouring Central Ohio shopping malls this holiday season in search of the perfect gifts. But some people have found a way of giving of themselves, quite literally to help sick and injured children here and throughout the country.

1,200 Workers Return To Jobs In Springfield. (2007-12-17)
Officials say a seven-week long strike at International Truck and Engine Corporation ended Sunday after 3,700 members of the United Auto Workers voted to approve a new contract.

State Wants Broadband Available to All (2007-12-17)
Ohio's cable companies, phone companies, and state government are launching a joint project to make sure broadband internet access is available to all counties in the state.

Columbus Police Name Officer Involved In Shooting (2007-12-14)
Columbus police have released the name of the officer who fatally shot a man suspected of rapes in the Linden area. Officer Ronald Moss who has been with the police for 27 years was investigating a series of rapes with the SWAT team when the shooting occured early Wednesday morning.

Number of Car Thefts Is Changing (2007-12-14)
There is good news on the car theft front in Ohio,at least it's good news for car owners.

Ohio Secretary Of State Says Voting Machines Easily Compromised (2007-12-14)
Ohio's top elections official says all you'd need is a magnet and "smart phone" like the Palm Treo to tamper with Ohio's electronic voting machines. Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner is reporting today on the findings of a $1,900,000 study of electronic voting systems in the state.

Snow, Ice Headed for Central Ohio (2007-12-14)
Central Ohio residents are preparing for the second major snowfall of the season... and so are utility crews.

Move Underway to Abolish Income Tax in Ohio (2007-12-13)
Ohioans who dislike taxes might get a chance to wipe out one of the state's largest.

Miami University Effort to Save Ancient Language (2007-12-13)
A recent study suggests one language dies roughly every two weeks.

United Way Ends Funding to Certain Columbus-Area Programs (2007-12-13)
United Way of Central Ohio has new criteria to determine how funds are allocated to member agencies. A spokesman says the organization, which distributes about $28 million for Columbus area programs, will concentrate on helping meet basic human needs including health care, housing, and education. Those programs that don't won't be funded next year.

Move Underway to Abolish Income Tax in Ohio (2007-12-13)
Ohioans who dislike taxes might get a chance to wipe out one of the state's largest.

Blanchard River Recedes After Heavy Rains. (2007-12-13)
A river that brought misery to northwest Ohio during the summer has been rising again amid a stretch of heavy rain. The National Weather Service says the Blanchard River came close to what's considered flood level Wednesday night in Findlay, where homes and businesses were ruined in August by the worst flooding since 1913.

Move Underway to Abolish Income Tax in Ohio (2007-12-13)
Ohioans who dislike taxes might get a chance to wipe out one of the state's largest.

Ohio Governor Touts New Energy Technologies (2007-12-12)
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland says Ohio's economic slide will continue unless the state embraces new energy technologies like windmills and solar panels. The popular Democrat spoke to The Associated Press near the conclusion of his first year in office.

Lawmakers plan to keep 911 cell phone fee (2007-12-12)
Cell phone users in ohio currently pay 32 cents a month on each line they own for emergency 911 service. That charge was approved by lawmakers years ago when counties were trying to create wireless emergency service in Ohio. But the fee was not meant to be permanent. It is set to expire at the end of 2008 and there's now a move underway to keep that fee in place into 2009 and beyond.

Puppy mills breed dogs with disorders (2007-12-12)
Ohio continues to be home to large scale operations that breed puppies under poor conditions in dirty and unsafe environments. Some puppy mills, as they are commonly called, have been shut down this year. But some state lawmakers say there are many more of these facilities that need to be shut down. These lawmakers continue to push legislation that would increase penalties for puppy mill owners and operators.

State representatives pass foreclosure filings bill (2007-12-12)
The foreclosure crisis has left thousand of homes vacant and neighborhoods vulnerable to criminals who move into those homes to set up illegal businesses, or to strip them of anything valuable. House lawmakers have approved a change that they say will make it easier to find out who owns a foreclosed home.

Kids Feel the Holiday Blues, Too (2007-12-12)
The holiday season can be a busy and stressful time. However, it is not just adults that feel the pressure of gift giving and celebration preparation. Children can also become overwhelmed and even depressed during this time.

Religious conservatives gear up for election (2007-12-11)
Religious conservatives in Ohio are credited with helping President George W. Bush swing the key voting state in 2000 and 2004. And despite setbacks in 2006, when Democrats won many key state seats, Ohio's Christian Evangelical movement is gearing up for 2008.

Steel supplier brings jobs to Southern Ohio (2007-12-11)
An Atlanta-based steel supplier has chosen a former steel mill site in southeast Ohio for a distribution center. The decision means more jobs for an area badly in need of employment. Infra-Metals Company laid out more of its plans in a meeting with New Boston villiage officials Tuesday.

Sen. Voinovich Pushes Foreclosure Assistance Legislation (2007-12-11)
The Franklinton section of Columbus has been hard-hit by foreclosures. On Monday Mayor Coleman and Sen. George Voinovich visited the area to discuss the crisis. Sen. Voinovich has introduced legislation in Congress to help homeowners who are struggling with their mortgages.

Sykes Leaving Civil Rights Commission (2007-12-11)
Barbara Sykes, the controversial head of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission says she will quit at the end of the year.

Lawmakers say violence against animals could lead to a violent future (2007-12-11)
Former mass murderer Jeffrey Dahmer killed his first victim, hitchiker Steven Hicks, in Bath Ohio in 1978. Dahmer went on to kill 16 more men and boys during the next fifteen years. But Dahmer's first victim wasn't human. He had a history of mutilating and butchering animals as a young child. Dahmer's early history with has served as inspiration for a bill being considered by Ohio lawmakers that would identify children who are at risk of becoming violent offenders in the future.

Judge Approves Anti-Pollution Settlement. (2007-12-11)
A federal judge Monday approved a settlement involving American Electric Power that will require the Columbus-based company to reduce chemical emissions that cause acid rain.

Columbus Council Approves Spending For Impound Lot (2007-12-11)
Columbus city council voted to spend $4,000,000 for development of a new police impound lot on the southside. But, the plan prompted complaints by some nearby residents.

Abortion Remains Key Factor In Ohio Presidential Politics. (2007-12-10)
A survey says this upcoming presidential election could be the first one in a while where abortion may not play a big role. But those on both sides of the issue say they disagree, and note it's still a major matter in Ohio.

Candidates Enjoy the Season of Receiving (2007-12-10)
It's the season of giving - to Presidential candidates. The woman and men running for President are raising hundreds of millions of dollars in campaign contributions. WOSU Commentator Michael Ivey suggests maybe some people being a little too generous.

Despite Stiff Penalties, Dogfighting Still Popular (2007-12-10)
National football star Michael Vick has been sentenced to 23 months behind bars after he pleaded guilty to felony charges stemming from his involvement in an interstate dogfighting ring. Vick has already lost millions in endorsements and has been suspended from playing for the Atlanta Falcons. Humane organizations said dog fighting rings like the one Vick was involved in are not unusual in the United States. Ohio state leaders said dog fighting is not unusual here either.

Consumer Agency Reports More Gas And Electric Disconnects (2007-12-10)
The cold weather has settled in Central Ohio. Residents are turning up their thermostats. And calls for assistance to Columbia Gas are up by one-third. The state consumers counsel reports a significant increase in the number of customers losing their gas or electric service through disconnection. And people are turning out in large numbers to seek help from area agencies.

Farm Bill Recieves Support from Religious Groups (2007-12-10)
Donations are down and food is running out at Ohio food banks. Religious and anti-hunger advocates are not just looking for canned donations, but also for some charitable action from the Senate. Religious groups have always weighed in on the food stamp program, but this time they are linking farm policies to poverty, nutrition and environmentalism. Senate Democrats are trying to bring the bill back to the floor this week.

Goverment Trying to Keep Great Lake Waters Still (2007-12-10)
A deal that's supposed to prevent Great Lakes water from being diverted to other parts of the US and the world got dammed up in the legislature last session. It may be reintroduced very soon, but one lawmaker is trying to turn the tide against it.

Council Approves Money For New Impound Lot (2007-12-10)
Columbus city council voted to spend $4,000,000 for development of a new police impound lot on the southside. But, the plan prompted complaints by some nearby residents.

Emergency Food Supplies Keep Dwindling. (2007-12-07)
Area foodbank officials will meet today to consider whether to spend some of next year's allocated funds to re-stock emergency foodshelves now. Pantries and foodbanks in Central Ohio say increasing demand for food has depleted supplies.

New Gambling Plan Angers Race Track Owners (2007-12-07)
For years, Ohio race tracks have lobbied unsuccessfully for the right to host slot machines or other new forms of gambling. Now, there is a new plan to expand gambling in Ohio but the racetracks do not like it.

Belize drug dealer sentenced to 17 years in federal prison (2007-12-07)
A Belize man involved in a drug run from Mexico to Columbus was sentenced in Federal Court today. The man and his two brothers recruited young people from the area to smuggle cocaine and marijuana in oversized sneakers.

Ohio's Economy Struggles to Create Jobs (2007-12-07)
The rest of the country may be seeing good news on the job front, but Ohio workers continue to suffer.

New Snow Forces School Delays and Closings (2007-12-07)
Light snow began falling before dawn in Central Ohio. The National Weather Service has posted a snow advisory for the region. Forecasters say an additional one to three inches will fall before the storm moves to the Appalachian Mountains.

Poll: Mike Huckabee Gains Ground in Ohio (2007-12-06)
Presidential contender Mike Huckabee has leaped from nowhere to third place in the Republican field among Ohio voters.

Anti play-to-play law struck down (2007-12-06)
A fairly new Ohio law, aimed at stopping so-called "pay-to-play politics," has been struck down as unconstitutional by a judge. As statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports, the ruling is not based on the substance of the law but on the way it was passed and paperwork was filed.

Gambling Proposal may face additional hurdles (2007-12-06)
The two Cleveland-area developers who want to construct Ohio's only legal gambling casino in Wilmington have just encountered their first hurdle. They're being told - if they want to put their full plan onto the ballot, it may take more than one ballot issue.

Cold Temperatures Force School Delays (2007-12-06)
Temperatures in the teens this morning has forced some school start-time delays for the second consecutive day. The National Weather Service says temperatures are generally in the teens across Central Ohio.

Innovative Dublin Methodist Hospital Opens in January (2007-12-06)
It's been more than 25 years since a new hospital has opened in the Columbus area. That will change next month when Dublin Methodist Hospital begins to accept patients. The new facility is designed to reduce errors and speed treatment.

State money available for summer food program for kids (2007-12-06)
During these dark winter days, Ohio Governor Strickland is thinking about summer. His office is launching a new program, Feed Ohio, to boost summer food services for children during the summer.

Season's First Snowfall Delays and Cancels Some Classes. (2007-12-05)
Snow is falling across Ohio this morning. The National Weather Service says reports an inch or more on the ground with another inch or two on the way.

Invention could warn Ohioans of nearby sex offenders (2007-12-05)
Some Ohio legislators are hoping that a new high-tech gizmo will help alert law-abiding Ohioans when a sex offender who's been freed from prison comes near them. And lawmakers are also looking at other uses for this new invention.

Casino ballot issue hits detour (2007-12-05)
The two Cleveland-area developers who want to construct Ohio's only legal gambling casino in Wilmington have just encountered their first hurdle. They're being told - if they want to put their full plan onto the ballot, it may take more than one ballot issue.

Poll: Clinton, Guiliani neck and neck in Ohio (2007-12-05)
The latest independent poll on the presidential race in Ohio shows pretty much what all the other polls have shown. By wide margins, Ohio Democrats favor Hillary Clinton as their nominee and Ohio Republicans favor Rudy Guiliani. And when the two are matched head-to-head, it's a virtual tie.

Two killed in plane crash near Rickenbacker Airport (2007-12-05)
The Pickaway County sheriff's office identified two men late Wednesday afternoon who died in an early morning crash near Rickenbacker Airport.

Dann sues tobacco company over ads (2007-12-04)
Ohio is one of several states that are suing a major tobacco company over ads it placed recently in a popular magazine.

Bill to totally ban paddling in Ohio schools (2007-12-04)
Most Ohio school districts do not allow paddling to discipline students, but a few districts continue to permit the practice. Some state legislators are pushing for a new law that would ban corporal punishment in all districts.

Holiday toy donations affected by toy recalls (2007-12-04)
Millions of toys have been recalled this year - many of them because they contained high levels of lead. With the holiday gift-giving season in full swing many people are worried which toys are safe to give children. But the concern does not stop there. This year many charitable organizations implemented new procedures to ensure their toy donations are not harmful.

Ohio gets more nationally-certified teachers (2007-12-04)
More than a hundred Ohio teachers have just received what is called the highest credential in the teaching profession - the designation of being a "national board certified teacher."

In These Hard Times Give the Gift of Charity (2007-12-04)
Nearing the peak of the holiday season, there are conflicting stories in the news. Home foreclosures are up, food pantry lines are longer while at the same time, retailers report a banner start to the holiday shopping season. WOSU commentator Jerolyn Barbee urges people to take note of the contradiction.

Let It Snow! (2007-12-04)
The National Weather Service has posted a snow advisory for most of Ohio for tonight and Wednesday.

Some Buckeye football fans book trips to Big Easy, others cancel plans altogether (2007-12-03)
Speculation turned into confirmation Sunday night for Ohio State football fans when the Bowl Championship Series games were announced. This is the second year in a row the Bucks will have a shot at bringing home a national title. While Sunday's announcement prompted many OSU fans to buy bowl packages, it caused others to request a refund.

Environmentalists Critical of AMP Ohio Plan for Coal Fired Power Plant (2007-12-03)
American Municipal Power Company provides energy to customers in more than 100 cities and towns throughout Ohio.

Two Die in Interstate 71 Crash (2007-12-03)
Two people died today in a car-truck crash along Interstate 71 in Morrow County during snow and strong wind. The crash occurred shortly before 7 a.m. about 20 miles northeast of Columbus.

Researchers In Columbus Assess Diabetes Impact (2007-12-03)
While much of the world medical community took measure of the fight against world AIDS during the week-end, an estimated 600 researchers, public health officials and non-profit advocates were in Columbus for a global summit on diabetes. A disease which health officials predict will cause the same number of deaths this year as H-I-V Aids.

Maternity Leave Change for Small Businesses on Hold for Months (2007-12-03)
The Ohio Civil Rights Commission's new rule, requiring most small businesses to offer at least 12 weeks of unpaid pregnancy and maternity leave, is on hold for at least three months.

Mandated 12-week pregnancy plan is in jeopardy (2007-11-30)
A proposed new rule that the Ohio Civil Rights Commission approved, requiring most Ohio companies to offer 12 weeks of unpaid pregnancy and maternity leave to female workers, appears to be in trouble. Monday Dec. 3, a special government rule-review committee plans to look at the rule. And a co-chair of the panel says members could vote to invalidate it.

State warns seniors about life-insurance arrangements with investors (2007-11-30)
The state is warning seniors about risky life insurance pitches. The department of insurance alerted older Ohioans to be cautions about arrangements--called STOLI, where an investor group is likely to become the beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

Iraqi journalist finds refuge in Columbus (2007-11-30)
Refugees International describes the displacement of Iraqis from their home country as the world's fastest growing refugee crisis. More than 16-hundred Iraqis have come to the United States in the last year, and 14 of them are now in Ohio.

In the Crease with Neil Sika: Interview with OSU's Kyle Hood (2007-11-30)
Host Neil Sika interviews OSU Men's hockey defenseman Kyle Hood.

Did pension funds keep vow to dump Iran stock? (2007-11-30)
Are officials of government pension funds in Ohio keeping their promise to work toward selling off stock with links to Iran and Sudan? That's the question that a top legislative leader wants an answer to.

Ohio Civil Rights Agency Refuses to Delay Change in Maternity Leave (2007-11-29)
The state's civil rights agency has again refused to honor Gov. Ted Strickland's request to delay an expansion of maternity leave rights.

Ohio Nuclear Plant Shuts Down (2007-11-29)
The Perry Nuclear Power Plant remained shut down Thursday for a second day, and a team of inspectors has arrived to figure out what caused an automatic shutdown.

Realty Trac Reports More Ohio Borrowers Losing Their Homes. (2007-11-29)
A mortgage research company says Ohio continued to have one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country last month. RealtyTrac says Ohio reported one foreclosure filing for every 290 households.

Statehouse Rally for Abstinence-only Sex Ed (2007-11-29)
More than 200 backers of abstinence-only sex education rallied Thursday at the Ohio Statehouse. They were upset that Governor Strickland has decided Ohio will not put state dollars into abstinence-only programs in the schools. The Governor said he's not changing his mind.

State to Expand Some Medicaid Programs (2007-11-29)
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will expand some Medicaid programs.

Worthington Businessman Charged with Fraud in Wheelchair Sales (2007-11-29)
A Worthington, Ohio businessman has been charged with illegally billing Medicare and Medicaid nearly 26 million dollars for motorized wheelchairs.

Brown Calls for Changes in U.S. Policy on China (2007-11-28)
One of Ohio's two U.S. Senators says the recent examples of dangerous toys and other products imported from China can be partly blamed on bad U.S. government policies.

US Ag Secretary Says Ethanol A Viable Biofuel (2007-11-28)
The home grown Biofuel ethanol has been taking a lot of flack lately. Questions are growing about its environmental sustainability, whether it's causing higher food prices, and how much of it will help the U.S. move toward energy independence. Acting U.S. Agriculture Secretary Chuck Connor, in Columbus Wednesday to address the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, tried to lay some of the doubts about ethanol to rest.

Cardiologist Wants AED's in All U.S. Schools (2007-11-28)
Ohio Congresswoman Betty Sutton wants to expand nationwide a state program that installed more than 4,500 defibrillators in Ohio schools.

Ohio State Football Star Fondly Remembered (2007-11-28)
Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel calls Bill Willis a pioneer, and the president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton says Willis was a hero. Willis was a Hall of Fame guard for the Browns and Ohio State's first black football All-American. He died in Columbus last evening at the age of 86.

Judges and lawyers say no quick fix to prison overcrowding (2007-11-27)
Ohio's penitentiaries are well beyond their intended capacities. In the second part of a two-part series, WOSU asks judges and lawyers what they think the causes and solutions are to the bulging cell bars.

Somali Immigrant Sentenced on Terrorist Charges (2007-11-27)
A federal judge in Columbus has sentenced a Somali immigrant to 10 years in prison for plotting to blow up an Ohio shopping mall. It's the sentence Nuradin Abdi had accepted as part of a plea deal made in July.<

ODOT: Gaps in Money for Road Construction (2007-11-27)
ODOT estimates some big financial holes when it comes to road construction projects.

Deer hunts underway at area metro parks (2007-11-27)
More than 20 deer were tagged at Slate Run Metro Park Monday and Tuesday this week. It's part of a controlled hunt at two Franklin County Metro Parks during this week's deer gun hunt season.

Columbus Immigrant Will Be Sentenced for 2002 Mall Plot (2007-11-27)
A Somali immigrant will be sentenced in Columbus today for what the government says was a plot to bomb a shopping mall. Federal prosecutors say Nuradin Abdi talked with friends about bombing an unspecified central Ohio mall in 2002. One of those friends was later convicted of plotting with al-Qaida to destroy the Brooklyn Bridge.

Earmarks Ahoy in New Spending Bill (2007-11-26)
Ohio lawmakers got millions of dollars for their districts in the Labor Health and Human Services bill. Critics say the bill is full of hidden special interests and wastes taxpayer dollars.

New Recycling Center ProvidesYear-round Service (2007-11-26)
A new recycling center opening this week in Franklin County will provide residents a place to drop off household chemicals year-round making it the first of its kind in this area.

Ohio Prison Wardens and Workers Keep Close Watch On Growing Number of Prisoners. (2007-11-26)
Ohio's prison population recently topped 50,000 inmates, or more than 30 percent over capacity. The crowded prisons has subtly changed how wardens, corrections officers, and other prison workers do their jobs. At the Pickaway Correctional Institution, near Orient, more than 2,300 inmates are serving time.

Civil rights chairwoman won't delay maternity leave change (2007-11-23)
The chairwoman of the state civil rights agency won't honor the governor's request to delay a requirement allowing women 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave.

Ohio families of veterans want specialized license plates (2007-11-23)
Families of Ohio veterans killed in Iraq say they're fed up with delays in creating Gold Star Family license plates that give special recognition for their loved ones.

Black Friday shoppers swarm malls across Ohio (2007-11-23)
For eager holiday shoppers, "Black Friday" dawned a little earlier this morning.

Mayors "Foreclosure Forum" Scheduled In Detroit. (2007-11-21)
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman is one of a small group of mayors who plan to meet in Detroit next week for a home foreclosure forum. Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick says the meeting isn't aimed at creating legislation, but rather at finding a local solution to a growing national problem.

Left-leaning groups try to re-brand their image (2007-11-21)
The presidential candidate ad wars aren't underway in Ohio just yet, but some activists say left-leaning groups are trying to erase the old word "liberal" with a re-branding of their image.

Consumer advocates fear electric hike amendment (2007-11-21)
Ohio consumer advocates have won a key battle in the legislature over controlling electricity rates, but they're worried they may lose a second battle and the result could be soaring monthly bills for customers.

Columbus-based Big Lots pays fine for lead toys (2007-11-21)
Columbus-based Big Lots has agreed to keep children's jewelry contaminated with lead out of its stores and pay a $1,000 penalty.

Governor Delays Expanded Medicaid Benefits (2007-11-20)
The Strickland administration has delayed plans to restore dental benefits for 700,000 low-income Ohioans.

Critics of 2004 Presidential Election Still Complain (2007-11-20)
Three years after the presidential election that put President Bush back into the White House for a second term, critics are continuing to claim the election was stolen.

Central Ohio, US Have History of Giving Thanks (2007-11-20)
Thanksgiving is truly an American holiday, dating back nearly 400 years. Across the nation and here in Central Ohio some things have changed, but many things have not.

Ohio Thanksgiving week gas prices up 27% from last year (2007-11-19)
Ohioans will pay quite a bit more for this year's drive to Thanksgiving dinner. The latest numbers from AAA and the Oil Price Information Service show the statewide average price for a gallon of regular grade gas is $3.07.

Police: 3 family members found dead in murder-suicide (2007-11-19)
Police say the bodies of three family members and their dog were discovered in their central Ohio home in a double murder-suicide shooting.

4 Ohio cities on most dangerous list (2007-11-19)
Detroit is the nation's most dangerous city in a private research group's study. Cleveland was ranked 10th on the list.

Hate crime down in Ohio, FBI reports (2007-11-19)
The FBI reports the number of hate crimes in Ohio dropped 32 percent last year. However, an official at the anti-defamation league says these statistics should be viewed with caution.

What happened to Thanksgiving? (2007-11-19)
It's three days until Thanksgiving. But most major retailers started putting out Christmas merchandise along side candy corn and scary costumes. WOSU takes a look at why retailers feel the need to start the Christmas season so soon.

Food Banks Extra Busy During Holidays (2007-11-19)
A tough job market, high gas prices and the rising price of groceries have brought more and more people to Ohio's food banks and pantries, especially in the days before the Thanksgiving holiday.

Group says Ohio Sobriety Checkpoints Ineffective (2007-11-19)
Ohio is one of 40 states that use sobriety checkpoints to screen for drunk drivers. But a group representing the restaurant industry says Ohio's sobriety checkpoints are ineffective. The American Beverage Institute says checkpoints caught fewer than one percent of people driving under the influence. They say saturation or roving police patrols are far more efficient.

Poll shows Ohioans have a negative view of the economy (2007-11-16)
A new poll shows the majority of Ohioans think the state and nation's economy is bad and getting worse.

OSU Athletics #1 in budget size (2007-11-16)
Ohio State comes into the Michigan game with the largest athletic budget in history.

Poll reflects growing anxiety about becoming homeless (2007-11-16)
A new national poll shows more people are now worried about becoming homeless. In Columbus, advocates for the homeless say the Gallup poll reflects growing anxiety among Americans about keeping a roof over their heads.

Dann won't apologize for religious comment (2007-11-16)
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann is refusing to apologize for a memo he sent to an aide which included a remark that some Christian activists and Republican leaders consider offensive.

Reds Broadcaster Joe Nuxhall Dies (2007-11-16)
The Cincinnati Reds say former pitcher and Reds broadcaster Joe Nuxhall has died. He was 79 and died overnight from cancer. Nuxhall was also the youngest player in major league history. On Reds radio broadcasts, Nuxhall was known and beloved as the "old left-hander."

Catholic Vote Important in 2008 (2007-11-15)
University of Akron political scientist John Green predicts an active role for the Catholic church and its members in the 2008 presidential election.

Proposed Tunnel System Would Reduce Columbus Water Pollution (2007-11-15)
Under pressure from the Ohio EPA, the City of Columbus is planning to build a tunnel system to handle surges in storm water runoff.

Poll: Ohioans Split Over Iraq (2007-11-15)
Registered voters across Ohio are deeply divided over the war in Iraq and what the United States should do.

OSU Raises And Spends Big Budget On Sports. (2007-11-15)
It's the biggest week of the year for fans of Ohio State football, and even last week's loss to Illinois can't dampen the excitement of facing the University of Michigan on Saturday in Ann Arbor. Ohio State comes into the game with the largest athletic budget in the history of the world, a third larger than Michigan's spending on sports. But even during Michigan Week, not everyone is cheering about that.

Ohioans Happy with Smoking Ban (2007-11-15)
It's been a year since Ohio voters approved a statewide smoking ban in public places and a new study shows most Ohioans like the new policy.

Columbus Mayor's Proposed Budget Would Add Police Officers (2007-11-14)
Mayor Coleman will unveil his proposed 2008 budget for the City of Columbus on Thursday. Wednesday he used a police vehicle garage as a backdrop to showcase new equipment and to talk about plans to hire and train additional police officers.

Ohio Does Not Want Strickland as Vice President (2007-11-14)
At the moment, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland is popular among democrats and republicans alike. That has fueled speculation that whoever becomes the Democratic nominee for President might pick Strickland as a running mate to try to ensure that the Buckeye State would vote Democratic. But a new public opinion poll shows that might not be a sure-fire strategy.

Ohio Houses Record Number of Prisoners. (2007-11-14)
Corrections officials say an influx of nonviolent offenders, most of whom do a short amount of prison time on drug charges, has pushed Ohio's prison population over 50,000 for the first time.

Senate Okays tougher penalties for school bomb threats (2007-11-14)
People convicted of inducing panic at Ohio high schools and colleges may soon face more time in prison or youth detention centers. That's because the Ohio Senate today approved a bill, already okayed by the House, that bumps up penalties for bomb threats and violence at educational facilities.

Ohio teachers take a look at new classroom technology (2007-11-13)
Teachers from around Ohio will be in Columbus through Wednesday for the annual Capital Conference and Trade Show. Teachers can take part in round tables and attend seminars. Another big attraction is the trade show with new gadgetry and technology offered to teachers and their students.

Ohio Database to Help Locate Relatives in Crisis (2007-11-13)
Ohio lawmakers are considering the creation of a database to help law enforcement officers locate and notify family members in the event of a serious car crash or other crisis situation.

With gas prices rising, it's time for a Columbus Monorail (2007-11-13)
With gas prices creeping higher, Central Ohioans are starting to think about other ways to get around. Count WOSU Commentator Michael Ivey among them.

Ohio Advocates for the Poor says more working families need help with food. (2007-11-13)
Study says one of every ten Ohioans needs help procuring food.

Poll: Ohioans oppose benefits, privileges for illegal immigrants (2007-11-13)
A new poll finds most Ohio voters oppose government health benefits, schooling and driving privileges for illegal immigrants.

Poll: Ohioans Want Tough Stand Against Illegal Immigrants (2007-11-13)
A new public opinion poll shows most Ohioans want to take a tough stand against illegal immigration.

Overwhelmed W.Va. intensive care units send infants to Ohio (2007-11-12)
Some West Virginia infants needing intensive care are being sent to hospitals in Ohio and other neighboring states.

Energy bill changes could jeopardize rate cuts, use of renewables (2007-11-12)
A newspaper reports that subtle changes buried in an Ohio energy policy bill guarantee that today's prices will never fall.

OSU among top schools sending students abroad (2007-11-12)
U.S. colleges and universities are sending growing numbers of students outside the U.S. to study, and Ohio State is one of the leaders.

Franklin Co. Commission Changes Course; Low Bidder Gets Huntington Park Contract (2007-11-11)
The Franklin County Commission met late Friday to finalize the choice of a concrete contractor for the city's Huntington Park baseball stadium which is under construction.

Ohio Poll: Bush vs. Strickland (2007-11-09)
A new statewide poll shows big differences in the approval ratings of President Bush and Governor Strickland.

Ohio Begins Issuing Subpoenas to Subprime Lenders (2007-11-09)
Ohio is issuing subpoenas today to obtain records from subprime mortgage lenders.

Strickland, Dann go after subprime lenders (2007-11-09)
Governor Strickland and Attorney General Marc Dann said Thursday that they'll issue subpoenas and take other aggressive measures against subprime mortgage lenders.

Tension High on Denison University Campus (2007-11-09)
Tensions have been high during the past week on the Denison University Campus in Granville.

Tension High on Denison University Campus (2007-11-09)
Tensions have been high during the past week on the Denison University campus in Granville.

Gov. Strickland endorses Clinton's presidential bid (2007-11-09)
Governor Strickland is endorsing Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign for president.

"Cheers" Star Lobbies For U.S. Jobs (2007-11-09)
Actor John Ratzenberger was in Columbus today to talk about the problem of U.S. workers losing jobs because of outsourcing to foreign countries. Ratzenberger is best known for his role as a know-it-all letter carrier on the hit television show "Cheers."

During Downturn Home Sellers Turn to St. Joseph (2007-11-08)
There are lots of ways to measure the health of the housing market: New home sales, Existing home sales, Number of Days on the Market and of course Sale Prices. But there is another barometer with heavenly ties - Sales of St. Joseph Statues. And sales of the statues are booming.

Payday Lending to Military Sharply Curtailed (2007-11-08)
Payday lenders, those businesses that lend money at an annual percentage rate of nearly 400 percent, lost a valuable group of clients last month. On October 1st, Congress capped the interest rate for military personnel at 36 percent. That caused these store-front lenders to stop lending to people in the armed forces.

OSU Hockey: Interview with Jeff Swoboda (2007-11-08)
OSU men's hockey host Neil Sika interviews Jeff Swoboda

Sex Offender Special License Plate Debated in Senate Committee (2007-11-07)
Some call it the modern day equivalent of a "scarlet letter." The plan is to require sex offenders who are no longer in prison to use green license plates on their car or truck.

Appeals Court Says Protesters Can Sue Columbus (2007-11-07)
A federal appeals court has ruled that three men can sue the city of Columbus over getting permits to burn flags, documents or other items for demonstrations.

Political Parties Differ on What 2007 Election Says about 2008 (2007-11-07)
Ohio Democrats and Republicans have different views of what, if anything, the results of Tuesday's election suggest about the 2008 elections.

Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman wins third term (2007-11-07)
Michael Coleman defended his position as mayor of Columbus Tuesday night after what some might consider his most challenging campaign since he took office in 1999. This will be Coleman's third term as mayor.

Columbus Democrats Hold On To Council Seats. (2007-11-07)
Democrats kept a tight grip on city council courtesy of Columbus voters. Five incumbents, all democrats, won new terms.

Effort to Eliminate Ballot Confusion Might Go to Ohio Voters (2007-11-06)
Ohioans might vote next March on a plan to help avoid the confusion that hit some voters on Tuesday when they cast their ballots.

Congressman returns to job 3 weeks after emergency surgery (2007-11-06)
A congressman from eastern Ohio recovering from emergency colon surgery returned to work Tuesday -- a week earlier than expected. Representative Charlie Wilson says doctors told him he would be out of action for four weeks following the Oct. 11 surgery, but he was able to return a week early.

Every Vote in Every Election Counts (2007-11-06)
Election officials estimate as few as 25% of registered voters will cast ballots today. WOSU commentator Jerolyn Barbee directs the Ohio chapter of the League of Women Vters. She says every vote and every election is important.

Ohio Voters Head For The Polls (2007-11-06)
Polls are open around Ohio for voters to make their selections in local races and a special congressional primary in northwest Ohio. Two Republicans, state Representative Bob Latta and state Senator Steve Buehrer, are facing off for the seat held many years by Republican Congressman Paul Gillmor.

Indians say they'll pick up option on Byrd (2007-11-06)
The Tribe pitcher has admitted using human growth hormones.

Ohio Treasurer Suggests Compensation for Veterans (2007-11-06)
Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray is proposing a ballot issue that would lead to vertan bonuses similar to those received by those who fought in wars during the early and mid 20th Century.

U.S. House bill could force fast food restaurants to post nutrition facts (2007-11-05)
Next time you grab a quick burger for lunch, you may find out more than you want to know about your food. Some Ohio lawmakers are trying to make calorie information more visible to customers.

Stivers will face Kilroy for Pryce's seat (2007-11-05)
State Senator Steve Stivers announced Monday he is running for the 15th Congressional District seat being vacated by Deborah Pryce.

Local Store Sends Smoothies to Soldiers (2007-11-05)
One local soldier serving in Iraq is getting a cold surpise in the mail. A local Smoothie King is sending 100 smoothies for his entire infantry to enjoy.

Granville Recruits Bowhunters To Cull Deer Herd. (2007-11-05)
The Village of Granville is the latest central Ohio community to turn to bowhunters as a way to control a burgeoning population of white tail deer. Bowhunters will soon be taking aim in the yards of residents who volunteer their properties for hunting.

Election officials say there will be less confusion at polls this year (2007-11-02)
Elections officials around the state are gearing up for Tuesday's election. Self proclaimed election watchdogs are doing the same.

Proposed bill would keep invalid issues from appreading on ballot (2007-11-02)
If you go to the polls next Tuesday to vote, you'll see a statewide issue on the ballot - it's actually the new state law putting limits on strip clubs. But you'll also see a notice that any votes cast on the issue won't be counted. It's the second time in two years that an invalid issue has appeared on the ballot and some legislators and elections officials say they have a plan to avoid that confusing situation in the future.

Ohio Food Plant Possible Source of E.Coli Contamination (2007-11-02)
General Mills says possible E. coli contamination behind a massive frozen pizza recall may have come from pepperoni on pizzas produced in southeast Ohio. But the company says it has found no evidence of the bacteria at the plant in Wellston, 65 miles southeast of Columbus.

Port Columbus touts record numbers; Skybus part of the reason (2007-11-01)
Thursday Skybus announced new service to New York City. The news comes as Port Columbus International Airport reports record passengers. More than 100,000 people used Port Columbus in September - propelling the airport to its busiest third quarter ever. And Skybus is a big reason for the increase in passenger traffic.

Court appearance today for man nabbed in sting at Statehouse (2007-11-01)
Gahanna lawyer chaged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

Congressman's widow plans to run for Ohio Senate (2007-11-01)
The widow of former Ohio Congressman Paul Gillmor will announce next week that she is running for a seat in the Ohio Senate.

Columbus City Council Candidates Offer Views on Jobs. (2007-11-01)
On November 6th, Columbus voters will sort out two races for city council. A two-way contest will determine who serves out an unexpired term. In the larger race, eight candidates will compete for four seats. During candidate forums this month, candidates were often asked about city efforts to attract jobs and businesses.

Chrysler slashes jobs in Ohio and nationwide. (2007-11-01)
Toledo shift work to be temporarily dropped at Ohio Chrysler plant.

Another Proposed Ballot Issue for Casinos (2007-11-01)
Less than a year after Ohio voters said "No" to a plan for expanded gambling, two Cleveland-area developers have unveiled plans for another gambling ballot issue next year.

Columbus City Council Race Enters Last Days (2007-11-01)
As election day nears, Columbus City Council candidates are criss-crossing the city in search of votes. Four democratic incumbents, four challengers, and a write-in seek four seats on council. Much of the discussion and debate among candidates centers on jobs and crime.

Pilot of plane that dropped Hiroshima bomb dies at home in Columbus (2007-11-01)
A spokesman in Columbus says the U.S. pilot whose B-29 dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, has died.

Man arrested while sting operator testifies (2007-10-31)
A man targeted in an online child-sex sting has been arrested at the Ohio Statehouse at the same time as a hearing on whether to increase penalties for such crimes.

Drive thru flu shots make vaccinations convenient (2007-10-31)
Several counties are trying to bring convenience and health care together, as flu season gets underway.

Trade Adjustment Act passes in the U.S. House (2007-10-31)
The United States House of Representatives passed a measure today that could help Ohioans who lose their jobs due to outsourcing and trade policy.

Senate passes electric re-regulation plan (2007-10-31)
Preventing Ohioans' monthly electric bills from soaring. That's a major goal of a complex measure that state senators passed Wednesday. If state representatives go along with the senate action, it will reverse a move that lawmakers made eight years ago, when they voted to phase out government control of electric rates.

Toledo Jury Convicts Former Nuclear Power Plant Worker (2007-10-30)
Jurors have found one of two former Davis-Besse nuclear plant workers guilty of hiding information about the worst corrosion ever found at a U.S. reactor.

AEP Ohio Offers Green Energy Option (2007-10-30)
American Electric Power's Ohio division wants customers to sign up for its optional Green Power Pricing program. By paying extra, consumers support the production of electricity from renewable, environmentally -friendly sources such as wind, methane and solar energy.

Elmer's vows review of safety after reports of high lead levels. (2007-10-30)
Columbus-based manufacturer says it will rigorously check lead levels in glue stick packaging.

Jury Convicts Adviser in Workers' Comp Investment Loss (2007-10-30)
A federal court jury in Akron has convicted a state agency's investment adviser of fraud and other charges.

Ohio Hosts Largest Farmland Preservation Conference (2007-10-30)
Though the state has slowed down the loss of farmland in recent years, prime farming properties are still being eaten away.

First Ohioans Receives Money from Fund for Injured War Veterans (2007-10-30)
For two years, some Ohioans have used a check-off box on their state income tax form to donate part of their refund to a special new fund to help injured Ohio war veterans.

Federal Safety Officials Investigate Police Helicopter Landing (2007-10-30)
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are on their way to Columbus today to investigate the crash of a police helicopter. Columbus police sargeant Ed Daniher and officer Bob Benson walked away from the crash without injuries.

Mom and two girls attacked in Marysville home invasion (2007-10-30)
A woman and her two daughters in Marysville were attacked during an over night home invasion. The burglars are still at large.

Lawmaker: Proposed tax holiday could boost Ohio's economy (2007-10-29)
Imagine buying a new computer, a used car, or some new clothes - and not having to pay Ohio's 5.5 percent sales tax. That's what one state legislator is calling for - at least for one weekend each year.

Bigorexia - Complusive Weighttraining in Men (2007-10-29)
Anorexia Nervosa, the fear of gaining weight, is usually diagnosed in young women. But counselors are seeing a much smaller group of young men diagnosed with Bigorexia, a compulsive desire to be bigger.

Insurance company says it misplaced personal data of 9,200 Ohioans (2007-10-29)
A security breach at Hartford Life Insurance in Connecticut involves more than 9,000 Ohioans. Hartford says it's already contacted the 9,200 Ohioans who are affected by the security breach and offerred them the free identity theft protection.

Future tobacco payments sold (2007-10-29)
Ohio has sold some of its future payments from the nationwide tobacco settlement. State leaders say senior citizens and Ohio's schools are the big winners from that sale.

Kucinich Declares Presidential Candidacy (2007-10-26)
Cleveland Congressman Dennis Kucinich filed for the New Hampshire primary and promoted his anti-war stance.

Foreclosure Crisis Deal in Trouble (2007-10-26)
The proposed compact between lenders, advocates, state officials and other key players in the foreclosure crisis was the first of its kind in the nation. And now it appears that deal, which asks lenders to be more flexible with troubled borrowers, is in danger.

U.S. Senator Barack Obama campaigns for president in Columbus (2007-10-26)
About 2,500 people went to the Columbus Convention Center to hear presidential candidate U.S. Senator Barack Obama speak. Obama touched on issues like healthcare, the Iraq War and energy and what he will do if elected to the White House in 2008.

Loft Condo Auction: A Sign of the Times? (2007-10-26)
At least eight downtown loft condominiums in the Carlyles Watch development will be sold this Sunday at auction. The unusual sale could be the result of a bottomed-out real estate market, faltering downtown redevelopment or a glut of condos perceived as overpriced.

Barack Obama Returns To Ohio Seeking Money And Votes (2007-10-26)
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is headed to Columbus today. His return to Ohio comes at a time when he is lagging far behind front-runner Hillary Clinton in recent polls. His scheduled visit at a small-dollar gathering and fundraiser was to be the Illinois senator's first stop in Ohio since July 18, when he spoke at a rally in Cincinnati.

Ohioans Monitor California Wildfires (2007-10-25)
Vacationers from Ohio are telling horror stories as they return from California. Arriving at Cleveland Hopkins airport, Ken Aufmuth of suburban Kirtland said he saw flames roaring down mountains as police turned him away from Palm Springs.

Small Businesses Must Offer 12 Weeks Maternity Leave (2007-10-25)
Ohio companies that don't grant several 12 weeks of unpaid pregnancy and maternity leave could soon be found guilty of gender discrimination.

Ohio State students hope to spark talks about concealed carry on campus (2007-10-25)
Some students across the country, including some at Ohio State, are carrying empty pistol holsters to college classes this week. They hope to spark discussions about current concealed carry laws - and maybe even change them.

Ohio school officials learn new ways to protect students (2007-10-25)
Ohio school officials are looking for more ways to keep their students and teachers safe while on campus. Many of them met at the Ohio State University for a day-long seminar about ways to prevent school violence.

Ohio Senate approves ID theft measure (2007-10-25)
Senate-passed identity theft bill now goes on to the Ohio House.

New Law Cracks Down on Slot-Like Games (2007-10-25)
A crackdown on electronic gaming machines that look and operate a lot like slot machines has just taken effect across Ohio.

Attorney General Tries to Stop Halloween Contact Lenses (2007-10-25)
Ohio's Attorney General is taking action to try to stop some Ohio businesses from selling contact lenses that can permanently damage people's eyes.

Police Officer Suspected in Drug Scheme Indicted (2007-10-25)
A federal grand jury has indicted a former police officer accused of conspiring to rob a drug dealer of two pounds of cocaine and sell it for profit.

Ohio Senate approves ID theft measure (2007-10-25)
Senate-passed identity theft bill now goes on to the Ohio House.

Hotter Summer Brings High Earnings For Columbus Company (2007-10-24)
Hot weather in the midwest and mid-atlantic region during the summer and early fall helped one of the nation's largest utilities post bigger profits for the past three months.

Activists form pro-immigration coalition (2007-10-24)
Activists who call themselves immigrant rights advocates have formed a coalition in Ohio to fight proposals, aimed at ridding the state of illegal immigrants. Thirty of the activists traveled to Columbus Wednesday to make their case to state legislators.

Income tax witholding rates down (2007-10-24)
State income taxes will soon be cut. The cut is part of a tax reduction plan previously passed by the Ohio Legislature.

OMBA responds to governor's compact (2007-10-24)
The group representing Ohio's mortgage bankers is saying Governor Strickland's proposed agreement to work together on the state's foreclosure crisis could make the situation worse.

Ohio Sends Relief Teams To California (2007-10-24)
American Red Cross chapters in Ohio are sending people to southern California, to help victims of the region's fierce wildfires. The Red Cross in Toledo says it has been asked to supply volunteers for the disaster relief efforts in San Diego.

National City hit hard by mortgage woes in the third quarter. (2007-10-24)
The Cleveland-based banking company says earnings took a dramatic drop.

OSU shows little gain in minority enrollment (2007-10-23)
Ohio State University recently released its most current enrollment figures. While overall enrollment numbers increased, the number of African American students declined ever so slightly.

Proposal Prompts Personal Testimony from State Senators (2007-10-23)
A proposed law billed as a way to help parents grieve after a miscarriage Tuesday brought forth some very personal testimony on the Senate floor.

Ban on Electronic Video Machines Similar to Slots Goes to Governor (2007-10-23)
Governor Ted Strickland is expected to sign into law a bill aimed at ridding Oho of electronic video games.

Floding Rains Move Through Central Ohio (2007-10-23)
Underpasses are filling with standing water and fender-benders are numerous across much of Ohio this morning as rain pours down. The National Weather Service says heavy rainfall could become a serious problem in central Ohio, where several counties are under a flood watch until 2 p.m.

State Lawmakers Grill Education Officials About Alleged Teacher Misconduct (2007-10-23)
Top officials with the Ohio Department of Education admit more needs to be done to prevent educators accused of misconduct from keeping their jobs.

JetBlue to drop Columbus service (2007-10-23)
Low-fare airline JetBlue is pulling out of Columbus. The company says the service will be discontinued as of January 6th.

Flood watch posted as rain swamps central, southwest Ohio (2007-10-23)
A flood watch is in effect for much of Central Ohio until two p.m.

Former officer 'shocked' by response to videos (2007-10-22)
The Columbus police officer who resigned following an uproar over homemade online videos says she's shocked that some called her a racist.

Columbus City Council Races Enter Homestretch (2007-10-22)
In two weeks, Columbus voters will decide two separate races for city council. Eight candidates are vying for four full terms on council while two other candidates seek voter approval for a partial two-year term. In that race, appointed Democrat Priscilla Tyson is trying to hold off Republican challenger Heidi Samuel.

AAA: Gas prices rise 6 cents a gallon (2007-10-22)
Ohio gasoline prices have risen 6 cents in the last two weeks. According to AAA and the Oil Price Information Service, the statewide average for a gallon of regular is now $2.82, up from about $2.76 on Oct. 8.

Plan calls for teaching foreign tongues to preschoolers (2007-10-22)
Teaching Arabic, Chinese and Spanish to children as young as preschoolers is part of a blueprint created by business, education and government leaders to boost Ohio's economy.

Coalition: mandatory paid sick days nearing Legislature (2007-10-22)
A coalition trying to put mandatory paid sick days into state law says it has gathered enough signatures to present the issue to lawmakers.

World Harvest verdict to be appealed (2007-10-19)
World Harvest Church plans to appeal a multi-million dollar verdict rendered by a Franklin County jury yesterday. Two parents sued the mega church and one of its former day care workers for allegedly abusing their two-year-old child last year.

Benefit or Burden - Non Profits Feel the Pinch (2007-10-19)
Nowhere is the insurance crisis more keenly felt than among small non-profit organizations. While commercial businesses may pass along increased costs to their customers, non-profits cannot.

Benefit or Burden: The Impact of Rising Health Insurance on Non Profits (2007-10-19)
When Henry Godman's workers were turning out thousands of pairs of shoes in a downtown factory, the Columbus businessman did not have to worry about calculating health insurance benefits because there weren't any. That business from the late 1800s is long gone, but the Godman Guild, a social services agency, has about 2 dozen workers who do receive health care as part of their benefits package. The Guild was recently hit with a steep and unexpected 23 percent health insurance increase.

Ohio Jobless Rate Inches Up (2007-10-19)
Ohio's unemployment increased by two-tenths of one percent in September to 5.9 percent.

To Leash or Not To Leash: Dogs at Goodale Park (2007-10-18)
On any given day numerous dogs can be seen running free at Goodale Park. And this has created tension between some park goers who think dogs should be on leashes and dog owners who disagree. Several neighborhood organizations have teamed up with the city to try to come to some kind of compromise.

Benefit or Burden- Government health benefits are not what they used to be (2007-10-18)
The state of Ohio and the federal government are two of central Ohio's largest employers. The Common thinking is people who work in government make less money than those in the private sector, but the benefits are great. While government health insurance benefits are still good, agencies and employees are starting to see some big changes.

Second Parent Sentenced in "Caged Boy" Case (2007-10-18)
A Toledo man accused of locking his son in a dog cage as punishment will spend four years in prison.

Ohio Lawmakers Hold Hearings on Proposal on Abortion and Ultrasound (2007-10-18)
Ohio lawmakers have begun to hold hearings on a proposal involving abortion and ultrasound images.

Ohio Lawmaker Says Proposal Would Help Keep Guns out of the Hands of Young People (2007-10-18)
Last week's shooting at a Cleveland high school has once again made gun control an issue in Ohio.

Senate okays limits on electronic gaming machines (2007-10-17)
The Ohio Senate followed the Ohio House Wednesday, in voting to outlaw tens of thousands of electronic gaming machines that operate a lot like slot machines and to ban cash prizes in other games that are based on skill.

Critics still challenge new strip law (2007-10-17)
That proposal that ohio legislators passed earlier this year putting limits on strip clubs became law Wednesday. That's because elections officials have formally declared that a petition drive, aimed at repealing the measure at the polls in November, has come up short. Still, critics of the law are not giving up.

State to investigate teacher misconduct reports at Ohio schools (2007-10-17)
Dispatch report prompts probe of Department of Education disciplinary procedures.

US Senate debates bill for better veteran benefits (2007-10-17)
The US senate is debating a bill that would provide billions of dollars in benefits for veterans. A major part of the money would be used for mental health services.

Benefit or Burden - Small Business - Big Health Care Bills (2007-10-17)
We've heard how large corporations and their employees are struggling to pay health insurance bills. Often times, small companies have it worse. The lack a large workforce. They lack negotiating clout. In part three of our series - Benefit or Burden - The Rising Cost of Health Insurance, we tell the small business story.

Benefit or Burden - Worthington Industries - Takes medicine, costs under its umbrella (2007-10-16)
A new study by the Kaiser Family Foundation shows family coverage premiums in the United States reached $1,000 dollars per month this year for the first time. As the plans get more expensive, companies and their workers are paying more. But, workers at one north side company pay, at most, $40 per month. In Part Two of our series, Benefit or Burden--The Rising Cost of Health Insurance, WOSU's Tom Borgerding visits Worthington Industries,a 52 year old home-grown steel processor.

Proposal Would Require 12 Weeks of Maternity Leave (2007-10-16)
The Ohio Civil Rights Commission has scheduled a meeting later this month to vote on a proposed new rule that would require all Ohio employers to offer pregnant workers at least 12 weeks of maternity leave.

Ohio State's Columbus Campus Leads Nation in Enrollment (2007-10-16)
Ohio State doesn't just lead the nation in football. It is still the country's largest university. And it beats Florida. University provost Joe Alluto tells WOSU what being number one means to OSU.

Houston-Based Company Hits Roadbock To State Business. (2007-10-16)
A debt collection agency accused of harassing customers has hit a roadblock in its latest effort to land state business.

Columbus Ghost Stories Paint Picture of Past (2007-10-16)
October is the time of year for Ghost Stories. Columbus is said to have its share of ghosts. WOSU Commentator Ed Lentz shares a couple Central Ohio ghost stories based in history.

Gaming ban: No public testimony allowed (2007-10-15)
Ohio legislators plan to take a final vote this week on a measure banning electronic gaming machines that offer cash prizes and they plan to take the vote without any public hearings.

Hobson 12th GOP congressman to retire (2007-10-15)
The list of Republican members of Congress who won't be running for re-election next year continues to grow. And Ohio is at the center of that trend.

Benefit or Burden - Scotts Agressively Attacks Rising Health Insurance Costs (2007-10-15)
Scotts- Miracle Grow. Last year Scotts-Miracle Gro spent 22 million dollars for employee health benefits. The Marysville based fertilizer company is aggressively trying to keep the cost down. It has instituted a controversial no-smoking policy and it's built a fitness center at its headquarters.

Drive to repeal strip club limits fails (2007-10-15)
A controversial new Ohio law, putting statewide limits on strip clubs, is finally about to take effect six weeks after state legislators wanted it to. Critics of the law had put the law on hold, by launching a petition drive aimed at putting the law onto the ballot for the voters to decide. But now, elections officials have declared the petition drive has fallen short.

Computer Glitch Risk's Children's Safety (2007-10-15)
Computer systems experts today are working with county children's services agencies to eliminate glitches in a critical data-sharing program. At stake: the safety of thousands of abused or neglected children.

State increases money for poor and homeless (2007-10-15)
Groups that help homeless and low income Ohioans are getting more than 20 million dollars from the state.

House Speaker Husted to run for Senate (2007-10-12)
The top man in the Ohio House of Representatives has announced what many have expected - he wants to move over to the Ohio Senate.

Cleveland schools chief submits security upgrade plans (2007-10-12)
Cleveland public schools plan to place metal detectors and security guards in all schools in response to a shooting rampage that left two teachers and two students wounded before the gunman killed himself.

Otterbein College Graduate dies while serving in Iraq (2007-10-12)
An Ohio soldier was one of two military personel killed in a rocket attack near Baghdad. Airport

Ohio Senate to Consider Bill on Foster Parents (2007-10-11)
Last year's death of a three-year-old Butler County boy at the hands of his foster parents is prompting continued debate among Ohio legislators over how to prevent future cases of abuse.

Environmental Group Says Water Pollution Still a Major Problem in Ohio (2007-10-11)
A new report by an activist group, Environment Ohio, shows the state's waterways are suffering from water pollution caused by major industrial and municipal facilities.

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Ohio House Votes to Ban Gaming Machines (2007-10-10)
Ohio legislators have begun a crackdown on electronic games they say are tantamount to illegal slot machines.

Healthcare workers target men for flu shots (2007-10-10)
As the warm weather tapers off flu season is approaching. While healthcare providers encourage young children and older people to get a immunized, they are trying to reach a specific part of the population, men.

Five Hurt in Cleveland School Shooting (2007-10-10)
A shooting has occurred at a small, nontraditional high school in Cleveland. At least five people have been hurt at the SuccessTech Academy.

State supervisor docked one week of vacation over data theft (2007-10-10)
Jerry Miller says he thought data was protected but will accept punishment.

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State Superviser Punished For Loss Of Sensitive Data. (2007-10-10)
The massive state data theft case is going to mean a week of lost vacation for a supervisor with the state's new payroll and accounting system. Investigators say Jerry Miller didn't follow orders and left sensitive information on a computer backup device, instead of moving the data to a secure directory.

AEP agrees to pay $4.6 billion to reduce acid rain emissions (2007-10-09)
Columbus-based American Electric Power has agreed to pay at least $4.6 billion to reduce chemical emissions blamed for spreading smog and acid rain across a dozen eastern states.

Listen to Extended Interview with AEP Official (2007-10-09)
To hear a WOSU News interview with AEP spokeswoman Melissa McHenry click the audio icon.

Record-Breaking Heat Blankets Ohio (2007-10-08)
Forecasters say Ohioans will see a break from record hot fall weather on Tuesday, but until then, the state will have to endure another day of extreme warmth.

Plane skids to emergency stop with rear landing gear out (2007-10-08)
No one hurt in the emergency landing at Port Columbus.

Scooters are a popular alternative to cars in Central Ohio. (2007-10-08)
Scooter enthusiasts say they can save a lot of money on insurance and gasoline.

Ohio schools feel tested by heat (2007-10-08)
Monday's hot weather has made it a miserable Monday for students at Ohio schools with no air conditioning. Excessive heat has led officials to dismiss students two hours early in the Miami Trace Local school district in Fayette County.

Mayor Coleman's campaign criticizes Todd's new ad (2007-10-08)
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman's re-election campaign is criticizing his opponent Bill Todd for an ad released Monday. The ad uses graphic sounds to depict Coleman's stance on crime as weak.

Mayor Colman's campaign criticizes Todd's new ad (2007-10-08)
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman's re-election campaign is criticizing his opponent Bill Todd for an ad released Monday. The ad uses graphic sounds to depict Coleman's stance on crime as weak.

Embrace Our Immigrant Communities (2007-10-08)
This week, on Columbus Day, we celebrate the arrival of some of our nation's first immigrants. Christopher Columbus is credited with discovering the new world - starting the flow of newcomers. WOSU commentator Elizabeth Martinez observes the flow of immigrants continues - and we should embrace them.

Utilities fight proposed re-regulation of electricity (2007-10-05)
Ohio electric companies say Ohioans are going to have to pay higher monthly bills whether or not state legislators decide to have Ohio continue on the road toward government de-regulation. It's the latest round in the debate over a planned move toward competition in the electricity industry.

Kroger gas discounts in higher gear in central Ohio (2007-10-05)
Grocers offer gas discounts to attract customers to their stores.

Flags flown at half staff this weekend (2007-10-05)
Flags will be at half staff around the state Sunday for fallen firefighters.

Kindergarten programs face-off (2007-10-05)
State mandated kindergarten is a fairly new phenomenon that has only been around for the last 15 or 20 years. However, in that time kindergarten has undergone rapid change.

MoveOn.Org Rallies for Republican Deborah Pryce (2007-10-04)
It was an unusual sight Thursday evening on the sidewalk in front of 500 South Front Street. A well-known group of political activists that spent hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to unseat Republican Congresswoman Deborah Pryce was holding a rally for her in front of her office.

Mayoral Debate Was Polite and Passionate (2007-10-03)
The two candidates for mayor of Columbus argued fiercely in support of different ways to handle the major issues facing the city.

Coleman and Todd - 2 Very Different Views of City (2007-10-03)
For the first time Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman is seeking re-election and has an opponent. GOP challenger Bill Todd and Coleman have different views of the current state of the city.

Proposed ban on broadcast of 911 calls (2007-10-03)
If some Ohio police and some state legislators get their way, Ohioans will no longer be hearing tapes of those frantic 911 calls on their TV newscasts. Radio and TV stations, though, don't like the proposed ban.

Study: 2.2M Ohioans would benefit from mandatory sick leave plan (2007-10-03)
A new study finds two point two million Ohio workers would benefit from a proposed policy that would allow them to earn up to seven paid sick days a year.

Lawmaker proposes ban on broadcast of 911 calls (2007-10-03)
If some Ohio police and some state legislators get their way, Ohioans will no longer be hearing tapes of those frantic 911 calls on their TV newscasts. Radio and TV stations, though, don't like the proposed ban.

No moratorium but no executions (2007-10-03)
A killer is scheduled to die at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility next week. But though the governor has not ordered a stop to executions in Ohio, he says he doesn't think there will be an execution for quite a while.

Study Cites Benefits of Sick Leave (2007-10-02)
A new study finds 2.2 million Ohio workers would benefit from a proposed policy allowing them to earn up to seven paid sick days a year.

Home Foreclosures - Time for Lawmakers to Act (2007-10-02)
The sub-prime lending crisis has led to countless stories of home foreclosures... to most of us, the stories are just bits of time on the radio or television, or sections print in a newspaper. To most us the foreclosures are someone else's problem. But WOSU commentator Jerolyn Barbee says the stories of other people's problems affect everyone.

Website Says Ohio Is Not Fun Anymore (2007-10-02)
Ohio bars, bowling alleys, and arcades, featuring electronic gaming machines that offer prizes, are fighting back against state officials who want to outlaw the machines.

Games of Skill or Chance? Ohioans Speak Their Minds (2007-10-02)
The attorney general's office has just wrapped up a series of meetings to gather public input about games of skills versus games of chance. The Strickland administration has issued an emergency order to try and regulate the machines. But it may be up to the legislature to decide the outcome.

Mother Charged in Deaths of Two Girls In Bathtub (2007-10-02)
Cleveland police say the mother of two young girls who drowned in a bathtub in their Cleveland home has been charged with aggravated murder.

Columbus Police officer dies in crash (2007-10-02)
Columbus police say a fellow officer is dead after crashing his car on the way to work. Department spokesman Lt. Rick Weiner says 32-year-old Officer Robert Tormasi had been on the force six years.

Federal Jury Convicts Former Accountant for Catholic Diocese (2007-10-02)
A former accountant for the Cleveland Catholic Diocese has been convicted of arranging $784,000 in kickbacks to a diocese official.

Ohio Lawmakers Look for Ways to Cap Payday Lender Rates (2007-10-01)
Payday lending stores. For every $100 they lend out for two weeks, they charge $15 in interest and fees.

Boy accused of setting fire that killed 5 appears in court (2007-10-01)
A judge in western Ohio has ordered that a 10-year-old suspect in a deadly fire be released to the custody of his maternal grandmother.

Gordon Gee officially takes over as OSU president (2007-10-01)
Today is the first official day on the job for new and returning Ohio State University President Gordon Gee.

Ohio High School Students to Work at Polls in November (2007-10-01)
Ohio high schools and voting officials are teaming up to train 17 and 18-year-olds to work at the polls on election day.

Gee officially takes over as OSU's 14th President (2007-10-01)
Today is the first official day on the job for Ohio State University's new president. This is his second time serving as president of the university and while he remembers what it was like back then he is also looking forward to the future.

Ohio Lawmakers Look for Ways to Cap Payday Lender Rates (2007-10-01)
Payday lending stores. For every $100 they lend out for two weeks, they charge $15 in interest and fees.

Ohio Lawmakers Look for Ways to Cap Payday Lender Rates (2007-10-01)
For every $100 payday lending stores lend for two weeks, they charge $15 in interest and fees.

Highway sign honors troopers killed in fiery wreck (2007-10-01)
A portion of a southern Ohio road has been rededicated in honor of the two troopers who died there in fiery crash one year ago.

Moonrise Event Shows Complexity of Newark Earthworks (2007-09-28)
Historians, archaeologists and other "mound buffs" are hoping for clear skies Monday night.

Bristol Myers Squibb settles with Ohio, other states (2007-09-28)
Ohio is receiving more than 15 million dollars from a major drug company.

Fairfield County latest on ash borer quarantine list (2007-09-27)
A tree-killing beetle remains on the move, prompting the state to add yet another county to its quarantine area. The Ohio Department of Agriculture says an ash tree infested with the emerald ash borer has been found near Interstate 70 in the Fairfield County community of Pickerington.

Columbus Zoo gorilla to undergo surgery for lazy eye (2007-09-27)
A nationally recognized pediatric eye disorder expert will help correct a young patient's lazy eye Friday. The patient? A 3-year-old gorilla named Doty.

City of Columbus to takeover City Center Mall for $2.88M (2007-09-27)
The city of Columbus has a tentative agreement to takeover the struggling City Center Mall. The city would takeover the downtown Columbus mall and purchase an adjacent vacant lot on High Street for $2.88 million.

Son charged in stabbing death of retired OU professor (2007-09-26)
An electrical engineering graduate student at Ohio University has been charged with murder in the stabbing death of his father, a retired OU history professor.

Wendy's ad irks senator (2007-09-26)
A television commercial for Wendy's is coming under fire from a state lawmaker.

Wine law changes go into effect (2007-09-26)
Starting next week, Ohioans will no longer be able to order and receive shipments of wine from most wineries in California and other states.

Hundreds protest death penalty at Statehouse (2007-09-26)
A few hundred anti-death penalty activists danced and chanted during a noontime rally at the Statehouse, to try and convince lawmakers and Gov. Strickland to stop executions in Ohio.

Voinovich Celebrates Reviving Nuclear Power (2007-09-26)
Ohio Republican Senator George Voinovich is celebrating after his long time goal of reviving nuclear power took a big step forward.

Ohio Supreme Court: Jurors must be dismissed when biased (2007-09-26)
Jurors can sign a pledge to be fair, but the Ohio Supreme Court says they must still be disqualified for bias if certain criteria are met.

Unions, manufacturers back electric re-regulation (2007-09-26)
A proposal Governor Strickland says getting a key endorsement from some strange political bedfellows is necessary to prevent Ohioans' electric bills from soaring. That could help prod Ohio legislators to approve it, but the plan still faces questions from the electric companies.

Possible regulation of at home day-care providers to come soon (2007-09-25)
Thousands of Ohioans may not realize that the neighbor's home they are sending their children to for day-care is not licensed by the state. Some legislators and day-care activists are working to change that. They are warning that without a change, some children could die needlessly, and that some already have.

UAW Strike May Have Impact on Ohio Businesses (2007-09-25)
Businesses throughout Ohio are hoping the nationwide strike between the United Auto Workers and General Motors won't be a long one. As Ohio Public Radio's Jo Ingles reports, a long strike could have far reaching implications for thousands of people and businesses in the buckeye state.

Former Astronuat John Glenn Speaks About World War II Experience (2007-09-25)
As part of Ken Burn's week long commemoration of World War II, WOSU is taking a look at local vets from the Great War. Former astronaut John Glenn shares his memories of the war.

Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher Leads Ohio Economic Development (2007-09-25)
The man in charge of reviving economic development in Ohio says he has his work cut out for him.

Back-up OSU QB arrested for soliciting a prostitute (2007-09-25)
Ohio State has suspended third-string quarterback Antonio Henton, a day after he was accused of soliciting a prostitute.

U.S. Supreme Court Will Hear Case on Lethal Injection (2007-09-25)
The U-S Supreme Court has agreed to determine the constitutionality of execution by lethal injection.

GM workers picket in Groveport (2007-09-24)
General Motors workers nationwide walked off the job Monday morning citing problems with job security. Workers picketing at the GM plant in Groveport say there have been threats to close their plant.

Bar association calls for Ohio to suspend death penalty system (2007-09-24)
The American Bar Association is urging Governor Strickland to halt executions so Ohio's death penalty system can be reviewed.

Corn Harvest Going Well In Fayette Co., OH (2007-09-24)
Driving the back roads of Ohio may take a little longer this time of year. Farm machinery is headed to and from the field as trucks haul the harvest into town. The wind is whipping up dried corn leaves too, another sign that the corn harvest is underway. In Fayette County, southwest of Columbus, farmers might have a good crop year in spite of a shortage of rainfall.

World War II Paratrooper Shares Normandy Memories (2007-09-24)
They're often called America's Greatest Generation - the men and women who served during World War II. Some of the most recognized World War II veterans are those who parachuted into Normandy on June 6, 1944.

State jobless rate down slightly in August (2007-09-21)
Unemployment rate drops by one-tenth of one percent.

Boy, 10, Charged in Fire that Killed Four Children and Adult (2007-09-21)
A 10-year-old boy has been accused of setting that house fire in the western Ohio town of Greenville that killed five people on Sunday.

Strickland Speaks Out About Foreclosures (2007-09-21)
Governor Ted Strickland is trying to get lenders to agree to a compact to stem Ohio's foreclosure crisis, and he plan to announce in the next few days what progress he's made.

Woman Gets Life for Husband's Murder-for-Hire (2007-09-21)
A federal judge Friday sentenced a Pennsylvania woman to life in prison for hiring her drug-dealing lover to kill her wealthy husband on the Ohio Turnpike two years ago.

Anchor 'Away' - City Center's Larget Retail Departs (2007-09-20)
Macy's says it will close its downtown Columbus department story located in City Center Mall. The department store chain says business is too slow to keep the store open. Macy's shoppers say they're disappointed.

Court's bank account information used to forge checks. (2007-09-19)
Clerk of Courts says Municipal Court has been a victim of data theft.

Ohio Attorney General: All-day kindergarten should be free (2007-09-19)
Marc Dann says school districts may have to reimburse parents for tuition payments.

Report: Payday Loans Trap 300,000 Ohioans in Debt (2007-09-19)
A new study estimates hundreds of thousands of Ohioans are financially trapped by "payday loans" for months or years.

Macy's to close City Center Mall store (2007-09-19)
In another blow to the near empty city center mall, Macy's has announced it will close its downtown store this fall. The company says the City Center Macy's will close in November.

Mr. Wright Makes A Map (2007-09-19)
Ed tells the story of Joel Wright, the man who laid the ground work - literally - for what is now the Capital City of Ohio.

Lawmaker Wants Smoking Allowed in Cigar Bars (2007-09-19)
A lawmaker who was opposed to the state's smoking ban has introduced a bill to allow smoking in what some may see as a fairly obvious place, cigar bars.

Connecticut Sues Over Data Lost on Ohio Computer Device (2007-09-19)
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal says he is suing a consulting company over the loss of confidential information about 58 Connecticut taxpayers and hundreds of state bank accounts.

Ohio Attorney General Sues OSU area Businesses over Alleged Violations of Consumer Protection Laws (2007-09-19)
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann is suing two restaurants on the Ohio State University campus who said they were offering free food to students.

New Electronic Video Games Installed at Two Ohio Racetracks (2007-09-18)
Two Ohio racetracks are installing controversial electronic video games.

Ohio competing with Canada for Russian steel mill. (2007-09-18)
Governor Strickland woos Russian steel company officials.

Ohio Supreme Court Considers Akron Traffic Cameras (2007-09-18)
Traffic cameras operate in Columbus and many other cities including Cleveland and Dayton.

Gov. Strickland Promotes Ohio Agriculture, Industry (2007-09-18)
Governor Strickland had agriculture and industry on his mind Tuesday. Strickland spoke at the opening luncheon for the Farm Science Review near London.

Gay rights advocates expect House to pass job bias ban (2007-09-17)
The House moves closer to banning job discrimination against gay workers.

General Motors says unionworkers on the job during break in bargaining (2007-09-17)
Members of the United Auto Workers Union show up for work today during a break in contract talks.

Columbus Mayoral Candidate Says Schools Unequal; Files Suit (2007-09-17)
Columbus mayoral candidate Bill Todd is suing the Columbus city schools and state department of education. He claims the city school system and the Ohio Department of Education maintain an unfair an inequitable system of education.

Mainstream banks get into check cashing business (2007-09-17)
Check Cashing was once relegated to stores that charged people without bank accounts top dollar to convert their paychecks into cash. Now a growing number of banks - and Walmart - are cashing in on the business.

OSU Students Return and Help Create Micro-Economy On North High Street (2007-09-17)
Classes start Wednesday for more than 50,000 Ohio State University students. Many of them arrived in Columbus during the week-end. And their arrival brought smiles to the faces of some campus area merchants. W-O-S-U's Tom Borgerding reports that before students hit the books on Wednesday they'll be spending lots of money.

9/11 Remembrances, Rhetoric, Leave Ohioans Unswayed (2007-09-15)
Attitudes about the war in Iraq seem to be little changed by the events of the past week. Hearings in Congress, the 9/11 anniversary and Thursday night's address by President Bush don't seemed to have caused central Ohioans to rethink their positions.

Voinovich: Bush should redefine mission in Iraq (2007-09-14)
Last night in his presidential address, President Bush announced a reduction of troops in Iraq. Ohio US senator George Voinovich was in Chillicothe today where he toured the Chillicothe Veterans' Medical Center. He says the legacy of the Bush administration relies on developing a comprehensive plan that would gradually end the war.

Listen to Voinovich's complete statement (2007-09-14)
US Senator George Voinovich still wants President Bush to set a deadline for troop withdrawal. But Voinovich says he will not vote for a deadline if asked to.

Columbus Organizations Work To Resolve Discrimination Complaints (2007-09-13)
Franklin County Children's Services investigates 12,000 child abuse or neglect complaints each year. But, in some cases, the abuse and neglect investigations prompt additional allegations of civil rights abuses. So, Children's Services is now working with the Columbus chapter of the N-double-A-C-P to resolve those disputes.

Two GOP Lawmakers Question Voting Machine Study (2007-09-13)
Two republican state senators are demanding that Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner answer 23 questions before she will be allowed to pursue a study on the security of voting machines used in the buckeye state.

Brown calls for troop withdrawal within one year (2007-09-13)
In his address to the nation, President Bush called for an enduring presence of US troops in Iraq. But US Senator Sherrod Brown (D) of Ohio says Iraq is not becoming more stable, and troops should come home within a year.

5 on death row join lethal injection suit (2007-09-13)
A federal judge on Wednesday allowed five additional death-row inmates to join a lawsuit claiming Ohio's lethal injection procedure amounts to unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment.

Democratic Lawmakers Propose Energy Plan (2007-09-12)
Democratic lawmakers have developed their own energy plan.

Ohio AG Targets Underperforming Charter Schools (2007-09-12)
Ohio's Attorney General is filing legal action against two Dayton-area charter schools for not living up to their contracts.

Gillmor to be buried today (2007-09-12)
Long-time Ohio Congressman Paul Gillmor is buried today in his hometown of Old Fort.

Ohio's U-S Senators Await Presidential Message On Iraq (2007-09-12)
One Ohio U.S. senator says the administration's plan for a troop drawdown in Iraq is inadequate, while the other is waiting to hear from President Bush.

Appeals Panel Rules for Man Convicted in Deaths of 5 Children (2007-09-11)
A divided federal appeals panel has ruled that the constitutional rights of a man on death row for killing five children in an arson fire were violated by use of his confession at trial.

Democrats, Republicans honor Gillmor at memorial service (2007-09-11)
Gillmor died last week, and U.S. House Republican leader John Boehner and other dignitaries paid him tribute during a memorial service today at the Ohio Statehouse.

Businesses not included in free identity protection from summer data theft (2007-09-11)
This summer the state provided hundreds of thousands of Ohioans with free identity theft protection after a computer backup tape containing their personal information was stolen. Some of the information on the tape included businesses' information. But businesses are not covered.

Mourners at Statehouse pay respects to congressman (2007-09-11)
Mourners at Statehouse pay respects to congressman

City Buys More Police Cars (2007-09-11)
Monday night the Columbus city council approved the purchase of another 20 cruisers as replacements for its aging fleet.

Ohio State Freshman breaking records again (2007-09-10)
Ohio State University officials have a lot to boast about when it comes to the incoming freshman class. Average ACT and SAT scores increased. The number of students in the top 10 and 25 percent of their high school class also increased. And more people applied to OSU this year. But those were not the only increases.

Foreclosure Prevention Task Force Files Final Report (2007-09-10)
Over the next two years, an estimated 200-thousand Ohio homeowners could see their adjustable mortgage rates soar, making it hard for them to keep up their monthly payments.

Popularity of alt water swimming pools growing in Central Ohio (2007-09-10)
Once popular only in Australia, salt water swimming pools are now the choice of Central Ohioans too.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is Life Changing for Children and Adults (2007-09-07)
September 9th is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day in Ohio.

Police: mother of dead toddler was warned about leaving child (2007-09-06)
Authorities say a southwest Ohio woman whose 2-year-old died in an overheated car last month had been warned before about leaving the girl unattended

Student in immigration fight says he'll miss Gillmor (2007-09-06)
Those mourning yesterday's sudden death of Paul Gillmor include a northwest Ohio student who has had the congressman in his corner during an ongoing immigration battle.

Scientists Hope the Emerald Ash Borer Succombs to Tiny Chinese Wasps (2007-09-06)
There may be a 'silver bullet' that will bring the Emerald Ash Borer under control. Scientists are wondering if another Chinese import might finally mean EAB as met its match.

Poll: Democrats' Lead Expanding in Ohio (2007-09-06)
Among Ohio voters, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has opened a lead in a hypothetical, head-to-head matchup against former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Ohio Public Pension Funds Slow to Divest (2007-09-06)
A new statewide poll shows Ohioans overwhelmingly want the state's five public pension funds to sell off their investments in foreign companies that do business in Iran and Sudan.

Columbus Man Spreads Knowledge, Goodwill in Remote China (2007-09-05)
More and more Americans are traveling to China these days. Investors see an infinite market and a land of cheap labor. Tourists are drawn to its ancient wonders. One Ohioan, however, trekked to a place no American had ever been.

U.S. Representative Paul Gillmor remembered by Deborah Pryce (2007-09-05)
U.S. Congressman Paul Gillmor, who served Ohio's fifth district for almost two decades, was found dead in his Washington apartment Wednesday morning. U.S. Representative Deborah Pryce shared her memories of Gillmor.

Tiny Insect Changes Ann Arbor Landscape (2007-09-05)
Scientists believe the Emerald Ash Borer entered the U.S. from China almost ten years ago. It's been killing ash trees in the Great Lakes region ever since. The city of Ann Arbor, Mich., known for its thickly wooded neighborhoods, has lost most of its ash trees which made up about 15 percent of the city's urban forest. Ohio officials wonder if the same thing could happen in Columbus.

Ohio Rep. Gillmor found dead (2007-09-05)
A GOP leadership aide says northwest Ohio Congressman Paul Gillmor has been found dead in his Washington apartment.

Columbus, Grandview Heights Take Similar Approaches Planning for Emerald Ash Borer (2007-09-05)
In less than ten years the Emerald Ash Borer has taken a devastating toll on the ash trees in the state of Michigan. And it's spreading. It's now been found in 31 Ohio counties. Without a significant breakthrough in fighting the tree killing insect, the impact here could be devastating. Two central Ohio cities, Columbus and Grandview Heights, have similar plans to deal with the invader

Searchers Find Boy's Body Inside Crashed Plane in Lake Erie (2007-09-04)
Searchers on Lake Erie have found the body of a boy killed in a plane crash near Kelleys Island.

State Highway Patrol: Deadliest Labor Day holiday in five years (2007-09-04)
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said more people died over the Labor Day weekend this year. And a third of the deaths involved motorcycles.

No Charges Filed in Toddler's Death in Hot Car (2007-09-04)
A southwest Ohio school administrator will not face charges over her 2-year-old daughter's death last month in a sweltering car.

Judge OK's Some Games Targeted by Attorney General (2007-09-04)
Ohio's attorney general has ordered the unplugging of an estimated 50,000 electronic gaming machines. Marc Dann says the games amount to illegal slot machines.

Canton McKinley HS Forfeits Game (2007-09-03)
Canton McKinley High School will forfeit their 66-6 win over a Detroit high school after McKinley's head coach discovered that an academically ineligible player participated in the game.

Ravenna Plant Explosion Levels Warehouse (2007-09-03)
Fire officials say an explosion at a northeast Ohio industrial plant leveled the plant's storage warehouse and shook the ground for more than a mile.

Cincinnati-area Man Dies After Being Stunned by Taser (2007-09-03)
Authorities say a man from the Cincinnati suburb of Golf Manor has died after police stunned him with a taser.

Ohio Supreme Court: Voters Can Decide Lead-Paint Issue (2007-08-31)
The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that voters can have the last word on whether paint companies can be subjected to paying damages to families whose children were sickened by exposure to lead paint.

Internal disputes slow OSU Med Center expansion (2007-08-31)
A consultants' report commissioned by Ohio State says fighting among physicians could jeopardize the OSU Medical Center and the James Cancer Center. The internal rifts have slowed the most expensive project in university history, the $780 million expansion of the medical center.

Lobby group questions fuel standard legislation (2007-08-31)
When congress returns to Washington next week it will face major budget decisions and debate the Iraq War. But, the elected leaders are also set to consider fuel economy standards that one lobby group says help determine what types of vehicles are available in auto showrooms.

Changes Suggested for Governor's Alternative Energy Plan (2007-08-31)
Governor Ted Strickland's proposal to boost alternative energy in Ohio is only a few days old. Already, changes are being proposed.

FBI Probes Bomb Threats in Ohio (2007-08-31)
The FBI is investigating bomb threats phoned in Friday morning in northeast and southwest Ohio.

Resentencing Ordered for "Medicinal Eggs" Doctor (2007-08-31)
A federal appeals court has upheld the conviction of a doctor who helped sell powdered egg yolks that he and his partner claimed could cure and prevent a variety of diseases.

More Challenging Ohio's Lethal Injection (2007-08-30)
Several death row inmates are challenging the constitutionality of Ohio's lethal injection process in federal court.

Ex-president softens remark about Ohio State 'orgies' (2007-08-30)
Former Ohio State President Karen Holbrook is softening her tune, after saying during a job interview that Buckeyes fans like to riot.

Urban League Condemns Police Officer's Remarks (2007-08-30)
The Columbus Division of Police says an investigation into comments made by Officer Susan Purtee is continuing. Purtee and her sister were critical of blacks, Jews, Cubans and Immigrants in videos posted online. Thursday the president of the Columbus Urban League spoke out on the officer's comments.

Analysis: internal dissension threatens OSU cancer center status (2007-08-30)
Consultants hired by Ohio State have concluded that infighting among doctors could jeopardize the university's medical center and its cancer center.

Damage to Findlay's city owned buildings at least $20 million (2007-08-29)
Flood water that swamped Findlay last week is leaving behind a big bill. Findlay's Service Director says the damage to city-owned buildings and property will cost between $20 million and $31 million.

Attorney General Wants to Stop Electronic Games with Cash Prizes (2007-08-29)
Ohio's attorney general is continuing to go after arcades, gas stations, and markets that have electronic games that offer cash prizes.

State Charges 20 People after Immigration Raid (2007-08-29)
Twenty of the 161 people taken into custody during a federal raid at a poultry processing plant in Fairfield have been charged with state offenses.

Strickland rolls out energy plan (2007-08-29)
Protection for consumers and the development of alternative energy sources are at the heart of Governor Ted Strickland's long-awaited energy plan.

Michael Vick - Broken Promise (2007-08-28)
The firestorm swirling around NFL quarterback Michael Vick, the newest poster boy for bad superstar behavior, raises bigger issues than just horrific animal cruelty.

Investigation into officer's offensive video begins (2007-08-28)
An off-duty Columbus police officer made online videos insulting Jews, blacks and immigrants. 60-year-old Officer Susan Purtee and her sister who call themselves the "Subie Sisters" on the you-tube videos, blames Jews for the US's social problems.

Upgrades to Streets, Sidewalks, Intended to Make Trips To and From Columbus Schools Safer (2007-08-28)
August 29th is the first day of classes for students at Columbus city schools. City officials say a seven-year project to make streets and sidewalks safer for school children is almost complete. They marked the event Monday at a school on Mound Street.

State Lawmakers Want to Welcome African Immigrants (2007-08-28)
Tens of thousands of Africans have immigrated to Ohio in the past decade, and some state legislators say it's time the government set up a special commission to help the refugees settle into their new life.

Automotive Supplier Moves Jobs Out of Ohio (2007-08-28)
An eastern Ohio plant that makes automotive floor mats will close later this year, affecting about 200 workers. Employees were notified that the new owner of Pretty Products will transfer the work to a factory in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee.

Wendy's , Arby's Still Talking (2007-08-28)
Wendy's International Inc. has agreed to let a major shareholder have access to crucial information about the third-largest hamburger chain so he can decide whether to bid for the company.

Raids at Poultry Plant Aimed at Undocumented Workers (2007-08-28)
Scores of suspected illegal immigrants have been arrested in a raid on a southwest Ohio poultry plant.

Petro says no to Congress, Lashutka also declines (2007-08-27)
A former Ohio attorney general and a former Columbus mayor decline to run for seat being vacated by Congresswoman Deborah Pryce.

Physicians' Organizations Concerned about Increasing Number of Retail Health Clinics (2007-08-27)
The number of retail health clinics has ballooned to 300 in just seven years. And organized medicine wonders whether the spread of these clinics will threaten - or change - family practice medicine.

Heat records break, schools close as state bakes (2007-08-24)
Yesterday, Cincinnati was scorched by its third record high this month, and it's likely Number 4 will be reached today.

Elderly man dies when car is trapped in floodwaters (2007-08-24)
This week's flooding is blamed for a second death in northern Ohio. The Hancock County Sheriff's Office says a 92-year-old man had trouble to getting to safety Thursday afternoon after his car became trapped in floodwaters on a road 6 miles west of Findlay.

Ohio Lawmaker Calls for Changes in Mayor's Courts (2007-08-24)
A lawmaker wants to change the way business is done in hundreds of community or mayor's courts around Ohio.

Ex-police officer indicted in pregnant girlfriend's death (2007-08-23)
A grand jury has indicted former Canton police officer Bobby Cutts Junior on aggravated murder charges in the deaths of Jessie Davis and her unborn child.

Ohioans begin cleaning up after floods (2007-08-23)
Residents of Northwest and North Central Ohio are returning to their homes and businesses to clean up after the worst flooding in decades.

Mansfield cleans up after flooding (2007-08-23)
Mansfield is one of many Ohio communities cleaning up after record breaking flooding. The downtown area received the most damage. Local businesses including the city's main post office continue the recovery Thursday.

Flood waters continue to rise in parts of Ohio (2007-08-22)
Flood waters are still rising after this week's heavy downpours across northern Ohio. A National Weather Service forecast warns of record flooding in northwest Ohio along the Blanchard River, already about 7 feet above flood stage.

Columbus businessman refuses to pay taxes (2007-08-21)
Most people pay their taxes whether they want to or not. But one Columbus businessman has decided to stop paying. He said he's fed up with crime in his neighborhood and will not pay the city until something is done about it.

Somalis In Ohio Urged To Help End Civil Strife In Africa (2007-08-21)
A Bush Administration official says the Columbus Somali Community can help bring an end to a 16 year old civil war in their east Africa nation. The State Department official for African Affairs made her call to action during a Columbus academic conference.

Ohio Colleges Beefing Up Security (2007-08-21)
In the wake of the murders at Virginia Tech earlier this year, colleges across Ohio are beefing up security and making other changes, as students return to campus.

Flooding Hits Northern Ohio (2007-08-21)
Emergency workers rescued stranded motorists, dozens were evacuated from homes, and schools canceled classes Tuesday as several inches of rain caused floods and overflowed rivers across northern Ohio.

New Partnership to Hold and Create Jobs