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