Politics & Gov
Some groups are educating Ohio voters about the primary voting system. Others are fighting it.
Time is of the essence. Civic groups in Ohio are split between promoting the 2020 primary election system put in place by the General Assembly and fighting for a better one. With the mail-only absentee ballot deadline now officially set, some advocate groups are getting to work educating voters about the multi-step process. It’s not […]
COVID-19 threatens census. At stake: money, political power
WASHINGTON — It’s National Census Day. Organizations across the country are marking the occasion with webinars, virtual rallies, Twitter chats and other digital events throughout the week. April 1 is the date by which all people in U.S. households are to be counted. But the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to make the count even more difficult than usual, […]
First-time voters bummed, but undeterred by delayed Ohio primary
Abra Lisowski did everything right. The 18-year-old native of Cleveland Heights registered to vote and researched her 2020 primary ballot thoroughly. While other voters paid most attention to the presidential race, Lisowski had her eyes on a local schools levy. She was excited to cast her ballot in favor of the district. Then COVID-19 got […]
Judge temporarily halts abortion ban as part of coronavirus health order
A judge has temporarily halted enforcement by the state saying surgical abortions are non-essential services under a coronavirus health order. Judge Michael R. Barrett of the U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio Western Division issued the temporary restraining order Monday. The ACLU announced Monday they would be taking the Ohio Department of Health to […]
Poll: Ohio voters support DeWine’s COVID-19 response, are split on Trump
The vast majority of Ohio voters support their state government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic but are more evenly split on President Donald Trump’s handling of the health crisis, a recent poll shows. Voters in Ohio and three other states were asked between March 17-25 about their opinions of COVID-19 and the 2020 presidential race. […]
Tough times on the farm: A look at agriculture in the Midwest
All in all, 2019 was a terrible year for farmers across the Midwest and so far 2020 doesn’t look much better. Bad weather, trade wars and low prices due to oversupply all contributed to the grim economic news, even before the COVID-19 pandemic began wreaking havoc with export markets. “Agriculture has been in a pretty […]
Reversing ‘reckless’ decision, FDA waives limits on coronavirus mask cleaners
Federal regulators removed daily quantity restrictions Sunday on an Ohio company’s new technology that it says allows health care providers to sterilize N95 respirators, masks in short supply as researchers forecast dramatic surges in hospital demand due to COVID-19. The Food and Drug Administration removed its previous restriction limiting Battelle Memorial Institute to decontaminating 10,000 […]
Health care workers using expired gear during pandemic and ‘hoping for the best’
WASHINGTON — States are receiving old or expired medical supplies from the federal stockpile. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s advice: Use them anyway. The shortage of vital medical supplies, such as masks and ventilators, in the face of COVID-19 has led public health officials to advise hospital workers to reuse personal protective equipment […]
Military at risk from COVID-19: ‘Anxieties are really high’
WASHINGTON — The Department of Defense is on course to get a major funding boost as the U.S. military is drawn into the nation’s war against an “invisible enemy.” The $2 trillion coronavirus response package injects $10.5 billion into the Defense Department as it responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The […]
Obama stimulus watchdog: ‘Bad guys’ will make play for COVID-19 relief cash
WASHINGTON — Earl Devaney is feeling déjà vu. Devaney, a former longtime federal watchdog, was hired in 2009 to police the distribution of $840 billion in federal stimulus spending for the Obama administration. He had previously worked for the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. EPA’s environmental enforcement division and as the Interior Department’s inspector general. Now happily […]
Ohio Primary FAQ: Everything you need to know to cast your ballot
Note: This story includes the best available information drawn from the newly-passed legislation, the Ohio Secretary of State’s website and contact with county boards of election offices. We will update and add to this Q&A as necessary. If you have further questions, reach out to the Ohio Capital Journal on Twitter/Facebook or email the reporter […]
Pandemic spurs U.S. Senate to pass historic aid package
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate late Wednesday night approved a $2 trillion spending bill that aims to provide economic relief for workers and businesses and to aid hospitals and states reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. The chamber voted 96-0 to pass the bill in an unusual display of bipartisanship. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who tested […]