News
Stuck at home? Use your time wisely and fill out the U.S. Census.
Ohioans are being encouraged to make productive use of their time spent at home by completing the U.S. Census. The census, undertaken every 10 years, happens to be coinciding with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, residents can fill out the Census form online, by phone or through the mail. Here are a few things to […]
Blood banks warn of ‘severely declining’ blood supply amid COVID-19 pandemic
Blood banks are growing increasingly worried about a looming shortfall in the nation’s blood supply. They say coronavirus-driven cancelations and closures at major blood drive sites — universities, high schools, and large employers — are threatening a shortage down the line. As the infected population in Ohio continues to grow, the restricted blood supply represents […]
Can Ohio’s divided congressional delegation find common ground on coronavirus?
WASHINGTON — How much paid leave are Ohio employers required to provide under new federal law? Will they be reimbursed? What benefits will workers get if they aren’t eligible for paid sick leave? How do restaurant and bar owners get in on the state’s liquor buyback program? Ohio U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson (R-6th) answers these […]
Internet providers commit to keep Ohioans connected during self-isolation, school closures
The closure of schools has caused disruption to students’ schooling and every day routine, so some internet providers are committing to help. Several high-speed internet providers in the start have joined with the Federal Communications Commission’s “Keep Americans Connected” Pledge. With the commitment, internet service providers say they “will not terminate service to any residential […]
At least 2 members of Congress have coronavirus
WASHINGTON — Two members of the U.S. House announced Wednesday that they had tested positive for COVID-19, leading other lawmakers to announce their own self-quarantine plans and increasing uncertainty about how far the illness has already spread on Capitol Hill. Florida Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart issued a statement Wednesday that he had tested positive for COVID-19. […]
Ohio voting rights groups take issue with LaRose’s election orders
Days after the Ohio Primary Election was postponed, it is still unclear how (or when) voting will proceed. Despite that, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is not waiting on the courts or the legislature to decide. LaRose has announced a new June 2 voting date on his official government website. Not only that, but […]
‘Woefully unprepared:’ How small-scale testing capabilities mar Ohio’s COVID-19 response
The same day the first Ohioan known to be infected with COVID-19 began to display symptoms, the state Department of Health received its first testing kit from the CDC. The kit didn’t work. Two of the three reagents that comprise the kit were faulty, according to ODH Director Dr. Amy Acton. Samples from suspected cases […]
State applies for federal program to provide loans to small businesses
The state of Ohio has started the process of enlisting the U.S. Small Business Administration for monetary assistance amid the COVID-19 closures. Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said they sent a letter and application on Tuesday to the SBA so the state can qualify for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Husted […]
Congress clears 2nd major coronavirus package; 3rd in the works
WASHINGTON — A second major coronavirus package cleared the U.S. Senate Wednesday and is now headed to President Donald Trump for his signature. The bill passed 90-8, with overwhelming bipartisan support. The multi-billion dollar measure aims to slow the spread of a new coronavirus and stimulate the economy as a major recession looms. Both Ohio […]
Ohio Attorney General says courts may suspend jury trials during pandemic
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued a formal opinion Wednesday that courts may suspend jury trials to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, and that they may do so consistent with state and federal speedy-trial obligations, a press release announced. “Only the trial court can continue a case,” Yost said. “This opinion is a […]
Sherrod Brown has ‘mixed feelings’ about Ohio election postponement
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown gets why Ohio leaders sought to postpone Tuesday’s primary election. He just wishes the decision had been made sooner. Brown told reporters Wednesday that he has “mixed feelings” about the decision by Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton to intervene late Monday evening to prevent the […]
The Ohio Primary Election is postponed. Now what?
The dust is beginning to settle following a dizzying Monday that saw the Primary Election dragged through a press conference, challenged in court and ultimately postponed through an emergency health declaration. The election did not happen Tuesday as planned. Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, heralded for their earlier decisions amid […]