jena powell

19 lawmakers declared victory over COVID-19 in June. Now it’s spreading in their districts.

BY: - October 27, 2020

Back in June, 19 state legislators joined together to claim that “Ohio smashed the curve long ago. Mission accomplished!” Months later, as Ohio continues to set new records for COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, one of those legislators admits the pandemic has proved to be an “evolving situation.” Another is doubling down on the letter’s message […]

Dr. Acton resignation follows months in the spotlight, crosshairs

BY: - June 11, 2020

Shortly before Ohio restaurants were set to reopen, Dr. Amy Acton was asked which restaurant she planned to dine at first. Acton had no answer to give. “I have no life right now,” she replied, half-jokingly, explaining that her around-the-clock responsibilities managing the state’s coronavirus response did not afford her much time to contemplate a […]

Many Ohio lawmakers use campaign $$ to subscribe to hometown papers

BY: - February 7, 2020

Dozens of Ohio legislators are choosing to spend their donors’ money in the interest of local journalism. In total, 35 state representatives and senators paid for news subscriptions using campaign funds in 2019, a review from the Ohio Capital Journal has found.  And though the president bemoans the alleged problem of “fake news,” it is […]