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Tag: Saima Khan

  • Ohio running mate choices signal campaign focus

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Both Ohio gubernatorial candidates announced their running mates, providing insight into each campaign’s political strategy and priorities ahead of the 2026 election. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Ohio gubernatorial candidates announced their running mates, providing early insight into their campaign strategies

    • Democrat Amy Acton selected former state senator David Pepper and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy chose Ohio Senate President Rob McColley as their running mates

    • Political experts said lieutenant governor selections rarely determine election outcomes but indicate how candidates intend to govern

    Democrat Amy Acton picked David Pepper, and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy picked Rob McColley, signaling the qualities they value in potential governing partners.

    Political science professor David Niven of the University of Cincinnati said the choice of a lieutenant governor typically has little effect on the outcome of a statewide race.

    “It really doesn’t matter who you put on the ticket as lieutenant governor. People are paying attention to the name on the top of the ticket, and the lieutenant governor is almost like the assistant candidate,” Niven said.

    Niven added that while lieutenant governor selections may not sway many voters, they are carefully chosen to complement the candidate’s message and experience. 

    “The very first rule of lieutenant governor choice is, do no harm, you know, the very first rule. Pick folks who aren’t going to cause scandals and stories that distract from the ticket,” he said.

    Former state senator Lou Gentile said Acton’s selection of Pepper brings statewide connections and experience navigating difficult periods, a combination he said could help Democrats make their case for change.

    “He also brings to the ticket, I think, the ability to raise money, to reach out to voters across Ohio. He’s been traveling across the state, and I think it’s really important when you’re selecting somebody, the two candidates really have to be comfortable with each other,” Gentile said.

    Republican strategist Amy Natoce said Ramaswamy’s selection of McColley strengthens his campaign by combining private-sector and government experience.

    “He’s really bringing in somebody who has extensive experience working with the legislature, passing a state budget, working with the governor’s office. So he really brings in that knowledge of how to navigate government relationships,” Natoce said.

    Gentile said Acton’s decision reflects her focus on leadership and governing experience.

    “You have somebody who has local government experience, particularly in a really difficult time during the 2008 financial crisis. David was in public office in Hamilton County and helped steer them out of that. He’s done a lot as it relates to property tax reform, affordability, public safety as a public official,” Gentile said.

    Natoce said the combination appeals to voters concerned with everyday issues.

    “He’s really appealing to the Republican base and also swing voters who are looking for some new leadership and people who have done the hard work of passing a budget, passing tax cuts, those things that really matter to Ohio families,” she said.

    Political experts said a candidate’s choice of lieutenant governor reflects their priorities, their goals for office, and what voters can expect if they are elected. In Ohio, they said selecting the right balance helps candidates connect with a wide range of voters.

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  • Protesters rally against ICE, actions in Venezuela

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Activists gathered in Columbus on Saturday to protest recent immigration enforcement actions in Ohio and U.S. foreign policy decisions involving Venezuela, arguing that both contribute to fear and instability in immigrant communities. 

    What You Need To Know

    • According to the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, Operation Buckeye has led to more than 200 arrests in Ohio, approximately 80% Latino and roughly 93% men

    • Protesters said recent ICE activity and U.S. foreign policy decisions are increasing fear in local immigrant communities

    • Organizers are encouraging residents to report ICE activity to immigrant support networks rather than intervene directly

    The protest, organized by the Party of Socialism and Liberation, followed a recent enforcement effort by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement known as Operation Buckeye. The Ohio Immigrant Alliance reported that more than 200 people were arrested during the operation. Approximately 80% were Latino, and roughly 93% were men.

    “What we’re seeing right now is a war on immigrants here at home, and a war on Latin America abroad,” said Shenby G, a staff member with the Columbus Liberation Center. “And we understand the root cause of migration across Latin America has been U.S. imperialism and the looting of countries.”

    Some families said they are avoiding public places out of concern that any interaction could lead to separation of their loved ones.

    “Any country has to take care of the borders to a certain extent,” said Rick Wilhelm, a member of the Veterans For Peace. “But the way this is done is just inhuman. I mean, separating little kids from their parents.”

    Organizers said the effects of immigration enforcement, combined with foreign policy decisions, are fueling fear, but many are ready to stand up.

    “It’s basically the standard playbook of make people afraid. Keep them nervous, keep them unwilling or unconfident, not wanting to go out,” said Carter Mason, a protester at the event.

    Organizers said U.S. actions in Venezuela add another layer to the crisis facing immigrant communities in the United States.

    “We know that the Venezuelan people will continue to resist… just as immigrants here at home will resist the terror that ICE has launched on us and our communities,” said Shenby G.

    ICE has said it is focused on arresting individuals with serious criminal records, referring to them as “the worst of the worst.”

    Organizers said the protest is part of ongoing efforts to connect local immigration concerns with global conflicts they believe are affecting communities in Central Ohio.

    They said community members should only document and report ICE activity — including times, dates and locations — to immigrant support organizations rather than intervene directly.

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  • Ohio’s largest district considers ending high school buses

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus City Schools is considering eliminating yellow bus transportation for high school students or shifting them to Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) service as it looks to close a $50 million budget gap, raising safety and access concerns among families.

    What You Need To Know

    • Columbus City Schools may eliminate high school bus service or shift students to COTA to help close a $50 million budget gap, with a board vote set for Dec. 2

    • Parents have raised safety and access concerns, including early-morning waits and loss of transportation for sports and after-school activities

    • District leaders say major cuts are unavoidable, and the board continues to gather community feedback

    Superintendent Angela Chapman said transportation is one of several spending areas under review as the district searches for substantial savings.

    “Small cuts will not close this budget gap. We have to make big decisions, tough decisions,” Chapman said.

    One proposal would end high school bus service entirely, leaving students in grades 9 through 12 without transportation and returning the district to the state minimum. Another option would replace district-run buses with COTA passes for high school students. Parent Latrice Bradley, whose son is a junior, said the change would disrupt his commute and daily routine.

    “The fact that there’s a chance you will not have a bus sounds ludicrous to me. It doesn’t make sense,” she said.

    Bradley said she is concerned about her son waiting for a public bus before sunrise, riding alongside adults and depending on drivers who are not trained to transport minors. She added that he relies on district buses to travel between schools for sports and after-school activities.

    “That’s a big deal to put kids in front of adults that are going to work, that are just riding a bus,” she said.

    Board members acknowledged the difficulty of the decisions.

    “No matter what decision we make, kids will be affected by those determinations,” board member Sarah Ingles said.

    Bradley said she fears some students may skip school without the structure that traditional transportation provides. School Board President Michael Cole said attendance will remain a firm expectation.

    “Not attending school is not an option. It is not for legal purposes and most importantly, for the highest aspirational purposes of your education and your future,” he said.

    District officials say they will continue collecting community feedback as they finalize the budget reduction plan. The school board is expected to vote on the cost-cutting recommendations at its Dec. 2 meeting.

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  • Federal Shutdown Raises Concerns Over Childcare Funding

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — A brief pause in federal funding left early learning centers across Ohio scrambling to maintain operations, prompting school leaders in Columbus to call for more stable childcare funding to prevent future disruptions.

    What You Need To Know

    • A federal funding pause caused closures and uncertainty at early learning centers across Ohio

    • School leaders said childcare should be funded like infrastructure to withstand federal disruptions

    • Economic losses tied to childcare shortages in Ohio are estimated at $5.4 billion annually, according to the Ohio Chamber of Commerce

    During the freeze, some early childcare programs closed while others struggled to stay open. Staff at the Columbus Early Learning Center said families and educators felt the effects immediately.

    Antywanna Williams, a teacher’s aide whose son attends the center, said the uncertainty would deeply affect young children if access to schools were suddenly cut off.

    “How do you explain to your four-year-old that there is no school?” Williams said. “You have to wait until you’re five years old to go to kindergarten.” 

    Williams said the situation also raised concerns about her own job security and what a shutdown would mean for her family. She said her work is rooted in close relationships with the children in her classroom and their families, and losing that stability would affect them as much as it would affect her.

    Columbus Early Learning Centers CEO Gina Ginn said the funding pause highlighted how dependent early learning providers are on federal dollars and how vulnerable families become when that support stalls. She said the instability also carries a broader economic cost.

    “We are missing out in the state of Ohio on $5.4 billion a year in our economy because families can’t go to work because they can’t find affordable, high-quality childcare,” Ginn said.

    Ginn said the disruption underscored the need to treat childcare as core infrastructure—similar to roads, water systems and K–12 schools—so centers can withstand fluctuations in federal support. Without stable options, she said, families face long-term barriers.

    “It really is the foundation and the backbone of families being able to work. And then also create pathways out of poverty,” she said.

    School leaders said they are now evaluating how local funding structures could be modernized to prevent future shocks to early learning programs.

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  • Local Honor Flight Trip Helps Veterans Reconnect

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio —Honor Flight Cleveland has launched a new initiative to help veterans build social connections through regional memorial visits.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Honor Flight Cleveland pilot program offers bus trips to Columbus for veterans unable to travel to Washington, D.C.

    • Veterans said the trip helped them reconnect, heal and feel recognized for their service

    • Organizers plan to expand the program with four additional trips next year

    The pilot program brought veterans by bus from Cleveland to Columbus for visits to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and the Ohio Statehouse, offering an option for those unable to travel to Washington, D.C.

    Retired Sgt. Robert Piatak of American Legion Post 572 said the trip offered an important space for shared experience. “We had some bad days and like to forget it, but you also like to talk about it.” Piatak said.“It’s a brotherhood and a sisterhood. So even though someone served in the Army I served, we can joke around with each other.”

    Piatak emphasized that recognition, rather than praise, remains significant for many veterans. “It’s not that we want to be thanked all the time, but just recognized.”

    Honor Flight Cleveland Vice President Bill Synk said the pilot trip was developed to reach veterans who experience isolation or have limited ability to travel longer distances. He said the outings are intended to be therapeutic, giving participants opportunities to share experiences that can lead to new friendships.

    Synk said the positive response to the program calls for more opportunities. Honor Flight Cleveland plans to offer four additional regional bus trips in 2026, continuing to bring veterans to Columbus for museum and Statehouse visits.

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  • Growing Food Insecurity Prompts Communities to Step Up

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    BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio — As federal SNAP benefits remain on hold, food pantries across Ohio are struggling to meet rising demand, prompting residents and volunteers in Logan County to hold a community food drive to help families who have lost access to food assistance.

    What You Need To Know

    • With SNAP benefits on hold, food pantries across Ohio are struggling to meet growing needs
    • Community members are stepping up to collect food and support families facing food insecurity
    • Local pantries said meal-ready items are in short supply as more families seek help

    Dustin Ragland, who organized the Logan County Food Drive, said the effort aimed to fill the gap left by shrinking benefits and limited resources.

    Ragland once relied on SNAP himself 20 years ago as a single father and said he understands how quickly families can fall into food insecurity.

    “We all need help,” Ragland said. “I think it’s the job of the community to come together and fill that gap, no matter what the circumstances are.”

    He said the event was designed to ensure families don’t go hungry when government systems fail to provide adequate support.

    “Our leaders may not be able to work together, but our community still can,” he said.

    The donations collected during the drive will be divided equally among the food pantries that participated, helping distribute resources across Logan County.

    Bobbi Allen, pastor of Buckeye Gospel Barn, said her pantry serves more than 400 families each month. She said calls for help began increasing as soon as SNAP benefits were paused.

    “It’s going to be hard,” Allen said. “Because already, before I even arrived here, I’ve got people calling, saying, ‘Hey, can we come over and get some food?’”

    Allen said even simple, kid-friendly foods such as canned spaghetti are getting harder to keep on the shelves. She said pantries especially need items that can serve as complete meals and don’t require extra ingredients.

    Allen said she’s already noticed a sense of panic among SNAP recipients as parents worry about how they’ll feed their children in the coming days, with many running low on groceries and unsure how they’ll make it through next week.

    Despite the growing strain, Allen said the community’s response gives her hope.

    “Just reach out to each other, be kind to each other and help each other,” she said. “Because if we all start binding together, we can do it.”

    Ragland said he plans to continue organizing community efforts through the holidays.

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  • Ohio State researchers developing AI model to detect cancer early

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new artificial intelligence tool could help doctors detect breast cancer earlier and predict when it might return, part of new research underway at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ohio State researchers are developing an AI model to help detect lobular breast cancer recurrence earlier

    • The AI tool analyzes digital pathology images to identify signs that are hard for doctors to see

    • The study is still in early stages but could lead to more personalized care for breast cancer survivors

    Dr. Arya Roy, a breast medical oncologist at The James, leads the project focused on lobular breast cancer — a type that can be difficult to identify on mammograms because it often spreads in thin cell lines instead of forming a lump. Roy said her team is currently training the AI model using patient data to help it recognize patterns linked to breast cancer recurrence.

    “Artificial intelligence will be able to identify the things that a human eye is not able to see from the pathology images,” Roy said. “Right now we are creating it and we are feeding the artificial intelligence model with several digital pathology images of several patients.”

    The tool is designed to predict which patients face the highest risk of cancer recurrence, giving doctors a chance to intervene sooner and tailor follow-up care more effectively. Roy said the project remains in early stages and will take a few years to validate before moving into clinical trials.

    For breast cancer survivor and advocate Bess Hagans, those advances offer hope. Diagnosed with stage 3 hormone-positive breast cancer at age 32 — just 10 months after giving birth — she endured chemotherapy, surgery, and long-term recovery.

    “Recurrence is the scariest part about being a survivor. So, I’m very scared that the cancer will come back,” Hagans said.

    Now cancer-free, Hagans leads Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer, an organization that helps women navigate the challenges of treatment and survivorship. She believes AI-based tools could give families a better chance at catching the disease before it advances.

    “I think that we’re talking about a technology that could really help a vulnerable population,” Hagans said. “And I think when thinking of AI and how we could use it for good, this feels like a very powerful tool.”

    Roy said her team hopes the AI model will eventually provide a new level of precision in breast cancer care — identifying risk factors earlier and improving survival rates.

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  • World’s largest horse show returns to Columbus

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — The All American Quarter Horse Congress, billed as the world’s largest single-breed horse show, has returned to Columbus this fall, bringing more than 4,000 horses and their competitors from across the globe.

    What You Need To Know

    • More than 4,000 horses and 25,000 entries are competing in the 2025 Quarter Horse Congress

    • The event spans 30 days and includes shopping, food, and family attractions in addition to competition

    • The Futurity finals this weekend will award a $100,000 prize

    The event, now in its 58th year, spans 30 days at the Ohio Expo Center and draws exhibitors from all 50 states and about eight countries. Alongside competition, the Congress features 20 acres of shopping with more than 200 vendors. The annual show also attracts more than half a million visitors, making it one of central Ohio’s largest events.

    Kelli Diaz, the president of the Ohio Quarter Horse Association, said the event is about more than trophies and titles.

    “It’s such a positive place to be,” Diaz said. “We’re just a big family doing what we love.”

    Justin Billings, CEO of the association, said the scale of competition is reflected in the prizes and the number of competitors.

    “There are about 400 trophies behind me awarded to the champions of each one of our competitions,” Billings said. “They represent the hopes and dreams of the 25,000 entries entered in this year’s horse show.”

    For Diaz, who has attended since she was 6 years old, the Congress is both a family tradition and a community gathering.

    “If you’ve never been here before. It’s an experience unlike anything you’ll ever experience,” Diaz said. “If you have been here before, it’s even better than it’s been in the past. And every year we think we’re going to peak and we don’t. We just get a little bit better, a little bit stronger and a little bit bigger.”

    This weekend, the Futurity finals will award a $100,000 prize, one of the largest at the show. For many long-time participants, the meaning of the Congress goes beyond money.

    “This is, part of my fabric,” Billings said. “It feels like family to me being at the Congress. It’s where I grew up. It’s where I feel at home. And, I enjoy it. It wouldn’t be October if it weren’t for the Quarter Horse Congress and the opportunities here.”

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  • Strike at Sutphen Corporation sparks call for boycott

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    DUBLIN, Ohio — Workers at Sutphen Corporation in Dublin remain on strike as contract negotiations drag on, with teamsters leaders stating that the National Labor Relations Board has found merit in their unfair labor practice charges.

    What You Need To Know

    • Teamsters say the NLRB has found merit in unfair labor practice charges; unions are urging a U.S. and Canada-wide boycott of Sutphen

    • Sutphen says it is negotiating in good faith and will continue manufacturing fire apparatus

    • Next bargaining sessions are scheduled for Oct. 9 and Oct. 16, according to the union

    The strike involves 85 workers represented by Teamsters Local 284. The boycott effort was announced earlier this week.

    Backed by the International Association of Fire Fighters, the unions are now urging fire departments across the United States and Canada to boycott the Ohio-based fire truck manufacturer. The unions are urging cities to cancel orders for fire trucks and fire safety equipment from the company.

    Sutphen declined a request for an interview but provided a written statement.

    “Sutphen is committed to and continues to negotiate in good faith and has offered numerous proposals designed to deliver intentional and meaningful improvements in wages, benefits and flexibility for our team members,” the company said. “At the same time, Sutphen will continue to manufacture the safest, most reliable fire apparatus in the world. We are disappointed in these allegations which we believe are unfounded.”

    The ongoing strike began months ago at Sutphen’s Dublin facility. Workers on the picket line say they are holding firm, despite the toll.

    Jerry Becker, an electrician and union steward with Teamsters Local 284, said the pace and substance of negotiations have left employees frustrated.

    He added that losing health insurance during the strike has had real consequences.

    “It has come to the point that families have lost their insurance that they count on to protect their families,” he said. “I feel let down by the company. It’s a frustrating experience.”

    City officials have gone to other vendors for fire equipment purchases which have come at higher costs.

    Despite the labor dispute, Becker said workers remain committed to the work they do.

    “It’s good. It protects people. You know, we’re building a quality truck and saving lives,” he said.

    Workers have maintained a continuous presence on the picket line.

    “We’re here like seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Rain or shine would be up underneath the tent,” Becker said.

    The next bargaining sessions are scheduled for Oct. 9 and Oct. 16, according to union officials.

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  • Ohio businesses, families navigate rising utility bills amid technology boom

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    DUBLIN, Ohio — As technology companies expand across Ohio, rising electricity demand is pushing utility bills higher for families and businesses. Experts and small business owners say it is too soon to know whether the long-term benefits of tech growth will outweigh the immediate costs.

    What You Need To Know

    • Utility transmission costs in parts of Ohio have risen more than 350% in recent years, straining households and small businesses

    • Experts say demand from new data centers and artificial intelligence is adding pressure to the state’s aging power grid

    • It remains uncertain whether long-term job creation and investment in tech will balance out the higher costs

    For Enas Lanham, owner of the Dublin Toy Emporium, higher power bills are just one more challenge on top of inflation and tariffs. She said that her utility costs have been steadily climbing.

    “It’s been a gradual increase, I’d say, since 2022. And then it just continued to increase over that time,” Lanham said.

    To keep her store running, Lanham has relied on creativity, including hosting events and finding new ways to attract customers.

    “Constantly reevaluating ways to either generate more revenue or creative ways to get people in. So I look at it more as just, you know, regular problem solving,” she said.

    Her experience reflects a broader trend across the state. In some areas, transmission costs have risen by more than 350% over the past decade, according to energy leaders. The state’s power grid, which is more than a century old, is struggling to keep up as artificial intelligence and data centers drive up demand.

    “Demand is going up. Supply is going down, which is creating elevated prices. Additionally, in June, we’re seeing a large jump in what we call capacity. And that is a charge that all ratepayers pay,” said Susanne Buckley, partner at Scioto Energy.

    Still, some energy experts remain optimistic.

    “I see it as a positive story. Certainly. We need to be concerned about rising electricity prices and bring those back in control. You can do that with competition and innovation,” said John Seryak, managing partner at Runner Stone.

    At the Ohio Manufacturers’ Energy Conference, experts cautioned that it is still too early to say if new technology investments will create enough jobs or growth to offset higher utility bills. The projects remain in their early phases, and the full impact could take years to measure.

    In the meantime, experts recommend several steps for consumers: shop for competitive energy suppliers, stay on top of energy plans and rates, track usage during peak hours, and use energy-saving measures such as adjusting thermostats or switching to efficient lighting.

    For Lanham, the issue comes down to fairness.

    “But these big businesses, they’re the ones that really have the funds to manage that. So I think a lot of it is just looking at it from a monetary system and a fairness in terms of being able to have the average American be able to support their families, support their business and to succeed,” she said.

    Families and small business owners across Ohio are bracing for what comes next, hoping today’s challenges lead to tomorrow’s opportunities.

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  • Coach Ryan Day, wife Nina highlight mental health with students

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    HEBRON, Ohio — Ohio State football coach Ryan Day and his wife, Nina, spoke to students at Arts Impact Middle School on Friday about mental health as part of the “Day Time Break” program with Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ryan and Nina Day shared the “Day Time Break” program at Arts Impact Middle School in partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital

    • The program aims to teach students facts about mental health and practical ways to care for themselves
    • The Days and hospital leaders emphasized the importance of early conversations to reduce stigma and prevent crises

    The couple joined hospital leaders at the assembly to share personal experiences and encourage students to recognize mental health challenges early, stressing that no one has to struggle in silence.

    Ryan Day said young people today face many challenges and he wants to ensure they have the resources to manage them. His wife, Nina, echoed that message, stressing the importance of letting students know they are not alone.

    “It’s so important to remind these kids that, you know, they’re not alone, that a lot of people are feeling what they’re feeling,” Nina Day said. “I remember being their age and feeling anxiety and not knowing what it was and having no one to really talk about it.”

    Nina Day also told students she lived with anxiety for two decades without speaking up. 

    “I suffered for 20 years in silence. And this is to show you that you don’t have to suffer alone,” she said.

    Nationwide Children’s Hospital Executive Clinical Director Ariana Hoet said parents should pay attention if a child seems persistently sad, anxious or irritable for weeks at a time, noting those changes in behavior may signal a deeper problem. She urged families to start conversations early rather than waiting until a crisis develops.

    Eighth grader Julius Scott said the assembly felt personal, sharing that he had lost someone close to suicide.

    “Mental health is actually very important to me because a few years back, one of my close friends, a family friend of my brother’s, yeah, killed himself because he was going through mental stuff,” Scott said.

    Coach Day left the group with a message of hope.

    “Every problem that you guys have, there is a solution,” he told students. “I don’t want anyone to ever think there’s such a big problem that we can’t solve it. But in order to do that, you have to communicate.”

    The Days said sleep, diet and building strong relationships are other ways youth can improve their mental health.

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  • Gen Z takes lead in Columbus debate ahead of local elections

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Students in Columbus organized and led a debate ahead of the November election, giving young voters a chance to hear directly from candidates for one City Council seat and three Columbus City School Board seats.

    What You Need To Know

    • Students organized a debate ahead of the November election, featuring candidates for one City Council seat and three Columbus City School Board seats

    • Experts emphasize the importance of young voters forming civic habits early, noting that even small increases in youth turnout can sway close local races

    • Young participants say local issues like public transit, housing and school funding directly affect their daily lives and deserve more attention from their generation

    The event, called “Reset: Voices of a New Columbus,” centered youth voices and aimed to boost civic engagement among voters under 25, though it was open to all ages.

    For Ohio State University senior Gavin Levine, attending the debate was about seeing local leaders engage directly with issues that matter to him.

    “Local politics has a very direct impact on people’s daily lives. Like, for example, I would like to see more public transportation in the city. More bike infrastructure. More housing built just to address the housing crisis. And a lot of this stuff is decided locally,” Levine said.

    He added that many of his peers do not follow local politics, focusing instead on national or global headlines. He said this was often influenced by social media and other media outlets, which can pull attention away from local issues.

    Levine said a recent ballot measure to expand public transit in Columbus was the moment he realized how much local decisions affect daily life.

    Organizers echoed that sense of urgency, noting that Generation Z is increasingly seeking to hold leaders accountable.

    “We’re willing to take on hard things. We aren’t ones that are just pushovers. We want to see our world get better. We want to be somebody that’s in those roles, bringing about positive impacts on the world and holding our elected officials accountable,” said Karina Burck, political engagement intern and organizer with Columbus Stand Up.

    Tom Sutton, a retired political science professor from Baldwin Wallace University, said participation at the local level often sets the foundation for lifelong engagement.

    “The reason it’s so important for 18- to 29-year-olds to start voting is it establishes the habit of civic engagement,” Sutton said.

    Sutton noted that local races are typically decided by fewer votes than statewide or national contests, making youth participation particularly consequential.

    “It can be a difference of 25 or 50 votes in some of these races where you just get that little bump up in turnout from younger voters and it’ll make the difference in who gets elected,” he said.

    For Levine, becoming involved in local politics has also shaped how he views the city he calls home.

    “Columbus is not just like a word on my address. It is almost like a living being that I interact with and that I have a relationship with and that I’ve, I guess Columbus is a place that I’m getting to know,” he said.

    Organizers said the debate was designed not only to prepare young people for the upcoming election but also to encourage long-term civic engagement. To draw in younger attendees, the event included a raffle for those under 25, offering a Nintendo Switch 2 as the prize.

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  • State awards school for inclusive education model

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    SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Clark Early Learning Center has been awarded the state’s Inclusive Child Care Program designation, recognizing its approach of teaching children of all abilities side by side.

    What You Need To Know

    • Clark Early Learning Center in Springfield received the state’s Inclusive Child Care Program designation

    • A meta-analysis published by the National Library of Medicine found that children with disabilities experience both academic and social benefits when educated alongside their peers

    • A veteran teacher at Clark said no method is more effective than children learning directly from their peers

    The Springfield preschool is the only program in Clark County to earn the designation. Principal Caitlin Smith said the recognition reflects years of work to ensure that every child is valued.

    “We believe that what makes a community strong is when every child’s strengths and abilities are valued. And so we make sure we do that in every room in our building,” Smith said.

    Teachers at Clark say the model is rooted in peer-to-peer learning. Nikki Adams, who has taught at the preschool for several years, explained that children often learn best from one another.

    “There is no better teacher than a peer learning from another peer,” Adams said. “So, there are things that adults can attempt to model and mimic. But it does not hit or impact children the same as when a peer is helping them or teaching them or they’re learning beside them.”

    Adams noted that children demonstrate similar developmental progress regardless of disability status, emphasizing that students with and without special needs benefit equally from learning alongside one another.

    Smith added that Clark teachers undergo more training than the state requires and that families play an active role in classrooms, which she called the best testament to the school’s work.

    A meta-analysis published by the National Library of Medicine, drawing on 80 years of research, found that children with disabilities experience both academic and social benefits when educated alongside their peers.

    Educators at Clark say the benefits extend beyond academics. Adams said children develop empathy and pride that carry into their lives outside school.

    “We see strengths and weaknesses, but it’s not as a positive or negative thing,” Adams said. “It’s just who each child is and who they are. And how we help them to become stronger and grow into greater citizens.”

    Smith said the message from Clark’s experience is clear.

    “Inclusion is possible. Inclusion is the best scenario,” Smith said. “When all students are included, everyone is more successful.”

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  • Silent alert help schools support students after trauma

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    GAHANNA, Ohio — A new partnership between Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools and the Gahanna Division of Police and Fire aims to give teachers a quiet alert when a student may be experiencing the effects of trauma, allowing schools to respond with added compassion and flexibility.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gahanna schools now receive same-day alerts from first responders when a student experiences trauma
    • The “Handle With Care” notice gives no incident details — just a child’s name and a signal for teachers to provide extra support
    • The goal is to help students feel safe and supported at school without adding pressure or probing questions

    The initiative, known as Handle With Care, is part of a growing effort across Ohio to support children who have been involved in potentially traumatic incidents, such as domestic violence, car accidents, fires or medical emergencies.

    Under the program, first responders who encounter a child at the scene of a distressing event can submit a confidential notice to the school district. The message includes only the child’s name and the phrase,“Handle With Care.”

    “There are no details about the incident,” said Crystal Jones, a school resource officer with the Gahanna Division of Police. “It’s confidentially just the student’s name and ‘handle with care.’”

    Jones, who serves at Jefferson Elementary, said that even a routine medical call involving emergency vehicles can feel overwhelming for a child.

    Once the alert is received, a designated team in the district — including principals, counselors and administrators — notifies teachers and other staff who work directly with the student.

    Teachers are not given details about what happened, but the notification is designed to help them adjust expectations and approach the day with added care.

    “If a student comes in without a book bag, and we know that we’ve gotten a Handle With Care notice, we’re not necessarily going to question, ‘Why did you forget your book bag?’” said Scott Schmidt, principal of Jefferson Elementary. “Instead, we make sure that student has what they need for the day.”

    Schmidt said the system helps prevent classroom disruptions and allows staff to proactively support students who may be struggling emotionally.

    “We’re here to care for the students and kind of avoid that unintended escalation,” he said.

    Assistant Superintendent for Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools, Jill Elliott, said the broader goal is to offer ongoing support for children who may be navigating difficult home situations or adverse childhood experiences.

    “We want to make sure that we are responding in an appropriate way to our students that are experiencing adverse childhood experiences,” she said.

    The Handle With Care initiative is supported by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and is currently in use in dozens of school districts across the state.

    Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools is among the latest to implement the program.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Training prepares churches to respond to violence

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    MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — In the wake of a deadly church shooting in Minneapolis that killed two children and injured many others, congregations in Ohio gathered recently at Quest Church in Middletown for hands-on training on how to respond to violence in houses of worship.

    What You Need To Know

    • Congregations in Ohio participated in hands-on training at Quest Church in Middletown to prepare for potential violence in houses of worship

    • The session included tactics, medical drills and the use of SIRT pistols, with trainers stressing awareness, preparedness and de-escalation

    • Organizers said many congregations remain unprepared, and attendance at these classes has more than doubled since they began

    The session, organized by the Buckeye Firearm Association and led by former law enforcement officers and professional trainers, included drills on tactics, medical response and the use of SIRT pistols. The training weapons are equipped with lasers to simulate real firearms. Organizers said the goal was to make the exercises as realistic as possible.

    “It’s a sad reality that we have to have something like this in our churches, but we want to make sure that we are ready, prepared, and we’re in the right mindset for any situation that comes toward us,” said Kyle Eaton, who leads the safety and security team at Quest Church.

    Dean Rieck, executive director of the Buckeye Firearm Association, said many congregations are vulnerable.

    “Unfortunately, churches are soft targets. A lot of people all in one place not paying attention. And something can happen and they’re simply not prepared,” Rieck said.

    Rieck added that state law complicates security efforts.

    “Most congregations are not prepared at all. Unfortunately, in the state of Ohio, firearms are banned from churches,” Rieck said. “The government says you can’t have firearms in churches unless the church specifically says that they are going to allow it.”

    Rieck said many congregations are unprepared and that state law complicates security efforts. Under Ohio law, firearms are generally prohibited in places of worship unless the congregation decides to allow them.

    Former Police Chief Jeff Lehman, one of the trainers, said security starts with awareness and basic preparedness. He emphasized the importance of de-escalation, knowing how to manage people in crisis, and understanding when to hand situations over to law enforcement. Lehman added that training should be ongoing, much like CPR or other life-saving skills.

    At Quest Church, Eaton said that preparation translates directly into peace of mind for the congregation.

    “People don’t need to be fearful if the churches are doing their job to prepare,” Eaton said. “You know, we come here to worship the Lord. The Lord is always on our side and protecting us.”

    Organizers said attendance at these classes has more than doubled since they began earlier this year.

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  • Gov. DeWine sends aid to North Carolina

    Gov. DeWine sends aid to North Carolina

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    OHIO — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is sending personnel and public safety communication equipment to Asheville, North Carolina, to support hurricane recovery efforts.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has sent personnel and public safety communication equipment to Asheville, North Carolina, for hurricane recovery support

    • North Carolina requested help under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, following the severe impact of the recent hurricane

    • In addition, the Ohio National Guard is assisting North Carolina officials by moving supplies, equipment and personnel and aiding in fatality search and recovery

    North Carolina requested help under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, following the severe impact of the recent hurricane.

    “We will continue to assist Governor Cooper and the people of western North Carolina with their urgent needs in the aftermath of this storm,” said DeWine. “Ohio is providing reliable communication equipment for first responders, which is crucial during this time.”

    DeWine used the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS) to assist with recovery efforts. DAS manages MARCS, the wireless, digital communications network that links Ohio first responders across jurisdictions during emergencies.

    The DAS MARCS team is sending a Tower on Wheels (TOW), radios, a portable generator and two staff members to Asheville with the Ohio Telecommunicator Emergency Response Task Force.

    The 80-foot TOWs are used to supplement coverage in emergency areas and are operational within an hour after reaching an emergency scene.

    “Reliable communication is critical to disaster recovery and saving lives during emergency situations,” said DAS Director Kathleen Madden. “We are pleased to provide staffing and equipment that will help connect first responders coordinating this response effort.”

    In addition, the Ohio National Guard is assisting North Carolina officials by moving supplies, equipment and personnel and aiding in fatality search and recovery.

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  • Passengers increase at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

    Passengers increase at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

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    CLEVELAND — Cleveland Hopkins Internation Airport (CLE) had nearly one million guests in August, showing a 1.8% increase compared to the same month last year.

    What You Need To Know

    • Cleveland Hopkins Internation Airport had nearly one million guests in August, showing a 1.8% increase

    • The airport served approximately 7 million passengers so far this year

    • The number of passengers flying through CLE is expected to exceed 10 million by the end of 2024

    “As fall begins, the transition from the busiest season for air travel is underway,” said Bryant L. Francis, C.M., director of Port Control in a news release. “Summer 2024 was incredibly active at Hopkins. Those with an operational role at CLE welcome the slightly slower pace, but it will be short lived as preparations for the holiday travel season will soon begin, bringing with it a bustling terminal yet again.”

    So far this year, the airport served approximately 7 million passengers, reflecting a 6.8% increase over the previous year.

    CLE is expected to see more than 10 million travelers by the end of 2024.

    Based on the increase in travel volumes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) suggests airline passengers enroll in the TSA PreCheck Trusted Traveler Program to make their travel experience more convenient, where members do not need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, food items and light jackets at the checkpoint. In addition, they recommend TSA PreCheck members to add their Known Traveler Number to their airline reservation, so it appears on their boarding pass.

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  • Cincinnati Children’s new office building in Innovation District

    Cincinnati Children’s new office building in Innovation District

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    CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center purchased a newly built office building within the Cincinnati Innovation District.

    What You Need To Know

    • Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center purchased a newly built office building within the Cincinnati Innovation District

    • The new facility will create 100 new research jobs and increase federally funded research initiatives

    • The facility will take nine to 12 months to complete 

    As part of the JobsOhio agreement, Cincinnati Children’s will create 100 new research jobs and increase federally funded research initiatives.

    The space will be home to more than 200 employees focused on non-laboratory research. The health system will occupy the top two floors of the six-story, 180,000-square-foot building.

    The purchase price has not been disclosed, but JobsOhio gave a $32 million low-interest loan to help with the purchase.

    J.P. Nauseef, CEO of JobsOhio, emphasized the move’s transformative effect on the Innovation District and its potential for collaboration with nearby institutions.

     

    According to Dr. Steve Davis, president and CEO of Cincinnati Children’s, the top two floors, totaling 60,000 square feet, will be for Cincinnati Children’s and the four lower floors will be leased to organizations that align with the growing innovation environment in Uptown.

    The lower space will also feature a dining area.

    Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted commended the acquisition, highlighting its impact on child health research and innovation in Ohio.

    TriVersity Construction will oversee the interior build-out for the facility, which will take nine to 12 months to complete. Employees currently in the Burnet Campus will transition to the new facility once renovations are complete.

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