Editor’s Note: This story was originally published in The New Political’s summer magazine. Ohio’s presidential primary was held largely by mail because of  COVID-19. Voter turnout in Athens County was just over 21%, down more than 20% from the 2016 primary. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced the move to mail-in absentee voting late on March 16, the day before the …

*Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story erroneously referred to the “killing” of Jacob Blake. Blake was shot by police and is currently being hospitalized as of Aug. 30, but he did not die. The story has been updated to reflect that. COLUMBUS – Around 150 people gathered at the Ohio Statehouse on Saturday to demonstrate about a laundry …

The Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia (ORCA) discussed the current state of the Baileys Trail System project amid the novel coronavirus pandemic Friday via video conference.  The Baileys, originally scheduled to open April 15 along with all Wayne National Forest trails, will remain closed to mountain biking, according to Jason Reed, Athens District Ranger of the Wayne National Forest.  Dawn …

Amy Acton, head of the Ohio Department of Health, ordered voting polls to close Tuesday, citing a “health emergency” amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to a statement released from Gov. Mike DeWine’s office mere hours before Election Day. “During this time when we face an unprecedented public health crisis, to conduct an election tomorrow would force poll workers and …

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine confirmed a new case of the coronavirus, which spread through community transmission, and issued two orders to help limit the spread of the virus, during a press conference Wednesday. The individual is a 50-year-old male who lives in Stark County, located south of Cuyahoga County. Three cases of the virus were confirmed in Cuyahoga County earlier …

Meghann Crowley is a member of the Ohio University College Democrats. She is a sophomore studying communication. The following article reflects the opinion and views of the author and does not present those of the Ohio University College Democrats.  Please note that these views and opinions do not reflect those of The New Political. On July 23, 2019, Gov. Mike …

Ohio University launched a new webpage Tuesday afternoon to inform staff, faculty and students about the recent international outbreak of the novel coronavirus, an illness that originated in Wuhan, China. A statement about the webpage, signed by Vice President of Student Affairs Jason Pina and Chief Medical Affairs Officer Kenneth Johnson, arrived in Ohio U students’ inboxes the same day …

The Ohio House of Representatives passed a bill last week that would clarify the extent of religious freedoms for public school students across the state.  The bill, if passed by the Ohio Senate and approved by Gov. Mike DeWine, would primarily prohibit public schools from denying a student the right to engage in religious expression when completing homework, artwork or …

Mady Nutter is the Ohio University College Democrats political director. She is a sophomore studying strategic communications with a minor in public health. The following article reflects the opinion and views of the author and does not present the thoughts of the Ohio University College Democrats.  This is a submitted column, and please note that these views and opinions do …

When former Ohio Governor John Kasich took office in 2011, he went on to become the most pro-life governor in state history. Nearly one decade later, Ohio — and the entire country — faces a crossroads on what the future of abortion will look like. An enormous, heart-shaped balloon sat outside the Ohio statehouse in the summer of 2012, urging passersby …

Planned Parenthood will lose their state funding and some federal funding before the end of April, after an appeals court ruled an Ohio law could be enforced. Planned Parenthood will no longer receive state funding after an appeals court upheld an Ohio law that restricts state and federal funding for abortion providers. Amy Acton, director of the Ohio Department of …

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine released the proposed executive budget for the fiscal year of 2020-2021. The proposed budget is described as structurally balanced and void of any tax increases according to a news release from the governor’s office. Some of the priorities the governor mentioned in his State of the State address are highlighted in the budget. Increase in education …

Mike DeWine talked infrastructure, education, childcare and water quality at the annual State of the State Address. Changes in higher education Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said that “we are going to embark on the most aggressive worker development and worker retraining in the history of the state of Ohio.” His plan involves bolstering support for tech schools and community colleges, …

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has put a moratorium on carrying out executions until the state of Ohio can demonstrate the drugs it uses for capital punishment are not a cruel and unusual, sparking new debate over the future of the death penalty. We asked our opinion writers what they thought of DeWine’s moratorium. Contributing writers are Charlotte Caldwell, a freshman …

John Carey just started his new position as director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia, and he is already diving into new projects. John Carey, the former mayor of Wellston and chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, was appointed on Feb. 1 as the new director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia (GOA). In the last five days, he …

As the rate of Ohio children in foster care increases, Gov. Mike DeWine has launched a new initiative to appeal to potential foster families. Gov. Mike DeWine announced the launch of a public awareness initiative Sunday to increase interest in foster care and adoption, as part of an ongoing campaign promise to help Ohio children. The campaign’s centerpiece is a …

Following his inauguration, newly elected Ohio Governor Mike DeWine addressed the state with a speech from the Ohio Capitol Building which promised hope and unity for the state. Mike DeWine took office on Monday as the 70th governor of Ohio, after beating his Democratic opponent, Richard Cordray, in the 2018 election. DeWine’s inauguration speech at the Ohio Statehouse stressed the …

A new “Stand Your Ground” bill could be coming to Ohio. Here’s what this bill could change. A new bill passed by the Ohio House of Representatives would remove the requirement to retreat before using lethal force as self-defense. House Bill 228, nicknamed the “Stand Your Ground” Bill, was passed in mid-November. What does ‘Stand Your Ground’ mean? ‘Stand Your …

Opinion writer Charlotte Caldwell argues every fetus has a right to life, and Ohio should pass the “Heartbeat Bill” to protect this right.  A controversial abortion ban that would prohibit abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which is as early as six weeks, passed in the Ohio House on Nov. 15 and is now moving on to the …

Opinion writer Madeline Kramer argues that Ohio’s decision to revisit passing the “Heartbeat Bill” represents a danger to the rights of women.  It does not come as a surprise that the Ohio House of Representatives passed an anti-abortion bill on Nov. 15 — the state legislature stayed mostly Republican during this year’s midterm election. The bill prohibits abortions after a …

Here are the details of the “heartbeat bill” passed by the Ohio House The Ohio House of Representatives voted 60 to 35 on Nov. 15 to pass House Bill 258 — the “Heartbeat Bill” — which prohibits abortion of fetuses with a detectable heartbeat. Here’s what you need to know: What is House Bill 258? House Bill 258 prohibits the abortion of …

Opinion Editor Tim Zelina claims while Sherrod Brown may be a strong candidate for the presidency, circumstances leave him best fit for the Senate. Ohio’s recently re-elected Democratic Senator, Sherrod Brown, sparked quite the buzz when he and his wife, Connie Schultz, confirmed they are actively considering a bid for Presidency. While Brown would certainly be a competitive challenger to …

In this episode, we explore the Democratic and Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidates and their platforms.

Gubernatorial candidate Mike DeWine docked opponent Richard Cordray for allegedly not testing rape kits as attorney general. But what’s really the case? A commonality in the 2018 Gubernatorial race between Richard Cordray (D) and Mike DeWine (R) is the epithet “12,000 rape kits.” DeWine claims that, while attorney general, Cordray failed to test rape kits — or sexual assault evidence …

Richard Cordray and Mike DeWine met Monday in Cleveland for what is supposed to be their final debate before election day.   Gubernatorial candidates Mike DeWine (R) and Richard Cordray (D) met for a third and potentially final debate Monday at Cleveland State University. These are the biggest takeaways from the debate. When asked what they will do to protect …

With just 34 days until the November election, see how much you know about Ohio’s race to replace outgoing Gov. John Kasich. Sources: 1,2,3,4

Richard Cordray and Mike DeWine met for their second of three gubernatorial debates heading into this election season. Gubernatorial candidates Richard Cordray (D) and Mike DeWine (R) faced off in the second of three debates on Monday at Marietta College. Here’s where the candidates stand on five important issues: 1. Guns After a question about how each would ensure school …

Opinion Editor Tim Zelina argues there is no rational reason to include the third parties in the Ohio gubernatorial debates. The third party candidates for Ohio governor were not invited to any of the gubernatorial debates, and they are piping hot because of it. The Libertarian Party of Ohio has even threatened to sue the debate hosts. Yet, there is …

Opinion Writer Charlotte Caldwell argues that the brushing aside of Sherrod Brown’s abuse allegations sets a troubling precedent for #MeToo. Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio has been accused of assaulting his ex-wife in 1986 by the website MeTooOhio.com, which is run by “dark money.” Dark money is when a political organization spends money meant to influence the voter but …

The first gubernatorial debate of the season kicked off Wednesday with Mike DeWine (R) and Richard Cordray (D) facing off at the University of Dayton. Ohio gubernatorial candidates Republican Mike DeWine and Democrat Richard Cordray faced off in a confrontational debate Wednesday night at the University of Dayton. The debate was moderated by James Brown, a local anchor from WHIO-TV. …

As the midterm elections are rapidly approaching, Opinion Writer Maddie Kramer enforces why it is important to vote in your local election, and which races really count. The election of Donald Trump was a shocker for both political parties. For some Democrats, the election served as a wakeup call. For others, it was a call to action. While Republicans celebrated …

There’s been a lot of buzz about the 2018 midterm elections, and for good reason. In addition to a number of national races, Ohioans will also be voting for their 70th governor. We introduced you to the candidates back in August—here’s what’s changed since then. Who’s in: There are two Ohio Republicans vying for their party’s nomination. Attorney General Mike …

On Nov. 7, voters will head to the polls and face the decision to amend Ohio’s constitution with Issue 1, an initiative to give crime victims more rights. Here’s everything you need to know about Issue 1. What is Issue 1? Issue 1 is a type of Marsy’s Law, which relates to crime victims’ constitutional rights. Issue 1 would replace …

Ohio’s 70th governor will inherit a widespread drug epidemic, an enlarged Rainy Day Fund and an increased spotlight in the aftermath of current Gov. John Kasich’s failed 2016 presidential run. More than a year still remains until the Nov. 2018 gubernatorial election, but eight candidates for the governorship have emerged as the Democratic and Republican forerunners. Let’s break down where …

Editor’s Note: As of March 13, former Rep. Connie Pillich announced her gubernatorial bid. As this announcement came after publication, her candidacy is not reflected in this article.  Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s term is up in 2018, meaning a new leader will be ushered into the swing state. At the end of February, current Ohio Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor announced …

Crime victim service providers across Ohio will be receiving approximately $79.5 million from Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office to better facilitate their efforts in helping victims of crime. The funds will be distributed among 365 different providers across Ohio that deal with issues ranging from child abuse to human trafficking. Some of the funds from the Ohio Attorney Generals Expanding …

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio warned Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine of dangers in a potential partnership between the FBI and the state of Ohio. The concerns, which were expressed in an Aug. 29 letter, said the potential agreement would provide the FBI access to the state’s OHLEG law enforcement database. ACLU Ohio discovered that DeWine’s office was …

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and healthcare organization OhioHealth launched a 24-hour sexual assault helpline Friday as part of April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This marks the first statewide, confidential helpline for victims of sexual assault in Ohio. The helpline, which began taking calls Friday, will be available for survivors of sexual assault all across Ohio. It will remain staffed …

It is far too soon to be thinking about the 2018 Ohio gubernatorial election. This 2016 presidential election has so many implications as to where American politics is going that whatever happens next is basically unpredictable. That being said, it would be foolish to believe that both potential candidates and the state political parties aren’t thinking about the 2018 election. …

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine rejected a petition Monday that would have created an amendment to legalize marijuana for both medical and industrial purposes. The failed amendment, known as The Medical Cannabis Industrial Hemp Amendment, received 2,131 signatures, putting it well above the 1,000 signatures needed for review by the Ohio attorney general. “The amendment is unique in that it …

Ohio, 48 other states and D.C. have joined a $470 million settlement with HSBC, a mortgage lender and servicer. Attorney General Mike DeWine announced the settlement last Friday. According to a press release, the settlement will provide payments to almost 20,000 Ohioans who borrowed from HSBC between 2008 and 2012. “Former and current borrowers will get relief. Current borrowers will …

A new way to explore student loan options is now available for prospective, current and former college students in Ohio. The Ohio Attorney General’s office announced January 14 that Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office has developed a complete online student loan center to help students understand and manage loans. In response to the high level of average college debt, which …

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine awarded over $1.2 million in grants to campus sexual assault and rape crisis centers across the state in late December. After the attorney general’s office reviewed applications, the first round of grants was announced. According to Dan Tierney, a spokesperson for the Ohio Attorney General’s office, more awards could be announced either in a second …

Ohio is making strides in the fight to end its extensive backlog of untested rape kits that have existed untouched for years. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine wrote to law enforcement agencies throughout Ohio and urged them to comply with Senate Bill 316, which requires law enforcement agencies to send in rape kits for testing in a timely fashion. The …

An act aimed at ending drug overdoses cleanly jumped a hurdle recently after Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and attorney generals from 36 other states, plus the District of Columbia, urged the leadership of the U.S. Senate and House Committee on the Judiciary to pass it. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2015 (CARA) was sponsored by U.S. Sen. …

For the past several years, police officers and lawmakers have been fighting a desperate battle against drugs in Athens County and across Ohio, and new information released by the Ohio Department of Health shows that the state is losing that battle. The data showed that 680 Ohioans died from heroin-related overdoses in 2012, a record number that is up 37 …

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has joined forces with 39 attorneys generals from other states to get the Federal Drug Administration to regulate the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes. DeWine has brought attention to the fact that that there are currently no age requirements when it comes to the cigarette alternative known as an e-cigarette. In a letter to the …