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As the nation's political tensions rise, Ohio poll workers have faced fentanyl-laced letters, bomb scares at the Secretary of State's office, and online harassment, leading officials to implement bullet-proof glass, panic buttons and address protections. (Wikimedia Commons)

Friday, June 20, 2025

As political violence rises, Ohio grapples with growing threats to democracy

Ohioans can't help but feel the emotional weight of political violence after last weekend's assassination of a top Democratic state lawmaker in Minnes…

The May 4 Visitor Center at Kent State University educates the public about the 1970 campus shootings and their lasting impact on civil liberties and protest rights. Canfora calls her brother (holding a black flag) away from a school parking lot while National Guard troops are on the scene in May 1970. (John Filo)

OH's Kent State lessons loom over military response to L.A. protests

A Kent State University shooting survivor is warning Ohioans and others to take note of the U.S. military's involvement in immigration-related …

The First Amendment protects people's right to assemble and express their views through protest, according to the ACLU. However, the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization says police and other government officials are allowed to place certain restrictions on the exercise of speech rights. (Indivisible)

AZ protests push back against the Trump administration

Protests are planned this Saturday throughout Arizona as organizers mobilize a "nationwide day of defiance" against what they're calling the Trump adm…

In a Johns Hopkins University poll from last fall, nearly half of the U.S. electorate indicated they felt members of the opposing party aren't just wrong for politics - they're

Charting a new path for healthy political discourse in SD

In South Dakota and across the country, groups are working to help tone down the nation's heated political rhetoric. And experts are debating whether …

On a single day in 2024, Ohio domestic violence hotlines received 636 contacts, or nearly 27 per hour. (Adobe Stock)

Hundreds turned away as OH domestic violence shelters face budget pressures

A new report showed programs serving domestic violence survivors in Ohio are stretched thin, with hundreds of people who need help being turned away …

The Buffalo Soldiers were the first Black professional soldiers in a peacetime army. The recruits came from varied backgrounds, including former slaves and veterans from service in the Civil War. The museum was founded in 2001. (serhiibobyk/Adobe Stock)

Federal funding cuts hit Houston's Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston is one of many historic and cultural institutions across the nation to lose access to federal funding…

The Young Activist Leaders Program provides a place for young people to ask questions, educate each other, and explore social justice work together. (Carlo/Adobe Stock)

WA youth: Money for medicaid, not war

A group of Washington youths, fresh from a grassroots leadership development program, is speaking up against the Trump Administration's plans to cut …

In a North Minneapolis strip mall, Nonviolent Peaceforce recently opened a community space to work with youth to prevent violence. Officials worry about keeping it open after a key federal grant was cut without warning. (Photo courtesy Nonviolent Peaceforce)

Federal cuts bring abrupt halt to community peacebuilding in Minneapolis

Violence prevention groups said building trust in vulnerable neighborhoods is key to their success but a global humanitarian organization worries abou…

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an international, nongovernmental organization that uses Unarmed Civilian Protection in conflict zones to help build peace within local communities. (Pixabay)

International relief organizations in FL impacted by USAID cuts

As global conflicts and natural disasters escalate, groups like the Nonviolent Peaceforce, which works to protect civilians in conflict zones…

The average American tax filer paid just under $3,000 to the Pentagon in 2024, with roughly 40 cents going toward

National tally shows military arsenal among OH taxpayers' top expenses

Ahead of Tax Day, a national receipt shows where some Ohio tax dollars were spent in 2024. War and weaponry remain top federal expenses, with the …

In 2024 alone, Ohio's rape crisis centers responded to more than 40,000 helpline calls and educated 95,000 Ohioans about sexual violence prevention efforts. (Talyr Ucker-Lauderman of OAESV)

Ohio advocacy day puts spotlight on sexual violence awareness

More than 100 people came to the Ohio Statehouse to mark National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month late last week. As part of the 13th …

A 2023 CDC study found 72% of transgender students and 69% of questioning students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's new law: What it means for educators, LGBTQ+ students

By Vanessa Davidson / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Ohio’s House …

An intergenerational dialogue held on Jan. 29 brought together participants from ages 8 to 82 to discuss important issues, post-election. (Ed Ritger)<br />

CA groups bring generations together to work on society’s biggest problems

In these divisive times, nonprofit groups are stepping up to boost civic engagement by facilitating intergenerational dialogue. The Creating …

Ohio Senate Bill 1 would require all students to complete a three-credit-hour American history course. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's SB-1 parallels national administration's anti-DEI sentiment

Debates over academic freedom and diversity initiatives have intensified nationally and in Ohio. Senate Bill 1, known as the Advance Ohio Higher …

State law specifies the governor may remove any member of the Prisoner Review Board at any time for incompetence, neglect of duty, malfeasance or inability to serve. (Illinois Prisoner Review Board in 2024, In Their Hands)

Film highlights reform need of IL’s parole system through one man’s fight

An Illinois documentary takes a deep dive into the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and the politics that influence its decision-making through one man'…

Y-12 employs 5,000 people, whose objectives include processing highly enriched uranium for the nation's nuclear stockpile. (Enzo/AdobeStock)

Uncertain future of Y-12 complex under Trump administration threatens jobs, economy

A Knoxville environmental group is raising concerns over federal budget cuts and their effects on jobs at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ri…

In the short time that AllHealth Network's Violence Prevention Team has been at work, it has investigated and intervened in ten reported cases, and has seen an increase in referrals and requests for trainings. (Adobe Stock)

Trainings help communities recognize signs of potential targeted violence

The U.S. had more than 500 mass shootings last year, and a new program launched in Denver hopes to prevent targeted violence before it happens…

In 2024, the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated suspicious packages sent to election offices in Missouri and 15+ other states. (INT888/Adobe Stock)

MO House panel takes up key election bills

The Missouri House Committee on Elections is reviewing key legislation that could shape the state's voting process. Proposals include expanding …

Columbus police reported more than 800 felony domestic-violence incidents in the city last year. (Pascal Huot/Adobe Stock)

Ohio's domestic-violence advocates struggle amid DeWine's proposed budget

Gov. Mike DeWine's recently released biennial budget keeps funding for domestic violence services at $20 million, maintaining the same level as the …

If passed, Senate Bill 1 would prohibit public universities from requiring diversity, equity and inclusion training for students, faculty and staff. Event photo credit Ohio Student Association.

Students protest as Ohio Senate weighs higher-ed overhaul

Ohio Senate Bill 1 is drawing strong reactions across the state, particularly from students in higher education. The bill, which its supporters say …

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASHLA) says Black History Month is celebrated in February because both Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln were born during this month. (Adobe Stock)

MLK III on creating a legacy, Black History Month

Bloomington is among the Indiana communities kicking off Black History Month over the weekend. Historian Carter G. Woodson launched what was …

Moore says we should not make peace with the moral or fiscal cost of not addressing gun violence as a public health issue. A single homicide in Wisconsin costs taxpayers $2 million per incident and a single non-fatal shooting costs $644,000. (Adobe Stock)

Experts hope WI’s first state violence prevention office will save lives

Support for Governor Tony Evers's first statewide Office of Violence Prevention is gaining momentum, as some safety experts and advocates say they're …

The CDC says guns are the leading cause of death for American children. That fact has kept calls for restricting firearms and gun safety as major rallying cries for advocacy groups. (Adobe Stock)

Under Trump, how will gun violence prevention fare?

President Donald Trump has been busy signing executive orders since his inauguration. Gun violence prevention advocates in Minnesota hope he isn't …

Research shows counties with higher levels of immigration enforcement experience persistent reductions in the construction workforce, residential homebuilding and increases in home prices. (Adobe Stock)<br />

ME faith leader responds to new immigration directive

Faith leaders nationwide are pushing back against President Donald Trump's assertion that churches are no longer considered safe spaces for undocument…

Ohio State University will host events honoring Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. all week, concluding with the Legacy Awards Reception on Jan. 28. (forestgraphic/Adobe Stock)

Celebrating Dr. King and new beginnings in Ohio

Today, Ohioans come together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with events across the state celebrating his contributions to …

Threats to U.S. poll workers, ballot counters, county clerks and secretaries of state increased significantly after President Donald Trump said the 2020 election was stolen. (MariaVitkovska/Adobe Stock)

NM voters urged to make a stand for free, fair, safe elections

The post-election period leading up to today's inauguration has been decidedly calmer than the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. But …

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter. (Jon/Adobe Stock)

Tennesseans honor legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today marks the nationally recognized birthday of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It's a day for college students in Tennessee to …

During the first half of 2024, more than 3,200 college students were arrested nationwide in protest of U.S. support for Israel's war in Gaza. including more than a dozen students at the University of New Hampshire. (Ahsan)<br />

UNH students confirm Gaza may have cost Harris the race

A new poll shows Vice President Kamala Harris' support for Israel's war in Gaza may have cost her the 2024 presidential election. Nearly 30% of the …

Protesters in San Diego call for a just peace in Gaza on Saturday. (Joe Orellana)

CA pro-Palestinian groups express cautious optimism as ceasefire takes hold

California supporters of the Palestinian cause say they are cautiously optimistic - now that the ceasefire in Gaza has taken hold and the hostage rele…

Leading up to Donald Trump's first inauguration, the Women's March 2017 represented the largest single-day protest in U.S. history. Similar marches are planned before Trump is sworn in as president a second time. (Adobe Stock)

Peacekeeping teams head to D.C. for People's March

In Minnesota and Washington, D.C., marches will take place this weekend as President-elect Donald Trump nears the start of his second term. An …

The ceasefire deal announced Wednesday is similar to one announced by President Joe Biden last May. (Robert/Adobe Stock)

CA Jewish, Muslim leaders praise Gaza ceasefire deal

Leaders of California's Jewish and Muslim communities say they're relieved that Israel and Hamas have taken the first steps toward ending their brutal…

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons third meeting will take place March 3-7 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. (Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance)

Tennesseeans to mark fourth anniversary of nuclear weapons treaty ban

A Knoxville group of concerned citizens is marking the fourth anniversary of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons going into effect…

Each year, gun violence claims the lives of 1,600 Pennsylvanians and injures another 3,000. (Roman/Adobe Stock)

PA gun safety advocates plan for stricter ghost-gun regulations

As the Pennsylvania House reconvenes this week, lawmakers will focus on regulating 3D-printed ghost guns. These untraceable firearms, like the one …

Wisconsin's gun violence rate is near the national average, with more than 740 people dying from gun violence each year, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. (Adobe Stock)

Gun-safety advocates call on WI lawmakers to take action

As the new year begins, state lawmakers and officials will continue to grapple with how to prevent school shootings, like the one just two weeks ago …

In 2023, nearly $30,000 of the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence's $3 million revenue came from donations, with 90 cents of every dollar allocated to survivor services. (ckybe/Adobe Stock)

Sustaining services for rural Ohio's sexual-violence survivors

The giving season offers Ohioans an opportunity to reflect on the importance of supporting community services. For survivors of sexual violence in …

President-elect Donald Trump's plan for mass deportation of immigrants means the U.S. loses out on $22.6 billion and $5.7 billion in Social Security and Medicare contributions, respectively. (Adobe Stock)

Immigrant NYers fear what lies ahead in 2nd Trump term

As the dust settles from the 2024 election, immigrant New Yorkers fear how Donald Trump's second term will impact them. Many still recall the …

A course at Ohio State University critically evaluates evidence the human capacity for hope and the human desire to believe in a supernatural deity evolved because they helped our ancestors survive. (M-SUR/Adobe Stock)

Ohio State course bridges science and faith in polarized times

In a time of heightened polarization, particularly as the nation waits for election results, many Ohioans find themselves grappling with differences …

By law, any court disputes of election results must be resolved by December 16th, and the Electoral College convenes the following day. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: What CA voters can expect on election night

Election experts are urging calm and patience - as Californians, and all Americans - head to the polls on Election Day. Rules that forbid counting …

Polls are open until 8 p-m local time across the country. (steheap/Adobe Stock)

Time is not on our side, voting experts say

Election experts are urging calm and patience - as Idahoans, and all Americans - head to the polls on Election Day. Rules that forbid counting …

The electoral college meets on December 17th. (Lori/Adobe Stock)

Experts stress patience in WA, U.S. as votes tallied

Election experts are urging calm and patience - as Washingtonians, and all Americans - head to the polls on Election Day. Rules that forbid …

Informing Democracy found 39 of 528 Ohio election officials, or 7%, across 33 counties may pose risks to free and fair elections. (Marko/Adobe Stock)

How partisan poll watchers could test Ohio’s election system

In a polarized political season, Ohio's election system faces new challenges as partisanship and election integrity concerns come to the forefront…

Ohio allows mail-in ballot envelope processing to begin 14 plus days before Election Day. (Alan/Adobe Stock)

Ensuring vote integrity in Ohio election

As Ohioans prepare to cast their ballots, election officials are emphasizing the integrity of the voting process and addressing concerns about …

Historian visits MI to address threats to American democracy

With the election of the nation's next leader just eight days away, a renowned historian visits Michigan to discuss his views on growing global …

In Pennsylvania on election day the polls are open from 7 A.M. to 8 P.M. Today is the last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot. (AnnaStills/Adobe)<br /><br /><br /><br />

Scholars gather in PA to discuss growing authoritarian threats to U.S. democracy

With Pennsylvania a crucial state in this year's presidential election, political scholars gathered in Philadelphia last night to share their …

According to Pew research, a lack of public awareness coupled with long hours for low pay are challenges to obtaining poll workers. (Adobe Stock)

IN county votes 'yes' for poll worker pay raise

A shortage of poll workers and volunteers for election day has officials worried. Currently, the number of available staff is less than desired as …

Data suggest that, contrary to popular belief, rural and urban voters in America share many bedrock values. (Matt/Adobe Stock)

Ohio voters have more in common than you might think

As Ohio heads into a pivotal election season, the divide between rural and urban voters might seem deep - but one expert says the gap isn't as wide …

Around 42% of female survivors experienced their first rape prior to age 18; 28% of male survivors were first raped prior to age 11. One in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually victimized before age 18. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

Improving Ohio's sexual violence response teams

Sexual violence remains a significant concern in Ohio, and specialized teams, such as Sexual Assault Response Teams and Coordinated Community …

Domestic violence-related homicides in Ohio doubled from 2018 to 2019, highlighting a growing crisis in the state. (Domarita Lopez-Wilcox)

Tragic toll of domestic violence in Ohio

In Ohio, the effects of domestic violence continue to devastate families. The Ohio Domestic Violence Network released its ninth annual fatality …

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