The State of Ohio is a weekly news program spotlighting the latest happenings at the Statehouse, in the Governor’s office, at the Ohio Supreme Court and throughout the Buckeye State. Award-winning host Karen Kasler presents viewers with unique analysis and thoughtful perspective on important issues of statewide interest through interviews with political leaders, newsmakers, experts and Ohio citizens. The State of Ohio is the only TV show to bring to Ohioans the latest news about taxes, voting, education and other critical matters from where it all happens -- Capitol Square.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Topics: Politics, Health, Other
Short URL  Share Leave a Comment

The conventions are over and the paperwork is all in for the various ballot issues – and now we begin the headlong stampeded toward the general election in November. But we start with one less issue voters will decide. Advocates pushing for seven employer-paid sick days a year for most companies have dropped their campaign. Both the major party candidates for president were back in Ohio this week. Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner rules the Green Party will be on the fall ballot, in light of recent court rulings about minor parties. An appeals court in Ohio says a state tax levied on grocery store sales is unconstitutional. The State Highway Patrol says Labor Day weekend traffic deaths fell 42 percent in Ohio as law enforcement agencies had more officers patrolling for drunken drivers.

Strategic plans aren’t uncommon in state government. But the Ohio Department of Development has put out a plan that it says is the first of its kind. Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher says it’s a proposal to create jobs and grow the economy but this time, the state says it comes with ways to track how it’s doing in those areas.

The crime drama has been a staple of scripted television almost since broadcast TV began. In the last few years, these shows have turned the cameras away from the work of the gumshoes in the field and onto the scientists in the labs, who are turning tiny shreds of debris from crime scenes into critical pieces of evidence. And much of that is no longer happening out of state at the premier labs in the nation – it’s now being done at the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation in London west of Columbus. We go inside for the first of a two-part look at what happens in the lab.

Leave a Comment

Please note that all comments must adhere to ideastream's discussion rules and terms of use. Name:

Email:

Comment:

Please enter the word you see in the image below:

Send questions and comments to kkasler@statehousenews.org.