Podcasts about ohio department

Ohio's Medicaid program covers more than three million people, but major policy and funding changes now underway could reshape how care is delivered across the state. This week, healthcare leaders, policy experts, and lawmakers examine what proposed Medicaid changes could mean for hospitals, providers, and the families who rely on the program every day. From healthcare access and rising costs to the long-term sustainability of Ohio's healthcare system, we unpack one of the most consequential public policy debates facing Ohio today. Featuring: State Senator Louis W. Blessing, III (R-Colerain Township) John McCarthy, Founding Partner, Speire HealthCare Strategies, and former Director of the Ohio Department of Medicaid Amy Rohling McGee, President, Health Policy Institute of Ohio Dr. Buhari Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer, Heart of Ohio Family Health The host is Laura A. Bischoff, Ohio Politics and State Government Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch. The presenting sponsors of CMC's long-running Optimal Health Series are Nationwide Children's Hospital, OhioHealth, and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. This forum was also sponsored by Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream and promotional partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you'd like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Your Money or Your Life: Debt Collection in American Medicine, by Luke Messac (2024).  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on June 3, 2026.

Attorney General Dave Yost reflects on 25 years in Ohio politics This is Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's final week in office. He announced last month he is stepping down to take a job as the vice president of strategy for the Christian, conservative legal group, the Alliance Defending Freedom. Yost could not run for re-election to the attorney general office because of term limits. He planned to challenge for the Republican nomination for governor, but the Ohio GOP and President Donald Trump threw support to Vivek Ramaswamy early on in the process effectively ending Yost's primary chances. He leaves with six months left in his term. Gov. Mike DeWine tapped Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson to serve out the rest of Yost's term. Tuesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll hear from Ideastream's Statehouse News Bureau Chief Karen Kasler, who recently sat down with Yost for an exit interview for the "State of Ohio" on WVIZ-PBS. Yost reflected on his quarter-century in Ohio politics, why he decided it was time to leave for the private sector and why this opportunity was the right one for him. Guests:- Dave Yost, Attorney General, State of Ohio- Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau New research predicts rising temperatures will increase heat-related heart disease Extreme heat can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other serious cardiovascular events, particularly among older adults and people with existing heart conditions. As summer temperatures begin to climb across much of the country, researchers are taking a closer look at what that could mean for public health. A new study from Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals and the Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center projects that as climate change leads to more frequent extreme heat events, heat-related heart disease could increase by 200% nationwide over the next 25 years. To end the hour, we'll talk with two of the researchers behind the study about what they found, who could be most affected and what can be done to reduce the risks. Guests:- Gokul Parameswaran, Research Associate, Cardiovascular Research Institute, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University- Salil Deo, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by the Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety Andy Wilson. Director Wilson discusses his responsibilities as the Director of Public Safety In Ohio, the importance and effectiveness of Jiu-Jitsu and defensive tactics for police officers for de-escalation and safe management in arrests and altercations, the barriers to implementing Jiu-Jitsu training for police officers, how fear can impact decision making, fear inoculation, why there is a resistance to officers training BJJ, the physical fitness requirements for law enforcement and whether these tests are adequate and appropriate, why BJJ is "the great equalizer," the idea of "Throwdown Thursday," what adequate training for officers should be, and the idea behind "The Battle of Boots and Badges." To learn more about "The Battle of Boots and Badges" click here: https://smoothcomp.com/en/event/29303 Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Datsusara, head over to https://www.dsgear.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of the highest quality hemp gear for BJJ. Check out "Athlethc" at https://athlethc.com/ and use the code Chewjitsu10 to get 10% off of your order of hemp-derived THC performance mints.  Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to https://bit.ly/chewjitsu30 and use the promo code Chewjitsu30 to get 30% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out https://epicrollbjj.com/ and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast

In this episode of Monday Matters, Will Parker brings together a group of school leaders from Ohio who participate in an ongoing Impact Mastermind in partnership with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Adkins & Company, LLC, and Principal Matters, LLC. The conversation centers on how collective coaching and collaboration strengthen leadership practice and help leaders better develop others. Meet the Ohio Impact Mastermind This week’s guests (pictured above) include Kelly M. Brodzenski, Breen Slauter, Julita (Julie) Flowers, Danielle Morris, and Renee Holt. Additional members mentioned but not present include: Jared Hawk, Allison Shardell, Joe Weisend, Ken Goodrum, and Chris Brooks. I'm grateful for each of them, and I'm excited to share lessons from our regular sessions together. Let's Keep Learning as Leaders A key theme throughout the discussion is that leadership can feel isolating, but being part of a trusted community creates space for honesty, reflection, and growth. The leaders describe how regular mastermind sessions provide: A safe, non-evaluative environment to process real challenges Opportunities to learn from others' experiences and apply solutions proactively Support in navigating emotionally complex decisions, especially around staff and school culture Accountability to stay focused on professional growth and reflective practice Several leaders highlight how coaching has sharpened their ability to: Listen deeply and ask better questions rather than rushing to solutions Separate emotion from evidence when making difficult decisions Build confidence and clarity in high-stakes leadership moments The group also emphasizes the practical impact of this work. They are not just learning—they are translating these strategies back into their schools by: Using coaching questions with assistant principals and staff Creating more reflective, people-centered staff meetings Encouraging team growth beyond just data and performance metrics Modeling collaboration and continuous learning within their own organizations Another major insight is the distinction between typical school meetings (focused on data and outcomes) and mastermind conversations, which focus on the “how” of leadership—mindset, decision-making, and personal growth. Parting Words of Wisdom As the conversation concluded, each leader offered a meaningful parting word of advice for fellow school leaders, reinforcing the importance of connection, growth, confidence, and purpose in the work. Danielle Morris reminded listeners, “You are not alone—seek out community.” Julita (Julie) Flowers encouraged leaders to remain grounded in their development, sharing, “Stay committed to growth to sustain leadership success.” Breen Slauter added the importance of trusting oneself while continuing to learn, noting, “Trust your instincts while remaining open to learning.” Finally, Renee Holt brought the focus back to purpose, urging leaders to “Always reconnect to your ‘why' for leading.” Let's Wrap This Up Great leaders don't grow in isolation. They grow through intentional, collaborative learning with others who understand the work. If you're interested in learning more from these leaders, reach out through their websites listed in the introduction. If you'd like to connect about opportunities for coaching, mentoring, or Masterminds for yourself or your leaders, reach out to Will at will@williamdparker.com Until next time, thank you for doing what matters! The post MONDAY MATTERS: Making an Impact with Ohio Mastermind Members appeared first on Principal Matters.

When I was a boy, I loved watching Star Wars. I thought it was incredible when Jedi masters like Obi-Wan Kenobi or Luke Skywalker could persuade others through thought or outwit opponents through their use of “The Force.” Sometimes, I like to describe amazing educators as “Jedis” in their own work. You know that teacher who seems to master any classroom setting, or that inspiring principal who can be both firm and caring at the same time? It's hard to describe what makes them so effective, but good teaching and leadership is both an art and science. In this week's Monday Matters, I'm sharing a recording with one of my longest-running Mastermind groups—a group of Jedi educators. Six years ago, Sheila Vitale at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce reached out about working with Ohio charter school leaders. We began with a series on my Hats for Leadership, and many of those leaders later transitioned into a Mastermind. For this episode, I invited the group that has been together the longest to record a session with me about how collaboration, coaching, and applying ideas have supported their growth. The takeaway for other leaders is simple: your commitment to collaboration, mutual mentoring, and coaching can protect you from isolation and inspire stronger connections with your teachers, students, and community. As we wrapped up the conversation, I asked each leader for a parting word of advice. I've included their insights below along with their school information. Anne Hyland – “Practice action-research cycles.” School: Franklinton High SchoolLocation: Columbus, OhioWebsite: https://www.franklintonhigh.org/ Jacqueline Flaker – “Find your people.” School: Rittman AcademyLocation: Rittman, OHWebsite: https://www.rittmanacademy.org/staff-directory/ Guyton Mathews – “Practice shared leadership.” School: Cincinatti Collegiate Preparatory AcademyLocation: Cinncinatti, OHWebsite: https://www.ccpalions.org/ Gisele James – “Believe in yourself.” School: PAR Excellence STEM AcademyLocation: Newark, OHWebsite: https://www.parexcellenceacademy.org/ Genesis Henderson – “Remember your why, and don't play the comparison game.” School: Cincinatti Collegiate Preparatory AcademyLocation: Cinncinatti, OHWebsite: https://www.ccpalions.org/ Laura Krulik – “Treat others as you want to be treated.” School: Utica Shale AcademyLocation: Salineville, OHWebsite: http://www.uticashaleschool.com/ Bill Watson – “Leadership is building others to accomplish the mission.” School: Utica Shale AcademyLocation: Salineville, OHWebsite: http://www.uticashaleschool.com/ Maria Rodgers – “Always take time to pause and reflect before taking action.” School: SCOPE AcademyLocation: Akron, OHWebsite: https://sites.google.com/scopeacademy.org/main Heather Wenger “You can't do it alone. Ask for help.” School: Arts and College Preparatory AcademyLocation: Columbus, OHWebsite: https://apcacad.org/ I'm grateful to each of these leaders, to Sheila Vitale, and to Adkins & Company for supporting the work we do with leaders across the state. Listen to the full conversation for even more takeaways. The post MONDAY MATTERS: Jedi Lessons from Legacy Mastermind Leaders appeared first on Principal Matters.

Willie talks with Matt Brunning from the Ohio Department of Transportation about the groundbreaking for the new Brent Spence Bridge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Willie talks with Matt Brunning from the Ohio Department of Transportation about the groundbreaking for the new Brent Spence Bridge.

Willie talks with Matt Brunning from the Ohio Department of Transportation about the groundbreaking for the new Brent Spence Bridge.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources' longest running survey, The Furbearer Roadkill Survey, tracks populations of small game mammals.

Dan talks with Dr. Zach Rossfeld, who is running for State Representative in the 7th House district. A hospice and palliative care physician, Zach talks about what his experience as both a physician and at the Ohio Department of Medicaid has taught him about what Ohio needs on the policy level, not only health policy, but housing, education, and beyond. Above all, Rossfeld calls for a radical recentering in the Statehouse of Ohioans' immediate needs even as we build longer term capacity. Two items mentioned in the conversation: Fleishman, What is the Relative Value of a Baby? (registration required) Health Policy Institute of Ohio - 2026 Value Dashboard.

We've all heard the buzzwords: AI, automation, and hybrid.But behind the tech are the people who will actually drive our world forward.Join us for Untangled from All Sides as we look past the headlines to ask: Are we actually ready for the workers of tomorrow?From the classroom to the boardroom, we're mapping out the skills, the shifts and the mindset needed to thrive in a world that hasn't even been built yet.Is there such a thing as a 'future-proof' workforce? We're talking about how we prepare today's students for jobs that don't exist yet and how we ensure no one gets left behind.Guests:Scot McLemore, vice president for talent strategy, Columbus State Community CollegeLisa Gray, president, Ohio ExcelsMatt Damschroder, director, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services

We've all heard the buzzwords: AI, automation, and hybrid.But behind the tech are the people who will actually drive our world forward.Join us for Untangled from All Sides as we look past the headlines to ask: Are we actually ready for the workers of tomorrow?From the classroom to the boardroom, we're mapping out the skills, the shifts and the mindset needed to thrive in a world that hasn't even been built yet.Is there such a thing as a 'future-proof' workforce? We're talking about how we prepare today's students for jobs that don't exist yet and how we ensure no one gets left behind.Guests:Scot McLemore, vice president for talent strategy, Columbus State Community CollegeLisa Gray, president, Ohio ExcelsMatt Damschroder, director, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services

Our Amanda Mangan interviews Ashley McDonald a marketing specialist with The Ohio Department of Agriculture to talk about the Ohio Proud Food Show. Plus she has interviews with several vendors who participated in the event. 

Before Ohio holds its primary, the presumptuous GOP candidate for Governor Vivek Ramaswamy is running a negative ad against the presumptive Democrat candidate Dr. Amy Acton. Ramaswamy's ad attempts to gaslight voters about Acton's role as the Director of the Ohio Department of Health at the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020. The ad falsely claims Acton acted outside her authority to postpone the March 2020 primary election. Ohio Republicans have been wanting voters to forget the truth of their inaction during the pandemic and undermining the state's response for political reasons since 2020.We look at Ohio Representative Josh Williams who is the only black Republican in the Ohio House and he is running for Congress in Ohio's 9th District. He claims DEI and affirmative action keep the Black community stuck in poverty and he vocally supports anti-abortion stances, often echoing sentiments that appeal to a predominantly white anti-abortionist base like repeating the false and harmful narrative of abortion as a form of genocide within the Black community. Williams should be the last person holding negative views about policies and programs that give a hand up out of poverty since he himself needed and used that help when he was bed ridden for six years and had no high school diploma yet is now a lawyer and teaches law at a local college while serving as a state representative.Finally we look at the fight between President Trump and the Pope. It is particularly striking that figures like Trump and JD Vance, especially Vance's recent conversion to Catholicism, feel emboldened to critique religious authorities, including the Pope, on theological grounds that contradict their own political alignments. This speaks to a broader trend of politicization of religion where moral authority is wielded selectively. We see that politicization in every level of government from the local to the federal. It is a trend that needs to be stopped.Full Show Notes & Links UsedSend us Fan MailSupport the showSubscribe to our free newsletterCheck out our MerchFollow us on BlueskyFind us on Twitter(for now) Find us on InstagramFind us on Counter SocialFind us on Mastadon

Severe hail pummels northeast Ohio; Ohio State University announced a new round of settlements with 13 survivors of abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss; there's been a shake-up in a state senate race in northwest Ohio; Ohio Department of Health released a dashboard for kindergarten immunization information.

We have a returning guest on the show today—Zak Slagle, a biologist with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources—and we're talking all things smallmouth bass on Lake Erie.We get into some really cool stuff from the latest research, like how these fish move throughout the seasons and what tracking studies are starting to reveal. Zak also breaks down spawning habits, genetic connectivity, and how invasive round goby have changed the game for smallmouth.We couldn't help but talk about chasing trophy smallmouth, plus what climate change might mean for the future of the fishery and conservation efforts going forward.If you're into fishing this podcast is for you!

Wanting to hunt private land this fall? Learn why now is the time to act and how to gain private land hunting access. Stay updated on major wildlife news, including a federal corruption case, venison donation fraud in Ohio, and Etsy's controversial fur sales ban. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka ‘BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger' Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News! Season 6, Episode 284 How to Access Private Hunting Land + Key Updates on Wildlife Corruption, Venison Fraud, and Etsy's Fur Policy How to respectfully gain access to private lands for hunting access. According to Outdoor Life, a former head of Louisiana's wildlife agency has pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge tied to a kickback scheme involving public contracts. Jack Montoucet, who led the state agency from 2017 to 2023, admitted he helped steer a contract for online hunter education courses to a specific company in exchange for a share of the profits. Prosecutors say the money was split among Montoucet, a former wildlife commissioner, and the contractor. As part of a plea deal, four other charges—including wire fraud and money laundering—were dropped. Montoucet now faces up to five years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June. Federal officials say the scheme involved hiding payments until after Montoucet left office. Another official connected to the case has already been sentenced to four years in prison. Prosecutors say the case highlights the importance of accountability in public office and warned they will continue pursuing corruption at all levels of government. Reference: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/louisiana-wildlife-secretary-pleads-guilty-corruption/ Ohio Deer Processor Accused of Selling Donated Venison Meant for Food Pantries Wildlife officials in Ohio say a deer processor has pleaded guilty after investigators found he was selling venison that had been donated to help feed people in need. The case was investigated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and involved a business called Rod's Custom Deer Processing. Authorities say deer donated through a program intended to supply local food pantries were instead processed and sold. The investigation, known as “Operation Donor Deer,” uncovered a wider set of wildlife violations tied to the case. Officials say Rodney Shields, 59, of Harrisville pleaded guilty to seven charges, including felony counts of obstructing justice and theft by deception. According to the Department of Natural Resources, investigators ultimately identified 35 people connected to the case and 55 wildlife violations overall. Charges included the illegal sale of wild animals, inaccurate record-keeping, and possession of untagged deer parts. Many of the deer involved had been officially checked and reported to the state after being legally harvested. Shields received 17 months of suspended jail time and was placed on two years of community control. He was also ordered to pay 16-thousand-500 dollars in restitution, which state officials say will be distributed to victims whose donated venison was sold. It's not clear how much venison was involved in the scheme, and officials have not confirmed whether the processing business is still operating. Reference: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/ohio-deer-processor-caught-selling-donated-deer/ Etsy to Ban Fur Sales, Sparking Debate Over Impact Online marketplace Etsy will ban the sale of animal fur products starting August 11, a move the company says supports biodiversity efforts. The policy targets items made from animals killed primarily for their pelts, though products like leather, wool, and sheepskin are still allowed. Who supports the ban: Animal-rights groups, including the Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade, are celebrating the decision. They say it's part of a broader push that has already led to fur bans in places like California and proposed restrictions in several other states. Concerns from trappers and wildlife managers: Trappers and some wildlife experts argue the ban misunderstands how fur is sourced. They say regulated trapping helps manage wildlife populations and that fur is often a byproduct of conservation efforts—not the sole purpose. They also warn the policy could hurt small businesses that rely on online platforms. Some sellers say Etsy was their primary marketplace, handling nearly all of their sales. Economic and environmental debate: Critics of the ban say natural fur is biodegradable and longer-lasting than synthetic alternatives, which are often petroleum-based. They also argue that declining fur markets can make wildlife  management more difficult by reducing incentives for regulated trapping. What happens next: Affected sellers are now looking to move to other platforms, while activists signal they may continue pushing for similar bans elsewhere. The decision highlights an ongoing divide between animal-rights advocates and those who view trapping as a conservation tool and source of sustainable materials. https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/etsy-bans-fur-sales/ OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS We want to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share about bighorn sheep, outdoor adventures, or wildlife conservation, don't hesitate to reach out. Call or text us at 305-900-BEND (305-900-2363), or send an email to BendRadioShow@gmail.com. Stay connected by following us on social media at Facebook/Instagram @thebendshow or by subscribing to The Bend Show on YouTube. Visit our website at TheBendShow.com for more exciting content and updates! https://thebendshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebendshow WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS Jeff ‘Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca ‘BEC' Wanner are passionate news broadcasters who represent the working ranch world, rodeo, and the Western way of life. They are also staunch advocates for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. As outdoorsmen themselves, Tigger and BEC provide valuable insight and education to hunters, adventurers, ranchers, and anyone interested in agriculture and conservation. With a shared love for the outdoors, Tigger & BEC are committed to bringing high-quality beef and wild game from the field to your table. They understand the importance of sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of your labor, and making memories in the great outdoors. Through their work, they aim to educate and inspire those who appreciate God's Country and life on the land. United by a common mission, Tigger & BEC offer a glimpse into the life beyond the beaten path and down dirt roads. They're here to share knowledge, answer your questions, and join you in your own success story. Adventure awaits around the bend. With The Outdoors, the Western Heritage, Rural America, and Wildlife Conservation at the forefront, Tigger and BEC live this lifestyle every day. To learn more about Tigger & BEC's journey and their passion for the outdoors, visit TiggerandBEC.com. https://tiggerandbec.com/

OEA's grant programs empower Local associations to do incredible things for educators, students, and their communities. The Twinsburg Education Association has taken those opportunities and put that funding to work to build engagement and support. In this episode, we hear from 14 members of the TEA Grant Committee - yes, 14 guests on this episode! - about some of the amazing events, initiatives, and projects they've been able to do, with the support of their OEA grant funding. These are steal-worthy ideas (in the very best way) and TEA leaders hope you'll do just that!SEE FOR YOURSELF | Watch this short video to see photos from a few of the many grant-supported projects the TEA Grant Committee members mentioned in this episode, including the kindergarten t-shirts, family night with the Cleveland Monsters, and more! CATCH UP | Click here to listen to our conversation with OEA Secretary-Treasurer Rob McFee from earlier this season about the OEA grants that are available and the changes that have been made to make this funding more accessible and impactful for local associations. Your Dues Dollars at Work: What you need to know about OEA's Local Affiliate GrantsJUMP AHEAD | Helpful timecodes to hear about some of Twinsburg EA's initiatives and projects:3:00 - How Twinsburg Education Association got started with the OEA Affiliate and Wellness grants6:00 - The types of grants TEA wrote for the 2025-2026 schoolyear 9:00 - Kindergarten shirts with grant money from the OEA Action Plan12:25 - TEA Winter Party with funding from the OEA Affiliate Grant14:00 - Quarterly newsletter with support from the OEA Action Plan18:00 - TEA podcast, which will be supported by funding through the OEA Action Plan to get materials needed20:45 - OEA Fund Lunch with funding from the OEA Affiliate Grant24:45 - OEA Fund donations increased with an OEA Affiliate Grant-funded prize to encourage engagement26:30 - Family Fun Event at a Cleveland Monsters game, funded by the OEA Affiliate Grant28:45 - Coffee and snacks for each building, thanks to OEA Wellness Grant fundingLEARN MORE ABOUT THE OEA GRANTS:For details about the Special Projects and Effective Local grants, click here. The application form is available here.For more information about the Local Capacity Grant, click here. Additional information can be found on the OEA Grants and Scholarships page, in the bottom right corner.For more information about the OEA Wellness Grants, click here. Click here to learn more about the OEA Foundation Grants.SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guests: Kimberly Fink, Retired Twinsburg Education Association member and former TEA PresidentAfter teaching for 35 years in Twinsburg, Kimberly Fink continues to serve on the Twinsburg Education Association grant committee in her retirement. She was TEA vice president for four years and TEA president for six years, during which time she started the OEA Affiliate Grant and Wellness Grant-funded programs in Twinsburg. Fink was a Team Leader for 18 years and served on six negotiating committees. She also served ten years as a delegate to the NEOEA and OEA Representative Assemblies. She is now a member of TEA-Retired and OEA-Retired, and works as a student teacher supervisor for the University of Akron.Mary Bilinski, Twinsburg Education Association Vice PresidentA third grade teacher at Samuel Bissell Elementary School, Mary Bilinski is in her 25th year of teaching, the last 18 of which in Twinsburg schools. She is currently in her first full year as TEA vice president and NEOEA/OEA Rep. Bilinski has previously served as a TEA building rep for three years (2009-2011 and 2024-205) and has served on two TEA contract negotiations committees. She was a Team Leader in 3rd Grade from 2011 to 2014, and she continues to serve on the Grade 3 Math Ohio Content Advisory Committee for the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. Bilinski has served in that role for the last eleven years. Note: During our conversation in March, Bilinski mentioned she was running in the upcoming TEA elections. She has since shared an update letting us know she was re-elected for another term as TEA Vice President!Scott Peterson, Twinsburg Education Association SecretaryScott Peterson teaches 8th grade Language Arts in Twinsburg and is in his 31st year of teaching. He was a building rep for 11 years, and has been the TEA Secretary for the past five years. Peterson also writes the Politics Corner column for the quarterly TEA newsletter. Outside of his work for TEA and in his classroom, Peterson coaches the 8th grade Power of the Pen team.Kristie Lewis, Twinsburg Education Association memberKristie Lewis is a dedicated educator with 27 years of experience supporting students and public education. She spent eight years as a classroom teacher and has served as a school counselor for the past 19 years. Now in her eighth year with Twinsburg City Schools, Kristie continues to advocate for student success, wellness, and equitable opportunities.In addition to her work with students, Kristie is an active union leader and advocate for educators. She has served as a Building Representative and as a delegate for the Northeast Ohio Education Association, Ohio Education Association, and the National Education Association Representative Assembly for the past three years. Through grants and partnerships with these organizations, she helped provide nearly 200 books to support student learning. Diversity Read-Ins are grant-sponsored events offered by TEA. Kristie believes empathy in solidarity and protecting public education is both her passion and her life's work.Click here to listen to a previous Public Education Matters episode fe...

People want to be more present, and smartphones are largely responsible for taking us out of the moment.Consumer Reports home and technology reporter Courtney Lindwall recently bought the Nokia 2780 Flip in an effort to embrace “digital minimalism,” a movement that largely began to reclaim mental calmness from the chaotic digital realm.With new technologies like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency becoming more widespread, so is their use in scams. We will talk about how you can stay vigilant against scammers.Soon, it's possible that the next Lyft you call won't have a driver. Google's self-driving car, Waymo, is expanding into new cities.With the right hardware, you might soon be able to order your next take-out delivery meal with your Alexa.Guests:Courtney Lindwall, tech reporter, Consumer ReportsKenyetta Bagby, manager, Office of Consumer Affairs, Ohio Department of CommerceRussell Holly, director of commerce content, CNET

People want to be more present, and smartphones are largely responsible for taking us out of the moment.Consumer Reports home and technology reporter Courtney Lindwall recently bought the Nokia 2780 Flip in an effort to embrace “digital minimalism,” a movement that largely began to reclaim mental calmness from the chaotic digital realm.With new technologies like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency becoming more widespread, so is their use in scams. We will talk about how you can stay vigilant against scammers.Soon, it's possible that the next Lyft you call won't have a driver. Google's self-driving car, Waymo, is expanding into new cities.With the right hardware, you might soon be able to order your next take-out delivery meal with your Alexa.Guests:Courtney Lindwall, tech reporter, Consumer ReportsKenyetta Bagby, manager, Office of Consumer Affairs, Ohio Department of CommerceRussell Holly, director of commerce content, CNET

Summit County Judge Susan Baker Ross declared a mistrial in the state bribery case against two former FirstEnergy executives after a jury failed to reach a verdict. The trial began in January with jury selection and included weeks of testimony and exhibits. The jury deliberated over the course of nine days before telling the judge they were hopelessly deadlocked. The judge declared a mistrial the next day. The state has already said it plans to retry the case. The story begins our discussion of the week's news on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” The families of two innocent bystander women killed in separate high-speed pursuits by the former Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Downtown Safety Patrol have sued the county. According to a report from the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, by the end of last year, 14 of the state's 88 counties had agreements to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement efforts or the U.S. Marshalls Service. The crew of Artemis II is on its third full day of its 10-day mission, lifting off from Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday. The mission is another step toward an anticipated lunar landing in 2028 with a goal of establishing a permanent lunar base. Get ready, drivers. The official state flower of Ohio, the Orange Barrel Blossom, are blooming on roads everywhere. The Ohio Department of Transportation announced a slate of highway projects, including $3.4 billion in new ones and the continuation of several multi-year projects. Pothole season is well underway and it's busy. On April 2, a giant hole on Interstate 90 kept poaching tires. Off the highways, Cleveland's roads are more of a minefield than ever. Ideastream Public Media Reporter Abbey Marshall crunched numbers and found more than 1,500 pothole repair requests this year, up 50% from last year. A grassroots effort to ban data centers in Ohio cleared another procedural hurdle yesterday when the Ohio Ballot Board approved proposed amendment language. The group now needs to gather more than 400,000 valid signatures, drawn from at least half of Ohio's counties to make the November ballot. Guests: - Glenn Forbes, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media - Gabriel Kramer, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

On today's episode, we've got returning guest Mark Wiley from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.We get into the multi-state turkey study, now in year four, and Mark shares some of the cool stuff they're starting to learn about turkey movement and survival. We also talk about the recent cicada hatch and what that might mean for turkey populations.Mark gives his take on the outlook for the 2026 spring season—what hunters should expect—and breaks down some of the proposed changes for the fall turkey season.If you're into turkey hunting or wildlife in general this podcast is for you.

At any given time, 400,000 children in the United States are in foster care.Their reasons for being in the system can include abuse, neglect or abandonment.Children typically age out of the system at age 18, though some states allow them to remain until 21, or in some cases 26.We're talking about the foster care system and the challenges young people face when they age out of the system.Ohio offers a Bridges program to help young adults with the transition from foster care to being an independent adult.Guests:Maggie Stevens, president & CEO, Foster SuccessKara Wente, director, Ohio Department of Children and YouthIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

At any given time, 400,000 children in the United States are in foster care.Their reasons for being in the system can include abuse, neglect or abandonment.Children typically age out of the system at age 18, though some states allow them to remain until 21, or in some cases 26.We're talking about the foster care system and the challenges young people face when they age out of the system.Ohio offers a Bridges program to help young adults with the transition from foster care to being an independent adult.Guests:Maggie Stevens, president & CEO, Foster SuccessKara Wente, director, Ohio Department of Children and YouthIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

As Superintendent and CEO of the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD), Dr. Amber C. Gibbs and her team support more than 15,000 Cuyahoga County residents with developmental disabilities and their families each year to live, learn, work, and play in the community. Gibbs worked in mental health before moving into direct care, supporting people with DD at an agency provider before joining Cuyahoga DD in 2008. She served in a variety of supervisory and leadership roles before becoming Superintendent and CEO in 2023. Notable accomplishments include leading a major effort to eliminate the Medicaid waiver waiting list in Cuyahoga County and building collaborative relationships that enable the community to better support people of all abilities. Gibbs fosters a culture of service excellence among the agency's 600 employees, and she champions the voices of people who receive services from Cuyahoga DD, making sure they have a say in decisions the agency makes that affect them. Amber ensures that Cuyahoga DD is an example of inclusion for other community organizations by employing people with disabilities and including people with disabilities on the Cuyahoga DD Board. In addition, she ensures that the work the agency does has input from people it serves through an innovative Leadership Council that advises directors on strategic projects. A leader at the state level with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and other county boards, Gibbs was recognized in 2018 with the Ohio Association of County Board's Partners in Excellence Award for her groundbreaking work to eliminate the statewide Medicaid waiting list. She serves on a number of statewide workgroups focused on improving waiver services and fiscal sustainability.  Gibbs serves on the board of directors of Community Fund Ohio, a nonprofit organization that serves as a Trust Advisor for people with disabilities throughout the state. A native Cleveland resident, she is an active volunteer in the community and has served on various nonprofit boards and as a certified foster parent. Gibbs is active in the Beaumont Parents' Club and is a member of the Wittenberg University Alumni Board. Gibbs holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Wittenberg University, a master's degree in social science and psychology from the University of Chicago, and a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of Dayton. She lives in Cleveland with her husband and three daughters.  

In celebration of National and Ohio Agriculture Month, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge joins the podcast to discuss efforts to support and promote Ohio's No. 1 industry.

Student loans are a fact of life for many educators who relied on that support to make their education career path possible, or who are now on Parent Plus loans to help their own children achieve their college and career dreams. But, so much has changed with the federal student loan programs over the last year, it can be really hard to keep track of what any of us need to be doing to stay on track with repayments. NEA Member Benefits Affiliate Relations Lead Guy Kendall-Freas joins us for this episode to get us up to speed.GET HELP NAVIGATING YOUR STUDENT LOAN DEBT | Click here to learn more about NEA Member Benefits' Savi Student Debt Navigator tool and other student loan resources  FIND OTHER SAVINGS | Click here for more information on other NEA Member Benefits discounts and resourcesREWIND AND LEARN MORE | Click here and here to hear Guy's interviews on previous Public Education Matters episodes about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guest:Guy Kendall-Freas, NEA Member Benefits Affiliate Relations LeadGuy Kendall-Freas is the NEA Zone 3 Lead for NEA Member Benefits, where he has been employed since 1996.  A former special education teacher in Ohio, Guy was also a leader in his local, district and OEA.  He served the Ohio Department of Education in several capacities, including the Rules Revision Committee for Special Ed Service Delivery and as one of the first practicing teachers trained as Entry Year Teacher Assessors.  Working from his office in Mansfield, Ohio, he supports members and affiliates in the 13 states comprising NEA's Zone 3.Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on February 25, 2026.

Behind every report card is a bigger story. For many Central Ohio students, poverty, trauma, food insecurity, housing instability, and citizenship status create barriers to learning that schools can't solve alone. In this Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, leaders in education and student support unpack what's driving chronic absenteeism, why it matters for graduation and workforce readiness, and what it takes to keep students connected to school. Featuring: Valerie Kunze, Chief of Family Engagement and School Partnerships, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Adero Robinson, CEO, Communities in Schools of Ohio Dr. Sharee Wells, Superintendent, Whitehall City Schools Shaniya Williams, Communities in Schools Alumna and Student, The Ohio State University The host is Michelle M. Brown, President and CEO, Children's Hunger Alliance. This forum was sponsored by Battelle, Columbus State Community College, Communities in Schools of Ohio, and The United Way of Central Ohio. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream is The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner is The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on March 11, 2026.

With petitions filed and the 2026 statewide races officially underway, Ohio's political landscape is beginning to take shape. The governor's race is already drawing national attention, with former Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton emerging as the sole Democratic candidate and Vivek Ramaswamy entering the Republican primary with endorsements from both Donald Trump and the Ohio Republican Party. But beyond the top-line names, there are deeper dynamics at play—primary challenges, party infrastructure, grassroots pushback, fundraising strategy, and the broader question of whether this election cycle presents a real opportunity for Ohio Democrats. To help us unpack it all, I sat down with David DeWitt, editor-in-chief of the Ohio Capital Journal. We walk through who's running, what the Republican primary could mean for the general election, why Democrats cleared the field for Acton, and how historical midterm patterns might shape the outcome. We also zoom out to look at the other statewide races—Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor—and why those offices matter more than many voters realize, especially when it comes to redistricting, ballot access, and how Ohio's laws are defended in court. Shownotes Ohio Capital Journal Amy Acton (D) Vivek Ramaswamy (R) Casey Putsch (R) Heather Hill (R) Renea Turner (R) Donald Kissick (L) Transcript on page 2. The post Who’s Running for Ohio Governor? appeared first on The Confluence Cast.

Ohio is taking a unique action to make it safer for work crews on the state's highways. Ohio Statehouse Scoop Host Jo Ingles talks with Matt Bruning at the Ohio Department of Transportation about a new pilot project involving crash trucks that are designed to protect work crews from errant drivers. Later, Ohio Public Media Statehouse News Bureau Chief Karen Kasler and Reporter Sarah Donaldson join Jo to discuss the latest in political campaigns and legislation under consideration at the Statehouse, including an update on the effort to halt a new state law that goes into effect and regulates intoxicating hemp and THC products.

The state is clawing back more than $3-million dollars from a nearly $5 million grant it awarded Cleveland for a program that would help rid old houses of lead. The Ohio Department of Development administered the grant as part of the Lead Safe Ohio Program. It would pay up to $15,000 to remove old windows and doors, a major source of lead paint that chips and flakes and exposes occupants to lead poisoning. Lead can cause permanent neurological damage in children, and Cleveland has been working for years to remove lead from its older housing stock and the city's health director says there is actually promising news: Testing has shown for the second straight year a reduction in lead levels for kids. The story begins our discussion of the week's top news on the Friday “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne wants to take control of finances for the county sheriff's department as overtime costs there soar. The sheriff has said he'll sue if that happens. Cuyahoga County prosecutors argued before the Ohio Supreme Court on Feb.11 that a murder conviction is appropriate for the man who struck and killed Cleveland Johnny Tetrick as the firefighter was responding to an accident on I-90. Leander Bissell was convicted of murder, but an appeals court reduced it to involuntary manslaughter. Bissell struck Tetrick as he drove around stopped traffic at an accident scene. A federal judge yesterday denied the Trump administration's request to pause a ruling that allows Haitians in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status to maintain that status. Thousands of Haitians with such protection live in Springfield. The administration's appeal continues. The Trump administration announced yesterday it was ending its immigration surge in Minneapolis. Border czar Tom Homan called Operation Metro Surge a success. Two U.S. citizens were killed, and widespread protests gripped the city. Homan credited coordination with local law enforcement as a factor in the operation's success. Protests continue across the country, including locally, where Thursday students at Cleveland Heights High School staged a long-planned walk out to show solidarity with immigrant families impacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Many of those participating have direct ties to immigrant communities and want schools to be safe spaces. This week, Akron became the latest city to oppose proposed bills in the Ohio legislature that would require local police to help with federal immigration enforcement. The College of Wooster is cutting staff in response to shrinking enrollment. President Anne McCall announced that the school is laying off 22 non-faculty staff. It's almost time for public schools to submit their budget forecasts to the state for approval and the districts in Cleveland and Akron say they'll need to make significant cuts over the next several years, despite already going through consolidation and collecting more money from taxpayers with levies. More than half of the public school districts in Ohio, part of a coalition called Vouchers Hurt Ohio, are suing the state over how it funds schools, diverting money to vouchers for private schools. Lawmakers who approve of the vouchers say they allow families to have education choice. A new bill introduced in Columbus would allow the state to yank funding from districts that sue. Guests: -Abigail Bottar, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Conor Morris, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

The state of Central Ohio's childcare industry impacts parents, employers, the region's overall economy, and of course, the children who depend on quality childcare facilities and professionals. With so much riding on the state of childcare, we unpack the new 2025 Action for Children's Central Ohio Child Care Provider Survey. This comprehensive survey collects vital information from licensed child care providers about the local landscape of child care, and is the only continuing study of its kind in Ohio. Join CMC as a panel of experts and leaders unpacks this newest data to better understand the current state of childcare and the critical trends that will impact us all. Featuring panelists: Dr. Katherine Glenn-Applegate, Director of Child Care and Education Initiatives, Action for Children Hannah Halbert, Executive Director, Policy Matters Ohio Kara Wente, Director, The Ohio Department of Children and Youth Rhonda West, Owner and Administrator, Rhonda's Daycare Service Opening remarks by Tasha Booker, CEO, Action for Children.  Closing remarks by Franklin County Commissioner Erica Crawley.  The host is Jennifer Bullock, Anchor, NBC4. This forum was sponsored by The Care Economy Organizing Project, The Franklin County Board of Commissioners, Mollard Consulting, PNC, and The United Way of Central Ohio. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream is The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner is The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "The Daycare Myth: What We Get Wrong About Early Care and Education (and What We Should Do About It)" by Dan Wuori, 2024. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on February 11, 2026.

K-12 students, educators share how they are using artificial intelligence in the classroom No matter where you went to school, there is one task that has united most of us in misery — homework. Perhaps you remember staying up all night writing an essay on a Shakespeare play that you, of course, waited until the last minute to read. Or maybe you remember those grueling hours at the dinner table, as a parent helped with impossible algebra homework. Today's students have a different tool to help with their assignments — artificial intelligence. A report from the digital rights nonprofit Center for Democracy and Technology last year found 85% of teachers and 86% of students reported using AI in the classroom. Students can now use AI to summarize complicated texts and even write entire essays for them. They can type a math problem or chemistry equation into Chat GPT or Gemini and have it solved instantly, no hour-long sessions with a parent needed. Educators and parents have mixed feelings about the prevalence of artificial intelligence in the classroom. It's even prompted the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to require all public K-12 school districts to adopt official AI policies by July. But what do high schoolers think about AI? How is it shaping their learning and outlook of their futures? Reporter Anna Huntsman has been traveling to schools in Northeast Ohio to find the answer to that question, and she'll share what she's learned on Tuesday's “Sound of Ideas,” as part of our week-long series, Ideastream Explores: Artificial Intelligence. Artificial intelligence pioneer discusses the origins of machine learning Later in the hour, early research in artificial intelligence used the human brain as a model for building machines that could understand language — today's large language models, or LLM's. Computational neuroscientist Dr. Terrence Sejnowski at the Salk Institute in San Diego is a pioneer in the field. He spoke with Ideastream's Jeff St. Clair about the links between humans and artificial intelligence and the push to build even smarter machines. Guests: - Lauren Angelone, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Science Education and Instructional Technology, Xavier University - Joseph South, Ph.D., Chief Innovation Officer, ISTE + ASCD - Adam Lockwood, Ph.D., Associate Professor of School Psychology, Kent State University - Terrence Sejnowski, Ph.D., Author, "ChatGPT and the Future of AI" - Anna Huntsman, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Jeff St. Clair, Midday Host, Ideastream Public Media

Dr. Singer continues to talk to the PPP crew regarding Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone), an Ohio-based network of opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution programs (OENDP) coordinated by the Ohio Department of Health.    Should EMS squads add Buprenorphine to the drug box in the long term? KEEPER NOTE: The Narcan administration is just the beginning of the patient's opportunity to enter a recovery process. 

Since October 2023, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet have advanced a new iteration of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, proposing to replace the existing bridge and expand capacity along I-71 and I-75.In 2025, community engagement sessions in the West End (OH) and Covington (KY) were led by Hub + Weber in collaboration with the Devou Good Foundation's Greater Cincinnati Coalition for Transit and Sustainable Development, A Picture's Worth, and Urbanist Media⁠ as part of a broader people-over-pavement initiative.This audio piece, narrated by Deqah Hussein-Wetzel and produced by the Urban Roots podcast team (Deqah, Vanessa Quirk, and Connor Lynch), centers West End resident voices reflecting on the proposed highway expansion and envisioning more equitable transportation futures.For more information, visit the Sustainable Cincy website.

Law professor Dr. Scott Gerber talks about his new novel, which takes an unflinching look at the very real-world issue of human trafficking in Northwest Ohio (at 13:07) --- The Ohio Department of Health says we can expect an already intense season for respiratory illness to worsen next month, as a 'super flu' strain continues to spread... Sounding the alarm for those at greatest risk (at 22:05) --- HS Basketball Preview: The Trojans have a golden opportunity to get back in the win column against a struggling rival (at 29:41) --- A collection of warm and fuzzy recipes for these cold winter days from Kyra's Kitchen (at 47:44)

Ohio's public safety challenges look like much of the country's: violent crime concentrated among a small group of repeat offenders, the ongoing overdose crisis, and agencies asked to do more with fewer people. In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley talks with Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson about how the state is pushing proactivity over reaction, using analysts and technology to build stronger cases, and flexing statewide assets like aviation and specialized units to help local agencies disrupt shootings, recover illegal guns, and reduce harm before the next call comes in. Wilson brings a prosecutor's mindset to a statewide job. Before being appointed in December 2022 by Gov. Mike DeWine to lead the Ohio Department of Public Safety, he served as an attorney and elected prosecutor, building cases shoulder-to-shoulder with detectives and staying close to the realities of street-level policing. Today he oversees 10 divisions, nearly 4,000 employees, and a $2.5 billion budget focused on “safety, service and protection,” with an emphasis on policies that help officers in the trenches rather than making the job harder from a distance. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is brought to you by LVT, the mobile surveillance solution trusted by public-sector leaders nationwide. LVT's solar-powered mobile surveillance units put eyes and AI analytics where fixed cameras can't — parking lots, remote borders, disaster zones, and large events. Agencies using LVT have seen up to an 83% drop in parking-lot incidents and a 54% reduction in burglaries. Each unit is rapid to deploy, cloud-connected via cellular or satellite, and secured end-to-end so your team can monitor and respond in real time with fewer resources. See how LVT's self-powered units protect communities, secure critical infrastructure and support law-enforcement operations and schedule a free trial today at LVT.com.

2025 was an exciting year on Kernels. In this episode, we walk through 3 of our favorite conversations.  We spoke with Director Brian Baldridge at Ohio Department of Agriculture about what we can expect in the coming years. We got to know Jed Bower, an Ohio farmer and the new President of the National Corn Growers Association.  And we talked with our Ohio Corn & Wheat PAC leadership about the monumental decision to officially endorse a gubernatorial candidate for the first time in decades.    About Ohio Corn & Wheat Ohio Corn & Wheat works to create opportunities for long-term Ohio corn and small grain grower profitability. It is a strategic alliance of two checkoffs and one membership-based organization. The Ohio Corn Checkoff and Ohio Small Grains Checkoff work to develop and expand markets, fund research and provide education about corn and wheat, respectively. The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association is a membership organization advocating for supportive public policy on behalf of its farmer members.  For more information, please visit www.ohiocornandwheat.org. 

This podcast is about the Ohio state record blue catfish. This giant blue catfish was caught by 15 year-old high school sophomore Jaylynn Parker. The fish was caught while jug fishing with her family on the Ohio River. This giant blue catfish became the new Ohio state record blue catfish. This new Ohio state record blue catfish caught by Jaylynn Caught was 101 pounds, and it was released alive after being weighed on certified scales by Ohio Department of Wildlife. If you ever wondered what is the Ohio state record blue catfish, now you know. It is always pretty cool when a girl catches a state record blue catfish.

In today's The Radar podcast, WFMJ Chief Meteorologist Eric Wilhelm discusses winter weather and how we deal with it.Joining Eric are Ohio Department of Transportation District 4 Public Information Officers Ray Marsch and Justin Chesnic, who share how ODOT prepares for bad weather, including how treating roads for snow, sleet and freezing rain has changed over the years.

It's a Friday Night Sterling! He talks with Kathleen Fuller from the Ohio Department of Transportation about the incoming snow storm, Kevin Carr about the latest Movies and TV. Morgan Fox joins to discuss the Marijuana issue in Ohio and more!

Officials ID victim in deadly Barberton fire; Central Ohio city council weighs options after member was arrested for sexual misconduct with minors; Governor DeWine wants to crack down on kratom; Ohio Department of Natural Resources says bear sighting are becoming more common in Ohio.

Officials ID victim in deadly Barberton fire; Central Ohio city council weighs options after member was arrested for sexual misconduct with minors; Governor DeWine wants to crack down on kratom; Ohio Department of Natural Resources says bear sighting are becoming more common in Ohio.

Ohio's Country Journal editor Brianna Smith talks with Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Brian Baldridge and State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers about the ongoing national concerns surrounding Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), which is caused by the equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) virus. While seven states are currently dealing with EHM, Ohio has no known clinical cases, though ODA is "heavily monitoring" the situation and working to keep the equine industry informed. Dr. Summers explains that early symptoms often look like a typical respiratory infection: nasal discharge, coughing, and a sudden fever spike. Later cases can involve inflammation around the spinal cord and brain, leading to hind-end incoordination and even disorientation. He urges horse owners to be proactive with biosecurity and quick to report concerns. Owners should contact their local veterinarian first, then reach out to ODA's Division of Animal Health at 614-728-6220 to determine whether symptoms need to be reported. Director Baldridge and Dr. Summers emphasize that awareness and early communication are key to keeping Ohio's horses safe.

The latest update from the Ohio Department of Transportation on the County Road 99 diverging diamond project after Wednesday night's fiery crash at the new bridge (at 12:46) --- Best-selling author David Baldacci joins us to talk about the new hero at the center of his latest thriller ''Nash Falls'' (at 20:44) --- Findlay's football season came to an end last week... Trojans head coach Stefan Adams reflects on the year and building on it moving forward (at 30:11) --- A special collection of recipes from Kyra's Kitchen for those who need to take a dish to the Thanksgiving feast (at 48:21)

In this special throwback episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we revisit one of our most powerful interviews featuring David Hunt from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. David was an avid and skilled investigator of animal fighting cases, dedicating his career to uncovering and dismantling some of the most complex operations in the field.This episode is packed with insight, strategy, and practical tips for animal welfare professionals, law enforcement, and anyone passionate about ending cruelty. David's deep experience and calm, methodical approach to investigations make this a must-listen for those who want to understand how to identify, investigate, and build solid cases against animal fighters.

In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, host Dusty Sonnenberg sits down with Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge and State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers to discuss the state's ongoing response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The two share how Ohio handled last winter's outbreak that impacted over 15 million birds, the lessons learned from those months, and how producers are preparing as migratory season begins again. They also touch on the far-reaching economic ripple effects across the state's poultry and grain sectors, and offer practical advice for backyard flock owners looking to keep their birds safe. Later in the podcast, Joel Penhorwood catches up with Joanna Hamilton of the Felicity-Franklin FFA Chapter, who was recently named the American Star in Agriscience at the National FFA Convention. Hamilton reflects on her award-winning research projects ranging from poultry heat lamps to consumer food science, how FFA shaped her future in nursing, and the people who helped guide her along the way. Listen in for the latest on Ohio agriculture, animal health, and a celebration of FFA excellence.

First up, Ohio Ag Net's Joel Penhorwood rides along with Donna Turner of Logan County for a special Cab Cam, brought to you by Precision Agri Services, Inc. After battling cancer and undergoing a bone marrow transplant, Donna is back in her “happy place” — the combine. With her grandson Dawson running the grain cart, she shares how farming and family helped her through and what it means to be back in the field. Then, our own Dale Minyo talks with Gerry Puckett, Director of Communications and Industry Engagement for Ohio Corn & Wheat, and Rudi Pitzer Perry, Regional Vice President of Agricultural Lending for Farm Credit Mid-America. They discuss how farmers can manage through today's tough markets, the importance of focusing on what can be controlled, and how partnerships between groups like Ohio Corn & Wheat and FCMA help support and advocate for grain growers statewide. Finally, Joel catches up with Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge at the Ohio High School Landscape Olympics in Wooster put on by the Ohio Green Industry Association. Now in its 10th year, the event brings together FFA members, students, and the landscape industry to celebrate one of the fastest-growing sectors in U.S. agriculture. Director Baldridge also shares harvest updates and a look at Ohio's $124 billion ag industry.

What happens when the traditional understanding of workplace discrimination is turned on its head? Will the Supreme Court's unanimous ruling in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services change how discrimination cases are evaluated when brought by members of majority groups?Attorney Leah Stiegler of Woods Rogers joins us to examine this decision that rejected the "background circumstances rule" -- a standard that previously imposed a heightened evidentiary burden on white, heterosexual, or male plaintiffs claiming discrimination. As Leah explains, "There's no such thing as reverse discrimination. It's just discrimination." This simple yet insightful statement captures the essence of the Court's reasoning that Title VII protections apply equally to all employees, regardless of their demographic status. Leah shares results from mock trials conducted with identical facts in different Virginia jurisdictions. A conservative Lynchburg jury awarded a white male plaintiff $600,000, while a more liberal Richmond jury found no discrimination whatsoever with the exact same evidence. This highlights how geography and community values dramatically influence discrimination case outcomes, sometimes more than the legal standards themselves.We also explore the McDonnell Douglas burden-shifting framework that remains the analytical backbone of discrimination cases, the emerging concept of intersectional discrimination, and recent executive orders concerning religious expression in the workplace. Throughout our discussion, Leah offers practical insights for employers navigating these evolving issues, emphasizing that while the political discourse around DEI initiatives may be contentious, the fundamental prohibition against discrimination remains unchanged.Whether you're an employer developing workplace policies, an HR professional conducting training, or an employee trying to understand your rights, this episode provides essential context for understanding how discrimination law is evolving in unexpected ways. Subscribe to the Emerging Litigation Podcast for more in-depth analysis of the legal issues shaping our workplaces and society.This is Leah's second appearance on the podcast and I appreciate it! Tom HagyHost | The Emerging Litigation Podcast______________________________________ Thanks for listening! If you like what you hear please give us a rating. You'd be amazed at how much that helps. If you have questions for Tom or would like to participate, you can reach him at Editor@LitigationConferences.com. Ask him about creating this kind of content for your firm -- podcasts, webinars, blogs, articles, papers, and more. Tom on LinkedIn Emerging Litigation Podcast on LinkedIn Emerging Litigation Podcast on the HB Litigation site

Send us a textMissouri Hunting Heritage Federation:https://www.mhhf.us/To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/To follow Alex Rutledge:https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/To follow Wayne Lach:https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5To follow Mike Crase:https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase