News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio is the latest state where opponents are pushing a ban on a form of drilling that injects chemicals into shale to release natural gas.

Democratic state Sen. Michael Skindell of suburban Cleveland introduced a bill Tuesday calling for a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," to await results of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency study of potential environmental hazards.

COLUMBUS, Ohio(AP) - The anti-abortion group Ohio Right to Life is throwing its support behind a ballot issue that seeks to keep the government from requiring people to buy health insurance.

The organization said Tuesday it was endorsing what's called the Health Care Freedom Amendment. The proposed amendment to the state's constitution would prohibit any law from forcing Ohioans to participate in a health care system.

Voters will decide the issue on Nov. 8.

Authorities say preliminary numbers show 10 people died in fatal traffic crashes in Ohio over the Labor Day weekend, the fewest number in five years.

The state Department of Public Safety says the number is one fewer than in 2010 and 14 fewer than 2007, when fatalities had reached a five-year high. The data measures traffic crashes over the four-day holiday period ending Monday night.

Data also shows that the number of fatalities that were alcohol-related - three of the 10 - is the fewest in five years.

Officials are considering whether Ohioans should be granted limited driving privileges after their license has been suspended for something not related to driving, such as not paying child support.

 The suspension procedures are being studied by a working group including agencies such as the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and insurance company representatives. The Columbus Dispatch has reviewed the group's recommendations and reports they include allowing deadbeat parents to drive to work or to job interviews.

Local musician Tom Scheidt passed away earlier this week.  Scheidt was a long-time member of the Miami Valley music scene, playing in a number of bands including Chazz and Orion—and was a founding member of Fannigan’s Isle in 1984.

Here Niki Dakota talks with Rick Fannin, Scheidt's longtime musical partner in Fannigan's Isle.  Dakota and Fannin discuss Scheidt's legacy as a musician, teacher and storyteller in the Miami Valley.