Statewide 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.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - State industry and animal welfare advocates say new rules on the handling of Ohio farm animals that take effect later this month will make the state a leader in setting standards for livestock care.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture is midway through holding meetings around the state to introduce the new requirements. They cover the proper feeding, restraint, housing and health care for a full range of animals including poultry, cattle, pigs, horses and alpacas.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Early September is bringing a return of July's extreme heat to Ohio.

Counties in about two-thirds of the state are under a heat advisory for Friday afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service says high temperatures and humidity in western and southern Ohio will make it feel like 100 degrees or warmer.

The forecasters caution that heat stroke, heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses are possible, particularly for people who work outdoors or are sensitive to heat.