WYSO

Andy Chow

Andy Chow is a general assignment state government reporter who focuses on environmental, energy, agriculture, and education-related issues. He started his journalism career as an associate producer with ABC 6/FOX 28 in Columbus before becoming a producer with WBNS 10TV.

Andy gained his in-depth knowledge of Statehouse issues while working for Hannah News Service, an online-based news and research publication. He also participated in the Legislative Service Commission’s Fellowship program as a production assistant for “The Ohio Channel.”

Andy earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcasting at Otterbein University and took part in the Washington Semester program through American University in Washington, D.C.

Portman, Brown Propose Eliminating Bed Limit For Addiction Treatment Centers

By • Oct 1, 2018
A look inside the Beacon House, a residential treatment facility in Wooster.
Dan Konik

Ohio’s U.S. Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown are proposing a major policy shift for residential treatment facilities. The bipartisan proposal gets rid of the Institutions for Mental Disease exclusion, which bans any additional Medicaid funding for treatment centers with more than 16 beds.

Addiction recovery advocates say the change in Congress will help treatment centers open their doors to more people in need.

AEP Announces Big Renewable Energy Commitment

By • Sep 24, 2018
solar panel
Credit Sergey Edentod/SHUTTERSTOCK

AEP Ohio has announced a commitment to eventually double wind and solar generation in Ohio. The proposal is the next step in their plan to move away from coal power.

Supporters say the plan sends a signal around the country to clean energy companies. Neil Waggoner, with the Sierra Club, which agreed to support the plan in 2015, says AEP’s project and the state’s renewable energy standards are a signal to solar and wind developers.

Craft Breweries Call On Leaders To Embrace Clean Water Initiatives

By • Jul 31, 2018
Workers prepare for the next batch of beer at Land Grant Brewing in Columbus.
Andy Chow / Ohio Public Radio

A growing industry in Ohio is calling on local, state, and federal officials to take a serious look at water quality issues. Craft brewery owners say their business completely hinges on safe drinking water. 

Several craft beer companies gathered at Land Grant Brewing in Columbus to urge government leaders for help in protecting the waterways.

As Colin Vent with Seventh Son Brewing explains, most microbrews need about five to seven gallons of water in order to produce one gallon of beer.

Portman Touts STOP Act At Columbus Addiction Conference

By • Jun 12, 2018

A measure to crackdown on the shipment of opioids from China is moving its way through Congress. That's according to Republican U.S. Senator Rob Portman who touts this provision as a key tool in the fight against the drug epidemic.

Gov. Kasich Signs Executive Order On Gun Background Checks

By & Andrew Welsh-Huggins • Apr 24, 2018

Gov. John Kasich took his message for tougher gun control to the county level, signing a new executive order that urges clerks of courts and other agencies to do a better job at entering criminal information into the background check system.