Ohio Republicans unveiled yesterday their proposed map for redrawing the state's legislative boundaries for the statehouse. The map presented preserves the GOP's veto proof majority in both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly. The map needs to be approved by September 15---which is next Wednesday.
The redistricting process got off to a slow start when the Ohio Redistricting Commission missed its first deadline to present a map. This is the first time the state's redistricting process takes place under reforms approved by voters to make the process less gerrymandered and more fair. This map only involves the state legislative districts. The congressional districts will be redrawn later and Ohio will lose one seat as a result of the data collected in the 2020 Census.
The state's top doctor says the numbers we are seeing during this latest increase of COVID-19 cases are "troubling." Doctor Bruce Vanderhoff gave an update on the pandemic yesterday. While we are not at an all-time high of cases reported, Dr. Vanderhoff says daily case rates are 20 times what we had in July. The Ohio Department of Health reported just under 8,000 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday.
Likewise, hospitalizations are on the rise across the state. Vanderhoff says more than 3,000 people are hospitalized with COVID-19 in Ohio. Of those patients, more than 800, are in intensive care.
Nationwide COVID-19 cases are surging.
Yesterday, President Joe Biden announced broad vaccine mandates that will require companies with more than 100 people to have their workers vaccinated--or have the workers tested weekly. The mandates also will require health facilities accepting Medicaid and Medicare payments to vaccinate workers. And Biden will require all federal workers take the shot--removing the choice to be tested instead of having the vaccine.
The field of seven candidates seeking to become the next mayor of Cleveland will be reduced after Tuesday's primary. The top two voter getters will continue on toward the General Election on November 2.
This is the first time in 16 years that a new person will be leading the City of Cleveland. Mayor Frank Jackson is retiring at the conclusion of this current term.
Ideastream Public Media will bring you results and in-depth, comprehensive coverage of the primary on Tuesday. Then join us on The Sound of Ideas on Wednesday. We will discuss the results of the primary and bring you latest episode of our After Jackson: Cleveland's Next Mayor podcast.
Marlene Harris-Taylor, Managing Producer for Health, Ideastream Public Media
Gabriel Kramer, Multiple Media Producer, Ideastream Public Media
Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV
