Kaitlin Thorne

Mothman, Bigfoot and Little Green Men: the mysterious cryptids of the Ohio Valley

As charter schools spread across Ohio Valley, a controversial curriculum begins to take hold

Prison nurseries allow ‘intimate moments’ necessary for childhood development

And now, they say the need for solidarity is urgent because the ruling could affect other privacy-related rights like same-sex marriage. On the state level, gay and trans advocates say they’ve been under attack, and without federal protections, the tables could turn quickly.

As a result, the Ohio Valley has become an expanse where abortions are either outlawed, heavily restricted, or hanging in the balance of local courts. Those in the region seeking abortions sometimes have to travel hundreds of miles to access it.

Only people convicted of low-level offenses qualify for the program. Incarcerated moms and babies are housed together in a separate building, away from the general population. They have access to parenting classes, medical care and early Head Start, the school readiness program. The initiative also provides a kitchen so moms can prepare meals for their babies.

Advocates argue the bail system needs to be reformed because it disproportionately harms poor people who can’t afford to pay it. Supporters of bail reform in Ohio argue the system has left many sitting in county jails longer than necessary while they wait for their court dates, as they often can’t afford the pay bail. The system can also become a financial burden on the friends and family of defendants.

The new law, often referred to as the “permitless carry” or “Constitutional carry” bill by supporters, revokes this restriction, allowing any Ohioan, 21 and older, to concealed carry without a license or background check.