City of Columbus Sues Trump Administration for Cuts to Disease Control

 

Measles outbreaks are on the rise in the United States and the federal government is slashing funds to communities on the frontlines of fighting back against infectious diseases. As a result of those funding cuts, Columbus Public Health (CPH) has had to lay off 11 infectious disease staffers.

 

This morning, City Attorney Zach Klein announced a lawsuit on behalf of the City of Columbus to fight the funding cuts, which had already been allocated and approved by Congress.

 

“The Trump administration’s termination of billions of dollars in infectious disease funding is both dangerous and unconstitutional,” said Klein. “The City cannot stay quiet on the sidelines as extremists within this administration continue to defy the Constitution and recklessly endanger the health and safety of our children and the public. That’s why we’re in the arena fighting to see this funding released as Congress intended — so that health departments can do their jobs and prevent needless deaths of children and our most vulnerable from outbreaks of deadly diseases like measles.”

 

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/city-of-columbus-sues-trump-administration-for-cuts-to-disease-control-we1/

 

2025 Primary Election Results: Eight Candidates Move on for City Council and School Board Seats

A relatively quiet primary election took place yesterday in Ohio with very low voter turnout. Less than 11 percent of registered Ohioans cast ballots, and an even lower 8.3 percent of voters in Franklin County showed up at the polls.

The lone state issue (Issue 2) on the ballot passed by nearly 68 percent, which allows the state to sell $2.5 billion in bonds over the next 10 years to fund local public infrastructure projects.

“The Ohio Chamber is pleased to see voters recognize the importance of modern, reliable infrastructure to Ohio’s quality of life and its economic outlook,” stated Ohio Chamber President & CEO Steve Stivers in a release last night. “With this vote, Ohioans have opted to invest in our state for years to come by approving funds that will repair roads, bridges, sewers, water lines and other vital public services in each of our unique counties.”

Locally, Columbus voters cast their ballots to narrow the race for a vacant City Council seat in District 7, and also narrowed the list of candidates for several Columbus City Schools Board of Education seats.

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/2025-primary-election-results-eight-candidates-move-on-for-city-council-and-school-board-seats-we1/

City Council President Backs Columbus Promise for Free College

City Council President Shannon Hardin, a Columbus City Schools graduate who carries the weight of $170,000 in student debt from his college education, doesn’t want others to shoulder the burden he has. Educational debt like his is so heavy that it prevents others from attempting further education at all.

That’s why Hardin supports a major “promise” to high school graduates in the capital city. Since its launch in 2021, the Columbus Promise program has empowered more than 2,400 Columbus City Schools (CCS) graduates through tuition-free access to Columbus State Community College (CSCC).

The Columbus Promise, a partnership between the city, CCS, the nonprofit I Know I Can, and CSCC, covers tuition and fees after federal aid and provides a $500-per-semester stipend for up to six semesters to cover educational expenses.

I Know I Can offers free academic advising, financial aid guidance, and college prep services for students in CCS and three other school districts, ensuring they’re not just enrolled but thriving. For nearly 80% of Promise Scholars from low-income families and over 50% who are first-generation college students, this program isn’t just aid—it’s a lifeline.

More below:

https://columbusunderground.com/city-council-president-backs-columbus-promise-for-free-college-ca1/