Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: ohio

  • Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with Connor and Kevin Miller

    Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with Connor and Kevin Miller

    This April, we invite you to join us in celebrating Autism Acceptance Month with a meaningful video featuring Connor Miller and Kevin L. Miller, the Director of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and Connor’s dad.

    In this video, Connor shares his journey with autism and how it has shaped his life. As we celebrate this special month, discover the importance of understanding, supporting, and embracing differences.

    They also discuss the Communication Disability Law, which provides a way for individuals with communication disabilities to voluntarily enroll in a database that alerts law enforcement during traffic stops. They explain how this option fosters safety, promotes understanding, and empowers individuals like Connor to navigate the world with greater confidence.

    Tune in to learn how this law is making a real difference in Ohio…

     

  • [VIDEO] Loveland parents and children rally on Col. Thomas Paxton bridge for fair school funding

    [VIDEO] Loveland parents and children rally on Col. Thomas Paxton bridge for fair school funding

    Loveland, Ohio – Becca Moates and Cindy Daumeyer were on Loveland’s Col. Thomas Paxton bridge Wednesday evening along with many supports to send a message to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and State legislators. The message was to urge the lawmakers to fully fund Ohio’s Fair School Funding Plan (FSFP) for public schools. They say that if the plan isn’t fully funded, the Loveland City School District may lose $2.5 million over the next five years. The FSFP is commonly referred to as the Cupp-Patterson plan. Backers are urging the full completion of its phase-in.

    Scott DiMauro, president of the Ohio Education Association, pointed out the potential effect on public schools, which he said serve 95% of Ohio students. He told the Public News Service in late March, “The governor has proposed a budget that would cut public schools by over $100 million, while at the same time increasing funding for vouchers for private schools and charter schools by $500 million. We know that is just absolutely unfair.”

    Becca Moates said on March 18 in a guest column published in Loveland Magazine, “The current budget proposal from Governor DeWine leads to lost funds for Loveland schools which will undoubtedly lead to additional revenue requests from the school district. Let’s continue to build the unity we have as community members to support the students who are the heart of our vibrant community.”

    In 2021, Governor DeWine signed the Fair School Funding Plan, which was supposed to be implemented three phases to support public school funding in Ohio. Over 90% of children in the State attend public schools. Only 66.67% of the planned funding levels have been implemented. The phase-in was set to reach full funding by fiscal year 2027. Once fully phased in, the FSFP is supposed to provide constitutionally appropriate funding levels for traditional school districts, Career Tech Centers, and Education Service Centers.

    Moates also said in her column, “It is time for our legislators to hear from all of us. We need Governor DeWine to endorse a bill that benefits our schools. We need to come together. Write letters, call legislators, and call the Governor.”

    DiMauro said that he worries such major shifts in funding could lead to larger class sizes and reduced services in public schools, placing additional burdens on local taxpayers to fill the gaps. He emphasized now is the time for Ohioans who are concerned about the issue and how it might affect their communities to contact their representatives in Columbus.

    Provided by Loveland Schools

    Who To Contact

    Download the list or click below PDF to enlarge.

    What to Say?

    Here are Moates’ suggestions for what to include in your phone calls, emails, and letters to state lawmakers:

    • Your name
    • Your role (parent, student, staff member, community member) in the Loveland City School District.
    • Your story (explain why you support Loveland City Schools, your family’s experience with Loveland City Schools, and why you are concerned about funding cuts for our district. Make it clear that decisions about funding impact children and communities.)
    • Your request (for example: protect the “guarantee” because reducing it would hurt funding for our district, fully implement the Fair School Funding Plan with updated inputs, and increase the state share minimum to 20%)
    • Your appreciation (thank them for their work in Columbus and their attention to this issue that is important to you and our community.)

    We suggest you write an email message to lawmaker, then use that message as a script for a phone call. The message can then be printed and mailed to lawmakers for an additional contact point.

    Read the Loveland District’s Lobbying Request.

    [pdf-embedder url=”https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Loveland-State-Legislators-136th-General-Assembly-2025.pdf” title=”Loveland State Legislators – 136th General Assembly 2025″]

    _______________

    Debate intensifies over major cuts to Ohio’s Fair School Funding Plan

    _______________

    Becca Moates: Current Governor DeWine budget proposal undoubtedly leads to additional Loveland levy

    _______________

  • 2025 Ohio Chamber Childcare Policy Summit releases study on direct financial impact of insufficient childcare

    2025 Ohio Chamber Childcare Policy Summit releases study on direct financial impact of insufficient childcare

    Loveland, Ohio – At its 2025 Ohio Childcare Policy Summit the Ohio Chamber unveiled the “Untapped Potential: Ohio” economic report, a study that assesses the direct financial impact of insufficient childcare coverage on the state’s economy, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Groundwork Ohio.

    The study found that childcare is a severe economic barrier in Ohio. The state’s childcare gap drives parents out of the workforce, reduces tax revenue for the state and puts undue strain on households. An estimate of the direct financial impact of insufficient childcare coverage revealed $5.48 billion in lost economic activity for Ohio each year.

    “Access to quality, affordable childcare is both a short-term, urgent priority and a long-term goal,” said Aaron Merchen, Executive Director of Early Childhood Education Policy and Programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “These reports outline a challenge for states but also an opportunity.”

    Ohio is the fourteenth state for which the U.S. Chamber Foundation has released an “Untapped Potential” study. The findings are based on results from a statewide survey of households with children under 6 who are not yet in kindergarten.

    Ohio ranks 30th in labor participation relative to other states, and the study’s findings indicate that many parents have been forced to or may soon be forced to stop working without adequate childcare options. In fact, 70% of parents of young children in Ohio missed work or class in the past three months for childcare-related reasons, and 33% of parents that experienced disruptions to their employment in the past year reported leaving the workforce as a direct result of issues with childcare.

    “Ohio is growing every day,” said Ohio Chamber President & CEO Steve Stivers. “We keep bringing in new projects and job opportunities, but we’re not keeping up on creating new childcare options for the people we’re attracting — or even the families we already have here. We’re leaving a lot on the table if we don’t properly address that challenge.”

    The price of childcare is also a significant obstacle for many Ohioans. On average, Ohio families spend $572 per month on childcare, and 58% of surveyed parents stated that they selected their current childcare arrangement primarily for financial reasons. However, 96% of parents believe that health and safety is the most important factor when choosing childcare.

    The study concludes that access to childcare has a sizable impact on parents’ career development and potential and urges legislators and business leaders to thoughtfully consider measures that can alleviate existing childcare issues. It also poses a final question: “What could Ohio’s parents and leaders do with an additional $5.48 billion each year?”

    The full study is below.

    The Ohio Chamber is the state’s leading business advocate and represents thousands of companies that do business in Ohio. Our mission is to aggressively champion free enterprise, economic competitiveness and growth for the benefit of all Ohioans.

    [pdf-embedder url=”https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Untapped-Potential-Ohio.pdf” title=”Untapped Potential Ohio”]

  • Latest weather advisories

    Latest weather advisories

    Little Miami River level prediction for South Lebanon

    Loveland, Ohio – The National Weather Service in Wilmington says a tornado outbreak is expected today and tonight from parts of the lower Mississippi Valley into the Mid-South and lower Ohio Valley. Numerous tornadoes, along with multiple long-track EF3+ tornadoes, appear likely. A multi-day, potentially historic heavy rainfall event may produce catastrophic and life-threatening flooding today through Saturday from the Ozarks into the Ohio River Valley.

    For Loveland:

    • WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO
MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT...
• FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY
MORNING
• Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.

    _______________

    WCPO: The Tri-State is under a FLOOD WATCH starting this evening through Sunday morning. 4-8 inches of rainfall is possible. Expect to see creeks, streams, and rivers rising, some potentially quickly. Flash flooding cannot be ruled out at times, either. Stay weather-aware if you live along those waterways, and be ready to reach higher ground. Showers and storms will arrive in southeast Indiana around 9-10 p.m. The line will then move toward the Cincinnati metro area and the heart of the Tri-State between 10 p.m. and midnight. This is when we’ll see most of our severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings. The line of storms will continue pushing east of I-75 between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., still producing severe storms. The threat of severe weather will end before the morning drive.

    Local 12: Strong to Severe Storms likely. Heavy rain takes over into Thursday AM. A Flood Watch has been issued from Wednesday evening through Sunday morning. During this time, waves of heavy rain and storms are expected and some places could pick up 5″ or more of rainfall resulting in flooding.

    Fox19: The Tri-State is under an Enhanced Risk (3 out of 5) for severe storms, flooding rain, and powerful winds on Wednesday.

    WLWT: By Thursday morning, 2-3 inches of rain will have fallen in some communities, which leads to a flash flooding potential. Totals will be around 5-8+ inches. The heaviest rain bands could also come overnight.

  • Hamilton Township, Loveland, and Goshen Township rate high as safest communities in Ohio

    Hamilton Township, Loveland, and Goshen Township rate high as safest communities in Ohio

    Loveland, Ohio – Safewise which sells home security systems, crunched the numbers on crime rates across Ohio. The rankings are based on the number of reported violent crimes and property crimes per 1,000 people in each community.

    Hamilton Township in Warren County was rated #5 with Loveland coming in at #14 as the safest community in Ohio. Goshen Township was rated #20.

    The City of Loveland said on their FaceBook page, “This achievement is a team effort, highlighting the strong partnership between the Loveland Police Department and our great citizens, who look out for one another and report suspicious activity. We also want to give a shoutout to our neighboring jurisdictions that also made the list—Hamilton Township Police Department and Goshen Township Police Department. Our communities were the only ones in the region to rank among the top 20 safest cities in Ohio!”

    The Goshen Township Police Department said on their FaceBook page, “Proud to announce that Goshen Township has been ranked as the 18th safest city in Ohio for 2025 by SafeWise! Out of 175 communities evaluated, our low crime rate stands out.”

    Hamilton Township Police Chief Scott Hughes said, “Our officers’ daily commitment makes this possible—thank you. Residents play a key part by staying vigilant and connected, while local leaders, businesses, and strong school districts keep our township thriving. With violent crime at just 0.4 per 1,000, we’re well below state averages. This means safer streets for families, a welcoming home for newcomers, and a strong foundation for local commerce and education.

    Safewise relies on voluntary, self-reported information that cities and jurisdictions across the country report through the FBI Summary Reporting System (SRS) and National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). For their 2025 reporting year, the most recent FBI data was released in October 2024 for crimes reported in 2023.

  • National Weather Service is predicting significant storm and flooding

    National Weather Service is predicting significant storm and flooding

    Loveland, Ohio – The National Weather Service is reporting that a significant storm will track across the central U.S. and into the Great Lakes through Thursday. Heavy snow and blowing snow is expected from the northern Plains into the Upper Midwest. Further south, severe thunderstorms are expected from the southern Plains into the Midwest as well as a multi-day excessive rain and flooding event Wednesday through Saturday from the Ozarks into the Ohio Valley.

    A Flood Watch has been issued for Loveland

    FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH
SUNDAY MORNING
    "People in the watch area, especially those living in areas prone to
flooding, should be prepared to take action should flooding develop."

    WCPO reports that our region could see 4-8″ of rainfall in total.

    Local 12 says a Flood Watch has been issued from Wednesday evening through Sunday morning. During this time, waves of heavy rain and storms are expected and some places could pick up 5″ or more of rainfall resulting in flooding.

    The Fox 19 Weather Team says anywhere from three to six inches of rain could fall.

    WLWT predicts significant rainfall projected with 5-8+ inches by the weekend.

    ___________________

    noaa.gov provides Little Miami River level information from Milford that is convenient to view.

    Historic Crests for Little Miami River in Milford

    1. 30.50 ft on 03-27-1913
    2. 27.30 ft on 01-22-1959
    3. 21.81 ft on 07-18-2001
    4. 21.69 ft on 04-16-1998
    5. 21.28 ft on 03-19-2008

     

    Recent Crests for Little Miami River in Milford

    1. 19.65 ft on 02-18-2022 (P)
    2. 18.27 ft on 06-19-2021 (P)
    3. 19.65 ft on 05-19-2020 (P)
    4. 18.00 ft on 04-20-2019
    5. 17.65 ft on 03-31-2019
    6. 18.45 ft on 02-08-2019
    7. 17.38 ft on 02-06-2019
    8. 18.00 ft on 04-03-2018
    9. 20.43 ft on 02-25-2018
    10. 18.56 ft on 11-06-2017
    11. 19.91 ft on 03-01-2017
    12. 19.35 ft on 05-02-2012
    13. 19.13 ft on 12-06-2011
    14. 17.87 ft on 04-19-2011
    15. 21.28 ft on 03-19-2008
    16. 17.07 ft on 03-02-2007
    17. 17.88 ft on 03-28-2005
    18. 19.10 ft on 01-06-2005
    19. 20.62 ft on 01-05-2004
    20. 17.10 ft on 09-03-2003
    21. 17.29 ft on 06-06-2002
    22. 21.81 ft on 07-18-2001
    23. 18.20 ft on 02-18-2000
    24. 17.50 ft on 02-14-2000
    25. 17.40 ft on 01-04-2000
    26. 21.69 ft on 04-16-1998
    27. 19.33 ft on 06-01-1997
    28. 19.30 ft on 05-11-1996
    29. 17.17 ft on 04-29-1996
    30. 17.89 ft on 05-18-1995
    31. 19.30 ft on 04-10-1994
    32. 19.30 ft on 01-30-1994
    33. 17.50 ft on 05-02-1983
    34. 18.80 ft on 06-10-1980
    35. 21.18 ft on 09-14-1979
    36. 17.75 ft on 05-24-1968
    37. 27.30 ft on 01-22-1959
    38. 20.90 ft on 03-06-1945
    39. 20.10 ft on 04-20-1940
    40. 19.55 ft on 01-22-1937
    41. 30.50 ft on 03-27-1913

     

    Alert Hamilton County and Smart 911

    Hamilton County EMHSA encourages residents to have multiple ways of receiving alerts and warnings. Alert Hamilton County (Alert HC) is a mass notification system used to notify residents about emergencies and other important information throughout Hamilton County. When registering for Alert HC, users can also create a Smart911 profile, allowing first responders to have quicker access to important information in case of an emergency.

    Sign up for alerts: www.Smart911.com

  • Public Input Wanted: OKI’s draft transportation improvement program

    Public Input Wanted: OKI’s draft transportation improvement program

    Loveland, Ohio – The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) is a metropolitan planning organization that works with over 100 regional jurisdictions, including Loveland.

    OKI is required to prepare a transportation improvement program (TIP) listing all federally funded and other regionally significant transportation projects in the their planning area. OKI updates the TIP every two years, with each spanning four years.

    A new TIP is being published and OKI is accepting public comment from March 10 to April 10, 2025 via email to RFields@oki.org.

    There is also a public meeting on April 1, 2025, 4 p.m. at OKI’s Office, 720 E. Pete Rose Way, Suite 420, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 or online.

    The new TIP will be presented to the OKI Board of Directors for approval at their April 10, 2025 meeting and will then be entered in the Kentucky and Ohio Statewide TIPs.

    Questions? Contact Andy Reser.

    [pdf-embedder url=”https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Draft-OKI-TIP.pdf” title=”Draft OKI TIP”]

    ________________

    Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana (OKI) is a Council of Governments (COG) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) that works with over 100 regional jurisdictions, governments, and businesses to create an effective regional transportation plan by coordinating and approving federal funding for all surface transportation projects in the eight county region. OKI also works with local jurisdictions on regional planning, air quality, water quality, environmental initiatives and more.

  • Cincinnati’s bid for Sundance Film Festival rejected

    Cincinnati’s bid for Sundance Film Festival rejected

    Cincinnati’s bid to become the new home to the festival rejected in favor of Boulder, Colorado.

    A Press Release from the Sundance Institute

    Boulder’s Vibrant Community of Artists, Enthusiastic Audiences, and Breathtaking Rocky Mountains Will Provide the Setting for the Future of Independent Film

    After a thoughtful and thorough process to identify the future location of the Sundance Film Festival, today the nonprofit Sundance Institute’s Board of Trustees is proud to announce that Boulder, Colorado, will become the Festival’s home beginning in 2027.Boulder offers small-town charm with an engaged community, distinctive natural beauty, and a vibrant arts scene, making it the ideal location for the Festival to grow. The Sundance Film Festival is the largest artist program of the nonprofit Sundance Institute. Its Artist Programs cultivate a vibrant ecosystem, supporting artists and connecting their work with audiences. The Festival stands as the pre-eminent gathering of original storytellers and audiences seeking new voices, fresh perspectives, and a celebration of independent film and storytelling.

    “This decision was informed by a detailed evaluation of the key components essential to creating our Festival. During the process, it became clear that Boulder is the ideal location in which to build our Festival’s future, marking a key strategic step in its natural evolution,” said Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute Board Chair. “We have a profound appreciation for the finalist cities and their communities — including Boulder, Colorado, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Salt Lake City, Utah — who presented overwhelmingly strong proposals and dedicated their time, passion, and commitment every step of the way. We have deep respect and gratitude to these communities for their hard work and partnership throughout the past year. Additionally, we sincerely value the steadfast support from our staff and board as we have ventured on this exploration together.” 

    “The Sundance Film Festival is a catalyst for innovation, creative expression, and the discovery of groundbreaking independent films that inspire and shape the future of storytelling. This process provided the opportunity to imagine how we design the Festival while staying true to our programming and mission. We extend our appreciation to the staff, artists, partners, volunteers, and audiences who have and continue to support that mission,” said Amanda Kelso, Sundance Institute Acting CEO. “Boulder is an art town, tech town, mountain town, and college town. It is a place where the Festival can build and flourish. This is the beginning of a bold, new journey as we invite everyone to be part of our community and to be entertained and inspired. We can’t imagine a better fit than Boulder.” 

    Together with the Boulder host committee, the Institute envisions the heart of the Festival centered in downtown Boulder utilizing a wide array of theaters and venues, and incorporating spaces around the Pearl Street Mall, a pedestrian-only street. Nearby spaces will offer dedicated locations for our community to gather, including select spots on the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder campus. The majestic Rocky Mountains will frame the horizon for festival goers. The Festival will work with the host committee to enhance infrastructure and accommodation options, ensuring that attendees can gather and celebrate independent storytelling in an affordable and sustainable way — key to allowing independent films to shine and maintaining access for our community.

    Boulder’s storied and vibrant community of audiences, artists, and filmmakers allows the Sundance Institute to lay the foundation for a strong future for the Sundance Film Festival. Robert Redford founded the nonprofit Institute with a commitment to championing the creation of unique work by storytellers, with the Festival consistently offering a space for artists to share their stories with the world and audiences to discover them. This evolution will preserve the experience that attendees and the global independent film community recognizes and values. 

    “I founded the Sundance Institute with a commitment to discovering and developing independent artists, with the Sundance Film Festival serving as the platform for stories to help expand audiences and broaden the landscape,” said Robert Redford, Sundance Institute President and Founder. “That mission remains even more critical today and will continue to be our core principle. Words cannot express the sincere gratitude I have for Park City, the state of Utah, and all those in the Utah community that have helped to build the organization. What we’ve created is remarkably special and defining. As change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival. This move will ensure that the Festival continues its work of risk taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence, and entertaining and enlightening audiences. I am grateful to the Boulder community for its support, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the Festival there.”

    Boulder’s welcoming environment aligns with the ethos the Sundance Film Festival developed in Park City — growing with a community rooted in independent thought, artistic exploration, and social impact. The city’s convergence of arts, technology, music, food, entrepreneurship, and education presents unique and exciting programming opportunities for future iterations of the Festival. 

    “The Sundance Film Festival’s move to Boulder, Colorado in 2027 preserves and builds on its four decade journey. Together we continue to create a Festival that acts as a vibrant space for independent films and filmmakers to shine. A place where each January, a community of artists, industry, and audiences can gather to discover what’s new in global storytelling,” said Eugene Hernandez, Sundance Film Festival Director and Head of Public Programming. “This city is ready to embrace emerging and established global storytellers, our staff and volunteers, and, of course, global audiences. Whether you are a Sundance Film Festival regular, or someone who has dreamed of experiencing the Festival in person, we invite you to join us in January 2026 in Utah and then come along to nearby Colorado in 2027.”

    “Colorado is thrilled to welcome the Sundance Film Festival to its new home in Boulder starting in 2027,” said Governor Jared Polis. “Here in our state we celebrate the arts and film industry as a key economic driver, job creator, and important contributor to our thriving culture. Now, with the addition of the iconic Sundance Film Festival, we can expect even more jobs, a huge benefit for our small businesses including stores and restaurants. Thank you to the Sundance Institute and all of the partners like the City of Boulder, Visit Boulder, the Boulder Chamber of Commerce, and I also want to thank the bipartisan legislators and leadership who have worked tirelessly to make this possible.” 

    “We are deeply honored that Boulder has been selected to host the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027,” said Charlene Hoffman, Visit Boulder CEO. “Creativity, innovation, and expression are at the heart of what makes Boulder special, and we’re ready to welcome storytellers and cinema lovers from around the world. Our walkable downtown, iconic venues, and beautiful landscape at the base of the Rocky Mountains sets the stage for the Sundance Film Festival to flourish in its next chapter. It’s been a remarkable experience getting to share our vibrant community with the Sundance Institute and we eagerly await the Festival’s debut in beautiful Boulder, Colorado with excitement and gratitude.”

    The Institute and its Board of Trustees want to thank the Festival’s current home and beating heart for more than 40 years — Park City together with the state of Utah. Park City and Utah will always be a formative part of the Festival. The 2026 Sundance Film Festival will take place in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, from January 22 to February 1, 2026, with acknowledgment and profound respect for the roots that the community has laid in the Wasatch Mountains. Park City and Utah’s independent spirit continues to inspire the Institute, and the beloved communities are invited to celebrate the Festival in Utah.

    Sundance Institute’s Board also would like to acknowledge and thank the finalist cities of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Salt Lake City, Utah, for their tremendously comprehensive and compelling proposals, as well as their commitment to collaboration and discussion during this exploration. Each of the cities presented dynamic and engaging visions for encapsulating opportunities to imagine and continue to invigorate the Festival both for artists and audiences. After deep analysis and extensive spirited and constructive conversations, the Board of Trustees enthusiastically supports making Boulder the place to experience the incomparable Sundance Film Festival in the years ahead.

    The Sundance Institute’s year-long process included a request for information (RFI) on locations, request for proposals (RFPs), meetings and site visits of finalists. The process included a comprehensive evaluation of finalists’ infrastructure, ethos and equity values, event capabilities, and how each finalist could sustainably serve and support the Festival’s ever-growing community of independent artists and audiences. Each finalist demonstrated how they would welcome and continue to foster the diverse Festival community and culture of independent creativity. 

    Sundance Institute, which is based in Utah, was founded by Robert Redford in 1981 to support, sustain, and discover independent filmmakers and storytellers. The Sundance Film Festival, which celebrated its 41st edition earlier this year, serves as an essential space to introduce unique voices and transform careers. Each January, audiences at the Festival are the first to discover and celebrate bold, creative visions, and exciting emerging independent talent.

    #

    Statements from Boulder, Colorado Host Committee: 

    “Colorado has long been known for its culture of collaboration, and that spirit was on full display throughout the proposal process,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director. “Recognizing the opportunity to strengthen our creative economy, create new jobs for Coloradans, boost tourism and elevate Colorado on the global stage, a diverse group of partners came together to showcase Colorado as the ideal next home for the Sundance Film Festival. The relationships we have built and strengthened, especially our partnership with the Sundance Institute, will ensure the Festival’s next act is a tremendous success.”

    “We are thrilled to welcome the Sundance Film Festival to Colorado and work with our new partners at the Sundance Institute to ensure a smooth transition to Boulder in 2027,” said Donald Zuckerman, Colorado Film Commissioner. “We can think of no better partner to elevate filmmaking and storytelling in Colorado and look forward to celebrating the many creative milestones that lie ahead.”

    Sundance Institute

    As a champion and curator of independent stories, the nonprofit Sundance Institute provides and preserves the space for artists across storytelling media to create and thrive. Founded in 1981 by Robert Redford, the Institute’s signature labs, granting, and mentorship programs, dedicated to developing new work, take place throughout the year in the U.S. and internationally. Sundance Collab, a digital community platform, brings a global cohort of working artists together to learn from Sundance advisors and connect with each other in a creative space, developing and sharing works in progress. The Sundance Film Festival and other public programs connect audiences and artists to ignite new ideas, discover original voices, and build a community dedicated to independent storytelling. Through the Sundance Institute artist programs, we have supported such projects as Beasts of the Southern Wild, The Big Sick, Bottle Rocket, Boys Don’t Cry, Boys State, Call Me by Your Name, Clemency, CODA, Dìdi (弟弟), Drunktown’s Finest, The Farewell, Fire of Love, Flee, Fruitvale Station, Half Nelson, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Hereditary, The Infiltrators, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Little Woods, Love & Basketball, Me and You and Everyone We Know, Mudbound, Nanny, One Child Nation, Pariah, Raising Victor Vargas, Requiem for a Dream, Reservoir Dogs, RBG, Sin Nombre, Sorry to Bother You, Strong Island, Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), Swiss Army Man, A Thousand and One, Top of the Lake, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, and Zola. Through year-round artist programs, the Institute also nurtured the early careers of such artists as Paul Thomas Anderson, Wes Anderson, Gregg Araki, Darren Aronofsky, Lisa Cholodenko, Ryan Coogler, Nia DaCosta, The Daniels, David Gordon Green, Miranda July, James Mangold, John Cameron Mitchell, Kimberly Peirce, Boots Riley, Ira Sachs, Quentin Tarantino, Taika Waititi, Lulu Wang, and Chloé Zhao. Support Sundance Institute in our commitment to uplifting bold artists and powerful storytelling globally by making a donation at sundance.org/donate. Join Sundance Institute on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, and Bluesky.

    Sundance Film Festival®

    The Sundance Film Festival, a program of the nonprofit Sundance Institute, is the pre-eminent gathering of original storytellers and audiences seeking new voices and fresh perspectives. Since 1985, hundreds of films launched at the Festival have gone on to gain critical acclaim and reach new audiences worldwide. The Festival has introduced some of the most groundbreaking films and episodic works of the past three decades, including Dìdi (弟弟), A Real Pain, Daughters, Thelma, Will & Harper, Past Lives, 20 Days in Mariupol, The Eternal Memory, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, A Thousand and One, Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields, Rye Lane, Navalny, Fire of Love, Flee, CODA, Passing, Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), Minari, Clemency, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, Zola, O.J.: Made in America, On the Record, Boys State, The Farewell, Honeyland, One Child Nation, The Souvenir, The Infiltrators, Sorry to Bother You, Top of the Lake, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, Hereditary, Call Me by Your Name, Get Out, The Big Sick, Mudbound, Fruitvale Station, Whiplash, Brooklyn, Precious, The Cove, Little Miss Sunshine, An Inconvenient Truth, Napoleon Dynamite, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Reservoir Dogs, and sex, lies, and videotape. The program consists of fiction and nonfiction features and short films, series and episodic content, innovative storytelling, and performances, as well as conversations, and other events. The Festival takes place in person in Utah, as well as online, connecting audiences to bold new artists and films. Be a part of the Festival at festival.sundance.org and follow the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, and Bluesky.

  • Risk to federal ‘family planning’ grants could spell danger for Ohio clinics

    Risk to federal ‘family planning’ grants could spell danger for Ohio clinics

    Stock photo from Getty Images.

    By:  – Ohio Capital Journal

    Health clinics that provide abortion services are already battling against threats to funds and the work they do. But services like contraception, STI testing, and preventative health screenings are also at risk with Trump administration plans to freeze “family planning” grants in Ohio and across the country.

    At risk is funding through Title X, a federal pot of money that goes to clinics that “have played a critical role in ensuring access to a broad range of family planning and preventive health services,” according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

    A 2023 annual report from HHS’ Office on Population Affairs on the Title X program lists services provided under the grants, including FDA-approved contraception, pregnancy testing and counseling, “assistance to achieve pregnancy,” infertility services, sexually transmitted infection services and other “preconception health services.”

    “Title X services are client-centered, culturally and linguistically appropriate, inclusive, trauma-informed and provided in a manner that ensures equitable and quality service delivery consistent with nationally recognized standards of care,” the annual report stated.

    As part of a whirlwind of efforts to cut government spending, the Trump administration reportedly wants to freeze more than $27 million in grants from the program.

    That cut would have the largest impact on Planned Parenthoods across the country, which receive $20 million of that funding.

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    In a March memo, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America underscored the importance of Title X funding, saying its clinics were the largest Title X provider in 2018, the year before the first Trump administration, serving 40% of patients under the program.

    The group left the program in 2019, but came back in 2021 after former President Joe Biden rolled back some Trump-era policies.

    “If Planned Parenthood patients can’t get quality, affordable health services … there would be grave nationwide consequences,” the memo stated.

    Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio was one of the recipients of Title X grants in 2024, when it was awarded $1.98 million. The Ohio Department of Health also received a Title X grant that year of nearly $7 million, about the same amount as it received in both 2023 and 2022.

    “Any insinuation to take away critical family planning services from people with lower incomes to afford Trump’s tax cuts to billionaires is dangerous and unprecedented,” Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio said in a statement to the Capital Journal.

    The group said they served 600 fewer patients than the Ohio Department of Health in 2023, but did it “for $5 million less in Title X funds.”

    “Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio will continue to fight for our right to be a trusted, safety net provider in reproductive health care services like birth control, cancer screenings, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, among other Title X-eligible services.”

    In their most recent annual report, the organization reported more than 66,700 visits to their health and surgical centers, providing care for 47,480 patients between 2022 and 2023.

    Of those visits, the group provided 86,346 tests for sexually transmitted diseases, administered 16,817 pregnancy tests, served 11,803 patients for contraception-related care and conducted 9,340 HIV tests. The facilities also had 7,734 preventive care visits, 7,136 telehealth visits and 3,255 visits regarding gender-affirming care.

    At the greater Ohio arm of Planned Parenthood, 56% of the patient base lives at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. That’s $62,400 for a family of four. Seventy four percent are between ages 18 and 34, 85% identify as female and 46% of patients rely on Medicaid for care, according to the annual report.

    The Ohio-based group receives 12.4% of its revenue through state and federal grants, with Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements making up 17.7% of revenue and 14.5% of funds coming from private or commercial insurance payments.

    The main source of revenue for Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio in 2022-2023 was individual, institutional and “legacy giving.” It made up 35.3% of the agency’s revenue stream.

    As for spending that money, the annual report stated that 80% of the expenses are for program services, including the health services at clinics, education and outreach, and government and community relations. Another 14% went to management and “general” expenses, with 6% going to fundraising over that period.

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    Susan Tebben
    Susan Tebben

    Susan Tebben is an award-winning journalist with a decade of experience covering Ohio news, including courts and crime, Appalachian social issues, government, education, diversity and culture. She has worked for The Newark Advocate, The Glasgow (KY) Daily Times, The Athens Messenger, and WOUB Public Media. She has also had work featured on National Public Radio.

    Ohio Capital Journal is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

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