Topic: The Columbus Dispatch

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Ohio GOP senator cites 'change of heart' on gay marriage (+video)

Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio has wrestled with gay marriage since learning two years ago that one of his sons is gay. He now says the government shouldn't deny gay couples the opportunity to marry.
Ohio Senator Portman changes course on gay marriage

Sen. Rob Portman, Republican of Ohio and an opponent of same-sex marriage, has changed his mind after learning two years ago his own son is gay.
Change Agent Time Bank helps neighbors put skills to use, swap services

The Care and Share Time Bank puts a universal twist on being neighborly: Members call on their neighbors for help with anything from a drive to the airport to a Spanish lesson – and then offer help in return.
Bruce Springsteen rocks out for Barack Obama

Rock star Bruce Springsteen will perform at an Obama campaign rally with Bill Clinton in Ohio next week. The race has tightened considerably in that important swing state, and Springsteen's appearance is designed to bolster Obama's image as a fighter for working class men and women.
In blow to Romney, court says Ohio can’t restrict 'souls to the polls' voting by blacks

A federal appeals court says an Ohio decision to allow only military personnel three days of early voting is unconstitutional. It could help Obama and hurt Romney in a critical swing state.
Voters in battleground states on Romney's '47 percent' comment (+video)

Insensitive and out of touch? Or simply speaking the cold hard truth? Voters in the states still up for grabs have different opinions on the impact of Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's controversial '47 percent' comment.
GOP moderate from Ohio quitting his seat. Is he punishing his party?

The announcement by Steven LaTourette, just three months before November elections, that he is retiring, could cost Republicans a House seat they had expected to win.
Preschool programs not spared as strapped states cut spending

Early childhood education takes a hit, as states collectively decreased spending on preschool programs last year – for the first time since 2002, a new study finds.
Ohio 'jobs budget': Adding insult to injury for labor unions?

Ohio is already considering a Wisconsin-like bill to take on labor unions. Now Gov. John Kasich is proposing a budget that could significantly cut union ranks.
Wisconsin labor unrest spills across Lake Michigan

The AFL-CIO is planning a protest Tuesday in Lansing, Michigan. This follows ongoing labor unrest in Wisconsin and Ohio over plans to reform public sector collective bargaining rules.
Ted Williams: A homeless man with a golden voice gets a new chance

Ted Williams, a homeless man with a golden voice, had a video of himself begging by the road posted on Youtube this week. Within days job offers for voice work poured in, including a dream job with the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jack Hanna wards off grizzly bear with pepper spray

Jack Hanna said he's been carrying pepper spray on hikes for 15 years, but Saturday was the first time he's used it.
Primary election results: establishment candidates battered

Primary elections results from Tuesday saw establishment candidates – incumbents and those favored by party leaders in Washington – face stiff opposition from challengers.
Black Ohio neighborhood unjustly denied water for decades, jury finds

A federal jury awarded residents of a mostly black neighborhood in rural Ohio nearly $11 million Thursday, finding that local authorities denied them public water service for half a century because of their race.