Alana Watson, Author at Ohio Valley ReSource

Alana Watson

Ohio Valley ReSource Economics Reporter

Alana Watson is covering the workplace, economic opportunity and infrastructure issues for the ReSource from partner station WKU Public Radio in Bowling Green, KY.

Email Alana Watson @AWReports

Nov 24

Health

“Diseases Of Despair” Deaths Drop Slightly But Still Higher In Appalachia Than U.S.

New research shows that deaths due to the mix of substance abuse and suicides known as “diseases of despair” declined slightly in 2018. But the mortality rates throughout the Ohio Valley and Appalachian region are still higher than the national average. A report from the Appalachian Regional Commission found that overall mortality rates from diseases […]

By Alana Watson

Nov 24

Health

“Diseases Of Despair” Deaths Drop Slightly But Still Higher In Appalachia Than U.S.

Alana Watson

Nov 4

Democracy & Civic Life

2020 Voter Turnout Increased As Ohio Valley States Expanded Voting Options

Much of the Ohio Valley saw historic levels of voter turnout in the 2020 election, as election officials expanded voting options to reduce the risk from coronavirus. Compared to the 2016 election, voter turnout for the 2020 general election increased slightly in Kentucky and Ohio, while West Virginia — which had some of the nation’s […]

By Alana Watson and Suhail Bhat

Nov 4

Democracy & Civic Life

2020 Voter Turnout Increased As Ohio Valley States Expanded Voting Options

Alana Watson and Suhail Bhat

Nov 3

Democracy & Civic Life

Can You Wear “Black Lives Matter” Clothing To The Polls? Yes.

Some voters in Ohio and Kentucky expressed concern that poll workers were advising them that “Black Lives Matter” attire was not allowed in polling locations. But according to both state’s laws on the subject, BLM clothing is perfectly fine to wear while casting your ballot. The voters shared their concerns using the tipline operated by […]

By Alana Watson

Nov 3

Democracy & Civic Life

Can You Wear “Black Lives Matter” Clothing To The Polls? Yes.

Alana Watson

Oct 30

Democracy & Civic Life

The Missing Voters: The Ohio Valley Has Some Of The Nation’s Lowest Voter Turnout. What Could Change That?

This fall, Lexington, Kentucky, activist and artist Devine Carama launched a different kind of road trip across his home state. He visited a dozen cities and towns, from Pikeville, in the state’s Appalachian east, to Paducah, near where the Ohio River joins the Mississippi. He carried a sign that said “I’ll walk 400 miles if […]

By Suhail Bhat , Sydney Boles , , Alana Watson and Jeff Young

Oct 30

Democracy & Civic Life

The Missing Voters: The Ohio Valley Has Some Of The Nation’s Lowest Voter Turnout. What Could Change That?

Suhail Bhat, Sydney Boles, , Alana Watson and Jeff Young

Oct 30

Democracy & Civic Life

Last-Minute Voting Questions In The Election Home Stretch

The conclusion of this most unusual general election is only a few days away. On Tuesday, November 3, people will make their way to polls, if they haven’t done so already, to cast their ballots. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, election officials have expanded voting options for those who are concerned with catching the virus. […]

By Alana Watson

Oct 30

Democracy & Civic Life

Last-Minute Voting Questions In The Election Home Stretch

Alana Watson

Oct 21

Economy

Report Shows Ohio Jobs Potential In Coronavirus Recovery And Climate Change Action

A new report from an economic research group says Ohio could gain hundreds of thousands of jobs through investment in clean energy and other efforts to address climate change. The ReImagine Appalachia Coalition, a progressive policy group, asked economists to assess its blueprint for the region and what it could mean for employment opportunities in […]

By Alana Watson

Oct 21

Economy

Report Shows Ohio Jobs Potential In Coronavirus Recovery And Climate Change Action

Alana Watson

Oct 16

Economy

ARC Investing Over 15 Million In Ohio Valley Economic Projects

The Appalachian Regional Commission is investing another $43.3 million in communities affected by the downturn of the coal industry. The latest POWER grants from the ARC will support 51 projects in coal-dependent communities, including over $15 million for 20 projects in the Ohio Valley. The investments are going towards projects that will support broadband expansion, […]

By Alana Watson

Oct 16

Economy

ARC Investing Over 15 Million In Ohio Valley Economic Projects

Alana Watson

Sep 30

Democracy & Civic Life

A Pandemic Voter’s Guide For Ohio

The coronavirus pandemic has forced elections officials to expand options for voters in November’s general election. This means you will have more ways to vote, including mail-in ballots and early in-person voting. But it also means many people have questions about how to vote. Here are answers to some common questions about voter registration, voting […]

By Alana Watson

Sep 30

Democracy & Civic Life

A Pandemic Voter’s Guide For Ohio

Alana Watson

Sep 30

Democracy & Civic Life

A Pandemic Voter’s Guide For West Virginia

By Alana Watson

Sep 30

Democracy & Civic Life

A Pandemic Voter’s Guide For West Virginia

Alana Watson

Sep 30

Democracy & Civic Life

A Pandemic Voter’s Guide For Kentucky

By Alana Watson

Sep 30

Democracy & Civic Life

A Pandemic Voter’s Guide For Kentucky

Alana Watson