Paige Pfleger

Reporter

Paige Pfleger is a reporter for WOSU. She's especially interested in the intersection of public health and criminal justice. Before joining the staff of WOSU, she worked in the newsrooms of NPR, Vox, Michigan Radio, WHYY and The Tennessean.

She spent three years in Philadelphia covering health, science, and gender, and her work has appeared nationally in The Washington Post, Marketplace, Atlas Obscura and more. As a freelancer, Paige traveled to Puerto Rico to cover how the island’s agricultural community dealt with damage from Hurricane Maria.

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Columbus Protestors Show Solidarity With States Still Counting Votes

By • Nov 5, 2020
Debera Diggs from the South Side of Columbus came out to protest for a free and fair election.
Paige Pfleger / WOSU

More than 100 people took to the streets of downtown Columbus Wednesday night to stand in solidarity with states that are still counting ballots. 

Issue 2: Columbus Voters Approve Creation Of Civilian Review Board

By • Nov 3, 2020
Lion statue in front of Columbus Division of Police Central Headquarters.
David Holm / WOSU

Columbus residents strongly approved the creation of a Civilian Review Board to carry out independent investigations of police misconduct, as well as the appointment of an inspector general for the Columbus Division of Police. With 100% of precincts reporting on election night, a clear majority voted in favor of the issue.

If You Have COVID-19, Ohio Offers Ways To Vote On Election Day

By • Nov 2, 2020
Poll worker Mildred Henson, left, helps Patria, 57, far right, and Janet Wilson, 68, both of Washington, in car at right of Patria, to submit their ballots from the curbside voting line, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Washington.
Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press

Ohio residents who were planning to vote in-person on Election Day but have contracted COVID-19 still have options for casting their ballot.

For Ohioans, The Future Of Refugee Resettlement Is At Stake This Election

By • Oct 26, 2020
Semere Tesfatsion has been waiting for years to be reuinited with his wife Helen and daughters Yosan and Sara who are still in Sudan.
Courtesy of Semere Tesfatsion

Refugee resettlement has fallen to historic lows in the United States. The country has gone from sheltering 95,000 people fleeing persecution or war each year, to just 15,000 under the Trump administration. Advocates and refugees are hoping voters consider the issue when going to the polls.

Will Criminal Justice Reform Movement Impact The Prosecutor’s Race?

By • Oct 22, 2020
Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien giving closing arguments in the case of Quentin Smith, who killed two Westerville Police officers, on Oct. 31, 2019.
Fred Squillante / Pool/Columbus Dispatch

The longest-serving prosecutor in Franklin County’s history, Republican Ron O’Brien, has a challenger for his seat this election, Democratic candidate Gary Tyack. Activists are looking at the prosecutor’s office as another opportunity for criminal justice reforms.

Columbus Proposes $475,000 Settlement For Black Officer's Lawsuit Against Police

By • Oct 20, 2020
Columbus Police vehicles outside the division headquarters.
David Holm / WOSU

The city of Columbus is introducing legislation to settle a Black police officer’s federal discrimination suit against the Columbus Division of Police. 

Former Mount Carmel Doctor William Husel's Lawyers File To Dismiss Murder Charges

By • Oct 20, 2020
Defense attorney Jose Baez, right, talks to fired doctor William Husel during a court hearing Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio.
Kantele Franko / Associated Press

Lawyers for former Mount Carmel doctor William Husel filed a motion on Tuesday to dismiss the murder charges brought against him.

Franklin County Blows By Poll Worker Recruitment Goal After Record Response

By • Oct 15, 2020
Franklin County Board of Elections during the delayed spring election on April 28, 2020.
Ryan Hitchcock / WOSU

After months of messaging about the need for more poll workers, the Franklin County Board of Elections has seen a record level of interest, receiving more applicants than it needed this fall.

Columbus Council Approves Extra Income For Low-Income Residents With COVID-19

By • Oct 12, 2020
Columbus City Councilmember Elizabeth Brown (left) speaks out about proposed cuts to refugee admissions as Columbus City Councilmember Rob Dorans (right) looks on.
Adora Namigadde / WOSU

Columbus City Council passed emergency legislation on Monday to help supplement resident’s income if they get sick with COVID-19.

Franklin County Election Board Will Send Voters Corrected Ballot 'As Soon As Possible'

By • Oct 8, 2020
An absentee ballot sent out by the Franklin County Board of Elections on Oct. 6, 2020.
Gabe Rosenberg / WOSU

The Franklin County Board of Elections said it will send out corrected absentee ballots within 72 hours of identifying voters who recieved ballots with the wrong information.

College Students Could Sway Ohio’s Election, But COVID-19 May Hurt Registration Efforts

By • Oct 5, 2020
Ohio State College Republicans make phone calls for the Trump campaign in September.
Ohio State College Republicans / Twitter

Handing out flyers. Accosting fellow students in between classes. Handwritten signs and decorated tables on the oval. That’s what voter outreach on campus used to look like. 

Columbus Police Officer Arrested On Child Pornography Charges

By • Oct 1, 2020
Lion statue in front of Columbus Division of Police Central Headquarters.
David Holm / WOSU

A Columbus Police officer was arrested Thursday on allegations of child pornography.

Ohio State Employees Can Get Paid To Be Poll Workers On Election Day

By • Sep 28, 2020
Franklin County Board of Elections during the delayed spring election on April 28, 2020.
Ryan Hitchcock / WOSU

The Ohio State University is allowing employees to take Election Day off to serve as poll workers. 

Coronavirus In Ohio: Intermediate Care Facilities Can Allow Indoor Visitors Again

By • Sep 28, 2020
In this March 6, 2020, photo, tissues, gloves, and masks greet visitors at the South Shore Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center, in Rockland, Mass.
David Goldman / Associated Press

Ohio is allowing intermediate care facilities, for people with intellectual disabilities, to resume indoor visitations on Monday. 

Five Indicted For Murders After Months Of Increased Gun Violence

By • Sep 25, 2020
Columbus Police vehicles outside the division headquarters.
David Holm / WOSU

A Franklin County grand jury on Friday returned indictments in five murders going back to July. 

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