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Ohioans bet big on the Super Bowl, but governor wants stiffer restrictions
Sports betting is now legal in Ohio. But if you’ve watched television, listened to the radio, or scrolled through the internet anytime in the last six weeks you already heard that. Perhaps you’ve already heard that a couple hundred times. Data from geolocation firm GeoComply suggests that message got through. The company verifies bettors’ locations […]
Ohio budget primer: Here’s Gov. DeWine’s spending plan for the next two years
Last week, Ohioans got their first look at the governor’s budget proposal. Lawmakers got their first chance to ask questions about his plans. Gov. Mike DeWine outlined the broad strokes of his spending plan in his state of the state address, late last month. He put heavy emphasis on supporting families through tax incentives, education […]
With little fanfare, lawsuit venue change legislation plows ahead
Last year’s version of a bill allowing residents to challenge agency orders in their home counties earned broad support in the Ohio House and Senate. It also earned a quick veto from the governor. So why does the new version seem primed to advance with little input one way or the other? In back-to-back hearings […]
Ohio House lawmakers want primaries in May regardless of presidential contests
This past weekend, the Democratic National Committee voted to shake up its presidential primary calendar. A bipartisan group of state lawmakers want to change Ohio’s primary date, too. Under Rep. Daniel Troy’s, D-Willowick, proposal, Ohio’s primary date would remain fixed at the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May. “Every fourth year for a […]
Proponents of medical marijuana warn Ohio’s program in dire need of overhaul
Ohio senators are trying once more to overhaul the state’s medical marijuana system. That effort stalled out last session after passing the Senate. Meanwhile, the bid to place adult, recreational use on the ballot has only gained steam in the interim. Tuesday, the Ohio Senate’s general government committee heard proponent testimony. Speakers raised numerous concerns […]
At a Cleveland nonprofit, Ukrainians fleeing war help others seeking shelter
This is the second part of a two part series looking at how Ukrainians sheltering in Ohio are managing as the war in their country nears its first anniversary. You can find the first part here. The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants has outposts all over the country including on Cleveland’s west side. The […]
As Ukraine War nears first anniversary, those sheltering in Ohio search for home
In the mornings, Oksana Donobros walks through the gift shop at the Ukrainian Museum-Archives in Cleveland, checking inventory and boxing up orders that came in overnight. In the evening her sons try to keep up with schoolwork here as well as homework from their classes in Sumy. Oksana is eager to get home. They’ve already […]
Ohio Republican U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance marks first month in office with continued Ukraine skepticism
Since taking office a month ago, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance has underscored his skepticism for offering military support to Ukraine. It’s an issue that set him apart from politicians in Ohio and around the country but didn’t keep him from securing the GOP nomination or the general election. Just days before Russia’s invasion, Vance declared, […]
Commission advances rules, leasing forms for drilling on Ohio’s state lands
Environmentalists demanded public input and oversight before oil and gas companies gain clearance to drill on public lands. The five-member oil and gas land management commission heard public comment Wednesday before approving a new standard lease form and rules. The process to lease public lands for oil and gas exploration has been exceptionally slow. Lawmakers […]
House, Senate Republicans applaud governor’s plans but eager for details
Republican leadership in the Ohio House and Senate praised Gov. Mike DeWine’s ideas in their responses to his state of the state address. They cautioned, however, that they still need to see the details. DeWine’s pitch leaned heavily into education, putting particular emphasis on literacy. “It opens the door to good jobs,” DeWine argued, “but […]
Ohio hands out final round of demolition grants
The DeWine administration is handing out $54.5 million to fund demolition projects around Ohio. The money comes from a $150 million revitalization program set up in the 2021 budget. Friday’s announcement covers nearly 600 sites in 15 counties. The majority of those projects are vacant single family homes — many in Montgomery and Trumbull counties. […]
Ohio House approves rules package over the objection of right-wing GOP bloc
Usually a procedural afterthought, the Ohio House approved a new rules package Tuesday over the bitter objections of right-wing lawmakers. The provisions lay out the ground rules for the coming session. Republicans who backed Rep. Derek Merrin for speaker argue they were locked out of the process. Rejected rules included allowing guns on the floor, […]