Friday, April 10, 2026

ADDICTION/SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The DeWine administration is looking to expand the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health's (DBH) Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) program to all counties in the state, industry partners advised the RecoveryOhio Advisory Council Tuesday in recognition of April as Alcohol Awareness Month. Director Jeffrey Burke of Nationwide Insurance's Office of Wellbeing told councilmembers that RFW, currently active in 36 counties in every quadrant of the state, reduces employee absenteeism and turnover and expands workplace readiness and productivity.

AGRICULTURE

While soybean farmers in Ohio and America as a whole are able to meet domestic needs, half of the soybeans produced domestically are used to meet demand globally, according to Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) Executive Director Kirk Merritt in a Tuesday press call with reporters. Ohio ranks seventh nationally in soybean production, with nearly one-third of the state's soybeans exported to international markets. In an effort to diversify the markets internationally and to drive demand, representatives of OSC recently traveled with Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODAg) Director Brian Baldridge to Japan and Vietnam to strengthen buyer relationships in those countries, address current trade challenges and expand market opportunities for Ohio-grown soybeans and other agricultural products.

AMERICA 250-OHIO

As the state's America 250-Ohio celebrations invite Ohioans to tour the state's role in the history of the U.S., the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) invites all Ohioans to pair those celebrations with tours of Ohio's natural spaces. Users of the OuterSpatial mobile app can now enroll in the "America 250-ODNR Challenge" to explore the beauty, history and accessibility of Ohio's state parks, forests, nature preserves and wildlife areas. The challenge takes two forms within the OuterSpatial app. A more family-friendly 25-mile option highlights accessible and easy-to-navigate trails across the state, ensuring everyone can join the celebration. More ambitious hikers can also join the 250-mile challenge for deeper journeys into Ohio's landscapes and history.

In keeping with its theme for April, "Ohio Moves: Transportation," the America 250-Ohio Commission has launched a series of statewide events highlighting Ohio's role in transportation development. "From the first canals that carved pathways through the frontier to the cars, trains and airplanes that connected a growing nation, Ohio has always been where movement begins," said Todd Kleismit, executive director of America 250-Ohio. Signature April themed events include the Ohio Transportation Celebration and the new Transportation Trail, set to be announced the week of Monday, April 20, the commission said.

Ohio Goes to the Movies (OGTTM), an America 250-Ohio initiative celebrating movies showcasing Ohioans -- actors, directors, writers, composers, locations and topics -- shown in cities and towns across the state, has released the lineup of free film screenings set to take place in April. "OGTTM films are all free and we have a full calendar running from now until October 2026. There is a broad range of Ohio-centric films that communities have selected featuring an Ohio connection on screen or working behind the scenes. They all celebrate Ohio's role and influence in the movie industry, past and present," said OGTTM Program Director Molly Kreuzman. "Many of our April movie selections also feature films made in Ohio."

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Attorney General Dave Yost signed a 15-year memorandum of understanding Tuesday for Ohio's first-ever prosecutor training program to be developed by Cleveland State University (CSU) College of Law with a $7.2 million endowment funded principally by the Ohio Attorney General's Office. Addressing faculty and students at CSU, which topped Yost's statewide competition among all public and private law schools in Ohio for a prosecutorial education track, he said Cleveland State has demonstrated a regard for the American Bar Association's (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct and specifically Rule 3.8, "Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor," and led the state in its understanding of the ethical, procedural and evidentiary standards governing those who represent the citizens of Ohio before the bar. Yost highlighted the ABA note to Rule 3.8 lauding prosecutors as "ministers of justice" during a formal address in CSU's Moot Court Gallery.

FY26-27 BUDGET

Sales and personal income taxes exceeded expectations by more than $150 million in March, taking the FY26 surplus to $820 million, according to preliminary revenue estimates from the Office of Budget and Management. So far this fiscal year, tax collections generated $22.1 billion versus expectations of $21.3 billion, 3.8 percent above estimates. Sales taxes brought in nearly $1.1 billion, $78.5 million or 7.7 percent above estimates. The non-auto sales tax was up $48 million or 5.6 percent, while the auto sales tax was up $30 million or 20.3 percent. For the fiscal year so far, income taxes are $220 million or 2.1 percent ahead of estimates. Income taxes brought in $557.4 million, nearly $80 million or 16.7 percent more than expected.

BUSINESS/CORPORATE

Recent analysis released by the website InvestorsObserver found U.S. shoppers increased budgeting for Easter candy by 15 percent while prices have gone up 67 percent since 2020. This means they buy around 40 percent less of the candy now than they did six years ago. That reflects increases year over year, as well as reductions in package amount and unpredictable price changes. InvestorsObserver focused on five popular brands -- Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs, Cadbury Mini Eggs, Hershey's Milk Chocolate, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Cadbury Creme Eggs. Their research found the price of Hershey's Milk Chocolate bars have gone from $3.99 to $8.29 today, while Cadbury Mini Eggs had a package reduction from 10 ounces to nine ounces without a change in price.

FY27-28 CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS

Several of the state's public universities, including Miami University, Wright State University (WSU), Youngstown State University (YSU) and Shawnee State University, are hoping to receive funding to support workforce development initiatives, according to their request letters to the Office of Budget and Management. For example, Miami has asked for $40 million to invest in its Polytechnic Institute, a project it said will contribute to "industry-grade labs and employer collaboration spaces" and "accelerate workforce production" across the state. The institute -- which will build upon an already existing partnership with Butler Tech, Miami said -- will present an alternative workforce training model from traditional degree programs allowing learners "not drawn to front-loaded educational pathways" to earn stackable credentials, certificates and degrees that "translate immediately into employment."

The Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) focused on improvements to the state's veterans homes in its capital budget request, saying it has navigated "significant challenges" in recent years and the FY27-28 request builds on that work. A "key component" in that is funding for an environmental remediation project at the Georgetown nursing home to remove potentially hazardous substances for the safety of residents, staff and the surrounding community. The project is a prerequisite for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Construction Grant Program that provides a 65 percent federal match for qualifying projects, and ODVS said FY27-28 investments will protect current state assets while positioning the Georgetown Home for future federal funding support.

DISASTERS

Gov. Mike DeWine Tuesday authorized the use of the State Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to support 11 counties that were significantly affected by severe winter storms that occurred throughout Ohio from Saturday, Jan. 24-Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. SDRP is a reimbursement program that can be used in instances where storm damage amounts do not meet the threshold for federal assistance but do meet state program requirements. More information about SDRP is available at the Ohio EMA website HERE. The counties authorized for SDRP use include the following:

- Butler

- Darke

- Greene

- Madison

- Mercer

- Muskingum

- Perry

- Preble

- Tuscarawas

- Van Wert

- Warren

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef and Ohio Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Stivers detailed what is needed to continue securing Ohio's economic future in a Columbus Metropolitan Club forum Wednesday, with WBNS 10TV Anchor Angela An moderating the discussion. An started with the "trillion dollar question" of whether they were looking to sustain Ohio's momentum or prevent a decline. Stivers said Ohio should focus on sustaining momentum, quoting Wayne Gretzky in saying "you want to skate to where the puck is going. … There's some giant trends in America and the world that are influencing growth," he continued. "By the way, Columbus is the fastest-growing city in the Midwest, fastest-growing city north of the Mason-Dixon [Line], one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. But the things that are impacting all of us are the electrification of everything, AI and data becoming so important, reshoring and manufacturing, a massive military industrial regrowth and a massive reindustrialization of our military capacity."

ECONOMY

Recent U.S. economic shifts, including an upward tick in the national unemployment rate and negative real wage growth for low-wage workers in 2025, might not seem like an emergency at present, but they could also represent a "tip of the iceberg," portending a national economic situation that may be about to hit much harder going forward, according to analysts with the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) on Thursday. Aside from the current military conflict with Iran, which will send prices much higher if it continues longer, increasing a chance of recession in the U.S., EPI Chief Economist Josh Bevins said the economy is also currently stressed by several other policies instituted by President Donald Trump's administration since taking office for the second time last year. Bevins said Trump's second administration inherited a strong economy from the previous administration. Now, however, according to Bevins, the economic uncertainty introduced by policies of the second Trump administration, include laying off 300,000 federal government employees, shifting immigration flows negative via deportation policies, cuts to safety net programs, and the tax cuts instituted in 2025 which Bevins said are expensive enough to add measurably to the federal debt over the next decade.

ELECTIONS

Advocates for the election process changes proposed in SB395 (Blessing) described them as having all of the advantages to ranked choice voting with none of its disadvantages during a virtual press conference Monday, while also describing the idea as a way to address acute polarization and legislative discontent. The press conference featured Ned Foley, director of election law at Ohio State University; Better Choices for Ohio co-chairs Gene Krebs and Sean Logan; and Eric Pacuit, a University of Maryland professor and Ohio native who designed an app showing how the process sought under SB395 works. Under SB395's election method, candidates would compete in a single nonpartisan primary, and the three leading candidates from that would go on to the general election. That would involve voters being asked to choose between three head-to-head matchups, such as Ana vs. Bob, Ana vs. Carla and Bob vs. Carla.

The Ohio Election Integrity Commission Wednesday unanimously approved two advisory opinions addressing accepting contributions from foreign sources and issuing refunds as a new chair of the panel was seated. D. Michael Crites, who was tapped by Secretary of State Frank LaRose to chair the commission, was officially sworn in at the meeting, taking over from former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Terrence O'Donnell. The commission continued to hammer out rules and procedures as it awaits cases to be referred to it after taking over from the previous Ohio Elections Commission. It also adopted two advisory opinions: Advisory Opinion 2026ELC-01 addresses the question over whether a political action committee may contribute to Ohio candidates and ballot issues if it had knowingly received contributions from individuals who are noncitizen lawful permanent residents. Changes to Ohio law had barred contributions from foreign nationals, including lawful permanent residents, also known as "green card" holders; and Advisory Opinion 2026ELC-02 clarifies under Ohio law when a political committee may return all or a portion of a received campaign contribution.

ELECTIONS 2026

Ohioans began casting early ballots for the upcoming May 5 primary on Tuesday, April 7. Voters will be asked to weigh in on 550 local issues around the state, as well as primaries in statewide and local races. The Tuesday, May 5, primary election is also the first election where all absentee ballots must be received by boards of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day or else they will not be counted. Absentee ballot applications must be received by boards of elections by 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28. The early, in-person voting schedule is as follows:

- Tuesday, April 7 – Friday, April 10; Monday, April 13 - Friday, April 17; Monday, April 20 - Friday, April 24: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Monday, April 27; Wednesday, April 29 – Friday, May 1: 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

- Tuesday, April 28: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

- Saturday, May 2: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

- Sunday, May 3: 1-5 p.m.

More information can be found at https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections.

The League of Women Voters of Ohio (LWVO) said it has sent questionnaires to all candidates running for federal and state elections in Ohio's 2026 primary election and their responses are published on VOTE411 (www.vote411.org), the LWVO's digital voter guide. In addition, all candidate responses received by the beginning of the month are also featured in print voter guides distributed by local League of Women Voter chapters across the state. Candidates who did not receive an invitation to participate can email votersevice@lwvohio.org with their information to be included.

A candidate seeking to take on U.S. Rep. Mike Carey (R-Columbus) in the Republican primary for the 15th Congressional District will not appear on the Tuesday, May 5 ballot, a federal judge has ruled. Samuel Ronan filed to run as a Republican but was challenged by a Republican voter in the district who argued Ronan is not a member of the party. After the Franklin County Board of Elections tied on whether to uphold the protest, Secretary of State Frank LaRose sided with Republicans on the board and ordered Ronan removed from the ballot. Ronan in turn sued in federal court, and Judge Sarah Morrison initially ordered Ronan's name to remain on the ballot until a full hearing on the matter could be heard. However, after the hearing this week, Morrison reversed course, denying Ronan's motion for a preliminary injunction to put his name on the ballot and vacating the temporary restraining order. Ronan is appealing the decision, though the U.S. Sixth Court of Appeals declined to issue a stay to Morrison's decision or LaRose's order taking Ronan off that ballot.

Major ad spending has officially begun in Ohio's U.S. Senate race this fall between presumptive candidates U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) and Democrat Sherrod Brown, as the Senate Leadership Fund (SLF) PAC, which describes itself as "the first line of defense to protect our Republican Senate majority," announced more than $350 million to be spent on advertising ahead of November's elections in eight states, with $79 million of that money to be spent in support of Husted on television, digital, streaming and mail advertising as well as get-out-the-vote efforts.

The campaign of Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Sherrod Brown announced Tuesday it raised over $12.5 million in the first quarter of 2026 to its main and affiliated campaign committees. Of the $12.5 million total, $10.1 million was raised by the main Friends of Sherrod Brown campaign committee, while $2.44 million went to affiliated committees. The campaign reports an average online and grassroots donation of $35.24 coming from over 100,000 total donors. Of those, the campaign reports donations came from 63,244 Ohioans representing each of Ohio's 88 counties, including 58,938 first-time donors.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate and former Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton continued to focus her campaign on the issue of affordability, holding a roundtable on the subject in Columbus Monday as her campaign released a number of policy plans. Acton told participants in the roundtable that her proposals are "real policies for real people." Among those policies is a working families tax cut, with Acton highlighting the story of a Clermont family who faces tens of thousands of dollars in child care costs with two children.

AdImpact, which tracks spending in political races, reported Monday a new cable buy for Republican Ohio treasurer candidate Kristina Roegner from Tuesday, April 8 through Monday, April 13. AdImpact reports about $75,000 in cable buys for Roegner, which it said is her first cable expenditure of the election. The majority of the funds will go to the Cleveland market, followed by the Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton and Youngstown markets.

Democratic secretary of state candidate Bryan Hambley this week said he would direct every board of elections in Ohio to conduct an accessibility audit if elected, with resources and guidance provided by the secretary of state. Noting that more than 14 percent of Ohioans report having a disability, which can make it tougher for some to vote, Hambley argued the current administration has not done enough for those with disabilities.

Republican Robert Sprague launched the first advertisement of his secretary of state campaign, titled "Keep it Real." His campaign said the ad features Sprague's commitment to securing Ohio's elections by ensuring that only qualified electors can participate. The ad will run statewide starting on Friday.

According to AdImpact, which tracks political spending in state and federal races, Democratic secretary of state candidate Bryan Hambley has reserved radio advertising over the next month ahead of the Tuesday, May 5 primary. Hambley, through Viewpoint Media, has placed $30,000 starting Tuesday, April 7, through the primary. Of the spending, a majority will run in the Cleveland market, with another ad also in the Cincinnati market. AdImpact said the spending has been placed in the news/talk, rhythmic contemporary hit radio, urban adult contemporary, and urban contemporary formats.

Republican Steven Erbeck's campaign launched its first advertisement in the Republican primary for the First Congressional District this week. The campaign said the advertisement will be featured on local broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. The ad, titled "Delivering," describes "Erbeck's commitment to fighting for the MAGA agenda, including securing our Southern border, jumpstarting our economy, and lowering costs for working families," according to his campaign.

Appeals Court Judge Ron Lewis Tuesday announced his campaign for Ohio Supreme Court has released its first ad, which will run statewide on streaming platforms. The ad, titled "Roots," tells Lewis' background "as an Ohio kid who worked hard and dedicated his life to service to his community through the practice of the law. I've spent nearly 30 years in Ohio's legal system as a prosecutor, trial judge, and appellate judge. During my career, I've handled tens of thousands of cases and I've prosecuted, and sentenced more criminals than I can count," Lewis said in a statement.

Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP) said Tuesday it has launched a new ad supporting U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) that will run on digital and streaming platforms across the state. AFP said it is making an initial $500,000 ad buy, following its endorsement and rollout of voter engagement efforts supporting Husted.

Independent gubernatorial candidate Tim Grady this week released his "Vision for Ohio" plan which he said would "restore growth, expand opportunity, and position Ohio as a national leader in innovation and economic development while making Ohio more affordable and more desirable as a place to live." Highlights of the plan include abolishing the property tax and instituting a land value tax while simplifying zoning; having the state invest directly in local communities to support revitalization and growth; and creating entrepreneurship centers at educational institutions to provide capital, technology transfer, and business support to create new industries and businesses directly in Ohio, among other elements. More details on Grady's plans can be found HERE.

The following endorsements were made over the week:

- The state representative campaign of Democrat Michaela Burriss announced the endorsement of The Matriots PAC and of Teamsters Ohio D.R.I.V.E.

- The Ohio Education Association endorsed Allison Russo for Ohio secretary of state and John Kulewicz for Ohio attorney general.

- Americans for Prosperity Ohio announced the endorsements of Brian Stewart, Brian Lorenz, Ed Schimmel, Christina Hagan, and Sean Huston for the Ohio House of Representatives.

EMPLOYMENT/UNEMPLOYMENT

Two unemployment reports released Friday from two different months showed positive job gains for the nation and Ohio. Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released March numbers showing an increase of 178,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate ticking down to 4.3 percent after a February report showing a net job loss. In Ohio, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) released the January numbers -- released later than usual due to the annual benchmark revision process and last year's federal government shutdown -- showing the state added 16,300 jobs in January, and its employment rate for the first month of the year was 4.3 percent, down from 4.4 percent in December and the same as the national rate in January. ODJFS said the number of workers unemployed in Ohio in January was 255,000, down from 258,000 in December 2025. The number of unemployed has decreased by 34,000 in the past 12 months from 289,000. The January unemployment rate for Ohio decreased 0.5 percentage points from 4.8 percent in January 2025.

ENERGY/UTILITIES

Rep. David Thomas (R-Jefferson) discussed Thursday how his HB173 seeks to tame an environment for submetered utility services that is currently like the "Wild West" as far as lacking oversight. The bill was passed by the House in March. "It's pure landlord-tenant law with the attorney general -- if you have a complaint, if you think your bill is wrong, if there's an issue, you have to essentially sue the submetering company or sue the landlord through the attorney general," Thomas told reporters following his appearance at an Impact Ohio panel on property taxes. HB173 places submetering under Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) oversight and establishes it as a business, he explained further. Thomas added there is a "strong push" to say submetering shouldn't exist in Ohio at all but he sees it as providing benefits.

ENVIRONMENT

The Controlling Board approved the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) request to spend $65 million in settlement funds from a 2023 lawsuit filed against DuPont over the release of perfluorooctanoic acid from its Washington Works plant in Washington County. Andrew Smith, Ohio EPA deputy director, noted the settlement landed $110 million for the state. In response to questions, Smith explained the funds would be used to remediate the Washington Works facility, as laid out by the terms of the settlement agreement.

The Ohio EPA announced more than $2.8 million in federally-funded grants will go to 122 public water systems in 58 counties to support critical improvements. The grants, which are being funded through the U.S. EPA's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Capitalization Grants, will help public water systems maintain a continuous supply of safe drinking water, strengthen the protection of the water source, properly close inactive wells, and invest in emergency generators.

GAMING/GAMBLING

Republican legislators announced plans Wednesday to introduce legislation that would institute new sports gambling restrictions with the aim of improving consumer protections and addressing doubts about the integrity of competition. Reps. Gary Click (R-Vickery), Riordan McClain (R-Nevada) and Johnathan Newman (Troy) joined representatives of the Center for Christian Virtue (CCV), Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) and others at a Statehouse press conference to provide details on the legislative effort. The lawmakers and advocates said widespread sports gambling is spreading financial and psychological misery among Ohioans, and the numerous gambling investigations involving athletes leave sports fans to wonder whether questionable calls by officials or missed short-distance field goals are simply chance or the results of something nefarious.

Ohio Lottery Director Michelle Gillcrist told the Ohio Lottery Commission Wednesday operating transfers to the Lottery Profits Education Fund (LPEF) for March totaled $132.3 million, which was $3.8 million less than the profits generated for March 2025 but around $500,000 more than their budgeted commitment. Finance Director Ed Slyman reported total traditional ticket sales in March were $371.7 million, down by $20.6 million or 5.3 percent from March 2025. Draw-based games took in $163.4 million, a decrease of $10.1 million or 5.8 percent from March 2025. Net scratch-off ticket sales were $208.3 million, down by $10.5 million or 4.8 percent from March 2025. The month did see a record high for video lottery terminal (VLT) net win revenues at $134.1 million, Slyman told the commission, with $88.7 million to racinos and $44.9 million in revenue for the Ohio Lottery.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY/STATEHOUSE

Overcoming Ohio's "Eeyore syndrome" and helping people to connect to the workforce, whether they be K-12 students or residents returning from incarceration, were among policy prescriptions from Central Ohio legislators at a Thursday Impact Ohio conference. Columbus Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Vice President Andy Hardy moderated Thursday's "legislative insights" panel, at which lawmakers talked about what victories they claim from the recent biennial budget priorities and ideas to keep more people in Ohio and get them working. The panel included House Finance Committee Chair Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), Reps. Munira Abdullahi (D-Columbus), Christine Cockley (D-Columbus), Latyna Humphrey (D-Columbus) and Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) and Sen. Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester). Stewart said in the late 19th century Ohio was a political powerhouse, and it regained some momentum under Gov. James Rhodes, but he said most of his life Ohio has suffered from "Eeyore syndrome": "'Thanks for noticing me. Nothing special about me.' That was sort of Ohio's vibe for too long," said Stewart.

GOVERNOR

Appointments made over the week include the following:

- Stephanie L. Meredith of Columbus (Franklin County), Larry L. Macon, Jr. of Sagamore Hills (Summit County), Avraham L. Goldstein of Columbus (Franklin County) and S. Zaheer Hasan of Waterville (Lucas County) reappointed to the Advisory Board of the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives for terms beginning May 5, 2026, and ending May 4, 2027.

- Robert C. Herring of Cincinnati (Hamilton County) and Caryn B. Candisky of Bay Village (Cuyahoga County) appointed to the Commission on Eastern European Affairs for terms beginning April 3, 2026, and ending March 29, 2029; Besa Sharrah of Columbus (Franklin County) for a term beginning April 3, 2026, and ending April 2, 2027; and Marta Liscynesky Kelleher of Brecksville (Cuyahoga County) and Joshua M. Prest of Cleveland (Cuyahoga County) reappointed for terms April 3, 2026, and ending March 29, 2029.

- Connor P. Gaugler of Wadsworth (Medina County) as a student member to the Ohio University Board of Trustees for a term beginning May 14, 2026, and ending May 13, 2028.

- Jason E. Rue of Dupont (Putnam County) to the Ohio War Orphans and Severely Disabled Veterans' Children Scholarship Board for a term beginning April 3, 2026, and ending Dec. 31, 2027.

- Amber L. Houck of Bexley (Franklin County) to the State Council on Educational Opportunity for Military Children for a term beginning April 3, 2026, and continuing at the pleasure of the governor.

- Bick Weissenrieder of Athens (Athens County) to the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority Investment Board for a term beginning April 3, 2026, and ending Jan. 30, 2030.

- Jason A. Cromartie of Cincinnati (Hamilton County) and Douglas P. Hubaker of Perrysburg (Wood County) to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission for terms beginning April 3, 2026, and ending Sept. 19, 2026.

- Lexie M. Meade of Columbus (Franklin County) to the Cybersecurity and Fraud Advisory Board for a term beginning April 3, 2026, and continuing at the pleasure of the governor.

- Paul W. Myers of Lima (Allen County) to the Power Siting Board for a term beginning March 6, 2026, and ending Jan. 10, 2030.

- Laci E. Carsey of Junction City (Perry County) to the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board for a term beginning April 3, 2026, and ending Oct. 10, 2028.

- Mark A. Bechtel of Columbus (Franklin County) reappointed to the State Medical Board for a term beginning April 3, 2026, and ending March 18, 2031.

- Christopher Smitherman of Cincinnati (Hamilton County) and Sheetal Bajoria of Dublin (Delaware County) reappointed to the Ohio Casino Control Commission for terms beginning March 13, 2026, and ending Feb. 21, 2030.

- Lauren O. Bakaletz of Hilliard (Franklin County) and David J. Luketic of Columbus (Franklin County) reappointed to the Third Frontier Commission for a term beginning April 3, 2026, and ending April 1, 2029.

- Keith L. Borders of Cincinnati (Hamilton County) and Kumar Rachuri of Dublin (Franklin County) to the Minority Development Financing Advisory Board for terms beginning April 3, 2026, and ending Sept. 30, 2028.

HANNAH NEWS RACES TO WATCH

Five candidates are vying to win the 13th U.S. House District Republican primary and face incumbent U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) and independent candidate Sandeep Dixit in November. The crowded race is without 2024 Republican challenger Kevin Coughlin, who ended his attempt at a rematch when the new Congressional map made the district safer for Sykes. Republican contenders this year include Margaret Briem, a U.S. Army veteran and business owner; Carey Coleman, a radio host and community leader; Dr. Sanjin Drakovac, who identifies himself as a medical school graduate with "some clinical experience"; Neil Patel, a businessman and community leader; and Leetonia Village Mayor Kevin Siembida. Springfield Township Trustee Jeremy Caudill sought to run as well but did not get enough valid signatures, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.

A DeWine administration workforce official and the leader of Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom (OAMF) are squaring off in the Republican primary to succeed term-limited Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) in House District 31. Vying for the GOP nomination are Mike Kahoe of Richfield and Stephanie Stock of Norton. Kahoe worked until recently in the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation under Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and former Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. Before that, he served on the Revere Local Schools Board of Education and was a member of the local career-technical district board as well. He left state service to launch his campaign for representative. Stock told Hannah News she was motivated to run after seeing conservative priorities stymied while pet projects get traction in the General Assembly. She said she is prepared to confront leadership when necessary, and that her decade of advocacy with OAMF has clued her into the nuances of the legislative process. This is her first run for state legislative office, but she made prior bids to be on the Republican State Central Committee.

A two-term state treasurer and a military veteran who is running as a political outsider are squaring off for the Republican nomination for secretary of state on May 5. Robert Sprague and Marcell Strbich are seeking to succeed Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who is term-limited and now running unopposed in the Republican primary for state auditor. Both are running on a platform of keeping the state's elections secure. Sprague comes into the race as the established candidate, having won statewide twice and getting the backing of the Ohio Republican Party's State Central Committee. He recently launched his first advertisement of the campaign focusing on secure elections and arguing Democrats support letting anyone vote as vampires, zombies and aliens with even Bigfoot attempting to cast a ballot. Strbich, a Montgomery County resident who served 20 years as an Air Force intelligence officer, describes himself as an "America First combat veteran." He has positioned himself as an outsider candidate, saying he is not a career politician "handpicked by party favorites because they think it is their turn." He has backing from conservatives such as National Security Advisory Mike Flynn.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

The Ohio Controlling Board Monday approved a late-added agenda item from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) creating a new fund and establishing appropriation authority totaling roughly $202 million in both FY26 and FY27 for the implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program. Paul Maragos, speaking on behalf of ODH regarding the add-on agenda item, detailed the request before the board: "Basically, we receive federal money from the Medicaid and Medicare services from the federal level ... and we're in the process of trying to get the money out the door so we can look to improve services at the rural health level." Lawmakers attempted to deal with the rural health funding in HB730 (Stewart) before beginning spring break but ran into some disagreements at the last minute, prompting them to turn to the Controlling Board.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Shortly after the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) placed Terra State Community College (TSCC) in fiscal watch status, the college's Board of Trustees announced a transition in executive leadership and the development of a comprehensive fiscal recovery plan. According to a release, the board appointed Cory Stine to serve as interim president after now-former TSCC President Ronald Schumacher announced his resignation. Schumacher's resignation went into effect last week on Thursday, April 2, with Stine filling his position immediately. Though Stine assumes his role as the college undergoes "rigorous financial evaluation," the board "expressed confidence" in his "ability to lead the institution through the necessary steps to restore fiscal health." ODHE's decision to officially change the college's fiscal status followed a recommendation issued by Auditor of State (AOS) Keith Faber's office on Tuesday, March 17. After reviewing the findings, ODHE Chancellor Mike Duffey formally notified the college of the status change on Monday, March 23, according to TCSS.

The University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Law will be renamed the Donald P. Klekamp College of Law, UC recently announced. The name change follows a $43.2 million gift -- the largest in the college's history -- from the Klekamp family, in honor of their father, Donald Kelkamp, who graduated from the university in 1957 and retired as a founding partner of the Cincinnati-based law firm Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL. In 1995, a separate gift from Klekamp created the Donald P. Klekamp Professorship of Law supporting research and teaching. The professorship is currently held by Michael Solimine.

HOUSING/HOMELESSNESS

Statewide home sales in February of 7,384 marked a 2.5 percent drop from the 7,547 sold a year earlier, according to Ohio Realtors. The median sales price increased to $255,000, up 6.2 percent from the $240,000 median in February 2025.

JUDICIAL

Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT) founder William Lager's objections to an asset freeze imposed by a trial court are not yet ripe for higher courts' review and pose niche concerns not worth the Ohio Supreme Court's time, Attorney General Dave Yost's office writes in urging justices not to accept Lager's case. The state recently filed its memorandum opposing Supreme Court jurisdiction in the case after Lager asked justices to block an asset freeze imposed while Franklin County Common Pleas Court works to determine his precise liability in the failure of what was once Ohio's largest online charter school.

The school district coalition challenging the constitutionality of EdChoice vouchers and the state and private school family attorneys defending the program will meet for oral arguments in May. The 10th District Court of Appeals has scheduled the case for oral arguments at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 12 in Courtroom 23B at 373 S. High St., Columbus. Judges recently granted the parties' request to extend oral argument time to a combined hour, given the magnitude of the case.

LIBRARIES

The State Library of Ohio will close its current facility in Columbus' Italian Village next week at close of business Tuesday, April 14, in preparation for a move. Staff offices for the library are moving to 35 E. Chestnut Street, part of the state's North High Complex in downtown Columbus. Library collections will move to a specialized archival facility on 1831 Deffenbaugh Court in Gahanna. The library has been planning for the move for years because of the aging condition of its current facility at 274 E. 1st Ave., and the property is now slated for redevelopment, according to the library. Registering for new accounts and borrowing physical items will be unavailable "for a limited time" during the move, according to the library. Library staff will be available by phone and email, and digital collections access will continue.

MARIJUANA/HEMP

Provisions of SB56 (Huffman) may be invalid for discriminating against interstate commerce, according to a temporary restraining order granted by Sandusky County Common Pleas Court Jeremiah S. Ray recently. The TRO had been sought by Washington-based North Fork Distribution -- which sells the Cycling Frog brand of hemp-derived THC and CBD products nationally, including in Sandusky County -- against Fremont Police Chief Derek Wensinger and other county law enforcement. Ray's TRO said SB56 "forces Ohioans who wish to purchase hemp (as opposed to traditional marihuana) to fund an Ohio industry that is otherwise engaged in the sale of products (federally illegal marihuana) that offend the federal penal code."

MILITARY AFFAIRS

The DeWine administration Thursday announced Gov. Mike DeWine signed a letter of intent for the Ohio National Guard to enter a State Partnership Program (SPP) relationship with Angola, following a 1993 partnership with Hungary and 2006 partnership with Serbia. DeWine and Angolan Minister of Defense and Veterans of the Homeland Joao Ernesto dos Santos signed the letter of intent at the Statehouse, joined by Ohio Adjutant General Matthew Woodruff and Angolan Secretary of State for Military Industry Afonso Carlos Neto. "This partnership reflects Ohio's long-standing commitment to global engagement and public service," DeWine said. "Through the State Partnership Program, Ohio and Angola will work together to share experience, build professional connections, and learn from one another in ways that benefit both our communities."

PUBLIC SAFETY

The DeWine administration reminds motorists to "keep their eyes on the road, their hands on the wheel and their mind on the task," an admonition highlighted by National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) notes peace officers have probable cause to stop motorists if they witness them illegally using a smart phone or other electronic devices. "While emergency calls are permitted in all circumstances, the use of an electronic device to call, text or search while driving is not allowed," OSHP says.

Meanwhile, the patrol began the 6-State Trooper Project's latest deployment Monday, with a special emphasis on distracted driving enforcement. The eight-day initiative will continue through Monday, April 13 with state police from Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

STATE GOVERNMENT

Gov. Mike DeWine recently issued a proclamation recognizing April as Fraud Prevention Month in Ohio. The governor and his administration are using the designation to remind Ohioans of the work state government does to fight waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer funds. "Since day one, my administration has worked hard to prevent fraud and abuse in state government programs," said DeWine. "We will continue to innovate and put safeguards in place to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not misused."

The governor's proclamation states that "prevention, education, strong consumer protections and public awareness are critical in helping consumers recognize common scams and keeping them informed of emerging fraud trends." Numerous state agencies also marked Fraud Prevention Month by sharing information on their ongoing efforts to fight fraud. This included agencies that work on program integrity to prevent fraudulent claims for taxpayer dollars. Other agencies that have consumer protection missions shared their efforts to fight consumer fraud, which can inflate the cost of goods and services.

TAXATION

Reps. David Thomas (R-Jefferson) and Dan Troy (D-Willowick) joined Ohio Taxpayer Protection Coalition Executive Director Thomas Zaino in a discussion on tax reforms and the effort to end property taxes at Thursday's Impact Ohio conference, hosted by the Ohio and Columbus chambers of commerce. Zaino, who also previously served as Ohio tax commissioner, said an immediate end to property taxes in the state would be like a "nuclear bomb to Ohio's economy all the way around." He noted every state in the U.S. has property taxes, though some have eliminated sales or income taxes, and said a November vote to end Ohio's property taxes would lead to less jobs and public emergency services. "Do rates need to come down and taxes need to come down for real property? Absolutely. Does government need to be more efficient so that there's less need for the taxes? Absolutely," Zaino said as well before making that "nuclear bomb" comparison. He also discussed how a resulting sales tax increase would lead to people in border areas buying goods across state lines where the sales tax is lower and businesses would move as well.

TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA) and the National Weather Service forecast offices in Wilmington and Cleveland, have partnered with Lamar Advertising to expand the Ohio Traveler Alert System (OTAS) to include parts of the greater Cleveland and Toledo areas and parts of the Cincinnati Metropolitan area. "Severe weather can make driving difficult and dangerous," said Gov. Mike DeWine in a prepared statement. "By expanding the OTAS, our goal is to get critical weather alerts to more drivers in real-time." The initial phase of this program included billboards in the metropolitan areas of Dayton and Columbus. The digital billboards display critical messages for travelers on the road as needed regarding severe weather such as high winds, snow squalls, heavy ice and flooding. This will now include those traveling in several of Ohio's northern and southern counties. To learn more about OTAS, go HERE.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

The Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors' Nominating Committee met Tuesday to approve slates of four names each for three positions on the board. Gov. Mike DeWine will consider those recommendations before making his appointments. The slates, which were all approved unanimously without discussion, include the following:

For Large Employer Representative

- Joseph Dutt

- Bruce Johnson

- Keith Jackson

- David Johnson, incumbent

For Employee Representative

- Melissa Cropper

- R. Sean Grayson

- Peggy Griffith, incumbent

- Jamie Shumaker

For Public Member

- Chan Cochran, incumbent

- Paul Jenks

- Brenton Temple

- Aleesa Womer