This week's podcast explains when Ohio might approve cannabis for people with autism, why a GOP rift in the state House still remains and how 2024's U.S. Senate race has already begun.

State political reporters Jessie Balmert and Laura Bischoff speak with defense attorney David Axelrod on this special episode of the Ohio Politics Explained podcast. During this edition we address how long it takes for a bribery case to go to trial, Axelrod shares advice on what his clients should do if an FBI agent knocks on their doors, and we discuss why so few cases go to trial.

We're explaining the rift between House Republicans, why the attorney general is already collecting a public pension, what's in a plan to change how we amend the constitution and the big priority bill for Ohio's Senate.

State political reporter Laura Bischoff speaks with guest Todd Snitchler on this special edition of the Ohio Politics Explained podcast. During this episode we provide insight into energy policy, discuss what exactly House Bill 6 is, and explain what FirstEnergy and Energy Harbor are and how the two fit together.

State political reporters Jessie Balmert and Laura Bischoff speak with guest Todd Wickerham on this special edition of the Ohio Politics Explained podcast. On this episode we explain what exactly public corruption is, what is needed to open a public corruption investigation, and why the FBI investigates these cases instead of local law enforcement. Finally, we address how widespread public corruption is and how this case alleges a conspiracy to take $61 million in bribe money, pumped through dark money political groups by FirstEnergy, and then pushing through a $1 billion bailout law for the utility.

State political reporter Jessie Balmert speaks with guest Catherine Turcer on this special episode of the Ohio Politics Explained podcast. During this edition we explain what dark money is, how it was used in the House Bill 6 scandal, and how much transparency we’re seeing with money in Ohio politics.

Read More: What is dark money? How was it used in the House Bill 6 scandal?: Ohio Politics Explained

Gannett politics reporters Jessie Balmert and Laura Bischoff speak with former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio David DeVillers on this special episode of the Ohio Politics Explained podcast. During this edition we asked DeVillers to explain topics such as bribery, racketeering and the impact of dark money.

Read More: Ohio corruption case: Winks, nods, texts and more can prove bribery

The race to become Speaker of the House took surprising turns in both Ohio and Washington, D.C. this week. Gov. Mike DeWine let cities ban flavored tobacco and took a swipe at sports betting companies.

We break down what it all means in this week's episode of Ohio Politics Explained.

A podcast from the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau that catches you up on the state's political news in 15 minutes or less. This week, host Anna Staver was joined by reporter Jessie Balmert.

From redistricting to a super contentious race for U.S. Senate and pandemic learning losses, these are the stories that made the most waves in 2022.

These four stories stood out because of their impact, their humor and the way they challenged us as writers.