Ohio State News and Info Tracker

Ohio braces for a dynamic 2026 as lawmakers return to the Statehouse and economic momentum builds amid harsh winter weather. The Ohio Senate reconvened on January 28, with the House following on February 18, facing a packed agenda that includes property tax relief, energy policies for datacenters, and securing unemployment trust fund solvency, according to the NFIB's 2026 legislative preview. Immigration-related bills loom large, with Republican-backed measures like House Bill 1 banning land ownership by adversarial nations, House Bill 26 mandating cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and others targeting hospitals and schools for citizenship reporting, as reported by Ideastream and Ohio Public Radio. House Bill 447, debating higher non-economic damage caps, draws opposition from business groups like NFIB.

Economically, Ohio fuels America's manufacturing renaissance, attracting billions from Joby Aviation's Dayton expansion for electric flight, Amgen's record 26-month biomanufacturing facility in central Ohio creating 750 jobs, and investments by Resilience, Pharmavite, and Abbott, per Columbus Business First. Federal funding secured by Rep. Mike Carey bolsters infrastructure, including three million dollars for Dublin's Emerald Connector, 2.5 million for Franklin Township's Westland Mall redevelopment, and two million for US 33 upgrades in Columbus.

Communities advance education and safety projects, with Crestview Local Schools' 167,000-square-foot campus on track for 2026-27 via Hammond Construction, and Bowling Green schools seeking architectural bids for elementary options. Gubernatorial candidates Amy Acton and Republican rivals debate paths to affordability, criticizing misplaced priorities like stadium funding over education and child care, as noted by WVXU.

A deadly January 2026 North American winter storm shattered Columbus snowfall records at 11.9 inches on January 25, Wikipedia reports, with fatalities in Dayton and Fowler Township, lingering arctic chills through the week per 10TV forecasts, and a major snowstorm watch for the weekend.

Looking Ahead: Watch legislative battles on immigration and taxes, gubernatorial races heating up, and snow impacts on travel as Ohio navigates growth and governance.

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Ohio faces a harsh winter start as Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency ahead of a major storm that dumped up to a foot of snow across parts of the state, including a record 11.6 inches in Columbus on January 25, according to WYSO reports and Wikipedia records. The January 2026 North American winter storm led to treacherous roads, school closures like Worthington City Schools on January 27, and tragedies such as a snow plow death in Dayton and a fatal salt truck collision in Fowler Township, as noted by ABC6 and local news. DeWine urged residents to stay home, activating state agencies for support and suspending purchasing rules for supplies.

In politics, the 136th General Assembly sees active bills on minimum wage hikes, high-volume dog breeders, AI regulations via the Ohio Right to Compute Act, and a new Ohio Election Integrity Commission replacing the prior body under the Secretary of State, per LegiScan and Wiley alerts. Local impacts include property tax study changes requiring county auditor samples, as detailed in the Ohio Legislature's fiscal note.

Economically, Ohio attracts massive investments, with AWS committing $23 billion by 2030 for data centers in Fayette County, New Albany, Sidney, Marysville, and Wilmington, fueling jobs in breakthrough technologies listed by MIT Technology Review, according to KJK analysis. Dayton's industrial sector eyes 2026 growth amid manufacturer relocations, while Rep. Mike Carey secured over $10 million for infrastructure like Dublin's Emerald Connector and Troy's river projects, per his office update. BRITE Energy Innovators has backed 600 companies, creating 2,100 jobs.

Community efforts persist amid weather woes: EMIS updates FY27 education data reporting for public comment, Ohio Department of Education notes; Olentangy Schools address tax credits under House Bill 186; and construction at Thomas Worthington High School nears Phase 2 completion by November 2025.

Looking Ahead: Monitor reinforcing cold air next week potentially bringing more precipitation Thursday to Friday, per Ohio Ag Weather forecast, alongside AWS groundbreaking and Election Integrity Commission activities.

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Ohio faces a turbulent weekend as a major winter storm bears down, prompting Governor Mike DeWine to declare a state of emergency on January 23, according to WYSo reports. Winter Storm Warnings blanket central Ohio counties, with forecasts from 10TV and Ohio Ag Weather predicting 6 to 12 inches of snow in central areas, potentially double digits in the south, accompanied by biting cold, single-digit highs, and wind chills near zero or below. Travel disruptions loom from Saturday evening through Monday.

In politics, the 136th General Assembly churns with activity, as tracked by LegiScan, including bills to raise the minimum wage (SB234), regulate AI in critical infrastructure (HB392), and create a local food task force (SB233). The Ohio CPA Week in Review highlights a push for a referendum on new marijuana laws. Ohio University advances compliance with the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act and HB96 budget provisions, finalizing policies on faculty evaluations and expedited 90-credit degrees to meet workforce needs, per university updates.

Business and infrastructure gain from federal funding, with Rep. Mike Carey securing over $10 million for projects like Dublin's Emerald Connector road crossing and Franklin Township's Westland Mall redevelopment, as detailed in his office release. Dublin City Council approved a $60 million-plus 2026-2030 capital plan, funding road extensions, park upgrades, and AI innovations. Rep. Marcy Kaptur backed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, directing millions to Northwest Ohio schools and metroparks.

Community efforts focus on education and safety amid the freeze, though no major employment shifts dominate headlines.

Looking Ahead, monitor evolving snow forecasts and the OEDA Legislative Conference for economic policy insights. The legislature's year-round session promises debates on monitored bills like HB96.

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Ohio's political and economic landscape is reshaping as the state heads toward critical elections and major infrastructure investments. Here's what's happening across the Buckeye State.

Congressional races are intensifying across Ohio with several competitive matchups emerging. According to the Marietta Times, Democratic challengers have announced bids for multiple seats previously considered safely Republican. In the Dayton-area 10th District, political newcomer Kristina Knickerbocker, a nurse practitioner and Air Force veteran, is challenging Republican Mike Turner. Knickerbocker's campaign focuses on rising consumer costs and healthcare affordability, messaging that resonates as voters prioritize economic concerns. Meanwhile, in the Cleveland-area 7th District, iron worker and union organizer Brian Poindexter joined the Democratic primary race, also emphasizing affordability and economic struggles for working people. The Marietta Times reports that the nonpartisan Cook Political Report recently shifted ratings on 18 House races in favor of Democrats, signaling potential vulnerability for Republican incumbents nationwide.

On the legislative front, Ohio's H.B. 186 made significant changes to property tax policy that take effect in 2026. The Ohio Legislature reports that the rollback for owner-occupied homes will increase from 12.5 percent to 15.38 percent, while residential property rollbacks face a four-year phase-out beginning this tax year. The state will continue reimbursing local governments and schools for these changes.

Ohio's economy continues strengthening with major technology and manufacturing investments. JobsOhio announced at CES 2026 that Ohio has become a preferred location for companies scaling operations rapidly. The report highlights that Joby Aviation has announced 730,000 additional square feet of manufacturing space in Dayton, while Oklo is building two nuclear power plants in Southern Ohio. Additionally, WOSU reports that Ohio has over 100 operational data centers with another 77 expected by 2030, potentially making Columbus the second-largest data center hub in the Great Lakes region after Chicago.

Education and infrastructure projects are advancing statewide. According to the Ohio Senate, Mount Vernon City School District received $38.7 million in state funding for school construction and renovation. Wittenberg University received over $1.1 million from the Ohio Department of Development for infrastructure improvements, while Heartland Technical Education Center completed its East Wing with 900-square-foot classrooms, significantly expanded from previous 500-square-foot spaces.

Weather poses challenges this weekend. National Weather Service winter storm watches extend across southern Ohio through Sunday night, with potential significant snowfall expected across central and southern portions of the state.

Looking ahead, listeners should monitor the 2026 congressional races closely as Ohio emerges as a key battlegroun

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Ohio remains a hub of legislative activity and economic momentum as it navigates policy shifts and infrastructure investments. Top headlines include ongoing debates over reproductive rights, where Republican bills seek tighter regulations while Democrats push protections, according to Ohio Capital Journal reporter Susan Tebben. Lawmakers are also exploring a new approach to display the Ten Commandments in schools after court blocks elsewhere, and rallying against FirstEnergy's bid to ease reliability standards amid grid pressures from data centers.

In government and politics, the 136th General Assembly passed H.B. 186, modifying property tax rollbacks to boost owner-occupied home relief from 12.5% to 15.38% by 2029 while phasing out others, with payments set for August 2026 from the Expanded Sales Tax Holiday Fund, per the Ohio Legislative Service Commission. Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 urges federal changes to allow 14- and 15-year-olds limited evening work with parental consent to address labor shortages.

Business and the economy show strength, with Ohio's shale energy sector drawing $3.5 billion in direct investment during the second half of 2025, pushing cumulative totals past $114 billion, JobsOhio reports. Columbus is poised to become the Great Lakes' second-largest data center hub after Chicago, with 77 new facilities by 2030 boosting tax revenue but doubling energy use to 10.9%, according to a Cooper Center report cited by WOSU.

Community news highlights progress in Bucyrus, where Mayor Bruce Truka announced a cybersecurity overhaul, 170 jobs from IB Tech expansion, and projects like a new wastewater plant and airport terminal, per Crawford County Now. Wittenberg University secured $1.1 million from the Ohio Department of Development for energy-efficient upgrades yielding 19.5% utility savings. The Ohio Turnpike approved a $246.8 million 2026 capital budget for pavement, bridges, and smart traffic systems. No major recent weather events have disrupted the state.

An IMAX film, Ohio: Wild at Heart, celebrates the state's top-ranked parks and environmental revival from the 1969 Cuyahoga River fire, narrated by Archie Griffin and funded by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Looking Ahead: Watch for detailed Turnpike construction breakdowns in late March, Wittenberg grant impacts, data center energy policy debates, and property tax effects in rural areas.

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Ohio's political and economic landscape is shifting dramatically as the state enters a critical election year. Governor Mike DeWine has thrown his support behind Republican Vivek Ramaswamy for the 2026 gubernatorial race, endorsing him with a statement emphasizing Ohio's business momentum. According to Face the State, Ramaswamy selected Bernie McCauley as his running mate, while Democratic candidate Nan Acton chose David Pepper, the former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party and Cincinnati city councilman. The Ramaswamy campaign has already raised nearly 20 million dollars, signaling an expensive race ahead.

On the legislative front, Ohio's 136th General Assembly is actively shaping the state's future. Representative Gary Click introduced House Bill 646 on January 15, establishing a Data Center Study Commission to examine how data center development impacts agriculture and communities across Ohio. This reflects growing concerns about the rapid expansion of technology infrastructure in the state. Meanwhile, lawmakers have circulated petitions for two constitutional amendments, one to overturn Ohio's 2004 same-sex marriage ban and another to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ Ohioans and other protected groups, according to reporting from State News.

The state's economic momentum is evident beyond politics. JobsOhio highlighted Ohio's emergence as a technology hub during CES 2026 in Las Vegas, showcasing the state's capabilities in electric aircraft, advanced nuclear reactors, and artificial intelligence manufacturing. Joby Aviation announced an additional 730,000 square feet of manufacturing space in Dayton, with company leadership praising Ohio's workforce. Oklo is building two power plants in Southern Ohio while investing in a nuclear engineering department at Ohio State University. A fourth-generation family-owned manufacturing business is planning an 18-million-dollar project on Cleveland's East Side near the Opportunity Corridor, with groundbreaking expected in spring 2026.

Infrastructure investments are strengthening Ohio's communities. Wittenberg University received over 1.1 million dollars from the Ohio Department of Development for campus improvements including new lighting and building controls. Cuyahoga Community College's West Campus secured 5.7 million dollars in funding for a heating and cooling replacement project, modernizing critical HVAC infrastructure. The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission also approved approximately 170 million dollars in K-12 construction projects, including work in Mount Vernon and Oakwood schools.

Looking ahead, listeners should watch for the continued development of Ohio's 2026 gubernatorial race as both campaigns accelerate their messaging. The state's technology sector expansion shows no signs of slowing, with additional company announcements expected. Infrastructure projects throughout Ohio are set to begin their implementation phases in spring and summer months.

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Ohio's economy shows robust momentum as its shale energy sector drew 3.5 billion dollars in direct investment during the second half of 2025, pushing cumulative totals past 114 billion dollars, according to JobsOhio. Housing markets are gaining national attention, with Columbus named one of the National Association of Realtors top 10 home buying hot spots for 2026 due to steady job growth and affordable alignments between prices and incomes, while Toledo ranks fourth on Realtor.coms list. Central Ohio startups like Kaya AI and OpenTab Solutions are poised for breakthroughs, as noted by Columbus Business First.

In politics, the General Assembly reconvenes mid-January amid a May 5 primary election, with most action expected through late March, per the American Nurses Association Ohio update. Governor Mike DeWine signed property tax reforms effective 2026, including House Bills 309 and 186 that cap school levies at inflation rates and expand budget commission authority to trim high millage, as detailed in Representative Richardson's newsletter. The 2026 gubernatorial race sharpens, featuring Republican Vivek Ramaswamy with running mate McCauley and DeWine's endorsement, against Democrats Amy Acton and David Pepper, according to WBNS 10TVs Face the State.

Community investments advance education and infrastructure. State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan announced 5.7 million dollars from the Ohio Controlling Board for Cuyahoga Community Colleges West Campus HVAC upgrades, enhancing safety and workforce training. Bridgeport Schools multipurpose Bridge center progresses toward summer completion, offering STEAM labs, health services, and public venues. Wright State University secured a 3 million dollar federal grant for civic literacy programs reaching thousands of K-12 students and teachers across southwest Ohio.

Weather turned wintry, with a cold front bringing rain and snow showers to central Ohio, up to one inch near Interstate 70, WBNS 10TV reports. Northeast counties face Lake Effect Snow Warnings through Thursday, with 4 to 8 inches expected and travel hazards, per the National Weather Service via WKYC.

Looking Ahead: Watch for capital budget debates, rural health fund deployments, and Scioto County 500,000 square foot data center plans amid lake effect snow into the weekend.

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Ohio's political landscape sharpened this week as the 2026 gubernatorial race gained momentum. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy selected Senate President Rob McColley as his running mate, while Democrat Dr. Amy Acton chose former Ohio Democratic Party Chair David Pepper, according to Ideastream Public Media reports. Governor Mike DeWine endorsed Ramaswamy, praising his business acumen, as noted by WBNS 10TV's Face the State.

At the Statehouse, lawmakers reconvened after the holiday break, eyeing action through late March ahead of the May 5 primary, per the ANA-Ohio Legislative Update. Property tax reforms signed by DeWine take effect this year, with bills like House Bill 309 expanding levy modifications to curb increases, as detailed by Rep. Richardson's newsletter. The state reports $518.2 million in excess revenue midway through the fiscal year, though debates loom over a capital budget amid nursing home underpayments and rural health funding shortfalls.

Economically, Ohio secured Rural Health Transformation Program funds to bolster telehealth and school-based centers, despite federal Medicaid cuts, ANA-Ohio notes. Infrastructure advances include $97 million from Governor DeWine for roadway safety upgrades, per his office announcement, and $5.7 million for Cuyahoga Community College's West Campus HVAC modernization, championed by Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan.

Communities buzz with education progress: Bridgeport Schools' $13 million "the Bridge" center nears completion for career training and college credits by the 2026-2027 school year, WTOV9 reports. Cleveland schools prepare for a merger reducing preK-8 buildings from 61 to 45 starting next fall, Axios Cleveland states. Public safety concerns persist, from Akron's mayor mandating department-issued weapons after a 2024 shooting to flu surges doubling Northeast Ohio hospitalizations, Ideastream adds. No major recent severe weather hit Ohio, though light snow risks linger per weather.com recaps.

Looking Ahead: Watch the gubernatorial campaigns' fundraising battles, capital budget decisions, and Bridgeport's August ribbon cutting amid property tax monitoring.

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Ohio listeners are watching a state in motion this week, with politics, the economy, community changes, and winter weather all sharing the spotlight.

According to Axios Columbus, the 2026 governor’s race is taking clearer shape, with Trump-backed entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy expected to face former state health director Amy Acton as Governor Mike DeWine terms out, setting up a high-profile, outsider-versus-outsider contest for state leadership. Axios Cleveland adds that questions about schools, airports, and the Browns stadium will continue to test local and state cooperation in the year ahead.

At the Statehouse, the Ohio Nurses Association reports that lawmakers are reconvening after the holidays with a compressed calendar before the May 5 primary, likely concentrating much of their work into the next few months, including decisions on whether to pass a capital budget and how to address hundreds of millions in nursing home underpayments. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association notes that a major property-tax reform signed by Governor DeWine is rolling out this year, reshaping how industrial and commercial properties are assessed and potentially prompting technical fixes as its impact becomes clearer.

On the business front, JobsOhio says it is using the CES 2026 stage to pitch Ohio as a national leader in advanced manufacturing, AI, and aerospace, highlighting big-name investors like Intel, Honda, GE Aerospace, and Joby Aviation and emphasizing the state’s relatively low costs and deep manufacturing workforce. Columbus Business First points to a new wave of central Ohio startups to watch in 2026, suggesting that innovation is not limited to the coasts.

In communities, Axios Cleveland reports that Cleveland’s school district is moving ahead with a major consolidation plan that will cut the number of PreK–8 schools and high schools beginning in the 2026–27 year, a shift that could reshape neighborhood life and student experiences. Government Technology reports that Ohio’s Department of Education and Workforce has released a model artificial intelligence policy and is requiring every public, community, and STEM school to adopt an AI framework by July 1, 2026, signaling a statewide push to manage classroom technology use. The Ohio Technology Consortium says it expanded quantum networking, supercomputing access, and STEM programs in 2025, tying advanced research to workforce development for students.

Weather-wise, WSYX in Columbus reports a blustery pattern: light rain giving way to snow showers, gusts near 30 miles per hour, and temperatures falling from the 40s into the 20s as winter briefly tightens its grip, with only minor accumulations expected but some slick travel possible.

Looking ahead, Statehouse News Bureau reporting on the America 250 effort notes that Ohio communities are preparing events for the nation’s semiquincentennial, while political observers track the fast-developing governor’s race and school districts race to finalize AI pol

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Ohio is entering 2026 with politics, economic growth, community investments, and winter weather all shaping daily life across the state.

On the political front, the race to succeed term-limited Governor Mike DeWine is quickly defining the year. Axios reports that entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, backed by former President Donald Trump, is likely to face former state health director Amy Acton in what is expected to be a high-profile governor’s race. According to The Intelligencer, DeWine has already endorsed Ramaswamy, calling him a leader who can keep Ohio’s business momentum going. At the same time, state lawmakers are reshaping Ohio’s tax structure. GBQ Partners notes that Ohio is moving to a flat income tax of 2.75 percent on income over 26,500 dollars in 2026, part of a broader trend of lowering income taxes, highlighted nationally by the American Legislative Exchange Council.

Listeners are also seeing tangible policy changes in their wallets. Sovos reports that House Bill 186, signed in December 2025, cancels the expanded August 2026 sales tax holiday as part of a larger property tax restructuring effort, signaling a shift away from short-term tax breaks toward longer-term structural changes.

Economically, JobsOhio’s latest outlook paints a picture of robust growth. According to JobsOhio, major investments include nearly 1 billion dollars in new manufacturing in Defiance County, a 48 million dollar expansion at Vallourec’s Youngstown plant, more than 4,000 planned jobs from defense-tech firm Anduril near Rickenbacker, and a 200 million dollar expansion by digital health company Hims and Hers in central Ohio. JobsOhio leaders say these projects position the state as a national player in advanced manufacturing, energy, aerospace and defense, and AI-enabled industries.

Community and education investments are also in focus. Dayton Daily News reports that Kettering City Schools approved demolition and reconfiguration plans that will merge Van Buren Middle School into a revamped Kettering Middle School and significantly renovate Fairmont High School, a project expected to cost more than 480 million dollars with substantial state co-funding. Statewide, the Ohio Technology Consortium announced that in 2025 it expanded high-speed networking, supercomputing, and affordable learning programs that lower textbook costs, moves the consortium says are critical to research and workforce development across Ohio’s colleges and universities.

Weather remains a concern as winter deepens. Ohio Ag Net’s ag weather forecast describes a pattern of rain followed by sharply colder air, strong northwest winds, and lake-effect snow, while national outlets like iHeartRadio’s 993 The Beat report that the first major storm system of 2026 will bring heavy rain, snow, and possible flooding to the broader Ohio Valley later this week.

Looking ahead, Axios notes that Ohio’s midterm elections, the governor’s race, ongoing debates over AI data centers, and preparations for Ame

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