Ohio State News and Info Tracker

Ohio's 136th General Assembly adjourned on December 30 after passing a $60 billion state budget in Amended Substitute House Bill 96, which replaced the State Election Commission with the Ohio Election Integrity Commission and lifted bans on corporate and union independent expenditures while capping ballot-issue contributions, according to stateandfed.com. Governor DeWine also signed 14 bills effective in 2026, including property tax reforms limiting increases to inflation rates and a minimum wage hike from $10.70 to $11 per hour tied to the Consumer Price Index, as reported by the Ohio Department of Commerce and local news outlets.

In Akron, law firm Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs announced its relocation to the AES Building in downtown by fall 2026, bringing 70 jobs and bolstering revitalization efforts praised by Mayor Shammas Malik and the Greater Akron Chamber, per downtownakron.com. Education saw progress with Cleveland Construction completing a 4,500-square-foot Career Technical Education classroom addition at Riverside High School ahead of schedule, funded partly by a $2.5 million state grant. However, Cleveland Metropolitan School District faces challenges, planning to close 23 buildings amid a $150 million deficit and enrollment drops, amid debates over expanded charter school funding, as noted by Plain Press.

Central Ohio headlines include a Columbus fire chief facing discipline for supervisory violations tied to a deadly investigation, per NBC4 Columbus. Public safety updates feature a Huron County man sentenced to 14 years for a mother's death, from Ohio Attorney General reports. Weather remains mild but transitional, with rain showers forecast Thursday night through Saturday delivering 0.25 to 1.5 inches statewide, followed by colder winds and possible lake-effect snow, according to Ohio Ag Weather and WBNS 10TV.

Looking Ahead: Ohio's legislature reconvenes January 5 for a full year session through December, per MultiState, with new laws on school cellphone policies and THC beverage bans taking effect. Watch for downtown Akron growth, East Palestine business openings, and North Ridgeville high school groundbreaking in spring.

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Ohio's 136th General Assembly adjourned on December 30 after passing a few dozen bills from over 900 introduced, including the two-year $60 billion state budget in Amended Substitute House Bill 96, which replaced the State Election Commission with the Ohio Election Integrity Commission and adjusted campaign finance rules, according to State and Federal Communications. Governor DeWine signed 14 new laws effective in 2026, with five addressing property tax reforms expected to save taxpayers about $3 billion by limiting increases to inflation rates, as reported by WTOL11.

In business and economy, Northeast Ohio sees momentum with Progressive Insurance's first headquarters campus heading to auction on February 2, NEOtrans notes, while Woodard Development reports 15% revenue growth in 2025 and eyes expansions, per Dayton Business Journal. The state minimum wage rises to $11 per hour for non-tipped workers starting January 1, the Ohio Department of Commerce announces.

Community news highlights education challenges: Cleveland Metropolitan School District will close 23 buildings next year to cut a $150 million deficit amid 51% enrollment drop since 2004, exacerbated by charter school growth and $105 million in new federal funds for them, Plain Press reports. New rules ban cell phones in public schools, require AI policies by July 1 via House Bill 96, and mandate overdose drugs on campuses. Infrastructure advances include Riverside High School's 4,500-square-foot classroom addition for career technical education, set for completion by summer 2026, from Cleveland Construction.

No major recent weather events reported.

Looking Ahead: The legislature reconvenes January 5, with property tax relief bills awaiting signatures, Cleveland Clinic's $1.1 billion Neurological Institute nearing structural completion, and school AI policies due mid-year.

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Ohio rings in the new year with key economic and legislative shifts shaping daily life for its residents. Top headlines include the states minimum wage rising to eleven dollars per hour for non-tipped workers and five dollars fifty cents for tipped employees, effective today, as announced by the Ohio Department of Commerce and reported by WKYC Channel 3 and Ohio Capital Journal. This two point eight percent increase, tied to inflation via a 2006 voter-approved amendment, impacts around one hundred fifty thousand workers at businesses grossing over four hundred five thousand dollars annually, according to Policy Matters Ohio.

In government and politics, the Ohio Legislature adjourned December thirtieth after passing a sixty billion dollar two-year budget in Amended Substitute House Bill 96, which dissolved the State Election Commission in favor of the Ohio Election Integrity Commission and eased restrictions on corporate political spending, per stateandfed.com. Local decisions echo fiscal pressures, like Cleveland Metropolitan School Districts plan to close twenty-three buildings and consolidate schools to address a one hundred fifty million dollar deficit amid declining enrollment, as detailed by Plain Press.

Business and economy see modest gains from the wage hike, though Ohio Chamber of Commerce CEO Steve Stivers notes market forces already push average wages up three to three point five percent annually. Education faces strains, with state investments funneling nearly one hundred five million dollars over five years to expand charter schools, announced by U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon alongside Governor DeWine, potentially diverting funds from traditional public schools. Infrastructure progresses, such as Cleveland Constructions four thousand five hundred square foot classroom addition at Riverside High School, set for completion by summer 2026 to bolster career technical education.

Public safety and community efforts continue amid stable conditions, with no major recent weather events reported.

Looking Ahead: Watch for implementation of new classroom cell phone limits, property tax reform bills awaiting Governor DeWines signature, and Mount Vernon schools facilities upgrades including new elementary buildings and high school renovations.

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Ohio wraps up 2025 with a mix of economic growth, legislative shifts, and weather challenges defining its landscape. Top headlines include the local impacts of the second Trump administration, such as tariffs, National Guard deployments, federal budget cuts, and the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, as reported by Axios Columbus. Central Ohio's rise as a data center hub brought jobs but strained electricity and water resources, while a Columbus police officer's on-duty murder conviction marked a milestone in accountability. A $1.9 billion bond package advanced housing and projects statewide.

In government and politics, the 136th General Assembly introduced bills on minimum wage hikes, AI regulations via the Ohio Right to Compute Act, and pharmacist authority for respiratory treatments, according to LegiScan. Governor Mike DeWine signed laws regulating intoxicating hemp with taxes and penalties, ending grace periods for late mail-in ballots, and approving a new GOP-leaning congressional map set through 2031, per Ohio Statehouse News Bureau and Signal Ohio. Advocates now push to repeal hemp restrictions under Senate Bill 56.

Business and economy shone brightly, with Hims & Hers Health expanding in New Albany via a $200 million project backed by JobsOhio tax credits, creating digital health jobs. AI investments hit $2.3 billion since 2019, fueling data centers and employment. State funding topped $10.5 million for industrial parks and bridges, plus $4.2 million for Columbus State equipment and Bexley development, announced by Rep. Dontavius Jarrells.

Community efforts advanced education and safety. Columbiana County Career Tech's $6.52 million expansion for auto programs stays on track for 2026. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost reported task forces seized $75 million in drugs, 440 firearms, and $4.1 million cash. Northeast Ohio battled blowing snow and high winds December 29-30, with 3-7 inches possible in snowbelt areas under NWS warnings, per WKYC.

Looking Ahead: Watch the 2026 legislative session starting soon, rural health grants over $200 million from CMS, Mount Vernon schools' May ballot for modern facilities, and Dr. Amy Acton's Democratic push amid COVID scrutiny.

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Ohio is closing out the year with a mix of political change, economic momentum, and simmering debate over the state’s future direction. According to The Statehouse News Bureau, lawmakers sent Governor Mike DeWine a relatively small slate of high-impact bills after a crowded year dominated by a new two-year, 60 billion dollar budget built around a flatter income tax and scaled-back exemptions, framed by Republican leaders as broad tax relief for households and businesses. The same outlet reports that legislators also advanced an overhaul of higher education, pushed by GOP lawmakers who argued universities had a “crisis of confidence” among conservatives, as well as a major energy bill, House Bill 15, meant to spur new power generation and modernize the grid.

Voting rules and drug policy were flashpoints. The Statehouse News Bureau notes DeWine signed legislation shortening the window for absentee ballots to be received, ending Ohio’s long-standing post–Election Day grace period, a change voting-rights advocates warn could disenfranchise mail voters. Signal Ohio reports that DeWine also approved a sweeping measure to regulate and tax intoxicating hemp products and tighten certain marijuana-related penalties, reshaping Ohio’s fast-growing cannabis-adjacent market.

Property taxes, long a source of frustration, finally saw major reform. Ohio REALTORS report that DeWine signed what they call the most significant property tax overhaul in decades, expected to deliver roughly 3 billion dollars in relief over three years by capping automatic levy growth tied to rising valuations and tightening rules on unvoted tax increases. Editorial boards like the Tribune Chronicle say those changes eased pressure but emphasize that broader tax and school-funding questions remain on the agenda for 2026.

On the economic front, Governor DeWine’s office, via local coverage from Crawford County Now, announced approval of 17 statewide development projects projected to create more than 2,300 new jobs and over 148 million dollars in new annual payroll, anchored by manufacturing expansions in Bucyrus and Wyandot County. Area Development reports that Revere Plastics Systems will invest 111 million dollars to expand in Clyde, adding nearly 400 jobs linked to components for advanced battery and AI-related technologies. At the same time, a report highlighted by The Business Journal warns that thousands of prospective clean energy jobs could be at risk if federal infrastructure and climate funding slows, underscoring the state’s dependence on national policy.

Community and education stories also stood out. Ideastream Public Media reports that Bio-Med Science Academy, a tuition-free STEM school serving more than 900 students across eight counties, secured a new home in Kent through a partnership with Kent State University, part of a broader push to align K–12 science and technology education with workforce needs. In Columbus, state representative Dontavius Jarrells announced, ac

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Ohio has approved a landmark $40 million fund to support first responders battling PTSD, marking a major win championed by the International Association of Fire Fighters. In politics, the 136th General Assembly introduced over 900 bills in 2025, with Governor Mike DeWine signing key measures including a $60 billion two-year state budget featuring a flat tax, an overhaul of higher education under Senate Bill 1, and House Bill 15 to boost energy generation. Other laws banned police arrest quotas, cracked down on dangerous dogs, and tweaked cannabis regulations, while a new congressional map emerged after partisan disputes, as reported by the Statehouse News Bureau. Active proposals include raising the minimum wage, creating a local food task force, and limiting AI regulations via the Ohio Right to Compute Act, per LegiScan.

Economically, Ohio's job market showed signs of weakening, with September unemployment dipping slightly to 4.8% but the state losing 2,000 jobs and labor force participation falling to 62.4%, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and analysts at The Buckeye Institute. Construction added jobs nationally, but local pressures persist amid inflation. Positive notes include $4.2 million in state funding announced by Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells for Columbus State equipment and Bexley development.

Communities saw education pushes like Bath Local Schools advancing a $56 million high school bond for May ballots, per WLIO, amid statewide funding woes echoed by Fairfield Schools. Infrastructure advanced with Butler Tech's new aviation and bioscience centers set for early 2026.

No major recent weather events disrupted the state.

Looking Ahead, watch for pending bills on minimum wage and elections before the 2026 session end, Bath's bond vote, and economic reports clarifying job trends amid federal delays.

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Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced a nearly 150 million dollar multistate settlement with Mercedes-Benz for selling diesel vehicles with illegal emissions-cheating software from 2008 to 2016, affecting over 7,600 vehicles in the state, according to the Ohio Attorney General's office. Governor Mike DeWine signed landmark property tax reforms into law, delivering over 3 billion dollars in relief to homeowners by curbing unvoted tax hikes and closing loopholes, as reported by Ohio REALTORS. The state approved 17 economic development projects expected to create more than 2,300 jobs, including expansions by companies like SencorpWhite in Hamilton adding 230 positions and CareSource in Dayton with 167 new roles, per announcements from Governor DeWine's office and the Ohio Department of Development. In education, districts like Olentangy and Salem advanced facilities plans, with Olentangy eyeing new schools to manage enrollment growth and Salem adding classrooms to its K-8 project on budget for 2027 completion.

The 136th General Assembly sent only a few dozen of over 900 introduced bills to DeWine, including higher education overhauls amid reduced GOP gridlock, according to Ideastream Public Media. Weather remains mild with no recent significant events, though scattered rain showers are forecast from Christmas Eve through the 26th, bringing a few hundredths to half an inch statewide, as noted by Ohio Ag Weather and the National Weather Service.

Looking Ahead, watch for property tax changes hitting 2026 bills, new school funding votes like Independence's May ballot issue, and potential cold snaps after mild holiday rains. Bipartisan pushback grows on federal AI policies and data center expansions amid electricity concerns.

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Ohio wraps up 2025 with a blend of economic momentum and political anticipation amid winter challenges. Governor Mike DeWine approved 17 economic development projects expected to create 2,347 jobs and retain 8,592 more, with over $1.1 billion in investments, according to the Ohio Governors Office. Standouts include SencorWhite's 230-job relocation to Hamilton from Massachusetts and CareSource's 167-job expansion in Dayton, both backed by Job Creation Tax Credits. Separately, DeWine announced 12 projects adding over 1,100 jobs in data centers and digital health, as reported by Ohio Tech News, though data center growth faces rising public pushback over electricity costs. Despite these wins, analysts note a weakening job market, with Ohio's labor force participation at 62.4% and increased unemployment claims topping 50,000 last week per the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. An Emerson College poll shows the economy as the top concern for 44% of voters.

In politics, the 136th General Assembly saw DeWine sign multiple bills into law on December 19, per his office, while House Bill 575 proposes process tweaks to the Current Agricultural Use Valuation program for fairness, awaiting 2026 action according to the OSU Farm Office. The Columbus Dispatch recapped 2025's big political moments, eyeing midterm races ahead.

Communities focus on growth: Olentangy Schools plan stadium upgrades and new facilities to combat overcrowding projected for 2026-27, while Salem K-8 adds six classrooms to its $55.8 million buildout, staying on budget as stated by Treasurer Michael Douglas. Broadband expansion along US Route 30 seeks applicants through January, investing $20 million in middle-mile infrastructure, Lydia Mihalik of the Ohio Department of Development noted.

Recent weather brought arctic blasts and lake-effect snow to Northeast Ohio, with gusts to 50 mph, flash freezes, and up to 3 inches in snow belts per WKYC forecasts, following a December 13 storm dumping inches across southern counties as covered by Peoples Defender.

Looking Ahead: Watch for CAUV changes in the New Year, data center debates, and 2026 midterms shaping Ohios economy and policies.

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Ohio leaders have allocated over 16 million dollars for events marking America's 250th birthday in 2026, including a 1.4 million dollar free movie series and a 525 thousand dollar Buckeye Train ride, though the commission faces limited state oversight according to The Intelligencer. Governor Mike DeWine announced approval of 17 economic development projects statewide, poised to create 2,347 jobs and retain 8,592 more while sparking over 1.1 billion dollars in investments, with standout expansions by SencorpWhite in Hamilton adding 230 positions and CareSource in Dayton bringing 167, as reported by the Ohio Governors office. The 136th General Assembly wrapped 2025 with pro-business wins like House Bill 105 on litigation financing disclosure and four property tax reform measures saving homeowners about 2 billion dollars over coming years, per NFIB, amid active bills on minimum wage hikes, AI regulations, and pharmacist testing authority tracked by LegiScan.

In education, Governor DeWine released science of reading audit results for colleges, pushing literacy improvements, while Salem K-8 schools added four classrooms to their 55.8 million dollar construction project set for 2027 completion, including tech upgrades and outdoor learning areas. Public safety efforts advanced in Dayton where Felons with a Future partnered with Cure Violence Global for violence interruption. Employment grew by 65,400 nonagricultural jobs from September 2024 to 2025 per Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, with eastern counties investing in infrastructure for future growth. No major recent weather events disrupted the state.

Looking Ahead: The legislature reconvenes late January 2026 with bills on high-volume dog breeders, local food task forces, and firearm devices in play; Central Park construction in Middleburg Heights starts early next year; and semiquincentennial celebrations ramp up.

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Ohio listeners are waking up to a busy stretch of news across the Buckeye State, from Statehouse maneuvering on cannabis and housing to new investments in schools, jobs, and infrastructure.

At the Statehouse, lawmakers wrapped up much of their 2025 work with a series of tax and regulatory moves that will echo into next year. The National Federation of Independent Business says the General Assembly sent four property tax reform bills to the governor that are expected to save homeowners about $2 billion over the coming years, while also advancing “third-party litigation financing” disclosure rules under House Bill 105 to increase transparency in civil lawsuits, measures NFIB calls wins for small business. According to NFIB’s Ohio year-end recap, lawmakers also appropriated $40 million for a new Post Traumatic Stress Fund under the Department of Public Safety and saw Governor Mike DeWine veto Senate Bill 50, which would have allowed 14- and 15-year-olds to work later on school nights.

Cannabis policy remains a top headline. WOUB Public Media reports that a sweeping bill changing Ohio’s recreational cannabis framework and banning many intoxicating hemp beverages is now on Governor DeWine’s desk, reshaping elements of the voter-approved adult-use system and phasing out drinkable cannabinoid products by the end of 2026. A press release from Representative Brian Lorenz’s office says Democratic leaders argue Senate Bill 56 “overrides the will” of the 57 percent of voters who backed Issue 2 in 2023, adding new criminal provisions, removing workplace protections for cannabis users, and tightening expungement, even as it finally directs long-delayed host-community funds to local governments.

On the economic front, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reports that weekly jobless claims for the first week of December remained relatively stable, suggesting a labor market that is cooling but still resilient heading into year’s end. In eastern Ohio, the Daily Jeffersonian notes that several counties are investing in industrial expansions and infrastructure upgrades, with at least one major expansion announced this year and other companies weighing significant capital and job-retention commitments, part of a broader push to position the region for future growth.

Community investment in education and infrastructure is also in the spotlight. The Morning Journal reports that Crestview Local Schools are moving ahead with a new PreK–12 campus funded by a voter-approved bond issue, with occupancy targeted for the 2026–27 school year and design features focused on safety, collaboration, and community access. Future Plans and New Lexington Schools say a $16.4 million workforce development center is under way in Perry County to align career and technical education with regional labor needs through partnerships with Genesis Healthcare and the county board of developmental disabilities.

Weather has made its presence felt. The Columbus Dispatch reports that a

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