S.B. 278 cleared the Ohio Senate on April 15, a bill that would let private plaintiffs seek punitive damages from cities that pass local gun-safety laws. Columbus and other cities say they will fight the change in court.

Gov. Mike DeWine named Pamela A. Hawkins to the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations bench. Hawkins will take office May 4, 2026 and must run in November to retain the seat.

Painesville and Wickliffe have put earned-income levies on the May ballot after state funding cuts forced layoffs and program reductions.

Early voting is underway in Lorain County, key registration, mail‑ballot and ballot‑curing dates are listed for the May 5 primary.

Shaker Heights' inaugural DEI chief left this month after filing an EEOC charge alleging discrimination, the agency has escalated the case with a commissioner charge. The dispute raises questions about how the district handles equity and internal complaints.

A viral X video shows GOP hopeful Casey Putsch aiming a rifle and taunting Vivek Ramaswamy. Critics called the clip a threat and a Columbus venue scrubbed a planned fundraiser.

Barberton City Council voted 6-2 to begin removal proceedings for Mayor Bill Judge and asked independent counsel to draft formal charges under the city charter.

A new Ohio dashboard shows roughly 25% of students were chronically absent last year. State officials say weekly school-level data should help communities act faster.

A 6.9‑mill operating levy is on Lakewood’s May 5 ballot, district leaders say it would raise about $12.3M a year, but opponents point to recent school repurposing.

Ohio’s Child Care Cred pilot has 21 employers and 144 children enrolled, but advocates say the $10M, year-long program will reach only a sliver of families who need help. Employers and parents each pay 40% while the state chips in 20%.

Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack told CNBC her baseline is that rates will stay on hold "for a good while," while warning data could force moves either way.

Ohio will ban synthetic kratom compounds statewide May 14 while natural kratom leaf remains under review. The rule targets engineered derivatives like 7‑OH.

House Bill 820 would require radon testing in every Ohio school and back the program with $14 million and homeowner tax credits. The measure also sets a four‑year testing schedule.