Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose was activated for National Guard duty as the Iran conflict intensifies. His office says the assistant secretary will cover duties while he serves.

Ohio senators approved SB214 31-1, reclassifying suppressors under state law and sending the bill to the House amid debate over hearing protection and policing.

The Ohio House approved HB217 to require law enforcement to enter missing‑person reports into the federal NamUs database within 30 days, the bill now heads to the Senate. Advocates say it closes a long‑standing reporting gap.

After their son’s death in November 2022, a Streetsboro family has pushed a bipartisan federal package named for him that would criminalize sextortion. The Senate advanced the measure in February, and local lawmakers are now urging floor votes.

A new Ohio bill would bar nonresidents who lack lawful presence from driving in the state and make violations a first‑degree misdemeanor, with citations forwarded to ICE. The measure also directs the attorney general to sue other states in specific crash cases.

Lorain’s finance committee forwarded a budget with a roughly $2.4 million shortfall to a March 30 special vote. Officials are weighing staffing moves and possible sewer and water rate hikes.

Avon Lake City Council approved a settlement with former fire chief Jeremy Betsa that includes payments to resolve his lawsuits and cover accrued sick leave. The unanimous vote aims to end months of legal fights and let the department move forward.

The Ohio Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a challenge to H.B. 68, the 2023 law that restricts gender‑affirming care for minors. Families say the ban removes critical, evidence‑based treatment from parents and clinicians.

A proposed Ohio law would exempt capital gains from state and municipal income taxes, setting up a fight over an estimated hundreds of millions in lost revenue.

City officials have recommended a five‑day suspension for the Cleveland officer who ran a red light while driving Mayor Justin Bibb's vehicle in June 2024. The Civilian Police Review Board found multiple policy violations.

Former mayor Dennis Kucinich filed an appeal after a judge tossed his suit challenging the Browns' Brook Park move, he says he'll keep fighting for taxpayers.

Columbus City Council urged lawmakers to advance a community‑energy pilot that supporters say could lower some households' electric bills while utilities warn of cost‑shifting.

HB 486, the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act, is before the Ohio Senate after a 62–27 House vote. Supporters call it a clarification, critics warn of constitutional risk.