Policy Matters Ohio says Ohio lost about 5,400 payroll jobs in February while an estimated 2,000 people left the labor force — masking real weakness beneath the unemployment rate. Public-sector cuts were a major driver.

A magistrate recommended dismissing a challenge to permits for two DeepRock injection wells near Marietta — a move that could let the company drill despite local water‑safety concerns.

Robert Sprague’s new campaign ad vows to eliminate Ohio’s ballot drop boxes, reigniting a fight between county election officials and partisan critics. The pledge could reshape absentee voting ahead of the May 5 primary.

A former Cleveland IT project manager says she faced racist, sexist slurs on the job and was fired after complaining; she’s suing the city and seeking her job back.

A Senate committee unanimously advanced House Bill 359 — the Joshua Alert — which would require immediate statewide notices when minors with developmental disabilities go missing. Supporters point to drowning and elopement data to argue faster alerts save lives.

A New York Times poll and FEC filings show Derek Merrin leading Republicans in Ohio’s redrawn 9th District as the May 5 primary approaches.

The Pentagon directed the termination of most DoD collective‑bargaining agreements; AFGE says more than 600 civilian workers at DFAS Cleveland lost contract protections. Union leaders vow legal challenges.

Scattered temporary closures and lease reviews have left some people unsure whether their local Social Security office is open; here’s how to check and who to call.

A Beachwood lawmaker plans to introduce a medical aid‑in‑dying bill and will speak at a Statehouse press conference Thursday, advocates and opponents are already lining up.

Senators Schaffer and Brenner filed SB 422 to bar Tier II and III sex offenders from schools and child‑care sites, with limited exceptions and stepped‑up penalties.

A newly filed disclosure shows Vivek Ramaswamy holds a stake in 8VC, the venture firm tied to Anduril — the defense company getting $830M+ in Ohio incentives. Ethics questions have followed.

At a Perry roundtable, lawmakers said they might limit local vetoes over nuclear and data‑center projects as electricity demand surges. The convening put residents and industry face‑to‑face.

Twenty‑six Fairview Park residents sued to stop the city’s proposed purchase of 22100 Mastick Road, saying officials rushed the plan and failed to study alternatives.