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 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.

House Bill 20 would let first responders set a 14‑foot halo and order people back; supporters call it safety, critics say it could chill protest and recording.

Franklin County gave Columbus until May 1 to settle unpaid jail invoices or the county will refuse to accept city-code arrestees.

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.

City and school leaders launched a joint committee to inventory district land, pilot a community-campus program at Northland High and explore housing and service partnerships.

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.

A Clark County Board of Elections member has died and rival GOP factions are disputing who can nominate his replacement ahead of the May 5 primary. Legal counsel has been tapped as officials weigh the competing claims.

New ALA data shows thousands of titles were challenged in 2025, in Ohio a cluster of Rick Riordan’s novels landed on local hit lists as boards and groups pushed reviews.

Columbus City Council is set to consider a $750,000 settlement with a retired police sergeant who sued over alleged discrimination, the deal would restore his rank if approved.