Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine

Ohioans received $182.57 million from unclaimed funds in the 2026 fiscal year, nearly tripling the previous year's payout. State lawmakers allocated $1 billion of unclaimed funds to support sports stadiums, including $600 million for a Cleveland Browns stadium. A lawsuit challenges this allocation by former lawmakers.

Ohio University will receive $10 million from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program to address healthcare workforce needs in rural communities. The funding, part of Ohio's total $202 million allocation, will support programs like summer camps, career fairs, and apprenticeships for students.

The Ohio Capital Journal's roundup highlights a Supreme Court ruling impacting Haitian immigrants' work permits, Ohio's governor vetoing an outdoor recreation funding cut, and cities opening cooling centers amid a heatwave.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has called for abolishing the death penalty, but his late-term appeal faces strong opposition from Republican state leaders, making meaningful impact unlikely. DeWine's proposal lacks support from the Ohio Statehouse and his appointed attorney general, who rejected commuting death row sentences.

The Great American State Fair opened on the National Mall as part of the Trump administration's Freedom 250 celebration, featuring state exhibits, cultural displays, and events like a rodeo and mini-golf. The fair includes a Ferris wheel and Trump's controversial 'triumphal arch' model, with additional events planned for Independence Day and August.

The Great American State Fair opened on the National Mall as part of President Trump’s Freedom 250 celebration, with states showcasing cultural and agricultural exhibits. Activities included mini-golf, rodeos, and a Ferris wheel, with future events like the Patriot Games and an INDYCAR race planned.

The Great American State Fair opened on the National Mall as part of President Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 celebration, featuring state exhibits, cultural displays, and events like a Ferris wheel and rodeo. The fair includes speeches by Trump, a fireworks display over Independence Day, and future events such as the Patriot Games and an INDYCAR race.

Arizona is becoming a test case for AI-driven data center growth amid challenges with energy demand and water scarcity. Regulators and tech companies are addressing infrastructure costs, tax incentives, and cooling technologies to balance development with resource constraints.

The Ohio Supreme Court is deciding whether cities can ban flavored tobacco products under the state's home rule amendment, with Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Toledo among the 21 cities challenging a state law that overrides local bans. The ruling could determine the extent of municipal authority to regulate issues like tobacco sales without conflicting with state laws.

Ohio Republican lawmakers passed a bill requiring absentee voters to provide a copy of their driver's license or state ID starting with the November 2027 election. The bill, which originated as a measure to waive birth certificate fees for homeless individuals, was amended to include ID requirements and passed the Senate 23-10 and the House 60-34. Supporters argue it strengthens election integrity, while opponents claim it will make voting harder for seniors and marginalized groups.

Twelve people were injured in a mass shooting near a Toledo neighborhood festival, with officials and advocates responding. Ohio politicians expressed concern and called for gun violence prevention laws as the community seeks help identifying suspects.

Multiple people were shot near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, prompting an ongoing police search for suspects. Social media videos showed chaos as attendees fled gunfire, and a witness reported seeing several victims with gunshot wounds. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine expressed concern about the violence disrupting a family-friendly event.