Week in Review July 13, 2026
- Thomas M. Zaino
- 1 hour ago
- 27 min read
This report reflects the latest happenings in government relations, in and around the Ohio statehouse. You’ll notice that it’s broad in nature and on an array of topics, from A-Z. This will be updated on a weekly basis.
Please feel free to share it with anyone else you believe may find it of interest, as well. Also, please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions, concerns or if we can be of any assistance.
AGING
The Ohio State University (OSU) recently established a new Institute on Aging, a university-wide effort working to unite faculty, clinicians and educators to strengthen scientific research, improve care and meet the growing needs of an aging population. The effort connects more than 50 faculty members across 13 colleges and more than 25 centers, programs and collaborative initiatives, drawing on the university's strengths in science, medicine and community engagement, OSU said.
ARTS, SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Buckeye State ranks best in the U.S. for sports fans, according to a recent report by technology company SmileHub. The second through fifth states were New York, Pennsylvania, California and Illinois, while the five lowest-ranked states were Alabama, New Mexico, Idaho, Alaska and Hawaii. Other ranks for neighboring states included Indiana, seventh; Michigan, 13th; Kentucky, 27th; and West Virginia, 45th. SmileHub also ranked states by three subcategories, with Ohio second nationally and first among its neighbors in sports interest and success; fourth nationally and first among neighbors in sports careers and income; and fifth nationally and second among neighbors in access to sports. Pennsylvania led that subcategory at fourth in the nation.
FY26-27 BUDGET
Summarizing what is her final full fiscal year, Office of Budget and Management (OBM) Director Kimberley Murnieks told Hannah News Monday that the state ended FY26 "on a strong note. Its fiscal position has never been stronger." Specifically, the state brought in nearly $1.8 billion over estimates, according to the preliminary data released by OBM. The state brought in a total of $30.9 billion - 6.1 percent higher than the estimated revenue of nearly $29.2 billion. And rather surprisingly, the personal income tax, which has been repeatedly cut by the Legislature, brought in $1.1 billion of that excess. However, Murnieks pointed out that was largely driven by strong returns by the stock market in 2025 - something that "may or may not" happen again. Of the $1.8 billion excess revenue, the Legislature appropriated $1.2 billion as part of budget correction bill HB479 (Schmidt). Those appropriations include the following:
$35 million to the state's Rainy Day Fund, taking it slightly over $4 billion - "the highest balance ever."
$320 million for the Expanded Sales Tax Holiday Fund which reimburses the state General Revenue Fund (GRF) and local governments for foregone sales tax revenues from the sales tax holiday. Murnieks explained that while the sales tax holiday in 2026 will run for three days over a weekend, the 2027 holiday is to run 15 days.
$350 million for a one-year property tax reduction for those who receive the homestead exemption.
$310 million to replenish funds transferred out of the Medicaid Reserve Fund to pay the state's share of money owed Ohio nursing homes under the Supreme Court's 2025 decision in LeadingAge Ohio v. Ohio Dept. of Medicaid.
$200 million to the state's Debt Service Reduction Fund to use for a portion of the capital appropriations in lieu of issuing debt or to pay down existing debt to "save future interest costs," Murnieks explained.
BUSINESS/CORPORATE
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) recently released its jobs report for June, finding the Small Business Employment Index was "essentially flat" as it went from 100.3 in May to 100.2 in June. That was the fourth consecutive month the index declined and it is below the 2025 average of 101.2, but remains slightly above the historical average of 100.0.
The Ohio Chamber Research Foundation recently announced the appointment of Melissa Powers as legal climate fellow and Kenny McDonald as economic development fellow. The Fellows Program engages experienced leaders and subject-matter experts to provide research, insights, and thought leadership on the issues most impacting Ohio's business climate, the chamber said. Through the initiative, fellows collaborate with policymakers, business leaders, and stakeholders to advance data-driven solutions that support economic growth and job creation.
While the Legislature is on summer break, a pair of digital advertising trucks outside the Statehouse touted Ohio's recognition as the "top state for business" under CNBC rankings released on Thursday. The Buckeye State was ranked fifth by CNBC in 2025. Gov. Mike DeWine joined CNBC Special Correspondent Scott Cohn in an appearance on the network to announce that recognition, saying it was "a good way to go out" with his term ending in January. DeWine highlighted the importance of JobsOhio as a private entity and state government actions to make the state more business friendly. He further noted Ohio's natural resources, the H2Ohio program, and its effort to "win with people.”
FY27-28 CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS
Travel between campuses of the Ohio School for the Deaf and Ohio State School for the Blind should be faster and easier in the future after lawmakers agreed to the capital budget funding request for a new bridge. The two campuses on the North side of Columbus abut one another but sit on opposite sides of Bill Moose Run, a stream and ravine. That means about two miles of travel on foot or by car along public roads to get from one school to the other. Of the $13.6 million provided to Ohio Deaf and Blind Education Services - the umbrella agency for the schools - in SB450 (Cirino), $10.1 million will fund the Campus Connector, a drivable and walkable bridge over Bill Moose Run. In requesting the money, Ohio Deaf and Blind Education Services said staff frequently travel between the campuses multiple times per day, meaning the bridge will cut fuel use, vehicle wear and tear and travel time.
CHILDREN/FAMILIES
Bipartisan legislation that would eliminate marriage for those under the age of 18 did not clear the Senate before lawmakers went on their summer break last month despite a push by an advocacy group and clearing committee on a unanimous vote. Still, Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) told reporters before the break that he supports SB341 (DeMora-Blessing) and thinks there is a "good chance we are still going to pass it," despite its delay. However, the bill still needs to clear the House before it could be sent to the governor for his signature. While lawmakers in previous years eliminated marriage for those ages 16 and under, it is still legal under Ohio law to marry at the age of 17 with juvenile court approval and under certain conditions. Under SB341, introduced earlier this year by Sens. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) and Louis Blessing (R-Cincinnati), the absolute age requirement for marriage would be set at 18.
The DeWine administration is planning to send an additional $1 million in funds to Vinton County to help local children services officials address an ongoing child abuse case. Earlier this month, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant on a Hamden residence in Vinton County, removing 16 children and placing them in temporary custody of children services. "The conditions these children lived in were horrific, and we are sickened by it. Fortunately, this tragic chapter has closed, but their recovery will take time," Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain said after the children were removed. Four individuals -- Gary Siders Jr., Elizabeth Siders, Gary Siders Sr. and Christina Siders - have been charged with 17 counts of endangering children, a second-degree felony. The Department Children and Youth (DCY) will be going before the Controlling Board Monday, July 13 seeking approval of the last-minute addition to the board's agenda that will transfer $1 million from the Controlling Board's Emergency Purposes/Contingencies Fund to DCY for use in Vinton County.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/URBAN REVITALIZATION
JobsOhio released its statutorily-required strategic plan for the new fiscal year as well as a 2025 annual report, with the strategic plan building on the economic development entity's efforts for 2025 to 2030. The plan, released June 30 and titled "a vision for economic competitiveness," listed the following action areas to help the state "capitalize on exciting new opportunities:"
Sites and Infrastructure: A Strategic Roadmap
Advancing Ohio's Talent and Workforce Strategy
Leading through Innovation
Maintaining Ohio's Leading Business Climate
Better Living, Stronger Ohio
Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development (DOD) announced Wednesday the state will provide over $110 million in the Transformational Mixed-Use Development Program's fifth round, with the funds expected to create more than $318 million in new payroll and generate $1.3 billion in investments. Thirteen projects will be supported in this round, spread across 10 communities. The previous rounds led to total awards of $400 million to 49 projects, resulting in nearly $4.9 billion in new payroll and $8.3 billion in investments around Ohio.
ECONOMY
The U.S. saw an increase of 57,000 jobs in May while the unemployment rate saw little change at 4.2 percent, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data released Thursday, July 2. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services, social assistance and health care, while leisure and hospitality lost jobs. BLS said the number of unemployed people totaled 7.1 million, also little changed from May and over the year. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates showed little or no change in June for adult men (3.9 percent), adult women (3.7 percent), teenagers (14.6 percent), and people who are White (3.6 percent), Black (6.6 percent), Asian (3.9 percent), or Hispanic (5.2 percent). The number of long-term unemployed, those jobless for 27 weeks or more, was little changed at 1.9 million in June but is up by 286,000 over the year. That group accounted for 27.3 percent of all unemployed people in June.
Researchers with the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) discussed signals of vulnerabilities in the economy and potential policy responses Thursday, July 9 in a virtual briefing. The "State of Working America" economic briefing for the second quarter of 2026 featured labor economist Valerie Wilson, senior economist Elise Gould and chief economist Josh Bivens. Gould said the labor market for the past year and a half has been "clearly softer" than in 2023 and 2024, noting a hiring rate resembling 2011 and 2012 levels, when unemployment was much higher. That indicates workers are hesitant to leave jobs, employers are sitting tight with existing employees, and younger workers are having a harder time breaking into the market, she said. Gould said the employment-to-population ratio is "consistent with a non-immigration economy."
EDUCATION
Late Thursday, July 2 the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) announced that it is beginning an investigation into Columbus City Schools in regard to spring 2026 state tests. According to DEW, "The district self-reported anomalies with testing results at two schools -- Independence High School and Walnut Ridge High School -- and that the district would be invalidating spring scores for all state tests in all subjects at these two schools. Information has also been forwarded to the State Board of Education's Office of Professional Conduct."
The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OSHAA) recently announced the new divisional breakdowns for the state's winter sports teams tournaments based on updated enrollment data from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW). Nearly 350 teams from boys basketball, girls basketball, swimming and diving, and bowling will play in new divisions during the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 seasons following DEW's biennial updates to the number of students that actually play on each team's respective roster. OHSAA's updated division lists for each sport can be found at the following links:
The Ohio Pupil Transportation Workgroup was created in budget bill HB96 (Stewart) to look at ways to improve student transportation has recommended that all students, whether they attend a public or private school, should be guaranteed transport to their school of choice, as well as the end of a designation schools may use to get around the state requirement.
The State Board of Education announced Wednesday the following cohort of 11 District "Teachers of the Year" who will be considered for the 2027 Ohio "Teacher of the Year" award:
District 1 - Kasey Church, who teaches special education students in grades 6-12 at Napoleon Junior/Senior High School.
District 2 - Melissa Kowalski, a grades 7-12 science teacher in Put-in Bay Schools on South Bass Island.
District 3 - Sarah Walters, a literacy instructional support specialist in Troy City Schools.
District 4 - Aaron Parker, who teaches agricultural career-tech courses in Cincinnati Public Schools.
District 5 - Rebecca Minton, an agriculture education teacher at Peebles High School in Adams County Ohio Valley Schools.
District 6 - Taya Kidd, who teaches second-grade students at French Run Elementary in Reynoldsburg City Schools.
District 7 - Tom Hering, who teaches high school English at Rutherford B. Hayes High School in Delaware City Schools.
District 8 - Elizabeth Barkan, head band director for middle and high school at Fairless Local Schools in Stark County.
District 9 - Ralena Bevington, orchestra and music teacher in Canton City Schools.
District 10 - Rachel Johnson, who teaches students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing at Akron Public Schools.
District 11 - Angela Bowman, an intervention specialist with Cleveland Metropolitan Schools.
The Ohio Supreme Court agreed this week to add a second case to its docket on the question of whether courts or the State Employment Relations Board (SERB) should handle disagreements on union dues deductions. In March, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case of Matthew Sheldon, a Carrollton Exempted Village Schools employee who ended his membership with the local Ohio Association of School Employees (OAPSE) affiliate but continued to see dues withdrawn from his paycheck. The Seventh District Appeals Court agreed with a trial court ruling that concluded jurisdiction in the dispute rested with SERB, prompting Sheldon to go to the Supreme Court. Around the same time that justices took up Sheldon's case, the Sixth District Court of Appeals arrived at a similar conclusion as the Seventh District in the case of Katrina Vanderveer, a Pike-Delta-York Local Schools paraprofessional who also quit her local OAPSE affiliate and tried unsuccessfully to stop the deduction of union dues. The dispute is the latest in a series of lawsuits over dues since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2018 in the case Janus v. AFSCME that public sector labor unions cannot require non-members to pay fees for collective bargaining activities.
The DEW K-12 Industry-Recognized Credential Review Committee met for the second time Thursday to continue conversation regarding new credential bundles to add to the state's industry-recognized credential list. The department will now collect recommended credential bundles from school districts, businesses and credential venders via an application process intended to provide stakeholders with a way to propose different bundle combinations. According to DEW official Josh Miller, the application will open Saturday, Aug. 1, and close Saturday, Oct. 31. Application responses will be reviewed and evaluated during the committee’s meeting in November.
ELECTIONS
Secretary of State Frank LaRose Tuesday issued a new warning to Ohio voters about what he said are confusing and unsolicited mailings from outside groups that may mimic official sources. LaRose said his office has been made aware of recent voter registration mailers, including to individuals who are already registered at their current address. He said concerns have been raised about similar mailings in other states such as North Carolina that reportedly included outdated voter registration materials, inaccurate voter data, mail sent to deceased individuals, incorrect return information, and QR codes raising privacy concerns. "These groups claim they're helping voters, but careless mass mailings often do the opposite," said LaRose. "They confuse already-registered voters, create unnecessary work for county boards of elections, and undermine confidence in the process."
LaRose Wednesday praised a federal judge's order restoring features of the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) after they were disabled in the wake of another federal ruling last month. U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II ordered the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately restore newer features to the system implemented by the Trump administration, including the ability of states using the system to check voter eligibility to bulk-upload files and a Social Security number search function.
ELECTIONS 2026
Will Democrats be able to break the Republican supermajority in the Ohio House? Can Republicans add to their near historic numbers in either chamber? While it is unlikely either chamber would flip to Democrats in the fall, a number of races on the ballot could help decide whether majority Republicans will be able to overcome a governor's veto should Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton win, or whether Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy will be governing with a smaller majority than his predecessor did. Hannah News identified 20 legislative races in the Ohio House and Senate that partisan indexes suggest could be in play, though the candidates themselves will be the ultimate deciding factor.
Sen. Kent Smith (D-Euclid) said Tuesday that he has filed a complaint with the secretary of state's Public Integrity Division against the campaign of Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy, charging the campaign failed to disclose specifics of its expenditures. The complaint argues that the Ramaswamy campaign has not itemized the expenditures it made with its campaign credit card from April 2025 to June 2026, "masking the purpose of each expenditure."
Scott Charland, a strength and conditioning coach from Lewis Center, has been chosen by Democrats in the 19th Senate District to replace nominee Janet Wagner, who has withdrawn from the race. Charland will now face Republican nominee Ryan Rivers in November for the seat currently held by term-limited Sen. Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware).
Speaking to CNBC Special Correspondent Scott Cohn about Ohio's new recognition as the "top state for business,” Gov. Mike DeWine briefly addressed the race to succeed him and how businesses can expect a predictable environment regardless of who is elected. DeWine told CNBC he's endorsed Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy, noting his focus on economic development and education, but said it is a "close race" and "dead even" in recent polling between Ramaswamy and Democratic nominee Dr. Amy Acton. Asked by Cohn if he thought it would be a "tragedy" for Ohio if Acton were elected, DeWine -- who noted he'd selected Acton to serve as director of the Ohio Department of Health in his first term -- said Ohio governors are "either center-left or center-right."
One Nation PAC announced on Wednesday the organization is launching a $28 million advocacy campaign across broadcast, cable, satellite, radio and digital platforms in support of U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH). The first TV ad of the campaign touts Husted's support in the U.S. Senate for veterans and active-duty troops.
The following endorsements have been made since July 2:
The campaign of Democratic attorney general nominee John Kulewicz announced the endorsement of the Dayton Building and Construction Trades Council.
The campaign of Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton announced the endorsement of the Ohio State Council of Machinists.
ENERGY/UTILITIES
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has awarded AES Ohio's half million customers substantial restitution but not the $83 million in "significantly excessive earnings" the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) says they're owed based on R.C. 4928.143(F) and a proper reading of the Ohio Supreme Court's unanimous 2025 decision ordering commissioners to recalculate a possible refund after originally denying one. All five PUCO commissioners, who typically vote in tandem, agreed Wednesday that AES a/k/a Dayton Power & Light (DP&L) must return $11.1 million in windfall profits to every customer class for 2019 despite their previous determination that the utility owed ratepayers nothing after offsetting "future committed investments." OCC had moved for rehearing, but PUCO declined. Commissioners still say consumers are due nothing for 2018, however.
ENVIRONMENT
The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) has approved up to $4.05 million in financing for three projects in Franklin, Montgomery and Butler counties, the agency recently announced. The projects will improve building infrastructure and operational efficiency, reduce utility costs and support continued economic investment in Ohio communities, OAQDA said, noting the projects are expected to achieve energy savings of more than 50 percent. Grantees include Zahra Investments, Ltd. in Dayton; 5661 Harrison Ave, LLC, a real estate entity in Columbus; and Garver Road Investment, LLC, a real estate entity in Monroe.
GAMING/GAMBLING
Lottery Commission Finance Director Ed Slyman summarized the results of FY26, which ended in June. Preliminary sales for traditional lottery products generated $4.4 billion, an increase of $24.2 million and 0.6 percent above FY25. Draw-based game sales amounted to approximately $2 billion, an increase of $96.8 million or 5 percent from FY25. VLT net win totals reached $1.46 billion, an increase of $65.4 million or 4.7 percent over FY25, with the Lottery Commission's portion totaling $490.5 million and $21.9 million more than FY25. Slyman said that was unexpected, providing further granular details on FY26 revenue.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY/STATEHOUSE
The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) this week appealed to those with a love of Ohio history in seeking volunteer guides for the Ohio Statehouse. CSRAB said the Ohio Statehouse and Education Center is looking to recruit new volunteers to serve as tour guides of the Statehouse, which hosts more than 70,000 visitors each year. Multiple tours of the Ohio Statehouse are offered daily, except on state holidays, for both the public and for pre-booked groups like schools. Those looking to be a volunteer tour guide can find the application form HERE. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and will be required to pass a security background check.
GOVERNOR
Gov. Mike DeWine has declared a state of emergency in Mahoning County after severe weather passed through the area on Sunday. He toured the areas with significant storm damage Monday with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency. "By declaring a state of emergency, we're able to expedite state assistance in communities that need help with cleanup," DeWine said in a prepared statement. "We want to do everything we can to help those impacted by this storm recover and move forward." The declaration directs all relevant state of Ohio departments and agencies to lend their services, equipment, supplies, and personnel as necessary to assist in the cleanup effort.
The governor signed the following bills:
HB20 (T. Hall-Plummer) to modify the offense of obstructing official business when the victim is an emergency service responder, to increase the penalty for obstructing official business when the victim is an emergency service responder who is engaged in the lawful performance of a legal duty, and to clarify that heightened penalties apply for menacing a probation officer.
HB105 (Craig-J. Thomas) to revise and supplement state regulations concerning non-recourse litigation funding agreements.
HB195 (Isaacsohn-A. Mathews) to make changes to the Ohio Uniform Commercial Code and to make changes regarding billing for reimbursement of pay for retired judges serving as active judges.
HB210 (Roemer-Plummer) regarding the sale of used catalytic converters.
HB251 (Willis) to establish requirements related to the use and purchase of an unmanned aerial vehicle by law enforcement and other public entities and to expressly incorporate additional aviation facilities into the Aeronautics Law.
HB292 (T. Mathews-Santucci) to establish the Ohio Defense and Space Advisory Commission and the Defense and Aerospace Industries Expansion Program, under which the Department of Development may make grants, and to make an appropriation.
HB297 (Ritter-Newman) to increase the amount a county may provide to military and veterans organizations, and civic organizations, for Memorial Day expenses.
HB433 (Klopfenstein-Fowler Arthur) to revise various laws governing agriculture.
HB492 (Ray-Abrams) to expand the prohibition against interfering with arrest to all motor vehicle-related laws and require drivers and passengers to disclose their name, address, and date of birth to a peace officer on request.
HB533 (K. Miller) to add to the list of vehicles that can be used to commit a vehicular homicide or vehicular assault.
HB541 (McClain) to designate a portion of U.S. Route 42 in Morrow County as the "Deputy Daniel 'Weston' Sherrer Memorial Highway."
SB162 (Blessing) regarding the timeframe for health insurer recoupment from health care providers.
SB276 (Roegner) to ratify the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists, to modify the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact), to require, instead of permit, continuing education for massage therapists, regarding the success sequence curriculum, to require the Department of Education and Workforce to submit a report regarding a single, statewide hybrid assessment system, and to enact the Student Athlete Mobility (SAM) Act regarding student petitions to participate in extracurricular activities at neighboring public schools.
SB315 (Schaffer-Craig) regarding program integrity for certain components of the Medicaid program, regarding the authority of the attorney general and auditor of state, to require Ohio's SNAP program to begin using chip-enabled EBT cards, and to name section 5101.542 of the Revised Code as amended in this act and section 5101.5411 of the Revised Code as enacted in this act the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act and to name the remainder of this act the Ohio Medicaid Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act.
GREAT LAKES
While harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a particular concern on Lake Erie, specifically in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) near Toledo, they are not unique to Ohio among Great Lakes states. And though Lake Erie is known as the epicenter for HABs in the Great Lakes, the blooms are also a major concern throughout other Great Lakes locations including Green Bay on Lake Michigan and Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. In an effort to learn more about the amount of harmful algae and their toxin that is present in all of the Great Lakes and also the environmental conditions associated with the presence of HABs, the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) conducted in 2025 a "HABs Grab," a region-wide, large-scale collaborative research effort focused on understanding HABs throughout the Great Lakes. The survey, available HERE, asks about what services participating institutions may be able to provide, specifically for in-situ water sampling, laboratory services, and remote sensing.
With the commercial and recreational value of Great Lakes fisheries valued at over $5 billion annually, protecting the lakes from aquatic invasive species of all sorts is a major priority of state-level natural resources agencies along the lakes' shores. Those states' combined efforts are also federally supported through numerous agencies, including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Among those aquatic invasive species, the above agencies pay particular attention to the threat posed by silver carp, bighead carp and grass carp, known collectively as "invasive carp". Invasive carp pose such a threat to regional waterways that the most basic signal of such species, in the form of environmental DNA, in the Chicago Area Waterway in 2010 provoked formation of the Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ICRCC) under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) dashboard on cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal disease affecting hundreds across multiple states, shows Ohio has now seen 199 cases identified so far this year. Earlier data showed 177 cases through June though ODH noted online that historical cases may be added as additional information is obtained and the June count is now at 191. There were six cases before June and two listed so far in July, though ODH said technical difficulties are affecting updates to the dashboard. Twenty-eight Ohioans have been hospitalized as of Wednesday.
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) outlined steps Ohioans can take in regard to fresh produce amid a spike in cyclosporiasis cases in recent weeks, with 171 of the year's 177 cases so far occurring in June. The six other cases were before June rather than over July 1-2, and updated data is expected Thursday. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite after consuming food or water that contains it. Diarrhea is one of the usual symptoms. Without treatment, cyclosporiasis can last from a few days to over a month and symptoms can return after appearing to stop. The time between infection and becoming sick is usually around one week, but can be as short as two days or take more than two weeks.
Gov. Mike DeWine announced that Ohio University will receive $10 million from the first Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen the rural health care workforce -- the first of many initiatives that will be funded through the $202 million awarded to Ohio from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which were announced in December 2025. With this funding, Ohio University will collaborate with numerous statewide partners to help rural communities address their health care workforce needs in several ways. Funding will expand health care exploration for Ohio students in 8th grade and high school through programs such as summer camps and career fairs, and by exposing college undergraduates and graduate students to opportunities in health care. Ohio University will also expand apprenticeships for high school students and recent graduates with paid positions in health care so they can enter the workforce upon graduation or while they obtain required education.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Qualifying troopers and cadets now have a streamlined path to earn a college degree under a new first-of-its-kind agreement between Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) which aims to expand access to educational opportunities in law enforcement, reduce time to degree attainment for troopers and support workforce development in the state. The signing took place at the OSHP Training Academy in Columbus Tuesday afternoon, with Rep. Haraz Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg) in attendance alongside BGSU and OSHP leadership.
Three Ohio public universities have been picked to receive a combined total of $2.5 million to develop and expand structured literacy centers across the state, Gov. Mike DeWine's office announced recently. The funding will be dispersed among the University of Akron (UA), Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and Miami University (MU), with UA to receive $1 million to expand its Center for Structured Literacy and BGSU and MU each to receive $750,000 to advance their own structured literacy programs.
Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey recently announced the latest round of Ohio colleges, universities and Ohio technical centers to earn the Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation, marking the fourth cohort of designation recipients. The Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation is awarded to campuses that have built a process for identifying and supporting students with experience in foster care, kinship care, or other out-of-home placements as they pursue postsecondary education. The most recent cohort of designated institutions includes the following:
Central State University
Davis University
John Carroll University
Marion Technical College
Mount St. Joseph University
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Ohio State University, Lima
University of Toledo
Wilberforce University
The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) Thursday formalized its part of an agreement included in capital budget SB450 (Cirino) to help Ohio's only public historically Black university, Central State University (CSU), regain its financial footing with state oversight. OFCC approved a resolution that delegates authority to the OFCC executive director to negotiate and execute a contract with CSU at the request of the university's president concerning facilities improvement projects. The request to consider and negotiate an agreement is pursuant to the language required of CSU in SB450. OFCC Executive Director Joy Bledsoe said that CSU President Morakinyo A.O. Kuti had advised that OFCC take on the role laid out in SB450 to continue the existing relationship between CSU and the state.
JUDICIAL
The Ohio Supreme Court annual rules package effective July 1 introduces massive changes to the Rules of Practice and Procedure and the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio -- the latter a rare development leaving several questions -- though the "restructuring" of superintendence rules by removing and reinserting large sections into practice and procedure requirements under a larger "reorganization" includes relatively few substantive changes to practice rules themselves. The 67 pages of practice and procedure amendments adopted Wednesday without action by the General Assembly do include new juvenile provisions which the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association (OPAA) considers a potential threat to public safety, however. At the same time, they do not include juvenile language purged from the rules package after numerous parties including the Ohio Judicial Conference (OJC), Ohio Supreme Court Specialized Docket Commission, and various court administrators opposed draft changes to juvenile Rule 40 (C)(3) barring magistrates from treatment courts except in a judge's "temporary absence or disability." Specialized dockets in all other common pleas courts and divisions are currently subject to this prohibition.
LIBRARIES
Workers at Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) have voted to unionize, according to election results released Tuesday by the State Employment Relations Board (SERB). The newly formed CML United includes approximately 600 librarians, customer service specialists, youth engagement specialists, materials services associates, drivers, sorters and other occupations across the system's 23 locations in the Columbus metro area. The results released by SERB showed that 86 percent of valid ballots voted in favor of the union. Workers at CML began organizing a union with the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT) in 2024, following successful OFT unionization efforts at other Central Ohio library systems, including in Upper Arlington, Worthington, Grandview Heights, Pickerington and at Delaware County District Library. Athens County Public Libraries have also unionized with OFT.
LIQUOR/ALCOHOL
Ohio Liquor (OHLQ), a partnership between the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Liquor Control and JobsOhio Beverage System, launched OHLQ America250 Collection, a growing assortment of commemorative products, patriotic-themed releases, cocktail and mocktail recipes, and celebratory experiences designed to honor the nation's historic milestone. The collection, which is available now while supplies last, features more than 40 commemorative and patriotic-themed products from producers across the spirits industry, with additional products expected throughout the yearlong celebration. Customers can explore the featured products through OHLQ's Cheers to America250 webpage HERE.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Environmental activists, conventional oil and gas producers and at least one member of the Ohio House called on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) on Tuesday to launch a long-term investigation into the effects of underground migration of waste brine from injection oil and gas wells in Southeast Ohio into conventional oil and gas wells as well as the region's water supply. The Buckeye Environmental Network (BEN) released a report earlier this month detailing the impacts on ground wells in Washington County following the beginning of injection well operations in the county by Redbird Development LLC in 2018.
Following that news conference, ODNR informed Hannah News that, "At the request of the ODNR Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management, operations have stopped at four class II disposal injection wells in Washington County. … While the class II disposal injection wells are voluntarily shut down, the well owners and the division will work towards a plan to address the issues.”
Those who enjoy active, outdoor work and want a career that blends conservation, community service and law enforcement are encouraged to apply for the next recruit class of ODNR Natural Resource Officers (NROs). Application are now open until Sunday, Aug. 9 for both experienced law enforcement professionals or individuals eager to begin a meaningful career in public service. More information on the process for becoming an NRO can be found HERE.
PENSIONS
The new executive director of the School Employees Retirement System (SERS) joins the pension fund at a similar salary to his predecessor. SERS provided Hannah News the offer letter for Ray Higgins, who began Monday, July 6 after eight years at the helm of the Public Employees Retirement System of Mississippi. According to the offer letter, Higgins will be paid $347,500 per year and receive other benefits available generally to salaried SERS employees. As of last summer, Stensrud was paid $345,000 per year. By comparison, State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) Executive Director Steve Toole was the highest paid system leader upon his hiring last year at $405,0000, while the smallest state pension fund, Highway Patrol Retirement System (HPRS), last year paid Executive Director Carl Roark $180,000, plus potential bonuses based on his evaluation.
PEOPLE
Kenneth R. Cox, who served for four years in the Ohio House and six years in the Ohio Senate, died on July 1 at the age of 97. He was elected Barberton mayor, serving three terms before resigning to run for the Legislature. Then in 1983, he was appointed by Gov. Richard Celeste as director of the Department of Highway Safety, overseeing the State Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. He retired from the state in 1988, and then served as a government affairs consultant for United Telecom, later Sprint, until 1993. He also owned the Henley-Cox Insurance Agency in Barberton. After his state service, he served another four years on Barberton City Council. His funeral was held on Friday, July 10.
John McCarthy, a long-time Statehouse reporter with the Associated Press, died at the age of 76 on June 27 at the James Cancer Hospital. A long-time Columbus resident, he worked in the Columbus bureau of the Associated Press for 34 years, working his way up from an office assistant to a Statehouse reporter. A celebration of his life will be held later this summer.
POLITICS
In a short virtual meeting held Wednesday evening, the Ohio Democratic Party's Executive Committee reelected its officers to their current positions. Andre Washington, who also serves as president of the Ohio A. Philip Randolph Institute, was reelected as vice chair, a position he has held since 2020 when he succeeded Rhine McLin. Taylor Sappington was reelected as state party secretary, a position he has held since 2025 when he replaced Luke Feeney. Former Ohio Education Association President Patricia Frost Brooks was also reelected as the party's treasurer. She has served as party treasurer since 2021.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered the U.S. and Ohio state flags lowered to half-staff on all public buildings and grounds throughout Wayne County and at the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center and Rhodes State Office Tower until sunset on the day of the funeral for Sgt. Scott Ries of the Rittman Police Department who was killed late Sunday in the line of duty. DeWine and Attorney General Andy Wilson joined law enforcement agencies and Ohioans around the state Monday in expressing condolences on Ries' death. Three others died in the incident and four other Medina County deputies and a Wayne County K-9 were injured.
July Fourth Weekend traffic deaths in Ohio rebounded to 2024 numbers this year after falling in 2025, though reported seatbelt use was up for fatal accidents. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) says 18 people died in 18 crashes between Thursday, July 2 at midnight and Sunday, July 5 at 11:59 p.m., compared to 10 deaths last year, 18 in 2024, 12 in 2023, 16 in 2022, and 23 in 2021 -- the deadliest of the past five years. Just over a third of road fatalities this year lacked safety harnesses, compared to only one accident with confirmed seatbelt use in 2025. Of five fatal crashes involving a motorcycle, three riders were not wearing a helmet. Overall, troopers investigated 575 traffic accidents, issued 1,722 distracted driving tickets, cited 2,195 drivers for safety belt violations, and removed 387 impaired drivers from roadways throughout the July Fourth reporting period.
Hamilton police dominated the OSHP Academy's pre-July 4 Basic Peace Officer Class, the state's 154th. The academy graduated 38 new peace officers certified independently by the attorney general's Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) and OSHP, including five representing the city of Hamilton, three representing the city of Whitehall, and two each representing Fairfield, Oregon and Mount Healthy police, whose Ofc. Justin Vest also won "Overall Top Performer."
The Ohio Department of Public Safety's (DPS) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division is partnering with the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII) to alert organizations interacting with parents and child caregivers to the institute's free Child Emergency Identification Sticker program. The program provides ID stickers to record children's names and medical and emergency contact information to attach to booster and car seats in the event of a home or traffic emergency. OII also provides accompanying handouts that explain how to complete and properly place the stickers and to provide a link to information about correct car seat and booster seat use. It encourages child safety stakeholders to request stickers and handouts and share them with families year-round.
Ohio is two jurisdictions closer to a 30,000-member workforce deployed by state and local law enforcement agencies meeting minimum policing standards under the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board. The DPS Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) announced the addition of Olmsted Falls Police Department (Cuyahoga County) and Strasburg Police Department (Tuscarawas) to the 620 agencies certified as of this week for use of force, including deadly force, and agency recruitment and hiring. Those jurisdictions employ an updated total of 29,792 officers representing over 90 percent of their Ohio peers, including most metropolitan areas.
STATE GOVERNMENT
Members of the Ohio River Commission met Thursday regarding distribution of around $500,000 in grant funds, discussing that process and the timeline to receive applications in August, review them in September and announce awards in October. Commission Executive Director Taylor Abbott initially suggested dividing the funds with up to $200,000 for riverfront infrastructure and port readiness planning; up to $200,000 for maritime and river-based workforce development; and up to $100,000 for river tourism and outdoor recreation, which he said would be highly visible and public facing.
STUDIES/POLLS
A recent report by personal finance website WalletHub placed Ohio 36th in the nation and third among its neighbors for the "most patriotic" states. Kentucky led at 19th nationally, followed by Michigan, 30th; Pennsylvania, 38th; West Virginia, 41st; and Indiana, 44th. The five highest states were Virginia, Montana, Vermont, Colorado and Oregon. The five lowest were Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, New York and Arkansas. States were also ranked on two subcategories, with Ohio 27th nationally and fourth among neighbors in civic engagement and 36th nationally and third among neighbors in military engagement.
TECHNOLOGY/AEROSPACE
U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH), Secretary of State (SOS) Frank LaRose and state Chief Information Officer (CIO) Katrina Flory were recently named by Ohio Tech News as three of the 25 people defining Ohio's artificial intelligence (AI) economy. Others in the list included academic and business leaders and innovators.
VETERANS
The Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) recently announced details for two events in August, the Ohio Veterans Convention on Saturday, Aug. 8 and the Veterans SUMMIT on Friday, Aug. 7. Registration for both events, which will be held at Ohio State University's (OSU) Ohio Union building at 1739 N. High St. in Columbus, is now open. The convention is the state's largest event to celebrate veterans, their stories and organizations which support them, according to ODVS. Headlining the event are ODVS Director and former Adjutant General John C. Harris, Jr.; National Veterans Memorial and Museum CEO and COSI President and CEO Frederic Bertley; and OhioHealth President and CEO Dr. Stephen Markovich, a retired Ohio Air National Guard major general. The convention will open at 8 a.m., with kickoff at 9 a.m., and continue until 5 p.m. More information is available HERE. More information on SUMMIT is available HERE.
[Story originally published in The Hannah Report. Copyright 2026 Hannah News Service, Inc.]