Week in Review July 20, 2026

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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.

ADDICTION/SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Personal finance website WalletHub recently found Ohio was the seventh-lowest state in the U.S. for drug use by its residents, putting it lower than all neighbor states. West Virginia was sixth-highest nationally, followed by Michigan, 17th; Kentucky, 23rd; Indiana, 33rd; and Pennsylvania, 36th. Ohio's seventh-lowest rank translated to 45th-highest, as WalletHub included D.C. at eighth-highest among states. The five highest states were New Mexico, Arkansas, Alaska, Nevada and Missouri. The five lowest were Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Florida and Utah.

AGING

The University of Cincinnati (UC), in partnership with UC Health, officially launched the Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research (CANDR) this month, kicking off a multidisciplinary initiative integrating research with clinical and educational expertise to improve dementia prevention and treatment outcomes. The center builds on the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute and its Memory Care and Brain Health Center, leveraging the collaborative efforts of faculty across UC's College of Medicine and College of Nursing. According to the university, CANDR is positioned to accelerate Alzheimer's and dementia science through pilot research funding, expanded access to clinical trials and evidence-based care and improved brain health education.

AMERICA 250-OHIO

As the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Lake Erie Heritage Foundation (LEHF), in partnership with the Perry Group, will host "Declaration 250," a national signing ceremony honoring Aug. 2, 1776, the day 56 patriots officially signed the Declaration of Independence. Declaration 250 is an official America 250 event, part of the broader national effort to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday. "July 4 declared our independence, but Aug. 2 enacted it," said David Zavagno, LEHF executive director. "Aug. 2 is the day America signed its name to freedom, and it's time we commemorate one of the most important dates in our nation's history." The event will begin in the afternoon on Friday, July 31, and will run through Sunday, Aug. 2 at Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial on South Bass Island in the village of Put-In-Bay.

ARTS, SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Buckeye State came in 10th in a ranking of states that are the best "road trip destination" in summer, part of a report by personal finance website WalletHub. The report had Ohio in first for neighbor states, followed by Pennsylvania, 12th; Michigan, 21st; Indiana, 31st; Kentucky, 32nd; and West Virginia, 38th. The nine highest states ahead of Ohio were Minnesota, Utah, Louisiana, New York, Florida, Texas, Maine, Georgia and North Carolina. The five lowest-ranked were Maryland, California, Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson says he's expanding next-generation training for law enforcement to bridge the gap between the classroom and on-the-job challenges and prepare officers "tactically and mentally" for the street. The Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy's (OPOTA) virtual reality (VR) instruction immerses officers, deputies, troopers and other law enforcement officials in an interactive, three-dimensional (3D) environment with the use of digital audio-visual headsets interfaced with computers. Building on its partnership with Ohio University (OU), OPOTA's third VR series expands the course catalog from 12 to 19 courses. For the first time, the curriculum includes a cross-disciplinary training scenario for law enforcement as well as nurses, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and victim advocates.

Nine suspected sex traffickers face 65 combined felony charges including compelling prostitution and fentanyl-related drug dealing after the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force busted the crime ring in west Columbus, Attorney General Andy Wilson announced. The Franklin County Grand Jury has indicted five men and four women for allegedly using narcotics to coerce women into prostitution and then laundering the cash through Valentine Floral in the Southwestern Square Shopping Center. The indictment says the drug and sex trafficking occurred between April 2025 and January 2026. Charges range from first-degree felony trafficking in persons and fentanyl-related compounds and first-degree felony corrupt activity to second-degree felony aggravated possession of drugs to third-degree felony money launder, along with other offenses.

FY26-27 BUDGET

While state coffers benefitted from larger than forecast tax collections in FY26, the state's bottom line also was helped by underspending. According to the monthly financial report for June from the Office of Budget and Management (OBM), FY26 General Revenue Fund disbursements were below estimates by $778 million or 1.7 percent. A large chunk of that underspending is attributable to Medicaid, which saw FY26 GRF expenditures come in $450 million or 2 percent below estimates.

BUSINESS/CORPORATE

The Ohio Department of Development (DOD) announced Friday its Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program has now helped 60,000 entrepreneurs since 2019, leading to 16,950 new jobs and $1.3 billion in capital secured under the DeWine administration. DOD said that is the "highest level" of small business engagement in any governor's administration during the program's 40-year history. The program involves a partnership between DOD and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The local services are provided by over 20 groups, including educational institutions and economic development organizations. That network ensures all 88 counties are included in the program.

FY27-28 CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS

Columbus State Community College (CSCC), Sinclair Community College and Cuyahoga Community College received the largest capital appropriations among Ohio's community colleges in capital budget bill SB450 (Cirino), with CSCC securing more than $20 million for campus projects. The largest share of CSCC's appropriated funds is set to go toward "student success renovations," with approximately $16.9 million dedicated to the project. According to CSCC spokesperson David Wayne, the allocation will support "the development of student-serving spaces within the college's master framework of building renovations and construction on its downtown campus." Wayne said additional details will come as planning progresses. CSCC capital funds will also be invested in the Ohio Life Science Training Center, a biomanufacturing workforce initiative backed by JobsOhio. The budget allocates roughly $1.5 million to the project, the second largest share of funds appropriated to the college this budget cycle.

CHILDREN/FAMILIES

The Controlling Board Monday unanimously approved the release of $1 million in emergency funds to address a high-profile child abuse case in Vinton County that led to the removal of 16 children from a Hamden home and the adult members of the household arrested and charged with felony child abuse. Joel Potts, the chief government and external affairs officer for the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY), called the situation "unprecedented," and explained to the board that the $1 million requested will go solely to the placement and support of the 16 children. He told the panel that the children are safe, and while he cannot answer all questions on the case as it is an ongoing investigation, they are being cared for and receiving treatment. He expects more services will be needed to address the traumas the children have gone through, some of which they will be dealing with for life.

DATA CENTERS

U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Cincinnati) recently introduced legislation meant to address environmental effects of data center development. According to his office, the Protecting Communities from Data Center Impacts Act would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to study environmental effects of data centers, then develop best practices to address them. The study would address noise, air pollution, water pollution and supply, carbon emissions and waste, including electronic waste.

EDUCATION

The State Board of Education (SBOE) Monday unanimously adopted the Pearson's Foundations of Classroom Support assessment as the specified test required to add "Elementary and Secondary Education Act Qualified" to an educational aide permit. Prior to the vote, board member Karen Lloyd asked if the test would be revisited, given assessment statistics are proprietary. In response, Interim Superintendent Jason Wagner assured board members Pearson would return before the board periodically to review data and any recommended changes to assessment cut scores.

ELECTIONS

The Ohio Election Integrity Commission continued to ramp up operations Tuesday with the appointment of two hearing officers. The commission launched at the beginning of 2026 to take over duties of the prior Ohio Elections Commission, per provisions of the biennial budget bill, HB96 (Stewart). Commission Administrator Lisa Taylor recommended two attorney hearing officers, who under law can be appointed in matters where there is an objection to the determination of the secretary of state in a case. Taylor recommended Michael Moran, whose experiences include work for Franklin County Probate Court and as director of the Ohio State Chiropractic Board, and Barton Bixenstine, an experienced arbitrator and mediator.

ELECTIONS 2026

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton and Democratic attorney general nominee John Kulewicz Thursday announced their funding raising totals for June ahead of the deadline for campaign finance filings at the end of the month. Acton's campaign announced she raised $3.6 million in June, and has nearly $10 million cash on hand, touting her totals as the most ever raised by a Democratic candidate for governor at this point in the state's history. The campaign said it has received more than 153,000 individual donations in the second quarter of this year, with more than 326,000 donations total. More than 95 percent of contributions were $100 or less, with an average grassroots donation of just $25. Over half of all donations came from Ohio residents. Kulewicz, while not giving his full June totals, said he has raised more than $1 million, which he said is the first-time a Democratic down ballot candidate has surpassed $1 million since 2018.

New campaign finance totals reported by the candidates for Ohio's U.S. Senate race show Democrat Sherrod Brown raising more than double incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) in the second quarter of this year. Wednesday was the deadline for federal candidates to file campaign finance reports covering fundraising and spending from April through the end of June. Brown said his campaign raised more than $17.1 million through his main Friends of Sherrod Brown campaign committee and affiliated committees. Husted's campaign said he raised $7.7 million across all affiliated committees during the second quarter, which the campaign said doubled his first-quarter total and set a campaign record. He has more than $11 million on hand.

Ohio's incumbent members of the U.S. House of Representatives head into the final months of their re-election campaigns sitting on millions as their challengers trail behind, according to the latest campaign finance reports. Wednesday was the deadline for federal candidates to report their second quarter fundraising and spending activity covering April through June.

Elon Musk is among the donors to V-PAC: Victors Not Victims, the political action committee supporting Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign, according to recent filings with the Federal Elections Commission. Musk contributed $5 million to the PAC in the last quarter, the filings show. Other contributors include entrepreneur Ratmir Timashev, who also contributed $5 million, and hedge fund manager William Ackman and Stone Ridge Holdings Founder and CEO Ross Stevens, who each gave $1 million. According to AdImpact, which tracks political spending, the PAC has spent more than $25 million on the election so far this cycle.

Secretary of State Frank LaRose Monday announced a new directive he said will support Ohio's county boards of elections as they recruit and train nearly 40,000 precinct election officials ahead of the November General Election. Directive 2026-25 provides county boards of elections with updated requirements and resources to ensure poll workers are prepared to serve voters professionally, efficiently, and in accordance with Ohio law. Additionally, the secretary of state's office said it will be providing a total of $1 million in grant funding to boards of elections to help meet the requirements of poll worker recruitment and training. Funds will be allocated based on the number of registered voters in each county, with each county receiving a minimum grant of $1,000. The funding is intended exclusively for poll worker recruitment and training activities.

Democratic secretary of state nominee Allison Russo Tuesday released the results a poll from Democratic pollster Change Research showing her with a lead over Republican nominee Robert Sprague. The poll was conducted by the firm between Sunday, July 5 and Thursday, July 9, among 1,031 likely general election voters, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent. It shows Russo with 36 percent, Sprague with 32 percent, and Libertarian Tom Pruss with 5 percent, with 26 percent not sure. The margin tightened after poll respondents were read a bio on each of the candidates and their top positions, with Russo getting 42 percent, Sprague 40 percent, Pruss with 5 percent, and 13 percent not sure.

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce's Political Action Committee Tuesday officially gave its backing to Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy, who said the support of the state's largest business group "is a vote of confidence that I am the candidate best equipped to bring the maximum number of high-paying jobs to Ohio starting in 2027." The endorsement continued the group's backing of Republican gubernatorial candidates, with the chamber having previously endorsed Mike DeWine and John Kasich in their gubernatorial bids.

Additional endorsements made over the week include the following:

• Associated Builders and Contractors of Ohio endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy for governor and U.S. Sen. Jon Husted for the U.S. Senate.

• The Ohio Conference of Teamsters announced their endorsement of Democrat Sherrod Brown for the U.S. Senate and of Reps. Greg Landsman (D-Cincinnati), Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus), Michael Rulli (R-Canfield), Max Miller (R-Parma), Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo), Mike Turner (R-Dayton), Shontel Brown (D-Beachwood), Emilia Sykes (D-Akron), David Joyce (R-Mentor), and Mike Carey (R-Columbus) for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

• The Ohio Chamber of Commerce PAC endorsed Craig Riedel, Michelle Reynolds, Phil Plummer, Zac Haines, Gayle Manning, Shane Wilkin, Ryan Rivers, Kent Smith, Bride Rose Sweeney, Bill DeMora, Steve Demetriou, Jane Timken, and Al Landis for Ohio Senate.

• The Ohio Chamber of Commerce PAC endorsed Dontavius Jarrells, Meredith Lawson-Rowe, Mark Sigrist, Sean Brennan, Chris Glassburn, Mike Dovilla, Eugene Miller, Dan Troy, Dani Isaacsohn, Ashley Bryant Bailey, Elizabeth Maier, Jill Cole, Cindy Abrams, Mike Odioso, Mike Kahoe, Jack Daniels, Derrick Hall, Vik Sandhu, Andrea White, Tom Young, Mark Campbell, Erika White, Edward Schimmel, Thomas Hall, Christina Hagan, Jim Thomas, Matthew Kishman, Jodi Salvo, Kellie Deeter, Adam Mathews, Jesse Styles, John Boccieri, Tex Fischer, Brian Lorenz, Shawn Stevens, Jean Schmidt, Adam Bird, Nick Santucci, David Thomas, Sean Hutson, Melanie Miller, Brian Lampton, Heidi Workman, Jeff LaRe, Bernard Willis, Haraz Ghanbari, Marilyn John, Meredith Craig, Matt Huffman, Monica Robb Blasdel, Johnathan Newman, Patti Rockey, Ty Mathews, Angela King, Ben Weber, Jeff McClain, Gary Click, Bob Peterson, Mark Johnson, Adam Holmes, and Mark Hiner for the Ohio House of Representatives. The Chamber also endorsed Nathan Manning for the House before he was appointed to the Ohio Ninth District Court of Appeals on Friday.

• The Ohio Senate campaign of Republican Zac Haines announced the endorsement of Sen. Steve Wilson (R-Maineville), the term-limited occupant of the seat Haines is seeking.

ENERGY/UTILITIES

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) set aside staff recommendations to block energy marketer PalmCo Power OH's return to the state, finding the company managerially unfit after the competitive retail electric (CRES) and natural gas service (CRNGS) paid tens of million of dollars in fines for "unconscionable acts" in 2019 and 2021. CRES and CRNGS law allows banned companies to reapply for state certification in seven years for residential and five years for commercial and industrial service, the latter prompting PalmCo's latest application. Staff declared the New York City-based company "managerially, financially and technically" fit to resume Ohio operations in April despite at least 10 government enforcement actions against PalmCo and affiliates for "misleading and deceptive" acts in the 14 other state jurisdictions where they do business. On Wednesday, commissioners said company hiring since its last PUCO run-in does not assuage their concerns about more problems going forward.

The Office of Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) says this month's win over the "Ohio Seven-Year Solution" proposed by American Electric Power (AEP) and FirstEnergy's new transmission company and scheduled for hearings by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will allow stakeholders including Ohio's Office of Federal Energy Advocate (FEA) to oppose Grid Growth Ohio's multi-year transmission plan estimated at well over $1.1 billion -- over 60 percent of it destined for Ohioans' utility bills, according to OCC. AEP, which already imposes the highest average residential transmission charges in the state, and FirstEnergy, with the second highest transmission rates, formed Grid Growth in February under split ownership and submitted the "Ohio Seven-Year Solution" to FERC on March 6. The 13-state grid monitor encompassing Ohio, PJM Interconnection, recently approved it to resolve reliability concerns through 2032.

ETHICS

The Ohio Ethics Commission's (OEC) public hearing Monday on a rule regarding which officials at public entities must file annual financial disclosure statements saw no in-person witnesses and one written submission from Cathy Cowan Becker, board president for Save Ohio Parks. Then the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) on Tuesday approved the rule. Rep. Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) described how the OEC voted in late 2025 to include charter school governing authorities on the list of those required to make financial disclosures and legislative leadership raised concerns, leading to that being discussed by JCARR in March. Mathews thanked OEC Executive Director Paul Nick for being amenable to addressing those concerns.

GAMING/GAMBLING

Members of the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) received an update Wednesday on prediction market litigation, with interim Executive Director Andromeda Morrison saying the briefing for litigation in the Sixth Circuit has completed and the OCCC is prepared to support Ohio Solicitor General Mathura Sridharan in arguing that case on appeal on Thursday, July 30. Morrison, who previously served as OCCC general counsel, further detailed for commissioners how Ohio's case and one in Tennessee were combined for argument purposes. Morrison told the commissioners other states have seen mixed results in their efforts to regulate prediction markets, with Michigan getting an injunction in favor of the state. That is particularly important as Michigan is in the Sixth Circuit as well, she noted.

The Buckeye State came in 35th on a recent report from personal finance website WalletHub on states with the most gambling addiction issues, putting it second-lowest among neighbor states. West Virginia led at sixth nationally, followed by Pennsylvania, seventh; Michigan; 22nd; Indiana, 26th; and Kentucky, 37th. The five highest states were Nevada, South Dakota, Montana, Mississippi and Louisiana. The five lowest were Hawaii, Kansas, Alaska, Vermont and Utah, with WalletHub noting gambling is prohibited in Hawaii and Utah.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY/STATEHOUSE

Gov. Mike DeWine announced Friday he was appointing Senate Judiciary Chair Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville) to the Ninth District Court of Appeals effective Monday, Aug. 3, succeeding former Judge Donna Carr who retired. Manning will serve the remainder of the unfinished term and must run for election in November to remain in that position. Manning, who is term-limited in the Senate, had been running for the House District 52 seat to succeed his mother, House Speaker Pro Tempore Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville). She is also term-limited in the House and is running for his Senate District 13 seat, which she previously held from 2011 to 2018.

Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) has been elected to serve as treasurer of the National Conference of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) and appointed to serve as chair of the Pari-Mutuel Committee, his office announced.

GOVERNOR

Gov. Mike DeWine announced Friday that his administration's Legislative Director Giles Allen has stepped down effective immediately to pursue opportunities in the private sector. Allen served in that role since August 2023 and was the longest-serving legislative director in DeWine's administration. He had been on the administration's legislative affairs team since January 2019 and previously worked at the Ohio Attorney General's Office under DeWine, including as an assistant attorney general after Allen received his law degree from Capital University Law School. He first began working for DeWine as his personal aide in the 2010 campaign for attorney general.

Gov. DeWine on Monday ordered flags lowered through sunset on Saturday, July 18, in remembrance of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who died over the weekend.

The governor signed the following bill:

HB455 (Manning-Bird) regarding the operation of schools and the Department of Education and Workforce, regarding appointments to the State Board of Education, regarding age and schooling certificate requirements and work hours for a person under 16 years of age, and to eliminate obsolete provisions of education law. It becomes effective in 90 days.

Appointments made over the week include the following:

• Kevin R. Rose of Springfield (Clark County) to the Clark State College Board of Trustees for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending Nov. 30, 2026.

• Scott R. Williams of West Union (Adams County) to the Shawnee State University Board of Trustees for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending June 30, 2032 and Ava K. Intelisano of Middlefield (Geauga County) as a student member to the Shawnee State University Board of Trustees for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending June 30, 2028.

• Carter D. Ridgway of Uniontown (Stark County) as a student member to the University of Akron Board of Trustees for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending July 1, 2028.

• Giles L. Allen of Dublin (Franklin County) to the Ohio University Board of Trustees for a term beginning July 11, 2026, and ending May 13, 2032.

• Simone E. A. Liddell of Euclid (Cuyahoga County) as a student member to the Central State University Board of Trustees for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending June 30, 2028, and Asher P. Akens of Glenford (Licking County) as a student member to the Central State University Board of Trustees for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.

• Julie L. Centofanti of Boardman (Mahoning County) as a student member to the Northeast Ohio Medical University Board of Trustees for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending June 29, 2028.

• Chloe D. Detty of Chillicothe (Ross County) as a student member to the Wright State University Board of Trustees for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending June 30, 2028.

• Nathan D. Zickes of Holland (Lucas County) as a student member to the University of Toledo Board of Trustees for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending July 1, 2028.

• Judith Y. Brachman of Bexley (Franklin County) to the Board of Trustees of the Martha Kinney Cooper Ohioana Library Association for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending Sept. 15, 2029, and Kimberly A. Murnieks of Westerville (Delaware County) to the Board of Trustees of the Martha Kinney Cooper Ohioana Library Association for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending Sept. 15, 2026.

• Randy Gardner of Bowling Green (Wood County) to the Broadcast Educational Media Commission for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending June 30, 2030.

• Melanie Miller of Ashland (Ashland County) to the Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending Dec. 31, 2026.

• Abdoulaye B. Dieng of Whitehall (Franklin County) to the New African Immigrants Commission for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending Oct. 7, 2026.

• Timothy J. Cosgrove of Kirtland (Lake County) reappointed to the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending April 22, 2029.

• Jerry N. Hruby of Brecksville (Cuyahoga County) reappointed to the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending June 30, 2031.

• James E. Kunk of Dublin (Franklin County) reappointed to the Public Employees Retirement Board for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending Sept. 27, 2028.

• J.P. Allen of Wooster (Ashland County) reappointed to the State Highway Patrol Retirement Board for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending Sept. 27, 2028.

• Ernest W. Durbin II of Hamilton (Butler County) reappointed to the Real Estate Appraiser Board for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029.

• Lilia J. Perez-Chavolla of Hilliard (Franklin County) reappointed to the Public Benefits Advisory Board for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029.

• Bryan E. Spindler of Lowell (Washington County) to the Financial Planning and Supervision Commission for Adams Township for a term beginning July 1, 2026, and continuing at the pleasure of the governor.

• Ryan W. Bergman of Minster (Auglaize County) to the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending June 30, 2030, and both Kathryn Bartter of Columbus (Franklin County) and Jennifer R. Bowman of Athens (Athens County) reappointed to the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission for terms beginning July 10, 2026, and ending June 30, 2030.

• Matthew Granito of Middlefield (Geauga County) reappointed to the Commercial Dog Breeding Advisory Board for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending March 12, 2029.

• Eshelle L. M. Bales of Camden (Preble County) to the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending July 1, 2028, and Peter H. Riddell of Westerville (Franklin County) reappointed to the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission for a term beginning July 10, 2026, and ending July 1, 2030.

• J. Travis Powell of Germantown (Montgomery County) to the Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Release Compensation Board for a term beginning July 11, 2026, and ending July 10, 2029, and both Benjamin J. Miller of Newark (Licking County) and Dan Dergham Ridi of Maumee (Lucas County) reappointed to the Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Release Compensation Board for terms beginning July 11, 2026, and ending July 10, 2029.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Midway through the month, the Ohio Department of Health's (ODH) Thursday update on cyclosporiasis cases showed there have been 458 identified so far in July. Past cases that were subsequently identified made the June total climb to 777, far above the 171 known earlier this month. The number of known cases from Jan. 1 to May 31 also increased from six to 11. There have been 1,246 cases identified by ODH so far this year compared to 52 from Jan. 1 to July 16, 2025. 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. The ODH dashboard is available HERE.

HIGHER EDUCATION

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) selected the Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology (NEO-SMART) coalition for an NSF Engine award which could bring up to $160 million in federal funding to the region. Led by Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and composed of more than 70 partners representing private industry, civic and philanthropic organizations, higher education and state and local government, the coalition was chosen as one of 12 Engines nationwide for NSF's Regional Innovation Engines program. The funding will be distributed to the Northeast Ohio region over 10 years for manufacturing innovation, technology and workforce development. According to CWRU, NEO-SMART partners have already committed another $120 million for the first two years of the program with hopes to attract a total of more than $500 million in public, private and philanthropic investment as the work progresses.

JUDICIAL

The Ohio Supreme Court says state bar members increased total pro bono hours by 30 percent in 2025 as part of a "continuing climb" in free legal services reported to the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation (OAJF). The Court and OAJF's joint annual survey tallied 112,000 pro bono hours from over 4,500 attorney respondents last year compared to 86,161 hours from roughly 3,000 lawyers in 2024. The value of civil legal services closely tracked increased hours in 2025 -- over $28.0 million compared to $21.5 million in the previous year -- for another 30 percent increase. The median value of donated hours, $250, is the same for both years. That builds on the Ohio bar's $1.7 million in cash donations for legal assistance, beating 2024 by $548,000.

The U.S. Supreme Court last week decided to take up a case involving a Cuyahoga County man who faced requirements from local officials to get a permit before holding a Jewish prayer gathering at his home. In Grand v. City of University Heights, justices will consider the case of Daniel Grand, a University Heights resident who invited a dozen friends for a minyan but then cancelled it and tried to comply once city officials learned of the plans and demanded he not use his home as a place of religious assembly until first obtaining a special use permit. "At that moment, Grand suffered a cognizable, constitutional injury. If Grand's next-door neighbor invited nine friends over for a weekly poker night or a Tupperware party, the city would not require a special permit to operate a 'casino' or 'storefront.' The city targets only Grand's religious practice. Grand's claim was ripe right then," states Grand's brief to the Supreme Court asking for the case to be considered.

The Summit County Common Pleas Court is seeking volunteer attorneys with civil mediation and/or trial experience for Court Settlement Week, Monday, Oct. 19 to Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Court Settlement Week seeks to resolve select cases expeditiously through mediation, complementing the Ohio Supreme Court's mediation program. On average, Summit County has been able to resolve half of all cases referred to the program by week's end. Attorneys facilitate case settlement as mediators, or "neutral persons not involved in the case who help participants resolve their differences in confidential discussions." Eligible bar members interested in volunteering as mediators in-person can submit the Settlement Week Volunteer Mediator Form by Friday, July 31. All participating attorneys may receive free mediation training from the Ohio Supreme Court before October Settlement Week as well as three continuing legal education (CLE) credits.

Ohioans might be open to increasing the 70-year age limit for judges to run for office, but only by a few more years, and as long as the judges leave the bench when they reach their 80s, according to research conducted by Supreme Court of Ohio Justice Patrick F. Fischer and published recently by the University of Cincinnati Law Review. Fischer authored "In Ohio, How Old Is Too Old to Be a Judge?" which was based on a survey of more than 1,200 Ohio lawyers on the issue of judicial age limits. The current age limit dates back to 1968, when Ohioans adopted a constitutional overhaul of the court system that included a provision that a candidate cannot run for judicial office if they reach the age of 70 by the time the term of office begins. Then in 2011, Ohio voters rejected a proposed amendment to raise the age limit to 75 by a 62 percent-38 percent margin.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is celebrating efforts by Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy and fellow members of the Ohio Supreme Court to halt the American Bar Association (ABA) "monopoly" on law school accreditation prone to "ideological mandates" and "conflicts of interest." FTC's Bureau of Competition and Office of Policy Planning on Tuesday released their joint letter to the Supreme Court dated July 10, which also happened to be the public comment deadline for draft amendments to Rule 1 of the Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio that would open state accreditation to the 20 percent of U.S. law schools not sanctioned by the ABA. The 16-page letter to the Ohio Supreme Court can be found HERE.

MARIJUANA/HEMP

After freezing enforcement of new hemp regulations in SB56 (Huffman) with a restraining order, a federal judge Monday issued a preliminary injunction to keep the law on hold. In late 2025, lawmakers enacted SB56, which modified some of the adult-use marijuana laws approved by voters in 2023's Issue 2 and also greatly restricted what products can be sold as hemp versus classified as marijuana. In an order issued Monday, Judge Jeffrey Helmick of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio granted the injunction against enforcement of SB56, pointing to interstate commerce concerns related to the bill's restrictions on out-of-state hemp companies. A copy of the preliminary injunction order is HERE.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Ahead of setting its goals for next fiscal year's forest management plan, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry will hold a series of open houses for the public to learn more and provide comment about ODNR's Annual Work Plan for State Forests. The Division of Forestry's 2026 open house events are as follows:

• Southeastern District, Athens Headquarters: Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., 360 E. State St., Athens, OH 45701. For more information, call 740-272-8519.

• Southern District, Chillicothe Headquarters: Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.,345 Allen Ave., Chillicothe, OH 45601. For more information, call 740-774-1596.

• Northern District, Findlay Headquarters: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., 952 Lima Ave., Findlay, OH 45840. For more information, call 419-424-5004. Additional information about the open house events are posted on the ODNR Division of Forestry website HERE.

OHIO STATE FAIR

The Ohio Expo Center (OEC) plans to seal a time capsule in celebration of the nation's semiquincentennial during the upcoming Ohio State Fair scheduled to kick off Wednesday, July 29 and close Sunday, Aug. 9. In partnership with the Ohio History Connection and America 250-Ohio, the State Fair will seal the time capsule on Tuesday, Aug. 4, during the fair's 50 Year Club Meeting. The capsule will not be opened again until 2076, the year that will mark the nation's 300th anniversary. It will contain a book with information highlighting each of Ohio's 88 counties, as well as items that reflect contemporary traditions and trends of the state and society, such as Ohio professional sports team jerseys, Crocs with jibbitz, a Stanely cup covered in stickers, modern technology, currency, an American flag flown over the Ohio Statehouse, a 2025 minted penny and more, according to OEC.

In addition to the capsule sealing, the State Fair will host patriotic activities and colonial games alongside Freedom 250's Freedom Truck Mobile Museum, which will be open as a free exhibit to fairgoers. Throughout the fair, the mobile museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The State Fair will also feature additional America 250 themed activities and opportunities, including the following:

• A daily flag raising and national anthem performance presented by members of the All-Ohio State Fair Band, All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir and Scouting America.

• Free celebration buttons that read "I Celebrated America 250 at the Ohio State Fair" will be available to fairgoers to pick up at any information booth throughout the fair, among other activities.

The Ohio Expositions Commission (OEC) announced that the K-pop performance "Honmoon Princesses: A Tribute to Demon Hunters" would not be taking the stage and instead would be replaced by "TUSK: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac."

PEOPLE

The Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) said Monday it had selected Gary Adam to serve as executive director of its Christian Business Partnership, the only statewide Christian Chamber of Commerce. Adam has over 20 years of executive experience, including work in senior roles at Rocky Brands, R.G. Barry Corp, NetJets, and Five Star Home Services.

Advocates for Ohio's Future (AOF) announced Monday it had appointed Samantha "Sam" Zern as coalition manager of the organization, which includes 30 members and 500 endorsing groups. AOF activities include legislative advocacy; education around health and human services funding and programs; and tracking implementation of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025. Zern will lead coalition efforts to prepare for the state's next gubernatorial administration, 137th General Assembly and the 2027 operating budget.

Erin Scribner, daughter of Frederick Mills, announced on Facebook that a celebration of his life will take place on Friday, Oct. 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Athletic Club of Columbus. Mills, a long-time presence on Capitol Square, died suddenly on Wednesday, June 24 in Bradenton FL.

STATE GOVERNMENT

The DeWine administration and Ohio Department of Development (DOD) recently announced there were 244.8 million tourist visits to the state in 2025 contributing $57.7 billion in economic benefits. The total visits included 49.3 million overnight visitors, 93 percent of whom are likely to return in the next year, the department observes. State and local governments received $4.8 billion in tax revenue due to tourism, DOD further reported, as tourism supported 447,433 jobs.

TourismOhio also announced a new "Ohio, the Heart of It All" branding effort throughout the Greater Columbus Convention Center, encouraging the millions of convention attendees and business travelers who go there to consider additional destinations across the state as well as return visits. The effort includes "immersive wallscapes, digital displays, and expanded 'Ohio, the Heart of It All' branding, including naming the convention center's signature ballroom as the Heart of it All Ballroom," according to DOD. The partnership will last through March 31, 2031 and has opportunities for future collaboration.

TAXATION

Ohio Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Stivers this week penned a column urging lawmakers to focus on policies that address fuel costs directly, not reducing the gas tax. While a number of lawmakers have proposed a suspension of the gas tax in response to rising gas prices, Stivers last month had signaled his opposition to such a move, calling it "long-term foolish." In his column released this week, Stivers said calls to cut the gas tax are never far behind a climb in gas prices, calling it an "understandable reaction." Stivers said the better approach is to focus on policies that address fuel costs directly. He suggested four reforms that he said could lower prices at the pump without sacrificing the quality of the roads.

• Reform the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and modernize the Renewable Identification Number (RIN) System.

• Expand year-round E15 availability.

• Simplify boutique fuel requirements.

• Improve emergency fuel supply flexibility.

TECHNOLOGY/AEROSPACE

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce's summit on artificial intelligence (AI) Thursday included comments from Sen. Louis Blessing (R-Cincinnati) and entrepreneur Mark Kvamme, a past leader of JobsOhio during its creation. Blessing was joined by Erik Preston, senior director of strategy and partnership at the AI policy-focused nonprofit Fathom, as part of a "fireside chat" moderated by Ohio Chamber General Counsel and Director of Energy Policy Tony Long.

TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE

Major airports are a city's front door to travelers, giving visitors their first impressions of the area. That is one of the lessons NBC4's Jarrod Smalley, moderator of a Columbus Metropolitan Club (CMC) forum, said he learned from a series he reported on the John Glenn International Airport. The other is that transportation is the heart of a region's economy. Wednesday's panel focused on the expansion of the airport and what it will do for the region's economy by the time it is completed in 2029 or 2030. Panelists included Daren Griffin, president and CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority and Deborah Scherer, senior vice president of global trade and investment at One Columbus. Griffin said the mission of the $2 billion project is "complicated." While there are almost 400 commercial service airports in the United States, only a few are trying to do what Columbus is doing -- building an entirely new terminal and then in one night, flipping the switch and moving into it.

WORKFORCE

The Ohio Department of Development (DOD) and Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation (OWT) announced Monday that nearly $5 million is being released to 12 training providers under the Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP). The funds are part of the seventh round of IMAP, which helps Ohioans advance their careers and adds more skilled workers to the state's talent pipeline. Training courses are offered both in-person and online to limit transportation barriers. The following 12 organizations were included in this round of funding:

• Ashland University in Ashland County.

• Cuyahoga Valley Career Center in Cuyahoga County.

• Global Lynx, Inc. in Franklin County.

• The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center in Mahoning County.

• The Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition, Inc. in Mahoning County.

• The Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network Inc. in Cuyahoga County.

• MAX Technical Training, Inc. in Hamilton County.

• Northwest State Community College in Henry County.

• The Kable Group, LLC in Hamilton County.

• Walsh University in Stark County.

• Washington County Career Center in Washington County.

• We Can Code IT, LLC in Cuyahoga County.

[Story originally published in The Hannah Report. Copyright 2026 Hannah News Service, Inc.]