Ohio’s minimum wage increases to $11 per hour in 2026
Ohio’s minimum wage will increase to $11 an hour for non-tipped workers on Jan. 1, as advocates push stalled proposals to raise pay to $15 statewide.
Politics
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The benefits of raising the Ohio cigarette tax far outweigh the costs, analysis says
An Ohio analysis says raising the cigarette tax could deliver billions in long-term health and economic benefits, even though lawmakers rejected Gov. Mike DeWine’s proposal.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act complicates state health care affordability efforts
As states move to cap health care spending, hospitals warn Medicaid cuts and rising uninsured rates could drive higher prices, setting up legal and political battles over affordability.
Trump appears in several files of latest Epstein release
The Justice Department released thousands more Epstein-related documents mentioning Donald Trump, while denying any involvement and facing criticism over delays and transparency in the mandated disclosure.
US Supreme Court in defeat for Trump blocks deployment of National Guard in Chicago
The Supreme Court ruled President Donald Trump lacks authority, for now, to federalize National Guard troops for immigration enforcement in Chicago, dealing a setback to the administration’s deployment strategy.
Ohio Gov. DeWine signs property tax bills, ‘reluctantly’ approves new voting restrictions
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed new property tax relief bills, election law changes ending the absentee ballot grace period, and Avery’s Law, which tightens penalties for dangerous dog attacks.
Ohio Democrat Sherrod Brown talks affordability at Columbus roundtable
U.S. Senate candidate Sherrod Brown met with Columbus small business owners who detailed rising costs from tariffs, labor shortages, and delivery apps, using the discussion to contrast his agenda with Sen. Jon Husted’s record.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signs intoxicating hemp ban, new marijuana regulations into law
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed S.B. 56 banning intoxicating hemp products and revising the state’s voter-approved marijuana law, prompting backlash and a planned referendum from cannabis advocates.
Ohio hemp bill would put future of THC beverages in hands of federal government
Ohio brewers react to a new law allowing THC beverages through 2026, as uncertainty remains over federal regulation and the industry’s long-term future.
Amid ICE agent abuse arrests in Ohio, advocate says it ‘fails to police its own ranks’
Immigrant advocates are pressing ICE to explain its agent screening and oversight after one Ohio officer was convicted of sexual abuse and another arrested on domestic violence charges.
Ohio U.S. Reps. introduce bipartisan legislation aimed at college student housing insecurity
Ohio and Iowa lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill to let eligible college students use federal housing vouchers for campus housing, aiming to reduce housing insecurity and improve college affordability.
Respect states’ rights, new bipartisan group of legislative leaders tells feds
Bipartisan state legislative leaders meeting in Ohio approved a declaration urging respect for federalism and limits on federal intrusion into state laws, citing rising tensions with Washington.
In Pennsylvania visit, Vance tries to ease fears over the economy as jobs report shows losses
Vice President J.D. Vance touted an economic rebound at a Pennsylvania rally, but a delayed jobs report showed stagnant growth, rising unemployment, and renewed criticism of Trump administration policies.
Records show Husted declined Teamsters-backed labor bills while taking trucking PAC money
Federal filings show Sen. Jon Husted accepted trucking industry PAC funds while declining to cosponsor labor bills backed by the Teamsters, according to public records.
Moderate US House Republicans join Dems to force vote on extension of health care subsidies
Moderate Republicans joined Democrats to force a House vote on extending ACA tax credits, challenging Speaker Mike Johnson as millions face higher premiums.
Gov. DeWine weighing whether to eliminate Ohio’s absentee ballot grace period
An Ohio bill awaiting Gov. DeWine’s signature would end the absentee ballot grace period, potentially rejecting thousands of otherwise valid votes, records show.
No US House vote to extend health care subsidies, Speaker Johnson says
House Speaker Mike Johnson blocked a bipartisan vote to extend ACA tax credits, despite warnings that millions could face higher health insurance costs.
Whole milk back on school lunch menus, under bill on its way to Trump
A bipartisan bill headed to President Trump’s desk would allow whole and 2% milk back in school lunch programs, reversing long-standing federal restrictions on dairy options.
Ohio farmers see one-year, 74% loss in Chinese sales due largely to Trump tariffs, report shows
Ohio farmers lost nearly $76 million in exports to China this year as Trump’s tariffs disrupted trade, with soybean producers hardest hit and bailouts falling short of losses.
Ohio Board of Pharmacy issues emergency ruling banning most kratom products for 180 days
Ohio’s Board of Pharmacy has enacted a 180-day emergency ban on most kratom products, targeting synthetic compounds while leaving natural kratom legal for now as permanent rules are considered.
