http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Wed, 19 Aug 2026 04:15:57 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/19/sandusky-county-judge-suspended-unethical-vulgar-conduct/stories/20260819098 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/19/sandusky-county-judge-suspended-unethical-vulgar-conduct/stories/20260819098#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 20:39:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/19/sandusky-county-judge-suspended-unethical-vulgar-conduct/stories/20260819098 COLUMBUS — The Ohio Supreme Court on Wednesday suspended Sandusky County Judge Jon Ickes for two years for numerous judicial conduct violations. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/19/ohio-bill-skyrocketing-foster-care-costs/stories/20260819097 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/19/ohio-bill-skyrocketing-foster-care-costs/stories/20260819097#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 19:48:58 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/19/ohio-bill-skyrocketing-foster-care-costs/stories/20260819097 COLUMBUS — The cost of placing a child in foster care has increased significantly over the last five years in Lucas County and across Ohio even as the number of foster children has decreased. State Rep. Justin Pizzulli discusses House Bill 984 during a news conference at the Ohio Statehouse on Aug. 19. He was joined by, from left, state Rep. Darnell Brewer, Scioto County Job and Family Services Director Tammy Moore Morton, and Scioto County Commissioner Scottie Powell. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/19/gov-dewine-touts-ranking-as-best-state-for-business-at-toledo-stop/stories/20260819087 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/19/gov-dewine-touts-ranking-as-best-state-for-business-at-toledo-stop/stories/20260819087#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:21:47 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/19/gov-dewine-touts-ranking-as-best-state-for-business-at-toledo-stop/stories/20260819087 Gov. Mike DeWine is taking a victory lap across the state to celebrate CNBC ranking Ohio as America’s best state for business. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine holds a simulated newborn patient as Cristina Alvarado, director of immersive and simulation-based learning at the University of Toledo, left, and medical student Mary Grace Hamlin speak to him during a Heart of Opportunity Tour stop at the University of Toledo in Toledo on Aug. 19. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine listens as Nik Podraza, interim dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at The University of Toledo, gives a brief presentation during a Heart of Opportunity Tour stop at the University of Toledo in Toledo on Aug. 19. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is handed a simulated newborn patient as Cristina Alvarado, director of immersive and simulation-based learning at the University of Toledo, during a Heart of Opportunity Tour stop at the University of Toledo in Toledo on Aug. 19. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, center left, and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, center right, get an overview of the university during a Heart of Opportunity Tour stop at the University of Toledo in Toledo on Aug. 19. Kate Abu-Absi, program coordinator for alumni and student engagement at the University of Toledo College of Law, gives a presentation to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine during a Heart of Opportunity Tour stop at the University of Toledo in Toledo on Aug. 19. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine gets an overview of the university during a Heart of Opportunity Tour stop at the University of Toledo in Toledo on Aug. 19. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks during a Heart of Opportunity Tour stop at the University of Toledo in Toledo on Aug. 19. Panelists, from left, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, James Holloway, president of the University of Toledo, and Wendy Gramza, president and CEO of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, during a Heart of Opportunity Tour stop at the University of Toledo in Toledo on Aug. 19. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks during a Heart of Opportunity Tour stop at the University of Toledo in Toledo on Aug. 19. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine shakes hands during a Heart of Opportunity Tour stop at the University of Toledo in Toledo on Aug. 19. Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel speaks during a Heart of Opportunity Tour stop at the University of Toledo in Toledo on Aug. 19. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/18/ohio-bmv-no-longer-accepting-gender-change-form-lgbtq-advocates-say/stories/20260818103 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/18/ohio-bmv-no-longer-accepting-gender-change-form-lgbtq-advocates-say/stories/20260818103#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:25:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/18/ohio-bmv-no-longer-accepting-gender-change-form-lgbtq-advocates-say/stories/20260818103 COLUMBUS — The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will no longer accept a form that transgender Ohioans have long used to update the gender marker on their driver’s license or state ID, a spokesman for the bureau said Tuesday. Customers visit the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, located on Heatherdowns Boulevard. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/18/gerken-doubles-down-on-flock-audit/stories/20260818081 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/18/gerken-doubles-down-on-flock-audit/stories/20260818081#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:34:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/18/gerken-doubles-down-on-flock-audit/stories/20260818081 Local officials are calling on law enforcement to audit their use of Flock cameras, saying they enable widespread surveillance. Commissioner Pete Gerken speaks during a news conference demanding an audit of the county sheriff's Flock cameras on Aug. 18 at One Government Center in downtown Toledo. Commissioner Pete Gerken speaks during a news conference demanding an audit of the county sheriff's Flock cameras on Aug. 18 at One Government Center in downtown Toledo. Commissioner Pete Gerken speaks during a news conference demanding an audit of the county sheriff's Flock cameras on Aug. 18 at One Government Center in downtown Toledo. Commissioner Pete Gerken speaks during a news conference demanding an audit of the county sheriff's Flock cameras on Aug. 18 at One Government Center in downtown Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/18/major-ohio-business-groups-endorse-gop-supreme-court-candidates/stories/20260818098 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/18/major-ohio-business-groups-endorse-gop-supreme-court-candidates/stories/20260818098#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:10:32 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/18/major-ohio-business-groups-endorse-gop-supreme-court-candidates/stories/20260818098 COLUMBUS — Five of the largest business groups in the state endorsed the Republican candidates for Ohio Supreme Court on Tuesday. Ohio Business Roundtable President and CEO Pat Tiberi speaks during an endorsement event for Justice Dan Hawkins, far right, and Colleen O'Donnell, second from right, Both Justice Hawkins and Ms. O'Donnell are running as Republican candidates for the Ohio Supreme Court. Others in the photo, from left, are Ohio Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Stivers, Ohio Farm Bureau Treasurer Adele Flynn, Ohio Manufacturers' Association President Ryan Augsburger, and NFIB Ohio State Director Jared Weiser. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/17/judges-judicial-candidates-meet-public-south-toledo/stories/20260817085 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/17/judges-judicial-candidates-meet-public-south-toledo/stories/20260817085#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2026 01:34:45 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/17/judges-judicial-candidates-meet-public-south-toledo/stories/20260817085 With seven children between the ages of 2 and 16, Bricia Gonzalez does not have much time other than for taking care of them. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/17/sheriff-refuses-pause-flock-cameras-county-audit/stories/20260817074 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/17/sheriff-refuses-pause-flock-cameras-county-audit/stories/20260817074#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2026 19:42:02 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/17/sheriff-refuses-pause-flock-cameras-county-audit/stories/20260817074 Lucas County Sheriff Mike Navarre said he has no intention of turning off Flock cameras as Commissioner Pete Gerken prepares to call for an independent audit of their use. Sheriff Mike Navarre poses for a photo in his office at the Lucas County Sheriff's office in downtown Toledo on Feb. 27, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/13/ohio-program-destroying-pfas-firefighting-foam/stories/20260813111 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/13/ohio-program-destroying-pfas-firefighting-foam/stories/20260813111#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2026 20:43:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/13/ohio-program-destroying-pfas-firefighting-foam/stories/20260813111 COLUMBUS — The state of Ohio is expanding its program to destroy fire-fighting foam made with dangerous chemicals known as PFAS, Gov. Mike DeWine has announced. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks during a celebration of Bird Ohio Day amid the Biggest Week in American Birding at the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area near Oak Harbor on May 11. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/13/data-centers-1-149/stories/20260813110 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/13/data-centers-1-149/stories/20260813110#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2026 20:38:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/13/data-centers-1-149/stories/20260813110 Oregon voters are set to consider a proposed charter amendment banning large data centers in the city after organizers met the signature requirement to make the ballot. A sign against data centers sits in a yard in Oregon on Aug. 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/13/shoreland-elementary-school-sidewalk-project/stories/20260813106 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/13/shoreland-elementary-school-sidewalk-project/stories/20260813106#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:12:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/13/shoreland-elementary-school-sidewalk-project/stories/20260813106 COLUMBUS — The city of Toledo is receiving $816,834 in state funding to fix sidewalk gaps near Shoreland Elementary School. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/12/state-doubles-number-of-literacy-coaches-in-northwest-ohio/stories/20260812089 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/12/state-doubles-number-of-literacy-coaches-in-northwest-ohio/stories/20260812089#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2026 21:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/12/state-doubles-number-of-literacy-coaches-in-northwest-ohio/stories/20260812089 COLUMBUS — The number of literacy coaches serving the ReadOhio region that includes northwest Ohio has more than doubled since the last school year, the regional coordinator leading the effort said Wednesday. Nick Jacobs https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/12/prices-at-the-pump-are-ticking-up-but-won-t-sway-some-swing-voters/stories/20260812078 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/12/prices-at-the-pump-are-ticking-up-but-won-t-sway-some-swing-voters/stories/20260812078#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:52:21 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/12/prices-at-the-pump-are-ticking-up-but-won-t-sway-some-swing-voters/stories/20260812078 Northwest Ohio residents know that gas costs have increased, but some undecided voters say prices at the pump are not likely to influence their choices at the polls this November. Will Keller fills up his tank at the Sheetz on Central Avenue in Sylvania Township on Aug. 11. Chris Koehn fills up his tank at the Sheetz on Central Avenue in Sylvania Township on Aug. 11. The Sheetz on Central Avenue in Sylvania Township on Aug. 11. The gas prices at the Sheetz on Central Avenue in Sylvania Township on Aug. 11. Will Keller fills up his tank at the Sheetz on Central Avenue in Sylvania Township on Tuesday, Aug. 11. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/11/erie-county-treasurer-replaces-swearingen-ballot-touts-property-tax-plan/stories/20260811087 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/11/erie-county-treasurer-replaces-swearingen-ballot-touts-property-tax-plan/stories/20260811087#comments Tue, 11 Aug 2026 20:59:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/11/erie-county-treasurer-replaces-swearingen-ballot-touts-property-tax-plan/stories/20260811087 COLUMBUS — Property tax relief will be the top issue in the race for Ohio’s 89th House District, newly nominated Republican candidate Caleb Stidham said Tuesday. Erie County Treasurer Caleb Stidham is the Republican nominee for Ohio's 89th House District after state Rep. D.J. Swearingen (R., Huron) announced he would drop his re-election bid. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/10/dewine-orders-state-certification-recovery-housing-amid-rapid-growth/stories/20260810075 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/10/dewine-orders-state-certification-recovery-housing-amid-rapid-growth/stories/20260810075#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:58:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/10/dewine-orders-state-certification-recovery-housing-amid-rapid-growth/stories/20260810075 COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health is taking over the certification of addiction recovery housing as the facilities proliferate across the state, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Monday. Gov. Mike DeWine announced that the state of Ohio will directly certify recovery housing during a news conference on Aug. 10.. He was joined by (from left to right) Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson, state Sen. Terry Johnson, state Rep. Justin Pizzulli, and Ohio Department of Behavioral Health Director Tia Moretti. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/07/kaptur-speaks-from-hospital-after-crash-im-running-now-more-than-ever/stories/20260807103 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/07/kaptur-speaks-from-hospital-after-crash-im-running-now-more-than-ever/stories/20260807103#comments Sat, 08 Aug 2026 00:16:28 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/07/kaptur-speaks-from-hospital-after-crash-im-running-now-more-than-ever/stories/20260807103 Speaking from a hospital bed in central Toledo, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) couldn’t help but wonder if she was put there for a reason. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/06/vivek-ramaswamy-requires-companies-pay-ohioans-electricity-bills-plan-data-cente/stories/20260806102 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/06/vivek-ramaswamy-requires-companies-pay-ohioans-electricity-bills-plan-data-cente/stories/20260806102#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:21:25 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/06/vivek-ramaswamy-requires-companies-pay-ohioans-electricity-bills-plan-data-cente/stories/20260806102 Data centers are one of the hottest topics on the campaign trail this election season, and Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is the latest candidate to share how he would regulate the developments if elected as Ohio’s governor. Mr. Ramaswamy hasn’t shied away from the Ohio governor hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at the Lincoln Day Dinner fund raiser for the Lucas County Republican Party at The Pinnacle event center in 2025 in Maumee. An aerial view of land around Wynn and Corduroy roads, where a data center has been proposed, in Oregon on Aug. 6. This photo is looking west, toward the intersection, which is just out of view to the left. Dr. Amy Acton speaks during a campaign stop at United Steelworkers Local 1-346 in Oregon on Aug. 4. Don Kissick, a candidate running for Ohio governor as a Libertarian, speaks during a debate with Travis Vought at the Oregon Public Library in Oregon on Feb. 12. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/06/republican-lieutenant-governor-candidate-highlights-wood-county-s-importance-at/stories/20260805129 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/06/republican-lieutenant-governor-candidate-highlights-wood-county-s-importance-at/stories/20260805129#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:26:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/06/republican-lieutenant-governor-candidate-highlights-wood-county-s-importance-at/stories/20260805129 BOWLING GREEN — From children showcasing livestock to tasty pork sandwiches, there is nothing like a county fair, which state Senate President Rob McColley (R., Napoleon) says is “essential to northwest Ohio.” Republican lieutenant governor candidate Rob McColley tries a pork-a-lean sandwich as he tours the Wood County Fair during a campaign stop in Bowling Green on Aug. 5. Republican lieutenant governor candidate Rob McColley meets with voters before touring the Wood County Fair during a campaign stop in Bowling Green on Aug. 5. Republican lieutenant governor candidate Rob McColley meets with voters before touring the Wood County Fair during a campaign stop in Bowling Green on Aug. 5. Republican lieutenant governor candidate Rob McColley tours the Wood County Fair during a campaign stop in Bowling Green on Aug. 5. Republican lieutenant governor candidate Rob McColley tours the Wood County Fair during a campaign stop in Bowling Green on Aug. 5. Republican lieutenant governor candidate Rob McColley tours the Wood County Fair during a campaign stop in Bowling Green on Aug. 5. Republican lieutenant governor candidate Rob McColley hands out pork-a-lean sandwiches as he tours the Wood County Fair during a campaign stop in Bowling Green on Aug. 5. Republican lieutenant governor candidate Rob McColley meets with voters while touring the Wood County Fair during a campaign stop in Bowling Green on Aug. 5. Republican lieutenant governor candidate Rob McColley tours the Wood County Fair during a campaign stop in Bowling Green on Aug. 5. Republican lieutenant governor candidate Rob McColley meets with voters while touring the Wood County Fair during a campaign stop in Bowling Green on Aug. 5. Republican lieutenant governor candidate Rob McColley meets with voters while touring the Wood County Fair during a campaign stop in Bowling Green on Aug. 5. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/04/michigan-democrats-pick-between-moderate-and-progressive-in-high-profile-senate-/stories/20260804088 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/04/michigan-democrats-pick-between-moderate-and-progressive-in-high-profile-senate-/stories/20260804088#comments Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:49:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/04/michigan-democrats-pick-between-moderate-and-progressive-in-high-profile-senate-/stories/20260804088 DETROIT — Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, narrowly defeating U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in a victory for the party’s progressive wing in a battleground state. Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Michigan, greets people at a campaign rally Aug. 3 in Detroit. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., talks to reporters during a campaign event, Aug. 3, in Grand Rapids, Mich. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/04/amy-acton-outlines-affordability-agenda-and-stresses-investment-in-public-school/stories/20260804121 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/04/amy-acton-outlines-affordability-agenda-and-stresses-investment-in-public-school/stories/20260804121#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2026 01:48:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/04/amy-acton-outlines-affordability-agenda-and-stresses-investment-in-public-school/stories/20260804121 Jim Hanley came to Amy Acton’s meet-and-greet Tuesday looking for a candidate who would make public education a priority. Dr. Amy Acton speaks during a campaign stop at United Steelworkers Local 1-346 in Toledo on Aug. 4. Dr. Amy Acton waves to the crowd during a campaign stop at United Steelworkers Local 1-346 in Toledo on Aug. 4. People cheer for Dr. Amy Acton during a campaign stop at United Steelworkers Local 1-346 in Toledo on Aug. 4. People line the walls during a campaign stop for Dr. Amy Acton at United Steelworkers Local 1-346 in Toledo on Aug. 4. People grab Amy Acton pins during a campaign stop at United Steelworkers Local 1-346 in Toledo on Aug. 4. Voters line up to see Dr. Amy Acton during a campaign stop at United Steelworkers Local 1-346 in Toledo on Aug. 4. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz speaks during a campaign stop for Dr. Amy Acton at United Steelworkers Local 1-346 in Toledo on Aug. 4. Republican candidate for governor Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during a town hall meeting April 7 at Drackett Hall in Lakeside. Ohio governor hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at the Lincoln Day Dinner fund raiser for the Lucas County Republican Party at the Pinnacle event center on March 14 in Maumee. Dr. Amy Acton speaks during a campaign stop at United Steelworkers Local 1-346 in Toledo on Aug. 4. People line the walls during a campaign stop for Dr. Amy Acton at United Steelworkers Local 1-346 in Toledo on Aug. 4. Dr. Amy Acton speaks during a campaign stop at United Steelworkers Local 1-346 in Toledo on Aug. 4. Dr. Amy Acton thanks the crowd during a campaign stop at United Steelworkers Local 1-346 in Toledo on Aug. 4.