http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Tue, 02 Jun 2026 04:14:02 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/02/brown-touts-experience-campaign-stop-in-toledo/stories/20260602122 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/02/brown-touts-experience-campaign-stop-in-toledo/stories/20260602122#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2026 22:20:59 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/02/brown-touts-experience-campaign-stop-in-toledo/stories/20260602122 Maumee resident Tonia Gerity thinks Democratic candidates should focus on the value of workers as November's general election approaches. Former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown greets supporters struggling with higher prices. Former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown greets supporters. Former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown greets supporters. Former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown greets supporters. Former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown greets supporters struggling. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/02/ohio-capital-budget-includes-5-7m-lucas-county-projects/stories/20260602102 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/02/ohio-capital-budget-includes-5-7m-lucas-county-projects/stories/20260602102#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:30:58 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/02/ohio-capital-budget-includes-5-7m-lucas-county-projects/stories/20260602102 COLUMBUS — Lucas County is set to receive $5.7 million of the $208.3 million set aside for community projects in the Ohio General Assembly’s newly introduced capital budget. The William McKinley Monument is silhouetted in front of the west side of the Ohio Statehouse, April 15, 2024, in Columbus. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/02/lucas-county-approves-63m-renovation-plan-for-jail/stories/20260601059 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/02/lucas-county-approves-63m-renovation-plan-for-jail/stories/20260601059#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:46:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/02/lucas-county-approves-63m-renovation-plan-for-jail/stories/20260601059 Lucas County plans to renovate the downtown jail at a cost of more than $63 million, hoping to extend the life of the 50-year-old jail by a few more decades. The exterior of the Lucas County Jail in Toledo on Dec. 5, 2019. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/01/ohio-data-center-detractors-ask-lawmakers-more-restrictions-transparency/stories/20260601060 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/01/ohio-data-center-detractors-ask-lawmakers-more-restrictions-transparency/stories/20260601060#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:06:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/01/ohio-data-center-detractors-ask-lawmakers-more-restrictions-transparency/stories/20260601060 COLUMBUS — Ohioans are working to ban data centers in large part because of the arrogance of elected officials and the tech industry, residents from across the state told the legislature’s Joint Data Center Committee. Austin Baurichter and other members of the Conserve Ohio campaign speak during a news conference at the Statehouse on June 1. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/30/as-canada-seeks-to/stories/20260530017 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/30/as-canada-seeks-to/stories/20260530017#comments Sat, 30 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/30/as-canada-seeks-to/stories/20260530017 West Toledo resident Anna Lawrence has seen firsthand the lengthy and challenging process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Anna Lawrence, a local resident with dual-citizenship, poses for a photo at Brew House in Toledo on May 27. Anna Lawrence talks about being a dual citizen at Brew House in Toledo on May 27. Anna Lawrence, a local resident with dual-citizenship, poses for a photo at Brew House in Toledo on May 27. The Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, introduced by U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R., Ohio), would prohibit American citizens from holding dual or multiple citizenship. The bill was introduced in December and currently sits in committee. Anna Lawrence talks about being a dual citizen at Brew House in Toledo on May 27. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/29/ramaswamys-parents-held-green-cards-before-his-birth-campaign-says/stories/20260528101 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/29/ramaswamys-parents-held-green-cards-before-his-birth-campaign-says/stories/20260528101#comments Fri, 29 May 2026 21:44:14 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/29/ramaswamys-parents-held-green-cards-before-his-birth-campaign-says/stories/20260528101 COLUMBUS — Vivek Ramaswamy’s parents were lawful permanent residents when he was born in Cincinnati in 1985, the Republican gubernatorial candidate’s campaign revealed Friday. Vivek Ramaswamy, candidate for Governor in Ohio, unveils a policy proposal to combat Medicaid fraud during a news conference in Columbus on May 19. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/28/medicaid-josh-williams-anti-fraud-package/stories/20260527100 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/28/medicaid-josh-williams-anti-fraud-package/stories/20260527100#comments Thu, 28 May 2026 21:43:53 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/28/medicaid-josh-williams-anti-fraud-package/stories/20260527100 COLUMBUS — Legislation introduced by state Rep. Josh Williams (R., Sylvania Township) is now the Ohio House Republicans’ comprehensive package addressing fraud, waste, and abuse in the Medicaid program. Josh Williams answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/28/michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-says-she-s-not-running-for-president-in-2028/stories/20260528098 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/28/michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-says-she-s-not-running-for-president-in-2028/stories/20260528098#comments Thu, 28 May 2026 15:55:19 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/28/michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-says-she-s-not-running-for-president-in-2028/stories/20260528098 Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer threw cold water Thursday on the idea of a 2028 presidential bid, saying that while “there will be a robust group of people running for president, I will not be one of them.” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gives a policy speech at an event on April 9, 2025, in Washington. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/28/michigan-democrats-get-a-chance-to-make-their-case-for-the-senate-and-their-party-s-future/stories/20260528091 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/28/michigan-democrats-get-a-chance-to-make-their-case-for-the-senate-and-their-party-s-future/stories/20260528091#comments Thu, 28 May 2026 13:56:28 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/28/michigan-democrats-get-a-chance-to-make-their-case-for-the-senate-and-their-party-s-future/stories/20260528091 MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich.  — Michigan Democrats are hoping to hold on to an open U.S. Senate seat as the party fights to win back a majority in Washington. But they first must settle their own arguments. This combination of photos shows Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., Feb. 6, 2025, in Washington, left, Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago, center, and Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit on July 28, 2018. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/27/ohio-s-data-center-sales-tax-break-needed-for-investment-industry-leader-says/stories/20260527083 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/27/ohio-s-data-center-sales-tax-break-needed-for-investment-industry-leader-says/stories/20260527083#comments Wed, 27 May 2026 18:37:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/27/ohio-s-data-center-sales-tax-break-needed-for-investment-industry-leader-says/stories/20260527083 COLUMBUS — The Ohio Tax Credit Authority will pause consideration of any new data center sales tax exemption requests while the legislature’s Joint Data Center Committee conducts its business, Gov. Mike DeWine announced hours after the committee’s first meeting on Wednesday. Dan Diorio, vice president of state policy for the Data Center Coalition, provides testimony during the first meeting of the Ohio General Assembly's Joint Data Center Committee on May 27. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/27/democrats-raise-questions-on-proposed-voter-id-amendment/stories/20260527088 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/27/democrats-raise-questions-on-proposed-voter-id-amendment/stories/20260527088#comments Wed, 27 May 2026 20:12:47 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/27/democrats-raise-questions-on-proposed-voter-id-amendment/stories/20260527088 Toledo-area Democratic lawmakers are questioning a Republican-led initiative to get Ohio’s current voter ID laws enshrined into the state’s constitution. State Rep. Erika White (D., Springfield Township) questioned if the joint resolution was the starting point for other voting changes such as limiting the window for early voting or revoking mail-in ballots during a news conference Wednesday. State Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D., Toledo) held a news conference on Wednesday about identical joint resolutions introduced in the state Senate and House that aim to enshrine voter photo ID laws in the state's constitution. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/25/yost-regrets-jobsohio-transparency-predicts-renaissance/stories/20260521097 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/25/yost-regrets-jobsohio-transparency-predicts-renaissance/stories/20260521097#comments Mon, 25 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/25/yost-regrets-jobsohio-transparency-predicts-renaissance/stories/20260521097 COLUMBUS — While Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said he’s proud of his team’s numerous accomplishments since he took office in 2019, he lamented his decision to ease up on JobsOhio after becoming the state’s top law enforcement officer. Ohio attorney general Dave Yost speaks during a rally for Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, in Middletown, Ohio, in 2024. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/24/local-politician-receives-liberty-justice-award/stories/20260522083 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/24/local-politician-receives-liberty-justice-award/stories/20260522083#comments Sun, 24 May 2026 19:14:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/24/local-politician-receives-liberty-justice-award/stories/20260522083 State Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D., Toledo) has been announced as the 2026 recipient of the Voice of Justice Award. State Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson speaks during the unveiling of a historical marker for Ella P. Stewart at All Saints Episcopal Church in Toledo on June 13. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/24/ohio-lawmakers-votes-5-18-5-22-26/stories/20260521096 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/24/ohio-lawmakers-votes-5-18-5-22-26/stories/20260521096#comments Sun, 24 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/24/ohio-lawmakers-votes-5-18-5-22-26/stories/20260521096 A look at recent actions in the Ohio General Assembly and how lawmakers representing the area voted. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/22/lucas-county-write-in-candidates-make-november-ballot-key-races/stories/20260522087 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/22/lucas-county-write-in-candidates-make-november-ballot-key-races/stories/20260522087#comments Fri, 22 May 2026 20:31:13 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/22/lucas-county-write-in-candidates-make-november-ballot-key-races/stories/20260522087 Lucas County’s May primary results have been validated, allowing candidates to shift their focus to November. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/22/county-clashes-israel-bonds-passes-policy-comply-ohio-law/stories/20260521107 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/22/county-clashes-israel-bonds-passes-policy-comply-ohio-law/stories/20260521107#comments Fri, 22 May 2026 19:20:36 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/22/county-clashes-israel-bonds-passes-policy-comply-ohio-law/stories/20260521107 Lucas County’s investment in Israel bonds continues to stir controversy among elected officials, who clashed after the attorney general issued an opinion directed at its investment committee. Lucas County Lindsay Webb speaks. Selah Carter speaks during the public comment portion. Norah Riggs speaks during the public comment portion. John Borell listens. Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken speaks. Lucas County Commissioner Anita Lopez listens. Jim McCourt of Reeder Investments and Lucas County Commissioner Anita Lopez talk. Mike Stamm is applauded after he spoke. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/21/president-trump-endorses-merrin-ohio-9th-congressional-district/stories/20260521131 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/21/president-trump-endorses-merrin-ohio-9th-congressional-district/stories/20260521131#comments Fri, 22 May 2026 00:03:05 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/21/president-trump-endorses-merrin-ohio-9th-congressional-district/stories/20260521131 President Trump is backing former state Rep. Derek Merrin in the race for Ohio’s 9th congressional district. Derek Merrin speaks after his victory in a Republican primary for the U.S. House of Representatives during an Election Day watch party hosted at the Lucas County Republican Party headquarters in Holland on May 5. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/21/former-detroit-mayor-duggan-cites-toxic-political-climate-suspending-his-run-for/stories/20260521104 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/21/former-detroit-mayor-duggan-cites-toxic-political-climate-suspending-his-run-for/stories/20260521104#comments Thu, 21 May 2026 17:22:38 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/21/former-detroit-mayor-duggan-cites-toxic-political-climate-suspending-his-run-for/stories/20260521104 DETROIT — Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said Thursday that he is suspending his campaign for Michigan governor citing an increasingly “toxic” political climate due to President Donald Trump's war with Iran and skyrocketing gas prices. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is interviewed, Dec. 3, 2024, in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/20/lawmaker-proposed-amendment-addresses-voter-id-early-voting/stories/20260519094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/20/lawmaker-proposed-amendment-addresses-voter-id-early-voting/stories/20260519094#comments Wed, 20 May 2026 18:34:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/20/lawmaker-proposed-amendment-addresses-voter-id-early-voting/stories/20260519094 COLUMBUS — Ohio’s current voter ID laws would be enshrined into the constitution under an amendment proposed by Republican state lawmakers. People cast their votes during the final day of early voting at the Lucas County Board of Elections’ Early Vote Center in Toledo in 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/19/ramaswamy-announces-plan-to-address-medicaid-fraud/stories/20260519078 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/19/ramaswamy-announces-plan-to-address-medicaid-fraud/stories/20260519078#comments Tue, 19 May 2026 16:40:36 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/19/ramaswamy-announces-plan-to-address-medicaid-fraud/stories/20260519078 COLUMBUS — Ohio could recover $3.1 billion in Medicaid fraud under a new federal waiver, Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said Tuesday. Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy announces his plan to address Medicaid fraud during a news conference in Columbus on May 19.