http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Wed, 13 May 2026 04:09:26 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/13/ohio-lawmakers-announce-bicameral-data-center-committee/stories/20260513086 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/13/ohio-lawmakers-announce-bicameral-data-center-committee/stories/20260513086#comments Wed, 13 May 2026 17:52:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/13/ohio-lawmakers-announce-bicameral-data-center-committee/stories/20260513086 COLUMBUS — The Energy Committee chairman in each chamber of the Ohio General Assembly will co-lead a new Joint Data Center Committee, the state lawmakers announced Wednesday State Rep. Adam Holmes (right) and state Sen. Brian Chavez announce the Joint Data Center Committee at the Ohio Statehouse on May 13, 2026. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/12/ohio-appeals-court-hears-arguments-constitutionality-school-vouchers/stories/20260512088 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/12/ohio-appeals-court-hears-arguments-constitutionality-school-vouchers/stories/20260512088#comments Tue, 12 May 2026 21:47:07 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/12/ohio-appeals-court-hears-arguments-constitutionality-school-vouchers/stories/20260512088 COLUMBUS — The Ohio 10th District Court of Appeals should reverse a trial court ruling finding the state’s EdChoice program unconstitutional, attorneys defending the private school voucher system argued Tuesday. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/11/ohio-environmentalists-say-renewables-should-power-data-centers/stories/20260511082 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/11/ohio-environmentalists-say-renewables-should-power-data-centers/stories/20260511082#comments Mon, 11 May 2026 21:37:13 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/11/ohio-environmentalists-say-renewables-should-power-data-centers/stories/20260511082 COLUMBUS — The state of Ohio should make it easier for data centers to be powered with solar and wind, environmentalists with Save Ohio Parks said Monday. The Amazon data center on Scioto-Darby Creek Road is located near homes in the Darby Glen subdivision in Hilliard, Ohio. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/11/dewine-appoints-state-public-safety-director-as-attorney-general/stories/20260511058 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/11/dewine-appoints-state-public-safety-director-as-attorney-general/stories/20260511058#comments Mon, 11 May 2026 13:20:18 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/11/dewine-appoints-state-public-safety-director-as-attorney-general/stories/20260511058 COLUMBUS — Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson will replace Dave Yost as Ohio attorney general, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Monday. Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson, joined by his family, speaks at the statehouse after Gov. Mike DeWine announced his appointment as the next Ohio attorney general on May 11, 2026. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/11/experts-property-tax-data-center-ohio-ballot/stories/20260508094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/11/experts-property-tax-data-center-ohio-ballot/stories/20260508094#comments Mon, 11 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/11/experts-property-tax-data-center-ohio-ballot/stories/20260508094 COLUMBUS — Ohio voters probably won’t see constitutional amendments abolishing property taxes or banning large data centers on the November ballot, according to state policy experts from both sides of the ideological spectrum. Waterville residents sign a petition against data centers before a Waterville Township Board Meeting about the data center in Waterville on April 22. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/09/brownfields-pitched-alternative-farmland-ohio-data-centers/stories/20260508091 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/09/brownfields-pitched-alternative-farmland-ohio-data-centers/stories/20260508091#comments Sat, 09 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/09/brownfields-pitched-alternative-farmland-ohio-data-centers/stories/20260508091 COLUMBUS — Tech companies should focus on former commercial or industrial sites when seeking locations for new data centers, according to Jack Irvin of the Ohio Farm Bureau. Concerns about farmland loss, energy demands, and local impacts have fueled growing opposition to proposed data center developments in parts of Ohio. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/07/ohio-party-leaders-draw-contrasts-post-primary-forum/stories/20260507090 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/07/ohio-party-leaders-draw-contrasts-post-primary-forum/stories/20260507090#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 22:26:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/07/ohio-party-leaders-draw-contrasts-post-primary-forum/stories/20260507090 COLUMBUS — U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) will once again hold off a Republican challenger and continue in office as the longest-serving woman currently in Congress, Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Kathleen Clyde said Thursday. Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou (left) and Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Kathleen Clyde speak during the Ohio Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Post-Primary Impact Ohio conference in Columbus on May 7. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/07/yost-s-expected-resignation-could-trigger-ohio-gop-musical-chairs/stories/20260507094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/07/yost-s-expected-resignation-could-trigger-ohio-gop-musical-chairs/stories/20260507094#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 15:58:47 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/07/yost-s-expected-resignation-could-trigger-ohio-gop-musical-chairs/stories/20260507094 COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost will resign from office on June 7 to join the Alliance Defending Freedom, Mr. Yost announced Thursday. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost speaks during a rally for Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance (R., Ohio) in Middletown, Ohio on July 22, 2024. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/07/republicans-once-saw-michigan-as-ripe-for-a-takeover-but-the-mood-is-shifting/stories/20260507092 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/07/republicans-once-saw-michigan-as-ripe-for-a-takeover-but-the-mood-is-shifting/stories/20260507092#comments Thu, 07 May 2026 14:58:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/07/republicans-once-saw-michigan-as-ripe-for-a-takeover-but-the-mood-is-shifting/stories/20260507092 DETROIT — For years, Michigan Republicans had circled 2026 as their chance to regain power in the swing state where Democrats hold all statewide offices and both U.S. Senate seats. Now, doubts are creeping in. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, right, listens to Rep. John James (R., Mich.), left, speak during a tour of Atomic Industries' manufacturing facility April 9 in Warren, Mich. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, right, and Rep. John James (R., Mich.), second from left, tour the Atomic Industries' manufacturing facility with co-founder and head of manufacturing Lou Young, Jr., second from left, and co-founder and CEO Aaron Slodov, left, April 9 in Warren, Mich. Chedrick Greene, Democratic candidate for 35th Senate District, speaks May 5 in Saginaw, Mich. Chedrick Greene, Democratic candidate for 35th Senate District, takes a selfie with supporters after speaking May 5 in Saginaw, Mich. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/06/ohio-lawmakers-hear-push-fund-ibogaine-research-addiction-ptsd/stories/20260506091 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/06/ohio-lawmakers-hear-push-fund-ibogaine-research-addiction-ptsd/stories/20260506091#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 18:42:59 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/06/ohio-lawmakers-hear-push-fund-ibogaine-research-addiction-ptsd/stories/20260506091 COLUMBUS — Ohio should join the federal government and other states in funding research on ibogaine, a psychedelic drug that has shown promise in treating substance abuse and mental health disorders, policy advocates said Wednesday. From left, Zach Federico, Geoffrey Lawrence, state Rep. Justin Pizzulli, Bryan Hubbard, and Logan Davidson pose for a photo after a meeting of the Ibogaine Treatment Study Committee in Columbus on May 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/springfield-sylvania-school-levies-trailing-polls/stories/20260505115 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/springfield-sylvania-school-levies-trailing-polls/stories/20260505115#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 03:05:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/springfield-sylvania-school-levies-trailing-polls/stories/20260505115 Three of four local school districts had their requests for funding denied by voters on Tuesday. Sylvania Northview High School in Sylvania on March 12, 2018. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/lucas-countys-911-levy-leans-toward-approval-3-7m-increase-funding/stories/20260505104 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/lucas-countys-911-levy-leans-toward-approval-3-7m-increase-funding/stories/20260505104#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 04:03:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/lucas-countys-911-levy-leans-toward-approval-3-7m-increase-funding/stories/20260505104 Voters were leaning in favor of increasing Lucas County’s 911 levy, which supports its consolidated 911 system and shared countywide radio communications. Lucas County 911 Dispatch Center. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/voters-approve-decreased-zoo-levy/stories/20260505105 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/voters-approve-decreased-zoo-levy/stories/20260505105#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 03:50:32 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/voters-approve-decreased-zoo-levy/stories/20260505105 Lucas County voters were leaning toward approving a property tax levy for the Toledo Zoo that will reduce its funding by $25 million over the next decade while zoo officials wean its operations off taxpayer support. Lily the giraffe nuzzles her baby, Eugene, in the Africa! Overlook during Eugene’s Baby Bash at the Toledo Zoo on April 25. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/karmol-riedel-schimmel-among-local-statehouse-winners/stories/20260505108 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/karmol-riedel-schimmel-among-local-statehouse-winners/stories/20260505108#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 03:39:56 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/karmol-riedel-schimmel-among-local-statehouse-winners/stories/20260505108 In the Ohio Statehouse, three primaries were contested regionally in the House of Representatives and one in the Senate. Patsy Grant, a volunteer with the Derek Merrin campaign, watches the results come in during an Election Day watch party hosted at the Lucas County Republican Party headquarters in Holland. Carolyn Munn, a write-in candidate for Lucas County Auditor, reacts to results coming in. Ed Schimmel, running for the Ohio State House, checks his phone as results come in. David Karmol, running for the Ohio State House, checks his phone as results come in. Laura Brown, write-in candidate for Lucas County Commissioner, left, and Patsy Grant, a volunteer with Derek Merrin’s campaign, chat. Sally Perz, candidate for the Ohio Republican State Central Committee, left, and David Karmol, running for the Ohio State House, chat. Ian Chamberlin, a candidate for the Ohio State House, center, shakes hands with Derek Merrin, a candidate for the U.S. House, left. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/michigan-special-election-to-decide-state-senate-control-and-give-clues-midterms/stories/20260505096 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/michigan-special-election-to-decide-state-senate-control-and-give-clues-midterms/stories/20260505096#comments Tue, 05 May 2026 17:39:26 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/michigan-special-election-to-decide-state-senate-control-and-give-clues-midterms/stories/20260505096 SAGINAW, Mich. — Democrat Chedrick Greene won a special election in Michigan on Tuesday, securing the party’s narrow control of the state Senate through the remainder of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s term. Chedrick Greene, Democratic candidate for 35th Senate District, speaks May 5 in Saginaw, Mich. Jason Tunney, Republican candidate for the 35th Senate District, speaks at Otherside Bar and Grill April 27 in Freeland, Mich. Chedrick Greene, Democratic candidate for 35th Senate District, speaks May 5 in Saginaw, Mich. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/fostoria-schoolteacher-challenge-congressman-latta/stories/20260505110 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/fostoria-schoolteacher-challenge-congressman-latta/stories/20260505110#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 02:56:43 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/fostoria-schoolteacher-challenge-congressman-latta/stories/20260505110 FOSTORIA — A Fostoria schoolteacher will take on U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R., Bowling Green) in November’s general election. Fostoria city councilman Brian Shaver is running as a Democrat for Ohio's 5th congressional district. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/merrin-looks-get-rematch-against-kaptur/stories/20260505118 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/merrin-looks-get-rematch-against-kaptur/stories/20260505118#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 01:47:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/merrin-looks-get-rematch-against-kaptur/stories/20260505118 Former state Rep. Derek Merrin is getting a rematch against U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo). Derek Merrin speaks after his victory in a Republican primary for the U.S. House of Representatives. Derek Merrin speaks after his victory in a Republican primary for the U.S. House of Representatives. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/ramaswamy-wins-republican-nomination-ohio-governor/stories/20260505119 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/ramaswamy-wins-republican-nomination-ohio-governor/stories/20260505119#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 00:18:25 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/ramaswamy-wins-republican-nomination-ohio-governor/stories/20260505119 COLUMBUS — Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy is officially the Republican gubernatorial nominee in Ohio. Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, alongside his sons, Karthik and Arjun, and his wife, Apoorva Ramaswamy, speaks during a watch party at the Spruce St. Sporting sports bar after winning the party's nomination for governor May 5, 2026, in Columbus. Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during his victory party in Columbus after winning the Republican nomination for Ohio governor on May 5, 2026. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/russo-sprague-win-primary-elections-secretary-of-state/stories/20260505120 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/russo-sprague-win-primary-elections-secretary-of-state/stories/20260505120#comments Wed, 06 May 2026 00:28:32 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/russo-sprague-win-primary-elections-secretary-of-state/stories/20260505120 COLUMBUS — The candidates with experience handily defeated the political newcomers in the primary races for Ohio secretary of state. Allison Russo and Robert Sprague https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/primary-election-packed-with-candidates-array-of-issues/stories/20260504105 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/primary-election-packed-with-candidates-array-of-issues/stories/20260504105#comments Tue, 05 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/05/05/primary-election-packed-with-candidates-array-of-issues/stories/20260504105 Turnout Tuesday was steady across Lucas County, with election officials reporting polls in Sylvania being particularly busy. Gordon Mather votes May 5 at Stranahan Elementary School in Sylvania. Voters enter the polling station May 5 at Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse. At right, 9th Congressional District candidate Josh Williams greets Shelley Cenci after she voted May 5 at Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse. 9th Congressional District candidate Josh Williams greets voters May 5 at Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse. From left, 9th Congressional District candidate Josh Williams and Ed Schimmel, candidate for Ohio's 44th District, greet voters May 5 at Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse. Matt Ditzig casts his votes May 5 at Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse. People cast their votes May 5 at Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse. Paula Gillespie votes May 5 at Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse. Voters enter the polling station May 5 at Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse. Ashley Karikas votes with her 15-month-old twins Gus, left, and Jack May 5 at Stranahan Elementary School in Sylvania. People vote May 5 at Stranahan Elementary School in Sylvania. Tara Haye of the Committee for Sylvania's Future campaigns to pass a school levy May 5 at Stranahan Elementary School in Sylvania.