http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Wed, 09 Sep 2026 04:00:35 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/08/lucas-county-continues-lead-ohio-signatures-ban-data-centers/stories/20260908079 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/08/lucas-county-continues-lead-ohio-signatures-ban-data-centers/stories/20260908079#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2026 22:18:36 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/08/lucas-county-continues-lead-ohio-signatures-ban-data-centers/stories/20260908079 COLUMBUS — Nearly 10,700 residents of Lucas County have signed a petition to let voters decide if Ohio should ban the construction of large data centers, according to the latest numbers provided by Conserve Ohio. A panel of experts touting the benefits of responsible data center implementation speaks to guests during a town hall discussion on regional and statewide data center development hosted by state senator Paula Hicks-Hudson in the Main Library on March 2 in downtown Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/08/county-commissioners-condemn-israeli-settler-violence-against-local-family/stories/20260908086 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/08/county-commissioners-condemn-israeli-settler-violence-against-local-family/stories/20260908086#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:32:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/08/county-commissioners-condemn-israeli-settler-violence-against-local-family/stories/20260908086 A month after a Toledo-area businessman’s home in the West Bank was besieged by Israeli settlers, Lucas County commissioners condemned the violence against the Ridi family and other Palestinians. Pete Gerken speaks at a commissioners meeting. Dan Ridi, whose family owns a home in the West Bank, speaks at a commissioners meeting. Newly named Lucas County Poet Laureate Sandra Rivers-Gill speaks at a commissioners meeting. Friends and family of poet laureate Sandra Rivers-Gill record videos at a commissioners meeting. Lucas County Economic Development Director Jamie Beier Grant speaks at a commissioners meeting. Anita Lopez speaks at a commissioners meeting. Newly named Lucas County Poet Laureate Sandra Rivers-Gill speaks at a commissioners meeting. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/07/election-day-draws-near-statewide-candidates-celebrate-labor-day-toledo/stories/20260907071 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/07/election-day-draws-near-statewide-candidates-celebrate-labor-day-toledo/stories/20260907071#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2026 21:44:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/07/election-day-draws-near-statewide-candidates-celebrate-labor-day-toledo/stories/20260907071 While Labor Day recognizes the hard work of laborers, it also kicks off the unofficial start of the general election season. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and Republican candidate for Ohio's 9th Congressional District Derek Merrin take a tour of Yarder Manufacturing. Vivek Ramaswamy shakes hands with voters. Republican candidate for Ohio's 9th Congressional District Derek Merrin, acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and U.S. Sen. Jon Husted take a tour of Yarder Manufacturing in Maumee. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted looks at a piece of metal during a tour of Yarder Manufacturing with acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and Republican candidate for Ohio's 9th Congressional District Derek Merrin in Maumee. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted and acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling take a tour of Yarder Manufacturing in Maumee. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted looks at a piece of metal during a tour of Yarder Manufacturing with acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and Republican candidate for Ohio's 9th Congressional District Derek Merrin in Maumee. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted and acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling looks at a piece of metal. Matt Yarder, left, gives a facility tour to U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and Republican candidate for Ohio's 9th Congressional District Derek Merrin at Yarder Manufacturing in Maumee. Matt Yarder, left, gives a facility tour to U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and Republican candidate for Ohio's 9th Congressional District Derek Merrin at Yarder Manufacturing in Maumee on Monday, September 7, 2026. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted looks at a sheet of metal during a tour of Yarder Manufacturing in Maumee. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted looks at a machine during a tour of Yarder Manufacturing. Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate David Pepper speaks to the media as he stops at Promenade Park. Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate David Pepper speaks to Heidi Rao as he stops by a Labor Day picnic at Promenade Park. Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate David Pepper speaks to UAW members as he stops by a Labor Day picnic at Promenade Park. Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate David Pepper speaks to the media as he stops at Promenade Park. Union members celebrate Labor Day with a picnic at Promenade Park. Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate David Pepper speaks to the media as he stops at Promenade Park. Vivek Ramaswamy waves to parade goers during the Labor Day Parade in downtown Toledo. Vivek Ramaswamy marches with Central Midwest Carpenters Union during the Labor Day Parade in downtown Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/07/toledo-tomorrow-joins-new-statewide-education-program-as-regional-leader/stories/20260904076 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/07/toledo-tomorrow-joins-new-statewide-education-program-as-regional-leader/stories/20260904076#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2026 18:03:50 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/07/toledo-tomorrow-joins-new-statewide-education-program-as-regional-leader/stories/20260904076 COLUMBUS — A Toledo-based nonprofit has been selected by the DeWine administration to participate in a new statewide initiative helping children reach their full potential. Education specialist Mija Martin helps rising seniors Zoey Rayfield and Aubrey Thompson start their FAFSA forms during the Toledo Tomorrow FASA event at Locke Branch Library in Toledo on Aug. 16, 2024. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/07/ohio-leaders-support-labor-force/stories/20260904075 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/07/ohio-leaders-support-labor-force/stories/20260904075#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/07/ohio-leaders-support-labor-force/stories/20260904075 COLUMBUS — State government leaders must do more to support Ohio’s work force, according to policy groups across the ideological spectrum. Members of Local 55 Training Center and Ironworkers Local 55 wave to to parade goers during the Labor Day Parade in downtown Toledo in 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/06/armed-individual-attacks-ohio-gubernatorial-candidate-amy-acton-several-injured/stories/20260906157 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/06/armed-individual-attacks-ohio-gubernatorial-candidate-amy-acton-several-injured/stories/20260906157#comments Sun, 06 Sep 2026 21:35:53 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/06/armed-individual-attacks-ohio-gubernatorial-candidate-amy-acton-several-injured/stories/20260906157 CANFIELD, Ohio — An armed assailant charged toward the Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, Amy Acton, on Sunday during a campaign stop at the Canfield Fair, injuring several people before he was stopped by troopers, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said. Dr. Amy Acton speaks during a campaign stop at United Steelworkers Local 1-346 in Toledo on Aug. 4. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/06/bowling-green-announces-districting/stories/20260905098 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/06/bowling-green-announces-districting/stories/20260905098#comments Sun, 06 Sep 2026 18:20:56 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/06/bowling-green-announces-districting/stories/20260905098 BOWLING GREEN — Bowling Green City Council is asking for the public’s input on the redistricting and updating of the city’s ward boundaries. Participants assemble Monday at the Bowling Green City Council chamber to discuss a proposed city ordinance that would ban feeding of wildlife in 2024. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/04/registered-ohio-voters-can-apply-absentee-ballots-november-election/stories/20260904098 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/04/registered-ohio-voters-can-apply-absentee-ballots-november-election/stories/20260904098#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2026 21:49:43 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/04/registered-ohio-voters-can-apply-absentee-ballots-november-election/stories/20260904098 Registered Ohio voters are receiving absentee ballot request forms in the mail, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has announced. Ohio registered voters will begin receiving absentee ballot request forms in the mail this week ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Absentee voting by mail begins Oct. 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/04/mayors-ohio-seek-economic-development-fund/stories/20260903104 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/04/mayors-ohio-seek-economic-development-fund/stories/20260903104#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2026 10:47:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/04/mayors-ohio-seek-economic-development-fund/stories/20260903104 COLUMBUS — The state should set aside 20 percent of sales and use tax revenue growth for a new Ohio Core Cities Transformation Fund, according to the Ohio Mayors Alliance. Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz speaks during an Ohio Mayors Alliance event in Columbus on Sept. 3. Also pictured are, from left, Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, and Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/02/acton-declines-ramaswamy-debate-challenge-personal-attacks/stories/20260902114 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/02/acton-declines-ramaswamy-debate-challenge-personal-attacks/stories/20260902114#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2026 22:17:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/02/acton-declines-ramaswamy-debate-challenge-personal-attacks/stories/20260902114 COLUMBUS — Ohio voters aren’t likely to see a debate between the major party gubernatorial candidates for governor ahead of the November election. Amy Acton, Vivek Ramaswamy https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/02/flock-cameras-join-data-centers-as-bipartisan-target/stories/20260902077 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/02/flock-cameras-join-data-centers-as-bipartisan-target/stories/20260902077#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:07:54 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/02/flock-cameras-join-data-centers-as-bipartisan-target/stories/20260902077 COLUMBUS — While Ohioans may be divided on a number of political topics, they seem to be aligned on at least a couple of issues — opposition to large data centers and Flock cameras. A Flock Safety camera sits at the corner of West Central Avenue and Auburn Avenue in Toledo on Aug. 20 in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/01/merrin-urges-congress-pass-clarity-act/stories/20260901111 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/01/merrin-urges-congress-pass-clarity-act/stories/20260901111#comments Tue, 01 Sep 2026 23:45:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/01/merrin-urges-congress-pass-clarity-act/stories/20260901111 Former Republican state Rep. Derek Merrin is urging Congress to pass the Clarity Act, throwing his support behind blockchain technology and the crypto industry. From left, Stand With Crypto’s Chief of Staff Wade Preston and Republican candidate for Ohio's 9th congressional district Derek Merrin participate during a forum on blockchain technology on Sept. 1 at The Mez in Toledo. Republican candidate for Ohio's 9th congressional district Derek Merrin before a forum on blockchain technology on Sept. 1 at The Mez in Toledo. At center, Stand With Crypto’s Chief of Staff Wade Preston and Republican candidate for Ohio's 9th congressional district Derek Merrin participate during a forum on blockchain technology. Republican candidate for Ohio's 9th congressional district Derek Merrin. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/01/dewine-announces-ohio-pediatric-cancer-navigation-program/stories/20260901094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/01/dewine-announces-ohio-pediatric-cancer-navigation-program/stories/20260901094#comments Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:07:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/01/dewine-announces-ohio-pediatric-cancer-navigation-program/stories/20260901094 COLUMBUS — Ohio parents of pediatric cancer patients should spend more time with their children and less time deciphering the American health-care system, Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks at a news conference on June 16 in Columbus. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/31/sandusky-county-prosecutor-fights-keep-suspended-judge-on-ballot/stories/20260831072 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/31/sandusky-county-prosecutor-fights-keep-suspended-judge-on-ballot/stories/20260831072#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2026 21:46:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/31/sandusky-county-prosecutor-fights-keep-suspended-judge-on-ballot/stories/20260831072 COLUMBUS — Jon Ickes should remain on the ballot as a judicial candidate despite being unable to serve when the term begins, according to Sandusky County Prosecutor Beth Tischler. Jon Ickes. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/31/ohio-mobile-id-launches-on-android/stories/20260831077 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/31/ohio-mobile-id-launches-on-android/stories/20260831077#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:44:30 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/31/ohio-mobile-id-launches-on-android/stories/20260831077 COLUMBUS — Ohio Mobile ID is now available for Android users, the state announced Monday. Ohio Mobile ID can now be added to Android phone through Google Wallet. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/29/ohio-bill-authorizing-warrantless-police-drone-surveillance-become-law/stories/20260828072 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/29/ohio-bill-authorizing-warrantless-police-drone-surveillance-become-law/stories/20260828072#comments Sat, 29 Aug 2026 19:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/29/ohio-bill-authorizing-warrantless-police-drone-surveillance-become-law/stories/20260828072 COLUMBUS — Legislation expressly permitting warrantless law enforcement drone surveillance is set to become law on Oct. 6. Police deploy a drone during an evacuation at the Zoo on May 1. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/27/kaptur-released-rehab-facility-car-crash/stories/20260827104 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/27/kaptur-released-rehab-facility-car-crash/stories/20260827104#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:18:43 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/27/kaptur-released-rehab-facility-car-crash/stories/20260827104 U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur has been released from a local rehabilitation facility and is now home following a car crash that hospitalized her and her campaign manager. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) stands with caregivers at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Ohio after receiving care for injuries sustained by a car crash on Aug. 2. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/27/energy-experts-challenge-feasibility-ramaswamy-data-center-plan/stories/20260827086 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/27/energy-experts-challenge-feasibility-ramaswamy-data-center-plan/stories/20260827086#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2026 21:30:29 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/27/energy-experts-challenge-feasibility-ramaswamy-data-center-plan/stories/20260827086 COLUMBUS — Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s proposal requiring data centers to provide free electricity to nearby residents is nothing more than a “politically convenient stunt,” energy policy expert Ashley Brown said. Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy gestures while speaking ahead of Vice President JD Vance's speech at the Cleveland Cliffs Middletown Works on Aug. 21 in Middletown, Ohio. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/27/data-center-plans-gubernatorial-candidates-activists/stories/20260826080 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/27/data-center-plans-gubernatorial-candidates-activists/stories/20260826080#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:52:14 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/27/data-center-plans-gubernatorial-candidates-activists/stories/20260826080 COLUMBUS — Activists seeking to ban or restrict the construction of new data centers are not sold on the plans proposed by either major party gubernatorial candidate. A sign against data centers stands in a yard in Oregon on Aug. 6. Dr. Amy Acton speaks during a campaign stop at United Steelworkers Local 1-346 in Toledo on Aug. 4. Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy gestures while speaking ahead of Vice President JD Vance's speech at the Cleveland Cliffs Middletown Works on Aug. 21 in Middletown, Ohio. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/26/state-house-candidate-sues-lucas-county-probate-judge-tv-spots/stories/20260826089 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/26/state-house-candidate-sues-lucas-county-probate-judge-tv-spots/stories/20260826089#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2026 20:57:52 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/08/26/state-house-candidate-sues-lucas-county-probate-judge-tv-spots/stories/20260826089 A Republican state House candidate is suing Lucas County Probate Judge Jack Puffenberger, alleging the longtime judge spent $60,000 in taxpayer money on television ads that boosted his family name while his son was campaigning to succeed him. Ottawa Hills resident David Karmol, left, a Republican candidate for Ohio House District 43, talks to media after filing a lawsuit against Judge Jack Puffenberger. At right is fellow Republican party member Tom Waniewski. Judge Jack Puffenberger in his courtroom in the Lucas County Courthouse in Toledo on Oct. 24.