http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:00:18 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/28/ohio-senators-introduce-gas-tax-holiday-bill/stories/20260928092 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/28/ohio-senators-introduce-gas-tax-holiday-bill/stories/20260928092#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:59:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/28/ohio-senators-introduce-gas-tax-holiday-bill/stories/20260928092 COLUMBUS — Members of the Ohio General Assembly on Monday officially introduced legislation to suspend the motor fuel tax for 90 days. A customer fills up their vehicle’s gas tank at an American Petroleum gas station in Toledo on Sept. 28. Marissa Allen fills up her gas tank at the American Petroleum gas station along Laskey Road in Toledo on Sept. 28. Gas prices are displayed on a sign outside of Marathon along Laskey Road in Toledo on Sept. 28. Gas prices are displayed on a fuel pump at a Marathon gas station in Toledo on Sept. 28. Gas prices are displayed on a fuel pump at a Marathon gas station in Toledo on Sept. 28. Customers fill up their gas tanks at a Marathon gas station in Toledo on Sept. 28. A customer fills up a canister with gas at a Marathon gas station in Toledo on Sept. 28. A customer checks the gas prices after filling up his tank in at a Marathon gas station in Toledo on Sept. 28. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/28/sylvania-votersl-decide-city-policy-interacting-federal-immigration/stories/20260925085 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/28/sylvania-votersl-decide-city-policy-interacting-federal-immigration/stories/20260925085#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:40:39 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/28/sylvania-votersl-decide-city-policy-interacting-federal-immigration/stories/20260925085 Unlike residents in most communities that have adopted policies governing cooperation with federal immigration authorities, Sylvania voters will get the final say. Sylvania voters will decide in November whether to limit the use of city resources to assist federal immigration enforcement. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/26/data-centers-key-issue-ohios-9th-congressional-district/stories/20260925098 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/26/data-centers-key-issue-ohios-9th-congressional-district/stories/20260925098#comments Sat, 26 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/26/data-centers-key-issue-ohios-9th-congressional-district/stories/20260925098 The data center debate has seeped its way into the race for Ohio’s 9th congressional district with both candidates criticizing their opponent on the issue. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/25/ramaswamy-says-higher-ed-plan-will-save-public-universities-in-ohio/stories/20260925086 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/25/ramaswamy-says-higher-ed-plan-will-save-public-universities-in-ohio/stories/20260925086#comments Fri, 25 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/25/ramaswamy-says-higher-ed-plan-will-save-public-universities-in-ohio/stories/20260925086 COLUMBUS — Significant reforms are necessary to ensure Ohio retains its system of public colleges and universities, according to Vivek Ramaswamy. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, running for governor, speaks during a campaigning event at Chevy’s in downtown Toledo on Sept. 18. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/24/ramaswamy-data-center-proposal-complex/stories/20260924097 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/24/ramaswamy-data-center-proposal-complex/stories/20260924097#comments Thu, 24 Sep 2026 22:38:26 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/24/ramaswamy-data-center-proposal-complex/stories/20260924097 DELAWARE, Ohio — Legislation addressing data center development is too complicated to pass during the legislative session scheduled for next week, Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said Thursday. Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy chats with attendees of the Little Brown Jug harness race at the Delaware County Fair on Sept. 24. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/23/billionaire-political-contributions-make-epstein-files-focus-ohio-senate-race/stories/20260923115 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/23/billionaire-political-contributions-make-epstein-files-focus-ohio-senate-race/stories/20260923115#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2026 23:20:56 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/23/billionaire-political-contributions-make-epstein-files-focus-ohio-senate-race/stories/20260923115 COLUMBUS — Billionaire Les Wexner has long been a magnet for political campaigns seeking contributions — especially in his native Ohio, where the retail tycoon directed a generous portion of his giving to candidates from both parties. Then came the Epstein files. Victims of Jeffrey Epstein sit in the front row, from left, Liz Stein, Dani Bensky, Sky Roberts, brother of a victim, Amanda Roberts, sister-in-law of a victim and Lara Blume McGee, as Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Texas state Rep. James Talarico speaks during an event in Dallas on Sept. 10. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, speaks at the Republican convention on Sept. 9 in Dallas. Democratic Ohio Senate candidate Sherrod Brown, a former three-term U.S. senator, speaks at a campaign event in Akron, on July 16. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Texas state Rep. James Talarico speaks during an event in Dallas on Sept. 10 as Sharlene Rochard, left, and Annie Farmer, look on. Documents that were included in the U.S. Department of Justice release of the Jeffrey Epstein files are photographed on Jan. 2. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/23/acton-activists-vote-data-centers/stories/20260923102 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/23/acton-activists-vote-data-centers/stories/20260923102#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2026 22:47:22 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/23/acton-activists-vote-data-centers/stories/20260923102 COLUMBUS — Dr. Amy Acton and Conserve Ohio are encouraging the Ohio General Assembly to pass a data center moratorium when lawmakers return to Columbus next week. 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/2026/09/23/auditors-for-lucas-wood-counties-update-levy-estimators-ahead-of-general-electio/stories/20260923082 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/23/auditors-for-lucas-wood-counties-update-levy-estimators-ahead-of-general-electio/stories/20260923082#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:10:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/23/auditors-for-lucas-wood-counties-update-levy-estimators-ahead-of-general-electio/stories/20260923082 Auditors for Lucas and Wood counties are urging voters to “take note before you vote,” by utilizing levy estimators ahead of the Nov. 3 election. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/23/ohio-lawmakers-plan-emergency-vote-on-gas-tax-holiday/stories/20260923084 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/23/ohio-lawmakers-plan-emergency-vote-on-gas-tax-holiday/stories/20260923084#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2026 16:24:49 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/23/ohio-lawmakers-plan-emergency-vote-on-gas-tax-holiday/stories/20260923084 COLUMBUS — Both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly are planning to vote next week on emergency legislation suspending the motor fuel tax for 90 days, legislative leaders announced Wednesday. Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman speaks during a news conference on a proposed gas tax holiday at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce's office in Columbus on Sept. 23, 2026. He is joined on stage by Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, left, and Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/22/rising-costs-top-concern-ohio-farm-science-review/stories/20260922107 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/22/rising-costs-top-concern-ohio-farm-science-review/stories/20260922107#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:25:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/22/rising-costs-top-concern-ohio-farm-science-review/stories/20260922107 LONDON, Ohio — The high costs of diesel fuel, fertilizer, and health care are among the top concerns of farmers as the November election approaches, Ohio political leaders and agriculture experts said during the Farm Science Review on Tuesday. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton speaks with reporters at the Farm Science Review in London, Ohio on Sept. 22. Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks with an attendee of the Farm Science Review in London, Ohio on Sept. 22. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/22/lucas-county-democrats-call-on-kaptur-to-take-down-transgender-issues-ad/stories/20260922101 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/22/lucas-county-democrats-call-on-kaptur-to-take-down-transgender-issues-ad/stories/20260922101#comments Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:33:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/22/lucas-county-democrats-call-on-kaptur-to-take-down-transgender-issues-ad/stories/20260922101 Local Democratic groups are calling on U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) to take down campaign ads that reference “transgender ideology.” U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) appears in a new campaign advertisement highlighting her vote for a Republican-backed parental consent bill. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/22/dewine-noncommittal-proposed-ohio-gas-tax-holiday/stories/20260922105 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/22/dewine-noncommittal-proposed-ohio-gas-tax-holiday/stories/20260922105#comments Tue, 22 Sep 2026 21:53:22 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/22/dewine-noncommittal-proposed-ohio-gas-tax-holiday/stories/20260922105 LONDON, Ohio — Both of Ohio’s major party gubernatorial candidates have proposed an emergency motor fuel tax holiday as gasoline and diesel prices continue to skyrocket, but the current governor said he needs more information before supporting the idea. Ohio’s gasoline tax is 38.5 cents per gallon and its diesel tax is 47 cents per gallon. Both major-party candidates for governor are calling for a temporary suspension of the taxes as fuel prices rise. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/21/kaptur-campaign-ads-highlight-split-with-democrats-transgender-issues/stories/20260921095 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/21/kaptur-campaign-ads-highlight-split-with-democrats-transgender-issues/stories/20260921095#comments Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:27:09 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/21/kaptur-campaign-ads-highlight-split-with-democrats-transgender-issues/stories/20260921095 U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur is highlighting her vote for a Republican-backed parental consent bill in new campaign ads that also declare that “boys should not play in girls’ sports,” an issue on which she has twice opposed Republican legislation. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) appears in a new campaign advertisement highlighting her vote for a Republican-backed parental consent bill. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/21/hemp-industry-decries-ohios-alleged-double-standards-enforcement/stories/20260921085 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/21/hemp-industry-decries-ohios-alleged-double-standards-enforcement/stories/20260921085#comments Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:27:07 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/21/hemp-industry-decries-ohios-alleged-double-standards-enforcement/stories/20260921085 COLUMBUS — The DeWine administration is showing favoritism toward one form of cannabis in Ohio, representatives of the hemp industry said Monday. Toledo-based attorney Greg Wagoner speaks during a news conference on the cannabis industry at the Ohio Statehouse on Sept. 21. He is joined by Wes Bryant, founder of 420 Craft Beverages in the Cleveland suburb of Brook Park. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/19/playing-percentages-prediction-markets-ohio-midterm-elections/stories/20260911118 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/19/playing-percentages-prediction-markets-ohio-midterm-elections/stories/20260911118#comments Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/19/playing-percentages-prediction-markets-ohio-midterm-elections/stories/20260911118 Less than two months from Election Day, Ohio Democrats are favored over their Republican opponents on popular prediction markets, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the conservative state will flip blue this November. Vivek Ramaswamy and Dr. Amy Acton https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/18/republican-candidates-for-govenor-congress-hold-toledo-town-hall/stories/20260918118 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/18/republican-candidates-for-govenor-congress-hold-toledo-town-hall/stories/20260918118#comments Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:15:21 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/18/republican-candidates-for-govenor-congress-hold-toledo-town-hall/stories/20260918118 In a packed bar in downtown Toledo Friday night, the Republican gubernatorial ticket of Vivek Ramaswamy and Rob McColley greeted a crowd of attendees with Make America Great Again hats and T-shirts supporting the candidates. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, running for governor, speaks. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, running for governor, speaks. Republican candidate Derek Merrin, running for Ohio's 9th congressional district, speaks. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, running for governor, is introduced by Rob McColley, Ohio state senator. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, running for governor, speaks. Molly Tomaszewski, left, Lori King, second from right, and Kristen Angelo, far right, hold signs in protest outside. A group of people protest outside of Chevy’s Place. Joanne Kerekes and Ramona Henn protest across the street. Attendees wait for Republican candidates Vivek Ramaswamy, running for governor, and Derek Merrin, running for Ohio's 9th congressional district, to show up. An attendee wears a hat that reads “don’t blame me I voted for Trump” during a campaigning event . Attendees listen as Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, running for governor, speaks. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, running for governor, speaks. A supporter takes a selfie with Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, running for governor, speaks. A pedestrian waits cross the street as people protest Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaigning event in downtown Toledo, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. Attendees wait for Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, running for governor, to show up. From left, Edward Maksimczak, Connor Stefanski, and Davide Cugini hold signs during a campaign event for Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, running for governor, and Derek Merrin, running for Ohio's 9th congressional district, at Chevy’s in downtown Toledo, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/18/dewines-urge-continued-funding-dolly-parton-library/stories/20260918101 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/18/dewines-urge-continued-funding-dolly-parton-library/stories/20260918101#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2026 21:45:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/18/dewines-urge-continued-funding-dolly-parton-library/stories/20260918101 COLUMBUS — State lawmakers and private donors should continue supporting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library after Gov. Mike DeWine leaves office, Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine said Friday. Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine speaks during her fund-raiser for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Columbus on Sept. 18. She is joined by her husband, Gov. Mike DeWine. Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine speaks with country music star Trisha Yearwood. Country music star Trisha Yearwood sings Dolly Parton's hit song "Jolene". https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/17/pohio-gas-pipeline-safety-penalties-lowest-nation/stories/20260917084 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/17/pohio-gas-pipeline-safety-penalties-lowest-nation/stories/20260917084#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:10:36 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/17/pohio-gas-pipeline-safety-penalties-lowest-nation/stories/20260917084 COLUMBUS — Ohio’s civil penalties for gas pipeline safety violations are among the lowest in the nation, according to a state performance audit of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Republican Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber speaks during an election night watch party in 2022, in Columbus. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/17/data-center-congress-energy-costs/stories/20260917096 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/17/data-center-congress-energy-costs/stories/20260917096#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:01:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/17/data-center-congress-energy-costs/stories/20260917096 Federal lawmakers are pursuing the first major legislation aimed at data center costs, though some question whether the proposal goes far enough. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted’s meets with people during his campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/17/larose-lucas-county-need-poll-workers/stories/20260917086 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/17/larose-lucas-county-need-poll-workers/stories/20260917086#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:54:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/09/17/larose-lucas-county-need-poll-workers/stories/20260917086 With Election Day less than two months away, local and state election officials are increasing their calls to sign up poll workers. From left, poll worker trainers Lynda Easley and Betty Felton, Lucas County Board of Elections Director LaVera Scott, board chairman Fritz Schoen, and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose at a news conference at Lucas County Board of Elections headquarters on Sept. 17. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose. right, with Lucas County Board of Elections Director LaVera Scott, left, and board chairman Fritz Schoen, center, at a news conference at Lucas County Board of Elections headquarters on Sept. 17. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose speaks with poll worker trainers Lynda Easley and Betty Felton after a news conference on Sept. 17. Voting machines are lined up in the Lucas County Board of Elections warehouse.