http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:25:45 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/29/dewine-haitians-ohio-ice-raids-not-imminent-protections-expire/stories/20260729100 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/29/dewine-haitians-ohio-ice-raids-not-imminent-protections-expire/stories/20260729100#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 22:53:13 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/29/dewine-haitians-ohio-ice-raids-not-imminent-protections-expire/stories/20260729100 COLUMBUS — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are not expected to immediately begin ramping up operations in Ohio following the expiration of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants, Gov. Mike DeWine said Wednesday. 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/2026/07/29/lucas-county-budget-cuts-deficit/stories/20260729110 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/29/lucas-county-budget-cuts-deficit/stories/20260729110#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:16:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/29/lucas-county-budget-cuts-deficit/stories/20260729110 Lucas County officials are asking departments to reduce their proposed 2027 budgets as they work to eliminate a projected $27 million deficit that will require a 13 percent reduction in general fund spending. Lucas County Commissioner Lisa Sobecki speaks during the Lucas County Heritage Tree Planting ceremony at Sylvania City Hall in Sylvania on April 27. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/28/wood-county-commissioner-withdraws-from-race/stories/20260728118 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/28/wood-county-commissioner-withdraws-from-race/stories/20260728118#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:43:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/28/wood-county-commissioner-withdraws-from-race/stories/20260728118 BOWLING GREEN — Wood County Commissioner Doris Herringshaw announced Tuesday that she is withdrawing from the race for her fourth term. Wood County Commissioner Doris Herringshaw. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/27/acton-seeks-ban-data-center-construction-ohio-farmland/stories/20260727072 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/27/acton-seeks-ban-data-center-construction-ohio-farmland/stories/20260727072#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2026 20:47:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/27/acton-seeks-ban-data-center-construction-ohio-farmland/stories/20260727072 COLUMBUS — Businesses would be prohibited from building new data centers on Ohio farmland under a new policy proposal from Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton. Dr. Amy Acton, a Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, speaks during a roundtable at UAW Local 14 in Toledo on April 9. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/27/dewines-cut-ribbon-new-ohio-agriculture-center/stories/20260727080 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/27/dewines-cut-ribbon-new-ohio-agriculture-center/stories/20260727080#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2026 23:24:25 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/27/dewines-cut-ribbon-new-ohio-agriculture-center/stories/20260727080 COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine have cut the ribbon on the long-awaited Ohio Agriculture Center at the state fairgrounds. Gov. Mike DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine, and others celebrate the opening of the new Ohio Agriculture Center at the state fairgrounds in Columbus on July 27. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/27/trump-is-set-to-defend-his-economic-policies-in-michigan-where-new-canadian-tariffs-may-sting/stories/20260727064 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/27/trump-is-set-to-defend-his-economic-policies-in-michigan-where-new-canadian-tariffs-may-sting/stories/20260727064#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:27:50 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/27/trump-is-set-to-defend-his-economic-policies-in-michigan-where-new-canadian-tariffs-may-sting/stories/20260727064 MILFORD, Mich. — In a visit to Michigan on Monday, President Trump argued that his economic policies have revived the auto industry and American manufacturing even as many businesses contend that the sweeping tariffs he’s imposed against Canada and the rest of the world have hurt the state. President Donald Trump speaks at an event at the General Motors Proving Ground on July 27 in Milford, Mich. Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Mich., speaks as Rep. John James, R-Mich., from left, Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, President Trump and Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., listen at General Motors proving ground July 27 in Milford, Mich. Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers speaks as Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., Rep. John James, R-Mich., President Donald Trump and Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., listen at an event at the General Motors Proving Ground on July 27 in Milford, Mich. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/27/data-center-debate-sweeps-into-statewide-local-races/stories/20260723090 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/27/data-center-debate-sweeps-into-statewide-local-races/stories/20260723090#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:53:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/27/data-center-debate-sweeps-into-statewide-local-races/stories/20260723090 As Oregon resident Laura Davis heads to the polls this November, she has one thing on her mind: data centers. “I think people will be voting on how these politicians present themselves on the data centers,” Ms. Davis said. “I know, personally, I am looking at how people stand on Waterville residents sign a petition against data centers before a Waterville Township Board Meeting about the data center in Waterville on April 22. An attendee holds a petition with information about the harms of data centers during an Archbold Village Council meeting at Ruihley Park Pavilion in Archbold on Feb. 16. Many attendees held anti data center signs during the City of Oregon's economic development and planning committee meeting at council chambers on Feb. 2 in Oregon. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/24/rent-hikes-outpacing-wage-gains-toledo-rest-of-ohio/stories/20260723096 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/24/rent-hikes-outpacing-wage-gains-toledo-rest-of-ohio/stories/20260723096#comments Fri, 24 Jul 2026 20:30:02 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/24/rent-hikes-outpacing-wage-gains-toledo-rest-of-ohio/stories/20260723096 COLUMBUS — It has become increasingly difficult for renters to find affordable housing in Toledo and across the state of Ohio over the last six years, according to a new report from the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. The sun sets over Toledo’s skyline on Oct. 22, 2024. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/23/campaign-pregnant-ohioans-avoid-cannabis/stories/20260723081 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/23/campaign-pregnant-ohioans-avoid-cannabis/stories/20260723081#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:39:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/23/campaign-pregnant-ohioans-avoid-cannabis/stories/20260723081 COLUMBUS — There is no safe dose of cannabis during pregnancy, according to the director of the Ohio Department of Health. Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health, announces a statewide education campaign on cannabis use during pregnancy. He was joined by, from left, Shelby County Commissioner Julie Ehemann, Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sherry Maxfield, OneOhio Recovery Foundation Executive Director Alisha Nelson, and Amy Taylor of Truth Initiative. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/21/ohio-epa-abandons-proposed-statewide-data-center-wastewater-permit/stories/20260721081 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/21/ohio-epa-abandons-proposed-statewide-data-center-wastewater-permit/stories/20260721081#comments Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:48:29 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/21/ohio-epa-abandons-proposed-statewide-data-center-wastewater-permit/stories/20260721081 COLUMBUS — The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will not create a statewide general permit allowing data centers to discharge wastewater into state waters such as Lake Erie. People walk the Lake Erie shoreline June 15, 2023, at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/20/acton-announces-property-tax-relief-plan/stories/20260720102 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/20/acton-announces-property-tax-relief-plan/stories/20260720102#comments Mon, 20 Jul 2026 22:33:55 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/20/acton-announces-property-tax-relief-plan/stories/20260720102 COLUMBUS — Ohioans deserve to receive “meaningful” property tax relief after years of increases, Dr. Amy Acton said. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton speaks at a primary election night campaign event after winning the party's nomination for governor in Columbus on May 5. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/20/dem-candidate-threatens-vote-libertarian-over-actons-position-trans-sports/stories/20260720068 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/20/dem-candidate-threatens-vote-libertarian-over-actons-position-trans-sports/stories/20260720068#comments Mon, 20 Jul 2026 20:36:43 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/20/dem-candidate-threatens-vote-libertarian-over-actons-position-trans-sports/stories/20260720068 COLUMBUS — Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Don Kissick could receive support from an unlikely source if Dr. Amy Acton does not clarify her position on transgender issues. Arienne Childrey, a Democratic state legislative candidate and vice chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party’s Pride Caucus, said she and other progressives are scheduled to meet with Dr. Amy Acton on July 28 regarding her comments on Ohio’s transgender sports ban. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/17/advocates-top-3-elections-ohio-voter-discontent/stories/20260717092 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/17/advocates-top-3-elections-ohio-voter-discontent/stories/20260717092#comments Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:15:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/17/advocates-top-3-elections-ohio-voter-discontent/stories/20260717092 COLUMBUS — Ohio should implement an election system that allows all voters to choose their favorite candidate during the primary regardless of party affiliation, according to a bipartisan team of former Ohio state lawmakers. Tim Monaco, elections board deputy director, shows stored voter registration records at the Lucas County Board of Elections in Toledo on Feb. 5. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/16/electric-rates-rising-pjm-auction/stories/20260715105 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/16/electric-rates-rising-pjm-auction/stories/20260715105#comments Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:33:39 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/16/electric-rates-rising-pjm-auction/stories/20260715105 COLUMBUS — Toledo Edison customers are likely to see further increases in their electric bills following the latest PJM Interconnection capacity auction. Lineworkers work on the power lines along Dorr Street for Toledo Edison’s grid modernization plan to reduce the number and length of power outages in Toledo in 2021. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/16/ohio-counties-get-poll-worker-grants-amid-difficult-recruitment-environment/stories/20260715076 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/16/ohio-counties-get-poll-worker-grants-amid-difficult-recruitment-environment/stories/20260715076#comments Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:26:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/16/ohio-counties-get-poll-worker-grants-amid-difficult-recruitment-environment/stories/20260715076 COLUMBUS — County boards of elections across Ohio are eligible to receive a share of a $1 million state grant to recruit poll workers as officials seek to ensure a smooth election this November. A poll worker assisting a voter as heRandy Wening as he votes at Stranahan School on Aug. 2, 2022. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/14/ohio-chamber-endorses-ramaswamy-for-governor/stories/20260714085 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/14/ohio-chamber-endorses-ramaswamy-for-governor/stories/20260714085#comments Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:29:56 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/14/ohio-chamber-endorses-ramaswamy-for-governor/stories/20260714085 COLUMBUS — Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy on Tuesday received the endorsement of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s political action committee. Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks in Columbus after receiving the endorsement of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce on July 14. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/13/maumee-places-legislation-allowing-removal-elected-officials-on-november-ballot/stories/20260713085 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/13/maumee-places-legislation-allowing-removal-elected-officials-on-november-ballot/stories/20260713085#comments Tue, 14 Jul 2026 01:27:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/13/maumee-places-legislation-allowing-removal-elected-officials-on-november-ballot/stories/20260713085 Maumee residents will vote in November on a proposed charter amendment that would allow elected city officials to be recalled from office. Maumee councilmen discuss during a council meeting on July 13 at the Maumee Municipal Building. Karla Lewis observes Maumee's council while it discusses a charter amendment governing the recall process on July 13 at the Maumee Municipal Building. Maumee councilman Rosemarie Barciz listens during a council meeting on July 13 at the Maumee Municipal Building. Maumee councilman Gabriel Barrow speaks during a council meeting on July 13 at the Maumee Municipal Building. Maumee mayor Chelsea Ziss listens during a council meeting on July 13 at the Maumee Municipal Building. Maumee councilman Andrew Huyghe speaks during a council meeting on July 13 at the Maumee Municipal Building. Karla Lewis speaks during the public comment period of a Maumee council meeting on July 13 at the Maumee Municipal Building. Maumee councilman Ted Kurt speaks during a council meeting on July 13 at the Maumee Municipal Building. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/13/federal-judge-in-toledo-blocks-ohio-hemp-law-with-sweeping-order/stories/20260713078 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/13/federal-judge-in-toledo-blocks-ohio-hemp-law-with-sweeping-order/stories/20260713078#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:02:43 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/13/federal-judge-in-toledo-blocks-ohio-hemp-law-with-sweeping-order/stories/20260713078 State and local officials are broadly prohibited from enforcing Ohio’s hemp law while the case against Senate Bill 56 proceeds, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Helmick ruled Monday. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/13/michigan-sen-gary-peters-backs-democratic-rep-haley-stevens-in-contentious-race-to-succeed-him/stories/20260713079 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/13/michigan-sen-gary-peters-backs-democratic-rep-haley-stevens-in-contentious-race-to-succeed-him/stories/20260713079#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:07:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/13/michigan-sen-gary-peters-backs-democratic-rep-haley-stevens-in-contentious-race-to-succeed-him/stories/20260713079 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Outgoing Michigan Sen. Gary Peters is endorsing U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens as his successor, adding to a growing effort by the Democratic establishment to help her defeat progressive favorite Abdul El-Sayed in next month’s primary. Michigan U.S. Sen. candidate, Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., speaks with media after a debate at WoodTV studios on July 7 in Grand Rapids, Mich. Michigan U.S. Senate candidates, Abdul El-Sayed, left, and Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., are displayed on a television during a debate inside the spin room at WoodTV studios on July 7 in Grand Rapids, Mich. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/10/advocates-worry-ohio-moratorium-erodes-gains-home-care-employment/stories/20260709084 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/10/advocates-worry-ohio-moratorium-erodes-gains-home-care-employment/stories/20260709084#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:20:28 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/10/advocates-worry-ohio-moratorium-erodes-gains-home-care-employment/stories/20260709084 COLUMBUS — The DeWine administration’s policy blocking the Medicaid enrollment of new home care providers could derail the employment growth seen by the industry in recent years, according to advocates with the Ability Center of Greater Toledo. Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, arrives to an event at the National Governors Association Winter Meeting on Feb. 19 in Washington.