Toledo Blade Latest Headlines http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:11:04 GMT en-us hourly 1 Ohio capital budget includes $400K for Van Wert history center https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/22/ohio-capital-budget-includes-400k-van-wert-history-center/stories/20260619096 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/22/ohio-capital-budget-includes-400k-van-wert-history-center/stories/20260619096#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:32:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/22/ohio-capital-budget-includes-400k-van-wert-history-center/stories/20260619096 COLUMBUS — The Van Wert Historical Society’s capital improvement campaign received a significant boost in the state capital budget. The William McKinley Monument is silhouetted in front of the west side of the Ohio Statehouse on April 15, 2024, in Columbus. Voting restrictions shouldn't be top priority, Ohio Black Caucus says https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/19/voting-restrictions-shouldnt-top-priority-ohio-black-caucus-says/stories/20260619104 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/19/voting-restrictions-shouldnt-top-priority-ohio-black-caucus-says/stories/20260619104#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2026 21:47:52 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/19/voting-restrictions-shouldnt-top-priority-ohio-black-caucus-says/stories/20260619104 COLUMBUS — The real problems facing Ohioans are being ignored while statehouse leaders focus on making it more difficult to vote, according to members of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus. State Rep. Terence Upchurch and other members of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus speak during a news conference at the statehouse on June 16. Proposed Ohio data center ban won’t make November ballot https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/19/proposed-ohio-data-center-ban-november-ballot/stories/20260619100 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/19/proposed-ohio-data-center-ban-november-ballot/stories/20260619100#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2026 19:50:04 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/19/proposed-ohio-data-center-ban-november-ballot/stories/20260619100 COLUMBUS — A constitutional amendment banning the construction of large data centers will not appear on the November ballot, according to supporters of the measure. Chris Coultrip holds a petition she hopes will affect the three Perrysburg Twp. trustees, and the State of Ohio, as the property behind her home is proposed for a data center, on Thompson Rd. off Fremont Pike on May 12 in Perrysburg Township. Former Blade editor was a ‘pioneer of political humor’ who fought to abolish slavery https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/19/former-blade-editor-was-a-pioneer-of-political-humor-who-fought-to-abolish-slave/stories/20260619036 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/19/former-blade-editor-was-a-pioneer-of-political-humor-who-fought-to-abolish-slave/stories/20260619036#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2026 17:29:28 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/19/former-blade-editor-was-a-pioneer-of-political-humor-who-fought-to-abolish-slave/stories/20260619036 Long before late-night talk show hosts began taking aim at elected officials with their biting satire, a northwest Ohio journalist used his strident brand of humor to keep the issue of slavery front and center with key politicians in Washington, including former President Abraham Lincoln. David Ross Locke David Ross Locke The new historical marker unveiled by the Hancock Historical Museum in Findlay this month honors David Ross Locke. David Ross Locke, former owner and editor of The Blade, wrote a popular column under the pseudonym Petroleum V. Nasby. One side of an Ohio Historical Marker along North Superior Street in downtown Toledo, outside of The Blade's former building, mentions Mr. Locke. ICE drops plans for Michigan detention center, official says https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/19/michigan-ag-says-ice-dropping-plans-romulus-detention-center/stories/20260619093 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/19/michigan-ag-says-ice-dropping-plans-romulus-detention-center/stories/20260619093#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:58:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/19/michigan-ag-says-ice-dropping-plans-romulus-detention-center/stories/20260619093 ROMULUS, Mich. — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will abandon plans to turn a Romulus warehouse into an immigration detention center. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel pauses during an interview with The Associated Press in 2024 in Philadelphia. Ohio 'very close' to repealing death penalty, leading advocate says https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/18/ohio-very-close-repealing-death-penalty-leading-advocate-says/stories/20260618091 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/18/ohio-very-close-repealing-death-penalty-leading-advocate-says/stories/20260618091#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:01:12 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/18/ohio-very-close-repealing-death-penalty-leading-advocate-says/stories/20260618091 COLUMBUS — The Ohio General Assembly could realistically vote to abolish the death penalty after the November election, Ohioans to Stop Executions Executive Director Kevin Werner said Thursday. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks at a news conference on June 16 in Columbus. Ohio lawmakers create access to $40M PTSD Fund in corrections bill https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/17/ohio-lawmakers-create-access-to-40m-ptsd-fund-in-corrections-bill/stories/20260617086 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/17/ohio-lawmakers-create-access-to-40m-ptsd-fund-in-corrections-bill/stories/20260617086#comments Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:35:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/17/ohio-lawmakers-create-access-to-40m-ptsd-fund-in-corrections-bill/stories/20260617086 COLUMBUS — First responders are another step closer to receiving compensation and benefits for suffering post-traumatic stress disorder without an accompanying physical injury. State Rep. Haraz Ghanbari speaks on the Ohio House floor on June 10, 2026. Former Toledo Mayor Donna Owens says she’s alive and well despite reports of her death https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/16/former-toledo-mayor-donna-owens-says-alive-well-despite-death-reports/stories/20260616120 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/16/former-toledo-mayor-donna-owens-says-alive-well-despite-death-reports/stories/20260616120#comments Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:39:26 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/16/former-toledo-mayor-donna-owens-says-alive-well-despite-death-reports/stories/20260616120 Donna Owens, Toledo’s first female mayor, is alive and well, the 89-year-old said. Former Mayor Donna Owens gives an interview after a Coalition For Peaceful Toledo Neighborhoods meeting at Park Church in Toledo on in March, 2023. Governor DeWine says Ohio should abolish death penalty https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/16/death-penalty-not-a-deterrent/stories/20260616096 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/16/death-penalty-not-a-deterrent/stories/20260616096#comments Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:17:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/16/death-penalty-not-a-deterrent/stories/20260616096 COLUMBUS — The state of Ohio should end the death penalty, Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday. Gov. Mike DeWine announces his opposition to the death penalty at the Riffe Center in Columbus on June 16. DeWine signs $3.7B capital budget bill https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/15/dewine-signs-3-7b-capital-budget-bill/stories/20260615063 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/15/dewine-signs-3-7b-capital-budget-bill/stories/20260615063#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:01:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/15/dewine-signs-3-7b-capital-budget-bill/stories/20260615063 COLUMBUS — Funding for projects in northwest Ohio and across the state became official Monday after Gov. Mike DeWine signed the $3.7 billion capital budget bill. Gov. Mike DeWine, joined by Ohio Office of Budget and Management Director Kim Murnieks, signs the capital budget bill on June 15. Ohio capital budget pushes Mission Point project near finish line https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/14/capital-budget-ohio-mission-point-project/stories/20260612075 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/14/capital-budget-ohio-mission-point-project/stories/20260612075#comments Sun, 14 Jun 2026 15:58:12 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/14/capital-budget-ohio-mission-point-project/stories/20260612075 COLUMBUS — Construction on a 65-unit permanent housing development to support Toledo’s chronically homeless population is likely to begin this summer after the Ohio General Assembly approved nearly $1.2 million for the Mission Point project in the capital budget. Ohio State Rep. Elgin Rogers, Jr. speaks at inaugural Ohio Black Media Week celebration at Truth Colours Gallery in 2025. Ohio lawmakers' votes: 6/8-6/12 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/14/ohio-lawmakers-votes-6-8-6-12-26/stories/20260612074 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/14/ohio-lawmakers-votes-6-8-6-12-26/stories/20260612074#comments Sun, 14 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/14/ohio-lawmakers-votes-6-8-6-12-26/stories/20260612074 A look at recent actions in the Ohio General Assembly and how lawmakers representing the area voted. Buckeye Girls State brings civic education to students https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/11/buckeye-girls-state-civic-education/stories/20260612008 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/11/buckeye-girls-state-civic-education/stories/20260612008#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:52:44 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/11/buckeye-girls-state-civic-education/stories/20260612008 BOWLING GREEN —  When 17-year-old Nithya Talluri arrived at Buckeye Girls State, she had one goal: become governor. Nithya Talluri is celebrated and sworn in as "governor" at the 80th Buckeye Girls State conference in the Bowling Green State University's Moore Musical Arts Center on June 10 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Participants cheer at the 80th Buckeye Girls State conference in the BGSU Moore Musical Arts Center on June 10 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose speaks at the 80th Buckeye Girls State conference in the BGSU Moore Musical Arts Center on June 10 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Stan Oren, commander of the American Legion Department of Ohio, sheds a tear at the 80th Buckeye Girls State conference in the BGSU Moore Musical Arts Center on June 10 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is welcomed to the 80th Buckeye Girls State conference in the BGSU Moore Musical Arts Center on June 10 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Anna Kovacs sings a welcoming song at the 80th Buckeye Girls State conference in the BGSU Moore Musical Arts Center on June 10 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Marley Glover celebrates earning an elected position at the 80th Buckeye Girls State conference in the BGSU Moore Musical Arts Center on June 10 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is cheered at the 80th Buckeye Girls State conference in the BGSU Moore Musical Arts Center on June 10 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Girls State participants who earned elected positions congratulate each other at the 80th Buckeye Girls State conference in the BGSU Moore Musical Arts Center on June 10 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Girls State elected participants are sworn in by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose at the 80th Buckeye Girls State conference in the BGSU Moore Musical Arts Center on June 10 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Nithya Talluri is sworn in as governor during the 80th Buckeye Girls State conference in the BGSU Moore Musical Arts Center on June 10 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Ohio Secretary of State of Frank LaRose goes to Nithya Talluri to swear her in as governor during the 80th Buckeye Girls State conference in the BGSU Moore Musical Arts Center on June 10 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Stan Oren, commander of the American Legion Department of Ohio, greets participants at the 80th Buckeye Girls State conference in the BGSU Moore Musical Arts Center on June 10 in Bowling Green, Ohio. Ohio lawmakers pass voter ID, Medicaid bills as data center measure stalls https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/11/ohio-lawmakers-pass-voter-id-medicaid-bills-as-data-center-measure-stalls/stories/20260610092 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/11/ohio-lawmakers-pass-voter-id-medicaid-bills-as-data-center-measure-stalls/stories/20260610092#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:13:30 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/11/ohio-lawmakers-pass-voter-id-medicaid-bills-as-data-center-measure-stalls/stories/20260610092 COLUMBUS — Legislation on voter ID, Medicaid fraud, and capital appropriations passed through both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly on Wednesday ahead of lawmakers’ planned summer recess. People cast their votes during the final day of early voting at the Lucas County Board of Elections’ Early Vote Center in Toledo on May 4, 2025. Ohio Senate committee OKs fast-tracked data center bill https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/10/ohio-senate-committee-oks-fast-tracked-data-center-bill/stories/20260609088 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/10/ohio-senate-committee-oks-fast-tracked-data-center-bill/stories/20260609088#comments Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:10:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/10/ohio-senate-committee-oks-fast-tracked-data-center-bill/stories/20260609088 COLUMBUS — State lawmakers’ last-minute data center legislation was approved by the Ohio Senate Energy Committee on Wednesday morning. State Sens. Brian Chavez (right) and Kent Smith discuss House Bill 646 with reporters following the Ohio Senate Energy Committee meeting on June 10. Lucas County adds millions to courthouse, Child Study Institute projects https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/09/lucas-county-adds-millions-to-courthouse-child-study-institute-projects/stories/20260610024 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/09/lucas-county-adds-millions-to-courthouse-child-study-institute-projects/stories/20260610024#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:03:29 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/09/lucas-county-adds-millions-to-courthouse-child-study-institute-projects/stories/20260610024 Lucas County is moving forward with a $1 million funding increase for the demolition of the former Child Study Institute and a $5.2 million increase to a county court facade renovation. The Lucas County Courthouse from the corner of Erie Street and Jefferson Avenue. Ohio bill would require third-party review of utility forecasts https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/09/ohio-bill-would-require-third-party-review-utility-forecasts/stories/20260609095 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/09/ohio-bill-would-require-third-party-review-utility-forecasts/stories/20260609095#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:59:50 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/09/ohio-bill-would-require-third-party-review-utility-forecasts/stories/20260609095 COLUMBUS — Ohio utility forecasts would be subject to third-party verification under legislation proposed by state Sens. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D., Toledo) and Mark Romanchuk (R., Ontario). \The William McKinley Monument is silhouetted in front of the west side of the Ohio Statehouse, April 15, 2024, in Columbus. Lt. Gov. Tressel in Toledo, says state is here to help after festival shooting https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/08/lt-gov-tressel-in-toledo-says-state-is-here-to-help-after-festival-shooting/stories/20260608076 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/08/lt-gov-tressel-in-toledo-says-state-is-here-to-help-after-festival-shooting/stories/20260608076#comments Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:10:32 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/08/lt-gov-tressel-in-toledo-says-state-is-here-to-help-after-festival-shooting/stories/20260608076 Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel said state authorities have been in communication with local entities after 12 people were shot at the Old West End Festival on Saturday. Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel gets hands-on experience with Robert Ross during a WorkOhio Job Connector Tour at Hale Performance Coatings Monday, June 8, 2026, in Toledo. From left, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, left, is greeted by Hale Performance Coatings President Mike Deye during a WorkOhio Job Connector Tour at Hale Performance Coatings Monday, June 8, 2026, in Toledo. Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel gets hands-on experience with Robert Ross during a WorkOhio Job Connector Tour at Hale Performance Coatings Monday, June 8, 2026, in Toledo. From left, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel gets hands-on experience with Angelo Suazo during a WorkOhio Job Connector Tour at Hale Performance Coatings Monday, June 8, 2026, in Toledo. Exterior of Hale Performance Coatings Monday, June 8, 2026, in Toledo. Ohio lawmakers plan last-minute data center bill https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/08/ohio-lawmakers-plan-last-minute-data-center-bill/stories/20260608075 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/08/ohio-lawmakers-plan-last-minute-data-center-bill/stories/20260608075#comments Mon, 08 Jun 2026 23:23:32 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/08/ohio-lawmakers-plan-last-minute-data-center-bill/stories/20260608075 COLUMBUS — Members of the Ohio General Assembly are planning to introduce and pass legislation on data centers days before their summer break. Brent Stevens, executive director of the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation, provides testimony during a meeting of the Joint Data Center Committee at the Ohio Statehouse on June 8. State lawmakers lament Toledo festival shooting, inaction on gun bills https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/08/state-lawmakers-lament-toledo-festival-shooting-inaction-gun-bills/stories/20260608071 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/08/state-lawmakers-lament-toledo-festival-shooting-inaction-gun-bills/stories/20260608071#comments Mon, 08 Jun 2026 22:09:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/06/08/state-lawmakers-lament-toledo-festival-shooting-inaction-gun-bills/stories/20260608071 COLUMBUS — State Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D., Toledo) said she was in disbelief when she heard gunfire outside her Old West End home during the neighborhood’s festival on Saturday. The William McKinley Monument is silhouetted in front of the west side of the Ohio Statehouse, April 15, 2024, in Columbus.