http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:01:19 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/toledo-library-distributing-gun-locks-at-all-branches/stories/20260422094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/toledo-library-distributing-gun-locks-at-all-branches/stories/20260422094#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:05:03 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/toledo-library-distributing-gun-locks-at-all-branches/stories/20260422094 Libraries across Toledo and Lucas County will now offer free gun locks, city officials said, aiming to secure firearms that could be used to harm their owners or others. Toledo Police Sgt. Joseph Okos demonstrates how to use a gun lock outside of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library's downtown branch on April 22, following a news conference announcing the distribution of free gun locks at area libraries. Toledo Police Sergeant Joseph Okos helps Toledo Councilman Vanice Williams use a gun lock outside of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library's downtown branch on April 22, following a news conference announcing the distribution of free gun locks at area libraries. Donna Malone, chapter lead for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, speaks during a news conference at the downtown library announcing the distribution of free gun locks at all libraries in Lucas County on April 22. Toledo Police Sergeant Joseph Okos demonstrates how to use a gun lock outside of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library's downtown branch on April 22, following a news conference announcing the distribution of free gun locks at area libraries. Jason Kucsma, executive director of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, speaks during a news conference at the downtown library announcing the distribution of free gun locks at all libraries in Lucas County on April 22. Matt Raad of the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System speaks during a news conference at the downtown library announcing the distribution of free gun locks at all libraries in Lucas County on April 22. Kevin Braun, Toledo Police assistant chief, speaks during a news conference at the downtown library announcing the distribution of free gun locks at all libraries in Lucas County on April 22. Toledo Councilman Theresa Morris holds up a gun lock during a news conference at the downtown library announcing the distribution of free gun locks at all libraries in Lucas County on April 22. Toledo Police Sergeant Joseph Okos demonstrates how to use a gun lock outside of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library's downtown branch on April 22, following a press conference announcing the distribution of free gun locks at area libraries. Toledo Councilman Erin Kramer speaks during a news conference at the downtown library announcing the distribution of free gun locks at all libraries in Lucas County on April 22. Toledo Councilman Theresa Morris speaks during a news conference at the downtown library announcing the distribution of free gun locks at all libraries in Lucas County on April 22. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/county-leaders-discuss-proposed-property-tax-bill-panel-discussion/stories/20260417112 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/county-leaders-discuss-proposed-property-tax-bill-panel-discussion/stories/20260417112#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:53:16 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/county-leaders-discuss-proposed-property-tax-bill-panel-discussion/stories/20260417112 A group of school board and community leaders from Lucas, Wood, and Fulton counties will discuss the future of property taxes at the Penta Career Center Wednesday. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/land-bank-announces-15-year-successes-new-report/stories/20260422102 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/land-bank-announces-15-year-successes-new-report/stories/20260422102#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:15:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/land-bank-announces-15-year-successes-new-report/stories/20260422102 A new report from Bowling Green State University is highlighting the impact the Lucas County Land Bank has made in the community since its founding. Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz speaks during a news conference announcing some findings in a report on the Lucas County Land Bank's activities on April 22. Lucas County Treasurer Lindsay Webb speaks during a news conference announcing some findings in a report on the Lucas County Land Bank's activities on April 22. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/bgsu-polls-shows-key-ohio-races-dead-heat-ahead-primary-election/stories/20260422110 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/bgsu-polls-shows-key-ohio-races-dead-heat-ahead-primary-election/stories/20260422110#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:46:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/bgsu-polls-shows-key-ohio-races-dead-heat-ahead-primary-election/stories/20260422110 BOWLING GREEN — As Ohio’s primary gets under way and candidates begin to look toward the general election, recent findings from Bowling Green State University show high-profile races in a dead heat. Wood County Board of Elections deputy director Carol DeJong rolls out one of 12 voting machines that will used for early in-person voting at the Wood County Board of Elections in Bowling Green in 2020. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/submetering-companies-are-public-utilities-under-state-law-ohio-supreme-court/stories/20260422092 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/submetering-companies-are-public-utilities-under-state-law-ohio-supreme-court/stories/20260422092#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:56:52 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/submetering-companies-are-public-utilities-under-state-law-ohio-supreme-court/stories/20260422092 COLUMBUS — A submetering company is a public utility subject to regulation by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/perrysburg-renter-dealing-with-outages-lawmaker-seeks-submetering-rules/stories/20260421081 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/perrysburg-renter-dealing-with-outages-lawmaker-seeks-submetering-rules/stories/20260421081#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:52:21 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/22/perrysburg-renter-dealing-with-outages-lawmaker-seeks-submetering-rules/stories/20260421081 COLUMBUS — Losing electricity is an annoying situation for most people, but it can be even more aggravating when it’s unclear who is responsible for fixing the problem. Jason Gorr had a bad experience with a submetering company on April 21 in Perrysburg. He loses power constantly and nobody will take responsibility. Jason Gorr had a bad experience with a submetering company on April 21 in Perrysburg. He loses power constantly and nobody will take responsibility. Jason Gorr had a bad experience with a submetering company on April 21, in Perrysburg. He loses power constantly and nobody will take responsibility. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/21/property-tax-repeal-would-cause-economic-disaster-ohio-coalition-warns/stories/20260420079 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/21/property-tax-repeal-would-cause-economic-disaster-ohio-coalition-warns/stories/20260420079#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:51:59 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/21/property-tax-repeal-would-cause-economic-disaster-ohio-coalition-warns/stories/20260420079 COLUMBUS — School closures, public safety layoffs, and senior services cuts are just a few of the consequences Ohioans would face if voters approve a constitutional amendment eliminating property taxes, according to a new bipartisan coalition. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/20/zoo-asks-levy-decrease-may-lucas-county-911-asks-increase/stories/20260415100 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/20/zoo-asks-levy-decrease-may-lucas-county-911-asks-increase/stories/20260415100#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:22:21 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/20/zoo-asks-levy-decrease-may-lucas-county-911-asks-increase/stories/20260415100 Across Lucas and Wood counties, voters will decide on a range of property-tax issues from emergency services and public safety levies to roads, construction, and parks and recreation. The annual Orchid Show at the Toledo Zoo opened April 13 in South Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/19/ohio-lawmakers-votes-4-13-4-17-26/stories/20260417097 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/19/ohio-lawmakers-votes-4-13-4-17-26/stories/20260417097#comments Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/19/ohio-lawmakers-votes-4-13-4-17-26/stories/20260417097 A look at recent actions in the Ohio General Assembly and how lawmakers representing the area voted. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/18/ohio-politicians-continue-push-abortion-restrictions-despite-amendment/stories/20260417095 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/18/ohio-politicians-continue-push-abortion-restrictions-despite-amendment/stories/20260417095#comments Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/18/ohio-politicians-continue-push-abortion-restrictions-despite-amendment/stories/20260417095 COLUMBUS — Ohio’s constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights hasn’t stopped abortion opponents from pursuing restrictions on the medical procedure. Even though Ohioans voted 57 percent to 43 percent in favor of protecting abortion rights in the state constitution in November, 2023, members of the Ohio General Assembly have introduced a litany of bills seeking to block, restrict, or discourage women from seeking abortion care. House Bill 347, sponsored by state Rep. Josh Williams (R., Sylvania Township), would implement a 24-hour waiting period on abortion services. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/18/meet-five-republicans-running-ohios-9th-congressional-district/stories/20260417116 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/18/meet-five-republicans-running-ohios-9th-congressional-district/stories/20260417116#comments Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/18/meet-five-republicans-running-ohios-9th-congressional-district/stories/20260417116 Five Republican candidates say they have what it takes to defeat U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo), who is the longest-serving woman in Congress. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/17/kaptur-reports-significant-cash-haul-as-republican-opponents-grab-every-dollar/stories/20260417092 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/17/kaptur-reports-significant-cash-haul-as-republican-opponents-grab-every-dollar/stories/20260417092#comments Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:14:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/17/kaptur-reports-significant-cash-haul-as-republican-opponents-grab-every-dollar/stories/20260417092 Republican candidates running for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District are grabbing every last dollar before Ohio’s primary Election Day, while the incumbent is raking in record-breaking numbers. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, arrives before President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Feb. 24. Madison Sheahan answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Derek Merrin answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Josh Williams, a Republican candidate running for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District primary, speaks during an event at Schaller Memorial Building in Perrysburg on March 26. Alea Nadeem answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. U.S. Senator Jon Husted meets with the Hancock County Republicans to discuss his campaign Dec. 19, 2025, in Findlay. Former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown listens to attendees during a Medicaid and Affordable Care Act roundtable tour stop at Plate 21 in South Toledo on Dec. 12, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/16/dewine-execution-lag-time-unfixable-clarify-death-penalty-views/stories/20260416101 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/16/dewine-execution-lag-time-unfixable-clarify-death-penalty-views/stories/20260416101#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:02:25 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/16/dewine-execution-lag-time-unfixable-clarify-death-penalty-views/stories/20260416101 COLUMBUS — The long delay between a death sentence and an execution is a problem that cannot be fixed, Gov. Mike DeWine said this week. Gov. Mike DeWine during the Democracy and Public Policy Network’s annual leadership luncheon on April 14 at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union at Bowling Green State University. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/16/desine-gubernatorial-candidates-do-not-support-data-center-ban/stories/20260416103 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/16/desine-gubernatorial-candidates-do-not-support-data-center-ban/stories/20260416103#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:38:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/16/desine-gubernatorial-candidates-do-not-support-data-center-ban/stories/20260416103 COLUMBUS — Amending the Ohio Constitution to prohibit the construction of large data centers isn’t a good idea, according to Gov. Mike DeWine. The Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, a decommissioned uranium enrichment plant, is visible after the U.S. Department of Energy announced a new data center at the site on March 20 in Piketon, Ohio. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/16/law-firm-calls-title-ix-investigation-corrupted-in-monroe-trans-athlete-case/stories/20260415127 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/16/law-firm-calls-title-ix-investigation-corrupted-in-monroe-trans-athlete-case/stories/20260415127#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:30:12 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/16/law-firm-calls-title-ix-investigation-corrupted-in-monroe-trans-athlete-case/stories/20260415127 MONROE — A Michigan law firm is calling an independent investigation into the Monroe school district “corrupted” after the investigation determined that Title IX policies were not violated. Briley Lechner, 16, listens during a news conference Monday, Dec. 8 in front of the Monroe County Courthouse in Monroe, Michigan. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/16/perrysburg-gubernatorial-candidate-putsch-ramaswamy-cowboys-and-indians/stories/20260416102 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/16/perrysburg-gubernatorial-candidate-putsch-ramaswamy-cowboys-and-indians/stories/20260416102#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:04:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/16/perrysburg-gubernatorial-candidate-putsch-ramaswamy-cowboys-and-indians/stories/20260416102 COLUMBUS — A Perrysburg man running to be Ohio’s Republican nominee for governor has a new social media video targeting frontrunner Vivek Ramaswamy — and it is raising concerns due to racist language and the use of a weapon. Casey Putsch, who is running in the Republican primary for governor, speaks in an interview at his home in Perrysburg on Dec. 23, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/15/current-former-state-reps-vying-for-ohio-senate-district-1/stories/20260415104 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/15/current-former-state-reps-vying-for-ohio-senate-district-1/stories/20260415104#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:55:52 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/15/current-former-state-reps-vying-for-ohio-senate-district-1/stories/20260415104 A current state representative and a former state representative are competing in one of the most competitive state senate elections. Former Republican state Rep. Craig Riedel, left, is facing off against State Rep. Jim Hoops (R., Napoleon) to represent Ohio’s Senate District 1, the seat currently held by Senate President Rob McColley (R., Napoleon). State Rep. Jim Hoops (R., Napoleon) is running for Ohio's Senate District 1. Former Republican state Rep. Craig Riedel is running for Ohio's Senate District 1. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/15/ohio-regulators-seek-to-fine-kalshi-5m-for-unlicensed-sports-gambling/stories/20260415097 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/15/ohio-regulators-seek-to-fine-kalshi-5m-for-unlicensed-sports-gambling/stories/20260415097#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:31:39 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/15/ohio-regulators-seek-to-fine-kalshi-5m-for-unlicensed-sports-gambling/stories/20260415097 COLUMBUS — Online prediction market platform Kalshi is facing a $5 million fine for operating an unlicensed sports gambling business in Ohio. In this Nov. 18, 2019 photo, patrons visit the sports betting area of Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/14/real-leaders-need-open-minded-more-civil-dewine-tells-600-bgsu-event/stories/20260414108 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/14/real-leaders-need-open-minded-more-civil-dewine-tells-600-bgsu-event/stories/20260414108#comments Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:50:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/14/real-leaders-need-open-minded-more-civil-dewine-tells-600-bgsu-event/stories/20260414108 BOWLING GREEN — Divisiveness is a hot topic among Democrats and Republicans alike these days. Gov. Mike DeWine during the Democracy and Public Policy Network’s annual leadership luncheon on April 14 at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union at Bowling Green State University. Gov. Mike DeWine answering questions during the post-luncheon news conference. Gov. Mike DeWine talks with Robert Alexander, Director of the Bowling Green State University Democracy and Public Policy Network, during the Democracy and Public Policy Network’s annual leadership luncheon on April 14. BGSU President Rodney Rogers, Gov. Mike DeWine, and former Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner, who also spent years in both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly representing Bowling Green. From left, Jan Allen, former Ohio Gov. Richard Celeste’s deputy chief of staff, Gov. Mike DeWine, and Betty D. Montgomery, former Ohio Attorney General, participate in a panel discussion during the Democracy and Public Policy Network’s annual leadership luncheon on April 14 at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union at Bowling Green State University. Gov. Mike DeWine talks with Robert Alexander, Director of the Bowling Green State University Democracy and Public Policy Network, during the Democracy and Public Policy Network’s annual leadership luncheon on April 14. Gov. Mike DeWine answering questions during the post-luncheon news conference. From left, Jan Allen, former Ohio Gov. Richard Celeste’s deputy chief of staff, Gov. Mike DeWine, and Betty D. Montgomery, former Ohio Attorney General, participate in a panel discussion during the Democracy and Public Policy Network’s annual leadership luncheon on April 14. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/14/republicans-pitch-themselves-as-the-best-candidate-to-take-on-kaptur/stories/20260413104 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/14/republicans-pitch-themselves-as-the-best-candidate-to-take-on-kaptur/stories/20260413104#comments Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:48:04 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/14/republicans-pitch-themselves-as-the-best-candidate-to-take-on-kaptur/stories/20260413104 As Ohio’s primary Election Day inches closer, Republican candidates running for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District are trying to prove they have what it takes to unseat the longest-serving woman in Congress. Derek Merrin answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Madison Sheahan answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Madison Sheahan answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Madison Sheahan answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Madison Sheahan answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Madison Sheahan answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. To her right is Derek Merrin. Madison Sheahan answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Derek Merrin answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Derek Merrin answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. To his left is Madison Sheahan. Derek Merrin answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. To his left is Madison Sheahan. Attendees clap during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Attendees listen during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Madison Sheahan answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Josh Williams answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. To his right is Alea Nadeem. Josh Williams answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Josh Williams answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Alea Nadeem answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Alea Nadeem answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Attendees reflect on glass as Josh Williams answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Josh Williams answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Derek Merrin answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Anthony Campbell answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Derek Merrin answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13. Anthony Campbell answers a question during a candidate forum of five Republican candidates running for Ohio's 9th Congressional District at The Premier in Toledo on April 13.