Ohio Head Start programs suffer, close as federal government shutdown rolls on

As the Trump administration’s government shutdown continues, Ohio’s Head Start programs are running out of money. Two centers have already closed, and more are set to follow — leaving hundreds of teachers unpaid and more than 1,000 children without care or early education. Advocates warn the closures will deepen the state’s child care crisis.

Ohio Head Start programs suffer, close as federal government shutdown rolls on

Ohio Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno accused of stalking Democratic colleagues for their car VIN numbers

A Senate hearing descended into chaos after Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno admitted he collected vehicle identification numbers from Democratic colleagues’ cars to accuse them of “hypocrisy” on safety mandates. Sen. Jacky Rosen blasted the move as stalking and a violation of privacy, while Moreno insisted VINs are public. The exchange underscored growing tensions in Congress amid the ongoing government shutdown.

Ohio Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno accused of stalking Democratic colleagues for their car VIN numbers

Ohio economists split on nuclear power as AI-driven energy demand drives up prices

As Ohio’s electricity prices climb with growing energy demand from data centers, a panel of economists says expanding nuclear power could help—but opinions are divided. While most believe more supply would lower costs, others warn that high construction costs, safety concerns, and past scandals make nuclear energy a risky bet.

Ohio economists split on nuclear power as AI-driven energy demand drives up prices

Poll shows Ohio governor’s race a toss-up as Acton tops Ramaswamy in favorability

A new Hart Research poll shows Democrat Dr. Amy Acton and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy virtually tied in the 2026 Ohio governor’s race, with Acton leading slightly on favorability. The survey found voters view Acton’s pandemic leadership more positively than pundits expected, and that her bipartisan background could appeal to independents.

Poll shows Ohio governor’s race a toss-up as Acton tops Ramaswamy in favorability

Ohio secretary of state sends voter fraud allegations to Trump Justice Department

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has sent more than 1,000 alleged voter fraud cases to the Trump-led U.S. Department of Justice — even though state and local prosecutors have repeatedly found little to no evidence of wrongdoing. Legal experts and critics say the move raises political concerns, with LaRose reversing his prior opposition to federal involvement in state election enforcement.

Ohio secretary of state sends voter fraud allegations to Trump Justice Department

Tiffin City Schools levy passes with strong community support

Tiffin voters approved a 0.75% earned income tax levy Tuesday, ensuring stable funding for Tiffin City Schools’ daily operations and student programs. The measure passed with 58.3% support, marking the district’s first new operating revenue in over a decade.

Tiffin City Schools levy passes with strong community support

An Ohio writer returned to her hometown to see what she’d missed. It was a lot

Ohio author Beth Macy, known for Dopesick, returns to her hometown of Urbana in her new memoir Paper Girl to explore what hollowed out America’s small towns. Through family stories and community interviews, she reveals how economic decline, misinformation, and lost local journalism fractured working-class life — and what it will take to heal it.

An Ohio writer returned to her hometown to see what she’d missed. It was a lot

Republican Bellevue councilman indicted on 22 charges while seeking re-election

Republican Bellevue Councilman Joseph Burkhart, who chairs the city’s Public Safety Committee, has been indicted on 22 charges including assault, burglary, and drug possession following a September domestic incident. Despite the charges, Burkhart remains on the November ballot for re-election to his at-large seat.

Republican Bellevue councilman indicted on 22 charges while seeking re-election