Today in Ohio - July 6, 2026 Why Ohio Republicans have good reason to worry about voter anger in November

Today in Ohio - July 7, 2026 Why can't Ohio reduce its errors with food stamps?

Jul 7, 202635 minSummary

In this episode of Today in Ohio, the hosts examine a range of pressing state issues, starting with the troubling error rates in Ohio’s SNAP food stamp program. The discussion highlights that while error rates have improved, they remain above federal thresholds, risking significant financial penalties for the state. The team debates the complexities of government administration, contrasting it with private sector efficiency and questioning why such high error margins are tolerated with public funds. The conversation shifts to the economic impact of federal policies, focusing on a report suggesting that average Ohio households have faced significant cost increases due to inflation, energy prices, and tariffs. The hosts offer a pointed critique of the current administration’s economic impact on families compared to its growth in private wealth. Additionally, the episode covers the surge in natural gas power plant construction to support energy-hungry AI data centers, the alarming rise in melanoma rates among younger demographics despite widespread awareness, and the push by local officials to transition back to an elected sheriff in Cuyahoga County to improve leadership stability. The episode concludes with a highlight on Cleveland’s economic development and the work of volunteer wilderness rescue teams.

Today in Ohio - June 26, 2026 The U.S. is on the brink of sending thousands of Ohioans to their doom in Haiti

Jun 26, 202632 minSummary

In this episode of Today in Ohio, the hosts examine a series of critical developments impacting the state, led by a heated discussion on the U.S. Supreme Court’s six-to-three ruling that permits the administration to revoke Temporary Protected Status for thousands of Haitians. The panel criticizes this decision as a move that threatens to send families back to a nation experiencing severe instability and violence. Governor Mike DeWine is highlighted for his opposition to the policy, warning that the loss of legal status will leave many Ohio residents unemployable and destabilize communities where they have become vital economic participants. Beyond immigration, the hosts analyze Governor DeWine’s recent veto of a submetering bill, which he argued would have weakened consumer protections for renters. The conversation also shifts toward education, as the panel reviews new state mandates designed to bolster math instruction through mandatory tutoring and intervention programs. Additionally, they address the ongoing debate over legislative efforts to improve online child safety and the lack of transparency surrounding candidates for upcoming elections. The episode concludes with a critique of a new law accelerating oil and gas drilling on state land, which the hosts describe as favoring industrial interests over environmental preservation.

Today in Ohio - June 25, 2026 Mike DeWine vetoes poorly conceived law requiring photo ids for absentee voting

Jun 25, 202631 minSummary

In this episode of Today in Ohio, the hosts examine Governor Mike DeWine’s unexpected veto of House Bill 472, which sought to require photo IDs for absentee voting. The panel commends the decision, noting that DeWine rightly identified the legislation as a solution in search of a problem that would have placed unnecessary burdens on seniors and mail-in voters without improving election security. The discussion shifts to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio’s rejection of First Energy’s request to weaken reliability standards. While the hosts express a lack of sympathy for the company’s reputation, they also engage in a nuanced debate about the growing challenges of maintaining an aging power grid against increasingly intense, climate-driven storms. Other segments include a critique of State Senator Jerry Sereno’s recent efforts to stifle campus free speech and his suggestions to limit the citizen-led ballot initiative process. The hosts also cover local developments, including the ongoing debates regarding tax relief legislation, Cleveland’s recent parking rate adjustments, a major charitable pledge from the Cleveland Clinic, and the upcoming public unveiling of a historic steam locomotive.

Today in Ohio - June 24, 2026 Bernie Moreno partners with Elizabeth Warren to save Social Security

Jun 24, 202631 minSummary

In this episode of Today in Ohio, the hosts examine a surprising bipartisan proposal from Senator Bernie Moreno and Senator Elizabeth Warren aimed at bolstering Social Security by eliminating the payroll tax cap. The discussion highlights the urgent need to address the program’s looming insolvency and the consensus among many citizens that high earners should contribute more to ensure the system’s longevity. The conversation then shifts to the Ohio legislature’s failure to act on critical issues before their recess. The team critiques the lack of oversight regarding electricity costs driven by data centers and expresses concern over potential "lame duck" session maneuvers. Additionally, the hosts debate the use of private surveillance technology in Cleveland, questioning the privacy implications and the effectiveness of current oversight. Other segments include a legal update on a frivolous defamation lawsuit involving former Representative Dennis Kucinich, concerns from faith groups regarding bank investments in immigration detention centers, and a critique of the Attorney General’s office for its handling of minor Medicaid fraud cases. The episode concludes with an update on the stalled campaign to place an Equal Rights Amendment on the Ohio ballot.

Today in Ohio - June 23, 2026 Pink Parma celebrates a beloved mascot in the city's bicentennial year

Jun 23, 202632 minSummary

The June 23, 2026, episode of Today in Ohio covers a diverse array of local and civic stories from across the state. The hosts begin with a lighthearted discussion about Parma’s bicentennial celebration, specifically the city’s decision to embrace the "pink flamingo" as its official mascot. The conversation highlights how the city has turned a kitschy lawn ornament into a symbol of community pride. The episode shifts to more serious political matters, focusing on Ohio Senator John Huston’s recent legislation intended to prevent federal agencies from maintaining ownership stakes in private, for-profit companies. The hosts discuss the risks of government entanglement in the private sector and debate the merits of the bill as a check against executive overreach. They also analyze a failed federal contract for the Lincoln Memorial’s reflecting pool, which has drawn scrutiny due to its connection to a controversial Ohio donor. Other segments include the notable progress of preschool enrollment in Cleveland, the ongoing debate over funding juvenile probation in Cuyahoga County, and the maintenance challenges facing the Lorain County Jail. The episode concludes with a look at declining beekeeping registrations in Geauga County and a nostalgic mention of the temporary return of McDonald’s original fried apple pie.

Today in Ohio - June 16, 2026 Another billion in tax dollars goes out the door to private schools in Ohio

Jun 16, 202632 minSummary

In this episode of Today in Ohio, the hosts examine several critical issues impacting the state, beginning with the ballooning cost of private school vouchers. Taxpayer spending on the program has officially surpassed one billion dollars for the current school year, a figure the team describes as obscene given the ongoing needs of public school systems. They highlight how the expansion to include families of all income levels has shifted the program away from its original intent. The discussion also turns to a federal judge’s decision to temporarily block Ohio’s ban on hemp beverages, labeling the state’s legislative process as rushed and poorly thought out. Furthermore, the hosts analyze the controversial practice of Cleveland police officers using banked overtime and comp time to significantly inflate their pension payouts, with the team suggesting these systemic financial maneuvers disadvantage taxpayers. Other topics include the opening of the new Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center on Lake Erie, J.D. Vance’s political future, and the persistent crisis of childhood lead poisoning in Cleveland. Finally, the team critiques the state’s capital budget priorities and applauds the Medina County prosecutor for securing a conviction against an off-duty officer involved in the assault of an immigrant.

Today in Ohio - June 4, 2026 Jim Jordan attacks an Ohio lawmaker in Congressional Medicaid fraud hearing

Jun 4, 202633 minSummary

In this episode of Today in Ohio, the hosts examine a series of pressing political and local issues across the state. The discussion opens with a critique of a recent Congressional hearing where Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan accused a Democratic state representative of Medicaid fraud. The hosts label the hearing’s rhetoric as racially charged and criticize the lack of evidence presented, arguing that Republicans are attempting to weaponize immigration-related anger. The conversation shifts to electoral reform as the hosts explore state lawmaker Lou Blessing’s proposal for a top-two primary system, intended to reduce partisan polarization by allowing all voters to select candidates regardless of party affiliation. Additionally, the team discusses a federal judge's ruling regarding the state’s vanity license plate policies, questioning the consistency of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles' rejection criteria. Other segments cover the push to amend the Ohio Constitution regarding voter ID requirements, an update on the shift away from state-mandated academic distress commissions for public schools, and the growing municipal debates surrounding e-bike regulation and the impact of data centers on local infrastructure and resources.

Today in Ohio - June 3, 2026 Is Ohio's $1 billion-plus private school voucher program becoming a 2026 election issue

Jun 3, 202632 minSummary

In this episode of Today in Ohio, the hosts examine whether the state’s massive private school voucher program is poised to become a defining issue in the 2026 elections. The discussion highlights the Voucher Accountability Project, a new initiative by a progressive coalition aiming to shed light on the funding and transparency of voucher-receiving private schools. The hosts analyze the potential political impact of this program, particularly as school districts face budget constraints, and consider whether this will galvanize voters alongside other frustrations like property taxes and data center subsidies. Beyond the voucher debate, the episode covers a diverse range of local topics. The panel discusses Cleveland’s newly approved regulations for short-term rentals, which aim to address neighborhood concerns through licensing and density caps. They also explore Congresswoman Chantel Brown’s legislative efforts to tackle housing affordability and lead abatement, and review local developments in Berea and Brook Park related to sports-related mixed-use infrastructure. Additionally, the hosts touch upon the proposed Tamir Rice Act, a legislative effort to ban realistic-looking toy guns, and celebrate the appointment of a new, highly successful president at John Carroll University. The show concludes with updates on recent meteor sightings and the efforts of a local nonprofit, Grandparents for Vaccines, to combat vaccine skepticism.