Federal immigration authorities arrested more than 280 immigrants across Ohio during a multi-day enforcement operation conducted in mid-December, according to officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The arrests took place between Dec. 16 and Dec. 21 as part of what officials described as a targeted effort known as Operation Buckeye, which focused on Columbus and other parts of the state. The announcement of the arrests came amid growing public attention and protests

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has announced a gesture of support for federal workers affected by the ongoing government shutdown, offering them free admission for a limited time this month. The initiative, designed to provide a brief respite for workers and their families during a period of financial and emotional strain, will run from November 1 through November 20. Federal employees will be able to enjoy complimentary admission for themselves and up to five guests, along with free

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Senate has passed a controversial education bill that would introduce a new course for middle and high school students centered on what lawmakers are calling the “Success Sequence.” Supporters say the proposed curriculum offers young people a roadmap to financial independence and reduced poverty, while critics argue it simplifies complex economic issues and risks stigmatizing those who struggle. The legislation, sponsored by Republican State Senator A

The redistricting process in Dublin City Schools has ignited a wave of frustration, division, and public outcry, as hundreds of parents filled auditoriums Wednesday to voice their discontent. At a series of “listening tour” sessions organized by the district, many parents expressed that they had lost faith in how officials have managed plans to redraw high school boundaries for the next academic year. The sessions, held across three venues in Dublin, drew parents carrying handma

Ohio parents could soon be offered DNA testing for their newborns under a new proposal aimed at giving families greater certainty about parentage and reducing long-term legal disputes. The legislation, known as the Right to Know Act, was introduced by State Representative Josh Williams, a Republican from Toledo who serves as Majority Whip in the Ohio House of Representatives. If enacted, the bill would require hospitals to inform new parents that they have the option to undergo DNA

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A new bipartisan proposal at the Ohio Statehouse seeks to toughen the state’s hate crime laws and broaden the protections afforded to residents. Representatives Dontavius Jarrells, a Democrat from Columbus, and Josh Williams, a Republican from Sylvania Township, introduced House Bill 306 earlier this year. Called the Hate Crime Act, the legislation is designed to modernize Ohio’s approach to hate crime protections and bring the state more in line with the la

Ohio lawmakers have introduced a new bill that could significantly change the state’s wage structure over the next four years, with the goal of increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour and eliminating the separate lower wage for tipped employees. Senate Bill 234, sponsored by Senator Kent Smith of Euclid and Senator Hearcel Craig of Columbus, along with five Democratic co-sponsors, aims to gradually implement the wage increase beginning in 2026 and comp

Ohio lawmakers are once again making a determined effort to name the walleye as the official state fish, aiming to finally secure recognition for a species deeply tied to the state’s identity and economy. House Bill 312, introduced in May at the Statehouse, seeks to designate sander vitreus, commonly known as walleye, as Ohio’s official fish. This move comes as Ohio remains one of only three states, along with Indiana and Iowa, without an official state fish. Representative Sean B

Bitcoin and related cryptocurrency stocks took a sharp downturn after the U.S. House of Representatives failed to advance a series of bills aimed at providing regulatory clarity and support for the crypto industry. A critical procedural vote on the House floor ended with 13 Republicans siding with Democrats to block the motion, which failed in a 196-223 vote. The result was a major setback for the crypto sector, which had been buoyed in recent weeks by rising investor confidence and record-se

In Columbus, Ohio, the state legislature is once again at the center of a heated debate over abortion rights. Lawmakers are preparing to introduce a controversial bill known as the Prenatal Equal Protection Act, which seeks to grant full legal protections to unborn children from the moment of fertilization. If passed, Ohio would become the 23rd state to consider legislation of this nature, reigniting fierce debate over bodily autonomy, constitutional law, and reproductive health S

  Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Ohio Statehouse on Friday evening to participate in a peaceful protest as part of the growing national “No Kings” movement. The protest in downtown Columbus was one of several planned across the country in response to what participants described as increasingly authoritarian rhetoric coming from former President Donald Trump. Organizers and attendees expressed concern about recent messages and imagery associated with

Flags across the state of Ohio have been ordered to fly at half-staff in memory of Cleveland Fire Cadet Symeon Williams, who tragically passed away following a medical emergency during his training. This directive was issued by Governor Mike DeWine on May 17 and applies to all U.S. and Ohio flags displayed on state-owned public buildings and grounds in Cuyahoga County, including notable locations such as the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower. The directive

A recent incident in Columbus, Ohio, has drawn public attention and criticism after police released body-worn camera footage showing an officer fatally shooting a dog that was attacking a woman and her leashed pet. The event occurred on May 4 around 3:28 p.m. in the area of Arlington Avenue and Bremen Street, when officers were responding to a report involving a dog that had been running loose in the neighborhood. According to Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant, officers were spe

Election Day in Ohio is just days away, and voters across the state are being called to cast their ballots in a variety of local races and on one key statewide issue. As usual, many seasoned voters like Mary and David Porretta are already fulfilling their civic duty. The couple, longtime Ohio residents, made time on Thursday morning to vote early. They believe that no election, large or small, should be overlooked. “We’ve always voted,” Mary said. “I don’t think we&

In a hard-fought community effort, residents of West Jefferson, Ohio, have successfully stopped a proposed biodigester project that had stirred deep concerns over environmental risks and its proximity to residential neighborhoods. After months of advocacy, the company behind the project withdrew its plans, signaling a major win for local voices who refused to be sidelined. The proposed facility, intended for Madison County, would have processed cow manure and food waste into renewable natural ga

Columbus residents enrolled in the Clean Energy Columbus Program can expect a bump in their electricity bills starting this June. The rate increase comes as part of the city’s continuing commitment to sustainability, with the program sourcing 100% clean energy for its participants. Supplied by AEP Ohio, the Clean Energy Columbus Program has helped many residents save on monthly power bills while contributing to broader environmental goals outlined in the Columbus Climate Action Plan.

 An Indian Ph.D. student studying agricultural engineering at Ohio State University has had her international student status temporarily reinstated by a federal judge after the federal government revoked her SEVIS record without prior notice. This development comes amid growing concern over recent removals of student visa records that have impacted students across the United States. U.S. District Court Judge Algenon L. Marbley issued a ruling last week that reinstates the stu

 Columbus, Ohio is experiencing a remarkable and hopeful shift in public safety, with the city's current homicide rate falling to its lowest point in more than a decade. Local officials and community leaders say the steady decline in deadly violence is the result of persistent collaboration, data-driven policing, and grassroots engagement that has been years in the making. So far in 2025, only 16 homicides have been reported in the city — a significant drop from the