🎙️ Episode 22: Senate Races, Redistricting, and the Fight Over Property Taxes
Robert and Tom are back with a full slate of Ohio politics, policy debates, and community happenings. Here’s what they’re talking about this week:
🏛️ Politics & Policy
- Sherrod Brown running again – Ohio’s senior Democrat is expected to seek another term in the U.S. Senate in 2026. Meanwhile, Democrats are eyeing Amy Acton as a possible candidate for governor.
🔗Sherrod Brown Ohio’s Highest Profile Democat Expected to Seek a Return to the US Senate in 2026
- Gay marriage back in the spotlight – Advocates push back as the U.S. Supreme Court is asked to revisit the same-sex marriage decision. 🌈
🔗 Ohio advocates fight back as U.S. Supreme Court asked to review same-sex marriage decision
- Redistricting, Ohio-style – With new maps on the way, will Ohio’s process look like Texas? 🗺️
🔗 Ohio congressional redistricting process begins on heels of Texas battle
- Property tax debate – Governor DeWine’s “working group” continues to meet, but county auditors and educators remain skeptical. 💰
🔗 Auditor Talks Property Tax Future and Fight To End It
- Data centers & your electric bill – A closer look at how these massive facilities may be driving up utility costs across Ohio. ⚡
🔗 States feel pressure to act as evidence mounts that data centers share blame for higher electric bills
- Bellbrook High School closes library – The district shelves access until it decides what books can stay out and which must be removed. 📚
- 🔗 Bellbrook closes high school library temporarily for review of ‘sexuality content and gender identity’
- Browns stadium dispute – ODOT rejects the proposed new stadium as “too tall” before a permit is even filed, while the Browns point to FAA approval. 🏈
🔗 ODOT rejects new Browns stadium as too tall. Browns push back, citing FAA’s OK
- Spotted Lanternfly update – Six more Ohio counties added to the quarantine list. Officials say: kill them on sight. 🪰
🔗 Ohio Department of Agriculture expands spotted lanternfly quarantine area to 6 more counties: See if your area is included and what it means - 🔗 Spotted lanternfly eggs set to hatch soon in Ohio
🎉 Community & Events
- Hulk Hogan tribute – The wrestling legend will be honored at the Real American Freestyle League launch in Cleveland on Wednesday, August 20th. 💪
🔗 Hulk Hogan Tribute Planned at Clevealnd Wrestling Event
- Garlic Fest – Shaker Square hosts the Cleveland Garlic Festival on August 23–24. 🧄
🔗 Cleveland Garlic Festival Returns to Shaker Square August 23 and 24
- Vet Fest 2025 – North Ridgeville welcomes Vet Fest August 22–23, raising funds for veterans with 25% off tickets. 🇺🇸
🔗 https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/northeast-ohio-vet-fest-set-for-aug-22-and-23-in-north-ridgeville-event-raises-money-for-veterans
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