FirstEnergy Payments to Dark Money Nonprofits
FirstEnergy, an energy company, has reportedly paid $2.5 million to a dark money nonprofit that supported Governor Mike DeWine’s 2018 election campaign, bringing the total contributions to various opaque nonprofits backing DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to $4.3 million. The same records also indicate that a FirstEnergy-controlled nonprofit donated $300,000 to an entity referred to as “the Huffman C4” by FirstEnergy lobbyist Ty Pine. Senate President Matt Huffman, however, denies any involvement in the group’s creation, control, or coordination.
Lakeland College Audit Reveals Financial Concerns
A state audit has found that Lakeland Community College in Lake County has been spending excessively, considering its significant loss of student enrollment between 2012 and 2022. Auditors have suggested measures to address this issue, such as reconsidering building and lab usage, selling non-campus property, and renegotiating faculty contracts.
Gender-Affirming Healthcare Ban Block Narrowed Request
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has requested that the Ohio Supreme Court limit a lower court’s order blocking the state from enforcing the law that prohibits youth from receiving gender-affirming healthcare. Yost argues that the order is overly broad in its application and could prevent individuals from outside the court’s jurisdiction from accessing certain services.
House Judiciary Inquiry into Fatal ATF Raid
House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan is investigating a fatal raid conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Little Rock, Arkansas. Jordan is seeking documents and information on the case, expressing concerns about the potential weaponization of the agency against Americans. The raid in question has raised questions about the Justice Department’s policies on “no knock” entries and the use of body cameras.
Social Security Office Closure in Warrensville Heights
The Social Security Administration’s office in Warrensville Heights is facing a 90-day closure beginning in May due to high staff attrition. The reopening of the office after this period is uncertain, prompting concerns from local representatives U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and U.S. Representative Shontel Brown.
Ohio Turnpike Tolling System Goes Live
The Ohio Turnpike has launched its new tolling system, featuring open-road tolling for E-ZPass users and a revised method of calculating tolls for all drivers along the highway’s 241-mile stretch.
Upcoming Legislative Sessions and Events
The Ohio House and Senate will hold floor sessions on Wednesday afternoon, addressing various legislative matters. The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on Tuesday afternoon on legislation aiming to clarify the law regarding spousal rape, while the Senate General Government Committee will consider a bill prohibiting ranked choice voting in the state on Wednesday.
U.S. Representative Max Miller will host a town hall meeting in Solon on Saturday, April 27th.
