Redistricting Meeting Ends Without Map

The state’s first congressional redistricting commission meeting ended without an approved map. A date for a follow-up meeting was not announced.

Gov. Mike DeWine formed the commission after state lawmakers failed to produce a bipartisan map. If the current phase doesn’t produce new districts, Republican lawmakers could pass a map with a simple majority in November.

State Democrats presented a proposed map with eight districts favoring Republicans and seven favoring Democrats. Currently, Ohio has 10 Republican and five Democratic U.S. House members. Republicans have yet to release a proposal.

DeWine said a bipartisan agreement would give the public more confidence in the process.

More College Students Attending Church

Gen Z students at The Ohio State University are showing a renewed interest in religion, according to the Rev. Hannah VanMeter, a United Methodist pastor who serves the campus community.

“Gen Z is stabilizing the decline in religion,” VanMeter said.

This past spring, St. Thomas More Newman Center, located adjacent to Ohio State, reported a growing number of students joining the Catholic church.

According to a Barna study, young adults now outpace older generations in church attendance, and Gen Z’s attendance has nearly doubled since 2020.

Developer Floats Titanic-Themed Hotel

A developer hopes to open a first-of-its-kind Titanic-themed hotel in Columbus in 2028, offering guests suites and staterooms in the design of the ship, a saltwater pool, and other amenities.

The $30 million project, proposed by Unsinkable Hotels, does not yet have a finalized site.

The company is seeking investors. More information is available on the Unsinkable Hotels website.

Other planned features include a fine-dining restaurant modeled after the ship’s first-class saloon, a rooftop bar, a squash court, and a spa.

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➤ West Jefferson: A planned $1 billion data center won’t move forward because the company couldn’t secure enough power for the proposed 75- to 100-worker facility. (More)

➤ Northwest Ohio: State Attorney General Dave Yost filed a complaint against Bates Recycling, alleging the company acted without a permit in performing torch cutting that caused foul odors and hazardous conditions in nearby communities. (More)

➤ Lorain: The city council passed a parent accountability ordinance that allows for the filing of misdemeanor charges against parents or guardians who fail to supervise children who go on to commit crimes. (More)

➤ Cleveland: The Port of Cleveland reported more than 8,700 passengers arrived on 53 cruise ship voyages this year, generating more than $2 million in economic impact. (More)

➤ Girard: An audit found that the city overspent its 2024 budget by $1.2 million. (More)

➤ Delaware: The Ohio Craft Whiskey Festival will take place Saturday at Henmick Farm Brewery, featuring tastings from more than 20 Ohio craft distilleries. (Details)

➤ The Cleveland Cavaliers lost 119-111 to the New York Knicks in their season opener Wednesday in New York. The Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points and Evan Mobley added 22. (Recap)

➤ A book on Ohio State football’s 2024 championship season says players pressed head coach Ryan Day to make changes after the team’s loss to Michigan. (More)

➤ The Ohio High School Athletic Association will host a school principals’ vote within the next 45 days to address name, image, and likeness rules for high school athletes. (More)

➤ The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton announced 12 coaching candidates for the 2026 class, including Bill Belichick and Marty Schottenheimer. (See List)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAF | Soccer | Tennis

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➤ Cincinnati-based Kroger has begun its holiday hiring, planning to add more than 18,000 workers nationwide ahead of the Thanksgiving and Christmas rush. (More)

➤ Kettering Health said that obstetric services at Soin Medical Center will be moved to Kettering Health Main Campus and Kettering Health Washington Township. (More)

➤ Stefan Schellhas was named market president for iHeartMedia Cincinnati. He previously was vice president and general manager of Local 12 News in Cincinnati. (More)

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Sellouts are good for business, and Miso sold out its initial units of the newest AI-powered kitchen robot, Flippy Fry Station, in just one week. 

Why? The $1T fast-food industry faces 144% worker turnover and $20/hour minimum wages in places like California. But these units can boost industry profits by up to $24B. Brands like White Castle already use them. 

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➤ A Dublin resident painted a 735-pound pumpkin in the likeness of Taylor Swift, using an image from her appearance on the New Heights podcast hosted by Swift’s fiancé and Cleveland Heights native Travis Kelce. (See Photo)

➤ Old Man’s Cave Trail at Hocking Hills State Park in Logan was named one of the 13 most haunted hikes in the U.S. by Outside Magazine. (More)

➤ A wildlife photo exhibit titled Kleinfunde will be on display at Hueston Woods State Park Lodge & Conference Center through Jan. 23. (More)

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Have you watched the movie Titanic?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever taken flying lessons?

1. No: 38%
2. Yes: 31%
3. I’d like to: 31%

What is Ohio’s largest whiskey distillery?

Show me the answer