Gambling Restrictions Proposed

Republican state lawmakers have proposed legislation that would greatly restrict sports gambling in Ohio, including a ban on online betting and in-game wagers.

The Save Ohio Sports Act, which is aimed at reducing the risk of gambling addiction, would also ban prop bets and parlay bets, cap individual wagers at $100, prohibit gambling ads during games, and bar the use of credit cards for placing bets.

“Is it really worth the taxes that we gain to risk people’s lives, their mental health, their personal well-being, their families, their homes? I don’t think it is,” co-sponsor Rep. Gary Click, R-Vickery, said.

Legislation legalizing sports betting passed easily in Ohio in 2021, but Gov. Mike DeWine has said he regrets signing the law.

Columbus Sued Over Statue Removal

Local Italian American organizations and community members have filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Columbus over the removal of a Christopher Columbus statue from outside City Hall in 2020.

The statue was gifted to the city of Columbus by Genoa, Italy, in 1955 to honor the state capital’s namesake. Mayor Andrew Ginther ordered it removed, saying it didn’t reflect the city’s values.

The groups suing the city argue the removal was illegal and discriminatory, saying the mayor didn’t seek approval from the Historic Commission before removing the statue.

The lawsuit also says the statue’s removal amounted to “performative virtue signaling” meant to “appease the fleeting politics of the moment.” You can read the complete lawsuit here.

R&B Group Tops Rock Hall Fan Vote

Boston-based R&B group New Edition topped the leaderboard for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s class of 2026 fan vote with more than 1 million votes.

The Rock Hall describes New Edition as a blend of “1960s Motown and 1970s Philly Soul” and credits the group with helping pave the way for acts such as New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, and the Backstreet Boys.

Phil Collins, P!NK, Shakira, Luther Vandross, INXS, and Sade rounded out the top seven. According to the Rock Hall, the top five to seven finishers in the fan vote make up one Hall of Fame ballot.

Notably, the Wu-Tang Clan, Billy Idol, Mariah Carey, and Iron Maiden fell outside of the top seven in the fan vote.

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➤ Franklin: A train derailed near Forest Avenue and Chestnut Street on Thursday, tipping onto its side and leaving crew members with minor injuries. (See Train)

➤ Lake County: A 2.1-magnitude earthquake was detected near Madison on Wednesday, the second quake recorded near the town in the past month. (More)

➤ Franklin County: A fire at an Amazon facility in Jefferson Township drew a multi-agency response on Wednesday. No injuries were reported. (More)

➤ Warren County: A Warren County man was arrested after surveillance video showed him brandishing a knife, threatening to kill a homeowner “in the name of Allah” on Easter Sunday, and pursuing the homeowner’s daughter in a vehicle. (More)

➤ Parma: The school district has proposed eliminating its property tax levies, but only if voters approve a 1.75% earned income tax. (More)

➤ Hilliard: A Columbus man has become the first person convicted under a new federal law that criminalizes nonconsensual deepfake pornography. (More)

➤ St. Francis DeSales High School quarterback RJ Day, the son of Ohio State coach Ryan Day, received a scholarship offer from South Florida head coach Brian Hartline, a former Buckeyes assistant. (More)

➤ Columbus Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner was nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. (More)

➤ The Cincinnati Reds unveiled their City Connect 2.0 uniforms Thursday, featuring an all-red design with pinstripes and a Tyler Davidson Fountain graphic set to debut Saturday against the Angels at Great American Ball Park. (See Uniform)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: Masters | NBA | MLB | NHL | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | Tennis

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➤ Mark Lamoncha, owner of Boardman-based Humtown Products, was named Ohio’s Small Business Person of the Year for 2026 by the U.S. Small Business Administration after transforming the family business into a 3D printing operation. (More)

➤ Nearly 450 hospitals nationwide, including nine in Ohio, risk closing or cutting services if proposed Medicaid cuts take effect, according to a new report. (See List)

➤ North Market in Columbus is marking its 150th anniversary with a limited-edition lager, called 1876 North Market Lager, made in partnership with Seventh Son Brewing Co. (More)

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➤ Columbus and Cincinnati landed in the top 100 of a new Geography of Prosperity Index that measures cities’ resilience, adaptability, and long-term prospects. (More)

➤ Hilliard police warned residents about a growing social media trend in which people, often teenagers, kick front doors—an escalation of “ding-dong-ditching” that has led to property damage. (More)

➤ A New Albany home with a living room that serves as a bridge over a creek was featured on the popular real estate social media page Zillow Gone Wild. (See House)

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Should Columbus restore the Christopher Columbus statue in front of City Hall?

1. Yes
   
2. No
   

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you plan to watch the Masters Tournament?

1. No: 43%
2. Definitely: 29%
3. A little: 28%

Which Ohio native has won the Masters Tournament more than any other golfer?

Show me the answer