Lawmakers Unveil $4 Billion Capital Budget

Ohio lawmakers introduced a capital budget proposal Monday, outlining a nearly $4 billion, two-year plan for construction and infrastructure improvements statewide.

More than $600 million was proposed for K-12 building construction and modernization, while more than half a billion dollars would fund public works projects to repair roads, bridges, and water systems.

Beyond schools and roads, the budget directs $275 million toward a new Miami Valley psychiatric hospital to expand mental health care in southwestern Ohio. All 88 Ohio counties are guaranteed a share of roughly $200 million for local community projects.

Normally, the Ohio House and Senate each propose their own version of the capital budget before negotiating a compromise. This year, the chambers are collaborating on a unified version to expedite the process.

Cincinnati’s ‘Fastest Nun’ Moves Closer to Sainthood

Vatican theologians unanimously voted to advance the cause for the beatification and canonization of Sister Blandina Segale, Servant of God—a Cincinnati nun who ministered across the Wild West frontier in the late 19th century.

After joining the Sisters of Charity in Cincinnati, Sr. Blandina traveled the Santa Fe Trail alone in 1872 to the then-Colorado Territory, where she established schools and hospitals. She earned the nickname “the fastest nun in the West” and became known for her encounters with frontier figures such as Billy the Kid.

Petitioner Allen Sánchez announced the vote outside a convent bearing Sr. Blandina’s name. Sanchez said her cause will now be reviewed by cardinals and bishops at the Vatican before advancing to the pope for consideration.

Church officials say dozens of miracles have reportedly been attributed to Sr. Blandina’s intercession. You can read more about the canonization process here.

Longaberger Basket Building Listed for $8.5M

The Longaberger Basket Building in Newark, one of Ohio’s most distinctive landmarks, has been listed for sale at $8.5 million.

The seven-story structure, built to resemble an oversized wicker basket, served as the longtime corporate headquarters of the Longaberger Company, a business known for its handcrafted baskets. You can see photos of the property here.

The company vacated the building in 2016, and the property was sold the following year. It has sat empty ever since. A plan to redevelop the structure into a 150-room luxury hotel, complete with a restaurant and indoor pool, collapsed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Separately, the Longaberger Homestead—the company’s former manufacturing campus and visitor center in Frazeysburg—also remains on the market.

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➤ Statewide: Gov. Mike DeWine has appointed Benjamin Suver as interim director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, effective June 7. Suver replaces Andy Wilson, who is slated to assume the role of state attorney general. (More)

➤ Grove City: Grove City Council voted to impose a one-year moratorium on new data center development and will establish a task force to study the impacts of such projects on the community. (More)

➤ Columbus: State troopers arrested DJ Byrnes, author of the independent left-wing blog The Rooster, on a misdemeanor telecommunications harassment charge. (More)

➤ Toledo: A Toledo firefighter who once received a key to the city for acts of valor now faces theft and fraud charges after being accused of stealing more than $1,000 from an internal station fund. (More)

➤ Kent: Kent State University Airport has received $329,912 in federal funding to support a taxiway construction project spanning 22,000 yards. (More)

➤ Steubenville: Historic Fort Steuben has launched a fundraising campaign to build an outdoor statue honoring Baron von Steuben, the Continental Army officer from whom the city takes its name. (More)

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➤ Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski was awarded the NHL’s James Norris Memorial Trophy, given annually to the league’s top defenseman. Werenski posted 22 goals and 59 assists across 75 games in the 2025-26 season. (Watch Video)

➤ The Federal Aviation Administration has restricted drone flights over portions of Columbus—including Historic Crew Stadium and downtown—as the city prepares to host Ecuador’s World Cup squad for training at the OhioHealth Performance Center. (More)

➤ Devlan Daniel, a junior at Indian Hill High School, was named Ohio’s Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year after hitting .436 with four home runs and 20 RBIs, while posting a 1.05 ERA with 44 strikeouts across 26 innings on the mound. (More)

➤ Columbus’ incoming NWSL franchise is inviting fans to weigh in on the team’s name, colors, and crest. The league’s 18th club is set to begin play in 2028 and will share ScottsMiracle-Gro Field with the Columbus Crew. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NHL | MLB | Soccer | WNBA | Tennis

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➤ Duke Energy has petitioned Ohio’s Public Utilities Commission to approve an $8-per-month rate increase for residential customers—roughly a 4.5% rise for those consuming 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month. (More)

➤ OPmobility Exterior USA, an automotive parts supplier, plans to construct a new manufacturing facility in Rossford that would create 541 full-time jobs and generate up to $40 million in annual payroll. (More)

➤ AeroVironment, a defense technology manufacturer, announced a $15 million investment to expand its production capabilities in Greene County. The expansion is projected to create 200 jobs. (More)

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➤ A meteor produced a fireball that illuminated skies across Ohio late Monday night. Reports indicate the object may have streaked directly over Toledo. (Watch Video)

➤ Cedar Point visitors are effectively serving as human windshields as coasters barrel through swarms of midges—small, non-biting Lake Erie insects that emerge once water temperatures climb to 60 degrees. (See Photo)

➤ Gov. Mike DeWine has proclaimed June 1-7 as Ohio State Parks Week, recognizing the natural landscapes and recreational offerings across the state’s 76 parks. (More)

➤ The Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival returns Thursday at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds, with balloon rides, a night glow, fireworks, food vendors, and live music. (Details)

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Have you seen the Longaberger Basket Building in person?

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2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Should the Browns have traded Myles Garrett?

1. No opinion: 33%
2. No, it’s a bad deal: 25%
3. Yes, it’s a good deal: 22%
4. Yes, for a higher price: 20%

Where was the first ship-to-shore radio broadcast received?

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