Voter ID Measures Passed

Ohio lawmakers passed legislation expanding the state’s voter ID requirements to absentee ballots, sending the measure to Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk.

Beginning in November 2027, absentee voters would need to provide a copy of their driver’s license or state ID when requesting an absentee ballot or when submitting one in person.

The bill would also allow Ohioans to request an absentee ballot online for the first time.

Meanwhile, lawmakers also ratified a resolution placing a constitutional amendment before voters that would enshrine voter ID requirements in the state constitution. The push follows President Trump’s comments urging the Ohio House GOP to put the issue on the November ballot.

Data Center Legislation Collapses

Ohio lawmakers headed into summer recess Wednesday without passing the state’s first data center regulations, leaving unresolved a tax break issue carrying a $1.6 billion price tag.

House Bill 646 would’ve required the largest facilities to secure their own power and shielded ordinary utility customers from subsidizing data centers’ energy costs, but the legislature deadlocked over whether to trim or scrap the industry’s sales tax exemption entirely.

House Speaker Matt Huffman said lawmakers will return June 24 to take another run at the bill rather than taking the rest of the summer off as planned.

Goodyear Takes Ohio to the Moon

Akron-based Goodyear is developing tires for the Pegasus Lunar Terrain Vehicle, a rover expected to carry astronauts across the moon’s surface beginning in 2028.

The tires are hollow and built from metal mesh, engineered to handle loose lunar terrain that Goodyear’s John Kantura described as resembling a sandy surface, but with rocks and inclines the vehicle has to climb.

Goodyear’s tires previously left tread marks on the moon during the Apollo program, though Kantura said those earlier tires appeared more conventional than the new designs.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Columbus: Several major downtown ramps along Interstate 70 and Interstate 71 will close for two weeks beginning June 16 for reconstruction work. (More)

➤ Northeast Ohio: Severe weather swept through the region Wednesday, damaging businesses, power lines, and trees and leaving thousands without power. (More)

➤ Cincinnati: The widow of retired Hamilton County Deputy Larry Henderson testified before the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee, urging passage of legislation that would permit the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole for those convicted of aggravated murder of a police officer. (More)

➤ Delaware: OhioHealth will close the maternity unit at Grady Memorial Hospital effective July 31, citing declining birth volumes and a trend of Delaware County obstetric patients choosing other OhioHealth hospitals. (More)

➤ Steubenville: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church’s 40th annual Greek Fest opened Wednesday on South Fourth Street, drawing visitors with food, live music, dancing, and cultural festivities. (More)

➤ Miamisburg: U.S. Army veteran and seventh-grade math teacher Tom Madigan earned a Blue Angels Key Influencer flight ahead of the Dayton Air Show after helping save a man’s life with CPR at a local gym in 2024. (Watch Video Report)

Enjoy reading The Ohio Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family.

➤ Legendary college basketball coach Bob Huggins will be inducted into the University of Cincinnati Athletics Hall of Fame on Oct. 23. Huggins guided the Bearcats to 14 NCAA tournament appearances from 1989 to 2005, including a run to the 1992 Final Four. (More)

➤ John Sanders, the longtime television voice of the former Cleveland Indians, has died at 83. He spent 16 years as the team’s play-by-play broadcaster until 2006. (More)

➤ Dayton Dragons fans can catch the team on Dayton’s CW three consecutive nights this weekend, with games airing tonight, Saturday, and Sunday as part of a 15-game television package for 2026. (Details)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | NHL | MLB | WNBA | Golf

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Homeowners across America are ditching expensive Power Washers. Garden Maestros Pressure Washer Max attaches to any hose, boosts pressure up to 5x, and blasts away mildew, grit, and bug splatter. No fuel. No hassle. No more scrubbing on your knees. Learn More

➤ Honda is recalling more than 880,000 vehicles—including Pilots, Ridgelines, Passports, and Acura MDXs sold in Ohio—over rear subframe corrosion that can cause suspension failure. (More)

➤ Cleveland-based MetroHealth won’t seek reverification of its Level II Pediatric Trauma Center designation, citing declining caseloads and staffing challenges. (More)

➤ Hollywood Casino Columbus will hold a grand opening today for its new 203-room hotel, with festivities including an outdoor festival and a concert headlined by Bret Michaels. (Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Unexpected vet bills can be stressful, but pet insurance may cost less than you think. Spot Pet Insurance plans start around $9/month for cats and $15/month for dogs, with up to 90% cash back on covered vet bills. Coverage includes accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and more, plus optional wellness plans and 24/7 pet telehealth access for added peace of mind. Check your price and get covered. 

Flying together with our sponsor

Seven Wealth Tips Once Your Portfolio Reaches $1M

When it comes to building wealth, why not learn from high net worth investors who’ve done it before? From planning for inflation to being smart about withdrawals, get our guide, “The Seven Secrets of High Net Worth Investors” to learn essential investing tips today.

Request The Seven Secrets of High Net Worth Investors today.

➤ Buckeye Country Superfest returns to Ohio Stadium in Columbus tomorrow with country music performances by Tyler Childers, The Red Clay Strays, Sierra Ferrell, and others. (Details)

➤ Cleveland National Air Show tickets went on sale Thursday for the Labor Day weekend event headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Adult tickets cost $45.32 through Aug. 31, after which prices rise to $50.99. (Details)

➤ Black bear sightings in Ohio hit a record high in 2025, state wildlife officials report, with 537 sightings logged across 69 counties—up from 370 the year before. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ The Ultimate Mosquito Death Trap. Zap Guardian delivers a powerful 360° anti-mosquito shield, ensuring you are free from annoying, biting insects once and for all. Learn More

Would you want to go to space?

1. Definitely
   
2. Maybe
   
3. No way

Yesterday’s Results:

Are you planning to watch the FIFA World Cup?

1. No: 50%
2. Maybe: 19%
3. Yes: 17%
4. Just the U.S.: 14%

Which still-publishing daily newspaper did President Warren G. Harding own before entering politics?

Show me the answer