Lawmakers Propose Abortion Ban

State Reps. Levi Dean and Johnathan Newman have introduced the Ohio Prenatal Equal Protection Act, which would ban abortion and classify it as homicide, except in cases of miscarriages or life-saving procedures.

End Abortion Ohio supports the measure, while Ohio Right to Life argues against criminalizing abortion. EAO founder Austin Beigel said the groups “do not have the same goals,” claiming Ohio Right to Life aims to “regulate” rather than “abolish” abortion.

The legislation contradicts a 2023 constitutional amendment protecting abortion, and while 10 states proposed similar bills, none legally classify abortion as a homicide.

Layoffs Planned for Division Overseeing Ohio Intel Plant

According to an internal memo, Intel plans to lay off up to 20% of its Foundry manufacturing division, which oversees the $28 billion semiconductor plant currently under construction in New Albany.

CEO Lip-Bu Tan announced in April that unspecified layoffs would occur this year, following 15,000 job cuts in August 2024.

Monroe Township official Troy Hendren said he does not expect significant layoffs among workers at the Licking County site, noting many are outside contractors rather than Intel employees.

The New Albany plant, originally expected to open in 2025, has faced two delays. Completion is now projected between 2030 and 2031.

Design Unveiled for Brent Spence Companion Bridge

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Wednesday unveiled the design for the new companion bridge to the Brent Spence Bridge, which will span the Ohio River. Watch a video rendering of the design here.

The double-decker, cable-stayed bridge will carry northbound traffic on the upper deck and southbound traffic below. Additional images are available here.

It was selected for its visual appeal, cost efficiency, and ease of construction. The design was also subjected to wind testing and a technical review.

A construction start date has not yet been set. The $3.6 billion project has secured $1.635 billion in federal infrastructure funding.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ State: Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order allowing Ohio’s Medicaid program to increase the Ohio hospital franchise fee, which hospitals pay to support Medicaid funding. (More)

➤ Warren: Democratic judicial candidate Irene Makridis was found in contempt for repeatedly interrupting proceedings at Warren Municipal Court. (More)

➤ Dayton: Six UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters will be on display this afternoon at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The event is free to the public. (Details)

➤ Toledo: The Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio will host its annual Practically Golf fundraiser June 20–21, transforming downtown Toledo’s Huron Street into an 18-hole mini golf course. (Details)

➤ Mansfield: OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital is distributing 50 free gun lock boxes to help local residents keep firearms secure and out of the reach of children. (More)

➤ Plain City: Village officials unveiled plans for a downtown gathering space with a marketplace, splash pad, winter ice rink, and railroad-themed play area. (See Rendering)

➤ Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt will coach in his first MLB All-Star Game on July 15 in Atlanta. (More)

➤ Toledo WTOL 11 photojournalist Gina Lundquist set a national record in the women’s 33-to-39 age group at the American Powerlifting Federation’s National Championships, squatting 380 pounds. (Watch Video)

➤ Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is co-leading a coalition urging a federal appeals court to reject a loophole that could allow unregulated sports gambling. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | WNBA | NCAAB | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤Jumpstart your weight loss journey this spring with MedVi’s GLP-1 weight loss medication—now available at a special spring sale price!  Right now, get $120 off and free shipping.

➤ Kroger will give away 92,000 free pints of ice cream starting Friday, celebrating four new flavors with a digital coupon available online and valid through July 4. (Details)

➤ BrewDog, a Scottish-based brewery and pub, announced it would permanently close its Pendleton taproom while continuing to operate several U.S. locations, including Columbus and Cleveland. (More)

➤ A Westerville woman was sentenced to 70 months in prison for orchestrating a $2.8 million pandemic relief scheme, including filing claims for a fake business tied to Flying Pizza in Dayton. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Funding your business is easier than ever with America’s #1 financing partner. National Funding offers customized financing solutions of up to $500,000 in as fast as 24 hours — so that you can achieve more with less hassle. Learn more here.

Loans are made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law License. License number: 603A169.

Flying together with our sponsor

NASA Turns to Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Deep Space Power

Batteries can’t survive the 14+ day lunar night or keep underwater drones running for weeks. That’s why NASA and the U.S. Navy are turning to Infinity Fuel.

Infinity’s regenerative hydrogen fuel cells are designed to deliver long-duration power where traditional systems fail—in areas without oxygen, too cold for normal batteries to survive. These fuel cells have already flown aboard Blue Origin (Jeff Bezos’ company) and are now being built for critical lunar and underwater missions.

With $50M+ in awarded contracts and a new Plug Power partnership targeting terrestrial markets, Infinity is scaling fast. Become an Infinity Fuel shareholder now.

➤ The Columbus Zoo will debut both the North America Trek and Conservation Tower on Friday, featuring immersive habitats and new waterslides that spotlight wildlife and conservation efforts. (More)

➤ Cincinnati’s 22 recreation centers are now operating as cooling centers to help residents escape the heat as temperatures climb into the 90s. (Details)

➤ The Toledo Zoo was part of an international team that helped a Brazilian conservation group develop a hatching protocol for the blue-eyed ground dove, a rare bird rediscovered in 2015 after disappearing for 75 years. (See Doves) 

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Tired of dead zones and weak signals in your home? The Ryoko WiFi Extender boosts your internet range and speed instantly—no tech skills needed. Enjoy seamless streaming, gaming, and browsing in every corner of your home with Ryoko Wifi Extender!

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

1. Vanilla
   
2. Chocolate
   
3. Strawberry
   
4. Black raspberry chip
   
5. Butter pecan
   
6. Cookie dough
   
7. Mint chocolate chip
   
8. Other
   

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever attended a professional soccer game?

1. No: 23%
2. Another team: 16%
3. Columbus Crew: 16%
4. FC Cincinnati: 15%
5. Both Ohio MLS teams: 15%
6. I’d like to: 15%

Former Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James graduated from which Ohio high school?

Show me the answer