Ohio Senate Releases Budget Proposal

The Ohio Senate has released its two-year budget plan, proposing a flat 2.75% state income tax rate starting in 2026, following a reduction for the top bracket from 3.5% to 3.125% for 2025.

The proposal also includes a $600 million loan from unclaimed funds for a new Cleveland Browns stadium in Brook Park—an alternative to the House’s $600 million bond plan.

Public school funding would increase by about $100 million compared to the House version, with additional support directed to high-performing districts.

The Senate plan also raises the school carryover cap to 50%, adds $100 million for housing initiatives, and reduces Medicaid funding. Lawmakers have until June 30 to pass a budget.

Dayton Dragons Announce $6M Event Venue

The Dayton Dragons unveiled plans for a $6 million event venue—the Dragons Diamond Club—at Day Air Ballpark, set to open this fall. You can watch a video of the renderings here.

The 5,000-square-foot venue will accommodate up to 200 seated guests and feature field views, 110 outdoor seats, and year-round availability for events such as weddings and business gatherings.

Dragons President Robert Murphy called the Diamond Club “the most significant investment” in Day Air Ballpark since its opening.

Ohio Celebrates Wine Month

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has declared June as Ohio Wine Month, celebrating the state’s $6.6 billion grape and wine industry and honoring award-winning wines from across the state.

At the 2025 Ohio Wine Competition held in May, 545 entries were submitted. Ferrante Winery’s Rosé earned Best in Show, and several other wines were recognized with Best of Ohio awards in multiple categories.

Applications are now open for the Vineyard Expansion Assistance Program, aimed at helping wineries and vineyards invest in high-quality, Ohio-grown grapes.

Ohio is the seventh-largest wine-producing state in the country.

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➤ Statewide: Lawmakers held a hearing Wednesday on House Bill 249, which proposes strict limits on adult cabaret performances and updates to Ohio’s indecent exposure laws. (More)

➤ Cleveland: Bidding is now open for phase one of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport’s $1.6 billion terminal modernization, a project designed to reduce passenger congestion. (More)

➤ Columbus: Several downtown streets are closed through Monday morning for the Columbus Arts Festival, which showcases more than 250 artists along with live performances and food vendors. (See Closures)

➤ Butler County: MetroParks of Butler County will acquire 44 acres of wetlands and grasslands along Bypass Ohio 4 to create a new conservation corridor. (See Photo)

➤ Cincinnati: Delta flight 2417 from Chicago to Atlanta made a safe emergency landing at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport on Tuesday after experiencing a mechanical issue. (More)

➤ Berea: A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday for the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus expansion, which will add a community field, a sports medicine facility, apartments, and new office and retail space. (More)

➤ Jim Marshall, former Ohio State star and Minnesota Vikings defensive end, died Tuesday at 87. He helped the Buckeyes win the 1957 national title and played 20 seasons in the NFL. (More) 

➤ Matt Ponatoski of Archbishop Moeller High School has been named Gatorade Ohio Player of the Year in baseball, just months after he earned the same distinction in football. (More)

➤ Pitbull will join Tim McGraw for the MLB Speedway Classic pregame concert before the Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves game on Aug. 2 at Bristol Motor Speedway. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NHL | NCAASB | Soccer | Tennis

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➤ Reynoldsburg-based Victoria’s Secret has postponed its quarterly earnings report following a May security breach that forced a temporary shutdown of its U.S. website and corporate systems. (More)

➤ INEOS will permanently close its Addyston chemical plant, laying off more than 80 employees in phases starting Aug. 1, with final layoffs expected by March 2026. (More)

➤ Pins Mechanical Co. will open an arcade bar in Dayton on June 18, taking over the space previously occupied by Moeller Brew Barn. (More)

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➤ A Trumbull County resident captured video Tuesday night of a bear strolling through a yard, with the animal spotted again nearby on Wednesday morning. (Watch Video)

➤ Winton Woods’ renovated 18-hole disc golf course has reopened with realigned holes, new tee pads, baskets, and signage. It’s the second of four local courses undergoing major upgrades. (More)

➤ Ohio has launched new license plates highlighting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The initiative promotes mental health awareness and support services. (More)

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Should Ohio adopt a flat income tax rate?

1. Flat tax
   
2. Progressive tax
3. No income tax
4. Not sure
   

Yesterday’s Results:

Should Ohio public schools be required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily?

1. Yes: 71%
2. No: 29%

Which college football star was nicknamed after the character Hopalong Cassidy?

Show me the answer