Ohio Politics Explained

We dissect Ohio's school voucher program and whether it's working as Republican lawmakers intended.

We discuss the two-year budget that passed the House, a key endorsement for Sen. Jon Husted and a proposal to ban China and Russia from buying property in Ohio.

We discuss a budget plan from House lawmakers, how Ohio Democrats are navigating Trump's second term and a new proposal to limit teens' social media use.

We discuss legislation to regulate hemp in Ohio, Sherrod Brown's next steps, the latest with Ohio's teacher pension system and how a Trump executive order could shape elections.

We discuss the latest on the higher ed bill, Sherrod Brown's next steps, whether Ohio could eliminate the state income tax and a lawsuit over Ohio's ban on gender-affirming care for minors.

We discuss Gov. Mike DeWine's State of the State address, an Ohio Supreme Court case involving a former Columbus pastor and the latest directive to universities from the Trump administration.

Ohio fails to hold dog owners accountable when their dogs maim and even kill people, an investigation by USA TODAY Network Ohio found.

USA Today Network Ohio Bureau Chief Anthony Shoemaker speaks with politics reporter Laura Bischoff on the latest episode of the Ohio Politics Explained podcast. During this edition, we recap how President Donald Trump called on Congress to eliminate the CHIPS Act, talk about how Ohio’s marijuana program is likely to see some changes, and mention what’s happening with DEI and Senate Bil...

We discuss DEI programs at Ohio colleges, a new transgender bathroom law, Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign launch and a bill to change Ohio's marijuana program.

We discuss how the Trump administration could affect Ohio's universities and Medicaid program, possible changes to Ohio's marijuana law and the latest on Gov. Mike DeWine's return-to-work order.

We discuss Jim Tressel's appointment as lieutenant governor, a controversial higher ed bill passed by the Senate, the state of JobsOhio, and more.

We discuss Gov. Mike DeWine's budget proposal, Larry Householder's appeal, a new bill to regulate underage drinking and the musical chairs of the 2026 election.

We discuss how President Donald Trump's immigration policies are affecting Ohio, proposed changes to the recreational marijuana law, a new plan to end the death penalty and why parents want the state to take action on child care.

We discuss Inauguration Day, the 2026 governor's race, new indictments in the House Bill 6 scandal and a bill that would eliminate DEI at universities. 

We discuss the latest on Inauguration Day, potential changes to Ohio's Medicaid program and how the Ohio Republican Party chair made waves this week.

We discuss the latest with Ohio's Senate appointment, a new legislative session, which bills just became law and the first Democrat to join the 2026 race for governor.

We discuss the end of this year's lame duck session and what's ahead for Ohio politics in 2025.

We talk with one of Ohio's longest-serving lawmakers as he prepares to retire this month.

We discuss the latest on fracking, a bill that would ban the teaching of "gender ideology" in schools, whether lawmakers will pass a hemp ban and which Ohioans got pardoned by President Joe Biden.

We discuss depressed Democratic turnout in the Nov. 5 election, a controversial pension bill, another fight over Ohio's abortion laws and why an Amish order is suing the state. 

We discuss the battle for Ohio House speaker, the outcome of the 9th Congressional District race, how Sen.-elect Bernie Moreno views Donald Trump's cabinet picks and what might be next for Sen. Sherrod Brown.

We discuss the campaign for Vice President-elect JD Vance's Senate seat and how Ohio lawmakers will spend the final weeks of their two-year legislative session.

USA Today Network Ohio Bureau Chief Anthony Shoemaker speaks with politics reporter Laura Bischoff on the latest episode of the Ohio Politics Explained podcast. During this edition we recap Tuesday’s general election and breakdown all the important race outcomes.

We break down the key races and issues on Ohio's Nov. 5 ballot.

We discuss mass voter challenges, an Ohio Supreme Court ruling on animal abuse, why infant deaths are increasing and how Ohio officials accidentally charged a dead person with illegal voting.