Dec 11 2024 4 mins 1
Ohio is bracing for a winter storm that will bring sub-zero wind chills, gusty winds, and heavy bands of snow, particularly in northeast Ohio where an additional 6-12 inches of snow is possible[1]. This severe weather event is expected to make overnight travel difficult if not impossible.
In government and politics, the Ohio legislature has sent a bill to Governor Mike DeWine that increases the sentencing range under certain conviction circumstances and allows parents to pull their children out of "sexuality" content in schools[2]. Additionally, there is an effort underway to bring a proposed constitutional amendment before voters that seeks to provide equal protection for Ohioans regardless of gender, age, or sexual orientation.
On the economic front, Ohio has advanced to seventh place in CNBC's Top States for Business 2024 rankings, reflecting the state's sustained economic momentum, robust business attraction efforts, and strategic investments in innovation, infrastructure, and workforce development[3]. Major business developments include Joby Aviation's 2,000-job eVTOL facility in Dayton and Intel's $20 billion semiconductor chip fabs.
In community news, the Ohio Turnpike toll rates are set to increase in January, with E-ZPass customers facing a 7.1 cents per mile increase and cash/credit card toll rates rising to 10.4 cents per mile[1]. Additionally, there is a focus on mental health concerns of women around pregnancy, with a concurrent resolution gaining support from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
Environmental and weather updates include the recent improvement in drought conditions in southern Ohio due to heavy precipitation from the remnants of Hurricane Helene, though extreme drought conditions persist in northwestern Ohio[4]. The current forecast predicts warmer-than-average temperatures and equal chances of above or below-average precipitation over the next three months.
Looking Ahead: The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a transgender rights case that could affect similar laws in 25 states[1]. Additionally, U.S. Sen.-elect Bernie Moreno will take office on January 3, and the Ohio House GOP caucus has nominated outgoing Senate President and Rep.-elect Matt Huffman as their leader. The state is also preparing for potential changes in weather patterns with the anticipated transition to La Niña conditions, which could bring colder and wetter winters to Ohio.
In government and politics, the Ohio legislature has sent a bill to Governor Mike DeWine that increases the sentencing range under certain conviction circumstances and allows parents to pull their children out of "sexuality" content in schools[2]. Additionally, there is an effort underway to bring a proposed constitutional amendment before voters that seeks to provide equal protection for Ohioans regardless of gender, age, or sexual orientation.
On the economic front, Ohio has advanced to seventh place in CNBC's Top States for Business 2024 rankings, reflecting the state's sustained economic momentum, robust business attraction efforts, and strategic investments in innovation, infrastructure, and workforce development[3]. Major business developments include Joby Aviation's 2,000-job eVTOL facility in Dayton and Intel's $20 billion semiconductor chip fabs.
In community news, the Ohio Turnpike toll rates are set to increase in January, with E-ZPass customers facing a 7.1 cents per mile increase and cash/credit card toll rates rising to 10.4 cents per mile[1]. Additionally, there is a focus on mental health concerns of women around pregnancy, with a concurrent resolution gaining support from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
Environmental and weather updates include the recent improvement in drought conditions in southern Ohio due to heavy precipitation from the remnants of Hurricane Helene, though extreme drought conditions persist in northwestern Ohio[4]. The current forecast predicts warmer-than-average temperatures and equal chances of above or below-average precipitation over the next three months.
Looking Ahead: The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a transgender rights case that could affect similar laws in 25 states[1]. Additionally, U.S. Sen.-elect Bernie Moreno will take office on January 3, and the Ohio House GOP caucus has nominated outgoing Senate President and Rep.-elect Matt Huffman as their leader. The state is also preparing for potential changes in weather patterns with the anticipated transition to La Niña conditions, which could bring colder and wetter winters to Ohio.
