Local News

COLUMBUS – April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and while distracted driving remains a significant concern in Ohio, new data indicates that two years after the state’s “phones down” law took effect, Ohio is seeing positive, lifesaving results. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 288 in 2023. The bill strengthened the state’s distracted driving laws by making it a primary offense …

COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine hosted a press conference today in support of legislation that would ban the use of cell phones in public schools in Ohio. Sponsored by Sen. Jane Timken (R-Jackson Township), Senate Bill 158 incorporates language first introduced by Governor DeWine in his executive budget – prohibiting student use of cell phones during the school day. “It’s clear that …

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is seeking a lead role in a securities class-action lawsuit accusing the pharmaceutical company GSK, formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline, of concealing the cancer risks of its once-bestselling drug, fueling billions in losses for investors. Yost on Monday filed a motion to have the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System appointed as co-lead plaintiff alongside the …

Microsoft has indefinitely postponed its plans to build three data centers in Licking County, including sites in Heath, New Albany, and Hebron. The Heath location, which was set to be developed on farmland, will now remain in agricultural use for the time being. Heath Mayor Mark John stated that the city wasn’t dependent on the project’s timeline. Microsoft confirmed it …

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Transportation is launching a record-$3.2 billion construction season. This includes 955 projects, 38 of them considered “major” with a value above $10 million, across the state.  “We know that drivers see ODOT’s orange barrels and cones as an inconvenience, but they are also a signal of progress and improvement,” said Governor DeWine. “This year’s …

(LANCASTER, Ohio) — A Fairfield County man is facing more than a dozen felony charges, including aggravated murder, in connection with the deaths of two family members and the assault of a third, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Fairfield County Prosecutor Kyle Witt announced. A Fairfield County grand jury today indicted Kyle Varney, 26, of Lancaster, on 18 felony charges, including: …

COLUMBUS, OHIO – On April 1st, shopping in Central Ohio became slightly more expensive as a new sales tax increase takes effect in five counties. Franklin, Fairfield, Delaware, Licking, and Union counties are implementing a half-percent increase in sales tax to fund a series of public transit and infrastructure improvements. The tax hike, approved by voters in November, is designated …

 Grants totaling more than $1.2 million are headed to eight Ohio counties to help sheriffs prioritize addiction treatment for jail inmates, Attorney General Dave Yost announced today. In all, Yost’s office is offering $60 million in opioid settlement money over the next several years with the goal of reducing fatal overdoses in Ohio’s jails. Substance abuse is a leading cause …

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today signed House Bill 54, the state’s $11 billion two-year transportation budget. The budget, which goes into effect on July 1, includes funding for critical transportation infrastructure projects across the state. “Transportation is vital to our state’s economy. It connects Ohioans to jobs, education, healthcare, and entertainment. This budget reaffirms our commitment to providing our great …

Nandor Santho, a 45-year-old Delaware man, pleaded guilty to Engaging in Pattern of Corrupt Activity (a felony of the first degree), Aggravated Possession of Drugs (a felony of the second degree), Possession of Fentanyl-Related Compound (a felony of the fourth degree), and Trafficking of Fentanyl-Related Compound (a felony of the fifth degree). Immediately following the plea hearing, Delaware County Common …