All information is current as of The Scoop’s production on Tuesday morning. Click the links for the most up-to-date information. The Athens County Independent believes the cited sources of information are reliable; however, these sources are responsible for the accuracy of their own reporting.
Submit news and information to info@athensindependent.com by noon on Mondays for inclusion in Tuesday’s issue of The Scoop.
Local
Ohio University professor Tom Hayes was among 145 activists detained by the Israeli military last week while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza as part of a nine-boat flotilla. Hayes was brought to Israel before being deported. (WOUB)
Earlier this month, about 50 people protested U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman’s keynote address at the Athens County Democratic Party’s fall fundraising dinner over Landsman’s support for Israel. (The Post)
Ohio University is among the main employers in the state that hosts highly skilled employees on H-1B visas, with 27 approved beneficiaries in fiscal year 2025. OU said it’s currently evaluating the impact of a $100,000 annual fee for each visa holder, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in September. (The Post)
Regional
A new historical marker at Ash Cave in the Hocking Hills emphasizes the cave’s use by Indigenous people, likely beginning with the Adena people (500 BCE–100CE). (Ohio Department of Natural Resources)
A nitrile glove manufacturer will take over a historic mill in Chillicothe, bringing about 500 jobs — likely non-union — jobs to the area. (Statehouse News Bureau)
An Ohio University professor says historical climate data is no longer a good predictor of severe weather in central Appalachia, as more severe storms and flooding become more frequent. (WOUB)
State
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine last week issued an executive order banning sale of intoxicating hemp products other than at a licensed marijuana dispensary. The 90-day order affects all non-dispensary THC products, including beverages. DeWine called on the legislature to take action beyond the 90-day window. (Ohio Capital Journal)
Three hemp industry businesses sued the state over DeWine’s executive order, seeking a block on the order by the court. (Statehouse News Bureau)
Ohio will pilot a program adding prior authorization requirements to Medicaid. Intended to reduce wasteful spending, advocates fear it could ultimately lead to greater denial of patient care. (The Ohio Newsroom)
Domestic violence deaths in Ohio have surged, with the Ohio Domestic Violence Network reporting a 37% year-over-year increase. (Statehouse News Bureau)
Since recreational marijuana was legalized, the number of active patients in the state’s medical marijuana program has fallen 43%, and reported levels of satisfaction with the program have decreased. One source of frustration is the much lower prices on marijuana products in Michigan. (Ohio Capital Journal)
Bills moving through the statehouse:
- The Ohio House overwhelmingly approved two bills on property taxes that would codify provisions DeWine vetoed in the most recent state budget. One bill changes how each school district’s effective tax rate is calculated, reducing property taxes in 237 districts. The other allows county budget commissions to reduce millage in voter-approved levies. Both bills now head to the Senate. (Statehouse News Bureau)
- The Ohio House Education Committee discussed three bills last week, including one that would encourage school instruction on Christianity and another that would require schools to show videos of fetal development. The third, the bipartisan “CROWN Act,” would ban discrimination against natural hair in schools. (Ohio Capital Journal)
- An Ohio House bill initially focused on allowing the Ohio Treasurer’s office to invest in cryptocurrency has broadened in scope amid amendments, now allowing for investment in more traditional exchange traded products as well. (Ohio Capital Journal)
- An Ohio House bill designed to prevent the spread of deepfakes by modifying protections for the use of names, images and likenesses has raised First Amendment concerns, with opponents worrying the change will limit free expression. (Ohio Capital Journal)
- A bipartisan Ohio House bill would reimburse state employees and elected officials for out-of-pocket expenses on drugs used for chronic weight management. (NBC4)
