Former Vice President Joe Biden was in Bexley, Ohio on Halloween at a Columbus-area fundraiser. Unfortunately for Biden, money does not equal votes and polling is not looking good for the former VP.
Read MoreAuthor: Beth Lear
Senator Sherrod Brown Claims ‘Nixon Didn’t Even Do What Trump Is Doing’
Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) told reporters Wednesday, “Nixon didn’t even do what Trump is doing.” He also responded to a question about whether or not President Trump should be impeached with a simple, “Yes,” but Brown’s office clarified that did not mean the Senator had made a decision about whether or not the President should be removed from office.
Read MoreAnti-Trump WaPo Writer Calls Sen. Portman an ‘Enabler’ While Savaging President Trump
Jennifer Rubin, a proud Never Trumper and self-described “conservative,” proclaimed Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) a “Trump-enabler” in her opinion piece for the Washington Post this week. That was tame compared to her comments about President Trump, himself. The long time Post columnist strafed the president and fellow Republican Portman, writing, “The lawless, xenophobic, racist know-nothingism that has gripped the party and deformed our government must be ousted. That includes repudiating the go-alongers, the Portmans, who have normalized Trump and failed to uphold their oaths.”
Read MoreIn Their Own Words: The Ohio Congressional Delegation Votes on the Impeachment Inquiry Resolution
The United States House of Representatives passed House Resolution 660 on Thursday, a hastily-crafted piece of legislation, “Directing certain committees to continue their ongoing investigations as part of the existing House of Representatives inquiry into whether sufficient grounds exist for the House of Representatives to exercise its Constitutional power…
Read MoreOperation Christmas Child in Central Ohio is About to Begin Collecting Shoeboxes Filled with Gifts and the Gospel for Needy Children Around the World
Delaware Bible Church is one of dozens of places around Central Ohio where people can drop off shoeboxes filled with gifts for needy children around the world as part of Operation Christmas Child. Marilyn Taynor is leading the effort at the local church. She introduced The Ohio Star to Michelle Williams, the Area Coordinator for the Columbus West Team. Williams and the entire volunteer crew are preparing for the busy season – thousands of filled boxes will be dropped off at various locations between November 18 and November 25.
Read MoreEXCLUSIVE: Leader of Evangelical Group that Supports Israel Reacts to ‘Hate Group’ Designation by the Southern Poverty Law Center
It was recently revealed that Proclaiming Justice to The Nations (PJTN) had been designated a “hate group” by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). The SPLC, originally a legal group created to provide representation to African Americans following the civil rights movement, has expanded into an organization that identifies hate groups including anti-LGBT, holocaust deniers, male supremacists and anti-Muslim associations.
Read MoreAmericans for Prosperity Exposes ‘Corporate Welfare Horror Show’ to Congress for Halloween
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) launched the latest installment of their Unrig the Economy campaign on Tuesday entitled “Corporate Welfare Horror Show.” AFP is continuing to encourage Congress to reject the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank and “zombie” tax extenders.
Read MoreRep. Jim Jordan Compares Speaker Pelosi’s Plan to Hold Impeachment Vote to ‘Putting a Little Lipstick on the Pig’
Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH-04) on Fox and Friends Tuesday morning gave quite the analogy when talking about Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s planned impeachment vote.
Read MoreUnited Church of Christ Stands with Democrats to Oppose HCR 11, Which Recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital
COLUMBUS, Ohio – State Representatives Candice Keller (R-Middletown) and Darrell Kick (R-Loudonville) watched as House Concurrent Resolution 11 (HCR 11), which recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, passed out of the Federalism Committee on Wednesday. The vote was 7 to 2, with the only two Democratic members present, Reps. Brigid…
Read MoreTrump Team Knocks Doors in Worthington for President and Local Candidates on Wet Saturday
Undeterred by the wet weather Saturday, Trump supporters gathered in Worthington to knock doors for local candidates and for President Trump.
The central Ohio office-seekers have less than tens days before the fall election and Team Trump was there to help them.
Read MoreJobsOhio Is Changing Its Business Strategy
JobsOhio is exploring ownership stakes in fledgling companies.
Read MoreSenate President and Ohio Right to Life Urge AG Yost to Support Down Syndrome Abortion Ban and Yost Obliges
Attorney General Dave Yost filed a petition to the 6th Circuit Court for “REHEARING AND REHEARING EN BANC” (emphasis his) to reconsider their recent block of Ohio’s ban on Down Syndrome abortions Friday, Gongwer reported. Senate President Larry Obhof (R-Medina) and Ohio Right to Life had pushed for reconsideration.
Read MoreSpecial Treatment for Some Republican Candidates but Not for Others in Delaware County
There are rules that the political parties follow at the county and state level – written and unwritten. In Delaware County, one unwritten rule prohibits non-partisan candidates from getting official Republican party support. Local candidates for positions such as township trustee or school board, historically have not been eligible for endorsement by the Delaware County Republican Central Committee.
Read MoreSponsor of Ohio Stand Your Ground Bill: ‘Purpose of This Bill Now is to Combat Current Gun Control Proposals’
State Representatives Candice Keller (R-Middletown) and Ron Hood (R-Ashville) introduced “Stand Your Ground” legislation, House Bill 381 (HB 381), in the Ohio House of Representatives on Wednesday. Twenty-two members co-sponsored the bill.
“The reason I went forward today and introduced HB 381 the Ohio Stand Your Ground Act,” Keller told The Ohio Star, “is to combat the current gun control/restriction proposals here in the Ohio House that will simply serve to place restrictions on law-abiding gun owners and further erode our Constitutional right to keep and bear arms.”
Read MoreStudents Learn Faster and More Efficiently with ‘Direct Instruction,’ Education Expert Says
The National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI) came to Central Ohio to teach the teachers how to train their co-workers in Direct Instruction (DI). More than a dozen teachers attended the coaching academy at McGraw-Hill. The Institute says DI,”… ensure[s] students learn faster and more efficiently than any other program or technique available .”
Read MoreFreedom Foundation Debuts in Ohio with Call to Governor DeWine to ‘Stand Up to Government Union Bullies and Stand Up for Government Employees’
“I’d like to use this opportunity to call on Governor DeWine today to stand up to government union bullies and stand up for government employees,” National Director Aaron Withe said in the press conference announcing the expansion. “His actions could help set precedent here and throughout the nation.”
Read MoreCongressman Jim Jordan: ‘It’s Time We Know Who Started This Whole Thing’
Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH-04) and twenty-nine of his colleagues crashed Adam Schiff’s impeachment “party” Wednesday. The GOP Reps attempted to gain access to the secret hearings. Jordan told the press, “It’s time we know who started this whole thing.”
“Why don’t we know?” the Conservative Congressman asked. “Why don’t we know who the person is who started this whole charade that Adam Schiff is now doing in the bunker of the basement of the Capitol?”
Read MoreWhile Senate Hears Legislation to Change Law Allowing State Takeovers of Failing School Districts, Ohio Supreme Court Takes Up The Case
The Senate Education Committee has been considering House Bill 154 (HB 154) for several months. The bill would eliminate all current academic distress commissions and repeal the law, prohibiting the formation of new ones. The purpose of academic distress commissions is to take over chronically failing school districts. The commissions were created by House Bill 70 (HB 70), the constitutionality of which is currently under consideration by the Ohio Supreme Court.
Read MoreAG Yost Dave Shares Concerns About Drug Companies Settlement With Two Ohio Counties
The day before the bellwether trial of Cuyahoga and Summit Counties versus four major pharmaceutical companies began, the drug manufacturers settled. The issue for the counties was the significant cost of the opioid epidemic, believed to have been fueled by the drug companies. Earlier this summer Attorney General Dave Yost tried to force the court to consolidate the counties’ cases under his jurisdiction, and he voiced concern with the settlement.
Read MoreFormer Transgender Woman Shares Transformation of Body, Mind and Soul on Recent Ohio Trip
David Arthur, also known as the Alphabet Man because of his former life in the LGBTQ community, visited Ohio this month. He brought his miracle-filled, life-changing message to area churches, including God’s Country Church in Union County. He began his church tour in Warsaw followed by Marysville then Mount Vernon. Arthur wrapped it up in Lima at Calvary Chapel.
Read MoreCampaign Against HB 6 Will Not File Petition Signatures on Time, But Fight Not Over Yet
Ohioans Against Corporate Bailouts released a statement saying they will not file their petitions to referendum House Bill 6 with the Secretary of State’s office as planned. Signatures were due Monday. In spite of the setback, spokesman Gene Pierce said, “The fight to put House Bill 6 on the ballot in 2020 isn’t over yet though.”
Read MoreLeadership Changes in Both House and Senate Education Committees
Changes have occurred in the leadership of both House and Senate Education Committees. Last week Speaker Larry Householder announced Rep. Don Jones (R-Freeport) as the new Chair for the House Primary and Secondary Education Committee and Rep. Susan Manchester (R- Waynesfield) as Vice Chair. In the Senate, State Senator Andrew Brenner (R-Powell) has been elevated to Vice Chair of their Education Committee.
Read MoreHonor Flight Columbus Celebrates 100th Mission of Flying Veterans to Washington DC
On October 19th, Honor Flight Columbus loaded more than 200 veterans aboard two planes destined for Washington D.C. It was an extra special celebration – the 100th mission. Susan Barr, a nurse who has been working with Honor Flight nationally since 2006 and co-founded the Columbus Honor Flight told The Ohio Star, “To date, over 230, 000 Veterans have been able to make this trip from all over the United States.”
Read MoreColumbus Hard Cider and Doughnut Fest
The Arena District hosted the Columbus Hard Cider and Doughnut Fest on Saturday. The gathering was organized by Wicked Events, a business which plans celebrations nationwide. Hundreds of people, mostly millennials with a few dozen older folks mixed in, filled the streets and the four venues.
Read MoreCircleville Celebrates 113th Pumpkin Show
CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio – The “Greatest Free Show on Earth” celebrated its 113th anniversary this year. Technically, the Pumpkin Show began in 1903. According to the Pumpkin Show’s website, it has grown to become the 6th largest festival in the nation, averaging between 300,000 and 400,000 visitors, weather permitting.
Read MoreLiberal Lawmakers Pushing Adoption of State Health Standards for Schools Want State School Board Support, Opponent Calls Their Bill ‘Deceptive’
Ohio is the only state in the nation that does not have statewide health standards for teaching health education in public schools. Liberal state lawmakers are pushing for that to change with Senate Bill 121, blaming the lack of government-mandated standards for Ohio’s high opioid addiction rate and poor health outcomes. They did not provide any empirical evidence to prove their claim when State Senators Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) and Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) explained their bill to the State School Board last week, hoping to get their advocacy.
Read MoreSenator Rob Portman Tweets About Changes in U.S. Behavior Toward China
Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) tweeted about changes in the United States’ behavior toward China.
Read MoreKettering City Schools Hosts ‘Coming Out Day’ Festivities at Van Buren Middle School, Parents Not Informed
Last week Kettering City Schools’ Van Buren Middle School hosted an assembly for their young students, ages eleven to fourteen. It was for ‘Coming Out Day,’ one of several LGBT events that schools around the country are scheduling throughout the school year. One Van Buren parent vented her frustrations to The Ohio Star.
Read MoreState School Board Passes Compensation Increases for Future Board Members Who Put in Extra Hours
The State Board of Education approved a resolution seven to three that would allow future Board members to apply for additional compensation. The vote was seven to three. Resolution 23 was listed under “Miscellaneous Resolutions,” and entitled “Resolution for Additional Compensation Hours for Members of the State Board of Education.”
Read MorePete Hegseth from ‘Fox and Friends’ Talks to Ohioans After Dem Debate
On Wednesday morning, Fox and Friends’ Pete Hegseth was at Tee Jaye’s Country Place in Columbus to dish about Westerville’s Democratic Presidential Debate with area residents. The Ohio Star caught up with a couple of those interviewed.
Read MoreLoud Crowds Outside Democratic Presidential Debate in Westerville
Several groups of protesters and supporters of various candidates descended upon Otterbein University in Westerville for the Democratic Debate Tuesday. People began to gather before noon and the loud crowds grew throughout the day.
Read MoreOhio Women for Trump Hosted Empower Hour in Powell with RNC and Ohio GOP Chairwomen
On Tuesday, Ohio Women for Trump hosted a standing-room-only event at the Powell Community Center – Empower Hour. The ladies’ group welcomed Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Ronna McDaniel and Ohio Republican Party Chairwoman Jane Timken for the interview-style live event.
Read More‘Trump Victory’ Team Enthusiastic About Political Landscape and Ground Game in Ohio and Nationwide
The Trump campaign shared its enthusiasm for the direction and momentum of the president’s re-election efforts during a Tuesday briefing call with meida. Discussions with a Senior Trump Campaign official covered political efforts nationwide but also in specific states, including Ohio.
Read MoreCentral Ohio Trump Supporters Gather to Make Rally Signs for Democratic Presidential Debate
MAGA meetups popped up around central Ohio Monday night as supporters of President Donald Trump gathered to make signs for the protest rally and talk about all things Trump the night before the Democratic Presidential Candidates converge on Westerville’s Otterbein Campus.
Read MoreFocus Group of Ohio Swing Voters Hate Impeachment
Axios shared the results of a focus group of swing voters from Youngstown, Ohio on Monday.
Read MoreOhio Supreme Court Suspends Former Democrat Judge Timothy Horton Law License ‘Indefinitely,’ Sets New Precedent for Discipline Involving Sexual Harassment
In a unanimous decision Thursday, the Ohio Supreme Court suspended disgraced former 10th District Court of Appeals Judge Tim Horton’s law license indefinitely. The precedent-setting ruling found that Horton’s resignation from the bench and 10-day jail sentence for multiple misconduct violations, including sexual harassment, didn’t go far enough.
Read MoreOhio Democratic Party Hosts Their National Chair Tom Perez for State Dinner in Columbus, RNC Weighs In
Ohio Democratic Party held their State Dinner in Columbus Sunday. Headlining their event was Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Tom Perez.
Read MoreCongressman Michael Turner Accuses Pelosi of ‘Secret Hearings’ and More in Letter About Impeachment
Representative Michael Turner (R-OH-10) sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday calling on her to open the process to scrutiny by the American public. Turner posted his correspondence on Twitter, writing: “@SpeakerPelosi’s impeachment inquiry is being conduced in secret hearings, with potentially secret witnesses, & has a secret inception.”
Read MoreCincinnati Right to Life Declares ‘Discrimination Legal in Ohio’ Because of 6th Circuit Block on Down Syndrome Abortion Ban
On Friday, Cincinnati Right to Life declared, “Discrimination Legal in Ohio, Sixth Circuit Blocks Ohio Down Syndrome Abortion Ban.”
Read MoreMansfield Threw a ‘Yuge’ American Party for Trump Saturday
MANSFIELD, Ohio – The Saturday Trump for America Party began at noon on Saturday. It was brisk and in the 40s, but supporters of the President came out by the dozens to start the day, quickly becoming hundreds by the afternoon.
Read MoreEXCLUSIVE: The Trump Unity Bridge, Its Creator and the Personal Connection to the President
Robert Cortis drove from his home in Michigan to Mansfield Friday night for the October 12 Trump for America Party at Lew’s Tavern. Friday was the VIP event, and Cortis had come early to share the Trump Unity Bridge and set out his various Trump 2020 wares for event attendees to purchase. And he had a personal story to tell The Ohio Star about the bridge’s origins and its connection to Donald Trump.
Read MoreOhio House of Representatives Adds Two New Faces
Two new members were sworn in as State Representatives in the Ohio House on Thursday. Rep. Jason Stephens (R-Kits Hill) is replacing former Speaker Ryan Smith (R-Bidwell) who left to become President of the University of Rio Grande. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) has been appointed to the spot left vacant…
Read MoreLawyers and Lobbyists Likely to Have Income Tax Deduction Restored in Bill Giving Deductions to Teachers
When the biennium budget was passed in July, a last minute provision added in Conference Committee took away the Business Income Deduction (BID) from two specific groups – lawyers and lobbyists. The deduction may be returned thanks to Senate Bill 26, a bill originally designed to give teachers a write-off when they spend unreimbursed money for their classrooms.
Read MoreOhio Ranks 6th in Number of Refugees Resettled
Ohio is ranked sixth in the nation in the number of refugees who came here between October 1, 2018 and September 30, 2019. States which accepted more refugees than Ohio include Texas, Washington, New York, California and Kentucky. Kentucky resettled 1,427 people to Ohio’s 1,426.
Read MoreWesterville Tea Party Prepares for SOGI Showdown by Hearing About Ohio Christian Alliance’s Similar Battles
Chris Long, President of Ohio Christian Alliance (OCA), spent Tuesday evening with a packed house at a Westerville Tea Party meeting. Long talked about the many battles his organization and conservative Ohioans have been tackling the last few years. His main focus, however, was Westerville’s own showdown with yet another sexual orientation/gender identity (SOGI) ordinance.
Read MoreWard ‘Tim’ Timken Replaced at TimkenSteel as Stock Value Plummets
With the stock at TimkenSteel plummeting to almost a third of its value from a year ago, Ward ‘Tim’ Timken is out as CEO.
Read MoreDemocrats Supporting Charter Schools Plan Protest at the Democratic Presidential Debate in Westerville
Democrats who support charter schools will descend upon Otterbein University on Tuesday, October 15 for the Democratic Presidential Debate. Groups and individuals from across the country want these candidates to know that “choice” must include the right for low-income minority students to have education options.
Read MoreOhio State Rep. Dick Stein Creates ‘Ohio Nuclear Caucus,’ Welcomes Ohio Nuclear Forum to Statehouse
COLUMBUS, Ohio – State Representative Dick Stein (R- Norwalk) announced the creation of the Ohio Nuclear Caucus on Tuesday. He also welcomed more than half a dozen nuclear experts to speak at the Ohio Nuclear Forum. Those experts provided an in-depth look at where nuclear power is today and where it could be soon with the proper policies in place.
Read More‘Constitutional Conservative’ Legislator Brett Hillyer Sponsors SOGI Bill with Democrat Rep. Michael Skindell
Freshman Republican State Representative Brett Hillyer (R-Uhrichsville) joined forces with Democrat Rep. Michael Skindell (D-Lakewood) to introduce the “Ohio Fairness Act” in the House. The bill is sexual orientation/gender identity legislation known as SOGI. It is a companion bill to Senator Nickie Antonio’s (D-Lakewood) Senate Bill 11 (SB 11).
Read MoreCNN’s Democratic Presidential Debate Causing Anger and Frustration on Otterbein Campus
CNN’s Democratic Presidential Debate scheduled for next Tuesday is causing anger and frustration at Otterbein University. Students, faculty and staff are being displaced on their own campus.
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