Advertise on podcast: Ohio Politics Explained

We discuss an effort to repeal the new marijuana and hemp law, what happened in Springfield this week and who's winning the money race for Ohio governor.

We discuss why Ohio is preparing for immigration enforcement in Springfield and a new trial starting in the House Bill 6 scandal.

We discuss Vice President JD Vance's visit to Toledo, a sharp drop in health care enrollment and legislation to ban 17-year-olds from getting married.

We discuss rumors about Columbus day cares, the U.S. attack on Venezuela and who Ohio's governor candidates chose as their running mates.

Ohio Bureau Chief Anthony Shoemaker speaks with politics reporters Laura Bischoff and Jessie Balmert to look back on big moments that happened in Ohio politics in 2025. During this episode, we also talk about what we’re looking ahead to in 2026.

We discuss why childcare is so expensive in Ohio and what state officials are trying to do about it.

We discuss bills before Gov. Mike DeWine that could slash property taxes and change Ohio's recreational marijuana law.

We discuss the end of the federal government shutdown, the latest in the Ohio governor's race and a bill dealing with religious alternatives to health care.

We discuss the Nov. 4 election in Ohio and what the results say about 2026.

We discuss what the federal government shutdown means for SNAP, problems at Central State University and how Ohio's congressional map could change for 2026.

We discuss lawmakers' latest efforts to regulate marijuana and hemp and how the Ohio House wants to cut $2 billion in property taxes.

We discuss Ohio's pause on executions and what the future may hold when Gov. Mike DeWine leaves office.

We discuss the latest action on property taxes, an increase in out-of-state abortions, how abortion opponents want to change health class and why marijuana companies are suing Ohio.

We discuss the Legislature's plan to tackle high property taxes, Ohio's first redistricting meeting and how Republicans are touting unity for the 2026 election.

We discuss the fallout from Charlie Kirk's assassination, union endorsements in the 2026 election and the latest lawsuit involving Ohio's teacher pension system.