Good morning, Ohio. Here’s what you need to know today.
Your Weather Planner
Some of you will have to deal with wet roads this morning as you head out the door. Parts of eastern Ohio are seeing rain and snow showers to start the day, but ground temperatures are warm enough so that only wet roads are expected. Skies should clear this afternoon with temperatures rebounding into the middle to upper 40s.
Get your 7-day forecast: Cincinnati | Cleveland | Columbus | Dayton | Toledo
Around Ohio
1. DeWine prepares organizations to welcome Ukrainian refugees to northeast Ohio
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday called for a summit of refugee organizations to plan for a possible influx of refugees coming from Ukraine. DeWine called on the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to bring together multiple organizations March 17 for a summit of organizations “who could play a role in the relocation of Ukrainian families at a summit in northeast Ohio.”
2. Ohio trying to keep $100M+ in rental assistance from going to other states
Ohio rental assistance programs are facing scrutiny as $104 million of unused federal funds are being reallocated, but state officials said they are hopeful the money won’t go to other states.
3. Ohio lawmakers rush to extend overseas absentee ballots deadline
Overseas absentee ballots could arrive up to 20 days after Ohio’s primary election and still be counted under emergency legislation working its way through General Assembly as chaos over new state legislative maps threatens spring elections.
Around the Nation
2. Apple, MLB announce ‘Friday Night Baseball’ package
3. Watchdog report: DHS sat on information about Jan. 6 threats
Don’t Miss This
Dear Ohio Podcast
The rise in carjacking crime
Carjacking cases are on the rise, and are among a notable increase among violent crimes during the pandemic. In some cases, police are arresting teens and children for the crimes. The John Jay Center for Criminal Justice reported the disturbing trend includes underage suspects who are carjacking drivers with the goal of committing another crime moments later.
Curtis Jackson speaks with Justin Herdman, former U.S. Attorney of the Northern District of Ohio, to discuss carjacking crimes, why they are sometimes particularly violent and what listeners may do to protect themselves.
Ohio Fun Fact
In 1820, Ohio authorized the creation of Van Wert County, named in honor of Isaac Van Wert, a hero of the American Revolution. Van Wert helped capture Benedict Arnold, the most notorious traitor in American history, according to the county’s government. Van Wert is home to the Brumback Library. Founded in 1890, the Brumback Library is the first county-wide public library to exist in the United States, according to county government.
