View a previous report on the lawsuit within the Ohio Republican Party in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WMCH) — A Franklin County judge blocked Speaker of the Ohio House Jason Stephens’ (R-Kitts Hill) access to campaign money raised in the Ohio House Republican Alliance (OHRA) fund.

Reps. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton), Derek Merrin (R-Monclova), and Ron Ferguson (R-Wintersville) brought the lawsuit forward against the Republican speaker. 

The complaint cites the Ohio Revised Code, which states, “Each legislative campaign fund shall be administered and controlled in a manner designated by the caucus.”

The plaintiffs argue that Stephens was never elected to have control of the fund, though control of OHRA has historically been with the elected speaker. But a faction was created because the speaker was not elected by a majority of republican members.

On April 10, lawmakers held a meeting to vote on OHRA fund control and designate Plummer as chair.

In the decision, the judge writes that the April 10 meeting was scheduled for a date most members would be in Columbus, as it was the governor’s State of the State address, and the invitation was sent five days in advance.

“Speaker Stephens testified he did not receive the meeting invitation but confirmed it was sent to his correct email address five days prior to the meeting. Nonetheless, Speaker Stephens admitted he was aware of the meeting prior to it occurring and chose not to attend.”

This is the latest development in ongoing Republican infighting.

View the player above to see previous coverage.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Despite Ohioans voting to legalize recreational marijuana, dozens of municipalities in the state have passed bans with varying lengths on adult-use cannabis businesses.

In November, Ohio voters passed Issue 2, which legalized recreational marijuana use for individuals 21 and older. Applications for medical dispensaries to convert to dual-use opened on June 7, and they’ll receive licenses allowing them to sell recreational marijuana by Sept. 7. Since the state’s Division of Cannabis Control said it is approving dispensaries’ applications in the order it received them, there is no specific known date when Ohioans can legally buy recreational marijuana.

Like a majority of other states that have legalized recreational cannabis, Ohio allows local jurisdictions to enact ordinances to prohibit or limit the sale of marijuana within their boundaries. As of June 13, 55 Ohio municipalities or townships passed moratoriums prohibiting adult-use cannabis businesses, according to Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law. 

The 55 jurisdictions represent just under 10% of Ohio’s population, with the average population of moratorium localities sitting just below 21,000 residents. The language of most of the moratoriums is brief and describes the need to ensure public health or safety. 

A large number of the bans are set to be enacted for a period, rather than indefinitely. They commonly cite the need for time to review current ordinances and identify conflicting laws. The university said multiple municipalities indicated an intent to study current law and create recommendations once the final state rules for the recreational industry are adopted. 

In central Ohio, Obetz, Marysville and Granville Township have a moratorium prohibiting adult-use marijuana businesses. According to the university, Granville Township’s ban is in place for an indefinite period, while Obetz is set to end on Sept. 30 and Marysville is set to end on Dec. 31. 

A list of Ohio municipalities with moratoriums, which Ohio State advises may not be comprehensive, can be found below:

The Ohio State Buckeyes possess arguably both the best running back and safety rooms in college football heading into next season after a successful offseason in the transfer portal. However, you can never have too much talent in the backfield. 

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day met with the media on Tuesday and said that star safety Caleb Downs, who arrived as a transfer from Alabama, has been attending running back meetings this offseason. The team has confidence in his ability to play both sides of the ball next season.

Is this plan a realistic one? For a player as talented as Downs, it’s hard to say no before he’s given the opportunity. 

Though fans shouldn’t expect Downs to suddenly take the reins as a 1,000-yard rusher, he could be used in a role similar to that of former Buckeyes like Curtis Samuel or Braxton Miller (in 2015), as both players were unique speedsters who had the ability to make a highlight happen on any given play. Downs could take a few handoffs while also potentially motioning out and lining up as a receiver. The options are endless if the coaching staff does end up giving him a try on offense. 

Downs has already shown that he’s got a knack with the ball in his hands. With Day and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, there be could more untapped potential that’s waiting to be released. 

He was just one of many Alabama players to enter the portal after the retirement of Nick Saban but was the best of the bunch. In his first collegiate season this past year, he posted 107 total tackles (70 solo), one forced fumble, three passes defended and two interceptions.

He was also a threat on special teams with four punt returns for 87 yards and a touchdown, with this production coming exclusively on his 85-yard punt return for a score in Bama’s win over Chattanooga.

Even if he doesn’t get the ball while he’s in on offense, Downs’ presence alone could prove to be a decoy and open up opportunities for other playmakers. 

Downs was one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal this offseason. He arrived to Columbus alongside Ole Miss transfer running back Quinshon Judkins, who gives the Buckeyes a major threat in the backfield after two impressive seasons with the Rebels.

Despite Downs’ athleticism and expected versatility, Ohio State still has veteran running back TreVeyon Henderson in the backfield alongside Judkins, so it will be interesting to see what kind of role potentially awaits him at running back. 

Ohio State opens up the season on Saturday, Aug. 31 at home against Akron.

“I know that he has the capability to do it,” Day said. “I know he has the athleticism to do it. We’ll see where it goes.”