Ohio

Ohio Supreme Court asked to force vote on elections board challenge

Published

4 weeks ago

March 12, 2026

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Ohio Supreme Court asked to force vote on elections board challenge

An Ohio Supreme Court filing seeks to compel a vote on a residency challenge against a Delaware County Board of Elections member.
The challenge questions whether board member Melanie Leneghan lives in Ohio or South Carolina.
The filing argues the board has a legal duty to hold the hearing before the upcoming primary election.

An attorney representing a woman challenging whether a Delaware County Board of Elections member lives in Ohio has asked the Ohio Supreme Court to force the remaining three elections board members to vote on the challenge.

The filing with the state’s high court came four days after the county elections board did not hold a hearing on the residency challenge against board member Melanie Leneghan, who is also the female District 19 representative for the Republican State Central Committee.

The elections board did not hold the residency hearing during its March 5 meeting or take any action on the challenge because the board’s two Democrats, Ed Helvey and Peg Watkins, recused themselves over concerns that any action they took could be seen as partisan.

Leneghan also recused herself, leaving only the board’s other Republican member, Steve Cuckler. As a result, the board didn’t have the required three members needed for a quorum.

Delaware County Republican Party Central Committee member Velva Dunn is challenging Leneghan’s right to vote in Ohio and her candidacy for reelection to the central committee in the May primary. In her challenge, Dunn alleges that Leneghan lives in South Carolina.

Leneghan, a former Liberty Township trustee, sold her home near Powell in January 2025. She is registered to vote in Galena, the elections board’s website shows.

Stay up to date with Delaware County news: Subscribe to The Dispatch’s free weekly Delaware County newsletter, The Delaware Dispatch.

Leneghan told The Dispatch on March 3 that she spends the majority of her time in Ohio, though she travels out of state for her sales job and owns property elsewhere, including in South Carolina, where she visits her daughter in college.

Dunn’s attorney, Curt Hartman, argued in the Supreme Court filing that Helvey and Watkins do not have a direct and personal interest in the challenge and their recusals, “while admirable in terms of seeking to put beyond reproach any perception of bias, is not sufficient to justify their recusal in this instance.”

Unlike when a judge or a prosecutor recuses themselves and appoints a visiting judge or special prosecutor, Hartman argued there is no mechanism or process outlined in Ohio law regarding recusals on boards of election, which are comprised of two Democrats and two Republicans. Hartman alleged that the Ohio Secretary of State does not have legal authority to consider such matters instead of the elections board.

Because there is no other remedy, Hartman argues in the filing that the other three board members have a clear legal duty to hold and conduct the hearing as required by Ohio law.

Hartman is also asking the Supreme Court to force the hearing because Leneghan is seeking reelection to the state central committee in the upcoming May 5 primary election.

In a March 11 response, the elections board’s special counsel, Frank J. Reed Jr., says that the legal concept Hartman is arguing doesn’t apply in these circumstances.

Reed also wrote that Helvey’s and Watkins’s actions were proper under the Ohio Secretary of State’s Ethics Policy for Ohio elections boards. The policy, in part, states: “Members and employees of the boards of elections should avoid actions and associations that create an appearance of impropriety, that undermine public confidence in Ohio elections officials, or that interfere with the performance of duties by Ohio elections officials.”

Now, the case is up to the justices to make a decision. The docket does not indicate when that would happen.

Delaware County and eastern Columbus suburbs reporter Maria DeVito can be reached at mdevito@dispatch.com and @mariadevito13.dispatch.com on Bluesky and @MariaDeVito13 on X.

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Ohio

Ohio prisons, including Butler County, making millions to house immigrants for federal officials

Published

8 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

Ohio prisons, including Butler County, making millions to house immigrants for federal officials

Ohio prisons are making millions of dollars to house immigrants for federal authorities, including in Butler County, which has raked in more than $6 million.Records show six correctional facilities across Ohio are currently holding immigration detainees for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.Last year alone, those facilities brought in more than $13 million in federal payments. Butler County received a large share of that money, serving as a primary holding site for immigration arrests, including operations out of Columbus.Documents show ICE pays facilities a daily rate per detainee, along with transportation costs. Those rates can range from about $68 to $125 per person each day.In November, Butler County updated the agreement with ICE and is now paid $105 per detainee.Advocates say these agreements raise concerns about detaining people who are not facing criminal charges.But some Ohio sheriffs defend the practice, saying it helps support federal immigration enforcement and provides local resources.These agreements are expected to continue into this year, with Butler County remaining a key location for immigration detention in Ohio.

BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio —

Ohio prisons are making millions of dollars to house immigrants for federal authorities, including in Butler County, which has raked in more than $6 million.

Records show six correctional facilities across Ohio are currently holding immigration detainees for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Last year alone, those facilities brought in more than $13 million in federal payments. Butler County received a large share of that money, serving as a primary holding site for immigration arrests, including operations out of Columbus.

Documents show ICE pays facilities a daily rate per detainee, along with transportation costs. Those rates can range from about $68 to $125 per person each day.

In November, Butler County updated the agreement with ICE and is now paid $105 per detainee.

Advocates say these agreements raise concerns about detaining people who are not facing criminal charges.

But some Ohio sheriffs defend the practice, saying it helps support federal immigration enforcement and provides local resources.

These agreements are expected to continue into this year, with Butler County remaining a key location for immigration detention in Ohio.

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Ohio

Dumplings recalled in 38 states, including Ohio, for potentially containing glass

Published

20 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Press Room

Dumplings recalled in 38 states, including Ohio, for potentially containing glass

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Dumplings sold in 38 states were recalled after the FDA learned the product may contain glass.

The Food and Drug Administration issued two recalls for dumpling products manufactured by JFE Franchising Inc. after the organization learned that the product may contain glass.

The affected products were:

Dumpling Vegetable 4.5 oz, UPC 011110658067
Loaded Dumpling Vegetable 5.7 oz, UPC 011110696953
Dumpling Party Tray (20pcs) Vegetable 13 oz, UPC 011110661173
Dumpling Party Tray (40pcs) Vegetable 26 oz, UPC 011110661180
Cheetos Flamin Hot Loaded Dumpling Vegetable 6oz, UPC 011110663474

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Customers who purchased the product should not consume them and should return them to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of them.

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Ohio

Commitment 2026: Key races, dates ahead of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana elections

Published

1 day ago

April 7, 2026

Press Room

Commitment 2026: Key races, dates ahead of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana elections

2026 is shaping up to be a massive one in the political sphere, particularly in the Bluegrass and the Buckeye states.Ohio will hold races for a U.S. Senate seat, U.S. House seats and governor, bringing a ton of publicity to the state as midterm elections heat up around the country. Kentucky also has a Senate race that is growing in national prominence, and Indiana will be re-electing their U.S. House representation. Need a refresher on important races and dates to know for the 2026 elections? Below is what you need to know for all three states.OhioBig Races to KnowGovernor: With Republican Gov. Mike DeWine term-limited at the end of 2026, Ohio voters will elect a new leader in November. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton appear destined for a close race down to the end for the governor role, with polls at the end of 2025 showing a close race to succeed DeWine.U.S. Senate: Less than two years after replacing Vice President JD Vance in the Senate, Republican Jon Husted will look to defend his seat in 2026. The most likely candidate to oppose him looks to be former Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is attempting to make a comeback after losing to Bernie Moreno in 2024. Like in the governor’s race, polls are showing a close race to represent Ohio in the U.S. Senate.U.S. House: Ohio’s 15 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives will be up for election in 2026. It comes after the Ohio Redistricting Commission adopted a new congressional map that could boost Republican chances in districts currently held by Democratic Reps. Greg Landsman in Cincinnati and Marcy Kaptur near Toledo.Dates to KnowApril 6: Deadline to register to vote in Primary ElectionMay 5: Primary ElectionOct. 5: Deadline to register to vote in General ElectionOct. 6: Early in-person voting beginsNov. 2: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarkedNov. 3: Election DayFor more information on Ohio’s election dates to know, click here.KentuckyBig Races to KnowU.S. Senate: With longtime Kentucky U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell choosing not to run for re-election in 2026, candidates are lining up for a chance to succeed him and represent the Bluegrass State. There are already a handful of candidates who have thrown their name in the mix for the seat, including Andy Barr, Nate Morris and Daniel Cameron on the Republican side. Amy McGrath and Charles Booker are among declared candidates on the Democratic side.U.S. House: Kentucky has six seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which will be up for election in 2026. The state’s fourth congressional district could be one to keep an eye on, as well-known Republican Rep. Thomas Massie faces a challenge from several candidates, including Navy veteran Ed Gallrein, who President Donald Trump has publicly supported.Dates to KnowApril 20: Deadline to register to vote in Primary ElectionMay 19: Primary ElectionOct. 5: Deadline to register to vote in General ElectionOct. 29: Early in person voting beginsNov. 3: Election DayFor more information on Kentucky’s election dates to know, click here.IndianaBig Races to KnowU.S. House: Indiana has nine seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which will be up for election in 2026. Those seats are currently held by seven Republicans and two Democrats.Dates to KnowApril 6: Deadline to register to vote in Primary ElectionMay 5: Primary ElectionOct. 5: Deadline to register to vote in General ElectionOct. 24: Early in person voting beginsNov. 3: Election DayFor more information on Indiana’s election dates to know, click here.

2026 is shaping up to be a massive one in the political sphere, particularly in the Bluegrass and the Buckeye states.

Ohio will hold races for a U.S. Senate seat, U.S. House seats and governor, bringing a ton of publicity to the state as midterm elections heat up around the country. Kentucky also has a Senate race that is growing in national prominence, and Indiana will be re-electing their U.S. House representation.

Need a refresher on important races and dates to know for the 2026 elections? Below is what you need to know for all three states.

Ohio

Big Races to Know

Governor: With Republican Gov. Mike DeWine term-limited at the end of 2026, Ohio voters will elect a new leader in November. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton appear destined for a close race down to the end for the governor role, with polls at the end of 2025 showing a close race to succeed DeWine.

U.S. Senate: Less than two years after replacing Vice President JD Vance in the Senate, Republican Jon Husted will look to defend his seat in 2026. The most likely candidate to oppose him looks to be former Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is attempting to make a comeback after losing to Bernie Moreno in 2024. Like in the governor’s race, polls are showing a close race to represent Ohio in the U.S. Senate.

U.S. House: Ohio’s 15 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives will be up for election in 2026. It comes after the Ohio Redistricting Commission adopted a new congressional map that could boost Republican chances in districts currently held by Democratic Reps. Greg Landsman in Cincinnati and Marcy Kaptur near Toledo.

Dates to Know

April 6: Deadline to register to vote in Primary Election

May 5: Primary Election

Oct. 5: Deadline to register to vote in General Election

Oct. 6: Early in-person voting begins

Nov. 2: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked

Nov. 3: Election Day

For more information on Ohio’s election dates to know, click here.

Kentucky

Big Races to Know

U.S. Senate: With longtime Kentucky U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell choosing not to run for re-election in 2026, candidates are lining up for a chance to succeed him and represent the Bluegrass State. There are already a handful of candidates who have thrown their name in the mix for the seat, including Andy Barr, Nate Morris and Daniel Cameron on the Republican side. Amy McGrath and Charles Booker are among declared candidates on the Democratic side.

U.S. House: Kentucky has six seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which will be up for election in 2026. The state’s fourth congressional district could be one to keep an eye on, as well-known Republican Rep. Thomas Massie faces a challenge from several candidates, including Navy veteran Ed Gallrein, who President Donald Trump has publicly supported.

Dates to Know

April 20: Deadline to register to vote in Primary Election

May 19: Primary Election

Oct. 5: Deadline to register to vote in General Election

Oct. 29: Early in person voting begins

Nov. 3: Election Day

For more information on Kentucky’s election dates to know, click here.

Indiana

Big Races to Know

U.S. House: Indiana has nine seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, which will be up for election in 2026. Those seats are currently held by seven Republicans and two Democrats.