Electric vehicles: State lawmakers are debating legislation that would subsidize big utility companies’ plans to build a network of company-owned electric-vehicle charging stations while passing the costs of building them to customers, whether they use them or not. Andrew Tobias reports the bill would also create a state task force to develop an electric vehicle plan, create a $2,000 sales tax rebate on the purchase of new electric vehicles, and set aside millions of dollars in grants to help auto suppliers transition from traditional, gas-fueled vehicles to electric ones. Bail bill: State voters likely will decide in November whether to approve two proposed state constitutional amendments -- one barring non-citizens from voting in local elections and another requiring judges to consider public safety and other factors when setting cash bail for criminal defendants -- following a Wednesday vote from the Ohio Senate. Andrew Tobias reports the bail measure cleared the Senate along party lines, with Republicans voting “yes” and Democrats “no.” But the measure barring non-citizens from voting was approved unanimously, with all seven Democratic senators who were present Wednesday voting “yes.” Budget approved: The Ohio General Assembly passed a $3.5 billion capital budget, with money for school safety, incentives for the Intel chip manufacturing facility and numerous community projects. About $191 million of the budget will go to community projects, including $23.9 million going to Cuyahoga County, Laura Hancock reports. The budget now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine for signing. Election costs: Ohio lawmakers are moving to spend $20 million to hold a special primary election on Aug. 2, adding to the mounting costs taxpayers have borne as a result of the state’s dysfunctional redistricting process, Andrew Tobias reports. Buggy lights: Gov. Mike DeWine has signed a bill requiring Amish buggies and other animal-drawn vehicles to display a yellow flashing light while driving on public streets, Andrew Tobias reports. The law now requires a light mounted on the top-most portion of the vehicle’s rear, visible from the sides and lit at all hours. Testing change: The Ohio House passed a bill that would end the requirement that students repeat the third grade if they don’t score at least “proficient” on the English language arts standardized test. Although HB 497 would drop the retention requirement, the mandatory testing and support for students behind in reading would remain in place, Laura Hancock reports. Jim Jordan: The Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol has given Champaign County’s Jim Jordan until June 11 to answer its questions about his role in former President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Sabrina Eaton reports the committee’s letter provides the most complete chronology supplied so far of Jordan’s collaboration with White House staffers and Trump campaign officials. Legislator resigning: Sen. Sandra Williams, a Cleveland Democrat and veteran state lawmaker, is resigning her seat effective Monday, lawmakers announced on Wednesday. Williams did not share the specific reason for her resignation during a floor speech, but she tells Andrew Tobias that she’s accepted a job in the private sector. ATF chief: As part of its bid to secure U.S. Senate confirmation for Steve Dettelbach to head the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the White House on Tuesday released several supportive letters from Ohio law-enforcement officials and faith leaders, reports Sabrina Eaton. Republican lawsuit: A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a group of Ohio Republican Party central committee members who had alleged financial mismanagement by state party leadership, including state GOP Chairman Bob Paduchik. Andrew Tobias reports the lawsuit had sought to force an audit of the party’s finances. METRO Bibb hires: Mayor Justin Bibb announced Wednesday another round of top-level hires, naming new leaders to oversee community relations, public works, capital projects and the city’s approach to transportation. Courtney Astolfi reports this latest batch of hires gets Bibb close to filling out his leadership team, which appears to have five or so remaining vacancies as of Wednesday. Fiesta of Hope: Esperanza Inc., a nonprofit that has worked to help Cleveland’s Hispanic community, will award more than $100,000 in college scholarships to 100 students at its annual Fiesta of Hope Celebration on Friday, reports Alexis Oatman. CRIME & COURTS Cocaine bust: Eight people charged Wednesday in a federal indictment are accused of selling about 1,350 pounds of cocaine in three years in Northeast Ohio, Adam Ferrise reports. Prosecutors say Marc Mahoney led a group of seven street-level dealers, brought cocaine to the area from Mexico and sold it to dealers, making $20 million in sales between January 2019 and January 2022. Dirt bike charges: Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley’s office has brought felony charges against three people arrested as part of a recent law-enforcement crackdown on dirt-bike and ATV riders who have sped through streets and angered motorists. Cory Shaffer reports a grand jury has indicted Jonathan Rivera-Ortiz, Christine Vazquez and Luis Ortiz on charges of failure to comply, aggravated riot and inducing panic for an off-road vehicle ride May 21 that prosecutors say Rivera-Ortiz organized. Data breach: Parker Hannifin is facing three potential class-action lawsuits over a data breach that exposed the personal information of more than 100,000 current and former employees. Adam Ferrise reports the company reported to government officials that the data hack compromised the Social Security numbers, bank account information and medical information of 119,513 current and former employees. Mother shot: A woman told police that she accidentally shot her mother Tuesday in the city’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood, reports Olivia Mitchell. Frances Black, 87, of Cleveland, was shot by her 54-year-old daughter at about 5:40 a.m. at a residence on East 151st Street, police say. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Waitress: The Broadway smash “Waitress” is a personal story. Staging the musical in a venue roughly one-fifth the size of the theaters where Playhouse Square’s big musicals usually play makes all the difference, reports Joey Morona. Pride events: June is Pride Month, an annual celebration of LGBTQ culture that coincides with the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising that sparked the beginning of the gay rights movement. From the Pride in the CLE march and festival, to art exhibits, drag shows, parties and more, Annie Nickoloff and Joey Morona list a variety of events this month for the LGBTQ community and allies to have fun and support each other. | 