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Some Ohio lawmakers are embracing AI, while others — including one Columbus Democrat — are working to limit harm done by the technology.

Why it matters: Confusion and indecision persist on how AI should be regulated, and who should do the regulating.

Driving the news: A recent poll on artificial intelligence found the majority of Ohio General Assembly members are using AI in their work as legislators and believe the technology allows them to work more efficiently.

The big picture: The Gongwer-Werth Legislative Opinion Poll is a recurring anonymous survey of the Ohio General Assembly gathering pulse-check data about how members view major policy issues of the day.

A March 2 survey asked six questions about AI usage and policy. Forty members responded.

What it found: Despite wide levels of personal adoption, uncertainty dominates.

38% of respondents are "undecided" about whether AI should be used more in government operations.

39% are undecided about whether students should be using AI to assist with schoolwork.

A poll showing responses to question about AI regulation from 40 Ohio legislators

Between the lines: A partisan divide between Democratic and Republican respondents became pronounced in questions about regulation.

Among Democrats, 73% believe AI should be regulated at the federal level and 7% at the state level, while 20% are undecided.

Among Republicans, the figures are 28% for federal regulation, 40% for state and 24% undecided. Another 8% think AI shouldn't be regulated at all.

The bottom line: The overwhelming impression from the poll is that state lawmakers view AI as a positive technological advancement that will save time in work and life.

Only 10% responded that their primary view of AI is one of job displacement. Only 3% said they believe AI should be avoided.

The latest: At his final State of the State address last week, Gov. Mike DeWine waded into the AI conversation.

He asked lawmakers to make it illegal to possess, create or distribute child pornography created by AI.

And he told legislators to "hold tech companies accountable" for allowing AI platforms to "encourage, assist, endorse or instruct" anyone to harm themselves or others.

Context: Bills related to both those topics are in the works.

Senate Bill 163, sponsored by Sens. Louis Blessing III (R-Colerain Twp.) and Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), would prohibit "simulated child pornography" and AI identity fraud, and require watermarks on AI-generated content.

The bill is being considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

House Bill 524, sponsored by Reps. Christine Cockley (D-Columbus) and Ty Mathews (R-Findlay), would impose penalties for developing or deploying AI models that encourage harm.

The bill is currently with the House Technology and Innovation Committee.

It's supported by the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.

Ohio lawmakers grappling with how to regulate AI

The majority say they use AI in their work.

Illustration of a dictionary with binary code and index notches in the shape of a question mark

Some Ohio lawmakers are embracing AI, while others — including one Columbus Democrat — are working to limit harm done by the technology.Why it matters: Confusion and indecision persist on how AI <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="should be regulated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-columbus-3f925d20-d9da-11f0-87c3-ebe17279ed99.html?chunk=2&amp;utm_term=emshare#story2" data-vars-content-id="25e97a10-272b-48ef-8c76-75718321feaf" data-vars-headline="Ohio lawmakers grappling with how to regulate AI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-columbus-3f925d20-d9da-11f0-87c3-ebe17279ed99.html?chunk=2&amp;utm_term=emshare#story2" target="_self">should be regulated</a>, and who should do the regulating.

News

Politics

A confrontation at the City Club of Cleveland this month exposed a simmering feud over how the city addresses homelessness.

State of play: The Superior Arts District in downtown Cleveland has become ground zero for the tension after the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) opened a seasonal shelter there in January.

Driving the news: During the March 6 forum, NEOCH executive director Chris Knestrick recounted a recent clash with the Superior Arts District and Downtown Cleveland Inc.

Knestrick said the groups pushed to shut the shelter down during a prolonged cold snap — despite there being no reported issues with guests — arguing the shelter reduced property values in the area.

"I was glad that NEOCH's new building was helping [make] downtown just a little bit more affordable for just about everyone," Knestrick quipped.

The intrigue: Michael Deemer, CEO of Downtown Cleveland Inc., which manages the Superior Arts District, was in attendance and responded during the event's Q&A.

He disputed Knestrick's characterization and asked whether NEOCH would work with them on a coordinated plan for services downtown.

What they're saying: Knestrick said he would, but he also pointed to an existing county-led strategy to end unsheltered homelessness, one that calls for expanded shelter and a permanent navigation center.

Deemer told Axios after the event that he remains committed to "ensuring those who are experiencing hardship receive the compassionate care and resources they need," while also advocating for a downtown that works for residents and businesses.

💭 Sam's thought bubble: It is exceedingly rare for City Club speakers to call out institutions by name during their remarks, something CEO Dan Moulthrop acknowledged in a follow-up blog post.

But the confrontation felt more squarely aligned with the City Club's commitment to free speech than anything else I've heard there in quite some time.

The latest: Knestrick told Axios he and Deemer met for coffee the following week — what he called a "starting point" for rebuilding trust and collaboration. 

"We agree on the goal of ending unsheltered homelessness," he said, "but we need to continue to align on the method."   

At City Club, a rare public clash over homelessness policy

NEOCH and Downtown Cleveland Inc. leaders traded perspectives on new seasonal shelter.

White, single-story building with signs reading "Housing is a Human Right" and a "Now Leasing" banner, a purple car parked on the street, some snow on the ground, and taller brick buildings in the background.

The new Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless seasonal shelter on East 19th Street. Photo: Sam Allard/Axios

A confrontation at the City Club of Cleveland this month exposed a simmering feud over how the city addresses homelessness.State of play: The Superior Arts District in downtown Cleveland has become ground zero for the tension after the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opened a seasonal shelter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/01/06/neoch-seasonal-shelter" data-vars-content-id="6730ee75-fe42-41fd-aa48-3d5dcb6fa64c" data-vars-headline="At City Club, a rare public clash over homelessness policy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/01/06/neoch-seasonal-shelter" target="_self">opened a seasonal shelter</a> there in January.

LeBron James will carry the American flag during today's opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, but he's not the only Ohio athlete to root for in the weeks ahead.

Why it matters: Fourteen Ohioans will compete for Team USA, including two who live in our region. Other competitors also have ties to Central Ohio.

Case in point: Ohio State University announced that 24 of its current, former and incoming student-athletes are competing, representing 10 countries — its second-largest contingent ever.

How to watch: Today's opening ceremony begins at 1:30pm. The games are on NBC and Peacock and AMC Theatres at Easton will host watch parties.

Plus: Follow Axios' Olympics coverage, brush up on your Olympic terminology and take note of key event dates.

Joe Kovacs, of Dublin, competes in the Men's Shot Put Final during the 2023 World Athletics Championships. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images

💥 Joe Kovacs, track and field (shot put), lives in Dublin

The "human cannon" is a two-time world champion and silver medalist who was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth — Pennsylvania, that is.

His wife, Ashley Kovacs, coaches him and the U.S. women's team's throwers.

💪 Annette Nneka Echikunwoke, track and field (hammer throw), lives in Columbus

A Nigerian-American who grew up in Pickerington and attended the University of Cincinnati, Echikunwoke holds the African record in hammer throw.

She is representing Team USA for the first time.

⛳ Jason Day, golf, lives in Westerville

The PGA Tour star missed the 2016 Olympics due to concerns about the Zika virus, but Day is ready to finally make his Team Australia debut.

The Crew's All-Star goalkeeper from Missouri made the U.S. men's national team in its first Olympics appearance in 16 years.

The gold medalist, three-time world champion and Ohio State great is a Maryland native, but once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye.

Biles is credited to Texas, where she lives and was raised. But the GOAT was born in Columbus, so technically we can claim her too.

A new docuseries, "Simone Biles Rising," is available now on Netflix.

Simone Biles during the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Gymnastics Trials in June. Photo: Elsa/Getty Images

Hunter Armstrong, swimming (100-meter backstroke), Dover

Trevor Bassitt, track and field (400-meter hurdles), Bluffton

Molly Bruggeman, rowing (women's eight), Dayton

Nina Castagna, rowing (women's eight), Cincinnati

Marcus Christopher, BMX (freestyle), Hartville

Carson Foster, swimming (200-meter and 400-meter individual medley), Montgomery

McKenzie Long, track and field (200m), Ironton

Katie Moon, track and field (pole vault), Olmsted Township

Central Ohioans to watch at the Olympics

Olympians Annette Nneka Echikunwoke, Joe Kovacs, Jason Day and more.

Annette Nneka Echikunwoke competes in the Women's Hammer Throw Final on day three of the World Athletics Championships in 2022

Olympian Annette Nneka Echikunwoke, who grew up in Pickerington, competes in the Women's Hammer Throw Final during the 2022 World Athletics Championships. Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Paris Olympics

LeBron James will carry the American flag during today&#x27;s opening ceremony for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2024 Olympic Games in Paris" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/07/23/lebron-paris-olympics-flag" data-vars-content-id="67ea8261-e55d-419a-b598-8167b45c0cb2" data-vars-headline="Central Ohioans to watch at the Olympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/07/23/lebron-paris-olympics-flag" target="_self">2024 Olympic Games in Paris</a>, but he&#x27;s not the only Ohio athlete to root for in the weeks ahead.Why it matters: Fourteen Ohioans will compete for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Team USA," data-vars-click-url="https://www.teamusa.com/making-team-usa" data-vars-content-id="67ea8261-e55d-419a-b598-8167b45c0cb2" data-vars-headline="Central Ohioans to watch at the Olympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.teamusa.com/making-team-usa" target="_blank">Team USA,</a> including two who live in our region. Other competitors also have ties to Central Ohio.

Olympics

Sports

Election Day is Nov. 5. Here's what you need to know about voting and what's on the ballot in the Columbus area.

Why it matters: The ballot features a pivotal U.S. Senate race and a statewide redistricting amendment that could change how political districts are drawn.

Plus there's the presidential contest and key local elections.

Act fast — Monday, Oct. 7, is the deadline to register to vote.

Follow this link to register, check your status or update your voting address.

📆 Early and absentee voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 8.

🗳 To vote early in person: Visit your county's board of elections on a weekday between 8am-5pm.

Voting hours will be extended starting Oct. 21.

✉️ To vote by mail: Call the board of elections and ask for an absentee ballot application to be mailed to you. (You may already have one.) Or print an application yourself.

Mail that completed form to the board of elections or drop it off by Oct. 29 to receive your ballot.

Completed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 4 or hand-delivered to the board of elections by 7:30pm Nov. 5.

🇺🇸 Election Day voting: Polling places will be open Nov. 5 from 6:30am-7:30pm. Find your location.

Ohio law now requires a photo ID to vote in person.

Photo illustration of Sherrod Brown and Bernie Moreno.

Sherrod Brown and Bernie Moreno. Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photos: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call Inc. via Getty Images and Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

All eyes are on this toss-up race that could decide which party controls the Senate next year.

Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown is seeking his fourth term and faces Republican challenger Bernie Moreno, an entrepreneur from Northeast Ohio.

About $390 million had been spent or reserved for ads in Ohio's Senate race as of mid-September, the most of any Senate contest in the country.

Go deeper: Ohio has the priciest Senate race this cycle

Photo illustration of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, talking, over a divided blue and red background with elements of ballots.

Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photos: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images and Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images

Vice President Kamala Harris (Democrat) will face former President Trump (Republican) in what's expected to be a nail-biter race nationally.

Also on the ballot: Chase Oliver (Libertarian Party), Peter Sonski (American Solidarity Party) and Richard Duncan (independent).

Former candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. withdrew from the Ohio ballot, while votes for Green Party candidate Jill Stein will not count because of a missed nomination deadline.

Illustration of the state of Ohio with moving districts inside it.

An Ohio constitutional amendment proposes to again change the system for drawing state and federal legislative maps to curb gerrymandering.

Flashback: Under processes approved by voters in 2015 and 2018, a commission of seven elected officials is responsible for drafting and approving maps.

Yes, but: The commission's work has been controversial. The Ohio Supreme Court repeatedly ruled in 2022 that its redrawn maps were unconstitutionally gerrymandered to favor Republicans.

State of play: The amendment would create a new Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission made up of five Republicans, five Democrats and five independents.

Current and recent political officeholders, candidates, party officials and lobbyists are among those ineligible to serve on the commission.

Go deeper: Ohioans will again vote on redistricting reform

Illustration of a gavel in the shape of Ohio.

Three Ohio Supreme Court seats will be decided this year, which could affect the court's political leaning and have ramifications on pivotal issues from reproductive rights to the environment.

Catch up quick: Partisan labels were added to Supreme Court general elections in 2021.

Zoom in: Incumbent Democratic Justice Michael P. Donnelly faces Republican challenger Megan E. Shanahan, a judge in Hamilton County.

Incumbent Democrat Melody J. Stewart will face incumbent Republican Joseph T. Deters, who vacated his appointed seat to run against Stewart.

Democrat Lisa Forbes, of the 8th District Court of Appeals, and Republican Daniel R. Hawkins, a judge in Franklin County, are running for Deters' old seat.

A rendering of an improved intersection with bus lanes as part of the LinkUs plan. 

A rendering of new bus and bicycle lanes at a Columbus intersection. Photo: Courtesy of LinkUS Columbus

An $8 billion proposal to improve local public transportation and infrastructure will move forward if voters approve a sales tax increase for Franklin County and some surrounding communities.

Catch up quick: The LinkUs plan would create five rapid transit bus corridors, including routes along West Broad and East Main streets as well as one connecting Columbus to Dublin.

It would also fund new sidewalks, bikeways and trails spanning 150 miles, among other projects.

Follow the money: Most of the Central Ohio Transit Authority's funding comes from an existing 0.5% sales tax.

This ballot item would double the tax to 1%.

Who will vote: All of Franklin County and voters living in the portions of contiguous counties that COTA serves.

Go deeper: Augmented reality shows LinkUs transit plans

Illustration of a red apple with a hundred dollar bill for a leaf. 

Franklin County voters will decide lots of local ballot items in November that could raise your property tax bill.

Pro tip: Use this calculator from the county auditor to see the proposals on your ballot and how they would affect your taxes if they're approved.

👶 An increase to a countywide levy supporting Franklin County Children Services.

🏊 A new outdoor pool in Worthington, to be funded by a bond.

🚧 Bonds for construction in the Grandview Heights, Groveport Madison, Hilliard, New Albany and Westerville school districts.

Hilliard and Westerville's proposals are paired with a new operating levy.

🎒 New operating levies for Bexley and Reynoldsburg schools.

📚 New operating levies for the Southwest and Westerville libraries.

🚒 Several townships have levies to fund police and fire services.

🔌 Blendon Township is proposing an aggregation program for residents' electricity and natural gas services.

💰 Lockbourne wants to raise its village income tax from 1% to 2.5%.

Go deeper: The full list of local issues, including liquor options.

🏛 Prosecutor: Columbus City Council member Shayla D. Favor, a Democrat, is vying to become the first Black prosecutor in county history.

Republican attorney John P. M. Rutan is also campaigning for the open seat left by Democratic incumbent Gary Tyack's retirement.

💵 Treasurer: Democrat Cheryl Brooks Sullivan is campaigning for another term against Libertarian challenger Drake Lundstrom and write-in candidate Sina Draughn.

🛠 Engineer: This county office is among the last held by a Republican, though acting Engineer Brad Foster dropped out of the race for a full term under disputed circumstances.

That leaves Democrat Adam W. Fowler as the only candidate.

This Franklin County district includes most of northern and eastern Columbus, along with the suburbs of Worthington, Westerville, New Albany, Gahanna, Whitehall, Bexley and Reynoldsburg.

Incumbent Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty seeks her seventh term.

Republican challenger Michael Young is a pilot and U.S. Air Force veteran.

This local district includes western and southern Franklin County (Hilliard, Grove City, Dublin and parts of Columbus) along with five counties to the west.

Incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Carey seeks his second full term after winning a special election in 2021.

Democratic challenger Adam Miller is a state representative of Columbus' Far West Side.

Illustration of the Ohio State Capitol with lines radiating from it.

All 99 Ohio House seats and about half of the Ohio Senate's 33 seats are up for election this year.

State of play: The legislative maps are changing next term and the new districts are reflected on this year's ballot.

Find your House and Senate districts by filtering for "2025 Districts" with your address.

Voter guide: What's on the 2024 ballot in Columbus

All eyes are on the pivotal U.S. Senate race, and there's a statewide redistricting amendment.

Animated illustration of the state of Ohio rotating to reveal a checkmark. 

An image of the state of Ohio is flanked by illustrations of ballots. 

Election Day is Nov. 5. Here&#x27;s what you need to know about voting and what&#x27;s on the ballot in the Columbus area.Why it matters: The ballot features a pivotal U.S. Senate race and a statewide redistricting amendment that could change how political districts are drawn.

Election

Nationwide Children's Hospital again tied for first place in the latest U.S. News & World Report ranking of the best Midwestern children's hospitals.

Why it matters: Local families have access to some of the nation's most elite pediatric care.

Zoom out: Cincinnati Children's also earned first, and both hospitals also made the publication's national "Honor Roll," the list of the 10 best children's hospitals in the country.

In Northeast Ohio, the Cleveland Clinic and UH Rainbow Babies tied for third in the Midwest, but did not make the nationwide list, narrowed down from over 80 hospitals.

By the numbers: Nationwide is in the top 10 for a majority of its specialties — cancer (5), gastroenterology (4), neonatology (7), nephrology (4), neurology (8), pulmonology (7) and urology (5).

What we're watching: The hospital is expanding, with a new patient tower slated to open in 2028.

Nationwide Children's ties for top spot in Midwest

NCH also made the national U.S. News Honor Roll for 2024.

Evening aerial view of Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Photo: Courtesy of Nationwide Children's Hospital

Nationwide Children&#x27;s Hospital <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="again" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/newsroom/news-releases/2024/10/usnwr_rankings?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="f8ce4c00-5456-4485-b74c-2d44d8abb35e" data-vars-headline="Nationwide Children&#x27;s ties for top spot in Midwest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/newsroom/news-releases/2024/10/usnwr_rankings?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">again</a> tied for first place in the latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. News &amp; World Report" data-vars-click-url="https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/pediatrics-area?src=usn_pr" data-vars-content-id="f8ce4c00-5456-4485-b74c-2d44d8abb35e" data-vars-headline="Nationwide Children&#x27;s ties for top spot in Midwest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/pediatrics-area?src=usn_pr" target="_blank">U.S. News &amp; World Report</a> ranking of the best Midwestern children&#x27;s hospitals.Why it matters: Local families have access to some of the nation&#x27;s most elite pediatric care.

Sam Allard

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