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Cities to DeWine: "Are You Kidding Me?"

Many Ohio towns only allowed dispensaries in the first place because they were promised a cut of the revenue. Now, with the state looking to hoard the funds, local officials are furious.

🔹 Columbia Township trustee David Kubicki called it a "bait and switch" and said, “We never would have allowed recreational marijuana if we knew the state would just take the money.”
🔹 Canton’s economic development director, Chris Hardesty, said the change could push cities to ban dispensaries altogether.
🔹 Anderson Township planned to use its expected $1.5 million in dispensary taxes to extend a public safety levy. Now? They’re scrambling for a Plan B.

So Where’s the Money Actually Going?

Instead of staying in communities, DeWine’s proposal redirects marijuana tax revenue to fund his own priority list:

🏗️ 25% – Jail construction and renovations
🚔 16% – Police training
📞 14% – The 988 crisis hotline and substance abuse education
👮 14% – Law enforcement training
🚗 8% – Driver’s education in schools (yes, weed is paying for driving school)
⚖️ 5% – Expunging marijuana convictions (ironic, isn’t it?)
🚔 5% – Local drug task forces
📉 4% – Poison control and lab testing
📑 2.5% – Administrative costs

So basically, cities gave the green light to dispensaries based on tax incentives, and now that revenue is being funneled into state-controlled programs that many of these towns won’t directly benefit from.

Step inside Qahwah House, and you’re not just grabbing a coffee, you’re stepping into a tradition that’s been brewing for centuries. This isn’t your average café; it’s a bridge between worlds, where the rich flavors of Yemeni coffee meet a welcoming, modern space.

Here, coffee is more than a drink, it’s an art form. The beans arrive green, straight from a single family farm in Yemen, and are roasted in-house every other day, ensuring every cup is as fresh as it gets. Whether you're sipping on a velvety Yemeni latte, diving into a bold espresso, or exploring the delicate complexity of their traditional teas, every sip tells a story.

Not sure where to start? Just ask. The team at Qahwah House is passionate about their craft and ready to guide you through the menu because here, coffee isn’t just served, it’s shared.

Columbus' Own Takes Home the Biggest Prize in Game Show History

Ohioans love an underdog story, and this one might be the most Columbus win of all time. A guy from Clintonville, competing against a horde of contestants on a MrBeast reality game show, walks away with $10 million—the biggest prize in entertainment history.

That’s right, Jeffrey Randall Allen, Bishop Watterson grad, Ohio University alum, and proud Columbus native, not only outlasted the competition on Amazon Prime’s "Beast Games" but also managed to pick the correct briefcase out of ten, securing the full $10 million jackpot.

And if you're wondering what he's going to do with all that cash—no, he’s not buying a vacation home in Florida. Allen plans to fund clinical trials and research for his son, Lucas, who was born with Creatine Transporter Deficiency, a rare genetic disease affecting creatine transportation in the body.

From Columbus to Prime Video Glory

Allen originally signed up for Beast Games for Lucas, not the money. He spent weeks battling through absurd challenges, all while telling the world about his son’s condition and his goal of finding a cure. Now, after one of the most dramatic game show finales ever, he’s got a check big enough to make that dream a reality.

And in true Ohio fashion, he didn’t let the win go to his head. Instead, he slid down a pyramid of cash, hugged his wife and son, and made it clear that the real victory was raising awareness for Lucas and families facing similar battles.

An Ohioan Through and Through

Even though Allen now lives in California, his Columbus roots run deep.

"Ohio is where my home is, and all my family is still there," Allen said. "And I come there multiple times a year, and I love it. When I think of home, I think of Ohio. And the support from Columbus has been unbelievable."

We’re used to Columbus producing sports stars, politicians, and the occasional astronaut, but a reality show legend? That’s a new one.

One thing’s for sure: next time you randomly pick a briefcase or flip a coin, just ask yourself…What Would Jeff 831 Do?

Ohio Reports First Human Bird Flu Case, But Risk Remains Low

Ohio health officials have confirmed the state’s first human case of bird flu, but here’s the good news: the risk to the general public remains low, and there’s no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

The case was detected in Mercer County, where a farm worker contracted the virus after handling infected poultry. While this marks Ohio’s first case in a person, bird flu rarely spreads to humans, and experts say everyday life remains safe as usual.

How to Stay Safe: Simple Precautions That Work

For those who work around poultry, taking a few simple steps can make a big difference:

✔️ Avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds
✔️ Use protective gear when handling poultry
✔️ Wash hands thoroughly after farm work
✔️ Report unusual bird illnesses to local authorities

Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff emphasized that while this case is being closely monitored, “Ohioans can feel reassured that their everyday activities pose no risk.”