Totally Ludacris

Top of Mind

50 or 60

It’s about time to head to the polls to vote on… *checks notes*... a higher threshold for passing future votes 🤔

In case you’ve wondered why the Issue 1 yard sign has reached Mount Rushmore status alongside Ukraine and Diversity: Issue 1 would make it more difficult to pass an amendment to the state constitution, requiring 60% support instead of today’s simple majority of over 50%.

Ironically, Issue 1 only needs a simple majority to pass.

You’d think proponents would at least put their money where their mouth is and hold themselves to a 60% threshold, right?

Wrong.

Republican lawmakers and proponents say the issue would protect Ohio from out-of-state interests trying to push through damaging amendments.

The Aug. 8 special election comes ahead of a vote to enshrine abortion access in November. And polling suggests support for abortion access falls somewhere in that battleground range of 50% to 60% in Ohio.

For what it’s worth, 18 states allow citizen-initiated ballot measures to amend their constitutions, according to Ballotpedia.org. Only Arizona, Florida, and Illinois require 60%. Colorado requires 55%, and all others require a simple majority.

From Columbus City Hall to the state legislature, local politicians sure know how to serve the people…

Referrals

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Scarlet Letter Trivia

Question: In 1954, what percentage of voters elected to initiate a term limit for Ohio governors?

A. 50%
B. 55%
C. 60%
D. 99%

In the News

Butter Believe
Bring your sunscreen and appetite because the state fair is back. Nacho sundae anyone? How about deep-fried Oreos, funnel cake, and… a Flaming Hot Cheeto burger? 🤔

The musical lineup is a real treat. If you missed them 20 or 40 years ago, here’s your chance to see Ludaris or Styx.

This year’s butter sculpture theme has been unveiled and it’s “Ohio inventors.” Surely the type of recognition Thomas Edison sought with that first light bulb.

One thing… how do we not have the Wright Bros in butter?

Officer Fired
The Circleville police officer who is seen in a viral video unleashing his police dog on an unarmed black man has been fired.

"Officer (Ryan) Speakman did not meet the standards and expectations we hold for our police officers. Officer Speakman has been terminated from the department, effective immediately,” the department said in a news release.

The truck driver failed to stop for a vehicle inspection and led officers on a chase through three counties, coming to a stop after the truck’s tires were deflated with road spikes.

The incident drew a rebuke from the White House.

Big Bird
A few miles north, Columbus Police had quite the chase of their own when a pet emu named “Big Bird” escaped into a soybean field.

Big Bird was finally wrangled with a catch pole and loaded onto a stretcher.

This could’ve ended much worse if it were an unarmed black bird.

Cold Brew
Look out Starbucks… Wendy’s is coming for your coffee crown with a Frosty cold-brew coffee in vanilla, chocolate, and caramel.

“The Frosty is one of our most recognizable menu items, so we're excited to bring our fans a unique take on this iconic treat that can be sipped on at any time of day,” Wendy’s said in a press release.

Uber Family
A Columbus family with the last name Uber made national headlines this week for their inability to register for an Uber account. After the incident went viral on social media, Lyft seized the moment by offering the family a $1,000 gift card.

We’ll return next week with any updates from the Lyft family of Columbus.

Cooking Complete

Quotable

Trivia Answer

B. In 1954, 55% of Ohioans voted in favor of instituting term limits for governor.

Signing Off