Andy Grimm sits in a smoky, cramped newsroom in downtown New Carlisle. He’s antsy and nervous.

Just as he seems to be getting comfortable, a Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy drives by. Grimm peers out the window and waits until the deputy is out of sight to continue talking.

On Tuesday, the Franklin County Commission votes on the final piece of a public funding package for Confluence Village—the Arena District development that will serve as the Columbus Crew’s new home. 

Ohio’s cities have seen about $450 million in cuts to their local government funds under Gov. John Kasich. The Ohio Municipal League, a lobby group that represents cities, is looking forward to establishing new relationships with Governor-elect Mike DeWine and the incoming legislature.

The Ohio House has passed a bill that bans a surgical procedure commonly used in abortions. It’s the second abortion-related bill to pass in this lame-duck session, following the six-week abortion ban known as the “Heartbeat Bill.”