Sales of backyard fireworks are booming in Ohio, at least partly because the pandemic has canceled public fireworks shows. But it’s still technically illegal to set them off in the state, despite efforts by state legislators to change that.

Mayor Andrew Ginther says he will sign an executive order that requires the wearing of face coverings in public. The order takes effect throughout Columbus on Friday, July 3, ahead of the holiday weekend.

A collection of health and human services advocates are urging Ohio leaders to immediately work on revamping the unemployment compensation system in order to avoid another backlog of claims.

The Ohio Senate has passed what supporters call a critical bill to address criminal justice reform and overcrowded prisons. The legislation lowers the penalty for many drug possession charges from felonies to misdemeanors.

The Columbus teachers union says it can’t formalize an opinion on the district’s plan for the upcoming school year until collective bargaining takes place.