Five things to know for Monday, Dec. 1

Unemployment claims increase

Ohioans filed 49,742 unemployment claims for the week of Nov. 16-Nov. 22. That tally included 6,669 initial unemployment claims, which were 708 more than a week earlier, and 43,073 continued unemployment claims last week, which were 912 more than the week before.

Of the total initial unemployment claims filed, 1,146 have been flagged for more stringent identity verification to ensure they are not fraudulent.

• Chips for SNAP? The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Ohio may add chips to SNAP benefit cards. The goal is to crack down on theft, and the move could eliminate millions of dollars in stolen food assistance.
• Deadline for Haitians. The Columbus Dispatch reported that President Trump has confirmed the deadline for Haitians with a special protected status to leave the country is approaching, which could have ramifications for Ohio.
• Judge Booted from Bench. Geauga County Juvenile Court Judge Tim Grendell has been kicked off the bench for six months after he jailed two teenagers who refused to visit their father, according to Cleveland.com.
• No NIL for High Schoolers? State Rep. Adam Bird, R-New Richmond, plans to introduce a measure to bar high school athletes from profiting from their name, image and likeness. The move follows the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s decision to allow such deals, Cleveland.com reported.