Five things to know for Tuesday, Sept. 16

LaRose: New congressional map needed by Thanksgiving

Secretary of State Frank LaRose told lawmakers the new U.S. House map must be completed by Thanksgiving, a few days ahead of the formal Nov. 30 deadline.

“I have made it clear to everyone that this process needs to be wrapped up as quickly as possible,” LaRose told State Affairs. “I need the time as the chief elections officer, along with our 88 boards of elections, to make sure that we can faithfully carry out an election based on those maps.”

Kulewicz enters race for attorney general

Upper Arlington City Councilman John Kulewicz, a retired attorney, is seeking the Democratic nomination for attorney general.

Former lawmaker Elliot Forhan is also seeking the Democratic nomination. As of now, State Auditor Keith Faber is the only Republican currently seeking the post; the winner will succeed Attorney General Dave Yost, who is term-limited.

School districts report decline in reading proficiency

More than 90% of Ohio’s public school districts earned three stars or higher in the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s  2025 Ohio School Report Cards.

While the results indicate the schools met or exceeded state expectations for performance, State Affairs reported that the report card shows a decline in reading proficiency and English language arts.

SBA approves disaster declaration for Fairfield County

The Small Business Administration has approved Republican Gov. Mike DeWine’s request for a disaster declaration for flooding that impacted Fairfield County in July. The declaration opens the door to low-interest loans for affected homes and businesses in Fairfield County and the surrounding counties of Franklin, Hocking, Licking, Perry, and Pickaway.

Grand jury indicts former Village of New Concord fiscal officer

A Muskingum County grand jury has indicted the former Village of New Concord fiscal officer for theft of more than $450,000 in public money. Lynn Marlatt, who was fired from her post in 2023, faces felony counts that include tampering with records and telecommunications fraud; the indictment was filed in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court.