Five things to know for Wednesday, Oct. 1

Moreno: Intel should redirect excess power to Meta

U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, has urged Intel’s CEO to redirect 200 megawatts of the company’s excess electrical power to Meta, which is developing data center infrastructure in New Albany, Ohio, Statehouse News Bureau reported.

Moreno also demanded updates on Intel’s delayed chip fabrication project, its economic impact on local communities, and a firm 30-day timeline to complete the power rerouting. Intel’s two fabrication plants have been pushed back to 2030 and 2031, instead of the originally projected 2025 ground date.

Dems: ‘Where’s your map?’

Democrats have publicly challenged Ohio Republicans after GOP lawmakers missed the Sept. 30 deadline to propose new congressional district maps. Signal Ohio reported that the missed deadline prompted Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio, D-Lakewood, to press, “Where’s your map?”

By allowing the initial deadline to lapse, Republicans appear poised to pass a map in November without Democratic input. Republican leaders have declined to reveal their redistricting plans, while Democrats have floated a map that could cost GOP incumbents one or two seats.

If the legislature does not act in October, control of the process shifts to the Ohio Redistricting Commission under a separate deadline of Oct. 31.

Republicans considering ‘Baby Olivia’ proposal

Ohio Republicans are considering a proposal that would require students to view the animated “Baby Olivia” fetal-development video, produced by pro-life group Live Action, as part of the public school curriculum, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

The proposal is drawing sharp criticism from medical experts and pro-abortion activists who say the video is misleading and ideologically driven. Proponents argue it offers an educational look at embryonic growth. Debate continues over whether the mandate would include parental opt-out options and how it fits into science and health classes statewide.

ODOT asking for input on Access Ohio 2050 long-range plan

The Ohio Department of Transportation is asking residents to weigh in on its long-range plan, Access Ohio 2050, with a series of open houses beginning Sept. 29 in Mansfield, Ideastream reported.

ODOT officials say the plan, updated every five years, aims to map future needs in safety, capacity, mobility and infrastructure preservation. So far, public responses highlight demand for safer roads, expanded transit, and more options for biking and walking. ODOT plans to finalize the strategy by early 2026.

Minimum wage set to rise in Janurary

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Ohio’s minimum wage will rise from $10.70 to $11.00 per hour for non-tipped workers, while the tipped rate increases from $5.35 to $5.50, ABC 6 reported. The bump, a 2.8% increase, stems from a constitutional amendment requiring annual inflation-based adjustments.

The new wage will apply to employers whose annual gross receipts exceed $405,000, up from $394,000 currently. Employees at smaller businesses and 14- to 15-year-olds will remain subject to the federal minimum of $7.25 unless federal law changes.