Ohio's Education Shake-Up: Phonics vs. Old Methods

Ohio's higher education system is undergoing significant changes following a state audit that revealed some prominent colleges, including Cleveland State, Ohio State, and Ohio University, are still using outdated reading methods.

Reading Methods Under Scrutiny

• Old vs. New: The audit found that traditional reading methods are still in use, despite the proven effectiveness of the "science of reading" approach, which emphasizes phonics.
• Governor's Mandate: Governor Mike DeWine has given these institutions a year to update their methods or risk losing state approval.
• Quick Action: Cleveland State University has already replaced one textbook that did not meet the new standards.

National Education Trends

Ohio isn't the only state making big changes in education:

• Wisconsin and Pennsylvania are considering merging school districts to save money.
• A Washington, DC think tank suggests that states should also address racial and economic segregation when redrawing school district lines to create more equal learning environments.

Energy and Politics

• Energy Incentives: Ohio lawmakers are considering a bill to reward households and small businesses for reducing electricity use during peak times. This "demand response" idea aims to ease strain on the regional grid, but some utilities have raised concerns about the billing changes.
• Political Moves: State Appeals Court Judge Marilyn Zayas is running again for Ohio Supreme Court, challenging Republican Justice Dan Hawkins. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance is defending the Trump administration's economic record, blaming current struggles on the previous administration.

Federal and Local News

• Federal Software Spending: The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to reduce wasteful federal spending on software licenses. The legislation, authored by U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown, could save taxpayers up to $750 million annually.
• Public Utilities Commission: The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio is accepting applications for a commission seat currently held by Dennis Deters. The nominating council will pick four finalists for Governor DeWine to choose from.
• Downtown Development: The view from the Ohio Statehouse might soon change. Columbus' Downtown Commission has approved plans for a 12-story mixed-use building as part of a larger development plan by the Edwards Companies.