WEEK IN REVIEW
Friday, October 17, 2025

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

For the week ending October 17, 2025

Monday, October 13, 2025

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued the following statement on the release of hostages from the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by Hamas: 

"Today the world celebrates the release of hostages from the horrific October 7th terrorist attacks by Hamas. I congratulate President Trump on his efforts to assist in brokering the release of these hostages and seeking a lasting peace for both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples." 

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Lt. Governor  Jim Tressel spoke on The Script OSU podcast with host Dave Holmes and two former Ohio State University Football greats Cardale Jones and Beanie Wells.

Governor DeWine issued the following statement on the temporary restraining order granted in regard to the sale of intoxicating hemp:

"Ohio voters have opined on where they want cannabis sold by their passage of Issue 2, which passed with the support of 57% of Ohio voters.

"Issue 2 limited the sale of cannabis to dispensaries. The sale of cannabis as intoxicating hemp in these other venues was never contemplated by the legislature nor approved by Ohio voters.

"Ohio voters approved a highly regulated market; they did not approve sales in these other venues. Ohio voters also mandated that products not target children and be tested for safety.

"While we continue to fight in court, today’s developments underscore our continued desire to work with the General Assembly to pass permanent legislation regarding intoxicating hemp."

Lt. Governor Tressel visited the Boys & Girls Club of Massillon to hold an assembly for students taking on the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge.

Governor DeWine issued the following statement on the expansion of the Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex: 

"In a phone call with Stellantis Senior Vice President Shane Karr this afternoon, I received the welcome news that the automaker is expanding its footprint in northwest Ohio by adding a new midsize truck to its automotive line.

"Stellantis is already a major player in Ohio’s automotive manufacturing industry, employing more than 4,300 people at its Toledo Assembly Complex, and this new $400 million investment will add another 900 new jobs.

"This expansion will continue to reinforce Toledo's legacy in the automotive sector, positioning Ohio at the forefront of the global automotive industry."

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Governor DeWine received the COVID booster shot, encouraging Ohioans to talk with their physicians or health care providers about getting the shot this fall. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and critical to protecting you and your loved ones.

Governor DeWine announced that as part of a violent crime reduction initiative in Cincinnati on October 14, 2025, partnering law enforcement agencies made multiple felony arrests, including a man accused of assaulting a police officer, a suspect with warrants for strangulation, and a teenager found in illegal possession of a firearm. 

This multi-agency operation was part of a sustained violent crime reduction initiative in Cincinnati launched by Governor DeWine and Mayor Aftab Pureval last month.

“These operations are part of a united, statewide effort by trained law enforcement officers to remove violent criminals and illegal firearms from our streets,” said Governor DeWine. “The results of yesterday's joint operation speak for themselves, proving the strength of our ongoing partnerships and our dedication to holding criminals accountable.”

In total, partners made three felony arrests, confiscated one illegally possessed firearm, served two outstanding felony warrants, and made one drug seizure.

Governor and First Lady Fran DeWine attended the Ohioana Book Awards, held at the Ohio Statehouse, to celebrate the amazing Ohio authors and illustrators who inspire all of us through their writing and illustrations.

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Lt. Governor Tressel spoke at the Aim Hire Workforce and Education Conference hosted by Ohio Excels to bring together business, education, and community partners around education for our young people.

The Ohio Department of Development announced details on the latest round of funding through a program that helps communities across the state tear down unsafe, vacant, and blighted buildings, and prepare those sites for future use.

Development released detailed guidelines on the upcoming round of the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program, including project requirements, eligibility, and the timeline for awards.

The state’s biennium budget bill, passed by the Ohio General Assembly and signed by Governor DeWine earlier this year, allocated $21.5 million per fiscal year to raze dilapidated commercial and residential buildings and revitalize surrounding properties throughout the state. Approximately $230,000 in grants will be reserved for each of Ohio’s 88 counties, with those funds being available until July 1, 2026.

Development will begin accepting grant applications at 10 a.m. October 29. Applications will close at 5 p.m. on November 19.

“Blighted buildings don’t just drag down neighborhoods — they stand in the way of opportunity,” said Governor DeWine. “This program plays a vital role in helping our communities clear those obstacles so new homes, businesses, and green spaces can thrive in their place.” 

Lt. Governor Tressel met with a group of Team Tressel Fitness Challenge school coordinators in western Ohio to learn how the program has been going for their students.

Governor DeWine issued the following statement on the death of Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton: 

"Fran and I are saddened to learn about the line of duty death of Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Nicholas Cayton. This is a heartbreaking loss for his family, OSHP, and all Ohioans. Every day, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect the people of our state. Fran and I extend our deepest condolences to Trooper Cayton’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time, and we will keep them all in our prayers." 

In honor of the life and service of Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton, Governor DeWine ordered that the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Mahoning County, the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower Thursday, and will remain until sunset on the day of his funeral.

All other public buildings and grounds throughout the state may fly the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio at half-staff at their discretion for the same time period.

Friday, October 17, 2025

As part of a violent crime reduction initiative in Cleveland on October 15, 2025, partnering agencies made 16 felony arrests, including a man facing six felony charges in connection to an incident earlier this month.

This multi-agency operation was part of a sustained violent crime reduction initiative in Cleveland launched by Governor DeWine and Mayor Justin Bibb in 2023.

“This initiative brings together trained law enforcement officials from across the state to protect the public by removing violent criminals and illegal firearms from our streets,” said Governor DeWine. “This successful operation demonstrates the strength of our long-term, ongoing partnerships and our focus on holding violent offenders responsible for their actions.”

The preliminary total results of Wednesday's violent crime initiative include 16 felony arrests, 11 illegally possessed firearms seized, three stolen vehicles recovered, four drug seizures, and four outstanding felony warrants served.

At the direction of Governor DeWine, the state has supported similar operations across the state in Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo, Youngstown, and Dayton. The data-driven initiatives involve strategically deploying state, local, and federal law enforcement teams on select dates to focus on high-crime areas with repeat violent offenders.

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Tressel, and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin announced the recipients of the Career Pathway Support Network Grant – a $7.1 million investment to bring career-connected learning opportunities and career planning support to more students across the state.

“Our continued support of expanding career-technical education and career planning for our students is an investment in Ohio’s future,” said Governor DeWine. “By creating Career Pathway Support Networks, more students will be able to access the in-demand skills and experiences they need to be successful after high school and reach their full potential.”

The grant funding will establish Career Pathway Support Networks in place of existing Tech Prep Regional Centers. These new networks will build on the foundation of the Tech Prep model but take a broader approach – increasing access to and participation in career-technical education for middle grades (7-10), ensuring all students receive high-quality career advising and mentoring, and aligning more closely with regional workforce needs through partnerships between schools and districts, institutions of higher education, and local employers.

“As more businesses move into Ohio and grow here, we have an incredible number of opportunities coming our way. We need to make sure our next generation is ready to take advantage of these opportunities,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “Establishing these Career Pathway Support Networks will help us keep building on our work alongside local partners to strengthen Ohio’s future workforce and meet the unique needs of employers in each region of the state.”

Lt. Governor Tressel visited Jefferson Elementary School in Gahanna, encouraging students to stay excited about the challenge.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has officially opened a new Storybook Trail at Independence Dam State Park. The trail provides families with an engaging way to enjoy the outdoors while fostering a love of reading. “I’m so pleased that Ohio families have access to another opportunity to read a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library book in one of our state park’s Storybook Trails,” said First Lady DeWine. “Since nearly 80 percent of a child’s brain is developed by age three, we want to read with kids early and often.” The half-mile Independence Dam Storybook Trail features the book, K is for Kindness, offering a thoughtful reminder of the power of kindness as families walk together through the park’s natural beauty. At the trailhead, visitors will also find a book exchange, encouraging families to share favorite books and discover new stories as part of their outdoor adventures.

Lt. Governor Tressel met with another group of Team Tressel Fitness Challenge school coordinators from northeast Ohio to get their feedback on the challenge.

Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz officially opened a new marina and nature center at Buck Creek State Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Visitors can enjoy a new marina store, interactive and educational exhibits, and family-friendly activities in the modern facility. “Ohio has the best state parks system in the nation, and people from all over come to enjoy what the Buckeye State has to offer,” said Governor DeWine. “I see our nature centers as the perfect place where people of all ages can learn something new about Ohio while they explore.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957