Republican Vivek Ramaswamy secures Ohio GOP gubernatorial nomination and will face Democrat Amy Acton in a closely contested race to replace Gov. Mike DeWine.
Vivek Ramaswamy Wins Ohio GOP Primary Elections
Vivek Ramaswamy Wins Ohio GOP Primary Elections
Republican entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy is set to face Democratic candidate Amy Acton in Ohio’s upcoming gubernatorial race to succeed current Governor Mike DeWine.
Final Results
The 40-year-old candidate from Upper Arlington secured the GOP nomination after defeating challenger Casey Putsch in a closely watched and often contentious primary contest that began in early 2025.Ramaswamy’s campaign gained significant momentum with early endorsements from President Donald Trump, the Ohio Republican Party, and Governor DeWine, alongside backing from several Republican officials.
The biotech entrepreneur also strengthened his campaign by contributing $25 million of his personal funds.Over the course of the race, Ramaswamy successfully consolidated party support, prompting Dave Yost to exit the contest. Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel considered entering the race but ultimately declined.Putsch attempted to rally opposition within the Republican base by criticizing Ramaswamy’s policy positions and background.
Political analysts anticipate a highly competitive race between Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton .
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther criticizes City Council over delays in approving a $1.26M fire engine contract with Sutphen amid labor disputes and public safety concerns.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther criticizes City Council over delays in approving fire engine contract
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther criticizes City Council over delays in approving fire engine contract
Tension is escalating between Andrew Ginther and the Columbus City Council over delays in approving the purchase of a new fire engine, as concerns about public safety and emergency readiness grow.
Speaking at a May 4 press conference, Mayor Ginther warned that continued delays in passing the legislation could have serious consequences. He emphasized that postponing approval increases risks related to project timelines, rising costs, and the city’s overall emergency preparedness. The mayor urged council members to act swiftly in the best interest of residents.
The briefing was attended by Interim Fire Chief Dave Baugh and Steve Stein, president of International Association of Firefighters Local 67. Both leaders expressed frustration that the contract pending for over 55 days has yet to be approved.
The proposed agreement is with Sutphen Corporation, a Dublin-based manufacturer currently facing a prolonged labor dispute involving union workers. Despite the ongoing issues, Sutphen submitted the most competitive bid at $1.26 million, offering a delivery timeline of 17 to 19 months—significantly faster and more cost-effective than competing proposals.
However, Emmanuel Remy, chair of the Public Safety Committee, pushed back against the mayor’s claims. In a statement, Remy clarified that the contract is already scheduled for a vote on May 11 and criticized the administration for failing to communicate that timeline. He noted that his priority is securing guarantees that the equipment will be delivered on time, particularly given the vendor’s labor challenges.This dispute reflects broader tensions between the mayor’s office and city council, as competing labor interests come into play.
Fairfield County Plane Crash Leaves 2 Seriously Injured
Fairfield County Plane Crash Leaves 2 Seriously Injured
A single-engine aircraft crash in Fairfield County on the night of May 3 left 2 young adults with serious injuries after a reported mechanical failure, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Authorities from the Lancaster post stated that the crash occurred at approximately 10:41 p.m. along Rainbow Drive, between Noland Drive and State Route 188 in Pleasant Township. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after receiving reports of the incident.
The aircraft’s pilot, 19-year-old Grant Keefer of Lancaster, and his passenger, 18-year-old Harper Kline, sustained serious injuries. Both were transported by ground ambulance to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center for treatment.
Preliminary findings indicate that the aircraft, a 1961 Cessna 182D Skylane, was traveling westbound from Martinsburg, West Virginia, en route to Fairfield County Airport. As the plane approached its destination, it reportedly developed an unspecified mechanical issue, prompting an attempted emergency landing.During the descent, the aircraft collided with several trees before ultimately crashing, authorities said.
The incident remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, while the Federal Aviation Administration will conduct a separate review to determine the cause of the mechanical failure.Public records show that Keefer is a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and had recently obtained his private pilot’s license in April. Additional records from the Federal Aviation Administration indicate that the aircraft’s registration status is currently listed as pending, with a note suggesting it may not have been cleared for operation.The aircraft is registered under Keefer Aviation LLC and is reportedly based at a private residence linked to the pilot’s family.
U.S. prosecutors confirm suspect Cole Allen shot a Secret Service agent at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, citing video and forensic evidence in an alleged Trump assassination attempt.
Jeanine Pirro Confirms Cole Allen Shot Secret Service Agent
Jeanine Pirro Confirms Cole Allen Shot Secret Service Agent
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro confirmed on Sunday that the bullet which struck a Secret Service agent during last weekend’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was fired by Cole Allen
Speaking with Jake Tapper on CNN’s State of the Union, Pirro revealed that prosecutors possess video evidence showing 31-year-old suspect Cole Allen opening fire on the agent. She added that the injured officer also verified he had been shot during the incident.
Pirro further explained that forensic evidence links the suspect directly to the shooting. According to prosecutors, a pellet from the alleged gunman’s buckshot ammunition was found embedded within the fibers of the Secret Service agent’s protective vest.
“There is no question the bullet came from him,” Pirro said. “He deliberately targeted the agent and intended to kill anyone who stood in his way, including the president. This was a calculated and premeditated act of violence.”
Earlier in the week, Secret Service Director Sean M. Curran told NewsNation that the suspect fired at the officer at point-blank range after rushing a security checkpoint. Curran noted that the agent responded by returning fire in what he described as a heroic act.
Allen was formally charged on Monday with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump, along with several firearms-related offenses. He remains in custody pending trial. If convicted, he could face a life sentence. A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for May 11.
Although the suspect did not explicitly name Trump in a manifesto sent to acquaintances prior to the attack, he reportedly outlined plans to target administration officials, ranking them from highest to lowest priority.
Pirro stated that both the manifesto and additional evidence make it clear that Trump was the intended target. She emphasized that the plan was formed shortly after the president publicly announced his attendance at the March 2 event at the Washington Hilton.
2 U.S. service members are missing in Morocco near Tan Tan during the African Lion military exercise. Search and rescue efforts by U.S. and Moroccan forces are ongoing.
2 U.S. Service Members Missing in Morocco
2 U.S. Service Members Missing in Morocco During African Lion Military Exercise
2 U.S. service members taking part in a military training exercise in Morocco have been reported missing, according to U.S. Africa Command (Africom).
In a statement released Sunday, Africom confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to locate the missing personnel. The command emphasized that its primary concern remains the safety of the service members and support for their families.
The individuals were last reported missing on Saturday near the Cap Draa Training Area, located close to the southwestern Moroccan city of Tan Tan.
Africom noted that investigations into the incident are still underway, adding that more updates will be shared as new information becomes available.
Joint search efforts involving both U.S. and Moroccan forces have been deployed across land, air, and maritime environments in an attempt to find the missing service members.
The troops were participating in African Lion, Africom’s largest annual multinational military exercise. The training operation aims to enhance coordination and interoperability between U.S. forces, NATO allies, and African partner nations.
African Lion is hosted across several countries, including Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, and is a key component of ongoing military cooperation efforts in the region.
Democrats and Republicans clash over the War Powers Act as the 60-day deadline in the Iran conflict raises constitutional questions, political tensions, and growing public opposition.
US War Powers Debate Intensifies Over Iran Conflict as 60-Day Deadline Sparks Political Clash
US War Powers Debate Intensifies Over Iran Conflict as 60-Day Deadline Sparks Political Clash
The political fight over authorizing U.S. military action against Iran has increasingly turned into a debate over definitions, as lawmakers argue about a key deadline set by a law dating back to the Vietnam era.
On Friday, the conflict reached the 60-day mark outlined in the 1973 War Powers Act — a significant milestone that Democrats are using to push for an immediate end to U.S. military involvement unless Congress formally approves the operation.
However, former President Donald Trump and Republican leaders dispute that requirement. They argue the situation never qualified as a “war,” and therefore does not require congressional authorization. They also point to the current ceasefire, claiming it effectively ended active combat before the 60-day limit was reached.
This dispute has reignited a long-standing constitutional debate over the balance of power between Congress and the president in matters of military force. The issue is expected to persist, especially as Democrats plan to repeatedly introduce war powers resolutions to force recorded votes and highlight Republican support for a conflict that is becoming increasingly unpopular among voters.
California Representative John Garamendi emphasized that the Constitution gives Congress as representatives of the people the authority to decide when the nation goes to war. He criticized Trump for lacking a clear long-term strategy for the conflict, including plans for stability, democratic transition in Iran, or regional de-escalation.
Garamendi is among several progressive Democrats who have introduced resolutions ahead of the 60-day deadline. Led by the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the strategy involves staggering these measures so they become eligible for votes at different times. This approach allows Democrats to continuously bring the issue to the House floor in the lead-up to the midterm elections.
Representative Jared Huffman said the goal is to maintain steady pressure until some Republicans break ranks and support limiting presidential war powers.
So far, Republican lawmakers have largely stood united in opposition. Multiple war powers resolutions in both the House and Senate have been blocked, with GOP leaders arguing that restricting U.S. military action during the conflict could embolden Iran and weaken national security.
House Speaker Mike Johnson noted that active combat operations have paused, with efforts now focused on negotiating peace. He expressed reluctance to interfere with ongoing diplomatic discussions.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed that position, telling lawmakers that the ceasefire which began on April 7 should effectively pause the 60-day timeline outlined in the War Powers Act.
Trump further escalated the debate by calling the War Powers Act unconstitutional. In a letter to congressional leaders, he stated that hostilities between U.S. and Iranian forces had ended, removing the need for congressional involvement.
According to Trump, no direct military exchanges have occurred since early April, marking the conclusion of active conflict that began in late February. Still, he warned that Iran remains a potential threat and confirmed that U.S. forces will stay positioned in the region as a precaution.
Democrats strongly reject that interpretation. They argue the administration is violating the Constitution, which grants Congress the sole authority to declare war. Lawmakers also accuse Republicans of misinterpreting the War Powers Act, which was originally designed to limit presidential power, not expand it.
Under the law, presidents must notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying military forces and must withdraw them within 60 days unless lawmakers approve continued engagement. While Trump complied with the notification requirement, he has indicated no intention of withdrawing troops or seeking congressional authorization.
Ohio Sen. Louis Blessing III introduces Senate Bill 395, proposing a “consensus voting” system to replace ranked choice voting, aiming to reduce polarization and increase voter participation.
Ohio Senator Proposes New “Consensus Voting” System
Consensus Voting: Ohio Senator Proposes New “Consensus Voting” System
An Ohio Republican lawmaker has introduced new legislation that could significantly change how elections are conducted in the state, just weeks after ranked choice voting was officially banned.
State Sen. Louis Blessing III (R-Colerain Township) filed Senate Bill 395 on March 23, outlining a proposed “consensus voting” system. The model combines a nonpartisan top-three primary with a head-to-head general election format.
The proposal follows recent action by Gov. Mike DeWine, who signed Senate Bill 63 into law. That measure prohibits ranked choice voting across Ohio and prevents local governments from implementing it. It also allows the state to withhold funding from municipalities that attempt to adopt the system. The law is set to take effect in mid-June.
Despite supporting the ban, Blessing acknowledged in an April 7 statement that the issues ranked choice voting sought to address—such as political division and the role of money in elections still persist.
While endorsing Senate Bill 63, Blessing said his new proposal offers a better alternative. He described “consensus voting” as a system that retains the advantages of ranked choice voting while eliminating its drawbacks.
Under Senate Bill 395, all candidates would appear on a single primary ballot, regardless of political party. Voters could select up to three candidates, and the top three would move on to the general election.
In the general election, voters would participate in a series of one-on-one matchups between the three finalists. Each candidate would face the other two, and the candidate who wins both contests would be declared the overall winner. If each candidate wins one matchup, a tiebreaker would be determined based on the smallest margin of loss.
Blessing compared the system to a tournament-style format, similar to a March Madness bracket, where candidates compete head-to-head. He emphasized that, unlike ranked choice voting, the proposed system would not require multiple counting rounds or complex ballot processing, allowing results to be reported quickly.
The senator argues that this approach would encourage candidates to appeal to a broader range of voters, particularly independents, who make up a large portion of Ohio’s electorate. He also believes it could reduce the influence of heavily funded political campaigns that often focus on narrow partisan groups.
Senate Bill 395 has been referred to the Senate General Government Committee, where it is currently awaiting further review.
Spirit Airlines has ceased all operations after declaring bankruptcy, canceling every flight nationwide. Learn what this means for passengers, refunds, and impacted routes.
Is Spirit Airlines Reaching the End of the Runway?
Spirit Airlines Cancels All Flights
Spirit Airlines has officially ceased operations, canceling all flights after announcing it is going out of business following 34 years of service.
As of Saturday, the airline confirmed it is shutting down immediately due to bankruptcy. Spirit stated it has begun an “orderly wind-down” of its operations, which includes canceling all scheduled flights and discontinuing customer service support. According to Fly Columbus, four flights at John Glenn International Airport were impacted by the sudden closure.
Flights between Columbus and popular destinations such as Fort Lauderdale and Orlando were canceled. Officials from the Columbus Airport Authority advised affected travelers to contact Spirit Airlines directly for assistance. However, the airline has instructed customers not to come to the airport.
On its website, Spirit Airlines confirmed that all passengers will automatically receive refunds for canceled flights. Travelers who booked directly through the airline will receive refunds without needing to take additional steps, while those who used third-party travel agencies must contact their booking provider.
The airline also noted that it will not assist customers with rebooking flights on other airlines, transferring loyalty rewards, or covering additional travel expenses caused by the cancellations. Compensation for customers who used points or vouchers will be decided later through bankruptcy proceedings.
Spirit Airlines initially filed for bankruptcy in late 2024 and again in August 2025, citing rising operational costs. The company faced increased financial strain after fuel prices surged following geopolitical tensions, including conflict involving Iran.
The shutdown follows unsuccessful attempts to secure a federal bailout. President Donald Trump had previously considered a plan involving government funding to acquire and later resell the airline once fuel prices stabilized. On Friday, Trump said his administration had presented a final proposal, though no agreement was reached.
Spirit Airlines faces possible shutdown as bailout talks continue. With rising debt, fuel costs, and bankruptcy filings, is this the end for the budget carrier?
Spirit Airlines Preparing to shut down
Is Spirit Airlines Reaching the End of the Runway?
Spirit Airlines could be nearing a critical turning point as uncertainty surrounds its future.
Following months of ongoing negotiations, the low-cost carrier is reportedly preparing to halt operations if it fails to secure a crucial government bailout agreement. Sources indicate that a shutdown could begin as early as Saturday.
President Donald Trump has previously suggested the possibility of a taxpayer-backed acquisition of Spirit Airlines, with the intention of reselling the company once oil prices stabilize. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump confirmed that discussions are still ongoing, though no final decision has been made.
“We are looking at it. If we could do it, we will do it, but only if it’s a good deal,” he said, emphasizing that preserving jobs remains a key consideration.
While details of the proposal remain unclear, Trump noted that his administration had presented Spirit Airlines with what he described as a “final offer,” with an official announcement expected soon.
The airline has faced mounting financial pressure in recent years, including rising operational costs, heavy debt, and unsuccessful merger attempts. Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection twice—first in November 2024 and again in August 2025 highlighting its ongoing struggles.
Additionally, escalating jet fuel prices driven by geopolitical tensions, including the conflict involving Iran, have further strained the airline industry. Earlier this month, creditors raised new concerns about Spirit Airlines’ ability to remain viable in the long term.
White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner Attack Video Released
White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner Attack Video Released
Federal prosecutors on Thursday released surveillance footage showing the dramatic moment authorities say an armed suspect attempted to breach security at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in an alleged plot targeting President Donald Trump.
The video was shared by Washington, D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro amid ongoing questions about how a Secret Service officer was injured during the chaotic incident. Officials identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, who allegedly rushed through a security checkpoint armed with both firearms and knives.
According to prosecutors, Allen ran through a magnetometer before pointing a weapon at a Secret Service agent. The agent responded by firing multiple shots. While earlier reports indicated the officer had been struck in a bullet-resistant vest, authorities now say there is no evidence suggesting the injury was caused by friendly fire. However, the exact moment Allen discharged his weapon remains unclear in the footage.
The incident occurred Saturday night at the Washington Hilton, disrupting one of the most high-profile annual gatherings in the U.S. capital. Despite the intensity of the confrontation, Allen was injured but not struck by gunfire.
During a court appearance Thursday, Allen agreed to remain in custody pending trial and did not enter a plea.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran defended the agency’s security measures, emphasizing that the threat was neutralized within seconds at the outer perimeter of a layered security system. He noted that multiple barriers and armed personnel stood between the checkpoint and the ballroom where Trump was.
“The site was set up perfectly,” Curran said, underscoring confidence in the existing security protocols.
The nearly six-minute video also shows Allen pacing a hotel hallway the day before the attack and briefly entering the gym. At the time of the breach, several officers appeared to be dismantling equipment near the checkpoint when Allen suddenly sprinted toward them, catching many off guard.
Court documents reveal that Allen had taken a photo of himself shortly before the incident while equipped with an ammunition bag, shoulder holster, and knife. Investigators also cited messages in which Allen referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” and expressed grievances linked to Trump administration policies.
Defense attorneys argue that the government’s case relies heavily on assumptions about Allen’s intent, noting that his writings did not explicitly mention Trump. They have left open the possibility of requesting his release before trial.
Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, faces multiple federal charges, including attempted assassination of president and firearms offenses. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
