Columbus protests

Opponents of bill say it limits free speech.

The measures increase penalties for acts of crime committed during demonstrations and protests, but opponents say the bills affect free speech.

The Ohio Highway Patrol says it's prepared to make sure the protest is done safely.

Gov. Mike DeWine says the Statehouse and other state buildings in downtown Columbus will be closed through Inauguration Day; Ohio has surpassed 800,000 COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic with more than 7,600 reported on Thursday; Gov. Mike DeWine says the state is rolling out an online tool allowing residents to look up locations where the coronavirus vaccine is available; and more stories.

Gov. Mike DeWine has activated 580 National Guard members in preparation for what the FBI identified as massive armed protests planned to take place in Columbus and every state capital in the country leading up to Inauguration Day; a member of the state board of education organized a “Stop the Steal” bus trip from Elyria to Washington DC the day of the violent assault on the Capitol; Ohio Republican Sen. Rob Portman said Tuesday that President Donald Trump bears “some responsibility” for the riot at the U.S. Capitol last week; and more stories.

Ohio officials say there could be more violence at the state capital in wake of last Wednesday’s assault on Congress; Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday vetoed legislation that would have lifted COVID-19 restrictions at county fairs; President Donald Trump has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, one of the outgoing president’s fiercest GOP allies; and more stories.

Gov. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) is getting questions about why his pick for state health director turned down the job, after she cited concerns about...

Neon green shirts and caps can be spotted sprinkled across crowds at rallies in Columbus. But the people wearing them aren't there to demonstrate;...

Gov. Mike DeWine is calling the Ohio National Guard into service after three days of violent protests in downtown Columbus. Columbus Mayor Andrew...

Gov. Mike DeWine is speaking out against what he calls "injustice" and "racism" following the alleged murder of George Floyd, a black man who died while...