DeWine Unemployment, Kroger Masks, Ohio Sports Betting

MARIETTA, OH — Good morning Marietta. Happy Friday, we have a few interesting stories, nothing violent or crazy today, fingers crossed it stays that way!

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DeWine to decline extra unemployment: Andy Chow of the Statehouse News Bureau reports that next month the state is going to cut off the additional $3oo in weekly federal assistance for unemployed workers. This change will go into effect in late June. Governor Mike DeWine says this was always going to be temporary and that this move will help restore the market.

Kroger stays masked: On June 2, COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted in Ohio. However, Fox 19 out of Cincinnati reports that Kroger will continue to require customers to wear masks. A spokesperson thanked Governor DeWine for all he's done, but said for now, it's masks for all in Kroger. They didn't set a timeline for when things would go back to normal in their stores.

Sports betting in Ohio: Karen Kasler of the Statehouse News Bureau reports that a sports gambling bill has been introduced into the Ohio State Senate. The bill will allow for casinos and racinos to pay a hefty license fee to run sportsbooks in person and online. It also aims to legalize e-bingo at fraternal and veterans' organizations. More changes are expected as the bill goes progresses.

Washington County Republican Party dinner: Hannah Stutler of WTAP reports that on Thursday evening, the Washington County Republican Party held their annual Lincoln Day Dinner. Commissioner Charlie Schilling hosted the event. The Ohio Republican Party's chairman Bob Paduchik even dropped by. Chairman Joe Derkin said the turnout was great.

Congressman Bill Johnson votes against Maxine Waters' bill: Earlier today U.S. Congressman Bill Johnson who represents Southeast Ohio voted against the Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act. It passed anyway with the Democratic majority behind it. It aims at expanding protections for borrowers and upping penalties for abuses by debt collection agencies.

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