News In Focus with Chris Long

The Battle Over Intoxicating Hemp - Why Ohio Needs to Take Action Today we’re joined by Chris Lindsey, An Expert on the 2018 Farm Bill that has a terrible loophole that is being exploited by the unregulated intoxicating hemp industry.  Chris leads national and state-level efforts to modernize cannabis and hemp policy, with a particular focus on regulating intoxicating hemp-derived products and building consistent, science-based standards across jurisdictions. A former trial attorney and longtime advocate for responsible reform, he’s been at the center of the debate over how Congress and the states should define, regulate, and enforce laws governing cannabinoids in the post–Farm Bill era. Call your State Senator and State House member and urge them to take a stand to strongly restrict with tough regulations intoxicating hemp products, keeping them away from children and off the corner store shelves. 

Legalization of intoxicating hemp is a bad idea for Ohio When the Ohio House gutted and hijacked S.B. 56, it was with the intent of legalizing intoxicating hemp products in Ohio. Intoxicating hemp products have been showing up on the shelves in Ohio stores since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill which authorized the farm and industrial use of hemp products. Exploiting a loophole in the federal law, manufacturers of intoxicating hemp products began selling them in Ohio and other states. So as to not be confused, this has nothing to do with the passage of Issue 2 - the legalization of marijuana in 2023. These products that Governor DeWine highlighted in his press release on banning the products from the shelves in his Executive Order three weeks ago, are being sold in your corner store and small grocers around the State of Ohio. Many people are shocked to learn about the accessibility of these products outside of the 400 marijuana dispensaries. These products are a danger to children. The poison hotline has had a 500% increase since 2023. Shockingly, the bill passed the Ohio House by a large margin. The Ohio Senate, furious with the action of the House, soundly voted it down. It now heads to conference committee. To learn more, here is an interview with Trent Woloveck, who discusses intoxicating hemp and soon will be filing a lawsuit in the State of Ohio. 

Legislative Alert- H.B. 455 Must Be Stopped to Save American Government and American History LEGISLATIVE ALERT - H.B. 455 Seeks to Eliminate American Government and American History in the Ohio Classroom by eliminating the end of course exam requirement. ALERT: The bill received sponsor testimony on Tuesday in the Ohio House Education Committee. It is already up for a proponent testimony on Tuesday. They are fast-tracking this bill. This is the liberal teachers union's fourth attempt over the past seven years to eliminate the Founding of America Documents Curriculum that was passed into law in 2012 and is now in its thirteenth year of implementation in Ohio schools from the 8th - 12th grade. Our students are required to learn one-half credit hour of American Government and one-half credit hour of American History with an end of course exam. The exam requirement is the guarantee that it will be taught in all of Ohio's 88 school districts. We are watchmen on the wall. Let's safeguard the teaching of American Government and American History in Ohio's schools. WE NEED YOU TO TAKE ACTION. CALL AND EMAIL MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE AND YOUR STATE REP AND TELL THEM NO ON H.B. 455.

Aidan Haggard - Ashbrook Scholar - TPUSA Chapters Are Exploding Aidan is a student at the Ashbrook Center, the political science department of Ashland University. In his sophomore year, he has a weekly radio program on the university's radio station. He is president of student council and he is working with the local county prosecutor. In addition, he is a candidate for school board in Medina County. Aidan started The American Conservative Youth Union that has chapters in five states. He has turned those chapters over to Turning Point USA chapters. The movement is exploding in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination. It is not just a conservative movement, but a spiritual movement as well. Is this a revival or an awakening? Awakenings change culture, revivals do not. Tune in to learn the difference. 

SOS Frank LaRose Defending Ohio's Election Laws Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose released the following statement in response to an activist lawsuit, orchestrated by the law firm of national partisan operative Marc Elias, attempting to strip important protections that prevent noncitizens from registering to vote in Ohio: “Both federal law and the Ohio Constitution prohibit noncitizens from voting. But now dark money groups represented by D.C. operatives are challenging a law that prevents noncitizens from registering to vote at the BMV. It’s common sense that only U.S. citizens should be on our voter rolls. Marc Elias’ law firm orchestrated a baseless lawsuit challenging Ohio’s ability to verify citizenship before offering individuals voter registration at the BMV. • This same law firm filed a similar lawsuit against Wyoming just a few months ago. They already lost that case, which was dismissed by a federal court. • This is just the latest attempt by activists to cause chaos in Ohio’s election system. SOS Frank LaRose is defending Ohio's election laws in court against these radical leftist lawsuits, safeguarding Ohio's election integrity. 

Government Shutdown with Senator Jon Husted In this special report, Senator Husted explains how the Democrats have forced the government shutdown. Chuck Schumer and minority leader Jeffries are playing politics and forcing the government to shutdown. This time the stakes are different, as the Associated Press has reported that the Democrats have forced the shutdown. Sixty votes are needed to pass the spending bill. 

Saving American Government and History Curriculum in Ohio Schools with Larry Obhof The liberal teachers union is at it again. They have convinced Republicans to do their bidding. They are out to do away with American Government and History curriculum in the Ohio classroom. The Founding of America Documents curriculum, currently required in all of Ohio's 88 school districts, is again being challenged, this time by H.B. 455, sponsored by Rep. Gail Manning and Rep. Adam Byrd. The effort is to do away with the end of course exam requirement, which is the guarantee that the curriculum will be taught. This is their fourth attempt over the last ten years. We need Ohioans to call their state representatives and urge them to stop this ridiculous effort. Larry Obhof, who is the current Chief Legal Counsel for the Secretary of State and former State Senate President, was the sponsor of the Founding of America Documents Curriculum, S.B. 165, in 2012, that strengthened Ohio's American Government and American History standards in the 8th - 12th grades. Tune in and listen to the details. 

The Assassination of Charlie Kirk - A Nation Mourns - Discussion With Mark Harrington This week, in a shocking act of violence, a shooter at Utah State University silenced one of America's great youthful voices. Charlie Kirk stood for his faith, his country, and the American way of life, engaging with young people across the country on the issues of the day. We are deeply saddened by his death. Our prayers go out to his wife Erika, his children, extended family, and the Turning Point USA organization that he led so well. Mark Harrington of Created Equal and I discuss what this represents for a younger generation. Charlie was the voice for millions of young conservatives, and his death is a tremendous loss felt by many. Matt Walsh put out a powerful statement, calling out the hateful dangerous rhetoric of the political left that has led to the violent actions of many of their followers. He says this is not a time to hold hands, this is a time for justice. President Trump has assured the American people there will be changes. Charlie Kirk stood for freedom of speech and freedom of religion. He was gunned down by an assassin's bullet while engaging with the youth of America on a college campus.   

October prayer call for our school children against the LGBTQ propaganda with Linda Harvey Mission America, an Ohio-based Christian organization, is leading a coalition asking parents, students and teachers as well as churches to commit to a month of prayer during October as reckless, deceptive events roll out in many schools featuring rainbow radicalism,  obscene library selections,  “drag” queens as special speakers/assemblies, in-class lessons, and more. “We implore Almighty God to intervene and protect children at school from systematic sexual corruption they’re often forced to endure during October,” said Linda Harvey, president of Mission America. “Students may be taught that ‘queer’ behaviors and identities have been an admirable part of human history; that they are inborn and unchangeable; and that all objections are hateful bigotry akin to racism. These are reckless and harmful lies that encourage children to embrace gravely sinful conduct.”   Tune in and tell a friend. 

CAA/OCA is launching a project for Ohio and American school children to read the Declaration of Independence in celebration of our Nation’s 250th birthday. A  C O N C U R R E N T  R E S O L U T I O N To encourage students in grades one through twelve to read the U.S. Declaration of Independence in the classroom during the 2025-2026 school year in celebration of its 250th anniversary. President Trump’s 250th Celebration Initiative is already planning many wonderful, meaningful celebrations in recognition of the longest standing republic in world history. It has often been said that the fireworks are in the documents. John Adams said in a letter to Abigail Adams concerning the signing of the Declaration of Independence, “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”  Host Chris Long and Pastor Al Davis discuss the details. Tune in and tell a friend. 

This Week's News in Focus- State Auditor Keith Faber State Auditor Keith Faber joins News in Focus to discuss the function of the State Auditor's office. The Auditor's office is the watchdog of tax payers' money throughout the state's government agencies. When individuals are lying, cheating, and stealing the people of Ohio's tax money, the Auditor's Special Investigation Unit zeroes in to safeguard the public's trust. Since 2019, the Auditor's office has recovered $27,384,172.  Keith Faber has announced his intention to run for State Attorney General in the 2026 Midterms. Tune in and tell a friend. 

OCA Update - Back to School - LifeRead Tutors - Statehouse Resolution - Freedom Banquet - U.S. Senate Race Update with OCA.  Back to school - LifeRead Volunteer Reading Tutors expanding their reach. Introduction of Statehouse resolution encouraging Ohio school children to read The Declaration of Independence in the 2025/26 school year in observance of our nation's 250th birthday. OCA Freedom Banquet with Author and Historian Bill Federer as keynote speaker and the Patriot Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to Rev. Bob Burney, recently retired after 25 years of drive-time talk on Salem/Columbus. U.S. Senate race heats up as Sherrod Brown enters the race to challenge Jon Husted for the U.S. Senate seat, and Ohio's redraw of Congressional Districts 9 and 13. Tune in and tell a friend.   

Jon Husted began serving Ohioans in the U.S. Senate in January 2025. Husted started his life in a foster home before his loving parents, Jim and Judy, adopted him. He is the oldest of three children and was raised in northwest Ohio’s Williams County. The small community instilled in him the importance of faith, family, and hard work, which remain the foundation of his public service. He graduated from Montpelier High School and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Dayton. As an All-American defensive back, he helped lead the Dayton Flyers to their 1989 Division III Football National Championship.  In 2000, Husted won election to the Ohio House of Representatives. He later was elected unanimously to lead the chamber as Speaker of the House from 2005 to 2009 Husted followed that with service in the Ohio State Senate until becoming the secretary of state in 2011. Jon Husted served two terms as Ohio Secretary of State and was then elected Lt. Governor. The senator has prioritized keeping Ohio communities safe by securing millions of dollars of funding for law enforcement and by working in the U.S. Senate to secure the border. In the Senate, he has voted to protect women, girls, and their sports and to give law enforcement more tools to convict criminals who have helped flood Ohio communities with the fentanyl that is stealing lives. He has also worked to protect children from online predators. Sen. Husted’s track record of defending the rights of women, children, and the unborn began in his own family. His adoption has made him a faithful pro-family leader and advocate for parents and their children.

The Big Beautiful Bill with Congressman Mike Carey of Ohio's 15th District Congressman Mike Carey of Ohio's 15th Congressional District joins News in Focus to discuss President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill. No tax on tips, no tax on Social Security, expanded child tax credit, and responsible spending. Lots to like about the One Big Beautiful Bill and how it will help Ohioans, from our farmers to the middle class. Congressman Mike Carey, who served on the Ways and Means Committee, breaks down the details. Tune in and tell a friend. 

Talking Ohio State Budget and Issues of the Economy Here in Ohio with Greg Lawson of the Buckeye Institute Greg Lawson, Research Fellow at the Buckeye Institute, Ohio's conservative think tank, discusses the state two-year budget that was passed in late June. What's in it, what's not in it, and some of the specifics on reining in Medicaid expenditures, expanding school choice funding, and what impact it will have on Ohio's bottom line. Greg always has a wealth of knowledge on everything brewing at the Statehouse . Tune in and tell a friend. 

Alcohol and Drug Recovery Efforts with Pastor Greg Delaney of Woodhaven Recovery Drug overdoses are down, according to Woodhaven Recovery director Greg Delaney, in his home county. One factor is the increased enforcement at our southern border, stopping the flow of human trafficking and drug trafficking. The work of addiction recovery continues throughout Ohio's communities, as many are still suffering with drug and alcohol addiction. Fentanyl that is cheap and readily available, along with crystal meth, is the problem among our youth. The help line for those suffering from addiction is 988.    

Summer Read LifeRead Program Listen to this third grader read Genesis 1 LifeRead Volunteer Reading Tutors worked with K-5 students at an inner city school in Akron that had a summer reading program. LifeRead Volunteer Reading Tutors worked with 60 students over a 6-week period, using school curriculum, classic literature, historical documents, and reading in the Scriptures. These are students who are in between grades. It was a delight to work with the children. If you would like to be a volunteer reading tutor, visit www.liferead.org to sign up and learn more. - LifeRead Directors Chris and Silvia Long

Legislators Are Calling for a Special Session on Monday July 21st to Override Governor DeWine’s Vetoes of Real Estate Tax Reform State Rep. Dave Thomas of District 65 explains what the four provisions of real estate tax reform are and why they are an important first step to restructure Ohio's real estate tax.  Rep. Thomas discusses in detail these four provisions and emphasizes there is still much work to do to fix the problem. He also sounds an alarm that next year's assessments will be even higher. That's why there is no time to waste. We are urging the General Assembly to override Governor DeWine's vetoes on all four provisions, and when they come back in the fall, to get busy on more legislation that will restructure the current real estate tax to finally bring Ohioans relief. Ohio has higher median real estate taxes than the border states of Michigan ($1,670), Indiana ($995), Kentucky ($1,551), and West Virginia ($728). Ohio’s median real estate tax is $2,823. Only New York and Pennsylvania are higher. Even Virginia, with its high priced northern Virginia properties, has lower real estate tax than Ohio. It is time to stop the talking and get to work on lowering real estate taxes for Ohio working men and women and their families.

State Rep Josh Williams Shares His Amazing Story - From Homelessness to the Statehouse State Rep. Josh Williams from Ohio's 44th District shares his amazing story of being a homeless high school dropout raised in severe poverty in Greater Toledo to becoming an attorney, overcoming a severe injury, and running for public office serving Ohio's 44th State District. Rep. Williams this spring received a framed copy of the Ten Commandments for hanging in his office from the Ohio Christian Alliance. He is now a candidate for the 9th Congressional District for the 2026 mid-term. Tune in and tell a friend. Share the podcast. 

Ohio's New Flat Tax with Senator George Lang Ohio has a new flat tax. State Senator George Lang of Ohio's 4th District explains how this new flat tax will help grow Ohio's economy by encouraging businesses to move to Ohio and hire new workers. Ohio's new flat income tax will go into effect in 2026.  Ohio has new energy policy and is poised for growth. Senator Lang explains Ohio's history with the income tax and how it has been a detriment to Ohio. His desire is to eliminate the income tax, but the flat tax is a move in the right direction.