J.D. Vance

The managing editor of Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics examines J.D. Vance's potential as Donald Trump's GOP running mate.

Sen. Sherrod Brown introduced the Railway Safety Act with Sen. J.D. Vance in March. It moved out of committee in May but has seen no movement since then.

Sen. J.D. Vance said the Environmental Protection Agency and Norfolk Southern need to pick up the pace in cleaning up East Palestine. Meanwhile, residents in Darlington Township are demanding the ability to provide input on how more than half a million dollars in community relief money is spent.

The Railway Safety Act, which proposes tighter safety regulations for freight rail companies, was passed by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

The legislation comes more than a month after the train derailment in East Palestine. Similar legislation was introduced in the Senate earlier this month.

Gov. Mike DeWine's office said a 26,800 ton pile of contaminated soil is sitting in East Palestine, waiting to be shipped to a licensed disposal facility.

The bipartisan bill would enhance safety procedures for trains carrying hazardous materials, increase rail inspections and reduce the risk of wheel bearing failures, among other measures.

This past year's top stories included area coverage that made national news, global stories that had local impact, and of course, sports headlines. This is Ohio, after all.

Republican Senator-elect J.D. Vance says he'll work with Democrats to pass good legislation.

Republican J.D. Vance has defeated Democrat Tim Ryan in their high-profile race for Ohio’s U.S. Senate seat.