Spotted lanternfly

The Ohio Department of Agriculture reported the discovery of spotted lanternflies, a species native to Asia, in Cuyahoga, Jefferson and Lorain counties in 2021 but said the species’ reach is likely greater now.

There will be no debates for the races for Ohio governor and U.S. Senate due to the refusal of the Republican candidates to participate; Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) says the U.S. Senate will not vote until November on a bill implementing federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriage ... and more stories.

The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect from Asia that can damage agriculture, has been detected in Ohio. Experts are asking residents to look for it.

Coronavirus cases topped 7,000 again on Thursday;; Ohio officials say they’re concerned about the sharp rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations; federal marshals have arrested a Wooster man accused of accosting an MSNBC journalist; and more stories.