Report. Reflect. Respond.
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
Welcome to Wednesday’s edition of The Pennant. To listen to this newsletter, click the “Listen Online” link in the top right corner of this email.
On this day in 1912, the Titanic sank in the early morning. Among the hundreds of mortalities was George Dennick Wick, a prominent Youngstown steel tycoon, and William Fisher Hoyt from Cleveland, among the first victims from the sinking to be confirmed dead.
Following the recent drum-up of Ohio Governor candidate Amy Acton’s past domestic dispute, Governor Mike DeWine has commented on the situation. Find out what he said in the Top of the Fold.
Also, check out our Editorial to learn about a new form of DEI entering schools.
Top of The Fold
Governor Mike DeWine Remarks on Amy Acton's Past
A 2019 police call to Amy Acton's home over a reported domestic dispute with no injuries or charges has resurfaced as she runs for governor, prompting Gov. DeWine to say he wishes she had informed him of the incident while also defending her record as a cabinet member.
Read more of this story here.
OSU Stabbing Victim Identified
The man fatally stabbed at the Ohio State University turf fields on Friday has been identified as 19-year-old Guilliani Olguin Jacinto.
No campus alert was sent out to warn students of the stabbing. Ohio State University Police Chief Dennis Jeffrey said this was because the suspect was taken into custody so quickly.
The suspect has not been publicly identified, but reports say he is a 15-year-old boy.
Find more details on the case here.
Page One
National
Iran - The U.S. military blockade of Iranian ports entered its second day Wednesday with no breakthrough in sight, as more than 40 nations work to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. Iran has threatened retaliation, but experts say the country has only weeks to a few months before its oil revenue is seriously damaged. Limited storage capacity makes the pressure worse, as Iran cannot stockpile its oil indefinitely. More on this story (More)
McDonald’s - McDonald's is rolling out refreshers and crafted sodas nationwide in May, including a Dirty Dr Pepper and a Mango Pineapple Refresher, with energy drinks coming later this year — all priced to undercut the competition. (More)
Statewide
Mason - Kings Island announced it will only be open on weekends through May 17. (More)
Columbus - Columbus City Council is weighing whether to back an NWSL team whose proposed training facility at McCoy Park would replace a previously promised inclusive recreational space for a low-income neighborhood, sparking backlash from community leaders who say the city broke its promises and failed to communicate with residents. (More)
Cincinnati - Cincinnati's transit agency, which declared a fiscal emergency in September 2025 after projecting a $13.3 million spending deficit for 2026, continues to face financial strain. (More)
Southeast Ohio - A two-year investigation into a deer poaching scheme has ended with the arrest of five Michigan hunters. (More)
Statewide - State Reps. Gayle Manning, R-North Ridgeville, and Mike Odioso, R-Green Twp., have reintroduced a bill that would allow the public to compare the performance of nearby private schools with public schools. (More)
Business/Government Section
Columbus Considers Public Money for Women's Soccer Team
By Edward W
The owners of the Columbus Crew and Cleveland Browns want to bring a new women's soccer team to Columbus, but the plan is stirring up debate about money and a neighborhood park.
The Haslam Sports Group is trying to win one of the new National Women's Soccer League team spots. The group has promised to spend more than $300 million of its own money but is also asking Columbus and Franklin County to chip in $50 million in public funds to upgrade the Crew's stadium and build a practice facility at McCoy Park on the city's Southwest Side.
At first, the City Council did not want to use city money. Until April 3, Council President Shannon Hardin and Councilmember Nicholas Bankston proposed a new plan. The city would borrow its $25 million share and repay it with a new 2 percent tax on event ticket sales at the Crew's stadium. Franklin County has not yet decided how it will contribute.
At a public hearing on April 6, two dozen residents spoke up. Most liked the idea, saying a women's soccer team would inspire young girls and bring jobs to Columbus. But some pushed back. Councilmember Nancy Day-Aucher said changing the plans for McCoy Park was unfair to a neighborhood that had spent years working on a new community park design.
Supporters say the deal will not cost regular taxpayers much. But critics warn that sports facilities often do not bring in as much money as promised. If ticket sales fall short, Columbus taxpayers could end up paying the bill.
Mayor Andrew Ginther has promised to still improve McCoy Park if the plan moves forward, but has not shared the details.
Editorial Section
Ohio Said No to DEI. So Why Is It Coming Back in a Box?
By The Pennant Editorial Staff
Over the past week, The Pennant received several notices about a concerning program being conducted at an Ohio middle school. Those notices came in the form of Facebook messages and letters to the editor from concerned parents and community members. What we found raises serious questions for schools across the entire state.
Ohio has been moving in a clear direction on DEI. In 2023, Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2023-04D, banning DEI programs in state agencies. In 2024, the Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 7, removing DEI requirements from public colleges and universities. Now, a bill currently working its way through the Ohio General Assembly could close the door on DEI in K-12 schools as well.
Read the full editorial here.
The Back Page
What are your thoughts on Amy Acton's Past Domestic Dispute?
Previous Poll Results
Will you be voting in this year's primary?
- Yes - 50%
- No - 00%
- I'm not sure, but probably - 25%
- I'm not sure, but probably not - 25%
The Pennant welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns from readers. Submissions may be edited for length, clarity, and AP style. The Pennant reserves the right to verify all information contained in submissions before publication.
Please send all submissions to [email protected]