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Trump White House rescinds memo freezing federal money after widespread confusion
The White House rescinded a freeze on federal grants and loans two days after the initial declaration.
• What the administration says: Administration officials said the pause was necessary to ensure that all funding complies with Trump’s executive orders, which are intended to undo progressive steps on transgender rights, environmental justice and diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, efforts.
• Confusion and fear: The order caused fear and confusion for organizations that rely on federal funding, including local government agencies like Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County and funding for things like childcare and school meals.
• Republican reactions: Republican allies like North Dakota’s Sen. Kevin Cramer were caught off guard by the switch, with Cramer saying Trump “throws hand grenades in the middle of the room, and then cleans it up afterwards.”
• Negative reactions: Democrats sharply criticized the freeze, with New Mexico’s Sen. Martin Heinrich saying people voted for cheaper eggs, not for this chaos, and people who rely on organizations that use federal funding like Meals on Wheels and Head Start said they were panicked during the confusion.
Trump, area lawmakers at odds over death penalty in Ohio
Two Miami Valley lawmakers were part of a bipartisan cohort this week touting legislation to prohibit the use of state funds for assisted suicide and abolish the death penalty in Ohio.
• Executive order: Trump recently signed an executive order to fully restore the death penalty nationally.
• Local leaders: Sen. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, and Rep. Adam Mathews of Lebanon were among the cohort against the practice.
• What they want to do: The collection of lawmakers pitched an “urgent” need to codify the abolishment of Ohio’s death penalty while doubling down on existing state laws that make it impossible for the state to use its own dollars to fund abortions or assisted suicides.
• What they are saying: “This is transformative legislation that represents a new era of fiscal and moral conservatism and responsibility,” Mathews said. “This is more than just policy; this is about the affirmation that where there is human life, there is dignity and hope. By prohibiting public funds from being used to terminate human life, this legislation sends a clear message that Ohio will not fund death.”
• Unofficial moratorium: Ohio has had an unofficial moratorium on state executions since the summer of 2018 under the leadership of Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.
What to know today
• One big takeaway: People in Dayton can report some crimes and minor traffic crashes from their computer or cellphone using the city’s new online reporting system.
• Tip of the day: Ohio leads the nation in bird flu cases at commercial poultry operations. Here are some things to look out for.
• Person to know today: Laura Blessing. The Miamisburg superintendent is leaving the district for a new role at Mason City Schools as chief talent officer.
• Big move of the day: A downtown Dayton defense contractor, Infinity Labs, has a place on a lengthy national roster of companies ready to deliver services to the U.S. Navy after winning a slice of a $4 billion Navy contract.
• Dayton eats: Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar is expected to open this spring in Fairborn.
• Quote of the day: “Gray used to be taboo. But now it’s considered classy. It’s not the ‘Golden Girls.’ Women aren’t wearing roller sets anymore,” said Kim Smith, a local stylist for more than 30 years. Read why natural hair color is more popular than ever.
• Podcast: A former DDN reporter recalls covering police corruption and organized crime in a new podcast episode. Here’s how to listen.
• Things to do: 10 things to do in Dayton this weekend.
• Dayton history: From Jeremiah Morrow to JD Vance, 6 U.S. senators have come directly from southwest Ohio.
• Photo of the day: Literary Adventures recently hosted the Night of Poe event in downtown Waynesville. Some of the featured activities included photo ops with Edgar Allan Poe and live music by Dayton-based Dracula themed party rock band DracMina. Check out the photos from Tom Gilliam.
