Morning Briefing | DeWine's lieutenant governor pick

Gov. Mike DeWine has picked former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel as Ohio’s new lieutenant governor.

In today’s Morning Briefing, we tell you what DeWine was looking for in a new lieutenant governor and what Tressel is expected to bring to the role. We also follow up on a story about violence at the downtown library and how new policy changes are working out so far.

Vice President JD Vance also made his first major policy speech on Monday at a Paris summit on artificial intelligence. He warned against “excessive regulation” of the technology.

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DeWine picks Jim Tressel for Ohio’s new lieutenant governor

Gov. Mike DeWine announced he’s selected Jim Tressel as the state’s new lieutenant governor.

• Vacated seat: The seat was vacated by former Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, who was selected to succeed JD Vance in the U.S. Senate after Vance left to serve as vice president.

• What DeWine was looking for: DeWine said he was looking for someone who could serve as governor if something prevented him from carrying out his duties and someone who can lead and contribute to DeWine’s administration. The governor said he wanted someone who knows Ohio and can bring people together.

• Jim Tressel: He was previously the Ohio State University football coach and president of Youngstown State University.

• Tressel at OSU: Tressel had an overall record of 94–22 at Ohio State, including six Big Ten Conference championships, a 5–4 bowl record and a 9–1 record against the arch-rival Michigan.

• His goals for Ohio: Tressel stressed the importance of Ohio’s workforce and opportunities for education. He also discussed physical fitness and the health of Ohioans, particularly the youth.

• What’s next? DeWine will submit Tressel’s nomination to the Ohio Senate for confirmation. The nomination will then go through the Ohio House of Representatives.

• Other DeWine news: The governor is proposing doubling the Ohio sports betting tax to pay for sports stadiums and youth sports.

Downtown Dayton library adjusting to changes caused by fights and large groups

Dayton police last year made twice as many arrests and responded to more than twice as many calls for service at the downtown Dayton Metro Library, and some of the incidents were serious, including multiple violent brawls in mid-December.

• Police calls: Dayton police responded to about 585 calls for service last year to the downtown branch and made 55 arrests.

• Student transportation: Dayton Public Schools gives high school students Greater Dayton RTA bus passes to get to and from school. Some people say this led to young people hanging around the downtown and Southeast Branch libraries instead of heading directly home like they would if the school district used school buses.

• New policy: The downtown library earlier this year instituted a new policy that limits the number of visitors who are let inside during afternoon hours on weekdays. The new policy also prohibits visitors during those hours from congregating in groups of two or more people. The library also got rid of video games and group activities in the teen area.

• What library officials are saying: “We have seen a decrease in incidents and disruptions,” said Debi Chess, the Dayton Metro Library’s director of external relations and development. “We will continue to evaluate the policy’s efficacy in regard to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our patrons and staff while assuring the library remains open and accessible.”

What to know today

• One big takeaway: A Twin Valley high school teacher is facing charges after he reportedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student.

• Tip of the day: Here are five unique ways empty nesters can stay busy and socially engaged.

• Big move of the day: As Tipp City strives to finalize the purchase of the long-embattled Tipp Plaza Shopping Center property by month’s end, it already is working with consultants and others on determining the future look of the area near Interstate 75.

• Person to know today: Jim Zofkie. The former University of Dayton beat writer, 90, looks back on his Journal Herald and Dayton Daily News career.

• Dayton Food & Dining: Roma’s Pizza & Pasta in Springboro has a 3-foot stromboli challenge for those who love anything and everything Italian.

• Quote of the day: “When I come home, I can escape into this magical place with beautiful things around me that remind me of friends or different parts of my life. Everywhere you look, there is something interesting.” — Ryan Kline, owner of the “Kline Mansion,” a home in the University Row area in Dayton he found on an Instagram post by Cheap Old Houses.

• Vintage Dayton: When a Dayton plumber shocked the art world by finding a stolen Rembrandt.

• Photo of the day: A look inside the historic home on Cornell Drive owned by Ryan Kline. The home was built in the French Eclectic style that was popular at the time. Some features of the French Eclectic style include steep roofs, stone or stucco exteriors, and French-style windows and doors.