An effective ban on Internet cafes targeted as illegal gambling has cleared an Ohio Senate committee and is headed for a floor vote Wednesday.  Testimony by employees of the storefront sweepstakes parlors failed to persuade a majority of the State Government & Oversight Committee that the cafes are legitimate businesses supporting Ohio families.  The vote followed a change of heart expressed by Republican Senate President Keith Faber, whose chamber previously blocked such a ban. Faber said in April that his caucus was persuaded the establishments were illegal after a briefing by top state law enforcers, including Attorney General Mike DeWine.

Unofficial results show the Groveport Madison tax levy losing by 12 votes.  Officials with the Franklin County Board of Elections say the levy picked up four votes after provisional and absentee ballots were counted.  Because the vote is so close--a recount will be done within the next six to ten days.  The results show 1627 votes for the levy, but 1639 against.

Police investigating a drive-by shooting on the east side. Officers say they were called to a home on Seymour Avenue on a report of shots fired. Witnesses say a maroon or red minivan was traveling the wrong way on Seymour and someone fired multiple shots from the vehicle. 24 year old William Townsend was hit multiple times in both legs. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Democrats in the Ohio House have picked a Columbus representative to be their new leader.  State Rep. Tracy Maxwell Heard was chosen Tuesday night to replace Rep. Armond Budish of Beachwood as House minority leader. Budish said he's resigning to allow for a smoother transition before his term ends next year.
     Budish has led House Democrats for five years. His resignation Tuesday night comes as he considers a run for Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH'-guh) County executive.

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