Latest news with #Ohioans
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sauk Mortgage Group Champions OHFA's Reduced Mortgage Rates for First-Time Home Buyers in 2025 Columbus Market
Sauk Mortgage Group Supports Ohio Housing Finance Agency's Recent Rate Reductions for First-Time Homebuyers - Lower Rates, Greater Access to Homeownership in Columbus, OH COLUMBUS, OH / / July 22, 2025 / Sauk Mortgage Group Ltd., a leading mortgage broker in Columbus, OH, and licensed in Ohio and Florida, is excited to announce its support for the Ohio Housing Finance Agency's (OHFA) recent reduction in mortgage rates for first-time home buyers. This timely update comes as part of OHFA's ongoing efforts to make homeownership more accessible amid a stable 2025 housing market, empowering more Ohioans to achieve their #DreamHome goals with lower interest rates and enhanced down payment assistance options. Shop Top Mortgage Rates Personalized rates in minutes A quicker path to financial freedom Your Path to Homeownership Founded in 2019 by President Joseph (Joe) Sauk, who brings over 30 years of experience in originating mortgage loans since 1993, Sauk Mortgage Group is committed to honesty, integrity, and competence. The company specializes in providing home loans with the lowest possible interest rates and closing costs, helping borrowers overcome roadblocks in securing financing. With this OHFA update, first-time buyers can now access discounted rates as low as 5.000% for FHA, VA, and USDA loans under the Traditional First-Time Homebuyer Program, potentially saving thousands over the life of the loan. "OHFA's adjustment to offer more competitive rates and streamlined down payment assistance - now at 3% for conventional loans and 3.5% for government loans effective July 1, 2025 - is a game-changer for aspiring homeowners in Columbus," said Joe Sauk, President of Sauk Mortgage Group (NMLS# 589820). "Our seasoned team, including Vice President Amy Sauk (NMLS# 1804018), Loan Assistant Laura Phelan with real estate experience since 1998, Marketing Assistant/Processor Paula Hamby, and Compliance Officer Rick Wright with 40+ years in banking, is ready to guide clients through these programs. We're 100% customer-focused, backed by great people who prioritize personalized service and education." This rate reduction aligns perfectly with Sauk Mortgage Group's diverse loan options, including FHA loans for low down payments, VA loans with no down payment or PMI for veterans, USDA loans for rural areas, and first-time home buyer programs with assistance grants. Clients can benefit from tools like our mortgage calculator to estimate savings, check today's rates, or explore the Learning Center for educational resources on overcoming credit challenges. In the Columbus housing market, where inventory is rising and rates remain stable, this OHFA initiative supports low-to-moderate-income buyers with up to $25,000 in forgivable grants through local programs. Sauk Mortgage Group leverages partnerships with multiple lenders for the best fit, offering fast closings, appraisal waivers, and buydowns to further reduce interest rates. For more details on OHFA programs, visit the official OHFA rates page at Industry reports from sources like LendingTree highlight how such state-backed reductions can lower barriers for first-time buyers (LendingTree Ohio Programs). Sauk Mortgage Group encourages first-time buyers to act now. Call (614) 353-5088 today to discuss your options or apply online for prequalification. About Sauk Mortgage Group Ltd. Sauk Mortgage Group Ltd. is a trusted mortgage broker based in Columbus, OH, at 1880 Mackenzie Drive, Suite 107, Columbus, OH 43220. Open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, contact us at (614) 353-5088 or joe@ We offer a wide variety of loan programs, including Conventional, Jumbo, Rehab/203k, Investment Property Loans, Fixed-Rate Mortgages, Refinance, Reverse Mortgages, and Doctor Loans. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X (@GroupSauk) for tips and insights. #CreateMemories #BuildEquity #ProudToOwn\ Media Contact Name: The Sauk Team - Joe SaukEmail: joe@ +1 (614) 353-5088 SOURCE: The Sauk Team - Joe Sauk View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Vance's and Marco Rubio's Senate successors avoid GOP primary drama
As JD Vance and Marco Rubio shot to the top of Donald Trump's list of possible running mates last year, a mix of joy and dread set in for Republicans in Ohio and Florida. The joy was self-explanatory, springing from the clout that comes with having a favorite son in the White House. The dread was more complicated. Even though either case would see a GOP governor appoint a successor if one of the then-senators resigned to assume the vice presidency, such scenarios can invite messy primaries — in states where the Republican Party does not lack for rivalrous internal factions or ambitious candidates eager to exploit them. In the end, both Vance and Rubio joined the new Trump administration — Vance as vice president, Rubio as secretary of state. And their appointed successors, Jon Husted in Ohio and Ashley Moody in Florida, are facing smoother than expected paths, at least for now. Neither Husted nor Moody has a credible primary opponent at the moment. Husted scored an early Trump endorsement, while Moody has made efforts to get closer to the president's political team. Both also are coming off strong fundraising quarters that could scare away any Republican tempted to challenge them. In the meantime, the political drama in both states has revolved more around how term-limited Govs. Mike DeWine in Ohio and Ron DeSantis in Florida are meddling in the GOP races to succeed them in 2026. 'Costly primaries are a waste of resources when we have the right leader in Jon, who has President Trump's endorsement and a proven record of fighting for Ohioans,' said Mehek Cooke, a conservative consultant in the state. 'I am proud to stand with him and fight for Ohio.' Given recent trends in both states, the Republican nominees will enter their 2026 special elections as favorites in November, too. But Husted would face a much tougher race if former Sen. Sherrod Brown, who was unseated last fall by businessman Bernie Moreno, is the Democratic candidate. Brown has acknowledged that he is considering a run for the Senate seat or a bid for governor. In Florida, Democrats have struggled to find a top-tier candidate. Husted's hustle Husted's clear primary field is particularly significant in Ohio, where the two most recent Senate races gave rise to brutal Republican primaries, including the one Vance won in 2022. Trump's endorsement, which came at a much later stage in that primary, propelled his future running mate to victory that year. Trump's support also helped lift Moreno out of a crowded 2024 Senate primary. Already this year, the president's backing helped secure unusually early endorsements for Husted from the Ohio Republican Party and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Brenton Temple, who managed DeWine's 2022 re-election campaign, with Husted as his lieutenant governor, said Husted's long track record in Ohio has also helped his cause. 'Compared to the last two Senate races, there wasn't anybody like Jon Husted in those fields,' Temple said. 'Husted has been around for 25 years. He's got a lot of contacts, both in the donor community and the grassroots community … so he brings all of that to both the office and the campaign. And you combine all of that with the Trump endorsement and you clear the field.' Husted, 57, has held one elected office or another since 2001, including serving as Ohio's state House speaker and secretary of state. On the one hand, that makes him precisely the type of establishment staple that Trump and other MAGA figures like Vance have vanquished in recent years. On the other, it positioned him as one of the best-known politicians in the state. He had been preparing to run for governor next year. But when Trump-aligned Vivek Ramaswamy signaled plans to jump into that race, DeWine appointed Husted to the Senate to avoid a collision course between them. 'He has a two-decades-long conservative record in Ohio that voters know but that also the political establishment and class knows,' said Niraj Antani, a former state senator who is seeking the GOP nomination for state treasurer. Husted's positions on gun rights and school choice issues, Antani added, have earned him goodwill with the party's base. 'These things are hard to run against. His record is a solid record. I think he has the respect and likely admiration of virtually everyone in Ohio Republican politics,' Antani continued. Husted, in an interview with NBC News, described himself as someone who's been able to bridge old Ohio GOP factions with the newer coalition led by Trump. 'We are a state that is conservative, but we also are a state that is working-class,' Husted said. 'I understand what the Republican Party is like in Cleveland versus what it's like in Appalachia versus what it's like in rural western Ohio. I mean, I just reflect the people that I have come to know over the course of the last 20-plus years that I've been doing this.' Husted said he's forged a 'solid' relationship with Trump and noted that the president invited him to the White House when he signed Husted-sponsored legislation rolling back Biden-era energy efficiency standards. He also recalled how Trump called him in April, minutes before posting his 'Complete and Total Endorsement' of Husted on Truth Social. Trump's endorsement, Husted said, 'has proven in a Republican primary in Ohio to be unbeatable.' The $2.6 million his campaign reported having in the bank entering July helps, too. 'I was planning on running for governor. I had 88 counties ready to activate. I had a whole team ready to activate,' Husted said. 'It's not like I just got appointed to the Senate out of nowhere. I'm tested. We're tough. We know what we're doing and we've got a great campaign.' As for the prospect of a clash with Brown, 'I don't bother myself worrying or wasting time about who the Democrats might or might not nominate. We just run our campaign and we'll win.' Moody's muscle Since her appointment to the Senate in January, Moody has enhanced her ties to Trump while also building a significant war chest that should ward off any serious challengers. She ended June with $2.2 million cash on hand, putting her on strong financial footing in a state with 10 expensive media markets. Meanwhile, a Moody-aligned super PAC has raised $7 million. Moody, 50, was already a well-known part of the state's Republican establishment. As the Florida attorney general, she won two statewide races in dominating fashion, facing no primary challenge during her 2022 re-election bid. 'Any primary opponent to Sen. Moody would be running against her backing by a united Republican Party machine and quickly find their candidacy crushed,' said David Johnson, a veteran Florida GOP operative. During her six years as attorney general, Moody was seen as a solid Republican, but generally stuck to state-level issues. But upon moving into federal politics, her ability to get close with the president — a necessary step toward clearing a primary field — had been an open question. Moody's super PAC has since hired Trump world heavyweights Chris LaCivita, who helped run Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, and Florida-based Tony Fabrizio, who has long been one of the president's top pollsters. There was a moment earlier this year where Rep. Cory Mills was considering entering the primary, but momentum has disappeared. Mills is now facing his own brewing scandal related to a lawsuit seeking his eviction over alleged failure to pay thousands of dollars in rent at a property in Washington, D.C. As the 2026 midterms approach, there is not a single indicator pointing to Moody facing a credible primary challenger. Josh Weil, who got national attention earlier this year when he ran closer than expected to Rep. Randy Fine in a congressional special election for an overwhelmingly Republican district, is running for the Democratic nomination. But few believe that Florida Democrats have the resources or statewide infrastructure to win a Senate seat after Republicans have quickly turned the state deep red over the past few election cycles. Trump carried Florida by 13 percentage points in 2024. Johnson said that in order to compete in a contested Florida Senate general election, candidates need to be able to spend upward of $50 or $60 million on TV alone, 'not just raising the amount in gross dollars via small-dollar grifting like Weil did in his special election.' 'Just like Kamala, they won't play here,' Johnson said. This article was originally published on
NBC News
2 days ago
- Politics
- NBC News
Vance's and Marco Rubio's Senate successors avoid GOP primary drama
As JD Vance and Marco Rubio shot to the top of Donald Trump's list of possible running mates last year, a mix of joy and dread set in for Republicans in Ohio and Florida. The joy was self-explanatory, springing from the clout that comes with having a favorite son in the White House. The dread was more complicated. Even though either case would see a GOP governor appoint a successor if one of the then-senators resigned to assume the vice presidency, such scenarios can invite messy primaries — in states where the Republican Party does not lack for rivalrous internal factions or ambitious candidates eager to exploit them. In the end, both Vance and Rubio joined the new Trump administration — Vance as vice president, Rubio as secretary of state. And their appointed successors, Jon Husted in Ohio and Ashley Moody in Florida, are facing smoother than expected paths, at least for now. Neither Husted nor Moody has a credible primary opponent at the moment. Husted scored an early Trump endorsement, while Moody has made efforts to get closer to the president's political team. Both also are coming off strong fundraising quarters that could scare away any Republican tempted to challenge them. In the meantime, the political drama in both states has revolved more around how term-limited Govs. Mike DeWine in Ohio and Ron DeSantis in Florida are meddling in the GOP races to succeed them in 2026. 'Costly primaries are a waste of resources when we have the right leader in Jon, who has President Trump's endorsement and a proven record of fighting for Ohioans,' said Mehek Cooke, a conservative consultant in the state. 'I am proud to stand with him and fight for Ohio.' Given recent trends in both states, the Republican nominees will enter their 2026 special elections as favorites in November, too. But Husted would face a much tougher race if former Sen. Sherrod Brown, who was unseated last fall by businessman Bernie Moreno, is the Democratic candidate. Brown has acknowledged that he is considering a run for the Senate seat or a bid for governor. In Florida, Democrats have struggled to find a top-tier candidate. Husted's hustle Husted's clear primary field is particularly significant in Ohio, where the two most recent Senate races gave rise to brutal Republican primaries, including the one Vance won in 2022. Trump's endorsement, which came at a much later stage in that primary, propelled his future running mate to victory that year. Trump's support also helped lift Moreno out of a crowded 2024 Senate primary. Already this year, the president's backing helped secure unusually early endorsements for Husted from the Ohio Republican Party and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Brenton Temple, who managed DeWine's 2022 re-election campaign, with Husted as his lieutenant governor, said Husted's long track record in Ohio has also helped his cause. 'Compared to the last two Senate races, there wasn't anybody like Jon Husted in those fields,' Temple said. 'Husted has been around for 25 years. He's got a lot of contacts, both in the donor community and the grassroots community … so he brings all of that to both the office and the campaign. And you combine all of that with the Trump endorsement and you clear the field.' Husted, 57, has held one elected office or another since 2001, including serving as Ohio's state House speaker and secretary of state. On the one hand, that makes him precisely the type of establishment staple that Trump and other MAGA figures like Vance have vanquished in recent years. On the other, it positioned him as one of the best-known politicians in the state. He had been preparing to run for governor next year. But when Trump-aligned Vivek Ramaswamy signaled plans to jump into that race, DeWine appointed Husted to the Senate to avoid a collision course between them. 'He has a two-decades-long conservative record in Ohio that voters know but that also the political establishment and class knows,' said Niraj Antani, a former state senator who is seeking the GOP nomination for state treasurer. Husted's positions on gun rights and school choice issues, Antani added, have earned him goodwill with the party's base. 'These things are hard to run against. His record is a solid record. I think he has the respect and likely admiration of virtually everyone in Ohio Republican politics,' Antani continued. Husted, in an interview with NBC News, described himself as someone who's been able to bridge old Ohio GOP factions with the newer coalition led by Trump. 'We are a state that is conservative, but we also are a state that is working-class,' Husted said. 'I understand what the Republican Party is like in Cleveland versus what it's like in Appalachia versus what it's like in rural western Ohio. I mean, I just reflect the people that I have come to know over the course of the last 20-plus years that I've been doing this.' Husted said he's forged a 'solid' relationship with Trump and noted that the president invited him to the White House when he signed Husted-sponsored legislation rolling back Biden-era energy efficiency standards. He also recalled how Trump called him in April, minutes before posting his 'Complete and Total Endorsement' of Husted on Truth Social. Trump's endorsement, Husted said, 'has proven in a Republican primary in Ohio to be unbeatable.' The $2.6 million his campaign reported having in the bank entering July helps, too. 'I was planning on running for governor. I had 88 counties ready to activate. I had a whole team ready to activate,' Husted said. 'It's not like I just got appointed to the Senate out of nowhere. I'm tested. We're tough. We know what we're doing and we've got a great campaign.' As for the prospect of a clash with Brown, 'I don't bother myself worrying or wasting time about who the Democrats might or might not nominate. We just run our campaign and we'll win.' Moody's muscle Since her appointment to the Senate in January, Moody has enhanced her ties to Trump while also building a significant war chest that should ward off any serious challengers. She ended June with $2.2 million cash on hand, putting her on strong financial footing in a state with 10 expensive media markets. Meanwhile, a Moody-aligned super PAC has raised $7 million. Moody, 50, was already a well-known part of the state's Republican establishment. As the Florida attorney general, she won two statewide races in dominating fashion, facing no primary challenge during her 2022 re-election bid. 'Any primary opponent to Sen. Moody would be running against her backing by a united Republican Party machine and quickly find their candidacy crushed,' said David Johnson, a veteran Florida GOP operative. During her six years as attorney general, Moody was seen as a solid Republican, but generally stuck to state-level issues. But upon moving into federal politics, her ability to get close with the president — a necessary step toward clearing a primary field — had been an open question. Moody's super PAC has since hired Trump world heavyweights Chris LaCivita, who helped run Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, and Florida-based Tony Fabrizio, who has long been one of the president's top pollsters. There was a moment earlier this year where Rep. Cory Mills was considering entering the primary, but momentum has disappeared. Mills is now facing his own brewing scandal related to a lawsuit seeking his eviction over alleged failure to pay thousands of dollars in rent at a property in Washington, D.C. As the 2026 midterms approach, there is not a single indicator pointing to Moody facing a credible primary challenger. Josh Weil, who got national attention earlier this year when he ran closer than expected to Rep. Randy Fine in a congressional special election for an overwhelmingly Republican district, is running for the Democratic nomination. But few believe that Florida Democrats have the resources or statewide infrastructure to win a Senate seat after Republicans have quickly turned the state deep red over the past few election cycles. Trump carried Florida by 13 percentage points in 2024. Johnson said that in order to compete in a contested Florida Senate general election, candidates need to be able to spend upward of $50 or $60 million on TV alone, 'not just raising the amount in gross dollars via small-dollar grifting like Weil did in his special election.' 'Just like Kamala, they won't play here,' Johnson said.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Protesting in Ohio and Kentucky? Here's what you can, can't do under the law
Protests across Ohio on July 17 included an ICE protest on the Roebling Bridge in Greater Cincinnati that led to multiple arrests after a tense exchange between protesters and law enforcement officers. The rallies were organized in response to the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration, among other policies. Those arrested face charges such as rioting, unlawful assembly, failure to disperse, obstructing a highway, obstructing emergency responders, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, The Enquirer reports. What are your protest rights in Ohio and Kentucky? Can you wear a mask when protesting? Do you need a permit to organize a rally? Peaceful protests and assembly are protected under the First Amendment, but local or statewide restrictions still apply. Here's what protest attendees should know about their rights during demonstrations. Your rights when protesting: What Ohioans can and can't do during protests The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, assembly, and petition. Typically, demonstrations can happen in public places like streets, sidewalks, and parks. However, your freedom of expression could have limitations if it incites riots or violence. While not an exhaustive list, here are a few rules Ohio protestors must follow, according to the ACLU of Ohio and the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. You can't protest on private property without permission from the owner. You cannot stop others from using a public space, such as by blocking traffic or pedestrian walkways. No fighting, rioting, or 'disorderly conduct' under Ohio law. Law enforcement can implement "time, place, and manner' restrictions like enforcing noise levels or permits. You may need a permit for events that block traffic or close down streets, or if you use amplifiers, such as bullhorns. Demonstrators are allowed to wear a mask as part of their protest, but they may be required to provide information if suspected of a crime. It is a federal crime to threaten to harm the president, the vice president, or a major candidate. Do not physically or verbally antagonize the police or law enforcement. Avoid carrying any drugs or weapons to protests. If arrested, you could face additional charges for possession. Refusing to provide information or providing false information when stopped is illegal. If you are arrested, the ACLU of Ohio provides additional guidance on what to do, such as not resisting arrest and your right to hire an attorney. What are Kentuckians' rights during protests? Similarly, the ACLU of Kentucky lists a few legal rules and tips for attending protests, among other suggestions, the Louisville Courier Journal reports: Your right to free speech is strongest in public spaces, such as streets, sidewalks and parks. Speech can be restricted on private property. In the event of a counter-protest, police can separate the two groups — as long as the groups can still see and hear each other. But they must treat protesters and counter-protesters equally. Memorize an emergency contact's phone number or write it on your arm in case you lose your phone or other belongings. If you are stopped by the police while protesting The ACLU suggests the following if you've been stopped by the police during a protest: Stay calm with your hands visible. Don't argue, resist, or obstruct the police, even if you believe they are violating your rights. Ask if you are free to leave. If you are under arrest, ask why and request a lawyer. You do not have to answer any questions. You can make a local phone call, and if you're calling your lawyer, the police are not allowed to listen. You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings. Police may "pat down" your clothing if they suspect you have a weapon. If you refuse a search, that may not stop them from searching you against your will, but objecting before it happens or during the search can be helpful in legal proceedings. Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant, nor may they delete any data. If you believe your rights have been violated, the ACLU recommends writing down everything you can remember (including the officers' badge and patrol car numbers), contact information for witnesses, and pictures of injuries to file a written complaint. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio protests lead to arrests: See protest rights, laws in Ohio, Kentucky Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Perseid meteor shower has begun: Here's where, when to watch fireballs across the sky
The Perseids meteor shower has begun, with shooting stars and zooming fireballs expected to light up the sky through August. Here's when it peaks and where Ohioans can watch. The Perseids meteor shower is just one of three active meteor showers in the month of July 2025 — and the most popular — as they peak during the warm August nights as seen from the northern hemisphere. The meteor showers are particles released from the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle during its numerous returns to the inner solar system and its called Perseids because the area of the sky where the meteors originate is located near the constellation of Perseus. The Perseids are active from July 17 through Aug. 23, while the Alpha Capricornids kicked off on July 12 and the Southern delta Aquariids become active on July 18. Here's what to know about all the July meteor showers, when they peak, where to get the best views and what are the moon phases. When is the Perseid meteor shower? The Perseid meteor shower of July 2025 is active from July 17 through Aug. 23 and will peak on the night of Aug 12-13. This will be very close to the August full moon — Aug. 9. According to the American Meteor Society, the Perseids potential can reach 50-75 shooting meteors per hour for stargazers and they will be best viewed after midnight. Note that they can appear from any direction. When is the Alpha Capricornids meteor shower? The Alpha Capricornids are active from July 12 through August 12 and will peak on the night of July 29-30 and can be seen from both sides of the equator. While the Alpha Capricornids do not produce many shower meteors per hour, it is known for its number of very bright fireballs, described as 'vivid' and 'brilliant bursts' by Forbes. When are the Southern delta Aquariids? The Delta Aquariids are a strong meteor shower that kick off on July 18 through Aug. 12 and they will peak on the night of July 29-30. They aren't known for being the brightest, but they do produce between 10-20 meteors per hour near their peak. No equipment is needed to watch the meteor showers, just patience and preferably a dark sky. What are the moon phases for July 2025? 🌓 First Quarter: July 2. 🌕 Full Moon: July 10. 🌗 Last Quarter: July 18. 🌑 New Moon: July 24. 🌓 First Quarter: Aug. 1 When is the next full moon? The August full moon, known as the sturgeon moon, will be visible on Aug. 9, 2025. This article originally appeared on When's the next meteor shower? When to see 2025 Perseid meteor shower Solve the daily Crossword
