Ohio has new congressional lines, shifting several blue districts to lean more red. This map is being called a "compromise" by both GOP and Democratic leaders on the commission.

Mike Carey, Troy Balderson, Jim Jordan and Dave Taylor have continually ignored or declined interview requests. A prominent political scientist and Democrat Joyce Beatty say it's likely intentional as the government shutdown nears one month.

Silver linings are so rare in the grim story being written on the death watch of self-governance in Ohio and our democratic republic writ large that any glimmer of hope almost knocks you sideways. This one surprised me in a God Bless America way.