Criminal Justice & Policing
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted subpoenaed in civil suit over bailout scandal
Plaintiffs in a civil suit related to a massive bribery and money-laundering scandal have subpoenaed documents from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and they’re scheduling a sworn deposition with Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. There have been four criminal convictions so far in the scandal and U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker has said the investigation is continuing. […]
When foster care kids are sex trafficked, some states fail to figure it out
For help, call 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733 for the 24/7 National Human Trafficking Hotline, a national, toll-free hotline. When she was a 10-year-old foster child, Withelma “T” Ortiz often rode a public bus around the San Francisco Bay area, alone. She’d frequent a bus stop by a barber shop. Little by little, the barber, who was […]
Another judge hammers former Ohio utility regulator Randazzo in FirstEnergy case
Sam Randazzo, Gov. Mike DeWine’s first pick to chair the state’s utility regulator, isn’t even a party to a civil suit over a massive bribery scheme. Even so, judges keep admonishing Randazzo over what they say is his lack of cooperation. A group of pension funds and other big investors are suing Akron-based FirstEnergy over […]
‘Nationwide gun emergency’ discussed by U.S. House Democrats at roundtable meeting
WASHINGTON — U.S. House Democrats held a Monday roundtable forum on changing U.S. gun laws following a recent mass shooting in Maine, where 18 people were killed. The top Democrat on the committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, invited witnesses to discuss gun violence solutions, and said that the gun lobby industry, the National Rifle Association […]
You have questions about legal marijuana in Ohio. We have answers.
Since Ohio Issue 2, the law to legalize recreational marijuana, passed on election night, WEWS/OCJ viewers and readers have been writing in to ask what this means. Statehouse reporter Morgan Trau breaks it down with the help of some legal experts. About 57% of voters approve of recreational marijuana, leading to many questions from both […]
FirstEnergy seeks $1.4 billion more from Ohio ratepayers. Watchdog objects
Even as its former top executives await possible criminal charges for gouging ratepayers, Akron-based FirstEnergy is seeking a $1.4 billion rate increase. The state’s consumer watchdog objects, saying the company’s profits are higher than normal and that it should use a more thorough process to prove that it really needs the money. The electric utility […]
If abortion measure fails, Ohioans on parole and probation could face graver restrictions
When Ohioans go to the polls on Nov. 7 to vote on Issue 1, which would establish a constitutional right to abortion in the state, they will do so having already experienced what severe restrictions on abortion access look like. After the Supreme Court removed federal protections for abortion in its Dobbs decision last June, the state’s attorney general immediately […]
Marijuana legalization would add $260M to Ohio economy, study predicts
Despite what some of the truest of believers might contend, legalization of marijuana would come with costs to Ohioans. But an economic analysis that was released last week found that the benefits would outweigh those costs by a quarter-billion dollars a year. Issue 2, an initiative that would legalize recreational marijuana for people over 21 […]
Ohio vote by mail applications due Tuesday for election on abortion, marijuana
The deadline to apply to vote by mail for the Nov. 7 election in Ohio is Tuesday evening. In this election, voters will decide on local issues and candidates, like city council members, and statewide Issue 1 and Issue 2. Issue 1 is the amendment to protect access to abortion and contraception, while Issue 2 would legalize recreational marijuana. […]
Former Ohio state Rep. Bob Young found guilty in domestic violence trial
Former Ohio state Rep. Bob Young was found guilty of domestic violence in court Thursday. Visiting retired Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Judge Edward O’Farrell found Young guilty of intentionally harming his wife, Tina. This is a first-degree misdemeanor. However, the North Canton Republican was acquitted of the assault charge against his brother Michael. The verdict […]
Ohio bill allowing guns in some government buildings may have significant loophole
A bill loosening gun laws in Ohio by allowing firearms in some government buildings may have a significant loophole that hurts domestic violence survivors, a WEWS/OCJ analysis discovered. Year after year, Ohio lawmakers have introduced legislation to expand gun rights. State Rep. Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) is the latest. “Our constituents are enthused on us standing […]
Former state Rep. Bob Young’s domestic violence trial begins
Former state Rep. Bob Young was in court Tuesday facing the domestic violence charges that led to his resignation from the Ohio Statehouse. Young, a former Republican representing the Green area in the Ohio House, has been arrested three times in recent months. His charges include domestic violence, assault, violating a protection order and menacing […]