Midwest
Actions against Ohio Dem accused of 'erratic and abusive behavior' were justified, investigation finds
An independent state-ordered investigation has concluded that Ohio legislative leaders were justified in disciplining a state lawmaker who was removed by House Democratic leadership from committees and banned from contacting staff following an alleged pattern of “erratic and abusive behavior.”
The investigation found numerous witnesses corroborated accusations of Cleveland-area Democratic Rep. Elliot Forhan’s behavior during the past year, including confrontations with other lawmakers, constituents, and lobbyists. The probe, requested by the leaders, was conducted by a Columbus law firm appointed by Republican Attorney General Dave Yost.
OHIO DEMOCRAT UNDER INVESTIGATION AFTER ALLEGATIONS OF ‘ERRATIC AND ABUSIVE’ BEHAVIOR
In response to the allegations, Forhan lost all of his committee assignments last November and was barred by House Minority Leader C. Allison Russo from contacting interns, pages and Democratic legislative aides. He also was required to have a House sergeant-at-arms accompany him while he was at the Statehouse.
The State Capitol of Ohio in Columbus, Ohio. (Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The report states Forhan has repeatedly failed to comply with the latter provision, showed up at the Statehouse and a nearby legislative office building unannounced, and yelled at the sergeant-at-arms or one of his assistants at least twice.
Forhan’s behavior, if left unaddressed, would have posed “a significant threat to the institutional integrity of the Ohio House and its reputation, and posed a credible risk of escalating to violence or violent conduct,” the report concluded. However, it also stated that Forhan’s actions to date “do not warrant his removal from office,”
Forhan told Cleveland.com that the investigation was a “sham” that does not show his actions rose to “violence or violent conduct,” but just states that there could be at some future time, a contention he also disagreed with.
Forhan was elected to his first term in 2022 but was defeated in the Democratic primary last month, finishing third overall. His term will expire at year’s end.
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CLEVELAND (WJW) — A crash involving multiple vehicles on Cleveland’s west side Friday evening led to multiple people being taken to the hospital, officials told FOX 8 News.
Cleveland police said they are investigating after crashes took place at the intersection of West 150th Street and Lorain Avenue around 6 p.m. Cleveland Division of Fire and EMS were also called to the scene.
Cleveland Division of Fire said that one person was reported trapped in a vehicle, but has been removed.
The fire department originally described the crash as a “possible multiple casualty motor vehicle collision.”
Cleveland EMS later confirmed that five people between the ages of 23 and 54 were injured in the incident and taken to either Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital or MetroHealth Medical Center. One 22-year-old woman was considered critical Friday night. A 54-year-old man had a trauma arrest, according to EMS. Two others were considered stable and another was still in serious condition.
Drivers were asked to avoid the area following the crash.
No further information has been released at this time. Check back for updates on this developing story.
After taking a tackle in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Patriots traded up on Day 2 to address their other major need – edge rusher. On Friday night, the Patriots selected Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas 55th overall.
Moving up from the 63rd overall pick, the Patriots sent that pick along with Picks 131 (fourth) and 202 (sixth) to the Los Angeles Chargers. This is the second time the Patriots have moved up, after going from 31 to 28 on Thursday night.
Jacas, who turns 22 next month, was a four-year starter for the Illini and team captain in 2025. Over the past two years he has 26.5 tackles for loss and 19 sacks in 25 games, plus three forced fumbles in each season. That includes 11 sacks in 12 games last year.
At 6-foot-4, 260 pounds Jacas is one of the most violent edge rushers in the draft – a trait this Patriots coaching staff has highlighted a lot since being assembled last year. He was a two-time state champion wrestler at Fort Pierce Central High School in Florida, and that wrestling background shows up in his play style.
As a rusher he has heavy hands and plays with a relentless motor, delivering big hits when he gets into the backfield against the run and pass. He should only improve as his pass rush toolbox continues to develop. During the pre-draft process, Jacas met with the Patriots on a top-30 visit.
In New England, Jacas joins an edge rusher rotation highlighted by Harold Landry and free agent signing Dre’Mont Jones, with Landry working his way back from a knee injury that limited him for much of last season. 2025 UDFA Elijah Ponder projects as one of the top rotational players, with Bradyn Swinson and Jesse Luketa likely competing for depth spots. The Patriots finished last year’s regular season with 35 sacks as a team, tied for the 22nd most in the NFL.
Jacas is the first Illinois player drafted by the Patriots since they took guard Ted Karras in the sixth round in 2016. According to Pro Football Reference, he’s the 12th Illinois player ever drafted by the Patriots.
The Patriots still have one pick remaining on Day 2. They’re scheduled to be back on the clock with the 95th overall selection, at the end of the third round.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — One of the first Republicans elected to the Indianapolis City-County Council following the implementation of Unigov, Bill Schneider Jr. died Wednesday, a funeral home said in an announcement issued Friday night. He was 92.
Schneider in 1965 founded Mister Ice of Indianapolis, which continues to sell, lease and service ice machines and refrigeration units for restaurants, hotels, and health care facilities from a facility off Hague Road at East 88th Street.
He served as a Marion County commissioner from 1968 to 1971, and represented the north side of Indianapolis as a City-County councilor from 1971 to 1999. The Indiana legislature in 1970 created Unigov to consolidate the city and county governments. During his time in public office, Schneider may have been best known for his consistent “no” votes on tax increases. When Schneider left office in 1999, his son was elected to succeed him, and Scott Schneider served eight years.
William George Schneider was born Feb. 21, 1934, in Falmouth, an unincorporated, east-central Indiana community that straddles the border of Fayette and Rush counties.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Patricia Schneider; four children, 12 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Flanner Buchanan funeral home, 1306 Broad Ripple Ave., and 10-11 a.m. Thursday at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5884 Crittenden Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow Thursday’s visitation at the church.
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