Midwest

Actions against Ohio Dem accused of 'erratic and abusive behavior' were justified, investigation finds

Published

2 years ago

April 10, 2024

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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Wisconsin

Wisconsin DHS reaffirms childhood vaccine recommendations after CDC changes

Published

1 minute ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Wisconsin DHS reaffirms childhood vaccine recommendations after CDC changes

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MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services on Thursday reaffirmed its recommended childhood vaccine schedule after recent changes at the federal level.

Wisconsin vaccine guidance

Local perspective:

On Monday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control announced changes to its childhood vaccine schedule. The DHS said those modifications further stray “from alignment with America’s leading medical associations and organizations.”

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At this time, the DHS said it is not making changes to its vaccine recommendations – including no changes to Wisconsin’s school or child care vaccine recommendations.

The DHS said it continues to endorse the American Academy of Pediatrics schedule and has issued guidance to Wisconsin health care providers reaffirming that recommendation.

What they’re saying:

“The CDC’s new recommendations were based on a brief review of other countries’ practices and not based on data or evidence regarding disease risks to children in the United States,” DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson said in a statement. “This upends our longstanding, evidence-based approach of protecting our children from the viruses that pose a risk in our country.

“Copying another country’s schedule without its health and social infrastructure will not produce the same health outcomes. It creates chaos and confusion and risks the health of Wisconsin’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens.”

Big picture view:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said the CDC will continue to recommend that all children are immunized against 10 diseases for which there is international consensus, as well as chickenpox.

The updated schedule is in contrast to the CDC child and adolescent schedule at the end of 2024, which recommended 17 immunizations for all children. On the new schedule, vaccines – such as those for hepatitis A and B, meningitis, rotavirus and seasonal flu – are now more restricted. They are recommended only for those at high risk or after consultation with a health care provider.

What they’re saying:

“President Trump directed us to examine how other developed nations protect their children and to take action if they are doing better,” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said. “After an exhaustive review of the evidence, we are aligning the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule with international consensus while strengthening transparency and informed consent. This decision protects children, respects families, and rebuilds trust in public health.”

The Source: The Wisconsin DHS released information about its childhood vaccine recommendations. Information about the CDC changes is from LiveNOW from FOX with contributions from The Associated Press.

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Midwest

Noem puts Newsom on notice, vows California probe after Minnesota fraud bust

Published

4 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Noem puts Newsom on notice, vows California probe after Minnesota fraud bust

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned California Gov. Gavin Newsom that federal investigators are headed west after uncovering what she described as massive fraud in Minnesota public programs.

“We’re going to come to you, Governor Newsom, and we’re going to arrest every single individual that has ties to this kind of stealing of taxpayer dollars, and we will hold them accountable,” Noem said on “Jesse Watters Primetime” on Tuesday.

“We’ll bring them to justice.”

MINNESOTA FRAUD CASES, EXPLAINED: HOW HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS ALLEGEDLY SLIPPED THROUGH STATE PROGRAMS

Secretary Kristi Noem said she intends to investigate fraud in California under Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. (Nelvin C. Cepeda/The San Diego Union-Tribune; Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)

Noem’s warning came one day after President Donald Trump called California “more corrupt than any place,” including Minnesota. Newsom responded Monday, saying he welcomes “partnering” with the president on the issue.

“If he has some unique insight and information, I look forward to partnering with him. Can’t stand fraud, can’t stand waste and abuse,” he told MS NOW.

Recent Homeland Security operations in Minnesota revealed widespread fraud tied to public assistance programs and saw “hundreds and hundreds” of arrests.

Noem said she thinks the scandal is “just the tip of the iceberg.”

“It is leading us to networks all over the country and overseas, and we’re gonna follow every single one of them.”

The fraud, which Noem called “unprecedented,” involved criminals allegedly siphoning money meant for Medicaid and developmental services to fund “luxury homes and vacations.”

She accused Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz of ignoring warnings from state employees who raised concerns about fraudulent businesses and nonprofits collecting government funds, and said Democrats attempted to cover it up.

NEW YORK REPUBLICANS CALL FOR INDEPENDENT FRAUD INVESTIGATION FOLLOWING MINNESOTA REVELATIONS

Secretary Kristi Noem claims Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz ignored state employees raising red flags about fraud. (Christopher Mark Juhn/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The largest case, known as the “Feeding Our Future” scandal, centers on a Somali-linked nonprofit accused of exploiting federal child nutrition programs. More than 70 defendants have been charged to date.

Additional cases involve alleged fraud in Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services program, an early autism services program, and the Integrated Community Supports program, which provides assistance and training to people with disabilities living independently in the community.

The investigations are being led by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, according to the Justice Department.

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Noem said the Minnesota operations also led to arrests for violent crimes, including murder and sexual assault.

“We arrested a murderer, someone who was extorting money in other countries and also sexual assault perpetrators, individuals who were attacking children,” Noem said.

Fox News Digital’s Charles Creitz contributed to this report.

Max Bacall is an Associate Editor for the Flash/Media/Culture team at Fox News Digital.

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Detroit, MI

Former Detroit Tigers starting pitcher is Rockies’ first signing of winter

Published

6 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Former Detroit Tigers starting pitcher is Rockies’ first signing of winter

DETROIT — Former Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen has signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Colorado Rockies.

It’s the first signing of the offseason for the Rockies under new president Paul DePodesta. The deal includes a $9 million club option for 2027.

It’s the fifth straight winter that Lorenzen has signed a one-year deal following a seven-season tenure with the Cincinnati Reds.

Lorenzen, who turned 34 this week, signed a free-agent deal with the Tigers before the 2023 season. He made 18 starts and was selected for his first appearance in the All-Star Game before being dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies at the trade deadline for infield prospect Hao-Yu Lee.

After a strong start with his new team that included a no-hitter, Lorenzen was moved to the bullpen and pitched sparingly in the postseason.

He found a quiet reception on the free-agent market, agreeing to a discounted one-year deal with the Texas Rangers before the 2024 season. He was traded to the Royals at the deadline and pitched well down the stretch, going 2-0 with a 1.57 ERA in 28 2/3 innings with his new team.

He re-signed with the Royals in 2025 and put together another solid season, posting a 4.64 ERA in 141 innings with 127 strikeouts and 39 walks.

Colorado is known as an unforgiving home for pitchers, and the Rockies lost a league-worst 119 games in 2025.