Distracted Driving Crashes Drop in Ohio, Lawmakers Seek Permanent Fix
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports a significant decrease in distracted driving crashes since the enactment of a new law, with a 33% decline in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This reduction is attributed to increased enforcement, with police officers now authorized to pull over drivers using their phones.
Despite the positive trend, the number of citations issued for distracted driving has soared, with over 2,000 written in February alone. This surge highlights the continued prevalence of distracted driving and the need for ongoing enforcement.
Lawmakers Aim for Permanent Fix on Presidential Candidate Eligibility
Ohio House leaders from both parties have acknowledged the need for a permanent solution to prevent future presidential candidates from facing eligibility issues similar to those encountered by President Joe Biden. Currently, state law requires candidates to file for the primary ballot by the first Tuesday in March, a deadline that Biden missed.
House Speaker Jason Stephens and House Minority Leader Allison Russo agreed that a more permanent fix is necessary to ensure that all qualified candidates have a fair chance to appear on the ballot.
Conservative Group Claims Credit for Unseating Republican Representatives
A conservative Texas-based group, known for its efforts to oust moderate Republicans, has taken credit for helping unseat four sitting Republican Ohio state representatives in the recent primary election. The group spent $2 million in Ohio during the campaign, targeting candidates it deemed insufficiently conservative.
The unseating of four Republican incumbents is believed to be the most in recent Ohio history and reflects the increasing influence of conservative groups in shaping the political landscape.
Cleveland City Council Approves Lakefront Planning Funds
Cleveland City Council has approved additional funding for lakefront planning after initially holding off due to concerns about potential overspending. The funds will be used to pay Field Operations for work already completed and for additional planning related to the Browns’ threat to withdraw from Cleveland’s existing lakefront plans.
Chipotle Mexican Grill to Open in Westlake
Chipotle Mexican Grill announced plans to open a new location in Westlake, Ohio. Like several recent openings, this location will feature a Chipotlane, a drive-through pickup lane that allows customers to retrieve their digital orders without leaving their vehicles.
Cleveland-Cliffs Still Interested in U.S. Steel Acquisition
Cleveland-Cliffs executives reiterated their interest in acquiring U.S. Steel, but at a significantly lower price than their offer last year. The company views itself as U.S. Steel’s only alternative option following President Joe Biden’s public opposition to a sale to Tokyo-based Nippon Steel.
Catholic Charities Ordered to Pay in Boy’s Death
A jury has ordered Catholic Charities to pay at least $960,000 to the estate of a 4-year-old boy whose body was found buried in the backyard of his Cleveland home while his mother received social services from the agency.
The boy’s death has raised questions about the agency’s oversight and its ability to protect vulnerable children.
Heartless Felons Gang Member Sentenced for Drug Dealing
A member of Cleveland’s Heartless Felons gang, Markiese Smith, has been sentenced to five years in prison for drug dealing. Smith was a minor participant in a large-scale drug ring, and his sentence reflects his lesser role.
Akron Police Officer with History of Breaking Policy Shoots Teenager
An Akron police officer, Ryan Westlake, who shot a teenager in April has a history of breaking department policy, according to records. The officer’s previous transgressions include an incident where he was accused of using excessive force on a suspect with a Taser.
The release of these records has raised concerns about the officer’s conduct and the need for greater accountability within the police department.
Playhouse Square Announces 2024-25 Broadway in Akron Lineup
Playhouse Square has unveiled its show lineup for the 2024-25 Broadway in Akron Series, which will be performed at E.J. Thomas Hall at the University of Akron. The lineup includes renowned productions such as “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical,” “Dear Evan Hensen,” “Hadestown,” and “Come From Away.”
Pitbull to Perform at Blossom Music Center
Armando Christian Pérez, also known as Pitbull and Mr. Worldwide, will bring his “Party After Dark Tour” to Blossom Music Center on August 29. Popular singer T-Pain will open for Pitbull, promising an energetic and entertaining concert experience.
