(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost today announced a significant victory in the ongoing battle to ensure fair competition in the digital marketplace. A federal court has found that Google is a monopolist and has violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act by unlawfully maintaining its monopoly.
“Today reaffirms that no company, no matter how powerful, is above the law,” Yost said. “We will continue to hold monopolies accountable to protect Ohioans and ensure a fair and competitive market.”
The states allegedthat Google illegally maintains its monopoly power over general search engines and related advertising markets through a series of anticompetitive exclusionary contracts and conduct. As a result, Google has deprived consumers of competition that could lead to greater choice, innovation, and better privacy protections.
Further legal analysis is being conducted of Judge Amit Mehta’s decision in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — In a significant legal victory, Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael J. Holbrook ruled in favor of the state in the contentious House Bill 68 case. This decision underscores the state’s legislative power to regulate medical and surgical decisions affecting minors, particularly in the realm of gender-affirming care.
Bethany McCorkle, Communications Director for the Ohio Attorney General, released a statement celebrating the court’s decision: “The Attorney General applauds the trial court’s decision. This case has always been about the legislature’s authority to enact a law to protect our children from making irreversible medical and surgical decisions about their bodies. The law doesn’t say ‘no’ forever; it simply says ‘not now’ while the child is still growing.”
Ruling Summary
In the detailed ruling, the court addressed several constitutional challenges brought forward by the plaintiffs, which included transgender adolescents and their parents. The plaintiffs argued that HB 68 violated multiple clauses of the Ohio Constitution: the Single Subject Rule, the Health Care Freedom Amendment, the Equal Protection Clause, and the Due Process Clause.
Key Points from the Ruling:
Single Subject Rule: The court found that despite initial appearances, HB 68 maintains a common purpose of regulating transgender individuals, thus meeting the requirements of the Single Subject Rule under Ohio law.
Health Care Freedom Amendment: The court ruled that the Health Care Ban within HB 68 does not violate this amendment. The ban imposes penalties on medical providers offering gender-affirming care to minors, which the state has classified as “wrongdoing.”
Equal Protection Clause: Applying a rational-basis review, the court concluded that HB 68 is rationally related to the state’s legitimate interest in protecting minors. The ruling noted the global reevaluation of gender-affirming care’s risks and outcomes.
Due Process Clause: The court upheld the ban, emphasizing the state’s vested interest in regulating medical treatments, particularly those deemed experimental and risky for minors.
Implications
This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the regulation of gender-affirming care for minors. The court’s decision reinforces the state’s authority to intervene in medical decisions involving children, highlighting the balance between parental rights and state interests in public health and welfare.
As the discussion on transgender rights and healthcare continues to evolve, this ruling sets a precedent for how states may legislate on such sensitive issues. For those opposed to HB 68, the court’s message was clear: recourse lies within the democratic process and the ballot box, not the judicial system.
Next Steps
The plaintiffs and their supporters may seek to appeal the decision, potentially escalating the case to higher courts. Meanwhile, the ruling will likely influence similar legislative efforts across the country, as states navigate the complex intersection of healthcare, parental rights, and child protection.
This case underscores the judiciary’s role in interpreting legislative intent and constitutional protections, affirming the principle that substantial legislative decisions, especially those affecting vulnerable populations, must withstand rigorous judicial scrutiny.
Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant J. Croston, said in a press release,
On August 3, 2024, at 2: 14 PM the Lorain County Sheriffs Office received reports of a male that had been shot multiple times at 42163 North Ridge Rd in Elyria Township.
As deputies responded to North Ridge Rd, additional calls were received that the actual shooting had occurred near the intersection of Lake Ave. and Griswold Rd. also in Elyria Township, The victim was able to drive his vehicle away from Lake Ave. and Griswold Rd. after sustaining multiple injuries and stopped for help at the location on North Ridge Rd.
Prior to deputies arriving at the North Ridge Rd. location, the male victim was transported to UH Elyria by a bystander. The victim was later transferred to UH Main Campus in Cleveland. The full extent of his injuries are unknown at this time. Both scenes were secured and processed for evidence.
The suspect vehicle was reported to be a newer body style white Chevy Camaro. This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the white Chevy Camaro or its occupant(s) is urged to contact Detective Wohlever at 440-329-3749.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine held a press conference earlier today, voicing strong opposition to the proposed ballot initiative on redistricting.
Governor DeWine stated, “If this amendment were to be adopted, Ohio would actually end up with a system that mandates – that compels – map drawers to produce gerrymandered districts. In fact, Ohio would have gerrymandering in the extreme.”
In his prepared remarks, Governor DeWine emphasized the pitfalls of the proposed amendment, arguing that it would mandate gerrymandering by prioritizing proportionality over other considerations such as keeping communities of interest intact and respecting political subdivision boundaries.
Prepared Remarks from Governor Mike DeWine:
Good morning.
Today, I want to discuss redistricting and the efforts to end gerrymandering in Ohio. Our current redistricting provisions, passed with bipartisan support, have proven ineffective and need change. However, the proposed amendment on this fall’s ballot, aimed at eliminating gerrymandering, will not achieve this goal.
Gerrymandering occurs when politicians manipulate geographic borders to maximize elected seats for a particular party. The proposed amendment mandates proportionality, requiring map drawers to create districts based on past statewide partisan election results. This approach forces gerrymandering, leading to extreme gerrymandered districts and widespread voter dissatisfaction.
The amendment’s focus on proportionality supersedes important factors, such as respecting political subdivision lines, keeping communities of interest together, ensuring equal participation of racial, ethnic, and language minorities, and maintaining population equality in districts.
Examples of gerrymandered maps, like those created by Dave’s Redistricting and the Ohio redistricting commission’s democratic members in January 2022, demonstrate how proportionality leads to bizarre and unfair district configurations. These maps split cities, counties, and townships, creating districts with predetermined partisan outcomes, disenfranchising independent voters, and increasing legislative polarization.
The Iowa system offers a better alternative, removing politics from map drawing by prohibiting the use of past voting patterns, ensuring compact districts, and not favoring any political party, incumbent, or member of Congress. This system has been successful for decades, providing a model for Ohio to follow.
In conclusion, the proposed ballot initiative will worsen gerrymandering and require future constitutional revisions. We must defeat this flawed proposal and work towards a solution that truly ends gerrymandering, such as adopting the Iowa system.
After defeating this initiative, I will collaborate with the General Assembly to introduce and vet a resolution, holding hearings and gathering citizen input to place a proper initiative on the ballot for voter approval.
Governor DeWine’s sample maps referenced during the press conference are posted below.
Gerrymandering refers to the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to create an undue advantage for a party, group, or socioeconomic class. This practice undermines fair representation and can lead to disproportionate political power.
Governor DeWine urges Ohioans to reject the proposed amendment and support a system that ensures fair and representative districts.
MILAN – The Milan Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash. The crash occurred July 31 at 12:35 p.m. on the Ohio Turnpike, westbound near milepost 82 in Harris Township, Ottawa County.
The preliminary investigation revealed a Lincoln Nautilus, operated by Doris Klingshirn, 78, Elyria, was traveling west on the Ohio Turnpike when it struck the rear of a Kenworth semi-tractor-tanker, occupied by Jarrel Harrington, 37, Windsor Mill, Maryland. The Kenworth became disabled in the roadway due to a mechanical issue.
Doris Klingshirn sustained minor injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo. The front passenger in the Lincoln, Kenneth Klingshirn, 92, Elyria, succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene.
Harrington sustained possible injuries and was treated at the scene by EMS.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, Harris-Elmore Fire Department, Sandusky County EMS, Lucas County Coroner’s Office, Madison Motor Service, and Interstate Towing and Transport Specialist.
The crash remains under investigation at this time.
MILAN – The Milan Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a pedestrian fatal crash. The crash occurred July 28, at 9:37 p.m., on the Ohio Turnpike, east of the State Route 51 interchange in Washington Township, Sandusky County.
The preliminary investigation revealed a Chrysler Pacifica, operated by Srivatsa Bhamidipati, 22, Monroeville, PA., was traveling east on the turnpike near mile post 82.2, when it struck Dencer Morales-Garcia, 31, Frontera Comalapa Mexico, a pedestrian in the roadway.
Morales-Garcia succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene.
Bhamidipati and passenger were not injured as a result of the crash.
During the investigation, the eastbound lanes of the turnpike were closed for approximately an hour and a half.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Sandusky County EMS, Woodville Township EMS, Harris/Elmore Township Fire Department, Sandusky County Coroner’s Office and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission.
The crash remains under investigation at this time.
The Delaware Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on July 27, 2024 at approximately 4:06 P.M. on Moore Road at SR 745 in Concord Township.
Courtney B. Frederick, age 47, of Ostrander Ohio, was operating a silver 2015 Dodge Durango northbound on SR 745. Christopher Frederick, age 53, along with children ages 7, 9, and 16 years of age were passengers in the Dodge Durango. Bugi
Jung, age 40, of Powell Ohio, was operating a 2025 black Honda Pilot eastbound on Moore Road. Limyoon Jung, age 41 and a 4-year-old male child were passengers in the Honda Pilot.
Mr. Jung failed to stop at the stop sign where it was struck by the Dodge Durango. The Honda Pilot then traveled off the eastbound side of SR 745 striking a mailbox, fire hydrant, tree and overturned. The Dodge Durango traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.
Mrs. Frederick and Mr. Frederick, along with the 16-year-old child were transported to Dublin Methodist Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 7- and 9-year-old children were transported to Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Lewis Center) and treated for minor injuries.
Mr. Jung and Mrs. Jung were transported to Riverside Methodist Hospital with serious injuries. The 4-year-old male child was transported to Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Lewis Center) where he succumbed to his injuries.
All occupants in the Honda Pilot were not wearing a safety belts or restraints at the time of the crash. All occupants in the Dodge Durango were wearing safety belts at the time of the crash.
The crash remains under investigation. Impairment and distractions are unknown at this time.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware County EMS and Concord Township Fire and EMS.
Pleasant Township – The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on July 26 at approximately 5:40 a.m. on State Route 53 near County Road 38 in Pleasant Township, Seneca County.
The preliminary investigation showed a 2011 Nissan Frontier, operated by Dylan E. Schiets, 20, Oak Harbor, was traveling southbound on State Route 53. Schiets traveled left of center and struck a northbound 2018 Ford Fusion, operated by John P. Lunsford, age 56, Bucyrus. After the collision, the Frontier came to rest off the west side of the roadway and the Fusion came to final rest on State Route 53.
John Lunsford suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash. Dylan Schiets sustained serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance to Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Old Fort Volunteer Fire Department, Seneca County EMS, Mercy Health Life Flight, Seneca County Coroner’s Office, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and Reinhart Auto Body.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—On Wednesday, July 24, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the following bill into law:
House Bill 214, sponsored by Representative Adam Holmes (R-Nashport), enacts the “Religious Expression Days” or “R.E.D.” Act to require each public school to adopt a policy that reasonably accommodates the sincerely held religious beliefs and practices of students; to require each public school to adopt a policy regarding certain expectations related to the performance of staff member professional duties.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the following bills into law:
Senate Bill 28, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), enters into the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, revises the law governing the certification and practice of medication aides, and remove residency conditions related to limited licenses to practice veterinary medicine.
Senate Bill 29, sponsored by State Senator Stephen Huffman (R-Tipp City), regarding educational records and student data privacy.
Senate Bill 40, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), enters into the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact and to address limitations imposed by health insurers on dental care services.
Senate Bill 94, sponsored by State Senators Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware) and Al Landis (R-Dover), makes various changes regarding recorded instruments, powers of attorney, judgment liens, mortgage subrogation, law enforcement towing laws, state stock banks, liquor control laws, motor vehicle sales and leases, designation of public depositories, community reinvestment areas, motor vehicle certificates of title, and higher education cost and aid disclosure forms; to provide for the electronic filing of pleadings or documents in courts of common pleas except a probate or juvenile court; in municipal courts, and in county courts, to permit an elected clerk to disburse funds for the computerization of the clerk’s office without the court’s authorization; to permit municipal and county courts to increase the maximum amount of their additional fees from ten dollars to twenty dollars to cover the computerization of the clerk’s office; to enact the “CAMPUS” Act regarding the prevention of harassment and intimidation at institutions of higher education; to establish campus safety and community programs; to provide additional funding to support responsibilities of the Chancellor of Higher Education related to educator preparation programs and the science of reading; and to make appropriations.
Senate Bill 98, sponsored by former State Senator Michael Rulli (R-Salem), addresses fraudulent business filings, deceptive mailings, reinstatement of canceled business entities, and addresses of statutory agents, and to make changes regarding property taxation, fire investigator firearms, acting or assigned judge reimbursements, common pleas clerk of court duties, recreational vehicle park and camp operation licenses, and state ballot numbering.
Senate Bill 112, sponsored by former State Senator Michael Rulli (R-Salem), requires school buildings to comply with national life safety standards and to name this act the Ohio Childhood Safety Act.
Senate Bill 156, sponsored by State Senators Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin) and Bob Hackett (R-London), revises the law governing the designation of wild, scenic, and recreational rivers and to revise boating law to encourage boating safety.
Senate Bill 168, sponsored by State Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester), amends Section 265.270 of H.B. 33 of the 135th General Assembly regarding primary, secondary, and higher education reform and notice requirements for certain reemployed retirants, to transfer cash from the General Revenue Fund to the High School Financial Literacy Fund.
Senate Bill 175, sponsored by State Senator George Lang (R-West Chester), amends sections of the Revised Code regarding insurance regulations and taxes.
Senate Bill 214, sponsored by State Senator Stephanie Kunze (R-Dublin), allows a victim of human trafficking to expunge certain criminal records.
Senate Bill 225, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), designates September 22 as Veterans Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day.
House Bill 56, sponsored by State Representatives Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) and Andrea White (R-Kettering), prohibits causing the death of or serious physical harm to another while operating a utility vehicle or mini-truck, to require law enforcement entities to train officers related to the pursuit of a motor vehicle, to increase penalties for fleeing from law enforcement and forms of stunt driving, and to make changes to the distribution of certain driving-related fees.
House Bill 147, sponsored by State Representatives Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula) and Adam Miller (D-Columbus), makes changes to the education law regarding teacher licensure, hiring, conduct, professional development stipends, interscholastic athletics, school-event ticket pricing, school funding calculations, special needs scholarship program service providers, background checks for private before and after school care program staff, and the High School Financial Literacy Fund.
House Bill 158, sponsored by State Representatives Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland), makes changes to the law governing the regulation of cosmetologists and barbers, to enter into the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, and to revise the law governing hospital police officer commissions
House Bill 179, sponsored by State Representatives Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) and Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), relative to vicarious liability in tort actions and to provide that the tolling of the limitations period during the defendant’s absence or concealment does not apply to statutes of repose.
House Bill 202, sponsored by State Representative Jim Thomas (R-Jackson Twp.), designates a portion of United States Route 62 in Canton as the “Specialist Dennis Alan Combs Memorial Highway.”
House Bill 226, sponsored by State Representatives Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana) and Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus), permits water-works companies to bear the costs for replacing certain customer-owned water service lines.
House Bill 251, sponsored by State Representative Gail Pavliga (R-Portage County), designates a portion of State Route 88 in Portage County as the “Patrolman James R. Wert Memorial Highway” and to update the name of an organization receiving contributions for the “ALS Awareness” license plate.
House Bill 301, sponsored by State Representative D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron), amends the Nonprofit Corporation Law, the law governing dissolving corporations, and the law governing the repair or replacement of a mausoleum or columbarium; to replace two part-time judgeships in the Ashtabula County County Court with one full-time judge, and to include the village of North Kingsville and Kingsville, Monroe, and Sheffield Townships within the territorial jurisdiction of the Conneaut Municipal Court; to expand the authority of a board of trustees of a political subdivision soldiers’ memorial; to modify the law governing public depositories; to establish a standing juvenile committee within the state criminal sentencing commission; to allow an immediate appeal of a court order restricting enforcement of state law; to allow a court to order parents to undergo conciliation with a magistrate in a custody proceeding; and to reiterate the effective date of judicial release and transitional control provisions enacted in S.B. 288 of the 134th General Assembly.
House Bill 466, sponsored by State Representatives Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) and Sean Brennan (D-Parma), requires a written agency agreement for a licensed broker to represent a buyer or seller in a real estate transaction.
Joe Lyons •
August 6, 2024
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost today announced a significant victory in the ongoing battle to ensure fair competition in the digital marketplace. A federal court has found that Google is a monopolist and has violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act by unlawfully maintaining its monopoly.
Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant J. Croston, said in a press release,
Pleasant Township – The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on July 26 at approximately 5:40 a.m. on State Route 53 near County Road 38 in Pleasant Township, Seneca County.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the following bills into law: