Dave Yost

A federal appeals court upheld an Ohio law requiring parental consent for teens under 16 to access social media, allowing it to proceed after years of legal challenges. NetChoice, representing companies like YouTube and Meta, argued the law violated the First Amendment, but judges ruled the burden on speech was marginal. The decision split the court, with one judge dissenting over free speech concerns.

Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced Ohio should abolish the death penalty, citing evidence it does not deter violent crime. He has postponed executions due to pharmaceutical supplier issues and acknowledged a legislative repeal is unlikely. Other states like New Hampshire, Colorado, and Virginia have already abolished the death penalty.

Ohio State University settled with 279 victims of former doctor Richard Strauss for $100 million, ending most of an eight-year legal battle. Strauss, who sexually abused at least 177 male victims between 1979 and 1996, retired in 1998 and died in 2005. The university approved the settlement, with President Ravi Bellamkonda stating it is an important step forward.

Ohio and federal authorities announced indictments against nine individuals for allegedly defrauding the government of $42 million through Medicaid and COVID programs. The collaboration includes a new federal-state data-sharing system to combat fraud, with 49 home health providers suspended for billing irregularities. Political tensions arose as GOP legislators criticized Governor Mike DeWine for alleged oversight failures in Medicaid fraud.

Former FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling have been reindicted on state charges including bribery, conspiracy, and fraud. The case involves allegations of funneling millions through dark-money groups to influence Ohio elections and secure a $1.3 billion ratepayer bailout. A prior trial ended in a hung jury, and a retrial is scheduled for September.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced that two ex-FirstEnergy Corp. executives have been reindicted in a $60 million corruption scheme. The initial prosecutions ended in a mistrial earlier this year.

Ohio public school teachers unions advocate for increased funding amid budget cuts and lawsuits over private school vouchers. The Ohio Supreme Court overturned a public records ruling against Attorney General Dave Yost. County auditors urge lawmakers to pause new property tax reforms due to implementation challenges.

Columbus public safety leaders Tim Becker and Jeff Happ revealed they were molested by former Ohio State University doctor Richard Strauss. Strauss sexually abused patients for nearly two decades, with OSU settling with 317 victims and facing ongoing lawsuits. Attorney General Dave Yost seeks to dismiss some claims, while OSU claims to have provided settlements and support.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is expected to resign eight months before the end of his term due to ineligibility for reelection. His attempt to run for governor in 2026 failed to gain momentum after billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy entered the race with President Donald Trump's support. Yost's resignation is anticipated amidst these circumstances.