Five things to know for Monday, Oct. 13
Cleveland crime reduction initiative leads to arrests, recovered guns
Authorities made eight felony arrests, including the arrest of a 17-year-old man wanted in connection with a Sept. 7 mass shooting in the Cleveland Flats, and seized six “illegal firearms” as part of a special violent crime reduction initiative in Cleveland last week.
The arrest was made as part of a partnership between the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Cleveland Division of Police. This multi-agency operation was part of a sustained violent crime reduction initiative that Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and Democratic Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb launched in 2023.
DeWine issues two death row reprieves
The governor issued two reprieves of execution, citing the state’s ongoing trouble procuring the requisite drugs because of pharmaceutical suppliers’ unwillingness to supply them. The delay gives the inmates another three years on death row.
Antonio Franklin was scheduled to be executed on Feb. 11, 2026, and a new execution date was set for Feb. 15, 2029. James Trimble was scheduled to be executed on March 12, 2026, and a new execution date was set for March 14, 2029.
Bill aims to protect Ohioans who act in self-defense
Proposed legislation aims to ensure Ohioans are covered when acting in self-defense by requiring prosecutors to present ironclad evidence at an immunity hearing. House Bill 498, the Ohio Self Defense Act, would, in part, mandate courts to award attorneys’ fees and costs if immunity applies.
“Ohioans should never be placed in legal jeopardy simply for taking defensive action in the face of an imminent threat,” state Rep. Beth Lear, R-Galena, said in a release. “This bill ensures our citizens have the confidence to stand their ground without fear of unjust prosecution or financial devastation.”
Public unions form pro-public pensions coalition
A new coalition of six public sector unions, the Ohio Public Pension Coalition, has formed to fight for public pension plans.
The Ohio Federation of Teachers, the Ohio Education Association, the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, the Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, and the Ohio Association of Public School Employees make up the new coalition. The Ohio AFL-CIO and the National Public Pension Coalition are also involved.
GRF tax collections up
Ohio’s General Revenue Fund tax collections in September exceeded estimates by 12%, or $239.8 million, according to a new report from the Ohio Office of Budget and Management.
Personal income tax accounts for nearly one-half of the positive variance, and tax revenue in September increased by 8.3%, or $171.3 million, from last year. So far this year, total tax revenue exceeds the estimate by 4.3%, or $291.9 million, with the personal income tax accounting for 49% of the variance.
