The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the racketeering convictions of imprisoned former Republican Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and ex-lobbyist Matt Borges in a $60 million bribery scheme. The court's ruling Monday leaves in place a decision made by the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Cincinnati last May. Householder’s lawyer suggested he’ll seek a presidential pardon. Householder is serving 20 years after he was convicted of masterminding a scheme funded by FirstEnergy Corp. to secure the speakership, pass a $1 billion nuclear plant bailout, then defend it from repeal. Borges, a former state Republican chairman, concludes his sentence in November.
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A man armed with guns and knives stormed the lobby outside the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner attended by President Donald Trump on Saturday night. The man charged toward the ballroom in a chaotic encounter with Secret Service agents as guests dived under tables at the sound of shots being fired Saturday night. The president was uninjured and was rushed off the stage. The armed man, who officials said was a guest at the Washington Hilton where the dinner was being held, was taken into custody and was expected in court Monday. Police believe he opened fire and acted alone but did not say who was his intended target or describe a motive.
Republicans plan big spending to keep Ohio's Senate seat. A bribery scandal adds to their challenges
A political bribery scandal in Ohio is shadowing Jon Husted this election year. The Republican senator has never been charged or accused of any crime, and he's said he wasn't aware of any criminal activity. But the case has created a record of Husted's dealings with key players indicted or imprisoned in a scandal that revolved around a billion dollar bailout for Ohio's two nuclear power plants. A retrial is scheduled to begin Sept. 28. That means the former lieutenant governor and Ohio secretary of state could be back on the witness stand a week before early voting begins in the Senate race. Husted is expected to face Democrat Sherrod Brown, a former senator.
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No lobbying or campaign finance rules apply to the push for a new city of Eastwood — leaving the identities of interest groups in the dark.
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Deputy Chief of Staff Keisha Dorsey filed two ethics complaints against the city on claims of a hostile work environment and systemic discrimination.
The Metro Council ordinance was meant to boost transparency. But citizens wanting to know who is trying to influence their government – and, more importantly, in which ways -- have been left largely in the dark.
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Councilmember Bill Hollander's ordinance filed Monday seeks to create transparency for lobbying at the council and executive agencies, such as the mayor's office.
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The laws address topics including concealed carry, free speech and pregnancy.