As part of ongoing efforts to deter workplace safety violations in Ohio and around the country, federal agencies continue to make changes. In 2016, fines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will increase by 80 percent or more, and a Dec. 17 announcement from the Department of Justice may result in certain actions being prosecuted as felonies rather than misdemeanors.
Criminal OSHA prosecutions may ramp up
Affluenza teen's flight may mean harsher sentences for others
Many Ohioans are probably familiar with Ethan Couch, the Texas teenager who had a drunk driving accident in which four people were killed. In his case, the attorneys argued that he suffered from something they termed "affluenza" syndrome, a condition that is not recognized by psychologists.
DWI blood test laws to be reviewed by Supreme Court
Ohio residents may be interested in learning that the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear cases from Minnesota and North Dakota regarding blood testing in the absence of warrants. In those two states, refusing to submit to a blood test is grounds for a separate criminal offense.
DUI breath testing goes to Supreme Court
Ohio motorists may be interested in an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case concerning the use of breath tests in DUI stops. Media sources report that the nation's highest court is expected to rule on whether motorists may be charged with a crime for refusing to submit to breath testing in situations where police lack warrants.
U.S. alleges drug trafficking among Venezuelan military leaders
Much of the cocaine that reaches the streets of Ohio comes from South America, and a case against two Venezuelan military leaders is being prepared by prosecutors at the U.S. attorney's office in Brooklyn. A source close to the investigation revealed that the federal government will charge two generals in the Venezuelan national guard with conspiracy to traffic cocaine to the United States. One of the generals about to be charged even held a top position at Venezuela's National Anti-Drug Office at one time.
Mom attempting to establish parental rights for kids she raised
Ohio parents may sympathize with a Michigan woman who has been struggling to secure her rights as a parent after her former same-sex partner argued that she had no legal right to two children she helped raise. The partner, who gave birth to both kids after using donated sperm, and her attorney argued that the other woman had no rights to the children because she was not legally their parent.
Divorce and bankruptcy
In some cases, Ohio residents who are wanting to divorce also need to file for bankruptcy. Each action can pose several different issues, and it is important that people who are considering both understand whether they should file jointly or separately, as well as if it is a better idea to file for bankruptcy before or after filing for divorce.
Dealing with bullying in a divorce
Ohio couples may find that interaction becomes strained or even contentious during a divorce. In some cases, spouses may begin to demonstrate bullying characteristics even if they have never acted in this manner before. In other cases, bullying may worsen from a spouse who has a history of manipulative or dominating behaviors. Although women tend to be more affected by this issue, men can also be bullied during divorce proceedings. However, an awareness of the issue can help as an individual implements protective and preventive strategies.
The psychoative effects of marijuana
Many Ohio residents know that tetrahydrocannabinol, which is more commonly referred to as THC, is the constituent that provides marijuana with its psychoactive properties. However, they may not understand how this chemical interacts with the brain to produce these effects. Cannabinoid chemicals occur naturally in the body, and they use the nervous system to send messages between neurons. Because it is so similar to the body's natural endogenous cannabinoids, THC is able to attach to and activate the brain's cannabinoid receptors.
Former co-host of "The View" ordered to pay child support
Ohio residents who are fans of the popular television show "The View" may be interested to learn that former co-host Sherri Shepherd, who left the show in 2014, was recently ordered to pay child and spousal support to her ex-husband. Although Ms. Shepherd is famous for her staunch religious beliefs, she reportedly has refused to have anything to do with her son.
Ohio mom, boyfriend allegedly found passed out in car on heroin
According to law enforcement authorities with the Loveland Police Department, a couple in Loveland were allegedly found passed out in their car with two small children in the backseat on Nov. 23. Reportedly, the incident occurred in a Kroger's grocery store parking lot in the town.
