Governor DeWine Signs 20 New Laws in Ohio, Excludes Key Proposals on Sextortion and Parents’ Rights

COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a significant legislative push, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine finalized the signing of 20 bills on Thursday, concluding a busy session in the state legislature. This flurry of legislative activity came as lawmakers wrapped up their task during the lame duck session on Wednesday, racing to pass numerous bills before the year ends. While the governor sanctioned a wide array of legislation, two notable bills did not make the cut. These include ‘Braden’s Law,’ aimed at making sextortion a felony offense, and the ‘Parents’ Bill of Rights,’ which would mandate that school … Read more

Malaysia Proposes House Arrest Legislation to Tackle Prison Overcrowding, Excludes Former PM Najib Razak

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — In an effort to deal with high rates of repeat offenses and the issue of overcrowded prisons, Malaysia is considering the implementation of house arrest for certain categories of offenders. This move aims to create more humane and rehabilitative conditions for prisoners, while also freeing up much-needed space within the institutional facilities. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil addressed this legislative proposal in response to inquiries from the press. Speculation had arisen that the newly proposed house arrest laws might be specially tailored to benefit former Prime Minister Najib Razak, allowing him to … Read more

Russian Court Excludes Observers in High-Profile Extremism Trial of Navalny’s Legal Team

Moscow, Russia — In a significant legal development, a Russian court has prohibited public and media access to the trial of lawyers associated with Alexei Navalny, the imprisoned opposition leader. The legal team faces charges of extremism, which has drawn widespread criticism and raised concerns over judicial transparency. The decision to close the trial was confirmed by Mediazona, a local independent news outlet. This move is part of a broader crackdown on dissenting voices and opposition figures in Russia, marking a continued erosion of democratic norms under the current administration. Navalny’s lawyers, who have been … Read more

Judge Excludes Testimony of Deceased Witness in Brandon Crump Jr.’s Trial for Killing of Rowan Sweeney

Youngstown, Ohio – Testimony from a deceased witness to the killing of 4-year-old Rowan Sweeney will not be admitted as evidence in the upcoming trial of defendant Brandon Crump Jr., ruled Mahoning County Common Pleas Judge Anthony D’Apolito on Friday. The ruling came after attorneys in the case exchanged filings and made oral arguments before Judge D’Apolito. Crump’s attorney, Lou DeFabio, argued that the testimony given by the witness, Yarnell Green Jr., in 2021 was related to a different charge faced by Crump at the time, not the charges currently faced by Crump, which include … Read more