Ohio

Debate Intensifies as Ohio Battles Over Reinstatement of Pandemic Unemployment Benefits

by

Columbus, Ohio — In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio found itself at the center of a heated legal battle over the premature cessation of federal unemployment benefits. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, designed to aid workers typically ineligible for unemployment such as gig workers and freelancers, had been a crucial support system during the pandemic’s peak economic turmoil. Despite this, in 2021, the program was abruptly discontinued under the direction of Governor Mike DeWine and Attorney General Dave Yost, sparking widespread criticism and a lawsuit aimed to reinstate these vital payments. At … Read more

New Notary Laws in Ohio: Important Changes to Requirements and Fees Effective April 2023

by

Columbus, Ohio – For many Ohioans, utilizing a notary public has been a common procedure, whether finalizing the purchase of a home, setting up a trust, or securing powers of attorney. In a bid to streamline legal processes and address emerging questions, Ohio is implementing new notary laws effective April 3. These updates promise major clarifications and modifications affecting the qualifications and operations of notaries across the state. The forthcoming amendments make it clear that only Ohio residents and non-resident attorneys licensed in Ohio are eligible to apply for an Ohio notary commission. This move … Read more

Ohio Strengthens Laws Against Child Grooming as Controversial Ex-Priest Nears Release

by

Columbus, Ohio — Ohio’s new legislation aimed at intensifying penalties for sexual predators who groom children mirrors a pressing societal need for increased child protection. This commitment to safety coincides with the imminent release from prison of a former Cincinnati priest, Geoff Drew, originally incarcerated for sexually assaulting a young boy in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The law arrives at a critical juncture, just as Drew, whose 2021 guilty plea to rape charges shocked the community, had his request to avoid registering as a sex offender denied by a Hamilton County judge. This … Read more

Ohio Jury Orders Over $50 Million Payout in Major Medical Mutual Fraud Case

by

Cleveland, Ohio — In a significant courtroom victory, Medical Mutual of Ohio has been awarded over $50 million in damages following a lawsuit against a group of companies and individuals accused of defrauding the insurer through elaborate prescription schemes. The verdict, handed down by an Ohio jury this week, marks a substantial win for the health insurance company in their longstanding battle against insurance fraud. The case centers on allegations that several pharmacies, along with their owners, actively colluded to overcharge Medical Mutual for drugs by manipulating prescription data. According to court documents, these falsifications … Read more