Gov. John Kasich didn't make anyone wait long to find out what he'd do with some of the most controversial bills presented to him after the lame duck session of the legislature. He signed a 20 week abortion ban, and vetoed the so-called "Heartbeat Bill" provision of a child abuse bill. The chief backer of the "Heartbeat Bill", Janet Folger Porter, says the fight isn't over. But while they were pleased about the veto, abortion rights advocates were upset he signed the 20-week ban.
Among the other bills that passed in the lame duck session is an opiate addiction initiative that requires pharmacy technicians to register and get background checks and it expands access to naloxone, the overdose reversing drug, and caps how long a prescription supply can last. But a measure banning post-election lame duck sessions, which are allowed in only seven states, died before coming to a vote.
The state parole board has voted to recommend to Gov. Kasich that Ronald Phillips of Akron be put to death for the rape and murder of his girlfriend’s 3 year old daughter Sheila Marie Evans in 1993. Kasich could still commute Phillips’ sentence to life in prison.
The words "Godspeed, John Glenn" launched the Ohio born pilot into orbit, and into legend. He's being remembered as a giant of aviation, space exploration and politics, while remaining a down-to-earth hometown hero to many Ohioans. Glenn was 95. He’s survived by his two children and his wife Annie, who appeared with him at many public events. They were married for 73 years.
Among those honoring John Glenn with memories of the man he was are people who knew him well: his former communications director and chief of staff Dale Butland, former Cleveland Plain Dealer editorial director Brent Larkin, former Plain Dealer reporter Sandy Theis, Ohio State political science professor emeritus Herb Asher, and Attorney General Mike DeWine - who ran and lost to Glenn in 1992.