Since Roe v Wade was overturned last summer, abortion medication has been under fire as the abortion drug mifepristone is the subject of a federal lawsuit and some states are attempting to restrict access by threatening legal action against retail pharmacies and suppliers of the drug. (Adobe Stock).
An abortion drug remains legal in Ohio at the moment, but the legality of mifepristone hangs in the balance after a Texas federal judge suspended the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone last week.
Trump-appointed U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk stopped the FDA’s approval of mifepristone, the first in a two-drug regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol taken 24 to 48 hours apart to terminate a pregnancy. The FDA first approved the two-drug regimen in 2000.
“This is a very direct and targeted attack on a very specific drug for a very specific reason,”said Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio Public Policy Director Danielle Firsich.
Mifepristone was used for 9,891 abortions in Ohio in 2021, according to the Ohio Department of Health. The drug was used the most in Franklin County (2,806), Summit County (2,008), and Cuyahoga County (1,643).
Mifepristone and misoprostol
There is an alternative regimen for patients who wish to have a medication abortion that involves just the abortion drug misoprostol.
“It’s still a safe and effective regimen, it’s just not as patient-convenient or patient-centric as the current regimen,” said Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adarsh E. Krishen.
The mifepristone and misoprostol regimen gives patients more predictability with regard to when a pregnancy is going to end, he said.
“With the misoprostol regimen, there’s more variation in terms of the timing of when that pregnancy may end, as well as there’s prolonged bleeding after the use of the medication,” Krishen said. “If you are a person who needs to work or do other things in your life, it will be much more complicated and complex for you.”
With the misoprostol-only regimen, bleeding can last up to one to two weeks after taking the medication, the pain lasts longer, and patients tend to be more nauseous, Krishen said.
Bleeding stops within a few days, or sooner, with the mifepristone and misoprostol regimen, Krishen said.
Cramping occurs with both regimens, he said.
“If you are someone who is seeking abortion care or miscarriage … you will be able to continue to receive the same kind of care with the misoprostol only option,” Firsich said. “The only difference is the frustration, the chaos, and the confusion that decisions like these make.”
She said decisions like these make patients more hesitant to access abortion care and not understand the rights they have to care.
“It may make physicians more hesitant to provide certain types of care because they are afraid they may be doing something illegal or something they don’t have the authority to do now because of variations in state, local and federal laws,” Firsich said.
The Texas federal judge is not targeting misoprostol.
“(Misoprostol) has many other medical applications far outside of abortion care, so it would be very difficult to target misoprostol in the same way they are mifepristone,” Firsich said.
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
The United States Department of Justice filed an emergency stay motion with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and is asking the 5th Circuit to respond to its request for a stay by noon on Thursday. Kacsmaryk’s ruling would take effect Friday unless the 5th Circuit puts it on hold.
“This is notoriously the most conservative appellate court in the country,” Firsich said.
She believes this ruling will eventually go to the United States Supreme Court.
Within hours of the Texas ruling on Friday, U.S. District Judge Thomas Rice, ruled mifepristone should continue to be available in 17 states and the District of Columbia. Ohio is not one of those 17 states.
What Ohio lawmakers, Ohio Right to Life is saying
Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, condemned the Texas federal judge’s ruling.
“The FDA, a trusted federal agency, has determined it is safe for women to use this medication for their health care,” Russo said. “As lawmakers, we should ensure our policies reflect the expertise of trusted medical professionals.”
State Rep. Beth Liston, D-Dublin, said mifepristone has been proven safe and effective.
“A woman’s medical decisions should be left between herself and a medical professional. Not a judge in Texas,” said Liston, who has a medical degree.
State Rep. Anita Somani, D-Dublin, said maternal mortality will increase by taking away access to mifepristone.
“This ruling opens up the door to other medications like contraception becoming politicized and taken off the market. It is a dangerous precedent and hurts the FDA’s ability to do their job in a nonpolitical fashion,” said Somani, who is an OBGYN at OhioHealth.
Firsich shares those fears and said “this could lead to an incredible dangerous slippery slope.”
Ohio Right to Life is praising Kacsmaryk’s ruling.
“As a young woman carrying a child, I look forward to the day when such rulings are no longer necessary—declaring whether or not human life deserves to be protected,” Ohio Right to Life’s spokesperson Elizabeth Marbach said in a statement.
Abortion is currently legal in Ohio up to 22 weeks.
Cincinnati, Ohio – Flying Pig Marathon Weekend, one of the largest and most popular running events in the United States, has announced the addition of two new divisions for 2023: a 10K Handcycle Division and a Para Athlete Division. These new divisions will provide opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities to showcase their athletic abilities in a “supportive and inclusive” environment during Flying Pig Marathon Weekend, which is scheduled for May 5 through 7.
While planning to add these new divisions, the Flying Pig Marathon partnered with The Bridge Adaptive Sports and Recreation, a non profit dedicated to breaking down barriers to sport and recreation for people with disabilities in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Bridge has worked with the race to ensure the new divisions will be safe and accessible for all participants.
The Toyota 10K Handcycle Division will allow handcycle athletes to participate in a timed 10K race on Saturday, May 6th. Handcycles are specially designed bicycles powered by the user’s arms rather than their legs. The top three male and female 10K Handcycle division athletes will be recognized with awards.
The Para Athlete Division will offer opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities to participate. This division will include a range of events, including the 5K, 10K, and full and half marathons. The top three male and female Para Athletes in each event will receive an award.
“We are thrilled to add these new divisions to the Flying Pig Marathon Weekend,” said Iris Simpson Bush, CEO of the Flying Pig Marathon. “We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate, and we are excited to provide that opportunity to handcycle athletes and para athletes. We hope that these new divisions will inspire more people to get involved in our race experiences while making the Flying Pig Marathon Weekend even more diverse, inclusive and accessible.”
Registration for the 2023 Flying Pig Marathon Weekend is open, and athletes interested in participating in the new 10K Handcycle Division and Para Athlete Division can sign up by reaching out to registration@flyingpigmarathon.com
What is the Bridge?
We are a diverse group of professionals who envision a community where people, regardless of ability, can fully participate in competitive and leisure activities.
Our mission is to increase awareness and promote opportunities for individuals to participate in adaptive sports and recreation in order to improve their quality of life.
Understanding the challenges to doing this alone, we are bringing together the community to share, collaborate, create and redefine adaptive sport opportunities as we know them.
We are bridging the gap from clinic to community by connecting people with disabilities to adaptive equipment & existing adaptive sports programs – and by creating what does not yet exist. Learn more…
The Flying Pig PigAbilities is a movement for inclusion that supports our families and friends who live with disabilities. Our one-mile event is designed for participants (and supporters of participants) to run, walk or roll at their own pace so they can cross the official Flying Pig Marathon Finish Swine, just like everyone else.
When the new ChatGPT was released to the public a couple weeks ago, I decided to try it out. To test its accuracy, I queried it on facts I knew. At least I thought I knew about my own life.
Turns out the Artificial Intelligence bot came from a different universe. It did seem to know I existed, and that I had been − or was still − on the Ohio First District Appellate Court. But the dates it gave varied widely.
The first time I asked about Judge Mark P. Painter I received this answer:
“Judge Mark P. Painter was a distinguished lawyer and judge from Cincinnati, Ohio. He served as a judge on the Ohio First District Court of Appeals from 1995 to 2009, and was appointed to the United Nations Appeals Tribunal in 2009, serving until 2013. During his time on the bench, Judge Painter authored over 800 judicial opinions and was highly regarded for his expertise in judicial ethics and reform. After retiring from the bench, he continued to write and speak about legal issues and mentored many lawyers and judges. Judge Painter passed away on March 5, 2019.”
Just like Twain (and later Tom Wolfe), the death report is somewhat exaggerated. Other parts are slightly inaccurate, except the complimentary ones. I tried again the next day, and asked for a longer bio. This is it, with factual corrections:
“Growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, Judge Painter graduated with honors from Elder High School in 1966 [Sycamore ‘65] having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout [Not]. He proceeded to the University of Cincinnati where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969 [‘70], and his Juris Doctorate in 1971 [‘73]. He began his law career working for a prestigious Cincinnati firm, but it was his subsequent service in the public sector that defined his later career path.
In 1975, Judge Painter was appointed to the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas [Not, would have been 28] where he built a strong reputation as a competent and steady adjudicator. He served with distinction on the court until 1983, when he was elected to the Cincinnati City Council [Not]. He was re-elected to the council four years later before taking a position as a Hamilton County Commissioner in 1992, where he served with distinction until 1996 [Not, Not].
In 1997, Judge Painter returned to the legal profession and worked as an attorney at Bricker & Eckler LLP [Not], specializing in government law and business-related cases. He then moved to Keating Muething & Klekamp LLP [Not] in 2001 and was made partner in 2004.
Judge Painter was tapped by Governor John Kasich to join the Ohio First District Court of Appeals in 2013 [Not,; elected in 1994]. As an appellate judge, Painter is a respected member of the court and an innovator when it comes to legal decisions. He has a developed a reputation for efficiently resolving complex motions, rendering decisions fairly and expediently, and on the occasions when the court is split in its opinion, his thoughtful analysis and judicious reasoning often proves to be the tipping point.
. . . [Four more Nots]
Outside of his professional life, Judge Painter enjoys music, playing the organ, baseball, fishing, and golf [None]. He and his wife are the proud parents of two adult children who are both lawyers [Not].
Mark Painter is an esteemed trailblazer and respected member of the legal system. His unwavering dedication to justice, fairness, and the rule of law have made him an indispensable member of the Ohio First District Court of Appeals and a figure of admiration and veneration for the legal community.“
It also said that I was married to a person I never heard of. But Sue Ann Painter has been my only wife, and we have been married 37 years. It also told me my parents were people it apparently made up, as I could find no mention of them anywhere else, as with my four non-existent siblings (I have one).
My Parents were John Phillip (Phil) Painter, a WWII veteran and plasterer (later contractor) and Marg Painter, a homemaker. But ChatGPT has given me at least two different sets, neither of them my real parents. This is one set:
“Doris Mae (Rix) Painter and Curtis Earl Painter are the parents of Judge Mark P. Painter, a respected judge on the 1st District of Ohio Court of Appeals. Doris Mae (Rix) Painter was a homemaker and Curtis Earl Painter was a U.S. Highway Inspector. They were both born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and were married in 1950.“
My parents were married in 1941. I was a Boomer (born 1947) after my dad came back from the war.
Am I living in a parallel universe? I couldn’t find any link to these other people. No one named Painter was on City Council, the County Commission, or either law firm those dates − or probably ever. But in the AI universe all that happened.
After all the above, I tried once more:
“Judge Mark P Painter of Cincinnati, Ohio was a United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio from 1997 to 2016. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1983 and was a senior partner in the Cincinnati law firm of Jardine, Logan & O’Brien LLP prior to his appointment to the federal court.“
Even weirder universe. I did graduate from UC Law, but in 1973. Never been a federal judge. And I had never heard of that law firm, but it does exist. In Lake Elmo, Minnesota.
Despite all the totally bogus segments, ChatGPT evidently likes me. Many of the words were just heaping general praise. It even made up many non-existent awards that I allegedly earned. Maybe it’s nice to everyone. To check that theory, I asked it to write short bios of the two worst judges that I knew. Both came back as having “served with distinction.”
So it must be designed for flattery rather than accuracy.
_________________________________
Mark P. Painter served as a judge for 30 years. He is the author of six books including “Write Well” and “The Legal Writer.”
The Avon-Miami Masonic Lodge is having an Earth Day Rescue Event and Open House on April 22nd at their location on 11665 North Lebanon Rd. They will be hosting several other organizations from 10 AM until noon.
The Loveland-Symmes Fire Department will be there giving tours of a firetruck and ambulance, as well as teaching how to apply tourniquets & give AED Defibrillator demos.
Paws For Miles, a local animal rescue based out of Loveland, will also be there having a dog adoption event.
Avon-Miami Charities will be there having an electronics recycling event.
The theme is to not just help the planet on Earth Day but also help people and pets. Here is the link to the Facebook post about the event:
Loveland, Ohio – TheGreater CincinnatiTri–Statechapter of the American Red Cross is seeking volunteers for its 2023 Sound the Alarm campaign taking place throughout April.
Volunteers needed to install FREE smoke alarms in homes
Sound the Alarm is part of the larger Red Cross Home Fire Campaign which aims to reduce home fire deaths and injuries by providing disaster preparedness information, home fire safety instruction,and the installation of FREE smoke alarms. Since the program’s inception in 2014, more than 36,000families in Central & Southern Ohio have been made safer throughthe Red CrossHome Fire Campaign.Of theapproximately62,000 disasters the Red Cross responds toacross the countryevery year, more than 90 percent are home fires.
There are two types of volunteer opportunitiesavailable in theCincinnatiarea:
1. Volunteers are being sought to go into designated neighborhoods and leave behind informational door hangers,alerting residents that the Red Cross will soon be in the area to install free smoke alarms. 2. Volunteers are needed to install FREE smoke alarms inarea homes.
Volunteerswho sign up to participate wouldbe working with other Red Cross volunteersand staff,and members oflocal fire departments.
“Just One Day of Your Life Can Change Someone Else’s Forever”
Sound the Alarm volunteeropportunities intheCincinnatiarea: Anyone interested involunteering shouldgo to redcross.org/Cincinnatiand click on the Sound the Alarm information box on the home page.
April 7, 2023 Distribution of informational door hangers Green Acres MobileHomePark 6074 Deerfield Rd, Loveland
April 10, 2023 Smoke Alarm installation event Green Acres MobileHomePark 6074 Deerfield Rd, Loveland
April 11, 2023 Distribution of informational door hangers Mount Airy neighborhood 6121 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati
April 14, 2023 Distribution of informational door hangers Goshen area 1785 State Route 28,Goshen
April 15, 2023 Smoke Alarm installation event Mount Airy neighborhood 6121 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati April 17, 2023 Smoke Alarm installationevent 1785 State Route 28,Goshen
April 18, 2023 Distribution of informational doorhangers Alexandria, KY neighborhoods 7951 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria, KY
April 21, 2023 Distribution of informational door hangers 1560 Bethel New Richmond Rd. New Richmond, OH 45157
April 22, 2023 Smoke Alarminstallation event Alexandria, KY neighborhoods 7951 Alexandria Pike,Alexandria, KY
April 24, 2023 Smoke Alarm installation event 1560 Bethel New Richmond Rd. New Richmond, OH 45157
Residents in need of FREE state–of–the–artsmoke alarms can call the Red Cross hotline to make an installation appointment 844–207–4509.
Jarrod Arencibia has had a passion for videography since the first time he used his grandfather’s camera at the age of 14. Now, nearly 25 years later, his passion has flourished into a self-owned business, Real Life Productions, with successes including being published on the National Weather Channel and at a national conference.
Though Jarrod’s journey is paved with ups and downs, his own resiliency and network of support have helped him achieve the success he enjoys today.
Jarrod’s passion for the camera began in 1998, when he started using his grandfather’s camera. “I loved how I could create a story through the lens and share what I captured with the viewers,” Jarrod said. Around that time, Jarrod watched an action documentary series on The Learning Channel that catapulted his love for the “moving camera.”
“I learned that I liked the constant movement of capturing something on camera, then I met Bill Ross and Keith Banner through Visionaries and Voices while I was working in fast food and they allowed me to use their equipment to film Art Walks and interview people,” Jarrod said. Visionaries and Voices is an inclusive arts organization that provides creative, professional, and educational opportunities for adults with disabilities. Jarrod said that without the help of Visionaries and Voices he would have not been able to gain the experience he had interviewing people and working with high-quality cameras.
Jarrod continued to grow his network of support and ultimately, that growing network led to the idea of building his own media business.
“I met Christian Applebee who did a documentary about Visionaries and Voices in 2007 and I told Christian that I would love to do what he does and film behind the scenes,” Jarrod said. “Christian took that to heart and became a mentor and then in 2009 we completed a documentary showcasing people with special needs across the state called Film Outside the Lines.”
Jarrod felt as though he was finally achieving his dreams of being a videographer. More importantly, Jarrod got the opportunity to work with commercial camera equipment for the first time.
“While filming the documentary I got to work with the HVX 200 and DVX 100,” Jarrod said. “Keeping up with the latest equipment is really important to me because I always want to challenge myself and learn new things.”
“I started working with Jarrod as part of a grant through the State of Ohio, Griffin and Hamis,” Carol said. “The objective was to take individuals who were struggling to find a clear career direction. Jarrod selected me to be his provider, and from there Jarrod then asked me to work with him on his contract with Media Bridges.”
Media Bridges, was a non-profit community media center that provided the education, equipment and environment for people to communicate effectively through media. The media center also offered classes in media production and literacy, access to a library media tools and equipment, and more.
When Jarrod obtained his first paid employment opportunity with Media Bridges, he became hyper focused on what it took to be self-employed. Unfortunately, in 2011, Jarrod was hit with an obstacle.
“When the budget was cut for Media Bridges, Jarrod was laid off,” Carol said. “I knew it was going to hit him hard, so I helped him with a video project where we filmed others who were self-employed across the state. The focus of the film was on their achievements and struggles and as a result of the film, Jarrod was featured at the National Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Conference!”
“It was hard to overcome being laid off, but I picked myself back up and found employment opportunities,” Jarrod said. “Carol and I completed a documentary where we went around the state of Ohio and interviewed business owners with disabilities. I also got a chance to film a Christmas Parade. I will admit I struggled and lost motivation, but I knew I had to pick himself back up again. When one door closed for me, me and my team always found a way to open another door.”
As Jarrod gained more videography experience, he started to take on more “action film” projects. Jarrod became highly invested in storm chasing and to his surprise one of his videos and photos was featured on the National Weather Channel! With that national recognition, Jarrod’s confidence with the camera skyrocketed. He began filming interviews with people at community festivals and eventually one of his videos was purchased by the City of Blue Ash.
“I found that I really enjoyed going out in the community and talking to people,” Jarrod said. “I like that my videos help educate people. For example, I did a video on Yellow Springs, Ohio and after people watched it, they said they wanted to live there! I also did a feature video about Northern Kentucky University and one guy that watched my video said he wanted to attend NKU just after seeing my video! Seeing proof of people learning inspired me to create more videos.”
One project that was particularly important to Jarrod was filming interviews of people from Cuba about life in a communist society. “Jarrod’s father is from Cuba so interviewing and sharing the stories was an important milestone for him,” Carol said.
Carol shared that an important distinction for Jarrod is that videoing is a business, not a hobby. “What Jarrod does is paid work,” she said. “Working with Jarrod is fun, and always changing. His video career has really taken off! He was even scheduled to do a video in Vegas! He is a professional. He has achieved so much and done amazing things over the time we have known each other.”
Today, Jarrod has his own YouTube Channel called “Real Life Action TV” where he features all his company’s, Real-Life Productions, video projects. Jarrod’s YouTube Channel has 947 subscribers and 544 videos.
“I hope to continue to create content on YouTube and maintain a relationship with the Network Society so that I can educate the next generation about videography,” Jarrod said. “Right now, I’m working with a group of children in Mason called ‘The Hang Out Group’ where I teach them how to use video equipment and the ins and outs of videography. What I achieved just proves if you work hard opportunities will flourish. Things don’t just come to you; you have to work for them!”
Jarrod teaching a class on videography at “The Hangout Group” in Mason, Ohio
Jarrod and Individual Employment Support Coach, Barbara Danielson – “Jarrod has always been a glass half full kind of guy!”
Jarrod and BCBDD Employment Services Coordinator, Beth Risner – “The role that everyone plays does matter and it takes a village for everyone, not one person can be successful alone, we all need support. Jarrod is an inspiration to others to never give up even if something seems impossible, never give up on your dreams.”
Watch Jarrod’s Video About Yellow Springs, OhioWatch Jarrod’s Video About Blue Ash, OhioWatch Jarrod’s Video About Miami University
Cassie Mattia is the President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine and a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland. She is the Public Relations Coordinator at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Cassie was awarded the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance 2021 Young Business Professional of the Year. Cassie is very active in the Loveland community and will often be seen helping plan and volunteering at the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance and City of Loveland events. Cassie also enjoys supporting the local restaurants and businesses in Loveland as well as making guest barista appearances at Mile42 Coffee. To see what Cassie is up to follow her on Facebook and Instagram!
Just Taxes and Accounting Plus is a locally owned and operated company that prepares individual and business tax returns. We also offer bookkeeping and small business consulting. We serve business owners, executives, and independent professionals. Our rates are affordable, and our associates are experienced and friendly. If you are looking for the perfect blend of personal service and expertise, you have come to the right place!
Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Tuesday to 34 New York state felony offenses related to what prosecutors say were hush money payments to an adult film star.
In a brief but historic appearance in a Manhattan trial court, Trump, the first former president to face criminal prosecution, learned he was charged with falsifying business records 34 times from February to December 2017.
Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, paid Stormy Daniels, a porn actor who said she had a sexual relationship with Trump, $130,000 in exchange for her silence about the supposed relationship during the 2016 presidential race, according to a 16-page indictment and attached statement of facts that were unsealed Tuesday.
Trump then repaid Cohen in 34 payments over the course of 2017, but described them in Trump Organization records as payments for legal services, meant to cover up the payment to Daniels, prosecutors said.
Trump, a Republican candidate for president in 2024, denies having an affair with Daniels.
“These are crimes in New York no matter who you are,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said following the arraignment.
“Everyone stands equal before the law,” he added. “No amount of money and no amount of power changes that enduring American principle.”
Responding to a question asking why Bragg brought charges after his predecessor and federal prosecutors declined to do so, Bragg said his office had new evidence that wasn’t available to the prior district attorney and that New York state, as the “business capital of the world,” had a particular interest in prosecuting business fraud cases.
Trump has accused Bragg of being motivated by politics.
Just before arriving at the arraignment, Trump posted to his social media site, Truth Social.
“Heading to Lower Manhattan, the Courthouse” he wrote. “Seems so SURREAL — WOW, they are going to ARREST ME. Can’t believe this is happening in America. MAGA!”
Trump left the courthouse without commenting but is scheduled to speak later Tuesday at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Payments covered up campaign crime, DA says
Cohen’s payments to Daniels in 2016 exceeded campaign contribution limits — and because they were meant to boost Trump’s White House bid, should be considered campaign funds, Bragg said. The records of Trump’s payments to Cohen therefore were meant to conceal a crime, making the false business records criminal.
“He could not simply say that the payments were a reimbursement for Mr. Cohen’s payments to Stormy Daniels,” Bragg said. “To do so, to make that true statement, would have been to admit a crime. So instead, Mr. Trump’s said he paid Mr. Cohen for fictitious legal services in 2017 to cover up actual crime committed the prior year.”
The indictment said the false business record was done “with intent to defraud and intent to commit another crime and aid and conceal the commission thereof.”
The payment to Daniels was part of a pattern Trump’s 2016 campaign employed to suppress stories about alleged Trump affairs, according to prosecutors’ statement of facts.
A longtime confidante of Trump, Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to campaign finance and fraud charges. He also pleaded guilty to lying to Congress.
He has said his crimes were in service of Trump’s 2016 campaign and has cooperated with authorities.
House Republicans attack DA
Bragg and U.S. House Republicans have publicly quarreled over the case, with the Republican chairs of the House Judiciary, Oversight & Accountability and Administration committees accusing Bragg of conducting a politically motivated prosecution.
Ohio U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan stands with dozens of people calling for stopping the vote count in Pennsylvania on November 05, 2020 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan of Ohio and Oversight & Accountability Chair James Comer of Kentucky said in a Tuesday statement that Judge Juan Merchan should not impose an order on Trump not to speak about the case.
“To put any restrictions on the ability of President Trump to discuss his mistreatment at the hands of this politically motivated prosecutor would only further demonstrate the weaponization of the New York justice system,” they said.
“To even contemplate stifling the speech of the former commander in chief and current candidate for President is at odds with everything America stands for.”
Merchan did not issue a gag order Tuesday.
Jordan, Comer and House Administration Chair Bryan Steil of Wisconsin wrote to Bragg last month calling his prosecution politically motivated and demanding documents.
Greene headlines muted protest
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia traveled to New York City for a Tuesday morning rally in support of Trump across the street from the Manhattan Courthouse.
According to videos and photos posted to Twitter, the Georgia Republican spoke for roughly 10 minutes through a bullhorn as supporters and journalists surrounded her, but counter-protesters largely muffled her comments with drums and whistles.
New York Republican Rep. George Santos, who is under several legal and ethical investigations, made a brief appearance in the crowd prior to Greene’s comments, according to news media reports.
Greene wrote on Twitter hours before the rally that protesters were “coming to commit assault that can cause audible damage to everyone’s ears including NYPD.”
She wrote that protesters’ behavior should be considered “disorderly conduct” and that the “@NYCMayor better direct NYPD to lock these people up.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a Monday press conference that Greene should be on her “best behavior” during her visit.
In a “60 Minutes” interview that aired over the weekend, Greene defended her support for Trump and said other Republicans — including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and former House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin — “failed.”
Greene, a well-known 2020 election denier, sits on the House Committee on Oversight & Accountability and the Committee on Homeland Security.
Greene’s rally was presented in conjunction with the New York Young Republicans Club, which released a statement on March 30 that read in part: “President Trump embodies the American people — our psyche from id to super-ego — as does no other figure; his soul is totally bonded with our core values and emotions, and he is our total and indisputable champion. This tremendous connection threatens the established order.”
Apart from Greene’s appearance in New York, major pro-Trump protests appeared limited across the country Tuesday. The U.S. Capitol remained calm.
Democrats call for fair trial
Reaction from other political figures split along party lines, with several Republicans alleging political bias in the criminal process and Democrats saying the case should play out.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to comment on Trump’s indictment.
“I’m just not going to speak to this case. I’m not going to go beyond what the president shared with all of you,” she said during the daily press briefing.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York released a statement following Trump’s surrender.
“I believe that Mr. Trump will have a fair trial that follows the facts and the law,” Schumer said in the statement. “There’s no place in our justice system for any outside influence or intimidation in the legal process. As the trial proceeds, protest is an American right but all protests must be peaceful.”
House Judiciary ranking member Jerrold Nadler of New York said the indictment appeared well-reasoned and urged Republicans not to interfere with the judicial process.
“This matter will play out in the New York criminal justice system, no matter how MAGA Republicans try to obstruct the process,” he said. “In a desperate attempt to protect Mr. Trump, the most extreme House Republicans are already trying to bully the law enforcement officers involved. I do not know how this case will be decided, but I do know that DA Bragg will not be deterred or intimidated by the political stunts Jim Jordan and (U.S. House Speaker) Kevin McCarthy throw at him.”
House GOP leaders defend Trump
Republicans in Congress posted messages on Twitter criticizing the indictment.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, a Minnesota Republican, tweeted Tuesday was “a historic low for our nation.”
“The Democrat Party has proven there is nothing they won’t do to hold onto power — even if it means weaponizing our justice system to target a political opponent,” Emmer wrote.
Fourth-ranking House Republican Elise Stefanik of New York posted to Twitter: “I stand with President Trump.”
“Another dark day in our nation’s history. The Far Left will stop at nothing to punish Joe Biden’s number one political opponent Donald Trump,” Stefanik tweeted about a half hour later.
House Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania blamed the indictment on the “extreme left.”
“The Left’s weaponization of our criminal justice system for their own benefit is truly un-American,” he wrote on Twitter.
Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn said the “indictment is a gross abuse of power by a Democrat DA to get an outcome that the left has wanted for years.”
Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney began his statement by saying that he believes Trump’s “character and conduct make him unfit for office.”
“Even so, I believe the New York prosecutor has stretched to reach felony criminal charges in order to fit a political agenda,” he continued.
Other Republican members of Congress, however, were not focused solely on Trump.
Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin tweeted photos of a visit to Guymon, saying it was the first stop on his statewide tour.
“We discussed the ongoing drought, inflation, and the existential threat of communist China. Thanks to Mayor Kim Peterson for hosting us!” Mullin wrote.
Georgia Rep. Rich McCormick tweeted a photo of himself shaking hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as part of a congressional delegation to the country.
“I was able to ask questions AND witness firsthand the accountability of equipment and impact that our assistance is having,” McCormick wrote. “I will continue to fight to hold the Biden Administration accountable for doing the right things and for doing things right.”
Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts shared photos of a meeting with the Columbus Rotary in the afternoon after congratulating Finland for joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization earlier in the day.
“We heard firsthand about Finland’s highly capable military during my recent official visit. They’ll be a critical asset to the trans-Atlantic Alliance in the face of Russian aggression,” Ricketts wrote.
Other charges possibly looming
As he readies for another White House run, Trump faces other criminal investigations.
The U.S. Justice Department is investigating his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol after the congressional committee tasked with probing the causes of the insurrection made a criminal referral to the department.
Federal authorities are also investigating Trump’s handling of classified documents after his presidency. FBI agents retrieved boxes of classified material Trump took from the White House to his South Florida residence when he left office.
And a Georgia grand jury is looking into potential election interference from Trump during his reelection campaign in 2020. Trump was taped shortly after Election Day 2020 asking the Georgia secretary of state to “find” enough votes to overturn the state’s election results in his favor.
___________________________
JACOB FISCHLER
Jacob covers federal policy as a senior reporter for States Newsroom. Based in Oregon, he focuses on Western issues. His coverage areas include climate, energy development, public lands and infrastructure.
Jennifer covers the nation’s capital as a senior reporter for States Newsroom. Her coverage areas include congressional policy, politics and legal challenges with a focus on health care, unemployment, housing and aid to families.
Loveland and Symmes Township, Ohio – From the moment the report of a missing child comes in, to the resolution of the case, every action taken has the potential to make the difference between a successful recovery and a tragic outcome.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) developed the Missing Kids Readiness Program to promote best practices for responding to calls of missing, abducted, and sexually exploited children. Emergency communications centers and law enforcement agencies are recognized for meeting essential training and policy elements demonstrating preparedness for responding to a missing child incident.
To meet the requirements of the Program, the Northeast Communications Center (NECC) located at the Loveland Safety Center on Lebanon Road worked with NCMEC on their missing child policy to ensure it met the critical elements of the model policy for emergency communications centers. In addition, Aaron Burg, Captain of Communications, completed the required agency administrator training and ensured all Dispatchers and Training Officers completed their required training.
“By demonstrating remarkable leadership, and making this commitment of training and preparedness, NECC is communications to its citizens and families that protecting the lives and safety of their children is a top priority,” said Symmes Township in their Spring newsletter.
Armed with the information, knowledge, and operational resources gained through meeting the program criteria, NECC is positioned to respond more quickly, comprehensively, and effectively when a child’s life or safety may be at stake.
NECC becomes the 8th emergency communications center in the State of Ohio and the 2nd in the Greater Cincinnati region to become a member in the Missing Kids Readiness Program.
To learn more about NCMEC and the Missing Kids Readiness Program, click here.
To see the full listing of all MKRP recognized agencies, click here.
Learn more about the Northeast Communications Center (NECC) located at the Loveland Safety Center on Lebanon Road. Since 1999, the Northeast Communications Center has been providing 911 service, emergency, and non-emergency dispatching for the City of Loveland and Hamilton County District 3.
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will issue refunds to nearly 2,000 disabled veterans who were wrongly charged for specialty license plates.
The BMV recently realized it did not implement a change in Ohio law that went into effect in October 2019 that allows certain disabled veterans to receive up to two free disabled veteran license plates/military license plates, the BMV said in a release Thursday.
The average refund will be $60, although the exact amount of each refund will vary based on local fees and taxes.
“The BMV deeply regrets this error,” Charlie Norman, Ohio BMV Registrar, said in a news release. “We are undertaking an internal review to determine why the legislative change wasn’t adopted in a timely manner to ensure that this will not happen in the future.”
The BMV will be contacting all veterans who were improperly charged and refunds will be processed within the next month. The BMV is implementing a “processing change” so veterans who qualify for free disabled and military license plates are not charged in the future.
The law applied to veterans with a service-connected disability who are declared 100% disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and does not apply to personalized specialty disabled/military license plates.
MEGAN HENRY
by Mark P. Painter
Loveland, Ohio – 
Cassie Mattia is the President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine and a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland. She is the Public Relations Coordinator at the 
