Changes to immigration program for domestic violence victims impede safety, advocates say
Trump administration tightened VAWA rules in December, requiring stricter proof of marriage and abuse, leaving survivors with limited documentation at risk.
Criminal Justice
Police use of artificial intelligence grows as rules lag behind
Civil liberties advocates warn AI tools could amplify surveillance and introduce hidden biases, even as most states lack consistent regulations on police use of the technology.
Women’s prison population, correctional costs projected to grow through 2035
Women prisoners cost 25-75% more to incarcerate than men, with national spending projected to jump from $23-26 billion to $30-34 billion by 2035.
Ohio governor grants mercy to man on death row for first time
DeWine's first death row commutation in eight years came weeks before he called for abolishing capital punishment, citing the victim's family's faith and repeated execution delays.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine calls on lawmakers to get rid of the state’s death penalty
House Speaker Matt Huffman says he disagrees, and Senate President Rob McColley doubts Republicans have the votes, as DeWine leaves office term-limited with 113 inmates on death row.
More on Criminal Justice
New investigation says group linked to Jim Jordan got $250K from private prison company
The $250,000 donation came to light only by accident, 11 days after Jordan voted for a bill that would dramatically expand ICE detention.
Another lawsuit filed over treatment of ICE detainee at Ohio jail
An Ecuadoran detainee alleges a Butler County jailer punched him so hard he was hospitalized, part of a pattern advocates say extends to other immigration detainees at the jail.
Ohio attorney general candidates push for non-partisan leader in office
Two Democrats and one Republican are running for Ohio attorney general in 2026, each emphasizing legal experience and accountability as defining themes of their campaigns.
Report: Ohio exonerates 1 death row inmate for every 5 it executes
A new report from Ohioans to Stop Executions documents 12 death row exonerations, widespread official misconduct, and 30 pending executions — several involving active innocence claims.
A new law will soon require Ohio correctional facilities to provide free menstrual products
Starting March 20, Ohio correctional facilities must provide free menstrual products to incarcerated women under new law signed by Gov. DeWine after years of advocacy.
Bill requiring Ohio correctional facilities provide free tampons and pads goes to Gov. DeWine’s desk
Ohio lawmakers approved a bipartisan bill guaranteeing free menstrual products and improved hygiene access for incarcerated women, aiming to ensure dignity and consistent treatment in correctional facilities.
