By April Rodgers Content Coordinator | FreeWire Magazine
Here’s a look at what happened across Ohio this week—from courtrooms to storm shelters to a haunted prison buzzing with ghost hunters.
Cleveland Hosts Democracy Day
Cleveland's Democracy Day gave residents the mic on Monday May 12, with passionate testimony about everything from campaign finance reform to concerns over corporate influence. The event, held every two years, aims to spotlight the growing disconnect many feel between everyday people and the power players running the country. While it wasn’t a massive crowd, the voices were loud and clear: voters want more say—and less pay-to-play.
Storm Sirens and Tornado Warnings
Ohio got a serious taste of severe weather midweek as tornado watches turned into touchdowns. While states to the south saw the worst destruction, communities here were rattled by strong winds, uprooted trees, and scattered power outages. Emergency crews were on standby, and thankfully, Ohio escaped the deadliest outcomes seen in neighboring areas. Still, cleanup is underway in several counties.
Veteran Cleveland Weatherman Suddenly Out
Longtime Cleveland meteorologist Mark Johnson is no longer delivering the forecast for News 5. The station announced his departure with no fanfare—and no explanation. Johnson had been a fixture in northeast Ohio homes for over three decades. His sudden exit sparked plenty of speculation online, but so far, both sides are staying quiet.
OSU Women’s Basketball Coach Arrested for OVI
Bodycam footage released this week shed new light on the arrest of Ohio State women’s basketball coach Kevin McGuff. Officers responded to reports of a vehicle on a residential lawn. What they found: McGuff, reportedly glassy-eyed and unsteady, insisting he was just tired. Field sobriety tests told a different story. He’s facing an OVI charge, and while the university hasn’t made any final decisions, the situation is being reviewed closely.
Ghosts, Gadgets, and Ghost Hunters at ParaPsyCon VI
The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield played host to ParaPsyCon VI this weekend—and the spirits weren’t the only ones stirring. Paranormal teams, psychic mediums, Bigfoot believers, and UFO enthusiasts packed the prison for a three-day event that mixed spine-chilling stories with scientific tools and spiritual exploration. Proceeds from the convention support preservation efforts at the famously haunted facility.
