Category: Regional Watch
-
Ohio Family Court Scandal Deepens Trust Crisis in Domestic Relations System
Leslie Ann Celebrezze’s resignation and felony charge for tampering with court records have sparked nationwide concerns about integrity in family courts. Accusations include bias in case assignments and undisclosed romantic ties to a court receiver. The scandal highlights the need for reform in court practices to restore public trust and accountability.
-
Lawsuit Alleges Detroit Hospital Lost Patient’s Skull Fragment, Offered $25 Gas Card as Compensation
A Detroit hospital is facing a medical negligence lawsuit after allegedly losing a stroke patient’s skull fragment and offering the family a $25 gas card as compensation. The case raises serious questions about hospital accountability, patient safety protocols, and how medical systems respond when life-altering mistakes occur.
-
Minnesota’s Medicaid Fraud Crisis Raises Alarms Across the Midwest
Minnesota faces a massive public-assistance fraud scandal possibly exceeding $9 billion, implicating Medicaid-funded programs. Federal prosecutors highlighted rampant fraudulent billing following the Feeding Our Future scandal. Critics argue state oversight was lacking, leading to harm for legitimate recipients. Neighboring states, like Wisconsin, are advised to heed these lessons to prevent similar issues.
-
Minnesota Child Welfare Reform Hits Constitutional Roadblock, Raising National Questions
A Minnesota child welfare reform aimed at reducing racial disparities in foster care faces constitutional challenges. A court ruling found that the state’s phased rollout violates the Equal Protection Clause, limiting protections based on race. While not entirely struck down, this decision raises significant legal questions about race-based policies in child welfare reform.
-
A New Abuse and Neglect Court Comes to Michigan — and Why Wisconsin Should Pay Attention
St. Joseph County, Michigan, is launching a $60,000 specialized Abuse and Neglect Court in 2026 to address child welfare cases linked to parental substance abuse. This family treatment court model focuses on accountability and quick family reunification while raising concerns about access to resources and due process, prompting broader implications for neighboring states like Wisconsin.
-
Indiana Republicans Push Back on Trump’s Redistricting Agenda
In December 2025, Indiana Republican senators defied President Trump’s push for a congressional redistricting bill aimed at eliminating Democratic seats. This bipartisan resistance highlighted local priorities over national pressure, revealing a growing tension between state sovereignty and federal influence. The outcome may influence similar political dynamics in the Midwest.
-
Cleveland City Council Says Mayor Bibb Is Slow-Walking ‘Tanisha’s Law’ — Raising Big Questions About Public Safety and Accountability
Cleveland’s “Tanisha’s Law,” intended to replace police with behavioral-health clinicians in non-violent emergency situations, faces internal political strife as council members accuse Mayor Bibb’s administration of delays in implementation. Key concerns include clinician preparedness, public safety, and accountability, highlighting the need for thoughtful reform over mere rhetoric in similar initiatives.
-
Indiana’s Redistricting Battle: What the Court’s Ruling Means for Voters, Stability, and 2026
Indiana’s Supreme Court upheld newly drawn legislative maps, rejecting challenges of partisan gerrymandering. The ruling emphasizes the legislature’s authority over redistricting, contrasting with interventions in other states. This decision aims to ensure stable elections and avoid judicial overreach, reinforcing the idea that voters should seek changes through ballots, not courts.
Wisconsin Bay News 