The Akron Police Department's internal investigation has determined that the eight officers involved in the shooting death of Jayland Walker did not violate police policies.

“I found that the facts and circumstances of this tragic shooting show that the officers had an objectively reasonable belief that Mr. Walker was armed and by his conduct presented an imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death to them and/or their fellow officers,” Chief Steve Mylett said in an executive summary of the investigation. Source.

Jayland Walker, who was shot by police in June 2022, was found to have fired a gun while fleeing, according to a state investigation. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, after presenting its findings to a special grand jury, revealed that the officers involved were not indicted for any criminal offenses. The Akron Police Department conducted its own internal investigation, concluding that the officers did not violate any policies or procedures in the incident. Chief Steve Mylett asked the OBCI to do the investigation.

The city, citing a pending federal lawsuit by Jayland Walker's family, declined to provide additional comments on the internal investigation. The eight officers involved in the incident, initially placed on administrative leave, have since been reassigned to desk duty and subsequently returned to regular duty.

House Bill 341, introduced by Rep. Gary Click, R-Vickery, proposes changes to Ohio's marijuana law, known as Issue 2, approved by voters on November 7. The bill allows municipalities to restrict recreational marijuana use and impose additional taxes, contrary to Issue 2's initial provisions preventing local governments from banning use or home growth. The proposed legislation aims to empower local authorities to regulate cannabis within their jurisdictions.

The bill also alters the distribution of revenue generated from marijuana sales. While maintaining funds for social equity, municipalities with dispensaries, and administrative costs, it adds a second revenue stream for substance abuse and establishes a fund for law enforcement training. Approximately 19% of the revenue would be allocated to these five categories, with 3% reserved for administrative costs. The legislation is presented as a starting point for discussions, emphasizing the opportunity for citizens to express their views in the committee process.

As the debate on regulating marijuana continues among Republican leaders and Governor Mike DeWine, the bill's fate remains uncertain. Some lawmakers advocate for changes before Issue 2 takes effect on December 7, while others, like House Speaker Jason Stephens, express a need for careful consideration to ensure a robust regulatory system in Ohio's emerging marijuana industry. Although recreational marijuana use and growth will be legal after December 7, sales are not expected to begin until late summer or fall of the following year due to the licensing process. source

This year's Hudson Holiday Walk is Sunday, Dec. 3, from noon to 4 p.m. at the First & Main Green.

Highlights include a hot cocoa bar and sweet treats, letters to Santa, and make-and-take crafts. Entertainers will include a face painter, stilt walker and a balloon twister. Horse and carriage rides will be available from 1 to 4 p.m. on a first come, first served reservation basis. There also will be a live nativity at the First Congregational Church at 47 Aurora St.

In addition, donations of new,...