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Ohio political blogger found guilty for sending naked Shrek image

D.J. Byrnes committed telecommunications harassment when he sent image to state senator, a jury ruled.

Politics

A jury in Willoughby found Ohio Statehouse political blogger D.J. Byrnes guilty of telecommunications harassment Friday for sending a sexually explicit image of Shrek to state Sen. Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland).Why it matters: The defense failed to persuade the jury that Byrnes&#x27; texts, which mocked Cirino for failing to secure the Ohio Senate presidency, are protected under the First Amendment.

Ohio ranks third nationally in school book bans

Stephen King was the nation's most-banned author, with 312 instances involving his books.

News

Ohio school districts recorded the third-highest number of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="book bans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/10/07/texas-book-ban-pen-america" data-vars-content-id="5d497672-5947-41d5-8b0a-bf177ed00296" data-vars-headline="Ohio ranks third nationally in school book bans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/10/07/texas-book-ban-pen-america" target="_self">book bans</a> in the country during the 2025-26 school year, according to PEN America&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Index of School Book Bans.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://pen.org/report/book-bans-spotlight-2026/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top&amp;lctg=63883f95eb76627b3989208f" data-vars-content-id="5d497672-5947-41d5-8b0a-bf177ed00296" data-vars-headline="Ohio ranks third nationally in school book bans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pen.org/report/book-bans-spotlight-2026/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top&amp;lctg=63883f95eb76627b3989208f" target="_blank">&quot;Index of School Book Bans.&quot;</a>Why it matters: The ranking comes amid continued disputes over what students should be allowed to read, as Ohio lawmakers, school boards and parents debate whether certain books contain inappropriate material.

Ohio blogger on trial over explicit Shrek image

D.J. Byrnes faces a criminal charge in a case testing the boundaries of political speech.

Ohio political blogger D.J. Byrnes is on trial for texting a state senator an explicit image of the cartoon character Shrek.Why it matters: The case has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attracted national attention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fire.org/news/ohio-man-jailed-texting-shreks-penis-state-senator-your-questions-about-shrexting-answered" data-vars-content-id="edfbe4c2-475a-43d7-9b82-1dc0a426dd27" data-vars-headline="Ohio blogger on trial over explicit Shrek image" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fire.org/news/ohio-man-jailed-texting-shreks-penis-state-senator-your-questions-about-shrexting-answered" target="_blank">attracted national attention</a> from free speech advocates who argue that even vulgar criticism of elected officials is protected by the First Amendment.

Judge prohibited First Amendment defense in trial over naked Shrek image

The pretrial ruling prevented jurors from considering whether explicit text to state senator was constitutionally protected political speech.

A judge barred Ohio political blogger D.J. Byrnes from raising a First Amendment defense in his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="telecommunications harassment trial" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/08/ohio-blogger-shrek-penis-trial-dj-byrnes-jerry-cirino" data-vars-content-id="2344ed77-e451-47df-8437-483662025763" data-vars-headline="Judge prohibited First Amendment defense in trial over naked Shrek image" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/08/ohio-blogger-shrek-penis-trial-dj-byrnes-jerry-cirino" target="_self">telecommunications harassment trial</a>, which resulted in a conviction last week.Why it matters: The jury found Byrnes guilty of sending a sexually explicit Shrek image to state Sen. Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland) without weighing what his attorneys argued was the central constitutional defense: that even vulgar, offensive mockery of elected officials is protected speech.

6 spooky Halloween pop-up bars in Northeast Ohio

Bars and restaurants across the region are transforming into haunted hideaways.

Things to Do

Halloween fun isn&#x27;t just for kids anymore.State of play: Bars and restaurants across Northeast Ohio are transforming into haunted hideaways, serving spooky cocktails and giving grown-ups an excuse to dress up.

Northeast Ohio Fourth of July fireworks: Where to watch in Cleveland and beyond

Dates and times for celebrations at Blossom Music Center, Progressive Field and more.

It&#x27;s set to be one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hottest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/29/dangerous-heat-wave-northeast-ohio" data-vars-content-id="92f43a73-19fe-475d-a688-20549f282f9e" data-vars-headline="Northeast Ohio Fourth of July fireworks: Where to watch in Cleveland and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/29/dangerous-heat-wave-northeast-ohio" target="_self">hottest</a> Fourth of July weekends in recent history, but that can&#x27;t stop the fireworks (🤞 we hope).State of play: Downtown Cleveland will celebrate America&#x27;s 250th anniversary with the annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Light Up the Lake&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.downtowncleveland.com/events?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D204482935" data-vars-content-id="92f43a73-19fe-475d-a688-20549f282f9e" data-vars-headline="Northeast Ohio Fourth of July fireworks: Where to watch in Cleveland and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.downtowncleveland.com/events?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D204482935" target="_blank">&quot;Light Up the Lake&quot;</a> celebration at Voinovich Park.

What to watch over the holidays — with a Cleveland twist

Spend your downtime watching "A Christmas Story," the Cavs and more.

There are plenty of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="things to watch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/new-movies-tv-prime-video-netflix-tubi" data-vars-content-id="f6367526-adbf-4130-aa0c-b81da598009b" data-vars-headline="What to watch over the holidays — with a Cleveland twist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/new-movies-tv-prime-video-netflix-tubi" target="_self">things to watch</a> over the holidays, but only some of them come with a Cleveland tie-in.Our list of movies and shows to check out through Christmas and New Year&#x27;s will make you feel like you&#x27;re in Northeast Ohio, whether you&#x27;re here or not:

Cleveland Hopkins braces for busy holiday travel stretch

The airport expects more than 550,000 passengers through Jan. 6.

Travel

Winter holiday travel is underway at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cleveland Hopkins International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/12/16/cleveland-flagged-as-possible-united-hub-again" data-vars-content-id="8f1a3a07-c29e-4209-a75d-305f071adbe8" data-vars-headline="Cleveland Hopkins braces for busy holiday travel stretch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/12/16/cleveland-flagged-as-possible-united-hub-again" target="_self">Cleveland Hopkins International Airport</a> and will run through Jan. 6, 2026.Why it matters: The last thing you want is to miss your flight and be stuck at an airport during the holidays.

6 holiday pop-up bars to visit in Northeast Ohio this season

Places to get your Christmas-themed snack and cocktail fix in Cleveland.

Food and Drink

Heading to your favorite bar over the next few weeks? You might not recognize it.Why it matters: Holiday pop-up bars have become all the rage in Northeast Ohio over the past few years, giving nightlight scenesters a reason to venture out in the cold.

Instacart data reveals Ohio's surprising favorite Thanksgiving pie

Some Ohioans prefer cherry pie over pumpkin, sweet potato or even peanut butter.

New Instacart data shared with Axios shows the most uniquely popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thanksgiving" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/11/27/healthy-thanksgiving-eating-tips" data-vars-content-id="e9a59531-75b9-4102-9237-200cc2d3bfc1" data-vars-headline="Instacart data reveals Ohio&#x27;s surprising favorite Thanksgiving pie" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/11/27/healthy-thanksgiving-eating-tips" target="_self">Thanksgiving</a> pies by state, based on last year&#x27;s orders.What they found: Apparently, some Ohioans prefer cherry pie to traditional favorites like pumpkin, sweet potato or even peanut butter.

Scariest haunted houses in Northeast Ohio to visit this Halloween season

Dare to enter the 7 Floors of Hell, Blood Prison and more.

Halloween is just over a month away, but you don&#x27;t have to wait until then to get scared out of your wits.Why it matters: Northeast Ohio boasts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more than two dozen" data-vars-click-url="https://northeastohiofamilyfun.com/haunted-houses/" data-vars-content-id="d8a5de81-cc03-4f38-8a89-39300399067c" data-vars-headline="Scariest haunted houses in Northeast Ohio to visit this Halloween season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://northeastohiofamilyfun.com/haunted-houses/" target="_blank">more than two dozen</a> haunted houses and attractions, ranging from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="family-friendly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.clevelandhauntedhouses.com/cleveland-haunted-houses-kid.aspx" data-vars-content-id="d8a5de81-cc03-4f38-8a89-39300399067c" data-vars-headline="Scariest haunted houses in Northeast Ohio to visit this Halloween season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.clevelandhauntedhouses.com/cleveland-haunted-houses-kid.aspx" target="_blank">family-friendly</a> to absolutely terrifying.

When and where to see fireworks in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

Guardians fireworks, "Salute to America" at Blossom, downtown's "Light Up the Lake" and more.

Northeast Ohio skies will light up over the next few days with Independence Day fireworks shows.State of play: Downtown&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Light Up the Lake&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thisiscleveland.com/events/event-calendar/light-up-the-lake" data-vars-content-id="952637ce-a1cc-4dd7-b239-0d982756319a" data-vars-headline="When and where to see fireworks in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thisiscleveland.com/events/event-calendar/light-up-the-lake" target="_blank">&quot;Light Up the Lake&quot;</a> fireworks celebration features two free watch parties Friday at Voinovich Park behind the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame and in the North Coast Yard behind Huntington Bank Field.

Bike project could jeopardize St. Patrick's Day parade route

The Superior Midway project would make Superior Avenue unviable.

Monday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Patrick&#x27;s Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/03/14/st-patricks-day-2025-events-ohio" data-vars-content-id="08eccd67-dff5-4849-9723-2da7bdd1cac6" data-vars-headline="Bike project could jeopardize St. Patrick&#x27;s Day parade route" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/03/14/st-patricks-day-2025-events-ohio" target="_self">St. Patrick&#x27;s Day</a> parade comes with a bit of drama.Why it matters: This could be one of the last years the annual event, which draws hundreds of thousands of people downtown, takes place in its current form.

St. Patrick's Day in Cleveland: Weekend guide to parade, parties

St. Patrick's Day falls on Monday, making this one of the biggest party weekends of 2025.

The next few days may set a record for Irish beer poured in Northeast Ohio.Why it matters: St. Patrick&#x27;s Day falls on Monday, making this one of the biggest party weekends of 2025 for an area loaded with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Irish ancestry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/03/13/cuyahoga-county-irish-ancestry-ohio-st-patricks-day" data-vars-content-id="94cd6105-23ad-4289-b5a0-cb6e1b39203a" data-vars-headline="St. Patrick&#x27;s Day in Cleveland: Weekend guide to parade, parties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/03/13/cuyahoga-county-irish-ancestry-ohio-st-patricks-day" target="_self">Irish ancestry</a>.

Axios North of Cincy

Ohio fall events worth a road trip

Cincinnati

Ohio's go-to July Fourth potato chip brand

A map of the U.S. shows the most uniquely popular potato chip brands by state during the week of July 4, 2025. Lay's leads in the most states, while Cape Cod dominates New England and Kettle Brand over-indexes in the Pacific Northwest. Top brands also include Boulder Canyon, Utz and Pringles.

Holidays

6 spooky Halloween pop-up bars in Northeast Ohio

Ohio fall events worth a road trip

Ohio's go-to July Fourth potato chip brand

Northeast Ohio Fourth of July fireworks: Where to watch in Cleveland and beyond

What to watch over the holidays — with a Cleveland twist