Ohio state lawmaker accused of hostile behavior will be investigated by outside law firm

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio attorney general is bringing in outside lawyers to investigate a state lawmaker who allegedly engaged in a pattern of erratic and abusive behavior toward other legislators, staff and his constituents. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost on Monday laid out the hourly rate for the lawyers who will be investigating Cleveland-area Democratic Rep. Elliot Forhan at the request of Republican House Speaker Jason Stephens. He's been accused of ongoing hostile behavior and harassment, including aggressive rhetoric about the Israel-Hamas war. House Democratic leaders last week stripped him of committee assignments and banned him from contacting staff. A new letter from Forhan describes his treatment as a political hatchet job.