Deshaun Watson

This past year's top stories included area coverage that made national news, global stories that had local impact, and of course, sports headlines. This is Ohio, after all.

Deshaun Watson struggled in his Browns debut after nearly two years since he last played in an NFL game, and former number one overall pick Baker Mayfield is now headed to his third team in less than a year.

The trailblazing journalist announced earlier this month she was stepping away from the daily grind of covering sports for the Akron Beacon Journal.

Commentator Terry Pluto discusses the Browns' three quarterbacks filling in during DeShaun Watson's suspension: Jacoby Brissett, Josh Dobbs and Josh Rosen.

Ohio abortion advocates are considering a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November to protect abortion rights; and more stories.

Cleveland city council's safety committee moved forward with an ordinance and if passed by full council would require the release of footage from three police cameras; The Ohio Department of Health has awarded nearly $7 million to 26 organizations in communities they've determined as Ohio Health Improvement Zones; and more stories.

Commentator Terry Pluto explains how the Browns assessed the risk of signing Watson, and how the fan base is reacting to the suspension.

The NFL has three days to appeal the decision, but the NFL Players Association already stated previously that they would abide by the decision; A Euclid police officer with a history of misconduct accusations was found guilty of assault and interference with civil rights ... and more stories.

The NFL's disciplinary officer decided Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson should be suspended six games after a number of women accused him of sexual misconduct.

The attorney for Walker's family said they will not rest until the police provide answers; Akron cancels this week's Rib, White, & Blue in response to the protests; Deshaun Watson's hearing concluded after three days with no decision yet on possible punishment.