The morning newsletter of the Ohio Capital Journal
Reporting for the People
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By Susan Tebben
Good morning Ohio!
Former top executives with a utility involved in one the biggest corruption scandals in Ohio history have been reindicted on state charges, prosecutors announced late last week.
Defendants former FirstEnergy executives Michael Dowling and Chuck Jones listen to the proceedings on the second day of their trial in Summit County Court of Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross’s courtroom on Feb. 4, 2026. (Pool photo by Mike Cardew/Akron Beacon Journal.)
By Marty Schladen
Former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and Vice President Michael Dowling were indicted by a Summit County Grand Jury on numerous counts, including bribery, conspiracy and fraud. An earlier trial of the two men ended in a hung jury at the end of March.
By Morgan Trau, WEWS
Federal law enforcement officials joined Ohio leaders to announce a slew of fraud busts. The national politicians praised Gov. Mike DeWine for his work, and dissed the GOP legislators who have been blaming him for allegations of Medicaid fraud.
By Nick Evans
Big tech got the chance to make its case for data centers Thursday before Ohio lawmakers. The so-called hyperscalers — companies responsible for facilities with thousands of servers and footprints measured in football fields — insist they’re good neighbors and a vital part of Ohio’s economy.
COMMENTARY
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
By William McCorkle, E. Kyle Romero, and Lina-Maria Murillo
What do most Americans actually think about undocumented students attending public schools? According to our recent survey, which is in the process of publication, most Americans broadly support public education for undocumented children.
STATELINE
The big challenges and policy issues that cross state lines.
By Kelcie Moseley-Morris
Researchers, advocates and survivors of domestic violence say it’s vital to keep telehealth access available for people in abusive relationships who need discreet abortion options.
THE RUNDOWN
News from other states
By Micah Drew
The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in a June 2 ruling rejected a youth-led constitutional climate lawsuit seeking to overturn three of President Donald Trump’s executive orders aimed at supporting the fossil fuel industry, curbing renewable energy and suppressing climate science.
NATIONAL NEWS
By Jonathan Shorman
The U.S. Senate rejected the SAVE America Act on Thursday, dealing a blow to President Donald Trump’s efforts to impose voting restrictions ahead of the November midterm elections.
By Ariana Figueroa
A federal judge in Rhode Island Friday struck down several Trump administration policies that halted processing for asylum seekers following a shooting in Washington, D.C., that left one West Virginia National Guard member dead and another seriously injured.
CATCHING OUR EYE
Medicaid. Cleveland.com’s Anna Staver is reporting, “As Ohio targets Medicaid fraud, elderly Ohioans and those with disabilities fear losing their independence.”
Allegations that Medicaid is losing billions of dollars to fraud have sent Ohio Republicans racing to overhaul the state’s home-care system before their summer break.But as conservatives rush forward with a sweeping reform bill, critics are questioning whether lawmakers are moving too quickly to understand how the changes could harm elderly and disabled Ohioans who depend on this kind of care to live independently.
“No member really had a chance to look at the bill,” said Rep. Jason Stephens, a Lawrence County Republican and former House speaker. “I think we need to take a lot more time to discuss this. There is no way we can get anything done that’s worthwhile.”Foster care graduates. The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Erin Glynn is reporting, “Hamilton County foster care sees largest ever high school graduating class.”
With teenagers gathered in the sunshine, colorful tinsel and balloons, and Kendrick Lamar and Jack Harlow booming from the speakers, it was much like any other party for high school graduates this summer – except this party was thrown by Hamilton County.Hamilton County Jobs and Family Services saw its largest ever group of high school graduates in foster care this year. Ninety-seven students graduated and the agency feted them on June 4 at Maple Ridge Lodge in Mount Airy Forest.
"We want to celebrate them the way any graduate should be celebrated," Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus said. "We want to let them know that we support them and want them to succeed."
Ohio communities. NPR is reporting, “In Ohio, the Sikh community passes traditions to the next generation.”
Since 2023, Akash Pamarthy has been documenting the lives of members of the Sikh religion around Ohio. The Sikh faith originated in the Punjab region of northwest India in the 15th century, but Sikh people have migrated and settled around the world. In Ohio, Pamarthy found a community that embraces its Sikh Indian roots and a new generation blending their faith with their American identity."Sikhism has always fascinated me," Pamarthy said. "The Sikh faith is deeply community-oriented, grounded in equality, resilience and service. Sikhs stand tall and support one another through every challenge."
THE POD
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW, FOLKS.
Mahalo!
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