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FirstEnergy execs’ trial could be pushed back to 2028. Why that matters
Six years ago this week, the FBI swarmed and raided then Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder’s farm while investigating the largest corruption scandal in state history.
We all know House Bill 6 by now: FirstEnergy paid $60 million in secret bribes to Ohio public officials — led by Householder — to secure a billion-dollar legislative bailout for failing nuclear and coal power plants.
Householder is serving his prison sentence. But two top executives — former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and chief lobbyist Mike Dowling — remain free.
A state case against the duo in March was declared a mistrial.
A federal case began with an indictment in January 2025 and now a judge wants to push the trial to 2028.
I’m spelling all this out here because some readers are likely tired of hearing the names Jones and Dowling, exhausted of reading about HB6, maybe confused about how the different charges relate. News fatigue and analysis paralysis are real, and they can lead to news avoidance.
But this story remains critical in an era when data centers are proliferating, power outages have become routine and electric prices are soaring.
— Laura
Overnight Scores and Weather
Guardians vs. Minnesota Twins: José Ramírez’s comeback spoiled by costly errors in Guardians’ 10-6 loss to Twins
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Sunny and mild
Top Stories
HB6: A federal judge is considering pushing the RICO trial of former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and lobbyist Michael Dowling to early 2028, citing juror availability and holiday scheduling concerns. Read more
CSU radio: Former Cleveland State University student radio station supporters have launched XCSB Alternative Media, a new web-based station that began streaming March 1 and recently debuted its app on Apple and Google Play stores. Laura Hancock reports that a separate lawsuit against CSU over the transfer of WCSB’s FM signal to Ideastream remains pending in Cuyahoga County court. Read more
Today in Ohio: After weeks of criticism over a lack of detailed policy proposals, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton has released her plan for property tax relief. We’re talking about the four-step idea on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast. Read more
Statehouse and Politics
Benjamin Flowers: The Senate confirmed Benjamin Flowers of Ohio to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit by a 49-46 vote, despite Democratic objections over his evasive answers about the 2020 election. Sabrina Eaton reports that Flowers, a former Ohio solicitor general nominated by President Trump, fills the seat vacated by Judge Jeffrey Sutton.
Lead paint: Two bills introduced by U.S. Reps. Shontel Brown and Rashida Tlaib would create a federal grant program to fund removal of lead pipes, fixtures and paint from aging homes. Sabrina Eaton reports that the legislation authorizes $9.5 billion annually through 2035 and targets cities like Cleveland.
Northeast Ohio News
Women’s World Cup: Ohio has submitted two proposals for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, pairing Cleveland’s future Brook Park football stadium with Columbus’ soccer infrastructure while Cincinnati stands alone with TQL Stadium. Michael Johnson reports that FIFA could select one or both Ohio pairings, with Brook Park offering 67,500 seats but still under construction, while Cincinnati and Columbus offer completed but smaller venues.
Transit cuts: Greater Cleveland RTA plans to eliminate its No. 35 bus route and reduce frequency on eight other routes beginning Dec. 6 as the agency continues to face budget shortfalls. Rich Exner reports that RTA will seek voter approval in May for a sales tax increase of up to a half-point to restore and expand services.
Water rates: Fairport Harbor officials are weighing phased water rate increases through 2031 to address rising costs and avoid projected deficits, as the village hasn’t adjusted rates since 2020 despite inflation rising over 31%. Molly Walsh reports the increases would fund meter upgrades and a new waterline connection with Painesville.
Student transit: The Greater Cleveland RTA board approved a $2.5 million agreement with Cleveland Metropolitan School District to provide transit passes for an estimated 13,500 high school students during the 2026-27 school year.
Tornado: A confirmed EF0 tornado with 85 mph winds traveled 6.18 miles through Trumbull and Mahoning counties Tuesday evening, causing tree damage and minor roof damage but no injuries. Ryan Cohick reports it was the second tornado to strike Mahoning County this month, the first time since 1991 the county has recorded two tornadoes in the same year.
Old Farmer’s Almanac: An independent study found The Old Farmer’s Almanac correctly predicted monthly temperature and precipitation only about 51% of the time, roughly equivalent to chance, despite the publication’s claim of 80% accuracy. Michael Johnson reports the almanac’s fall forecast for Northeast Ohio calls for a cooler-than-normal September and near-normal October temperatures.
Kennel overcrowded: Cleveland’s city kennel has more than 100 dogs and puppies available for adoption or rescue as the facility continues to struggle with overcrowding. The kennel took in 97 dogs from July 5-13 alone, adding to an already-full facility that recently received more than 30 dogs in less than two days, Lizzie Kaboski reports.
Energy aggregation: Hudson City Council has placed a natural gas aggregation measure on the November ballot, which if approved would authorize the city to negotiate supply rates on behalf of residents and small businesses through an opt-out program, Destiniee Jaram reports.
Climate action: Akron has launched the Mayor’s Youth Climate Action Fund, offering $40,000 in microgrants to teams of residents ages 15 to 24 for climate-action projects in areas such as transportation, waste reduction and energy efficiency, Megan Becka reports.
Mentor schools: Mentor school officials are considering closing three elementary schools and moving eighth-graders to Mentor High School as the district works to cut millions in spending following a failed May operating levy. Molly Walsh reports the proposal would reduce the district from seven to four elementary schools, with a smaller 3.5-mill levy placed on the November ballot.
Apartment fire: A fire in an apartment complex in Westlake left 12 units uninhabitable after crews fought the blaze for nearly three hours Wednesday morning. All residents of the building evacuated and no one in the building was injured, although two firefighters sustained minor injuries at the scene, Lizzie Kaboski reports.
Painesville grants: Painesville City Council has established a new Commercial Retention and Redevelopment Grant Program offering up to $25,000 per eligible business for building renovations and capital improvements, immediately awarding its first $50,000 to two downtown projects, Molly Walsh reports.
Geauga development: Geauga County officials are weighing a new public-private partnership that would create a joint Economic Development Council with the Geauga Growth Partnership to expand business support and pursue outside funding. Molly Walsh reports that while commissioners took no action, they agreed to schedule a work session.
Tech program: Twenty-four Lorain County high school students built real-world tech skills through the six-week Student TECH CORPS program, working alongside 13 Nordson Corp. professionals to design and develop websites for mock clients.
Parma vote: A 2-2 deadlock on the Parma City Schools Board of Education has stalled two resolutions that would have allowed the state to calculate potential income tax revenue, blocking the first step toward a possible November ballot issue. Kaylee Remington reports that Superintendent Scott Hunt warned the district faces a projected $14 million deficit beginning in 2029 without new operating revenue.
Garden photos: Northeast Ohio gardening columnist Susan Brownstein writes about the value of photographing garden failures, not just successes, to help remember what needs fixing, which plants attracted wildlife and which combinations worked well enough to repeat.
Health Care and Business
Affordable care: ACA marketplace plan selections fell between 20.4% and 25% in Cuyahoga and Summit counties from 2025 to 2026 after enhanced federal premium subsidies expired, with the average monthly premium paid by Ohio customers rising 85% to $233. Michael Johnson reports that paid statewide enrollment dropped by more than 161,000 people, or 32.4%, between February 2025 and February 2026.
Gas prices: Cleveland-area gasoline prices are again approaching $4 a gallon, but they remain more than $1 below the record set during the fuel-price surge in June 2022, Michael Johnson reports.
Crime and Courts
Officer accused: An East Cleveland police officer was placed on unpaid leave last month after the department learned of an investigation into a claim of sexual assault, Lizzie Kaboski reports. The officer was placed on leave June 16 after Chief Reginald Holcomb learned the officer was being investigated by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff, law director Ken Myers said.
Nanny sentenced: A Beachwood nanny who admitted to raping two toddlers and sharing videos of the abuse will spend the rest of her life in prison. Molly Duncan, 26, was sentenced to 70 years in prison after she pleaded guilty to four counts related to creating and distributing child sexual abuse material of children she had been hired to watch, Lucas Daprile reports.
Impersonation scam: Maple Heights police are warning residents after two separate incidents involving people allegedly posing as city employees, including a woman claiming to work for the building department and another person offering roof inspections. Olivia Mitchell reports that authorities are urging residents to ask for identification before allowing anyone claiming to represent the city onto their property.
Prosecutor convictions: Cuyahoga County Assistant Prosecutor Liam Blake’s misdemeanor convictions do not, by themselves, determine whether he will keep his county job or face discipline as a lawyer, Michael Johnson reports. Ohio employment law governs Blake’s position in the prosecutor’s office, while the state’s attorney-disciplinary system determines whether criminal conduct also warrants action against his law license.
Drug trafficking: An Akron man has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to heroin and fentanyl trafficking charges and violating the terms of his supervised release from a previous drug conviction, Lucas Daprile reports.
Deadly shooting: A 29-year-old man was fatally shot Wednesday during what police said began as a child custody exchange in the parking lot of Cleveland’s Fifth District police station, Olivia Mitchell reports.
Arts and Entertainment
Royal Academy: A Cleveland native, Jovani Ibrahim, has beaten long odds to earn one of just 28 spots in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art’s acting program, the same school that trained Anthony Hopkins and Cynthia Erivo. Joey Morona reports that Ibrahim has launched a GoFundMe to help fund his attendance at the prestigious London school.
Obama Center: The Obama Presidential Center officially opened last month on Chicago’s South Side, featuring a four-floor museum covering Barack Obama’s life, presidency and legacy, with tickets already sold out through year’s end. Susan Glaser reports that the 19-acre Jackson Park campus also includes a public library, basketball court, garden and public art, many accessible without a museum ticket.
Science Center: The Great Lakes Science Center celebrated its 30th anniversary Wednesday with a birthday party featuring live science demonstrations, family-friendly activities and cupcakes for visitors, John Kuntz reports.
Homes tour: Ohio City Inc. has again joined forces with culinary partners for “Evening in Ohio City,” a home tour and tasting event. The 2026 edition happens on Aug. 29 at Hingetown Park in Ohio City, Peter Chakerian reports.
Dance Day: DanceCleveland is hosting a free Community Dance Day at Playhouse Square on Saturday, offering 14 classes in styles ranging from Hip-Hop and Flamenco to Ballet and African Dance, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Zachary Lewis reports that the day wraps up with a free student performance at the Allen Theatre.
Duct tape dresses: A California student whose duct tape dress was inspired by a strawberry cake and a Michigan student who crafted a dramatic red-and-black tuxedo have each won $10,000 scholarships in Duck Brand’s 2026 Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest.
The Fest: The Fest, Northeast Ohio’s largest outdoor Christian music festival, returns for its 26th year on Aug. 15 at ForeFront Field in Avon. It will feature performances by Riley Clemmons, Matt Maher and Cain, a Mass led by Bishop Edward Malesic, and a fireworks display.
Tacos & Tequila: The Tacos & Tequila Festival returns Saturday to ForeFront Field in Avon, featuring a full day of 2000s hip-hop and R&B performances headlined by Shaggy, along with lucha libre wrestling, an exotic car showcase and local food vendors.
More Top Stories
Avon Catholic youth mission draws more than 130 students for summer service
Lake Effect Comics to open in North Ridgeville
Library system joins United Way for Lorain County school supply drive
Brunswick school board considers more limits to student cellphone use during school day
Brunswick City Schools and Brunswick Library team up for English learners event
Free pet vaccination, microchip clinic coming to East Cleveland
Special needs planning session set for Independence Library
North Olmsted City Schools targets parking lots, track and tennis courts this summer
North Olmsted crew caps abandoned gas well near Canterbury Road
Parma fire department rescues trapped kitten and duckling
You’re all caught up
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Thanks,
Laura
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