Whistleblower Alleges Medicaid Fraud Scheme

Ohio attorney Mehek Cooke alleges health care providers in the state’s Somali community have been pressured to participate in a massive Medicaid fraud scheme similar to one uncovered in Minnesota.

Cooke said that the scheme involves doctors “rubber-stamping” home health care payments for family members of older people diagnosed with fraudulent medical conditions.

Scammers allegedly exploit a loophole in Ohio’s Medicaid program that allows them to receive payments of up to $91,000 a year per person for care they supposedly provide to a family member. Doctors who approve the payments allegedly receive kickbacks.

In Minnesota, the Somali community has been tied to several welfare fraud schemes totaling $1 billion, with taxpayer funds allegedly stolen from programs ranging from COVID-19 relief to autism services.

DeWine Waiting to Back Ramaswamy

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he is not yet ready to endorse Republican Vivek Ramaswamy for governor, saying he first wants to get to know Ramaswamy and have more policy discussions.

The state Republican Party endorsed Ramaswamy in May despite DeWine’s opposition. Attorney General Dave Yost dropped out of the race soon after, and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel announced in September that he would not seek the governorship.

Former Lt. Gov. Jon Husted was long seen as the heir apparent to DeWine, but he was appointed to the U.S. Senate to replace Vice President JD Vance.

Last week, an Emerson College Polling survey showed Democrat Amy Acton narrowly leading Vivek Ramaswamy 46% to 45% in the Ohio governor’s race, with 9% of voters undecided.

Rare Mammal Spotted in Cuyahoga County

A fisher—a medium-sized mammal related to weasels and otters—was spotted in Cuyahoga County for the first time since the 1800s.

A wildlife camera in Cleveland Metroparks captured the forest-dwelling creature, which disappeared in the 19th century because of unregulated trapping and habitat destruction.

Cleveland Metroparks called the sighting “tremendously exciting,” citing similar returns of native extirpated species, including otters, bobcats, and trumpeter swans.

Fishers are listed as a “species of special interest” by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. You can see the videos and images captured by Cleveland Metroparks here.

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➤ Statewide: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rejected a state proposal to end vehicle emissions testing known as E-Check, which ensures that vehicles comply with clean air standards. (More)

➤ Hamilton County: The case against Elwood Jones was dismissed after he received a new trial in 2022, ending 28 years on death row for a murder prosecutors said he may not have committed. (More)

➤ Dayton: More than 8,200 Christmas wreaths were placed by volunteers at veterans’ graves at Dayton National Cemetery, up from the usual 2,000 to 3,000 each year. (See Photos)

➤ Canton: Gov. Mike DeWine ordered flags flown at half-staff until sunset today in honor of former Canton Mayor Thomas Bernabei, who died on Thursday at age 79. (More)

➤ Cincinnati: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 30,000 tramadol tablets, a prescription pain medication, from a shipment traveling from Barbados to St. Kitts and Nevis. (More)

➤ Also Cincinnati: The University of Cincinnati received a $3.4 million gift from the estate of 1983 graduate Stephen J. Helman to support the College of Nursing and the Division of Student Affairs. (More)

➤ The Cincinnati Bengals were eliminated from postseason contention after a 24-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow threw two interceptions. (More)

➤ Shedeur Sanders completed 18 of 35 passes for 177 yards, with three interceptions, in the Cleveland Browns’ 31-3 loss to the Chicago Bears. (More)

➤ Ohio State safety Caleb Downs won the Jim Thorpe Award as college football’s top defensive back, becoming the third Buckeye to receive the honor. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ A report has linked Amazon data centers in Oregon to miscarriages and cancer, raising concerns about similar data centers being built across Ohio. (More)

➤ The Port of Cleveland approved $55 million in bonds for Belle Oaks Marketplace, a mixed-use redevelopment of the former Richmond Town Square Mall expected to add residents and jobs. (See Renderings)

➤ A historic boutique hotel in downtown Cincinnati reopened as The 333 Suites after a $2 million renovation, offering eight furnished units and music-themed décor honoring the city’s musical heritage. (See Hotel)

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➤ Average gas prices across Ohio rose 6 cents to $2.85, with prices highest in Lawrence County and lowest in Lima. (See Prices)

➤ The Marmont Speakeasy in Columbus has transformed into a Norman Rockwell-themed Christmas pop-up called A Rockwell Christmas, featuring a vintage-ornament tree, string lights, and themed cocktails. (More)

➤ The Ohio Department of Natural Resources awarded over $2.9 million in grants to support 76 local park projects statewide, funding land acquisition and new or improved recreational amenities. (More)

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➤ A new video reveals a surprising kitchen-made mixture that may help support healthy blood sugar. They say just one tablespoon of this simple blend—made from a few inexpensive supermarket items—has helped thousands feel more in control and enjoy their favorite sweets again. Watch the video to see the ingredient everyone is talking about.

Have you ever visited a speakeasy?

1. Yes
   
2. No
   
3. I want to
   

Friday’s Results:

Have you ever attended a professional volleyball match?

1. No: 67%
2. Yes: 33%

Which famous motto did Salmon P. Chase help place on U.S. coins?

Show me the answer