Cleveland, OH
Gov. Mike DeWine deploys highway patrol to Springfield: Capitol Letter
Rotunda Rumblings
Springfield situation: Gov. Mike DeWine is sending state troopers to Springfield, Ohio, to deal with traffic problems he ascribed to a surge in Haitian migrants who DeWine says don’t understand traffic laws. Andrew Tobias reports that DeWine, a Republican, called a Tuesday press conference about the situation in Springfield to dispel rumors that have circulated about the area’s immigrant population, but he didn’t identify the source of the misinformation. U.S. Sen. JD Vance, the GOP candidate for vice president, has been among those to amplify unsubstantiated rumors about crimes committed by Haitian migrants, including that they are eating pet cats. Springfield’s city manager refuted the rumors on Monday.
Center stage: Former President Donald Trump referenced the situation in Springfield less than five minutes into the presidential debate on Tuesday night. And Sabrina Eaton writes that it didn’t stop there. Trump pivoted to the anti-immigration message Republicans have tried to tie to the unsubstantiated, viral rumors about the migrant population in Springfield in response to a question about the economy. Trump later repeated those rumors, saying migrants were eating pet dogs. As noted above, the Springfield city manager has refuted those claims — something debate moderators pointed out on the broadcast.
Everything is Ohio: Ohio was front-and-center in the presidential debate on Tuesday night, and not just for Trump’s mention of Springfield. As Trump tried to explain his shifting position on abortion, he made mention of the vote in Ohio last year that enshrined abortion rights in the state constitution. “Ohio, the vote was somewhat liberal,” said Trump, who has won Ohio in the last two presidential elections by 8 percentage points. Voters approved the abortion amendment last year with 57% of the vote.
On appeal: The fate of the law creating dual bans on transgender minor health care and sports is expected to be considered by a three-judge panel on the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals on Wednesday afternoon. A lower court judge began to allow Ohio to enforce House Bill 68 on Aug. 6. Two 12-year-old transgender Ohio girls and their parents are challenging the law, saying it unconstitutionally interferes with the gender-affirming care they receive or expect to soon receive, Laura Hancock reports.
A fatal fight: The state transferred $275,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by the father of a boxer whose son was hospitalized and died after his professional debut. As Jake Zuckerman reports, the father of Hamzah Al-Jahmi claimed negligence and recklessness from the state-approved referee, who testified that he didn’t know what a concussion is.
NIL notion: Two Republican state lawmakers are looking to put ground rules in Ohio law about how college athletes profit from name, image and likeness deals. As Jeremy Pelzer reports, House Bill 660 would, among other things, allow public universities and private colleges in the state to directly negotiate NIL agreements with players, rather than just through the independent nonprofit collectives that currently offer such deals. However, it remains to be seen how much support there is at the Ohio Statehouse to pass such changes before the current legislative session ends in December.
Targeting China: The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Cincinnati Republican Brad Wenstrup to block the federal government from contracting with companies that use biotech equipment from companies with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, Eaton writes. According to Wenstrup, the Chinese Communist Party’s national intelligence laws require all Chinese firms to share any requested data with the CCP, including biotechnology companies that collect, test, or store American genomic data.
Lobbying Lineup
Five organizations lobbying on Senate Bill 176, a bipartisan bill that would allow child support to continue for someone beyond the age of 18 who has a disability. The bill passed the Ohio Senate on June 12 and is under consideration in a House committee.
1. Autism Speaks
2. Ohio Judicial Conference
3. Ohio State Bar Association
4. Easterseals Ohio Affiliates
5. Gov. Mike DeWine’s office
On The Move
Megan Richwine has been hired as director of government affairs for the Ohio Association of Health Plans. Richwine most recently worked as manager of state government relations for Cardinal Health; before that, she served as director of government affairs and client relations for Byers, Minton & Associates, and was a senior legislative aide for then-Ohio House Speaker Pro Tempore Tim Ginter.
Birthdays
Jacob Hamilton, rules and technology administrator, Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review
Autumn Mitchell, senior policy analyst, Franklin County Board of Commissioners
Straight From The Source
“In short, don’t let the crybabies in the media dissuade you, fellow patriots. Keep the cat memes flowing.”
-U.S. Sen. JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, posting on X on Tuesday. This week, Vance amplified claims without evidence that Haitian immigrants are killing pets for food. On Tuesday, he acknowledged that the rumors could turn out to be false. But he still blamed the immigrants generally for spreading communicable diseases, murder, soaring rents and struggling school systems.
Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. Subscribe to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free.
Cleveland, OH
Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland Hosted by Alson Jewelers
Cleveland watch enthusiasts and luxury collectors are invited to experience “Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland,” an exclusive two-day event hosted by Alson Jewelers on June 12 and June 13.
Cleveland watch enthusiasts and luxury collectors are invited to experience “Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland,” an exclusive two-day event hosted by Alson Jewelers on June 12 and June 13.
CLEVELAND, OH, May 30, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — Cleveland watch enthusiasts and luxury collectors are invited to experience “Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland,” an exclusive two-day event hosted by Alson Jewelers on June 12 and June 13.
Bringing together some of the world’s most celebrated watchmakers, the event offers guests the opportunity to explore exceptional timepieces while connecting directly with brand representatives from Breitling, Cartier, TUDOR, Chopard, IWC, and Panerai.
The celebration begins Friday, June 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with an evening of watches, whiskey, and hors d’oeuvres in a sophisticated atmosphere designed for collectors and newcomers alike.
Festivities continue Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring champagne and light bites while guests browse the newest luxury watch collections.
During the event, attendees who purchase any new watch from participating brands will receive a complimentary watch winder, adding even more value to the experience. In addition, every watch purchase automatically enters guests for the chance to win a $1,000 gift card.
Known for offering an elevated shopping experience in the Cleveland area, Alson Jewelers’ Luxury Watch Collection continues to showcase premier craftsmanship and timeless design from leading Swiss watchmakers. Guests are encouraged to RSVP by June 6 to reserve their place at this highly anticipated event.
About Alson Jewelers
With a legacy of excellence in fine jewelry and customer service, Alson Jewelers remains a premier destination for bridal and luxury jewelry. Family-owned and operated, Alson is known for its knowledgeable staff and commitment to helping clients celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. The store offers an exceptional selection of designer engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry, along with expert jewelry and watch repair services. Fully equipped for custom design, Alson Jewelers works closely with clients to create one-of-a-kind engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry pieces. Above all, Alson Jewelers prides itself on delivering a warm, personalized experience in their Cleveland jewelry store that makes every guest feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they walk through the door.
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Cleveland, OH
Koby Altman Sounds Like Evan Mobley’s Future With Cavaliers Could Be in Question
The Cleveland Cavaliers might be at the point of doing whatever it takes to contend for a NBA championship next season, even at the expense of some of their young stars.
After their disappointing loss in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavs need to consider anything and everything when it comes to trading away players to bring in more help for next season.
Obviously, Cleveland would love to retain as many of their stars as possible, especially the likes of Evan Mobley. New details from Koby Altman, Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations, gives more insight into how the Cavs view Mobley’s future as of now.
Here’s what Koby Altman shared with the media regarding Evan Mobley.
Koby Altman praises Mobley for what he’s done in Cleveland
“Evan Mobley? Yeah, I mean he’s a part of our future.”
This is what Cavs fans were hoping to hear, especially with the recent talks about potential league altering trades involving Mobley.
“We’re not going to speculate on any players outside these walls. All I can tell you is since Evan’s been here, we’ve had the third best record in the league.
There is no arguing Altman’s points on Mobley, considering Cleveland has had a winning record and made either the play-in tournament or the playoffs in each of Mobley’s first five seasons.
Their winning percentage ranks amongst the league’s best as well since the 2021-22 season, much thanks to Mobley’s dominance as their big man of the future alongside veteran Jarrett Allen.
Mobley would go on to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award during the 2024-25 season, becoming the franchise’s first player to win the award as well as the fifth youngest in league history at just 23 years old.
Altman would go on to say, “all Evan has done is impact winning. He’s been remarkable for us in terms of our ascent. He knows he needs to get better.”
What this means for Evan Mobley going forward
Mobley has most certainly helped Cleveland finish each season near the top of the Eastern Conference and has continued to get better every year. However, fans and media have criticized his aggressiveness as a big man, urging him to be more physical with his size.
Standing at 6 foot 11 inches and weighing 215 pounds, Mobley ranks amongst the league’s tallest centers while showcasing dynamic abilities as both a ball handler and a shooter. His averages this past season include 18.2 points, nine rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game were some of his best stats in his career.
Mobley sits among some of the NBA’s best centers in regard to his defense, as he is one of four players to have at least 300 blocks and 150 steals, next to Anthony Davis, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Rudy Gobert. He has continued to build on those impressive stats as he keeps working to get better.
If the Cavs want to bet on Mobley being a true franchise player for the foreseeable future, they’ll need those numbers to increase next season. They’ll also need Mobley to show that defensive presence again that earned him DPOY honors two seasons ago.
In Mobley’s case, his 5-year, $224 million extension two summers ago keeps him in Cleveland through the 2029-30 season. Unfortunately, the NBA is a business, and at the end of the day, teams will do whatever they can to build a championship contending roster.
Based on Altman’s high praise, it would seem like Mobley is safe as a Cavalier. Don’t rule out the possibility of a trade if a team comes calling with an offer Cleveland can’t refuse.
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Cleveland, OH
Ohio Supreme Court makes ruling in murder of Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Ohio Supreme Court made a ruling Friday in connection with the murder conviction of the driver that killed Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick.
According to the Ohio Supreme Court, the trial court had sufficient evidence to convict Leander Bissell of felony murder for speeding through an accident scene.
Cleveland Firefighter Tetrick, 51, was killed on Nov. 19, 2022.
Bissell struck Firefighter Tetrick on I-90 East near Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and then fled the scene. Bissell was arrested later that evening.
Firefighter Tetrick was assisting with a rollover crash, when he was struck. He was pronounced dead at University Hospitals.
In July 2023, Bissell had a bench trial in front of Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Timothy McCormick and was found guilty on all charges, including, murder.
In August 2023, Bissell was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 16 years.
In November 2024, the Eighth District Court of Appeals overturned the murder conviction, finding the State failed to prove that Bissell acted “knowingly.”
The court of appeals found Bissell guilty of involuntary manslaughter, which would impose a sentence of only up to 11 years.

The state then appealed that decision to the Ohio Supreme Court.
“This is a victory for Firefighter Tetrick’s family and Ohio’s first responders. Firefighter Tetrick died while serving the public after Leander Bissell sped through a clearly marked accident scene, traversed the berm striking Tetrick, and fled. As the Ohio Supreme Court states, ‘The Eighth District’s reasoning is wrong.’ Thankfully, their decision today corrected that wrong,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley.
Thousands of people attended Firefighter Tetrick’s funeral on Nov. 26, 2022 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
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