FirstEnergy aims to reinforce its electric grid against progressively worsening storms and expand its tree-trimming programs so that it can remove more branches that may cause power outages. FirstEnergy also wants to create energy efficiency programs that would help customers use less power. The company – synonymous with bribery in Ohio, thanks to the $1 billion bailout and $60 million bribery scheme of House Bill 6 – is asking Ohio’s utility regulator to approve a new fee to cover the cost of the work. A typical residential customer using 750 kilowatt hours a month would pay an estimated $2.35 more each month if served by Ohio Edison, or $4 extra each month if they live in Illuminating Co. territory. FirstEnergy has to submit witness testimony and documentation to prove that these changes are needed. Other organizations can oppose the plan and submit their own testimony. Customers can have their say through public hearings, mailing a comment or writing online at puco.ohio.gov/help-center/file-a-complaint, referencing case number 23-0301. – Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
Guardians at Los Angeles Angels: Guardians collapse in ninth, fall to shorthanded Angels, 3-2 Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Mild with a slight chance of rain |
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The average customer in Greater Cleveland would pay anywhere from $2.35 to $4 more each month starting in June 2024 if state regulators approve an electric security plan filed by FirstEnergy. (Marvin Fong, Plain Dealer file photo) |
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FirstEnergy: FirstEnergy’s current electric security plan expires in May. And their new eight-year plan, among other things, is asking for the ability to pass on more costs to consumers, reports Sean McDonnell. Old districts: Ohio will use the same congressional districts in 2024 that it used last year, as the Ohio Supreme Court on Thursday granted the dismissal of two legal challenges to the map the court previously deemed to be unconstitutionally gerrymandered in favor of Republicans. Jeremy Pelzer reports the plaintiffs in the lawsuits said they don’t want voters to be in limbo ahead of the 2024 election. Malware indictment: Federal prosecutors in Cleveland and elsewhere in the country on Thursday charged 14 people in connection with a Russia-based international cybergang that wreaked havoc in Northeast Ohio and across the globe. Adam Ferrise reports the Cleveland FBI led the yearslong investigation into the Trickbot cybergang and Conti, the offshoot that Trickbot morphed into after a 2022 takedown of the gang. The U.S. Treasury Department and the United Kingdom sanctioned 11 of the 14 charged in the cases. Today in Ohio: With more than a month before the deadline, the Ohio Department of Education has received 66,363 applications for the school voucher program that helps parents with tuition at private schools after the legislature expanded eligibility. We’re talking about what that means for the state’s public schools on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast. |
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Resignation calls: A growing number of Ohio Republicans are calling for the resignation of a GOP state lawmaker accused of assaulting two relatives in July and then violating a restraining order related to the incident earlier this month. Andrew Tobias reports Gov. Mike DeWine told reporters on Thursday that state Rep. Bob Young, of Green, should step down over the allegations, which led to him being arrested twice. Mask legislation: U.S. Sen. JD Vance’s drive for unanimous Senate passage of anti-mask legislation fell short Thursday when Massachusetts Democrat Ed Markey said Vance’s proposal would hamstring public health officials and undermine communities’ ability to decide on their own pandemic precautions, Sabrina Eaton reports. |
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Cultural garden: Dedicated in 1930, the Italian Cultural Garden was initially created as “a symbol of the contribution of Italian culture to American democracy,” reports Zachary Smith. The Italian Garden is designed in a formal Renaissance style, with a fountain modeled after the fountain in the Villa Medici in Rome, surrounded by several busts and new plaques, including the poet Virgil and artists Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Port plan: The Port of Cleveland has adopted a climate action plan that includes the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Peter Krouse reports the emissions target, which align with those adopted by federal and local governments, is part of the port’s overall strategic plan for 2024 through 2028 that was approved Thursday by the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority. |
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COVID numbers: The number of new COVID-19 cases in Ohio remains on the rise, increasing from 7,821 last week to 8,607 this week, reports Julie Washington. It marks the ninth consecutive week of climbing cases. Skin cancer: The death due to skin cancer of Jimmy Buffet, whose music evoked a vibe of sun, sand and island life, has thrust into the spotlight the dangers from sunlight exposure and what routinely can be done to limit the risk. Gretchen Cuda Kroen reports Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare form of skin cancer that develops just beneath the skin and in hair follicles. Between 2,000 and 3,000 cases of Merkel cell cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. every year. Paper bags: Giant Eagle and Market District locations will no longer charge for paper bags in Cuyahoga County, and the grocery-store company also is launching incentives for customers to use recycled bags, reports Marc Bona. |
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Dog shot: A Lorain police officer who shot and killed a family’s dog in July will not face criminal charges after an internal investigation found the shooting to be “objectively reasonable,” reports Molly Walsh. The officer is still on “modified duty” and will face discipline for breaking the department’s body-worn camera policy because he did not activate his camera right away at the scene. Stolen cars: Two men ran a shop for stolen cars in Cleveland and replaced vehicle identification numbers on the cars with forged ones before selling them, according to federal prosecutors, reports Adam Ferrise. The two were charged Tuesday in federal court in Cleveland with conspiracy to commit falsification and removal of motor vehicle identification, and conspiracy to own and operate a chop shop. |
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Buffett tale: SkyWay Drive-In owner Steve Large met singer Jimmy Buffett after a Blossom Music Center show in the 1980s and Buffett showed up for burgers. Afterward, Large always made it a point to send out Skyway Drive-In food and merch to wherever the singer was staying, John Benson reports. Ask Yadi: Can you politely ask strangers for more space? Yadi Rodriguz leaves enough buffer that she can go to the front of her cart to get away from the person behind her in a grocery store line. She has also turned and given a look or asked, “Can you scoot back just a little bit?” Marcus Aurelius: For nearly 30 years, a massive bronze statue thought to be of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius served as the centerpiece of the ancient Roman gallery at the Cleveland Museum of Art. But two months ago, the sculpture was removed. The mysterious case has sparked an interest in the man long believed to be depicted in the now infamous headless statue, reports Joey Morona. Next to Julius Caesar, Augustus and Nero, Marcus Aurelius is one of the most famous leaders of the Roman Empire. Mummies: Playhouse Square is adding traveling exhibitions to its portfolio of entertainment offerings. First up is “Mummies of the World: The Exhibition,” opening Sept. 23 at The Corner Gallery, the district’s new exhibition space located in the former Cowell & Hubbard restaurant, reports Joey Morona. Things to do: It’s time for another weekend full of fun outdoor events. From outdoor concerts and festivals to pro sports, Mike Rose has 31 options. |
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Armed robber leaves Dollar General empty-handed when clerk can’t open register Read more Police charge 2 teens in connection with robbery of Door Dash driver Read more Suspect in fatal shooting of 17-year-old Akron male arrested in Hudson Read more Orange High School inducts 42 students into National Honor Society Read more It’s a wash: ‘Laundry Lady’ finds freedom and financial security Read more Busy centenarian prepares for birthday celebration Read more Orange council may permit ‘naturalized landscaping’ in village Read more |
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