Catching Our Eye News Roundup, June 8, 2026

Every morning in the Ohio Capital Journal’s free newsletter, The Eye-Opener, we round up the news and commentary from across Ohio and around the country and world that is catching our attention. We call this feature Catching Our Eye, republished here.

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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.”