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JD Vance’s ‘rags to riches’ story was written here
On Monday, former U.S. Sen. JD Vance will make history as the first Ohioan to become vice president. We will have full coverage of the inauguration of Vance and President-elect Donald Trump. Here are a few things to know.
• ‘So proud of him’: Columnist Rick McCrabb traveled around Vance’s old stomping grounds in Middletown for this report, talking to people he grew up with about Vance’s “rags to riches story.”
- He took the indirect route to the White House, McCrabb writes. Most prominent politicians are born with a silver spoon in their mouth. Vance’s spoon was plastic.
• Looking back, forward: Ohio used to be known as the birthplace of president, but has never had a VP. This story by Avery Kreemer looks at the historical context, Vance’s short political career, and what his job as vice president is likely to entail.
• Inauguration day: Despite joking about skipping the inauguration to watch the OSU championship game, Vance will be there. So will the Middletown High School marching band, which is playing in the inauguration parade. The event was moved indoors because of weather concerns; here are the details.
• Vance’s replacement: On Friday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Lt. Gov. Jon Husted will replace Vance in the Senate. Here is the story from Avery and I about Husted’s connections to the Dayton area and reactions to the appointment.
County officials handed taxpayer-funded jobs after losing election
After a longtime Montgomery County commissioner and short-time county recorder lost their elections in November, both quickly landed government jobs elsewhere. Our reporters investigated how this happened.
• Our investigation: The Dayton Daily News requested records showing when and where the jobs were posted, records submitted by anyone applying for the jobs and records that showed the jobs’ descriptions and salaries. Go here for the full story.
• Lieberman: After losing reelection in November, former longtime county commissioner Debbie Lieberman was hired by Montgomery County Clerk of Courts Mike Foley on Dec. 3 for a job that was created Dec. 1, according to records obtained by the Dayton Daily News.
• Benson-Taylor: Dayton Public Schools said they have no responsive records related to Stacey Benson-Taylor applying for a job there — or the job being publicly posted — before she was hired in December after being voted out of office as Montgomery County recorder.
• Explanation: Foley did not respond to questions about why he created Lieberman’s position days before hiring her. Dayton Public Schools leaders contend they did not create the position for Benson-Taylor.
• Reaction: “These are current officeholders and two people who formerly led offices. They should know how to post a job, know how to arrange interviews. Be fair to the citizens and stick with the established process,” said Montgomery County GOP Chairman state Rep. Phil Plummer.
Their baby died. Then they got the $58K hospital bill
Credit: Jim Noelker
Credit: Jim Noelker
The Dayton Daily News found people in the region struggling with trying to get insurers to follow through on medical claims. Health care providers also told the Dayton Daily News they face challenges securing contracts with insurers to make sure their services are covered. Go here for the full story form reporter Samantha Wildow.
• One family’s story: One local family’s experience typifies the problem. Their 13-month-old daughter died Nov. 7 after spending four days at the ICU. The hospital sent them a bill for $58,000. A fight with their insurance company followed.
• Zoom out: The complexity and uncertainty of health insurance, including the difficulty of navigating the system and fighting for claims to be covered, is an experience known to many Americans. Nearly one in five, or 18%, of insured adults experienced a claims denial within the past year, according to KFF, a health policy and research organization.
• Provider’s perspective: The owner of a senior enrichment center in Englewood also shared her experience with trying to get contracts with insurance companies to pay for covered services.
• Resources: If a patient or family gets a medical claim denied by their health insurance, there are steps they can take to challenge that decision. This includes filing a compliant with a state office that can help with appeals. More info on that’s in Samantha’s story as well.