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Tag: COLUMBUS

  • OSU hockey to participate in Big Ten hockey series at Wrigley Field

    OSU hockey to participate in Big Ten hockey series at Wrigley Field

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State University’s hockey programs will be playing in The Frozen Confines: Big Ten Hockey Series at Wrigley Field in Chicago in early January of next year.

    There will be three Big Ten men’s hockey games and a Western Collegiate Hockey Association women’s game, according to an OSU release.

    While the order of games has yet to be decided, the matchups have been set.

    Friday, Jan. 3, 2025:

    • Penn State vs. Notre Dame
    • Ohio State vs. Michigan

    Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025

    • Ohio State vs. Wisconsin (the Western Collegiate Hockey Association game)
    • Wisconsin vs. Michigan State

    OSU’s women’s team will also play against Wisconsin on Thursday, Jan. 2, in Madison. This replaces a scheduled series in February.

    This is also the fifth outdoor match for the men’s team “in the modern era,” according to the release. The women’s team played an outdoor game against Minnesota in 2020.

    Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 30. You can buy tickets here.

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    Cody Thompson

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  • More than 200 medical students earn their white coats

    More than 200 medical students earn their white coats

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s a big milestone for Rachael Black.

    She’s one of the more than 200 first year medical students at Ohio State earning her white coat. 

    What You Need To Know

    • More than 200 medical students earn their white coats during Ohio State’s 78th Annual White Coat Ceremony

    • Fifteen of the students earning white coats are in the Community Medicine Medical Degree Track

    • Students in the Community Medicine Medical Degree Track will train to care for patients in rural and smaller communities, addressing a national physician shortage

    But being from a small town, Black often thinks of the challenges she faced when she was little. 

    “So, I grew up in a very rural community,” Black said. “I just kind of started seeing how much lack of access to medical care can affect how a community operates, how it runs, the health of the community members. I know just as a kid I remember driving 45 minutes to see my pediatrician.” 

    And she’s not alone. 

    Data from the Cicero Institute show 57 of Ohio’s 88 counties are health professional shortage areas, impacting rural and Appalachian residents the most. 

    Dean of Ohio State’s College of Medicine, Carol Bradford, explains why that is.

    “We really aren’t educating enough physicians in our country in general,” Bradford said. “There are just not enough physicians being trained. And we do not have enough physicians trained and prepared to practice in rural and small underserved communities.”

    That’s why Ohio State’s 78th Annual White Coat Ceremony is crucial this year. 

    Of the hundreds of students receiving white coats, only 15 are in the community medicine medical degree track, including Black. She’ll be one of the few caring for patients in rural communities, addressing the physician shortage head on. 

    “I love rural communities,” Black said, “and just having the opportunity to serve them and make that community better is something that’s very important to me.”

    Black has big dreams for the future, but she’s excited about her next big venture. 

    Black still has two years of medical school to go before heading into the rural communities to serve others.

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    Aliah Keller

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  • Ohio bill would require all pro teams to play on natural surfaces

    Ohio bill would require all pro teams to play on natural surfaces

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — When it comes to defending his bill to require all of Ohio’s professional sports stadiums to use natural grass, second-term state Rep. Rodney Creech says he has one motivation: “Player safety, player safety, player safety.”

    What You Need To Know

    • The western Ohio Republican, who majored in agronomy and runs a turfgrass business, announced the measure Tuesday alongside co-sponsoring Rep. Terrence Upchurch, a Cleveland Democrat, and a representative from the NFL Players Association

    • The Bengals are among teams choosing improved soft plastic grass surfaces that look and feel increasingly like the real thing over natural grass

    • The Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Guardians already play on natural turf, as do most of the state’s professional baseball and soccer teams

    The western Ohio Republican, who majored in agronomy and runs a turfgrass business, announced the measure Tuesday alongside co-sponsoring Rep. Terrence Upchurch, a Cleveland Democrat, and a representative from the NFL Players Association.

    Creech pledged before reporters that he would never bid on any of the jobs that his legislation might create, but he said he is wading into the sports world’s grass vs. turf debate exactly because he has expertise in the field. His bill would require that playing surfaces at professional stadiums across the state be comprised of not less than 90% natural gas. The measure contains no penalties or deadlines.

    The legislation, House Bill 605, comes in the wake of the Cincinnati Bengals’ decision this winter to install synthetic turf at Paycor Stadium, at a cost of nearly $1 million, as part of a major upgrade of the stadium. A message was left with the team spokesperson seeking comment.

    The Bengals are among teams choosing improved soft plastic grass surfaces that look and feel increasingly like the real thing over natural grass, which is costly to keep up and maintain.

    The Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Guardians already play on natural turf, as do most of the state’s professional baseball and soccer teams, Upchurch said.

    “Although we go to the games mainly to enjoy them, get out of the house and have some fun with family, the safety of the players should be a top priority,” he said. “It was found that at games, whether it was baseball, football or soccer, that occur on natural grass surfaces, result in fewer non-contact injuries.”

    Creech said he looks forward to the bill having a hearing when lawmakers return to Columbus after the election. He said he would entertain extending the requirement to high school athletics, once he sees how this bill goes.

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    Associated Press

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  • Franklin County approves $7M settlement in death of Casey Goodson Jr.

    Franklin County approves $7M settlement in death of Casey Goodson Jr.

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Franklin County Commissioners on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved the $7 million settlement in the case of Casey Goodson Jr. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Goodson, a Black man, was shot and killed in December of 2020 by former Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Meade

    • Meade was put on trial earlier this year, but it ended in a mistrial after the jury couldn’t come to a verdict; he faces a retrial on Oct. 31 

    • Meade faces one charge of murder and one charged of reckless homicide

    Goodson, a Black man, was shot and killed On Dec. 4, 2020 by former Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Meade. Meade said he was serving a warrant in the area that was not related to Goodson. During the trial, Meade testified that Goodson had waved a gun at hime when they drove past each other. Because of this, Meade said he pursued Goodson, saying he “feared for his life.” He then shot Goodson in the doorway of his grandmother’s home. 

    Goodson’s family as well as prosecutors claimed he was holding a sandwich bag in one hand and keys in the other when he was shot, but not a gun. However, they haven’t disputed that he may have been carrying a gun, as he was licensed to carry a firearm. The settlement was brought to the commissioners at the request of the prosecutor’s office because the settlement money came from the county general fund. According to the resolution, the settlement dismisses all civil claims by Goodson’s family without liability.

    “We commend Casey’s family and the community that has stood by them for their resilience and determination,” a statement from the Goodson family attorneys read. “Their strength and unwavering commitment to justice serve as an inspiration to us all. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to supporting the family in their continued pursuit of accountability and to ensuring that Casey’s legacy leads to meaningful change.”

    Meade was put on trial earlier this year, but it ended in a mistrial after the jury couldn’t come to a verdict. He faces a retrial on Oct. 31 for one charge of murder and one charge of felonious assault. 

    “Our focus now turns to the criminal justice system and the retrial of Michael Jason Meade,” Goodson family attorneys said in a statement. “We are determined to see justice served and will continue to advocate tirelessly for the conviction and accountability that Casey deserves. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have stood by Casey’s family during this difficult time. Your support has been invaluable and will continue to be so as we seek accountability for Casey Goodson Jr.”

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Did you know Columbus is home to one of the largest distilleries in America?

    Did you know Columbus is home to one of the largest distilleries in America?

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s population is growing and so is its spirits.

    What You Need To Know

    • They say everything is bigger in Texas, but the possibility of Ohio taking the top spot is *brewing*

    • Many industries continue to expand as businesses like Intel call central Ohio home

    • A distillery in Ohio aims to increase the state’s tourism and give the Kentucky Bourbon Trail a run for its money  

    • The founder also aims to continue contributing to the agricultural vitality of the region

    Columbus’ own Middle West Spirits launched in 2008. Since then, Ryan Lang, the CEO and head distiller at Middle West Spirits has been creating an expansive line of craft alcohol, all highlighting the unique flavors of the Midwest.

    “We’re Ohio born and bread,” Lang said. “We buy all of our agriculture here. We buy the majority of our barrels from Ohio.”

    Ryan Lang, the CEO and head distiller at Middle West Spirits, Taylor Bruck/Spectrum News 1

    A new 75,000 sq. ft. distillery in East Columbus makes Middle West Spirits the largest distillery in Ohio and one of the largest in the nation. It’s an addition to their smaller distillery and restaurant called Service Bar located at 1230 Courtland Ave. in the Short North. The larger distillery is located at 1165 Alum Creek Drive on a lot that also hosts a grain recycling center and a packaging and bottling plant.

    “This plant primarily has whiskeys,” Lang said. “The other plant can make all of our other stuff so vodkas, gins, brandies, all the other things that we would normally want to make.”

    Lang said the addition has increased the distillery’s production capabilities tenfold. The company currently makes 15 branded products and distills for other clients. But they have even bigger goals for future development. 

    “Eventually this will get developed more into a hospitality site, more like an actual whiskey campus,” Lang said. “So you can come here, you can eat here, you can work at the bar here, there are barrel selections that’ll happen here, there’ll be events here. So yeah, there’s a lot planned for our future here.”

    The larger distillery located at 1165 Alum Creek Drive, Taylor Bruck/Spectrum News 1

    As central Ohio continues to grow with Intel and other businesses calling it home, Lang hopes to grow with it and increase Ohio’s tourism.

    “Similar to what you have in California for very large wineries or similar to what you have in Kentucky for large distilleries, we’re going to have something here that people can enjoy year-round, and hopefully have a spot to go to on a regular basis,” Lang said. 

    By expanding his business, Lang also aims to continue contributing to the agricultural vitality of the region. 

    “We buy our grains primarily from the state of Ohio,” Lang said. “What we can get here, but it’s the vast majority. Then that material goes through our distillery, it goes through our recycling plant, it’s outside. And then we take the recycled material, which is spent grain, and we send it back to the farms that we bought the grain from where they have cattle and hog. Now our hope is to bring that material back here to the site for people to eat. So yeah, that’s the full circle we’re working on right now.”

    He said he wants to give people opportunities to come to Ohio, play here and stay here as he believes in his products and he believes in the state. 

    “We’re still telling our story in the state of Ohio for people to know who we are and we hope to get a little louder with that over the next, you know, five, ten years and hopefully we have a destination for people to come to help with that.”

    For more information on Middle West Distillery, visit here.

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    Taylor Bruck

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  • Ohio mom killed while trying to stop theft of car with 6-year-old son inside

    Ohio mom killed while trying to stop theft of car with 6-year-old son inside

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Ohio mother who tried to stop two men from stealing her car with her 6-year-old son inside was killed when the vehicle struck her.

    What You Need To Know

    • An Ohio mother who tried to stop two men from stealing her car with her 6-year-old son inside was killed when she was struck by the vehicle and suffered a fatal head injury

    • Columbus police say 29-year-old Alexa Stakely was at an apartment complex in the city to pickup her son from a babysitter around 1:30 a.m. Thursday

    • The Pickerington resident initially brought the sleeping boy to her car, which she had left running, then returned to the babysitter’s unit to get his belongings

    • As she returned to her vehicle, Stakely saw someone starting to back it out onto the roadway and she ran toward the car, screaming for her son and telling the driver to stop

    The boy was unharmed, police said, and no other injuries were reported.

    Alexa Stakely, 29, of Pickerington, was at an apartment complex in Columbus to pick up her son from a babysitter around 1:30 a.m. Thursday. A single mother who was a speech-language pathologist for the Canal Winchester Local Schools district, Stakely also worked as a waitress and had just finished a shift for that job, Columbus police said.

    Stakely initially brought the sleeping boy to her car, which she had left running, then returned to the babysitter’s unit to get the child’s belongings, police said. As she returned to her vehicle, Stakely saw someone starting to back it out onto the roadway and she ran toward the car, screaming for her son and telling the driver to stop.

    Stakely was struck by the car and knocked to the pavement, suffering a head injury. She was pronounced dead at a hospital.

    The two men abandoned the car a short distance away from where Stakely was struck, then ran past her as they fled by jumping a fence and heading into a neighboring apartment complex, police said. They remained at large Friday.

    Surveillance video had recorded a group of men looking into apartments in another nearby complex earlier that morning, according to police, who said they matched the description of the men later seen running past Stakely.

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    Associated Press

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  • Intel superload makes its way through Ohio

    Intel superload makes its way through Ohio

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    WAVERLY, Ohio — As Intel’s new chips plant is being built in central Ohio, trucks have been hauling giant equipment across the buckeye state to Licking County. 

    Another one of those trips is happening this week. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Massive trucks have been hauling Intel equipment across Ohio for its construction project in Licking County

    • The shipment this week is carrying an air processor, which is used in the silicon chip manufacturing process

    • The superload left Manchester on Monday and isn’t expected to reach New Albany until next Tuesday

    The load carrying equipment for Intel is massive. It’s nearly the length of a football field and weighs about 900,000 pounds. 

    It was carrying an air processor, which is used in the silicon chip manufacturing process. 

    Matt Bruning with the Ohio Department of Transportation has been keeping an eye on the convoys these last several months. He said while the equipment is heavy, ODOT came prepared. 

    “When we found out that the companies were wanting to move these loads,” Bruning said. “We started working with the various stakeholders and figuring out what’s the best route from Adams County to Licking County that has roadways that can handle the weight.”

    And the sheer size of it was another big task for ODOT. 

    “We had to analyze a lot of vertical clearance issues.” He said. “So, can it fit under traffic signals like the ones behind us here? Can it fit under bridges or do we need to pick a different route?”

    The Ohio State Highway Patrol is escorting the convoy the entire way, but if drivers cross its path, Bruning said it may cause an inconvenience. 

    The superload left Manchester on Monday and isn’t expected to reach New Albany until next Tuesday. 

    ODOT said this is Intel’s 13th superload to make its way through the state this year, with about 10 additional ones still to come. The next one is supposed to happen later this summer.

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    Aliah Keller

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  • Former Columbus Zoo purchasing agent pleads guilty

    Former Columbus Zoo purchasing agent pleads guilty

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    DELAWARE, Ohio — Former Columbus Zoo purchasing agent Tracy Murnane has pleaded guilty to six felonies and two misdemeanors, and is obligated to pay $90,000 in restitution the zoo, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

    What You Need To Know

    • Former Columbus Zoo purchasing agent Tracy Murnane has pleaded guilty to six felonies and two misdemeanors

    • Murnane, who was charged in a bill of information filed on May 23, will be sentenced on Sept. 23 at 11 a.m.

    • Fingerhut and two other former zoo executives were indicted in September 2023 on charges of stealing more than $2.29 million in public funds for their own benefit

    Murnane, 65, of Westerville, has pleaded guilty to the following in Delaware County Common Pleas Court:

    • One count of grand theft (F4)
    • One count of complicity in the commission of an offense (F4)
    • Two counts of forgery (F4)
    • One count of telecommunications fraud (F5)
    • One count of filing incomplete, false and fraudulent tax returns (F5)
    • Two counts of certificate of title (unclassified misdemeanors)

    Murnane, who was charged in a bill of information filed on May 23, will be sentenced on Sept. 23 at 11 a.m. 

    Last week, Marketing Director Pete Fingerhut pleaded guilty to 16 felonies and is ordered to pay $675,572.65 in restitution.

    Fingerhut and two other former zoo executives were indicted in September 2023 on charges of stealing more than $2.29 million in public funds for their own benefit. 

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    Nathan Sharman

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  • What are the dog days of summer?

    What are the dog days of summer?

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    Summer can be ruff with soaring temperatures that leave us panting for relief. Some people call the worst of the heat “the dog days of summer.” Here’s the tail of where that phrase comes from. 

    What You Need To Know

    • It originated from the ancient Greeks and Romans

    • The phrase refers to the star Sirius

    • The dog days last from July 3 to Aug. 11

    Sirius is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, which is Latin for “greater dog.” The ancient Greeks and Romans noticed that during the heart of summer, this star rose and set with the sun. They theorized that having another star in the sky, along with our own sun, is what made the summer months so hot.

    Sirius is a massive star that is double the size of our sun and 25 times as bright. Thankfully, it’s much farther away from Earth than our own sun, otherwise we’d be dealing with serious heat!

    Sirius, part of the Canis Major constellation, appears near the eastern horizon in latter August just as the sun rises. (Adapted from Stellarium)

    Sirius appears often in Greek mythology, including references in Homer’s “The Iliad.”

    The word Sirius translates as “scorching” or “glowing,” which is appropriate for the heat of summer.

    The phrase “dog days of summer” was translated from Latin to English about 500 years ago.

    Some people think “dog days” refers to man’s best friend’s tendency to lie about during the summer heat, but now you know the real meaning behind the phrase.

    Dog days of winter?

    Although the star Sirius appeared in the early morning sky to the ancient Greeks and Romans shortly after the summer solstice, it now has shifted to mid-August. In about 13,000 years, the star will shift to rising with the sun in the middle of winter.

    This is because of the wobbly movement of the Earth on its path around the sun each year.

    The dog days of winter… now that’s a phrase that will set tails wagging. 

    Our team of meteorologists dive deep into the science of weather and break down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist John Davitt

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  • Gene Smith reflects on career at OSU

    Gene Smith reflects on career at OSU

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State Athletics is about to have a new leader for the first time in almost 20 years as Athletic Director Gene Smith is retiring after this weekend. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Gene Smith is retiring after 39 years as an athletic director, including 19 at Ohio State

    • Under Smith’s tenure OSU has won 32 team and 117 individual NCAA championships as well as 115 team and 369 individual Big Ten Championships

    • Smith says he’s most proud of changing the culture of the classroom for student athletes

    • Smith is moving to Arizona after his retirement, but hopes to still keep tabs on the Bucks from afar

    After 39 years as an athletic director, including 19 at Ohio State, Smith is saying goodbye as the leader of OSU Athletics and his prolific career.

    “There’s just so many student athletes whose names just run through my head,” Smith said, as he reflects on his career.

    In those years, Smith has seen the Buckeyes win 32 team and 117 individual NCAA championships.

    During Smith’s 19 years OSU has won 32 team and 117 individual NCAA championships as well as 115 team and 369 individual Big Ten Championships. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

    “Of course, the football championship was huge, and did so many other championships,” Smith said. “You know, the wrestling championship was significant.”

    But the thing Smith is most proud of is the change in culture in the classroom for student athletes.

    Smith hugs Keith Diebler, OSU’s men’s basketball head coach’s dad. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

    “I’m proud of a lot of things, but, most proud that we’ve changed the culture with our student athletes,” he said. “We recruit character, we recruit athletes who want to compete in the classroom.”

    In 2005, 324 student athletes maintained a 3.0 GPA. This year, it’s up to 811. And while Smith leaves behind quite a legacy, he says the hardest part about leaving is not seeing the student-athletes each day.

    Smith is often seen on the sidelines of football games and other OSU athletic events. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

    “I think it’ll probably be more emotional as I follow our teams from afar. It’ll just be new for me,” he said. “I won’t be able to just, you know, say, ‘oh, we got a tennis match today. I’m gonna run over or, you know, we got a swimming meet or whatever.’”

    Smith and his wife are moving to Arizona after his retirement to be closer to family and allow new AD Ross Bjork to make his own decisions. But Smith is hopeful to see his Buckeyes out west.

    Ross Bjork takes over as AD on July 1. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

    “Fiesta Bowl holds the quarter final this year in football,” Smith said. “So, you know, fingers crossed.”

    Smith, a Cleveland native, says finishing his career in his home state has been the honor of his life.

    “To be able to end my career in a state that I grew up in, it means a great deal to me,” he said. “I love Ohio, will always love Ohio. You know, I’ll slide back into Ohio at the right times.”

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    Katie Kapusta

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  • Ohio University partners with local brewery for officially licensed beer

    Ohio University partners with local brewery for officially licensed beer

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    ATHENS, Ohio — Ohio University Athletics is partnering with Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery in order to have an officially licensed Ohio Athletics beer.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ohio University Athletics is partnering with Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery in order to have an officially licensed Ohio Athletics beer

    • The beer will be sold in Ohio in mid-July

    • It will be twelve-packs of the Golden Ale called Ricky but will feature the official Ohio Athletics logo emblazoned on the side

    The beer will be sold in Ohio in mid-July. It will be 12-packs of the Golden Ale called Ricky but will feature the official Ohio Athletics logo emblazoned on the side.

    “Jackie O’s is a natural fit for a branded beer collaboration,” Director of Athletics Julie Cromer said in a press release. “We’re excited about the partnership with a Bobcat-owned, local brand that will resonate with our fanbase. Bobcat fans will be able to enjoy Ricky in Peden Stadium, the Convocation Center, and across the state of Ohio.”


    The release states that Ricky is the brewery’s No. 1 draft beer statewide and that it is also called Rick Bricks in reference to the “brick foundations that cover Athens.”

    The brewery, which has Athens and Columbus locations, is owned by Art Oestrike, a graduate of Ohio University and also an instructor.

    “I feel like I, personally, have come a really long way since my days in James Hall way back when,” Oestrike said in the release. “We are honored and feel very humbled by the opportunity for Jackie O’s to present this collaboration to alumni in and around the great state of Ohio with Ohio University!”

    The beer will be hitting store shelves in mid-July, found at locations serviced by Cavalier Distributing. It will also be available during football games at Peden Stadium as well as at the Convocation Center, according to the release.

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Columbus officials provide free movies during heat wave

    Columbus officials provide free movies during heat wave

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus City Council and Gateway Film Center will provide two days of free movie showings to help residents escape the heat. 

    “Extreme weather events are becoming more common; from this week’s potentially record-breaking heat to the tornados and severe storms we have been experiencing,” said Councilmember Christopher Wyche in a press release. “That’s why council is working with city departments and community partners to support our residents through multiple channels during this heat wave.”

    The movies will be shown Wednesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gateway Film Center.

    Movie-goers will be able to choose from the following films:

    • Tuesday (2024)
    • The Bad Guys (2022)
    • Jurassic Park (1993) 4K Restoration
    • Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
    • Matilda (1996)
    • The Fall Guy (2024)
    • Shrek (2001)
    • The Grab (2024) – Wednesday Only
    • Resistance: They Fought Back (2024) – Wednesday Only

     

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Photos from the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio

    Photos from the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio

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    DUBLIN, Ohio — Golfers from the PGA Tour came to Ohio this week for the Memorial Tournament held at the Murfield Village Golf Club in Dublin. 

    Here are some photos from the event as play continued through the weekend at the tournament that has attracted thousands of spectators.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • The rise of TikTok mental health self-diagnosis

    The rise of TikTok mental health self-diagnosis

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    OHIO — Parents and psychologists are seeing an increase in teens and young adults diagnosing themselves with things like depression, anxiety, OCD and autism based off of content on social media. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Parents and psychologists are seeing an increase in teens and young adults self diagnosing with mental illnesses based off of content on social media

    • While mental health professionals say social media can help break stigmas and spark helpful conversations, it needs to be thought of as a starting point, not a destination

    • Cleveland Clinic Psychologist Dr. Susan Albers points to studies that show about 84 percent of mental health related content on TikTok is misleading

    • Research and knowing how you feel is an important step of the process, but seeking professional guidance will help to get people to the right treatment plan and, ideally, relief

    While mental health professionals say social media can help break stigmas and spark helpful conversations, it needs to be thought of as a starting point, not a destination. 

    “Social media can be a helpful tool for increasing information awareness and decreasing the stigma of mental health issues,” Cleveland Clinic Psychologist Dr. Susan Albers said. “The personal stories are helpful in driving home the point that anybody can be impacted by mental health issues. The downside is that it can also spread a lot of misinformation. You can cause harm, and it’s a slippery slope into self diagnosing.” 

    Albers believes social media can be a good place to start but points to studies that show about 84 percent of mental health related content on TikTok is misleading. 

    ’It’s incredibly dangerous,” said Hannah Lipowski, a graduate student of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, “I think that self diagnosis can lead to people spiraling further than they need to and not seeking out proper treatment. 

    Lipowski is in her early 20s and said she sees how easy it is to be influenced by social media.

    “That’s what’s funny about doing what I do and still being on the younger end of it… I’ll have friends who come to me and they’re like, well, do you think I have X,Y,Z and even to that extent, I don’t know, ethically, I can’t see a friend as a patient.”

    Lipowski encourages young people not to stop at what you think may be a diagnosis.

    “There’s more awareness to it, but the treatment rates are decreasing because people aren’t seeing the need to go be professionally treated,” she said. “They’re thinking, well, I can watch the tik tok video that tells me how to cure my depression rather than going and seeking out psychotherapy or psychiatric treatment.”

    Dr Albers looks at the phenomenon not only as a psychologist, but as a parent.

    “The algorithm can figure your child out instantly about what their concerns are and their interest areas. If he continues to send them information about depression, go to them. And this is a great launching point for communication,” she said. 

    Research and knowing how you feel is an important step of the process, but seeking professional guidance will help to get people to the right treatment plan and, ideally, relief.

    “It’s the importance of them just getting there and then trusting the person who’s trained to do so to offer them confirmation of a diagnosis or to say, you know what, actually you better fit this, here’s where our treatment plan is gonna go,” Lipowski said.

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    Alexa Maslowski

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  • Research finds stronger genetic risks for melanoma

    Research finds stronger genetic risks for melanoma

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    CLEVELAND — As many consider spending time outdoors this holiday weekend, they’re sure to pack their sunscreen in their beach bag, taking in the advice of dermatologists everywhere.

    What You Need To Know

    • A recent study led—in part—by a Cleveland Clinic doctor found that “genetics play a larger role in melanoma risk than (previously) recognized,” according to a press release

    • In the Cleveland Clinic release, it was noted that previous studies only showed that about 2% of melanoma cases were genetic

    • The new study, led by Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Joshua Arbesman and Stanford Medicine’s Dr. Pauline Funchain, found that “up to 15% (1 in 7) of patients who received melanoma diagnoses from Cleveland Clinic physicians between 2017 and 2020 carried mutations in cancer susceptibility genes”

    • The researchers are continuing to study these genes

    While sunscreen is still a good idea for everyone, a recent study led—in part—by a Cleveland Clinic doctor found that “genetics play a larger role in melanoma risk than (previously) recognized,” according to a press release, meaning some may be at a higher risk than others.

    In the Cleveland Clinic release, it was noted that previous studies only showed that about 2% of melanoma cases were genetic.

    The new study, led by Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Joshua Arbesman and Stanford Medicine’s Dr. Pauline Funchain, found that “up to 15% (1 in 7) of patients who received melanoma diagnoses from Cleveland Clinic physicians between 2017 and 2020 carried mutations in cancer susceptibility genes.”

    Researchers found similar results when looking at international databases.

    “Hereditary cancers can wreak havoc through families and leave devastation in their wake,” Arbesman said in the release. “Genetic testing lets us proactively identify, screen and even treat these families to equip them with the tools they need to get the best healthcare possible. I would recommend physicians and insurance companies expand their criteria when it comes to offering genetic testing to individuals with family histories of melanoma, because inherited predisposition to it isn’t nearly as rare as we think it is.”

    Part of the significance of this research comes down to genetic testing. The release notes that often this type of testing is not on offer for those cancers whose percentages of genetic cases are below 5%.

    The researchers are continuing to study these genes. According to the release, they are looking at whether those with these “inherited mutations” could result in more benefits via immunotherapy.

    “Not all of my patients had inherited mutations that made them more susceptible to the sun,” Arbesman said in the release. “There’s clearly something more going on here and more research is needed.” 

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    Cody Thompson

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  • University of Cincinnati population continues to rise

    University of Cincinnati population continues to rise

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    OHIO — The University of Cincinnati could become one of the largest universities in the country over the next decade.

    What You Need To Know

    • This past school year, the University of Cincinnati had an enrollement of 51,000 students, making it the largest population size yet 

    • The university is expected to grow in the next few years 

    • Housing is one of the school’s top priorities as it prepares for the spike in population

    This past academic year, the school enrolled nearly 51,000 students, the most in its history. School leaders expect that number to increase to 60,000 by 2034.

    They said they are getting more students from Cincinnati Public Schools and from across the Indiana border. The increased numbers have the school working on ways to add more housing on campus.

    “We’re really moving into a phase in the next couple of years where we will be doing a lot of investment in our housing,” said Jack Miner, vice provost for enrollment management at the university. “We’ve had phenomenal partnerships for years with private developers. We continue to see a lot of private growth in this area.”

    In addition to UC, The Ohio State University also has a large population size. Bestcollege.com lists the university as the third largest in the nation, with more than 61,000 students. 

    Editor’s note: A previous version of this story misspelled Jack Miner’s name. This has been corrected. (May 22, 2024)

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    Camri Nelson

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  • Ag Report: Warm soil temperatures aid farmers despite wet weather

    Ag Report: Warm soil temperatures aid farmers despite wet weather

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    COLUMBUS — Despite heavy rain, farmers were able to make progress in the fields.

    What You Need To Know

    • According to the report: ” There were 2.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 12.”
    • Each week, Spectrum News 1 anchor Chuck Ringwalt and agriculture expert Andy Vance discuss an aspect of the state’s agricultural landscape

    According to the USDA, 1.59 inches of precipitation was recorded for the week ending May 12. The report said this was .8 inches above average.

    “Anyone with a backyard or a dog can identify with it. It feels like here comes .2 of an inch. Here comes .3 of an inch. Just enough rain every day or every two days to keep it from drying out and getting anything done,” agriculture expert Andy Vance said.

    Tornados and extreme weather also prevented farmers from working in the fields.

    According to the report: “Farmers reported damage from either a direct hit of the tornado or from trees being uprooted or branches breaking off the trees.”

    However, warm soil temperatures allowed some farmers the ability to make progress.

    “We’re also well ahead of the five-year average for corn and soybean planting,” Vance said. “We’re running about 3.5° above normal here for example, so when you have above average precipitation and above average temperatures things get to growing pretty quickly.”

    The USDA reported corn and soybean planting was 36% and 27% planted during the week ending May 12.

    If you have an idea for the Ag Report, a question for Chuck and Andy or you’d like to send a photo of your farm and the work you do, email charles.ringwalt@charter.com.

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    Chuck Ringwalt

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  • Examining next steps to get President Biden on Ohio’s presidential ballot

    Examining next steps to get President Biden on Ohio’s presidential ballot

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio —  Ohio lawmakers failed to agree on a bill to finalize a solution to place President Joe Biden on the Ohio ballot this upcoming November.

    While lawmakers from both parties say the issue will resolve itself and he will be on the ballot for this upcoming election, it’s still unclear what steps will be taken to achieve that.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lawmakers from both parties expect President Biden to end up on the ballot

    • The Ohio House and Senate tried to resolve the problem by trying to pass legislation, but the two chambers couldn’t agree on a bill 

    • Ohio Democrats have a variety of options to pursue to secure President Biden’s spot on the ballot

    The House and Senate had two separate proposals that would have extended the deadline for Democrats to officially nominate President Joe Biden. However, neither one of those proposals passed both chambers. That means that in order to make a change legislatively, lawmakers have to pass a proposal with an emergency clause. If that does not happen, Democrats could go through the court system instead.

    “If a lawsuit is filed, it could force the legislature to reconsider the ballot rules,” said Atiba Ellis, a Professor of Law at Case Western Reserve University. “Certainly there is a lot of evidence from other states that different states have far more flexible deadlines. Some states have deadlines that are later. Some states have deadlines that allow a contingency for the nomination to be certified within a week of the convention whenever that might be or what have you.” 

    Meanwhile, the Biden campaign is pointing to other Republican led states like Alabama and Washington that have already taken action to resolve a similar issue.

    “Joe Biden will be on the ballot in all 50 states. Election after election, states across the country have acted in line with the bipartisan consensus and taken the necessary steps to ensure the presidential nominees from both parties will be on the ballot. And this election is no different — Alabama, with full Republican support, and Washington State are already taking action to ensure that voters can exercise their right to vote for the candidate of their choice in November,” said Charles Lutvak, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign.

    “If the courts get involved, it would ultimately raise questions about the law and it could potentially cut the legislature out of the process,” Ellis said. “And certainly, as a political matter, that could end up looking like a failure on the part of the legislature. Given that both the governor and senior members of the legislature have said that President Biden at the end of the day will end up on the ballot.” 

    While Republicans and Democrats have acknowledged that they believe this issue will sort itself out, politics are still at play. Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose released a statement criticizing Democrats for not passing the measure on Wednesday. While Ohio Democrats say it’s the Republicans who are playing politics here. 

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    Samana Sheikh

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  • House Republicans pushing universities to crack down on campus protests

    House Republicans pushing universities to crack down on campus protests

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    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amid ongoing protests on campuses across the country, Republicans on Capitol Hill said universities had let the expression of free speech slide into violence. Their calls for accountability add more pressure to university officials already struggling to manage pro-Palestinian protests and allegations of antisemitism, all while balancing free speech against personal safety.

    What You Need To Know

    • Amid ongoing pro-Palestinian protests, Republican lawmakers said universities had let expression of free speech slide into violence

    • At least four House committees are investigating universities where protests have occurred

    • Free-speech watchdogs warned against censorship

    Some Republicans called to investigate groups funding the protests, such as Jewish Voice for Peace and Within Our Lifetime.

    “Especially when you have very obvious signs of lawless agitation and you know that there are some funding sources that are actually paying people to break the law, then you ought to prosecute the people who are breaking the law. You also have to look into the people who are paying for them to break the law,” said Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio. “I think that’s an important and a good way to combat this stuff.”

    “We just need to find out where the money is coming to support these hate groups. Hate is hate in whatever form it is and that’s who supporting these efforts on college campuses,” said Rep. Mike Carey, R-Ohio.

    One bill introduced in the House, for example, would revoke nonprofit status and thus tax exemptions for “terrorist supporting organizations.”

    Jewish Voice for Peace responded in a statement.

    “Bills like S.4136/H.R. 6408 are efforts to strip charities of their tax-exempt status based entirely on political motives, and are incredibly dangerous attacks on our rights to free speech and public protest, two vital elements in any democracy… Inaccurately accusing these protests of antisemitism for holding the Israeli government accountable for its war crimes not only fails to make Jewish students safe, but actively distracts from real incidents of antisemitism and the dangers of white nationalism.”

    Within Our Lifetime did not respond to a request for comment.

    Rep. Carey sits on the House Ways and Means Committee, which has threatened to cut funding to and end the tax-exempt status of universities that do not adequately protect students from discrimination, as required under Title XI.

    The committee also held a closed-door meeting Tuesday on additional strategies to address rising antisemitism in higher education.

    At least four other House committee chairs have launched separate investigations into university protests, part of what Speaker Mike Johnson called a House-wide probe of antisemitism in America.

    Free-speech watchdogs, however, warned Congress not to over-regulate universities even if they disapprove of how protests were handled.

    “Because [lawmakers] have legitimate authority, they should be exercising that authority in a way that does not encourage institutions to censor constitutionally protected speech on campus,” said Tyler Coward, lead counsel for government affairs for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).

    Democrats have largely said universities and local law enforcement should decide how to deal with protests.

    “Colleges and universities have their own rules that they can enforce,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif.

    The accountability efforts by Republicans come amid the presidential election, while President Joe Biden is struggling to unite Democrats behind his Israel policy.

    At the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s annual Days of Remembrance ceremony on Tuesday, Biden said the U.S. “must give hate no safe harbor against anyone.”

    Correction: This story has been corrected to clarify that the organization IfNotNow isn’t funding any protests. (May 8, 2024)

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    Harri Leigh

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  • Damage reported following severe storms, flash flooding

    Damage reported following severe storms, flash flooding

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Damage has been reported in parts of the state following severe storms that produced reports of tornadoes and flash flooding late Tuesday night into early Wednesday.

    Officials said one person was injured in Darke County, located in west-central Ohio, following a storm that moved across the county just after 8 p.m.. The sheriff’s office said damage was first reported just west of the city of Greenville. The storm then moved through the city where some property damage has been reported, along with reports of downed power lines and trees.

    City officials have asked residents to avoid traveling during the overnight hours as first responders and utility crews evaluate and clear damage.

    Darke County Emergency Management Director Mindy Saylor described the damage as widespread and said that first responders were still surveying the damage late Tuesday night.

    Greenville City Schools will be closed Wednesday because of storm damage. Officials said damage was reported at Harmon Field, located on the campus of Greenville High School.

    Officials said they will have a better idea of the extent of the damage after sunrise.

    In southern Ohio, officials in Butler County — just north of Cincinnati — said they’ve received reports of power lines and poles down in Reily Township. They’ve also received reports of damage to homes and farms. No injuries have been reported. Several roads are closed until further notice as debris is cleared.

    In neighboring Warren County, law enforcement reported damage to trees and utility lines. Officials are still out evaluating damage early Wednesday morning.

    No injuries had been reported as of 1:30 a.m.

    Authorities said damage was reported in Jefferson County in far eastern Ohio as a tornado warned storm moved through early Wednesday. Officials have received reports of damage to homes and trees near Irondale.

    No other information has been released as crews work to evaluate the extent of the damage.

    Heavy rains produced flash flooding as several rounds of storms moved through central and southern Ohio.

    There are reports of stalled vehicles along I-75 in Hamilton County because of flooding. Flash flooding was also reported along I-71 near the Polaris neighborhood.

    Utility companies said they have teams responding to areas affected by the severe weather.

    More than 16,000 customers remained without power as of 2 a.m. Wednesday.

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    Associated Press

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