ReportWire

Tag: CTV

  • Drought may be causing fall allergies to start early this year

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    CLEVELAND — Shiv Love’s been playing trombone since the 5th grade, and he hopes to do it for a lifetime.

    “I would just like to play in a big orchestra and teach at a college,” said Love, a second-year master’s student.

    But staying on top of his game means being able to hear and breathe properly.

    What You Need To Know

    • Allergy sufferers may have early symptoms due to drought conditions

    • An allergist recommends getting tested for allergies to know how to treat symptoms

    • Fall can create ragweed, pollen and mold allergy symptoms

    When fall allergies hit, he said it sounds like he’s underwater — not a good thing for a musician.

    The traditional ragweed, pollen season in northeast Ohio region usually starts Aug. 15 and lasts until the frost begins.

    “Other thing that’s in the air would be mold, as the leaves fall down. That’s what happens as they degrade, mold spores are released,” said Dr. Nancy Wasserbauer Kingston, an allergist and immunologist with University Hospitals.

    The recent drought is causing leaves to fall early, which may be leading to some having symptoms earlier this year.

    Wasserbauer Kingston said the best way to be prepared for allergies is to find out what you’re allergic to.

    “Before you go out to the pharmacy and buy all the allergy remedies that are on the market, best to know what your allergens are so you can first and foremost avoid them. And then use targeted daily therapy and avoidance measures,” Wasserbauer Kingston said.

    She said testing for allergies is more comfortable than it used to be.

    “So, it feels like a little push on the skin and creates just a tiny, tiny little prick on the skin. If you’re allergic, it’s going to feel like a mosquito bite. It doesn’t include a whole lot of blood or anything like that. People get worried about that,” she said.

    Wasserbauer Kingston recommends keeping the windows closed, washing your face and hands after being outside and using an app to monitor pollen.

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    Kimberly Perez

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  • Akron Marathon celebrates 23rd anniversary and city milestone

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    CLEVELAND — The 2025 Akron Marathon is taking off this weekend as the city continues to celebrate its 200th anniversary.

    What You Need To Know

    • Akron Public Schools laid off around 160 faculty members, including teachers, last summer

    • Now, the district said it is looking to fill around the same number of jobs before school starts this week

    • Statewide, the teacher attrition rate – or those no returning as a teacher – has risen in recent years, while the number of newly credential teachers has declined since 2013.

    Four months of training is paying off for Eric Westog who was the first half-marathoner to cross the finish line this year. 

    He is one of more than 8,000 participants who stood behind the start line at sunrise. Westog said he’s been running for around 15 years, but it’s only his second time participating in the annual Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay event.

    “This year I was actually entered for the full marathon, and I switched this morning because my daughter has a fever back home. So I wanted to get done sooner so I can get back home,” said Westog who is from Michigan.

    Anne Bitong, President and CEO of the Akron Marathon, said participants are traveling new revamped routes across the downtown area.

    “This is an all new finish line this year,” Bitong said. “We had a change in the course, so we flipped the first 13 miles of the race course, and then we’re finishing right here on South Main Street, the heart of Akron with the all new renovated lot three. So, we think our runners are going to love it.”

    And while the Marathon is celebrating it’s 23rd anniversary, Biton said the event is also recognizing a significant milestone in the city’s history.

    “It’s Akron’s birthday, the bicentennial. So all of our participant shirts and medals feature the 200 Akron logo, and it’s just a great way to celebrate Akron with that foot tour. Traveling around our city with amazing landmarks,” she said.

    Fhiannon Stevenson is an employee with FirstEnergy and long-time participant in the Akron Marathon. She is helping lift the spirit of celebration at the marathon.

    “I have run every day for the last five years. So I’ve run on plenty of birthdays, never a race like this,” she said. “So I think I’m just going to pretend they’re all cheering for me.”

    Still, for other participants, the race is only a piece of a longer journey that lies ahead.

    “I would love to qualify for the Olympic trials in the marathon,” Westog said. “So I’m going to go plan to go for that in the spring.”

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    Tanya Velazquez

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  • Texas native announced as NASA astronaut candidate

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    TEXAS — Being selected as a NASA astronaut candidate was an “I made it” moment, even for Becky Lawler — an engineer, veteran and hurricane hunter. 

    With a fist pump and ear-to-ear grin, the Texas native joined 10 others on stage Monday morning for a ceremony announcing NASA’s newest class of astronaut candidates. 

    “It’s exciting, it’s a relief, it’s shocking to be here part of this amazing class during this exciting time for NASA,” Lawler told Spectrum News 1. 

    Lawler is from Little Elm, Texas, near Dallas. She didn’t always know she wanted to be an astronaut, but says she always knew she wanted to fly. 

    “I was one of those kids that was always looking at the sky. I still feel that way as an adult,” she said. “Seeing the sunrise, cloud formations, I was like, ‘I want to be up there.’”

    She says that’s what led her to become a test pilot in the U.S. Navy. After 11 years there, she became a hurricane hunter with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Lawler has flown planes into the eyes of 32 hurricanes and 11 tropical storms.  

    Now, she’ll begin two years of astronaut training. While the crew has not been selected yet, Lawler could be on board Artemis III — which will land humans on the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. 

    “It’s such an honor to be representing my home state and where I came from,” she said. “We’re going further than ever. And we’re doing it with the people of the great state of Texas.”

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    Lily Celeste

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  • Wheelersburg gets big win in OHSAA Game of the Week

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    OHIO — Host Wheelersburg rallied in the second half for a 24-15 win over Ironton in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Game of the Week on Spectrum News 1.

    The Pirates (6-0) trailed 9-7 at half before outscoring the Fighting Tigers (5-1) 21-6 in the final 24 minutes. It’s Wheelersburg’s first win in the series since the 2021 playoffs, and 2018 regular season. 

    Next week, the Pirates visit Oak Hill, while Ironton travels to Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

    This could be the first of two meetings this year, as these were the top two teams in the Region 19 (Division V) computer rankings. 

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    Rob Kunz

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  • Cleveland Guardians make historic comeback

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    CLEVELAND — The Guardians staged the biggest comeback in baseball history and now lead the American League Central, even with their loss Thursday night. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Ahead of Thursday’s game, Guardians fans expressed excitement about the team’s recent track record
    • City of Cleveland gives conceptual approval to a Progressive Field renovation project, indicating new renovations might be in the works
    • Over the last two years, Progressive Field underwent a more than $200 million renovation

    The comeback has coincided with discussions about potential upgrades at Progressive Field. Over the last two years, the ballpark underwent an over $200 million renovation to revamp the Terrace District and add new food options.

    Ian Meadows, Social Media and Project Manager for Downtown Cleveland, Inc., said the investments in downtown have benefited the community.

    “Progressive Field and the Guardians, you know, are really investing in the sports and entertainment and the recreation that happen here,” Meadows said. “Really, it just highlights the downtown as the destination, the place to be for everything going on, enhances the visitor experience and makes people more excited to come downtown.”

    Progressive Field’s renovations might be continuing. On Thursday, Cleveland gave conceptual approval for a project that would update the Right Field Marketplace, Fat Head’s and the beer tunnel.

    Conceptual approval is an informal process that provides design feedback to help identify issues before moving into the formal entitlement process. 

    It’s unclear how much the proposed renovation would cost and if it will actually come to fruition. The Guardians declined to comment.

    Downtown Cleveland Inc. said the investment would benefit more than just baseball fans.

    “This is the hub for the entire region, for jobs, for residences, just for the whole visitor experience,” Meadows said. “And it’s really incredible, to get, you know, the billions of dollars of investment that are underway right now, between the riverfront, the lakefront, all the main corridors here in the main commercial district.”

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    Siobhan Harms

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  • Your Mental Health: Coping with dating app fatigue

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    Have dating apps lost their spark? About 80 million people use them, according to an eHarmony survey, but a Forbes Health study found most people feel “emotionally, mentally, or physically exhausted” by them.  

    Dating apps aren’t bad, but the highs and lows that come with trying to find your perfect match can take a toll on your mental health. A study published in “Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking” found that excessive dating app use is linked to higher anxiety, depression and even lower self-esteem. That’s not how you want to feel before a date!

    The causes include decision fatigue when those endless profiles start to blur together and genuine connections feel harder to spot. Also, there’s something that happens called intermittent reinforcement, when those occasional matches trigger dopamine spikes in the brain. It causes you to chase the high of more matches and messages, instead of a deeper connection. It can all be very exhausting and emotionally draining.

    There are ways to enjoy a healthier digital dating experience:

    1. Set clear time boundaries: Try 20 to 30 minutes per day to reduce scrolling and the anxiety that can come with it.

    2. Prioritize quality over quantity: Rather than chasing endless matches, focus on building one or two meaningful conversations at a time.

    3. Practice self-compassion: Remember that dating, especially in today’s digital-first world, can be emotionally taxing. Be gentle with yourself through the highs and lows of it.

    The healthiest way to date today may not be to swipe faster or smarter but to swipe more mindfully, recognizing that real emotional health and meaningful connections are the priority.

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    Nicole Clark, PhD

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  • Your Mental Health: Coping with dating app fatigue

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    Have dating apps lost their spark? About 80 million people use them, according to an eHarmony survey, but a Forbes Health study found most people feel “emotionally, mentally, or physically exhausted” by them.  

    Dating apps aren’t bad, but the highs and lows that come with trying to find your perfect match can take a toll on your mental health. A study published in “Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking” found that excessive dating app use is linked to higher anxiety, depression and even lower self-esteem. That’s not how you want to feel before a date!

    The causes include decision fatigue when those endless profiles start to blur together and genuine connections feel harder to spot. Also, there’s something that happens called intermittent reinforcement, when those occasional matches trigger dopamine spikes in the brain. It causes you to chase the high of more matches and messages, instead of a deeper connection. It can all be very exhausting and emotionally draining.

    There are ways to enjoy a healthier digital dating experience:

    1. Set clear time boundaries: Try 20 to 30 minutes per day to reduce scrolling and the anxiety that can come with it.

    2. Prioritize quality over quantity: Rather than chasing endless matches, focus on building one or two meaningful conversations at a time.

    3. Practice self-compassion: Remember that dating, especially in today’s digital-first world, can be emotionally taxing. Be gentle with yourself through the highs and lows of it.

    The healthiest way to date today may not be to swipe faster or smarter but to swipe more mindfully, recognizing that real emotional health and meaningful connections are the priority.

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    Nicole Clark, PhD

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  • NASA scientists discuss Artemis II mission

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    TEXAS — Excitement is building for America’s return to the moon. This week in Houston, the bright minds behind the four-phase mission spoke about the preparation that’s gone into it.

    The second phase of the Artemis program, set to launch in April of next year, will take four astronauts to low-earth obit for a fly-by of the moon. During the 10-day mission, they will study parts of the lunar surface that humans have never seen before.

    “I feel like we have a front seat to a history making experience,” said Lakiesha Hawkins, deputy administrator for exploration systems.

    Astronauts on the third phase of the mission will land on the moon — the first humans to do so since 1972. The crew will collect samples to bring back to Earth and test the boundaries of human space exploration.

    “The crew there on the surface of the moon will be trying to figure out how to live off the land,” Hawkins said. 

    Flight directors for the Artemis program said lessons from the Apollo program are helping build this next mission. However, they made it clear that they have much bigger goals: a long-term presence on the moon and, eventually, exploration of Mars.

    “None of us were born during Apollo so this is our opportunity to inspire a generation of kids to get involved in future space exploration,” said Rick Henfling, return flight director for Artemis II. “And maybe one of those kids who was inspired by what we do on Artemis II becomes the first person to set footprints on the surface of Mars.”

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    Lily Celeste

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  • Spanish opera brings sounds of Spain to Ohio during Hispanic Heritage Month

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Hispanic Heritage Month is underway, and the celebration is hitting a high note right here in the heart of Ohio.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hispanic Heritage Month is underway through Oct. 15
    • A Spanish opera company is bringing its talents to Columbus

    • The opera is ‘La Hija De Rappaccini’

    • It’s produced by a Mexican-American composer. 

    This Hispanic Heritage Month, the sounds of Spain are filling Columbus. A Spanish opera company is bringing its talents to the city, offering a performance that highlights the rich culture and traditions of Spain.

    Southern Theater is bringing a traditional Spanish opera to the stage, “Rappaccini’s Daughter.”

    “The opera ‘La Hija De Rappaccini,’ first of all, it’s an opera in Espanol, and it’s essentially think a fairytale,” said Cecilia Violetta López.

    López is singing the role of Beatriz, aka Rappaccini’s Daughter.

    “If I were to go back in time and tell little me that I would be an opera singer in the future, I wouldn’t believe it,” López said.

    It’s giving central Ohio audiences a taste of rich culture, dramatic storytelling and powerful music.

    “This opera was the first Spanish opera composed by a Mexican composer,” López said.

    The production highlights classic Spanish composers and features authentic costumes and composers. All designed to celebrate Hispanic heritage through the art of opera. 

    “This specifically because it’s composed by a Mexican composer and me being Mexican American, it all hits, pulls at a lot of personal heartstrings for me so it’s really a privilege and an honor,” López said.

    Organizers said it’s more than entertainment; it’s about sharing tradition and connecting the community. 

    “These rehearsals and seeing what the culture and how much is thriving here and there’s so much richness in the city and its truly a treasure and I invite anyone whether you’re from Columbus, Ohio or not, it’s a truly magical place and you should come to the show,” López said.

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    Cassidy Wilson

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  • UAW workers agree to contracts, ending strike at GE Aerospace

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    CINCINNATI — The strike is over after UAW workers at GE Aerospace ratified five-year contracts, ending negotiations with the company.

    The employees had gone on strike late last month after having failed to reach an agreement on a new contract.

    The UAW represents more than 600 employees at facilities near Cincinnati in Evendale, Ohio, and in northern Kentucky. Workers at the Evendale plant build marine and industrial engines for the U.S. Navy.

    The contracts are effective through Sept. 15, 2030.

    “GE Aerospace is pleased to have agreements that recognize our commitment to our employees and their families in the Greater Cincinnati area,” said Christian Meisner, GE Aerospace Chief Human Resources Officer, in a statement. “With these contracts in place, we look forward to our UAW-represented employees returning to work and resuming normal operations, continuing to deliver for our customers, and driving our shared success.”

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Ohio chef named best new chef by Food and Wine magazine

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    CLEVELAND — A northeast Ohio chef just snagged a big award and put a downtown restaurant on Ohio’s must-try list.

    What You Need To Know

    • Vinnie Cimino is the chef at Cleveland restaurant Cordelia

    • Cimino was recently announced as one of 10 Best New Chefs from across the country by Food and Wine magazine

    • Cimino is the third Ohioan to be named Best New Chef by Food and Wine

    Akron native Vinnie Cimino is the chef at Cleveland restaurant Cordelia. He’s been on his culinary journey for 17 years.

    “Our goal was to, you know, celebrate our heritage, celebrate our midwestern roots,” said Cimino.

    He and his business partner, Andrew Watts, opened the downtown restaurant a little more than three years ago.

    “Welcoming into the community of food, wine and to be amongst a class of so many incredible people pushing our industry forward has been, you know, really heartwarming to be a part of,” said Cimino.

    Cimino was recently announced as one of 10 Best New Chefs from across the country by Food and Wine magazine.

    “There was no application, there was no nothing, and they go out and they former best new chefs, they vet restaurants,” said Cimino.

    To be the best new chef, the recipient must be the head of a kitchen or pastry program for five years or fewer, show culinary innovation and their work must be recommended by past winners and food writers. Vinnie said his name may be on the award, but it wouldn’t be possible without the help of the people he works with.

    “Everything we do is a lot of hard work and effort every single day,” said Cimino. “The biggest thing that we always preach that a good team goes a long way. You know, we are the sum of our parts. Our team here makes up this restaurant every single day, day in and day out.”

    While Cimino focuses on the food, he still makes sure his customers, like Shawnda Moye, enjoy his creations.

    “The food is phenomenal,” said Moye. “It, you know, they are doing great work here. I love the fact that they are so focused on like supporting local producers, local farms, local makers.”

    Moye said her favorite dish is the carrot muhammara, and Cimino’s award is not a surprise.

    “Very well deserved,” said Moya. “He’s been working his butt off, and it definitely shows in the food, just all the details in the restaurant.”

    Cimino said this award wasn’t one he thought he would ever be awarded.

    “Never in my wildest dreams that I imagined that we were being in consideration for a Food and Wine Best New Chef,” he said.

    Cimino is the third Ohioan to be named Best New Chef by Food and Wine. The other two were Michael Symon in 1998 and Jonathon Sawyer in 2010.

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    Rose Todd

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  • Walnut Hills ranks No. 1 in Ohio, among top 100 nationwide

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    CINCINNATI — For the second year in a row, Walnut Hills High School has been named the top public high school in Ohio by U.S. News & World Report, reinforcing its long-standing reputation for academic excellence.

    What You Need To Know

    • Walnut Hills High School has been named the top public high school in Ohio by U.S. News & World Report

    • The selective Cincinnati public school requires students to pass an entrance exam for admission

    • The report evaluated schools based on college readiness, graduation rates, state assessment performance, and other key metrics

    The selective Cincinnati public school, which requires students to pass an entrance exam for admission, draws students from across the city. Many students commute long distances for a chance to attend.

    “It’s really amazing to be in a place like this where I know that I am being prepared to reach those goals and follow my dreams,” said junior Satiana Hackworth, who balances sports, music and her role as a student ambassador.

    According to the rankings, Walnut Hills also placed No. 91 nationally out of nearly 18,000 high schools. The report evaluated schools based on college readiness, graduation rates, state assessment performance, and other key metrics.

    Walnut Hills performance breakdown:

    • Overall Score: 99.49 out of 100
    • Graduation Rate: 95% 
    • AP Participation: 91% 
    • Reading Proficiency: 97%

    “Our motto is ‘rise to the highest,’ and we walk it and talk it every single day,” said Principal John Chambers. “We’ve built a culture here that supports student success at every level.”

    Founded over 125 years ago, Walnut Hills offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, including 35 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The school also boasts a robust extracurricular landscape with hundreds of clubs and a dedicated student success center, which provides academic interventions and support.

    Hackworth, who plans to study biomedical engineering or nursing in college, said the school’s high standards and strong support systems help students stay on track.

    “I honestly was not surprised [by the ranking] because I think that we are a very good school,” she said. “We’re very competitive and colleges know about us.”

    Social studies teacher Michael Cabral, now in his fifth year at Walnut Hills, said the school’s culture of excellence keeps both students and faculty motivated.

    “Seeing these kids grow, change and evolve is probably the most rewarding part of the job,” he said. “It’s why my colleagues and I keep coming back here every day.”

    Walnut Hills improved both its national ranking and overall performance score compared to last year.

    Following Walnut Hills in the state rankings are Bexley High School, Ottawa Hills, Solon and Rocky River. Several other southwest Ohio schools also made the top 10, including Wyoming, Indian Hill, Madeira, Oakwood and Mariemont.

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    Javari Burnett

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  • ‘Just disappeared’: Police need help closing case of 1977 missing teen

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    FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio — Sometimes the smallest tips can lead to the biggest breaks for investigators working to solve a case. Even one that has gone cold.

    What You Need To Know

    • Fairview Park Police Chief Paul Shepard said he is counting on someone speaking up with information to finally bring Yvonne Reglar’s family answers after she went missing 48 years ago

    • On Aug. 8, 1977, Shepard said the 17-year-old was abducted during a work shift at a gas station on Lorrain Road; she would now be 65 years old

    • The U.S. Marshals Service is assisting with the investigation

    Fairview Park Police Chief Paul Shepard said he is counting on someone speaking up with information to finally bring Yvonne Reglar’s family answers after their loved one went missing nearly 50 years ago.

    “She was a tomboy, played in the band,” Shepard said while flipping through photographs. “Just a decent, good kid.”

    The pictures give a glimpse into Yvonne’s life. At least up until Aug. 8, 1977: the day Shepard said the 17-year-old was abducted during a work shift at a gas station on Lorrain Road.

    “The fact that she wasn’t supposed to be there,” he said. “Two, she had plans that night. We found no indication that she ran away.”

    Shepard said coworkers brought the North Olmsted teen to the Fairview Park service station around 8 a.m. He said she was transferred there to replace the scheduled employee, who was skilled at changing tires and sent to cover a shift at a location with a garage.

    “It was raining that day,” Shepard said. “There were storms, business wasn’t super busy. It was just like, ‘Hey, just go and do it.’”

    Yvonne was the only attendant on duty.

    A photo of Yvonne Reglar as a teen and an age-progressed photo. (Fairview Park Police Department)

    “The other thing is, it’s Fairview Park,” he said. “What could happen to you in Fairview Park?”

    Shepard said Yvonne initialed a receipt around 1:25 that afternoon, but between 1:30 and 2:05 p.m., he said two customers and a coffee machine repair person found the gas station empty. Yvonne’s personal items were still there.

    “Would you leave your purse and all your belongings behind?” Shepard said. “No. You would take something.”

    He said it was only after her shift replacement arrived for work at the empty station around 3 p.m. that Yvonne was reported missing. By that time, it was about an hour and a half after Shepard believes she was either tricked or physically taken.

    “She was taken from the pump,” he said. “There was no DNA. There’s no evidence. Because she would have just been grabbed and put in the car.”

    The disappearance captured newspaper headlines at the time, as her parents asked for answers.

    Peter Elliott said he was a detective at the Higbee’s department store where Yvonne’s mom worked.

    “I can remember that time,” he said. “I can remember the mom and her daughter was missing. Again, I wasn’t in law enforcement at the time, I was in security, so I really didn’t know what was going on.”

    But now as the U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio, Elliott brings national resources to assist with the investigation into what happened to Yvonne.

    “Not very typical is a serial killer that comes to town and snatches people,” Elliott said. “So typically it’s somebody you know, may know well.”

    Shepard said they look into every lead, as he combed through a box of files to bring out an example. A black-and-white clipping of an advertisement.

    “They thought this model looked like her from a 1970s hair stylist, and they ended up finding out that this was a professional model,” Shepard said, explaining the tip. “But there is some resemblance.”

    The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children released an updated age progression photo of how Yvonne might look today at age 65.

    Shepard hopes someone recognizes her or remembers something to close a case that generations of Fairview Park officers have worked to solve.

    “This is a young lady that showed up to work, did nothing wrong, she’s missing,” Shepard said. “We owe it to her, her family and the rest of the community to find out what happened to her.”

    He vowed that his department will not stop searching until they find her.

    If you have any information about Yvonne Reglar’s disappearance on Aug. 8, 1977, please call Fairview Park Police at (440) 356-4418 or email chiefofpolice@fairviewparkohio.gov.

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    Jenna Jordan

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  • Food and music take center stage during Hispanic Heritage Month

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    PAINESVILLE, Ohio — National Hispanic Heritage Month is an anomaly when it comes to heritage celebrations. 

    What You Need To Know

    • National Hispanic Heritage Month begins in the middle of September to honor countries’ independence days

    • Central American countries celebrate freedom from Spain on Sept. 15

    • The month celebrates contributions of Hispanic culture in the United States

    It starts on Sept. 15 each year instead of Sept. 1.

    History helped determine that date.

    Central American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, all celebrate their independence from Spain on Sept. 15. Mexico celebrates on Sept. 16.

    Over the next month, festivals across the country will showcase some of the influence and contribution the Hispanic culture has had on the United States. But it’s also a month to celebrate freedom.

    “History is very complex of these countries. You had indigenous peoples who were basically colonized, conquered by Spain,” said Veronica Isabel Dahlberg, founder of Hola, Ohio — an organization that advocates for farm workers, immigrants and Latino families.

    She said the countries share a common thread, including culture, history and the language.

    Despite colonization, the culture endured for thousands of years, according to Dahlberg.

    “I would start with the corn tortilla. Corn, which was domesticated in Mexico from some grasses. By creating this corn, that then was harvested and used for a tortilla starting 10,000 years ago,” said Dahlberg. 

    Cities across the country will ring in the month with traditional music, dance and food.

    “We’re celebrating a taco festival in Ohio. I mean, that’s proof right there of the enduring and the resilient part of our culture,” Dahlberg said.

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    Kimberly Perez

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  • Guide dog helps owner have first solo travel trip

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    CLEVELAND — Guide dogs are more than pets; for many, they’re a safety net, a navigation system and a source of independence.

    September is National Service Dog Month, celebrating the service dogs around the country, including northeast Ohio.

    What You Need To Know

    • September is National Service Dog Month
    • Achromatopsia is a rare genetic eye disorder that causes complete or partial loss of color vision
    • Dogs Inc. is an organization that provides guide and service dogs

    Jaclyn Schiemann is legally blind, and it wasn’t until she was 30-years-old that she was diagnosed with achromatopsia.

    “Everything to me is just blurry,” said Schiemann.

    Achromatopsia is a rare genetic eye disorder that causes complete or partial loss of color vision. Fewer than 50,000 people in the U.S. have this disorder.

    “I was born with it. I was originally diagnosed with rod cone dystrophy, and they thought I would be completely blind by the age of 16,” said Schiemann. “There wasn’t genetic testing when I was young.” 

    Schiemann said she sees a lot of shadows and she can’t see colors. In 2021, Schiemann applied for a guide dog. In June 2023, she was introduced to Tyrus.

    “The happiest day of my life.” Said Schiemann.

    A four-year-old purebred yellow American Lab who was trained by Dogs Inc. An organization that provides guide and service dogs. They currently have more than 700 active service and guide dog teams. Tyrus is trained to find curbs, steps, Schiemann’s mom, and to stop and avoid hazards.

    “I took my first trip solo.” Said Schiemann. “So, he has given me independence, courage, confidence to actually do something like that. This past February, we went to Disney World.”

    Schiemann said she never traveled alone when she was using a cane because she was afraid of tripping or running into something.

    “It’s nice to be on my own because I’ve always been so dependent on everybody,” said Schiemann. “To do anything, to go anywhere but with him I’m not scared to do that. I have a constant companion.”

    Schiemann said her goal is to go to as many national parks as she and Tyrus can. Their most recent was to Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

    “We’ve been to six national parks in two years.” Said Schiemann.

    Since getting Tyrus, Schiemann said she is able to experience a part of life she once thought was out of reach.

    “It’s life-changing, and it’s freeing, and it’s liberating, and it’s encouraging that I can go out and do stuff that I never thought I would do alone,” said Schiemann.

    If you know someone who could use a guide or service dog, Dogs Inc. provides them at no cost to the recipient once they are approved and matched with a dog.

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    Rose Todd

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  • Texas A&M professor fired after confrontation over gender identity coursework

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    HOUSTON (AP) — A professor at Texas A&M University was fired and others were removed from their positions after a video surfaced in which a student confronted the instructor over her teaching of issues related to gender identity in a class on children’s literature.

    What You Need To Know

    • The firing of Melissa McCoul, a senior lecturer in the English department with over a decade of teaching experience, came after political pressure from Republican lawmakers, including Gov. Greg Abbott, who had called for her termination

    • The incident prompted Glenn Hegar, the chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, to order an audit of courses at all 12 schools in the system

    • In an email, McCoul referred all questions to her attorney, Amanda Reichek. Reichek said in a statement that McCoul has appealed her termination and “is exploring further legal action”

    • Texas A&M University President Mark A. Welsh III said in a statement Tuesday he directed the campus provost to fire McCoul after learning the instructor had continued teaching content in a children’s literature course “that did not align with any reasonable expectation of standard curriculum for the course”

    The firing of Melissa McCoul, a senior lecturer in the English department with over a decade of teaching experience, came after political pressure from Republican lawmakers, including Gov. Greg Abbott, who had called for her termination.

    The incident prompted Glenn Hegar, the chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, to order an audit of courses at all 12 schools in the system.

    “It is unacceptable for A&M System faculty to push a personal political agenda,” Hegar said in a statement on Monday. “We have been tasked with training the next generation of teachers and childcare professionals. That responsibility should prioritize protecting children not engaging in indoctrination.”

    In an email, McCoul referred all questions to her attorney, Amanda Reichek. Reichek said in a statement that McCoul has appealed her termination and “is exploring further legal action.”

    “Dr. McCoul was fired in derogation of her constitutional rights and the academic freedom that was once the hallmark of higher education in Texas,” Reichek said.

    Texas A&M University President Mark A. Welsh III said in a statement Tuesday he directed the campus provost to fire McCoul after learning the instructor had continued teaching content in a children’s literature course “that did not align with any reasonable expectation of standard curriculum for the course.”

    Welsh said the issue had been raised earlier this summer and he had “made it clear to our academic leadership that course content must match catalog descriptions for each and every one of our course sections.” Welsh said he learned on Monday that this was not taking place.

    “This isn’t about academic freedom; it’s about academic responsibility,” Welsh said.

    In her statement, Reichek pushed back on Welsh’s claims that McCoul’s teaching did not match the course description.

    “Professor McCoul’s course content was entirely consistent with the catalog and course description, and she was never instructed to change her course content in any way, shape, or form,” Reichek said. “In fact, Dr. McCoul taught this course and others like it for many years, successfully and without challenge.”

    Welsh also ordered the removal of the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and the head of the English Department from their administrative positions.

    The actions by Texas A&M were criticized by faculty and writers’ groups.

    “We are witnessing the death of academic freedom in Texas, the remaking of universities as tools of authoritarianism that suppress free thought,” Jonathan Friedman, Sy Syms Managing Director of U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America, said in a statement.

    The Texas chapter of the American Association of University Professors said what happened at Texas A&M University should concern every Texan.

    “Not only has the integrity of academic freedom come under fire, but the due process rights of a faculty member have been trampled at the urging of state politicians + the governor himself,” the group said in a statement.

    The controversy began on Monday after Republican state Rep. Brian Harrison posted a video, audio recordings and other materials on a thread on the social media site X. Harrison called for the professor and Welsh to be fired for “DEI and LGBTQ indoctrination.”

    In one video, a female student and the professor can be heard arguing over gender identity being taught in a children’s literature class. The student and professor are not shown and it’s unclear when the video was taken.

    “This also very much goes against not only myself but a lot of people’s religious beliefs. And so I am not going to participate in this because it’s not legal and I don’t want to promote something that is against our president’s laws as well as against my religious beliefs,” the student could be heard saying in the video.

    “If you are uncomfortable in this class you do have the right to leave. What we are doing is not illegal,” the professor said.

    In her back-and-forth with the professor, the student mentioned an executive order that President Donald Trump signed earlier this year in which he said “it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.”

    A Texas law took effect on Sept. 1 that forbids Texas K-12 schools from teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity. The law does not apply to universities and other institutions of higher education.

    Texas A&M is located in College Station, about 95 miles northwest of Houston.

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    Associated Press

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  • NASA astronauts discuss future of space travel during Ohio Space Week

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    CLEVELAND — During Ohio’s Space Week, scientists, astronauts and industry leaders have descended on northeast Ohio to discuss what’s next for space travel. 

    What You Need To Know

    • NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock discussed his career and NASA’s plan to send astronauts back to the moon  
    • NASA astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams spoke about her nine-month stay in space
    • Williams and Wheelock advocate for continued space exploration, research 

    At the Glenn Space Technology Symposium, NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock discussed his career and NASA’s plan to send astronauts back to the moon.  

    “This is a real great gathering of innovation and creative minds,” Wheelock said. “So, now when we work together we will be able to see what magic happens from this meeting.”

    He spoke about the Artemis III mission, which aims to put astronauts on the moon by mid-2027.

    “My task is to train to the mastery level to be able to get in this craft and land on the moon and then come back home safely,” Wheelock said.


    He said the mission is uniquely challenging due to its landing location. 

    “We’re going to the lunar south pole, which is a bit more rugged terrain, than at the equatorial landing sites of Apollo,” Wheelock said. 

    Later in the week, he echoed this sentiment at the City Club of Cleveland, where he moderated a discussion with his colleague, NASA astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams. The pair also discussed Williams’ latest mission, where she was stranded on the International Space Station for nine months. 

    “We knew that there were some issues when we docked,” Williams said, addressing her last mission to space. “We knew we probably weren’t going to come home in the ten days that we had originally planned. We were pretty much ready for that.”

    While she said she wasn’t jumping for joy at the mission’s length, Williams said she was grateful for the opportunities she had to connect with people here on Earth. 

    “Folks could come along on the mission with me and the journey with me and know what we were doing up there,” Williams said. “They could see what it’s like to live in space by having the camera on us in space with, you know, big hair and then, you know, showing how what, how we actually live and eat and work up there.”

    As part of Ohio’s Space Week, Williams threw out the first pitch at the Guardians game Thursday. 

    Ohio’s Space Week ends with NASA Discovery Days at Great Lakes Science Center on Friday and Saturday. Wheelock and Williams will meet with the public on Friday and Wheelock will also attend Saturday’s events. 

    Williams and Wheelock will close out Ohio’s Space Week with a meet and greet at NASA.

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    Siobhan Harms

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  • How redrawing congressional districts may affect the results

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    OHIO — The Ohio General Assembly is facing a deadline of Sept. 30 to pass a new congressional map with bipartisan support.

    If they don’t meet that deadline, the task turns over to the state’s redistricting commission, which would have just one month to draw the maps that will be in effect for next year’s elections.

    What You Need To Know

    • Republican chairman of Summit County hopes the GOP gains the seat back, after several decades being led by Democrats
    • Democratic chairman of Summit County is concerned of politicians redrawing maps but is optimistic with their Democratic representative
    • District four is another one that gets heat because of its boundaries
    • The Democratic Chair says they’re fighting its gerrymandered lines, but the Republican Chair disagrees and says most voters are conservative in the area regardless of the lines

    Political experts say redrawing maps can affect results, and one example is district 13 in northeast Ohio, which is one of the most competitive ones. Bryan Williams, the Republican chairman of Summit County, hopes to get that seat back.  

    “We have not had our own county district since really 1970,” Williams said. “When Bill Ayres, a Republican, represented Summit County and since then, over the next 50 years, the state during the redistricting process has cut us up in as many as four parts at one point, so I’d like to see Summit County stay whole.”

    Democratic Congresswoman Emilia Sykes currently represents district 13.

    Mark Derrig, the Democratic chairman of Summit County, said things get heated there, especially when they redraw maps.

    “I think everyone is concerned when politicians decide it’s their job to pick voters instead of voters picking them,” Derrig said. “We already have redrawn maps in Ohio numerous times, and every time we end up in court and so on.”

    David Niven who’s a professor of political science at the University of Cincinnati said there’s an opportunity for the Republican party to take back the seat in District 13 for the first time in decades.

    “The key question, as the lines get redrawn, is are they going to borrow a few voters from the surrounding district to make this district that is the slightest advantage to Democrats into an advantage for Republicans,” Niven said.

    Williams, from the Republican party, said he doesn’t think the average voter really looks at the district boundaries to decide how to vote.

    Bryan Williams, Chairman of the Summit County Republican Party, works at his office. (Spectrum News 1/Chrissa Loukas)

    What constituents are looking at, Williams said, is who would represent their interests from a fair and balanced viewpoint.

    “I think Kevin Coughlin does that very well,” Williams said. “I would submit that Emilia Sykes is very polarizing, is very good representative of the left wing of her political party, not really the center of the party, and when you have a competitive district, you really have to be able to govern for the entire district.”

    Derrig, from Summit County’s Democratic party, said constituents all over the district from Summit to Stark County want a member of Congress who’s approachable and meets their needs.

    Some of the biggest needs have to do with housing, Derrig said, and things that would help them with their daily lives and their commutes to work.

    In the meantime, there are more than 1.5 million registered republicans and more than 800,000 registered democrats in Ohio, according to the Ohio Secretary of State.

    “We have maps that are drawn 13 to 2 and we’ve picked up three seats just because we have better candidates than they do that are out there delivering for their constituents,” Derrig said. “Summit County is the fourth largest county in the state, and this is the first time in many, many years where we’ve had one representative from Congress, and I think that’s paid dividends and the people see that and realize that.”

    But whether you’re in a blue district or at a red leaning place like in Shelby County, the process of redrawing maps can impact people across the state.

    And the fight continues in Shelby County, which is in the fourth district, one that’s been represented by Republican Jim Jordan since 2007.

    Yet, political professor Niven said, there’s a way to get a fair map.

    “Four runs all the way from the outskirts of the Cleveland metropolitan area all the way over to the outskirts of the Dayton metropolitan area, and the problem with that, of course, is the folks at either end of these districts don’t have a heck a lot in common,” Niven said. “States including Michigan and Colorado have chosen to use an independent redistricting commission, which basically means two things: One, politicians don’t draw their own lines and two, those commissions are balanced by parties so that neither party can choose the map.”

    Chris Gibbs is the chairman of the Democratic party in Shelby County and also a farmer.

    Gibbs said he used to be a Republican for about 20 years, up until 2019, which was the year he lost about 20% of his product.

    Gibbs said this district is gerrymandered and doesn’t meet agricultural needs.

    “We have a whole host of folks that do not have a voice in their government,” Gibbs said. “Because we’re not able to break through to have a congressional representative that represents all of the people, not just 60% of them.”

    Dan Cecil is the chairman of the Shelby County Republican party.

    He’s now retired after 30 years in the Air Force.

    Cecil disagrees about this district being gerrymandered and said it does meet people’s needs. 

    “We’re still like nine Republicans to one Democrat in Shelby County as far as people that are registered to vote,” Cecil said. “But it’s even higher than that for the way people vote when they vote in general elections, so no I don’t think it’s gerrymandered at all in this area.”

    Cecil said Democrats have also been using redistricting to their advantage, and it’s not only the Republican party.

    “I think Republicans are just fed up with it and have decided that we’re going to make the best of it that we can,” Cecil said.

    In the meantime, the General Assembly has until the end of the month to redraw maps.

    They need 60% to vote yes, and they need at least half of the minority party to be on board. 

    But Gibbs said, even though outnumbered, they’re not backing down.

    “The gerrymandering fight is what’s in front of us and we’re going to continue to punch,” Gibbs said. “We’re going to continue to punch all the way down, if it’s down to the bottom and we’re going to land blows because this is unfair, and it can’t stand.”

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    Chrissa Loukas

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  • Kickoff party for VeloSano Bike to Cure fundraiser

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    STRONGSVILLE, Ohio — Hundreds of cyclists are heading out Saturday morning for the annual VeloSano Bike to Cure fundraiser.

    What You Need To Know

    • One hundred percent of proceeds from VeloSano go toward cancer research at Cleveland Clinic

    • Over 2,700 cyclists will take part in the ride to raise funds

    • Genetic testing helped one woman catch a cancer diagnosis early

    The event raises money for cancer research at Cleveland Clinic.

    One woman and cancer survivor said she is doing the ride for her kids.

    Rose Sanders watched as her mom struggled through 11 years of cancer treatments.

    Her mother left her a binder filled with her medical journey as well as medical family history.

    Sanders’ mom passed away when Sanders was 30-years-od.

    She said she didn’t want the same fate for her children and had genetic testing in her twenties. It found she carries CDH1, a gene that greatly increases your chances of cancer.

    The gene increases people’s chance of breast cancer by 40 to 50% according to Dr. Jame Abraham, breast oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic. He said it increases the risk of stomach cancer by 25 to 35%.

    Abraham said genetic testing involves taking a blood test.

    Sanders was diagnosed with stomach cancer after the birth of her fourth child. She was 32

    Abraham said the gene is rare compared to BRCA1 and BRCA2, genes more commonly known to cause breast cancer. He said he recommends anyone with a family history of stomach cancer to speak to a doctor at age 25.

    Knowing she carried the gene meant Sanders got screened more often and was able to find cancer in its early stages.

    Sanders ended up having her stomach removed at age 32. She decided to have a double mastectomy as a preventative measure at age 35.

    Her pathology report came back positive for breast cancer.

    Because it was found early, she ended up not needing chemotherapy or radiation.

    Sanders will be riding 25 miles in Saturday’s VeloSano bike ride. she’ll be joined by 2,700 other riders. 

    “I hope that with the funds raised – especially with VeloSano – that my kids won’t have to do what I’ve done and hopefully there will be some preventative choice for them,” Sanders said.

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    Kimberly Perez

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  • Statue of iconic Reds sportscaster to be unveiled

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    OHIO — For more than four decades he was known as The Voice of the Reds, and he brought passion, energy and storytelling to the airwaves unlike any other.

    Marty Brennaman has become an icon in Cincinnati, and this weekend a bronze statue will be unveiled at Great American Ballpark to honor his legacy. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A statue honoring Marty Brennaman is being unveiled at Great American Ballpark this weekend

    • Spectrum News 1 spoke with Brennaman about his love for the game

    • The statue unveiling and dedication is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday, with on-field ceremonies scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

    Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel have issued a proclamation declaring Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 as “Marty Brennaman Day” in Ohio.

    Spectrum News 1 had the opportunity to speak with Brennaman about his love for the game and what it means to him to secure a lasting place in Cincinnati’s history.

    For Marty Brennaman, every night brought unique challenges and served as a chance to see something new. 

    “This is the hardest sport of all to do because nothing happens until the pitcher throws the ball and you can’t sit there for 25 seconds and not say anything,” Brennaman said.

    It’s an art form he mastered, but believe it or not, in the beginning the Virginia native never aspired to be a big league baseball broadcaster.

    Despite working Spring training games, nothing was like April 4, 1974.  

    “Nothing down there in Florida prepared me for working game 1 with 55,000 people at Riverfront stadium. I was awed by the crowd,” he said.

    The feeling stuck, and over the years he’s witnessed history from the broadcast booth. 

    “I was blessed to have so many great events, and I was at the microphone,” Brennaman said. “Pete Rose’s record breaking hit, Tom Browning’s perfect game, back in ’79 the only new hitter that Tom Seaver ever pitched in his big league career, and he’s one of the great pitchers of all time.”

    “His ability to tell the story, to describe the action on the field, is unparalleled. What he’s been able to do for Reds fans for 46 years, bringing the game to your living rooms, to your automobiles, your backyards, and just wherever you were you could feel part of the game. That’s what made him so special, and I think why people revere him so much,” said Reds Hall of Fame Executive Director Rick Walls. 

    “I’m as equally stunned today as I was when Rick Walls told me back in March that the next one was going to be yours and we were going to dedicate it and unveil it on September the 6th of this year,” Brennaman said. “I’m still having a hard time coming to grips with it.”

    Over the decades, he’s watched baseball change and the city that become home. 

    “Once they determine that you’re one of them, they will go to bat for you, and they will love you, and they will do whatever they can for you, but you, in turn, need to show how you feel,” Brennaman said.

    “In the community, he has been a great ambassador for this team, and for the club and raised money for so many worthy charities, whether it’s the Reds Hall of Fame or the Reds Community fund, he’s always been there,” Walls said. 

    It’s not just about the 46 years behind the mic.  

    “I can’t imagine living anywhere where I could have been happier than Cincinnati Ohio. I love this city with a passion and the people here. There’s nobody that’s had a better career with a greater outcome that I had in all the years I did Reds baseball in this city,” he said.

    In his retirement at age 83, Brennaman enjoys spending time with his wife and seeing broadway shows and traveling. 

    The statue unveiling and dedication is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the Reds vs. Mets game at Great American Ball Park.

    On-field ceremonies are scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

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    Alese Underwood

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