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Tag: Ohio Cincinnati Top Stories

  • ODNR offers First Day Hikes as part of winter hike series to break in new year

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    OHIO — It’s common to have plans on New Year’s Eve, but there’s not usually many parties or get-togethers set for New Year’s Day.

    If you’re looking for something to do on your day off, it may be worth considering a hike outside to usher in 2026. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources offers several First Day Hikes at locations around the state.

     

    Here’s a look at the planned events (click the links for more information):

    First Day Hike – Maumee Bay

    3 to 4:15 p.m. at the Boardwalk Trail in Oregon, Ohio

    First Day Hike – Deer Creek

    3 to 4 p.m. at Deer Creek State Park Nature Center in Mt Sterling, Ohio

    First Day Hike – Punderson

    2 to 3:30 p.m. at Punderson State Park Manor House in Newbury Township, Ohio

    First Day Hike – Indian Lake

    1 to 1:45 p.m. at Pew Island trail head in Huntsville, Ohio

    First Day Hike – Salt Fork

    1 to 2:30. P.m. at the Kennedy Stonehouse Nature Trail parking lot in Lore City, Ohio

    First Day Hike – Shawnee

    1 to 3 p.m. at the Shawnee State Park Lodge in West Portsmouth, Ohio

    First Day Hike – Jesse Owens

    1 to 3 p.m. at the shelter house at Sand Hollow Campground in McConnelsville, Ohio

    First Day Hike – Caesar Creek

    1 to 3 p.m. at the Caesar Creek Nature Center in Waynesville, Ohio

    First Day Hike – Pymatuning

    11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Cabin Beach in Andover, Ohio

    First Day Hike – Hueston Woods

    11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hueston Woods Nature Center, located in College Corner, Ohio

    First Day Hike – Buck Creek

    11 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the Buck Creek Marina restrooms in Springfield, Ohio

    First Day Hike – Wingfoot Lake

    11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Wingfoot Park Office in Mogadore, Ohio

    First Day Hike – Mosquito Lake

    10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Eastlake Metropark Sled Hill parking lot in Cortland, Ohio

    First Day Hike – Marblehead Lighthouse

    9 to 10 a.m. at the lighthouse in Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio

    First Day Hike – Lake Hope

    9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hope Furnace in New Plymouth, Ohio

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Extreme wind to blow through Ohio

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    OHIO — As a warm front lifts north today, temperatures surge into the 60s and even near 70 for much of the state.

    As a warm front lifts north today, temperatures surge into the 60s and even near 70 for much of the state. Some records may fall today in southern Ohio. 

    While we’re tracking some rain this morning, we’ll be cloudy but mostly dry for the afternoon, allowing an opportunity to enjoy some milder temperatures.

    However, a strong cold front associated with the same area of low pressure moves in tonight, bringing a drastically colder air mass back to Ohio.

    Along the front, showers and even a few strong storms are possible, starting in western Ohio around 9-10 p.m., central Ohio around midnight, then exiting before sunrise. 

    Temperatures drop by nearly 20 degrees within an hour or two, and we’ll remain cold and windy through the day Monday.

     

    Winds along and behind the front could gust as high as 50-60 mph, with the strongest winds likely near Lake Erie. 

    Much of the state will be under a Wind Advisory if not a High Wind Warning tonight into tomorrow.

    Cold air sticks around through the New Year. 

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Here are some of Ohio’s top weather events of 2025

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    OHIO — In 2024, Ohio broke its record for most tornadoes in a year, making it the standout weather story.

    While Ohio didn’t have anything quite that big this year, there were still major weather events that affected communities, brought wonder across the skies and turned the Buckeye State into a winter wonderland. 

    January-February

    Starting the year off strong, a snowstorm affected all of Ohio. In early to mid-January, several counties had to go under Level 3 Snow Emergencies because the roads were too hazardous for travel. Many areas received accumulation, with some reaching up to almost 10 inches, especially in southwest Ohio. 

    In February, the far northeast Ohio region got walloped with snow. 

    March

    March 30 was a night parts of central and southwestern Ohio saw multiple tornadoes. 

    Seven tornadoes were confirmed that evening. Five of them were in Ohio and the other two were in Indiana. All tornadoes were also either an EF-0 or an EF-1. 

    Two barns were destroyed — on ein Fayette County and another in Warren Countnty. Additionally, multiple trees were damaged. 

    April

    Spring came roaring in, especially for Cincinnati. 

    The city witnessed historic flooding. The Ohio River crested at 60.79 feet on April 7, more than double its normal height and the highest level in over 28 years. 

    Hamilton County commissioners had to issue an emergency declaration to help mobilize recovery resources. 

    The flooding damaged multiple buildings, affected riverfront parks and closed down several roadways. 

    November

    For two years in a row, the Northern Lights danced across Ohio skies. 

    A burst of strong solar flares helped the Northern Lights be more visible in the U.S. more than ever. Those solar flares are created bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections, and when that energy hits the Earth, it can cause the aurora borealis. 

    December

    Ohio ended the year just as it started: with snow. 

    Just before winter began, a snowstorm blew through the state on the weekend of Dec. 13, dropping large amounts of snow in several cities. 

    With the snow also came Arctic cold. In some areas, wind chills dipped down into the negative double-digits. 

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  • Study shows how freezing food could reduce food waste

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    OHIO — As the New Year arrives, with it comes the end of the holiday season, but one thing seems to linger on: leftovers. 

    While it could be a challenge to try to eat it all before it goes bad, many may think to put it in the freezer.

    It’s an efficient way to extend the shelf life of food, but also, as a study from Ohio State found, putting food in the freezer can help put a dent in decreasing food waste in U.S. households.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ohio State researchers used data from frozen food-related questions added to the summer 2022 wave of the U.S. National Household Food Waste Tracking Survey

    • The study revealed that food waste remains high, however, about 6% of wasted household food in the U.S. were discarded frozen items

    • The data pointed to households with people aged 45 years and older and living in households with three or more people as being the most efficient with frozen foods

    Ohio State researchers used data from frozen food-related questions added to the summer 2022 wave of the U.S. National Household Food Waste Tracking Survey. In that survey, 1,067 households participated.

    Those households were asked to estimate how much food they’ve thrown out in the previous seven days that had been frozen, and to clarify whether it was bought frozen or food that was later placed in the freezer. Respondents also were asked to state how often and how much frozen food they buy on average.

    The study revealed that food waste remains high, however, about 6% of wasted household food in the U.S. were discarded frozen items — making it a small contribution to food waste overall.

    “We found that households with home freezing behaviors are more likely to have less food waste than other households,” said Lei Xu, first author of the paper and a postdoctoral scholar specializing in agricultural and food economics at The Ohio State University. 

    Researchers say the findings suggest if consumers were to stock their freezers, it could help prevent premature disposal of food.

    “Food waste is not just an economic loss – it also causes environmental damage because more than 90% of wasted food goes to the landfill, and this can produce greenhouse gas emissions,” Xu said. “The findings suggest that in the future, if we can encourage households to have home freezing behaviors, this small change in food storage habits can have a large environmental impact.” 

    Additionally, the team found that 30% more of wasted frozen food came from the refrigerator and not the freezer.

    Brian Roe, professor in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics at Ohio State, said it’s the first study to see how frozen food participates in food waste. While recent estimates have showed around 30% of food is wasted in the U.S., Roe said other research shows food waste is increasing.

    “The fact that food waste is still increasing may suggest to policymakers that campaigns could be useful to educate households about balancing purchasing behavior and making the most of the food they buy,” Xu said. 

    The study also found that 85% of U.S. households buy frozen foods. Among them, 55% of participants reported they bought frozen food to help reduce food waste. Those who bought more frozen food were more likely to shop a lot less, around two to three times per month.

    The data pointed to households with people aged 45 years and older and living in households with three or more people as being the most efficient with frozen foods. The researchers said it’s possible that a home-freezing routine comes later in life as experience with managing meals increases.

    “Thinking about why that happens, it might mean they don’t understand food storage techniques and don’t understand how long they should keep certain foods and where they should put it,” Xu said. “This suggests more explicit food storage instructions on food labels could educate consumers about how to correctly store foods to reduce waste.” 

    The researchers say if there is more consumer education about how the freezer can help prevent food waste, it can have an impact economically and environmentally, as well as help address the issue of food insecurity, in which 10% of U.S. households experience.

    “Half of consumers buy frozen food to reduce waste. What about the other half?” she said. “We want to increase social awareness of how to save food, and explain how people use frozen food and home freezing techniques to save food. And freezing is one of the most accessible techniques because essentially all households have a refrigerator and freezer.” 

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • How to cut back on holiday food waste

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    OHIO — The holiday season is known for many things like Christmas music or hot cocoa, but many people may not think about the waste that accompanies the giving season, especially with food.

    What You Need To Know

    • There’s a lot of extra food waste during the holiday season 

    • There are ways to cut back 

    • Consider using your leftovers in future meals or donating extra food

    In an article from the nonprofit Each Green Corner, it notes that food waste increases by approximately 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

    Here’s how they recommend cutting back on the waste:

    • You should expect to have leftover food and ensure you have the plastic containers to store it
    • If you have extra food, you can also consider donating it to a local food bank
    • If possible, don’t let your holiday guests leave without taking some leftovers with them
    • Plan your holiday meal shopping carefully to avoid purchasing an excess amount of food. Not only can this help cut back on waste, it’s also helpful to your wallet.
    • Some foods can be composted as well, which is a much better outcome than a landfill

    If you’re looking to creatively use your leftovers, consider this list of recipes to make from post-holiday extras.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Where and when to watch the NFL, NBA and more during the Christmas holiday

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    One of the best times of the year for sports fans around the nation is upon us.

    Christmas brings heightened enjoyment for many as they gather around the TV to watch their favorite teams battle on the gridiron and hardwood.

    Here’s a guide to all the NFL, NBA, college and highschool sports a fan could ask for.

    What to watch Christmas Eve

    A lone college football bowl game is taking center stage.

    Hawaii place kicker Kansei Matsuzawa (17) watches a kick in the first half during an NCAA football game against Arizona on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

    Hawaii vs. Cal, 8 p.m., on ESPN: The Sheraton Hawaii Bowl will be the culmination of the Golden Bears and the Rainbow Warriors’ seasons. The Golden Bears finished the regular season with a 7-5 record, while the Rainbow Warriors finished 8-4. Both teams are coming off a win on Nov. 29.

    What to watch Christmas Day

    There is a triple-header lined up for pro football fans, along with multiple NBA games.

    Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper (70) blocks against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

    NFL:

    Dallas at Washington, 1 p.m. on Netflix: The Cowboys will look to pick up a much-needed win as they battle for a playoff spot in a competitive NFC. The Commanders are eliminated from playoff contention, but they will look to play spoiler against their divisional rival.

    Detroit at Minnesota, 4:30 p.m. on Netflix: Another divisional rivalry is set to take place later on Christmas as the Lions take on Minnesota. While the chances are slim, the Vikings are still in the race for the playoffs and will look to make a statement against the Lions. Detroit is in a much better position and will look to make a run at the NFC North divisional title with a win at U.S. Bank Stadium.

    Denver at Kansas City, 8:15 p.m. on Prime Video: A dominant Broncos defense will look to contain a down-and-out Chiefs team. Kansas City has struggled as a team, resulting in them being eliminated from the postseason, but they will look to upset Denver on Christmas.

    NBA:

    Cleveland at New York, noon on ESPN: Two of the Eastern Conference’s premier teams will battle it out on Christmas. The Knicks have had a strong start to the season, only dropping x games so far. The Cavs have played up to expectations, with Donavan Mitchell leading the way in the scoring department. 

    San Antonio at Oklahoma City, 2:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN: A defending champion Thunder roster is taking on the Victor Wembanyama-led Spurs. Oklahoma City has been scorching hot since the start of the season, while being led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in points and assists. The Spurs have also played, but have missed Webenyama on and off in the past month because of a lingering calf injury. 

    Dallas at Golden State, 5 p.m. on ABC/ESPN: Number 1 pick Cooper Flagg and the Mavs are gearing up to take on the Warriors’ aging dynasty. Dallas has yet to get its footing this season, while Golden State has been steady so far. The Mavs will try not to let injuries define them in this matchup. The Warriors will look to show why experience trumps athleticism.

    Houston at Los Angeles, 8 p.m. on ABC/ESPN: Kevin Durant and the Rockets will visit Luka Doncic at Crypto.com Arena. With LeBron James showing his age, other Lakers’ stars have picked up the slack. Los Angeles has continued to show why they are a contender early in the Western Conference behind several key performances from Austin Reeves. The Rockets have been steady so far as well, showing why Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun are both premier players in the NBA.

    Minnesota at Denver, 10:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN: The Nikola Jokić-led Nuggets will host the Timberwolves in the last Christmas Day game. In a packed Western Confernece, Denver and Minnesota have shown in the past how competitive their matchups can get.

    What to watch Friday

    There will be three college football bowl games on tap, as well as two NBA games.

    Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) can’t controls the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Dalen Terry, left, and forward/center Jalen Smith during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Chicago, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

    College Football:

    Central Michigan vs. Northwestern, 1 p.m. ESPN: The GameAbove Sports Bowl pits Central Michigan against Northwestern at Ford Field. Northwestern has only won one of their last five games, while Central Michigan has stayed relatively consistent, winning three of their last five.

    New Mexico vs. Minnesota, 4:30 p.m. ESPN: The Lobos and Golden Gophers will battle it out at the Rate Bowl. The Lobos come into this one hot, not having lost a single game in the past five, while the Golden Gophers are just 3-2 in their past five matchups.

    Florida International vs. UTSA, 8 p.m. ESPN: The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl has the Panthers and the Roadrunners battling it out the evening after Christmas. FIU has lost only one of their last five, while UTSA has stayed steady with three wins in their last five.

    NBA:

    Philadephia at Chicago, 7:30 p.m. on Prime Video: The Bulls will look to get back on track as they take on the 76ers. Despite playing without Joel Embiid for most of the season, Philadephia has continued to stay competitive. Chicago has struggled of late, despite a blazing hot start to the season.

    Los Angeles at Portland, 10 p.m. on Prime Video: Two teams mired with issues will battle it out on the hardwood in Moda Center. The aging Clippers have struggled to shake off the rust this season, while a young Blazers roster is trying to find their identity.

    What to watch Saturday

    Saturday is full of meaningful football matchups.

    Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) prior to the game against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Denver. (AP Photo/Bart Young)

    Houston at Los Angeles, 4:30 p.m. on NFL Network: The Texans and Chargers are matched up with playoff seeding on the line. Houston and Los Angeles are both currently in the playoffs, but the matchup could affect which team the other plays in January. The Texans have had a resurgence late in the season, while the Chargers have been steady all season.

    Baltimore at Green Bay, 8 p.m. on Peacock: The matchup between Baltimore and Green Bay is set for prime time. Both teams are firmly in the playoff race in their respective conferences. A win for either team would be huge for seeding down the line in January.

    Eight college football bowl games will be on tap as well. Games start at 11 a.m. and run into the night on ESPN and ABC.

    What to watch Sunday

    Ten NFL games will be on all throughout Sunday as usual, starting at 1 p.m. and ending in the late evening.

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    Ryan Johnston

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  • Restaurants open and closed for Christmas Day in Ohio

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    OHIO — Whether it’s wanting to go out for Christmas dinner, not wanting to cook a meal or simply because you don’t celebrate Christmas, it’s certain you should still have dinner. 

    Spectrum News 1 compiled a list of chain restaurants that will either be open or closed on Christmas Day to help Ohioans plan ahead. 

    Here’s what we found:

    Restaurants that are open

    • Applebees
    • Burger King
    • Dunkin
    • IHOP
    • McDonalds
    • Red Lobster
    • Starbucks
    • Subway
    • Wendy’s

     

    Restaurants that will be closed

    • Bibibop
    • Chick-Fil-A
    • Chipotle
    • Cracker Barrel
    • First Watch
    • Hardee’s
    • Jimmy John’s
    • Olive Garden
    • Texas Roadhouse

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Artisan Fest 513 brings handcrafted goods and holiday shoppers together

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    CINCINNATI — With Christmas just days away, shoppers looking for last-minute gifts had a chance this weekend to support local entrepreneurs at Artisan Fest 513 in downtown Cincinnati.

    What You Need To Know

    • Shoppers looking for last-minute gifts had a chance this weekend to support local entrepreneurs at Artisan Fest 513 in downtown Cincinnati

    • The market featured a wide range of handcrafted goods, including candles, knitwear and wellness products

    • Vee’s Herbal Exchange is a wellness brand specializing in handcrafted herbal goods such as soaps and body butters

    Nearly a dozen vendors set up shop in Washington Park as part of the Artisan Market’s recurring pop-up series, which aims to give small businesses face-to-face access to customers while encouraging residents to shop locally.

    The market featured a wide range of handcrafted goods, including candles, knitwear and wellness products, offering shoppers items not typically found in big-box stores.

    Among the vendors was Cori Venning, founder and CEO of Vee’s Herbal Exchange, a wellness brand specializing in handcrafted herbal goods such as soaps and body butters. Some of the products are even safe for consumption.

    Venning launched the business earlier this year and does not yet operate a brick-and-mortar storefront. She said events like Artisan Fest 513 play a critical role in building brand awareness and connecting with potential customers.

    “Being able to meet people face to face and tell the story behind my products really helps customers connect with what I’m doing,” Venning said. 

    The event is part of the Artisan Market’s broader #BuyLocal513 campaign, which organizers say has generated more than $1 million in local economic impact to date.

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    Javari Burnett

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  • Shop with a Cop is back

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    CINCINNATI — For kids, it means gifts under the tree, and for officers, it’s a chance to connect in a different way. 

    Shop with a Cop is back, pairing law enforcement with children for a day of shopping and support.  

    What You Need To Know

    • Shop with a Cop is back

    • The event pairs law enforcement with kids for a day of shopping and support

    • For more than 10 years, it has been a staple in the greater Cincinnati area

    “We identify kids, we work with the school and our SRO officer, for kids really in need, and it’s great for our officers to get to see these kids, to be able to spend this kind of money,” Reading Police Chief Police Bryan Edens said.

    For more than 10 years, Shop with a Cop has been a staple in the greater Cincinnati area, and Edens said seeing the kids get a $500 spending limit is amazing, but he is most impressed by their selflessness

    “When you see the smile on their faces and to watch some of these kids, because of where they come from, they worry about family members before buying for themselves, which is huge to see, 7–8-year-olds thinking of grandpa and grandma and siblings before themselves,” Edens said.

    Eric Bartlett, a school resource officer at Reading Schools, is pleased to see the difference an event like this can make. 

    “It means a lot to our students, means a lot to our officers who organize it with the school,” he said. “The school helps us pick out the children who are in need. We have 12 children I believe this year. We’re hoping it does help their families.”

    Edens said this event amazes him time and time again.

    “Watching the kids, knowing they don’t have a real limit on them, these are kids who have never had that experience,” he said.

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    Travis Hicks

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  • Here’s the top 25 Christmas movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes

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    Maybe you watch your comfort holiday film every year and are looking for something different this time.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Here’s how much snow fell across the state

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    BY

    Aaron Hepker

    Ohio


    PUBLISHED 12:24 PM ET Dec. 14, 2025
    PUBLISHED 12:24 PM EST Dec. 14, 2025

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    Aaron Hepker

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  • Expert offers advice on keeping your dog safe during winter hikes

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    Going hiking alone or with friends can be a great experience, but as with almost anything, it’s even better with a dog.

    What You Need To Know

    • Many dog owners love hiking, but the cold weather, ice and snow can add complications to enjoying that activity safely

    • Spectrum News 1 heard from Dr. Victoria Cussen with the ASPCA on some of her advice to keep your furry friends safe on the trails

    • Get them a sweater/coat, protect their feet, watch for signs of hypothermia and more

    • Always bring a bowl and water

    However, as the cold weather and snow settles in and we make ready for winter, it’s important to keep safety in mind if you plan on braving the snow-covered trails and frigid temperatures with your canine companion.

    Dr. Victoria Cussen, the senior director of applied behavior research at the ASPCA, shared some advice with Spectrum News 1 on how to keep your furry friends safe on those winter-time treks.

    She said you should consider a coat or sweater for your dog if you’re planning on a colder hike. While a number of factors dictate whether this is necessary (the breed and thickness of the fur, for example), she said you should consult your animal’s vet if you’re not sure.

    “The jacket should fit properly, otherwise it may be uncomfortable or could cause irritation to the dog’s skin,” she said via email. “Look for winter gear that does not limit movement, sight, or the ability to breathe or bark. Your dog should be able to run, play, and jump normally.”

    She also suggests dog boots or, if your dog is sensitive about their feet, a wax paw protectant.

    “Snow and ice sometimes get packed between dogs’ toes, which can be very painful; paw protectants can help prevent snow balls from forming between pads (as can keeping the hair between the pads trimmed short),” she said via email. “Paw protectants can also help protect from salt and chemical ice-melting agents.”

    Like with humans, dogs can develop hypothermia, and Cussen said dog owners should bear in mind: “It is too cold for you, it’s too cold for your dog.”

    She said the following could be signs of hypothermia and that you should put your dog in a warm blanket and reach out to your vet for further advice:

    • Shivering
    • Inactivity
    • Paleness of the skin
    • Lethargy
    • Muscle stiffness
    • Shallow breathing
    • Fixed and dilated pupils

    “After being outside in sleet, snow, or ice, thoroughly wipe your dog’s legs, feet, and belly to prevent any ingestion of salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking themselves,” she said via email.

    She also suggested the following tips when hiking with your dog:

    • Ensure their collar is on with rabies tags and identification
    • Be careful if off-leash hiking when snowing due to visibility concerns
    • Only off-leash hike where it is allowed
    • Check local hunting regulations before hiking in an area (put your dog in a “hunter orange vest” if hunting is allowed in the area)
    • Consider putting a bell on the dog’s harness as it “alerts wildlife and prevents unexpected encounters – especially in the winter when snow can muffle the sound of you and your dog approaching”
    • Identify veterinary clinics in the area before a hike
    • Bring a bowl and plenty of water
    • Consider bringing an emergency sling to carry your dog if it is injured

    “Weather patterns can change rapidly in winter months – be sure to check the forecast before heading out with your pup, even if you looked the night before,” she said via email.

    You can check out the ASPCA’s more general cold weather tips here.

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Local shops hoping Small Business Saturday sparks big impact in Madeira

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    CINCINNATI — American shoppers spent nearly $22 billion last year on Small Business Saturday, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. This year, the Ohio city of Madeira is encouraging residents to keep their dollars local with a holiday campaign designed to spark a multiplier effect for the local economy.

    What You Need To Know

    • The city of Madeira is encouraging residents to keep their dollar local this holiday season, launching the ‘Million Dollar Mission’ campagin

    • The city mailed out $10 ‘Shop Madeira’ gift cards, hoping small incentives will lead to bigger spending

    • The Cottage Paperie and Gifts offers a variety of custom holiday items

    Walking into The Cottage Paperie and Gifts in downtown Madeira is like stepping into a winter wonderland. The shop offers custom holiday items, giving customers a chance to check names off their gift lists without leaving town.

    “We’re very fortunate that practically every day we have customers walk in that say, ‘Oh, I’ve never been here before. I’m so excited to find you,’” said Lori Eddleman, owner of The Cottage Paperie and Gifts. “You can leave here with all of your holiday gifts wrapped beautifully.”

    Now in its fifth holiday season, Eddleman said the support of the community continues to grow year after year, proving that local love can truly be the gift that keeps giving.

    Downtown Madeira is also undergoing a multi-million dollar revitalization, and while construction has created some challenges, the Madeira Chamber of Commerce is using the season to remind shoppers the city is open for business.

    “With the project itself, we started with replacing a water line and then kind of moved to some side work, and now we’re working through a gas line project,” said David Peterson of the Madeira Chamber of Commerce. “Our job has just been trying to keep encouraging people that Madeira is as open as it can be, letting them know where they can park.”

    The Chamber’s “Million Dollar Mission” is bold but simple: encourage residents to spend at least $1 million at local businesses this holiday season. To help, the city mailed out $10 “Shop Madeira” gift cards, hoping small incentives will lead to bigger spending.

    “Encouraging them to spend at least $100 at our local businesses. Every dollar you spend locally really has a $2-$3 impact,” Peterson said, highlighting the campaign’s potential multiplier effect on the community.

    It’s support Eddleman hopes to see firsthand.

    “So it’s a lot of personal attention. I have a wonderful staff here to help you pick things out, to make suggestions, whatever it might be,” Eddleman said.

    For more details on local deals and ways to support Madeira businesses, click here.

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    Javari Burnett

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  • Messy Thanksgiving travel expected with snow, rain on the way

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    OHIO — A cold and blustery Thanksgiving day on tap. High temperatures will top out in the lower to mid 30s, with wind chills in the 20s. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A cold and blustery Thanksgiving

    • Lake-effect snow showers across northeast Ohio could lead to white-out conditions and trick travel for the holiday
    • Wind chills in the teens as you hit the stores Friday morning
    • Active weather builds back in for Sunday and Tuesday 

    Much of the state will be dry and even see some sunshine, especially across the southwest, but the northeast will have to battle with lake-effect snow showers through late Friday. Snow totals will vary greatly depending on where we see some of the heaviest snow bands. 6+ inches of snow is not out of the question, but snow totals have started to trend down a bit. 

    If you’re heading out to grab some Black Friday deals, you’re going to want to layer up! Wind chills early Friday will be in the lower and middle teens. The cold weather will hang around all day with lake-effect snow showers for the northeast.

    We’ll get a quick break from the weather on Saturday with active weather building back in on Sunday. A storm system will bring messy weather statewide which will surely impact holiday travel.

    We’ll do it all over again on Tuesday with another chance for rain and snow. 

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    Meteorologist April Loveland

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  • Here’s why you might feel sleepy after a Thanksgiving meal

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    OHIO — Did you eat your fill this Thanksgiving? Feeling like taking a little nap?

    According to a Cleveland Clinic dietitian, there’s some science behind why you may be getting drowsy on Turkey Day, and the turkey is actually part of it.

    What You Need To Know

    • According to the Cleveland Clinic, turkey contains the amino acid tryptophan, which can cause drowsiness

    • Other foods also contain this amino acid

    • You may also be getting sleepy due to the amount of food you’re eating or alcohol you’re consuming

    According to a post on the hospital system’s website, they said the amino acid called tryptophan is found in turkey, and it can cause drowsiness. It’s also found in other foods such as chicken, milk, peanuts, pumpkin seeds and more.

    However, it’s not this amino acid alone that may be making you tired. The Cleveland Clinic states that another reason could be due to the amount of food you’re eating.

    “The meal typically contains large amounts of carbs (stuffing, potatoes, pie, desserts, rolls), which can spike your blood sugar initially,” Dietitian Julia Zumpano said in the post. “But then, your blood sugar levels crash or decrease, which leaves you feeling lethargic.”

    Additionally, she said more blood is directed to your bowels to help with digestion, leaving less in the brain, “causing you to feel less alert.”

    Finally, if you had any alcohol (fairly common during the holidays), that’s likely to make you even more sleepy.

    Here’s how they say you can avoid becoming sleepy:

    • Make your portions smaller
    • Limit yourself on alcohol
    • Eat slower and cut yourself off when you’re full
    • Consider taking a walk
    • Make sure get enough sleep the night before the holiday

    Alternatively, the family room couch can be awfully comfy. Maybe a little nap is still an option.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Ohio Turnpike announces ban as Thanksgiving travel begins

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    OHIO — The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has issued a High Wind Travel Ban for the entire 241-mile toll road for high-profile vehicles. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ohio Turnpike said high-profile vehicles are those with a height exceeding 7 feet and 6 inches

    • The ban begins at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and lasts through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday

    • Wind chills will drop into the 20s on Wednesday

    The ban begins at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and lasts through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday. 

    Spectrum News 1 meteorologists say there will be an active weather pattern through the rest of the week and into the weekend. Starting on Wednesday, a strong cold front will bring a few more showers, but mostly a blast of cold air, that send temperatures plummeting through the day. After starting off in the 50s, we’ll see afternoon temperatures in the 30s, and wind chills in the 20s. A full forecast can be found here. 

    The Ohio Turnpike said high-profile vehicles are those with a height exceeding 7 feet and 6 inches. This means the ban applies to the following vehicles: 

    • All high-profile tow-behind trailers, campers, boats and enclosed trailers (fifth wheel trailers are excluded)
    • Commercial trucks towing an empty single 53-foot trailer
    • All mobile homes, office trailers and livestock trailers
    • All long combination vehicles (LCV) that include long double-trailer combinations exceeding 90-feet in length (enclosed trailers only, including Conestoga type trailers)
    • All LCV triple-trailer combinations
    • 2-axle buses longer than 40 feet
    • Buses with three or more axles greater than 45 feet

    (Ohio Turnpike)

    Here are the types of vehicles that will be allowed on the turnpike: 

    • Self-propelled motor homes
    • Low-profile trailers
    • Fold-down camper trailers
    • Pickup trucks with slide-on camper units
    • Vehicles towing fifth-wheel type trailers or any other type of trailers towed by passenger vehicles or pickup trucks
    • Commercial trucks towing single flatbed or box-type trailers
    • Commercial trucks towing a single 53-foot trailer with cargo/loaded
    • Commercial trucks towing a car hauler trailer
    • Commercial trucks towing flatbed double-trailer combinations more than 90 feet
    • Commercial trucks towing any double-trailer combinations less than 90 feet
    • Two-axle buses less than 40 feet
    • Buses with three or more axles less than 45 feet

     

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Thanksgiving week starts mild but ends on wintry note

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    OHIO — This busy holiday week is starting off with dry roads and way above normal temperatures. However, pre-Thanksgiving dinner we will see a very strong cold front.

    What You Need To Know

    • Roads will be wet on Tuesday from rain
    • Temperatures will fall throughout the day Wednesday with gusty winds

    • Lake-effect snow will likely impact travel late Wednesday through early Friday
    • A weekend storm of snow and rain will complicate travel to wrap up the holiday week

    Our first storm system on Tuesday will be all rain with highs in the 50s and even some lower 60s.

    On Wednesday, a strong cold front will approach but the morning will be mild so we will see scattered showers early Wednesday.

    Our highs on Wednesday will likely happen in the morning and then fall throughout the day with winds starting to pick up.

    Late Wednesday night lake-effect snow will kick in for northern Ohio and will likely continue through early Friday.

    Gusty winds combined with lake-effect snow could produce hazardous travel along the turnpike during this timeframe.

    We may see a short break on Friday night from the active weather before a storm system approaches from the west.

    It looks like initially this will be snow showers on Saturday but then could change to a wintry mix and rain on Sunday as warmer air moves in.

    Either way, these are big travel days and the roads will be wet or slippery.

    Spectrum News 1 will monitor the weekend storm for adjustments throughout the week. 

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Ohio Turnpike partners with OSHP for safe holiday travel

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    OHIO — Officials across the state are urging drivers to follow traffic laws this week with increases in traffic expected for the Thanksgiving holiday. 

    The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission and the Ohio State Highway Patrol want to remind drivers to buckle up, drive sober and avoid distractions when behind the wheel.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ohio Turnpike is aiming to accommodate the increase in traffic by reducing construction in work zones to two work zones from Wednesday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 30

    • In 2024, 800,000 vehicle transactions were recorded Wednesday through Sunday and nearly 50 million vehicle miles were traveled

    • Over the past five years, or 25 total days, during the Thanksgiving Holiday reporting period the OSHP has issued more than 1,200 speeding citations on the turnpike

    “We have much to be thankful for, and we’d like to see everyone arrive safely for the holidays,” said Executive Director Ferzan Ahmed, P.E., of the Turnpike Commission. “Plan ahead, leave early and take a break if you need to at one of our conveniently located 14 service plazas.”

    The Ohio Turnpike is aiming to accommodate the increase in traffic by reducing construction in work zones to two work zones from Wednesday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 30. Officials said at least two lanes of traffic will remain open in both the eastbound and westbound directions along the turnpike. 

    In 2024, 800,000 vehicle transactions were recorded Wednesday through Sunday and nearly 50 million vehicle miles were traveled. 

    “Weather conditions across the northern counties are currently looking favorable, but as we all know, this is Ohio — things can change quickly,” said Chief Engineer and Deputy Executive Director Chris Matta, P.E. “If snow does arrive, please give our snowplow operators the space they need to work safely. Never pass them on the right and always maintain a distance of at least 200 feet behind them.”

    Over the past five years, or 25 total days, during the Thanksgiving Holiday reporting period, the OSHP has issued more than 1,200 speeding citations on the turnpike. These include nearly 500 for speeds of 20 mph or more over the limit. 

    “As motorists, there are many choices within our control when we get behind the wheel,” said OSHP Sgt. Ryan Purpura. “Wearing your safety belt, staying focused, driving sober and obeying the speed limit are simple steps that will make this Thanksgiving travel period safer for everyone. This holiday is about family, friends and loved ones coming together, and we do not want a preventable mistake to turn celebration into tragedy.”

    A customer appreciation event is being held on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Middle Ridge Service Plaza (milepost 139.5 westbound) in Amherst to promote roadway safety

    The public is encouraged to call #677 to report impaired or reckless drivers and stranded motorists.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Ohio becomes next state to allow NIL at high school level

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    OHIO — Ohio has become the 45th state to allow Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) at the high school level after OHSAA member schools voted in favor of an emergency bylaw referendum. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The results show 447 schools voted in favor of the referendum, 121 schools voted against it and 247 schools abstained

    • The new bylaw is now in effect

    • This bylaw will allow OHSAA student-athletes to enter into agreements that will allow them to be compensated for appearances, licensing, social media, endorsements and more, OHSAA explained

    In a release, OHSAA explained that the voting period ended on Friday. The results show 447 schools voted in favor of the referendum, 121 schools voted against it and 247 schools abstained. 

    The new bylaw is now in effect. The emergency referendum vote occurred after a Franklin County judge had issued a temporary restraining order after a student-athlete filed a lawsuit on Oct. 15. This bylaw will allow OHSAA student-athletes to enter into agreements that will allow them to be compensated for appearances licensing, social media, endorsements and more, OHSAA explained. 

    “We would like to thank our member schools for taking ownership of this NIL bylaw proposal,” said Doug Ute, OHSAA executive director. “Whether our schools or individuals agree with NIL at the high school level or not, the courts have spoken on this issue across the country that the NCAA and high school athletic associations cannot prevent a student-athlete from making money on their NIL.” 

    OHSAA said it believes the new bylaw will create a stable framework for NIL and Personal Branding Rights at the high school level. 

    The bylaw proposal has been developed over the past year and a half, with consultation from school administrators, the OHSAA board of directors and member school feedback, OHSAA said. 

    “Our member schools helped develop this language,” said Ute. “Now the real work begins, because this will be a continually evolving piece of high school athletics. The OHSAA will track NIL deals and make sure that our recruiting bylaws and transfer bylaws are still enforced, which is something our member schools have asked for throughout this process.”

    Read the full NIL emergency bylaw below: 

    “Pursuant to Bylaw 4-10-1, a student may not participate in an interscholastic sport unless the student is an amateur. Pay-for-play (receiving payments simply for being a student-athlete), entering an agreement/contract with a professional sports team and improper recruiting inducements remain prohibited.

    4-11-1   For purposes of this bylaw, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL)/Personal Branding Rights shall mean the use of self-publicity due to public recognition (athletic fame) and/or the notoriety a student may attain to receive a benefit through appearances, licensing, social media, endorsements and/or the use of branding.

    Note 1: This bylaw has no connection to Bylaw 5, which permits a student to accept awards, gifts and prizes resulting from their participation/finish in athletic competitions. The requirements outlined within Bylaw 4-11 are solely related to a student-athlete’s promotional and marketing efforts based on their public recognition (athletic fame) or notoriety.

    Note 2: A collective is a third-party group, typically formed by alumni and supporters, that pools donations and fundraising to create and manage NIL/Personal Branding Rights opportunities for student-athletes. The collectives provide student-athletes with sponsorships, endorsement deals and other ways to monetize their NIL/Personal Branding Rights, bridging the gap between athletes and the brands or businesses looking to leverage their popularity and control their earnings from their public persona. Collectives are strictly prohibited.

    4-11-2   A student may enter into an agreement/arrangement whereby the student capitalizes on their Name, Image and Likeness/Personal Branding Rights provided the following criteria are met:

    a) The student does not utilize the name, logos, mascots, trademarks or other proprietary properties of the OHSAA or any OHSAA member school or school team while receiving the compensation and/or during any promotions or imply that the OHSAA or the OHSAA member school or school team approves the NIL/personal branding activity, and

    b) The student does not engage in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement that is provided by an OHSAA member school or an agent of the school (e.g. collectives, booster clubs, foundations, administrators, coaches or other individuals), and

    c) The student does not engage in any name and image/personal branding activities during school hours, while traveling to or from any OHSAA event or during school or team events including any practice, meeting, contest, tournament or any similar event or facility the OHSAA deems inappropriate or distracting (defined henceforth as “official team activities”), and

    d) The student does not engage in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement that provides compensation based on specific athletic performance or achievement (e.g. points scored, etc.), and

    e) The student does not engage in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement that is provided as an inducement to attend a particular school, and      

    f) The student does not display the sponsor’s product or otherwise advertise for a sponsor during official team activities, and            

    g) The student is the only person impacted by the NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement and this agreement shall never provide any money, merchandise, services of value or any other benefits directly to the student’s school and/or team, and

    h) The student does not engage in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement associated with gaming/gambling, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, cannabis, banned or illegal substances, adult entertainment products or services, firearms or other weapons or any other product or service the OHSAA deems inappropriate or distracting, and

    i) The student is responsible for determining what, if any, effect the NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement may have on eligibility with the NCAA, NJCAA and/or the NAIA.

    4-11-3   A student engaged in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement shall disclose each agreement to the OHSAA within 14 days after entering into said agreement. Students who fail to disclose their agreement(s) or fail to disclose their agreement(s) in a timely fashion shall be subject to a period of ineligibility up to 20 percent of the sport season in which they participate and/or any other penalties as outlined in Bylaw 11.

    Note: Details on how to disclose said agreement(s) shall be posted on the OHSAA website.

    4-11-4   A student engaged in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement shall also comply with any other applicable OHSAA bylaws and regulations and any applicable policies of his or her school.

    4-11-5   If a student transfers to a school and the transfer can be shown to be reasonably linked to a student’s NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement, a rebuttable presumption shall exist that the student has been recruited, which is in violation of Bylaw 4-9. The Executive Director’s Office may suspend the privilege of participation in interscholastic athletics during the pendency of any alleged violation of this bylaw.

    4-11-6   Member school administrators and coaches shall have an obligation to educate the school community that any attempt to facilitate an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement to help secure the enrollment of a prospective student shall result in penalties as prescribed in Bylaw 11, including a review of the school’s membership status.

    4-11-7   Student-athletes with NIL/Personal Branding Rights deals, along their parents or guardians, are encouraged to seek professional advice, understand contracts thoroughly and prioritize academic and athletic commitments to protect the student-athlete’s eligibility and long-term success. These activities should be regarded as a business, and participants should stay compliant with school and state regulations and focus on building a strong support system to avoid mismanagement of funds and protect future opportunities. 

    4-11-8   Any violation of Bylaw 4-11 shall be subject to penalties outlined in Bylaw 11.”

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Grassroots effort to prevent AEP rate hike

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    OHIO — The holidays are around the corner with Christmas songs on radio and movies decorated in red and green shiny colors, and while it’s a joyous time for many people, for others the holidays may be jarring.

    Julia Orban is a community advocate who said, this holiday season, there’s a problem brewing.

    What You Need To Know

    • A community advocate says families right now are having to choose between whether they pay their rent or their utilities or food for their kids, and an unprecedented amount of people are coming to her with disconnect notices
    • AEP is asking for a 2.14% increase in distribution base rates
    • Its media relations team says in a statement that if this rate increase is approved, an average customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month would see their monthly bill increase by $3.95
    • A grassroot campaign is fighting back by asking working families and small businesses to sign a petition and speak up during the December hearings

    “People are really struggling right now. I work with a lot of families that are having to choose between whether or not they pay their rent or their utilities or food for their kids,” Orban said. “There’s a woman who was on oxygen, she requires, to live and she had her power turned off.”

    Orban said that woman couldn’t afford to pay her electric bill, and she’s not the only one.

    “It’s been an unprecedented amount of people coming to me with disconnect notices really struggling,” Orban said. “And I’ve been trying to help them get connected to assistance, but a lot of the assistance programs that were out for different things are starting to go away.”

    In the meantime, there’s another threat to higher bills lurking around the corner.

    The American Electric Power or AEP has filed a request with the state to increase its distribution base rates.

    The company told Spectrum News 1 they would not provide an interview but they sent a statement as a response to the story.

    “AEP Ohio has requested the PUCO approve a 2.14% increase in distribution base rates,” according to AEP Ohio Media Relations. “Those rates cover the costs of equipment like power poles, lines and transformers, and pay the salaries of the line workers who restore power after storms and other outages and of those people who manage the electric grid to keep the lights on. AEP Ohio’s distribution rates have been essentially flat for the last 10 years — distribution rates like the one before the commission now are not the reason energy costs have been increasing for our customers. If this rate increase is approved, an average customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month would see their monthly bill increase by $3.95.”

    Morgan Harper is the co-founder of grassroots organization Columbus Stand Up, and she said they’re fighting back.

    They have a petition and are knocking on doors asking people to attend the public hearing to testify against the increase.

    “So, we launched a campaign called lights out on AEP to prevent the public utilities commission of Ohio from allowing AEP to raise electricity prices,” Harper said. “Even for people who are making decent money, they’re noticing that their price, their bills are getting up to $600, $700 a month they’re like, ‘I don’t know that I can continue to take this.”

    Harper said there’s also another concern regarding the request for the increase.

    “Look at the public utilities commission of Ohio staff report,” Harper said. “They’re also asking for more money to be able to improve the fitness center and the executive compensation retirement packages.”

    AEP Media Relations explained how customers get billed within their statement:

    “AEP Ohio customers’ bills are made up of three parts: generation, transmission and distribution. Ohioans are seeing increased energy costs for two primary reasons: generation costs and transmission costs. Generation costs are those that cover electricity generation to meet a person’s energy needs — the power plants, wind farms and other generation sources that provide electricity to the system. Transmission costs are the costs of building and maintaining high-voltage lines that move energy over large distances, from generation sources to communities. Simply put, there is not enough electricity being generated in Ohio to meet our state’s electricity needs, creating an imbalance in the supply of energy and the demand for it. That imbalance is now forcing Ohio to import electricity from other states through high-voltage transmission lines. As generation supply has decreased, both generation and transmission costs have increased. AEP Ohio shares our customers’ concerns about the imbalance between the supply of energy and demand for it, and we are frustrated, too. In Ohio, utilities like AEP Ohio are legally prohibited from building new generation sources. We sincerely hope the market will respond soon with additional generation sources in Ohio to help alleviate this burden for our customers.”

    “We serve Ohioans in 61 counties, and we care about them and their communities — we live in these communities, too. If customers are struggling with their electric bills, AEP Ohio can help. We offer programs to spread out the costs of electricity over multiple months, which can help families budget, and we can connect customers with programs that cover parts of their electric bill, depending on their income. Our energy dashboard can help customers understand how much energy they are using, and find ways to use less energy, which can help them save money. Customers can learn more about those programs or log in to view their personalized dashboard at AEPOhio.com/Savings/Home, or they can call us at 800-672-2231 for more information.”

    “Finally, we wanted to mention that we know energy bills can be complicated, and we hope to clarify those for our customers by providing more transparent and easier to understand information on bills. We have started sending weekly emails to customers to help them track their electricity usage, and we have filed a separate request with the PUCO to create a more transparent and easy-to-understand bill. We hope that request will be approved to help our customers better understand their bills.”

    But Orban said the assistance programs that are meant to help are often really hard to get. 

    And while the holidays are supposed to be a time of hope, Orban said her hope is for the state to hear their testimonies at public hearings, starting on Dec. 3

    “There was a woman that I was just working with a couple weeks ago, she’s a single mom, she has a five-year-old son, she’s fighting breast cancer and works full time at a school. She makes like $50 more, too much to qualify for the assistance programs,” Orban said. “I’m planning and just sharing just how hard it is for people right now.”

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    Chrissa Loukas

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