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Tag: Ohio Cleveland Top Stories

  • Ohio set to raise minimum wage in 2026

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    OHIO — Come the New Year, Ohioans receiving minimum wage are set to see an increase in their pay, according to the state’s Department of Commerce.

    For non-tipped employees, the increase will be to $11 per hour, and for tipped employees, it will rise to $5.50 per hour. 

    What You Need To Know

    • For non-tipped employees, the increase will be to $11 per hour

    • For tipped employees, it will rise to $5.50 per hour

    • The department said the change represents a 2.8% increase from the current $10.70 for non-tipped employees and $5.35 for tipped employees

    The department said the change represents a 2.8% increase from the current $10.70 for non-tipped employees and $5.35 for tipped employees. The change is a mandate of a constitutional amendment passed by Ohio voters in 2006 that requires the state’s minimum wage to rise on Jan. 1 each year by the rate of inflation. 

    Ohio’s minimum wage will increase on Jan. 1, 2026.

    “We encourage all employers to stay informed and compliant with the updated wage rates and posting requirements,” said Stephen Clegg, Wage & Hour Administration Bureau Chief. “The Department of Commerce offers resources to support employers in meeting those obligations.”

    The Department of Commerce said the minimum wage standard is tied to the Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners and clerical workers for the 12-month period ending in August. The 2.8% increase corresponds to the change from Sept. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2025.

    Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the Ohio minimum wage will apply to businesses with annual gross receipts of more than $405,000, which is an increase from the current $394,000 threshold. 

    “For employees at businesses with annual gross receipts of $405,000 or less per year after Jan. 1, 2026, and for 14- and 15-year-old workers, the state minimum wage remains tied to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour,” the Department of Commerce said in a news release. “Any changes to this rate would require an act of the U.S. Congress and the President’s signature.”

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Statewide human trafficking operation yields 135 arrests

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    OHIO — Attorney General Dave Yost, R-Ohio, announced Monday that a statewide human trafficking operation last week led to the arrest of 135 people.

    What You Need To Know

    • Many of those who were arrested face felony charges

    • More than 100 state, local and federal agencies took part in the operation

    • 67 human trafficking survivors were referred to resources

    “Operation Next Door was named to highlight the proximity and prevalence of human trafficking,” Yost said. “Too often, we are lulled into the false narrative that these crimes happen only in the shadows. This is simply not true – human trafficking occurs in plain sight and, unfortunately, may even be fueled by your co-workers or neighbors.”

    Yost said more than 100 law enforcement agencies took part in the operation. 

    Of the people arrested, 32 face felony charges, including promoting prostitution, compelling prostitution, seeking sex with a minor and drug possession and/or trafficking.

    Additionally, 103 of the people who were seeking to buy sex were arrested and charged with engaging in prostitution or solicitation. Yost said nine search warrants were also initiated, which included raids on massage parlors in Toledo, Cleveland and Akron areas. Over $62,000 was seized during the operation, along with evidence for long-term investigations, Yost said. 

    Yost said 67 human trafficking survivors were referred by law enforcement to health-care and social-services organizations.

    For more information about the arrests, click here.

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Guardians clinch postseason spot with walk-off hit by pitch

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    CLEVELAND — Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said in the midst of Cleveland’s 10-game losing streak in early July that there was light at the end of the tunnel and things would turn around.

    Vogt ended up selling his team a little short, as the Guardians made one of the biggest turnarounds in baseball history.

    Cleveland clinched a postseason spot in fittingly improbable fashion. C.J. Kayfus was hit in the arm by a fastball from Texas Rangers reliever Robert Garcia with two outs and the bases loaded in the ninth inning Saturday night, scoring Petey Halpin with the winning run to give the Guardians a 3-2 victory that put them in the playoffs.

    According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the first time since at least 1920 that a team won on a walk-off hit by pitch to clinch a postseason spot.

    “When they walked (Gabriel) Arias (to load the bases), I knew I had a job to do. I knew I was going to get that job done one way or another, but I definitely didn’t think it was going to be like that,” said Kayfus, called up from the minors in early August.

    The Guardians (86-74) became the fourth major league team and first in the American League to reach the postseason after having a 10-game losing streak, joining the 2017 Los Angeles Dodgers, 1982 Atlanta Braves and 1951 New York Giants.

    “It’s exactly us. Of course we’re going to get in on a walk-off hit by pitch” a champagne-soaked Vogt said in the clubhouse as his team was celebrating. “Just to stop and think about where we came from to get here, there’s no words. I couldn’t be more proud of these guys. They’ve earned every bit of this.”

    According to FanGraphs, the Guardians had a 2.9% chance to make the postseason and a 0.2% chance to win the AL Central on Sept. 1.

    Cleveland remains tied with Detroit for the division lead after the Tigers also wrapped up a postseason spot Saturday with a 2-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

    If Cleveland and Detroit end up tied after Sunday’s games, the Guardians would win the AL Central due to an 8-5 advantage in the season series. They would host a Wild Card Series starting Tuesday.

    Even though Steven Kwan and José Ramírez have been the Guardians’ offensive stalwarts all year, others have picked up the slack in September.

    Johnathan Rodríguez, called up Wednesday after David Fry was hit in the face by a pitch Tuesday night, batted cleanup and hit a two-run homer in the first inning to put the Guardians up 2-1. It was the first at-bat for Rodríguez, who had a .167 batting average in 29 big league games, since he was called up for his third stint this season.

    “They showed me the lineup last night and I showed it to my wife. She said just to play like you did at Triple-A,” Rodríguez said.

    On Wednesday, the Guardians became the first major league team to overcome a deficit of 15 1/2 games and take the lead in either division or league play with a 5-1 win over the Tigers. Cleveland was 40-48 and also 6 1/2 games out of a wild-card spot on July 6 after a 7-2 loss in 10 innings to the Tigers extended the losing streak to 10.

    Since July 7, the Guardians are an AL-best 47-26.

    The 1914 Boston Braves were 15 games back in the National League on July 4 and rallied to win by 10 1/2 games, according to Elias. Since baseball went to division play in 1969, the biggest deficit overcome was 14 games by the 1978 New York Yankees to win the AL East.

    On Sept. 4, the Guardians were 69-70 and 11 games behind the Tigers before going 15-1, including a 10-game winning streak that included a three-game sweep in Detroit. It is the largest September lead overcome to tie or take the lead in the division or league, according to Elias. The previous mark was 8 1/2 games by the 1964 St. Louis Cardinals and 1964 Cincinnati Reds.

    Cleveland found its way back to the postseason despite reliever Emmanuel Clase and starting pitcher Luis Ortiz being placed on non-disciplinary leave in July as part of investigations into their possible involvement in gambling during games. Ortiz was placed on leave July 3 and Clase on July 28.

    “I give our players and coaches and staff and (Vogt) a ton of credit because it was a really hard mountain to climb to make this a reality,” Cleveland president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said. “There were obviously times during the season where this looked really far away, and our group was never daunted by that. They showed up each day with the same energy, the same focus, the same intensity, to try to figure out a way to win a game that night, and that mindset’s really carried us forward to today.”

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    Spectrum News Staff

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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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  • 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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  • A look at how Ohio colleges and universities stack up in national ranking

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    OHIO — Whether its sports, academic programs or even campus beauty, the competitive spirit is alive and well among college campuses as age-old rivalries play out on and off the field. 

    So how do Ohio’s universities compare to those nationwide? Well, the U.S. News and World Report has now released its 2026 Best Colleges list. The publication stated that they analyzed more than 1,700 institutions that grant bachelor’s degrees. 

    Leading the pack nationally, you have Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey. That’s followed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and then Harvard University, also in Cambridge. Rounding out the top five are Stanford University at number four and Yale University at number five.

    Ohio makes its first appearance on the list at number 41, with The Ohio State University. Case Western Reserve University just barely misses the top 50, coming in at number 51.

    Several other Ohio universities are also included, including Miami University Oxford at number 143, University of Dayton at number 143, the University of Cincinnati at number 158 and Ohio University at number 198.

    Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 Ohio universities, according to the list, along with their national rank.

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    Cody Thompson

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  • $10M Ohio program aims to make child care affordable

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    OHIO — Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, and Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente announced the Child Care Cred Program on Monday, which is a $10 million program aimed at making child care more affordable for working families while also helping businesses.

    What You Need To Know

    • The program is part of the state’s 2026-27 biennial budget

    • It creates a cost-sharing model between parents, employers and the state of Ohio

    • Employees and employers must submit the application together, and both must be based in Ohio

    “The new Child Care Cred Program is designed to help Ohio’s families get access to child care,” said DeWine. “And, when parents have quality child care, Ohio’s employers have productive employees who are not worried about their kids during work. It is a win for Ohio’s working families and for businesses.”

    The program is part of the state’s 2026-27 biennial budget. It creates a cost-sharing model between parents, employers and the state of Ohio to help provide funds for quality child care, while businesses focus on the needs of their company. 

    To quality for the program, families and their employers must both be Ohio-based. Employers and employees will need to work together to submit an application for funding, and once approved, families can enroll their child in a licensed program. They can also remain with their current provider. 

    Applications are due May 1, 2026, and can be found on the Ohio Department of Children and Youth’s website.

    “Child care isn’t just a family issue, it’s a workforce issue,” said Wente. “The Child Care Cred Program makes care more affordable for parents, while giving Ohio employers a smart, practical way to support their teams. It’s a win for families, businesses and communities across our state.”

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Ohio businesses, families navigate rising utility bills amid technology boom

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    DUBLIN, Ohio — As technology companies expand across Ohio, rising electricity demand is pushing utility bills higher for families and businesses. Experts and small business owners say it is too soon to know whether the long-term benefits of tech growth will outweigh the immediate costs.

    What You Need To Know

    • Utility transmission costs in parts of Ohio have risen more than 350% in recent years, straining households and small businesses

    • Experts say demand from new data centers and artificial intelligence is adding pressure to the state’s aging power grid

    • It remains uncertain whether long-term job creation and investment in tech will balance out the higher costs

    For Enas Lanham, owner of the Dublin Toy Emporium, higher power bills are just one more challenge on top of inflation and tariffs. She said that her utility costs have been steadily climbing.

    “It’s been a gradual increase, I’d say, since 2022. And then it just continued to increase over that time,” Lanham said.

    To keep her store running, Lanham has relied on creativity, including hosting events and finding new ways to attract customers.

    “Constantly reevaluating ways to either generate more revenue or creative ways to get people in. So I look at it more as just, you know, regular problem solving,” she said.

    Her experience reflects a broader trend across the state. In some areas, transmission costs have risen by more than 350% over the past decade, according to energy leaders. The state’s power grid, which is more than a century old, is struggling to keep up as artificial intelligence and data centers drive up demand.

    “Demand is going up. Supply is going down, which is creating elevated prices. Additionally, in June, we’re seeing a large jump in what we call capacity. And that is a charge that all ratepayers pay,” said Susanne Buckley, partner at Scioto Energy.

    Still, some energy experts remain optimistic.

    “I see it as a positive story. Certainly. We need to be concerned about rising electricity prices and bring those back in control. You can do that with competition and innovation,” said John Seryak, managing partner at Runner Stone.

    At the Ohio Manufacturers’ Energy Conference, experts cautioned that it is still too early to say if new technology investments will create enough jobs or growth to offset higher utility bills. The projects remain in their early phases, and the full impact could take years to measure.

    In the meantime, experts recommend several steps for consumers: shop for competitive energy suppliers, stay on top of energy plans and rates, track usage during peak hours, and use energy-saving measures such as adjusting thermostats or switching to efficient lighting.

    For Lanham, the issue comes down to fairness.

    “But these big businesses, they’re the ones that really have the funds to manage that. So I think a lot of it is just looking at it from a monetary system and a fairness in terms of being able to have the average American be able to support their families, support their business and to succeed,” she said.

    Families and small business owners across Ohio are bracing for what comes next, hoping today’s challenges lead to tomorrow’s opportunities.

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    Saima Khan

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  • Naylor drives in 4 as Guardians beat Twins 6-2 for eighth straight victory

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    MINNEAPOLIS — Bo Naylor snapped an eighth-inning tie with his second two-run single of the game, and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Minnesota Twins 6-2 on Friday night for their eighth straight victory.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cleveland Guardians beat the Minnesota Twins 6-2 on Friday night, their eighth straight victory

    • They won for the 13th time in 14 games to pull within 2 1/2 games of the first-place Tigers in the AL Central

    • Guardians RHP Slade Cecconi will start the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader opposite Twins RHP Joe Ryan

    The Guardians (82-71) won for the 13th time in 14 games to pull within 2 1/2 games of the first-place Tigers in the AL Central. Cleveland was coming off a three-game sweep of Detroit, which lost 10-1 to the visiting Braves on Friday with three games looming in Cleveland next week.

    José Ramírez had a two-out double off Cole Sands (4-6) in the eighth and Kyle Manzardo was intentionally walked. Ramírez stole his 40th base and Manzardo followed with his second to set the table for Naylor, who lined a full-count pitch to right field for a 4-2 lead.

    Steven Kwan and Angel Martínez had two-out RBI doubles in the ninth off Michael Tonkin to cap the scoring.

    Kwan led off the game with a single off Pablo López and Ramírez walked with one out. Both advanced a base when Manzardo flied out to left and Naylor followed with a two-out single to right for a 2-0 lead.

    The Twins tied it in the sixth on a wild pitch by Parker Messick and Royce Lewis’ RBI single off Matt Festa.

    Messick struck out nine in 5 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits. Jakob Junis (4-1) struck out four in two hitless innings for the win.

    Lopez left after four innings with right forearm tightness. He allowed two runs on three hits in his third start since missing three months with a right shoulder strain.

    Minnesota (66-87) has dropped seven of 10 to the Guardians this season.

    Key moment

    Naylor’s second go-ahead base hit also kept the Guardians within 1 1/2 games of the final AL wild card.

    Key stat

    Ramírez played his 1,600th game for Cleveland, third in franchise history behind Terry Turner (1,619) and Hall of Famer Nap Lajoie (1,614).

    Up next

    Guardians RHP Slade Cecconi (6-6, 4.39) will start the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader opposite Twins RHP Joe Ryan (13-8, 3.35). Guardians LHP Logan Allen (7-11, 4.36) and Twins RHP Bailey Ober (5-8, 5.12) will square off in the nightcap.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Browns to unveil new helmet while honoring the ‘Dawg Pound’

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    CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns are set to showcase a new, all-brown helmet for their matchup with the Green Bay Packers at Huntington Bank Field on Sunday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Browns are showcasing a new, all-brown helmet

    • The helmet is in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the “Dawg Pound” fan section and the 1985 team

    • More than 80 former players are returning for the ceremony

    The “Alpha Dawg” helmets come in celebration of the team’s 40th anniversary of its iconic fan section, the “Dawg Pound.”

    This is the first time in franchise history that players will wear a brown helmet.

    “The Dawg Pound is the heartbeat of our franchise,” said Haslam Sports Group Chief Marketing Officer Brent Rossi. “For 40 years, our fans have created an unmatched home-field advantage, and Dawg Pound XL is our way of celebrating their loyalty with unforgettable moments both on and off the field. We’re excited to highlight our fans through this initiative this Sunday while welcoming back our alumni and the team sporting the ‘Alpha Dawg’ for the first time this season.” 

    More than 80 former players are returning to Cleveland to honor the 1985 team that birthed the Dawg Pound monicker.

    Players can be seen wearing the helmet in two other home games this season, Oct. 19 versus the Miami Dolphins and Dec. 7 versus the Tennessee Titans.

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    Ryan Johnston

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  • ODNR names Water Conservation Excellence Award recipients

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    OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is issuing a new award for water conservation to organizations across the Buckeye State.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Four Ohio organizations were recgnized for water conservation efforts

    •  The Ohio Water Conservation Excellence Awards are a new award from ODNR

    • Organizations were named across the state

    ODNR’s Division of Water Resources is rewarding water withdrawal facilities for their conservation practices with the new Ohio Water Conservation Excellence Awards. Recipients were named for their effiency in using water while protecting Ohio’s water resources by promoting sustainability.

    “These award recipients represent Ohio’s innovation and dedication to responsible water use,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Their efforts help safeguard Ohio’s water resources for future generations while demonstrating that environmental responsibility and operational success can work in tandem.”

    Recipients were named across the state, including: 

    • Blacklick Woods Golf Course, Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks: For its establishment of Zoysia grass on two courses and on other areas of the property. This type of grass thrives during hot summers with little to no watering
    • Turpin Farms, Cincinnati: For the development of 1785 Low Impact Turf, a sustainable turfgrass variety that, once established, requires no watering, fertilization or mowing.
    • PepsiCo Foods U.S., Wooster: ODNR said this location is receiving recognition for installing an advanced water filtration system which enables water reuse
    • Avon Lake Regional Water, Avon Lake: This award is for the installation of a large-scale wash water recycling system at the Avon Lake Water Filtration Plant which has conserved over 1.9 billion gallons of Lake Erie water since 2016, approximately 215 million gallons a year

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Ohio School Report Cards: Fewer students missing school

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    OHIO — The Ohio Department of Education has released its 2024-25 report card, which highlights progress and downfalls in schools across the state. 

    A few notable improvements this year compared to previous years were the decrease in chronic absenteeism, as well as the improvement of workforce readiness. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Chronic absenteeism is on a downward trend across the state

    • Students with disabilities are most affected by absenteeism

    • This year marked the first year the Ohio School Report Cards included a rating for College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness component

    Absenteeism

    According to the report, chronic absenteeism is on a downward trend across the state. This year marked the lowest percentage of absences across the state since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    For the 2024-25 school year, officials reported 25.1% absenteeism — a stark decline from the 30.2% reported for the 2022-23 school year. The department attributed the decline to targeted interventions and increased engagement. Efforts have included a multi-organization partnership with Stay in the Game! Network, which promotes the importance of students showing up and staying engaged. 

    As part of keeping students healthy and encouraging them to come to school, Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, R-Ohio, have worked to expand school-based health centers. According to the Ohio Department of Health, the school-based health centers save students an average of three hours of classroom seat time. 

    There are currently 138 centers in operation, 43% of which have opened in the past five years, and they have served more than 70,000 patients statewide. 

    Other recent efforts include the newly launched Team Tressel Fitness Challenge for grades 4-8, which encourages students to set and achieve wellness goals, implement health habits in and out of the classroom, and focus on overall nutrition and exercise. To reduce distractions in schools, DeWine signed legislation this year that required all schools to adopt a cellphone policy by Jan. 1, 2026. 

    “In schools that have already banned cellphones, feedback from students, teachers, administrators and parents indicates that students are more engaged in their learning, performing better academically, and building stronger connections with one another,” the Ohio Department of Health stated in the report. 

    However, despite the decline, the Ohio Department of Education noted that about one in four students still miss more than 10% of the school year. The Ohio Department of Education added that students with disabilities experience a higher absenteeism rate than their peers.

    Workforce readiness

    This year marked the first year the Ohio School Report Cards included a rating for College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness component. 

    According to the report, 61.4% of students who graduated in 2024 met at least one of Ohio’s 11 postsecondary readiness measures, which is a jump from 56.3% in 2023. In 2024, more students had a head start on college — 16% of them earned at least 12 college credits, which is an increase from 13.8% in 2023. 

    “These gains reflect a strong focus on career readiness, driven by strategic investments in career-technical education that prepare students with the skills and credentials needed for success beyond high school,” the Ohio Department of Health noted in the report. 

    To view your school or school district’s grades, click here.

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    Lydia Taylor

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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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  • Kayfus and Noel homer as the surging Guardians beat the White Sox 3-1

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    CLEVELAND — C.J. Kayfus and Jhonkensy Noel homered, helping Parker Messick and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Chicago White Sox 3-1 on Saturday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • Kayfus connected for a two-run shot in the second against Davis Martin (6-10)

    • The Guardians (77-71) won for the ninth time in 11 games

    • Noel’s pinch-hit drive off Fraser Ellard made it 3-1 in the eighth

    Kayfus connected for a two-run shot in the second against Davis Martin (6-10). The rookie also hit a two-run during a 3-2 victory over Kansas City on Thursday night.

    The Guardians (77-71) won for the ninth time in 11 games. They are trying to rally into the third AL wild-card slot.

    Messick (3-0) allowed one run and seven hits in six innings. The left-hander has a 1.84 ERA in five starts since making his MLB debut on Aug. 20.

    Noel’s pinch-hit drive off Fraser Ellard made it 3-1 in the eighth. It was his fourth homer of the season.

    Cade Smith handled the ninth for his 14th save in 19 opportunities.

    The White Sox got on the board in the first when Lenyn Sosa drove in Chase Meidroth by singling under the glove of first baseman Kyle Manzardo. Meidroth is batting .484 during a nine-game hitting streak.

    Key moment

    Messick allowed three singles to the first four batters of the game, but got into a groove after Mike Tauchman lined into inning-ending double play.

    Key stat

    The Guardians have won 14 of their last 16 games against the White Sox, taking a 1,134-1,131 lead in the all-time series.

    Up next

    White Sox RHP Yoendrys Gómez (3-2, 5.05 ERA) faces Guardians RHP Slade Cecconi (6-6, 4.45 ERA) in the series finale on Sunday.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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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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  • Tanner Bibee gives the Guardians their first complete game shutout in 6 years

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    CLEVELAND — Tanner Bibee gave the Cleveland Guardians something Friday they hadn’t experienced in six years: a complete-game shutout.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tanner Bibee gave the Cleveland Guardians a complete game shutout Friday

    • It’s something they haven’t had in six years

    • He struck out 10 and walked none while tossing a two-hitter in the Guardians’ 4-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox

    Bibee struck out 10 and walked none while tossing a two-hitter in the Guardians’ 4-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox. It helped Cleveland keep pace in the AL wild-card race.

    Bibee (10-11) was more impressed with not allowing a free pass than fanning double digits.

    “No walks for sure,” said Bibee, who went the distance for the second time this season. “I hate walking people, and it’s a beautiful thing when they both happen at the same time.”

    Bibee might be peaking at the ideal time for a Cleveland club chasing Seattle for the final AL wild card. He entered the season as Cleveland’s ace but endured stretches of inconsistency, leading to a 4.69 ERA entering his 29th start.

    He was plenty effective Friday, baffling a White Sox lineup that entered the day having won nine of its previous 11 games. His changeup worked early, setting the stage for all his other pitches late.

    “Finally,” he quipped. “Just the work that I’m putting each week between starts. Obviously, it’s been an up-and-down year, but obviously it worked out today.”

    He ended up with Cleveland’s first complete-game shutout since Sept. 10, 2019, when Zach Plesac accomplished the feat against the Los Angeles Angels.

    Bibee, who loves Chipotle and eats there before every start, allowed back-to-back singles in the third inning before escaping with an inning-ending double play. He retired 18 of the last 20 batters he faced, none bigger than Nolan Jones’ diving catch on Lenyn Sosa’s liner to right field for the final out.

    Cleveland (76-71) has won seven of eight, including Bibee’s last two starts.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Coach Ryan Day, wife Nina highlight mental health with students

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    HEBRON, Ohio — Ohio State football coach Ryan Day and his wife, Nina, spoke to students at Arts Impact Middle School on Friday about mental health as part of the “Day Time Break” program with Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ryan and Nina Day shared the “Day Time Break” program at Arts Impact Middle School in partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital

    • The program aims to teach students facts about mental health and practical ways to care for themselves
    • The Days and hospital leaders emphasized the importance of early conversations to reduce stigma and prevent crises

    The couple joined hospital leaders at the assembly to share personal experiences and encourage students to recognize mental health challenges early, stressing that no one has to struggle in silence.

    Ryan Day said young people today face many challenges and he wants to ensure they have the resources to manage them. His wife, Nina, echoed that message, stressing the importance of letting students know they are not alone.

    “It’s so important to remind these kids that, you know, they’re not alone, that a lot of people are feeling what they’re feeling,” Nina Day said. “I remember being their age and feeling anxiety and not knowing what it was and having no one to really talk about it.”

    Nina Day also told students she lived with anxiety for two decades without speaking up. 

    “I suffered for 20 years in silence. And this is to show you that you don’t have to suffer alone,” she said.

    Nationwide Children’s Hospital Executive Clinical Director Ariana Hoet said parents should pay attention if a child seems persistently sad, anxious or irritable for weeks at a time, noting those changes in behavior may signal a deeper problem. She urged families to start conversations early rather than waiting until a crisis develops.

    Eighth grader Julius Scott said the assembly felt personal, sharing that he had lost someone close to suicide.

    “Mental health is actually very important to me because a few years back, one of my close friends, a family friend of my brother’s, yeah, killed himself because he was going through mental stuff,” Scott said.

    Coach Day left the group with a message of hope.

    “Every problem that you guys have, there is a solution,” he told students. “I don’t want anyone to ever think there’s such a big problem that we can’t solve it. But in order to do that, you have to communicate.”

    The Days said sleep, diet and building strong relationships are other ways youth can improve their mental health.

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    Saima Khan

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  • Ohio Homeland Security launching AI-powered suspicious activity reporting system

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Homeland Security is launching a new, AI-powered suspicious activity reporting system, they announced in a press release Friday, “to gather actionable information on potential threats of violence.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Ohio Homeland Security is announcing a new  suspicious activity reporting system

    • It is powered by AI, programmed to get more information out of people making reports

    • Users can still remain anonymous
    • The app is not a substitute for calling 911 in an emergency

    Those making reports will be able to provide information via text, video, audio and photo and will be able to stay anonymous.

    The “first-in-nation” app, called Safeguard Ohio, uses AI in a similar way to a chatbot, where it asks the individual making the report for more information that could assist law enforcement.

    “Events that threaten the safety of Ohioans can be hard to predict, but they can be prevented with help from timely, detailed tips from the public,” said Governor DeWine. “This new app simplifies the process to get information to law enforcement quickly and conveniently.”

    You can see an example of how the system works here:

     

    (Ohio Department of Public Safety)

    When making a tip, a person can select from one of the following categories:

    • Suspicious activity-terrorism
    • Drug-related activity
    • Human trafficking
    • Gun-related activity
    • School threats
    • Crimes against children
    • Financial crime
    • Other criminal activity

    Once they select a category, the user begins their conversation with the AI.

    “The AI infused prompts are essential components of this new system,” OHS Executive Director Mark Porter said in the release. “We will get the high-quality intelligence we need to act on a tip through this new system. The AI is trained to keep asking questions until the person reporting says they have no more information about the incident.”

    Information submitted through the app is sent to the always-staffed Statewide Terrorism Analysis and Crime Center, where it is reviewed, and the proper authorities are notified.

    “One of the best attributes of this new system is the ability to upload video and photos,” said Andy Wilson, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, in the release. “More and more people these days – especially our younger generation – don’t like to talk on the phone. This new reporting method will result in more detailed information being shared with the authorities. That’s exactly what we want. Better information leads to better investigations.”

    However, the release states that the app should not replace calling 911 in an emergency. If the AI recognizes a situation that merits the action, it will tell the user to call 911.

    Safeguard Ohio is not a substitute for calling 9-1-1 and should not be used during an emergency, however the app’s AI can identify situations requiring an urgent response and will prompt individuals to call 9-1-1.

    Once you make a report, you will receive a QR code, which you can use to add more information after submission.

    The app was developed by OHS and Vigiliti.

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Ravens-Browns matchup brings Flacco back to Baltimore

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    BEREA, Ohio — Two seasons ago, Joe Flacco nearly made his return to Baltimore under pressure-packed circumstances. If the Cleveland Browns head beaten Houston in the first round of the playoffs, they’d have faced the Ravens next.

    That didn’t happen, so Flacco and Ravens star Lamar Jackson had to settle for a reunion at NFL Honors, when the former won Comeback Player of the Year and the latter was MVP.

    What You Need To Know

    • This weekend, Jackson and the Ravens host Flacco and the Browns
    • Flacco spent the first 11 years of his career with Baltimore

    • The Browns (0-1) are looking to avoid their first 0-2 start in Kevin Stefanski’s six seasons as coach

    “I was like, ‘Man, I thought we were going to have to see you in the playoffs,’” Jackson said. “He was on a roll. He had those guys in a good position.”

    This weekend, Jackson and the Ravens host Flacco and the Browns. It’s the 40-year-old Flacco’s first chance to play at Baltimore since Jackson supplanted him as the Ravens’ starter in 2018. He did face Baltimore when he was with the Jets in 2022, but that game was in New Jersey.

    “I got to play them a couple years ago but going back to Baltimore is definitely a little bit different story,” Flacco said. “It is somewhat surprising, honestly, because I‘ve been gone a decent amount of time so the fact that I haven’t had a chance to go back is a little surprising.”

    Flacco spent the first 11 years of his career with Baltimore, leading the Ravens to a Super Bowl title during the 2012 season. After the Ravens took Jackson in the first round of the 2018 draft, Flacco made nine starts that season and then was traded to Denver.

    “We all know kind of the story there and yeah, I have nothing but love for the people in that facility and the people in that city. I mean, for sure it’s one of those things in the NFL, there’s a business side of it and things happen,” Flacco said. “I’m fortunate to be where I am today and be in this position, but I have nothing but love for that city and for that organization. I mean I was a small-school guy that they took a little bit of a chance on early on in the draft and I have so many good memories with those people in that city and that stadium.”

    Coming off losses

    The Browns (0-1) are looking to avoid their first 0-2 start in Kevin Stefanski’s six seasons as coach. The last three times the Browns lost their opener, they bounced back with a win in Week 2.

    Baltimore started 0-2 last season but still went on to win the AFC North. But after losing at Buffalo in their opener, the Ravens could really use a win this week. Their next four games after this are against the Lions, Chiefs, Texans and Rams.

    Takeaway drought

    The Browns allowed only 141 yards against Cincinnati last week, including only 7 in the second half. While the defense is doing a solid job stopping opponents, it isn’t forcing turnovers. Cleveland has gone three straight games dating to last season without a takeaway and has gone seven straight without forcing multiple turnovers.

    “As good as we play, still more things that we could get better at and that’s one of the areas is takeaways,” cornerback Denzel Ward said. “So we played well, played decent on this past game, but we got to take that ball away.”

    Playing to their strengths

    The Browns were in 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) on 36 of their 71 offensive plays against Cincinnati last week, their highest usage since Week 16 in 2020.

    That’s partly because of the selection of tight end Harold Fannin Jr. in the third round this year. Fannin was in for 55 plays while lining up at tight end, slot receiver, running back and even quarterback one play. David Njoku was in for 64 snaps. Fannin and Njoku combined for 10 of the Browns’ 31 receptions and 100 yards.

    Baltimore allowed seven receptions to Buffalo’s tight ends for 97 yards and a touchdown. According to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, opponents targeted tight ends 127 times against Baltimore last season, 10th-most in the league.

    Keep an eye on …

    Both teams have rookie kickers who missed extra points last week, and the Ravens and Browns both lost by one point.

    Baltimore’s Tyler Loop made both of his field goal attempts while Cleveland’s Andre Szmyt was 1 of 2, including a 35-yard attempt that went wide right late in the fourth quarter that would have given the Browns the lead.

    Injuries

    Browns tackle Jack Conklin (eye, elbow) is expected to be back after he left the first half of Sunday’s game after being poked in the eye. Defensive tackle Mike Hall (knee) is on track to make his season debut after missing last week.

    Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard (calf) and tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) missed last weekend’s game and missed practice time this week. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (ankle) and cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) were also on the injury report this week.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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