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  • Weekend Pass: Events around the state Jan. 3-4

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    There’s always plenty to do in Ohio over the weekend, and Spectrum News 1 gathered some highlights around each major metropolitan area across the state.

    Here’s some of this weekend’s events:

    Cleveland

    Cleveland Home Show

    • When and where: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 3 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 4 at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, located at  300 Lakeside Ave.
    • Cost: Free admission with online registration or $10 at the door
    • Info: This is the place to go for everything home improvement. Whether it’s discounts, advice from experts and more, there’s plenty to see

    50 First Jokes

    • When and where: 7 p.m. Jan. 4 at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre, located at 2035 E 4th St. in Cleveland
    • Cost: $12
    • Info: Local comedians will gather at this event to tell their first jokes of the new year

    Columbus

    Healthy New Albany Farmers Market

    • When and where: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Jan. 3 at the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany, located at 150 W. Main St.
    • Info: This event occurs on the first Saturday of the month during the fall and winter and includes an assortment of local vendors

    Holiday Blooms at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

    • When and where: This exhibition lasts until Jan. 4, so this is your last weekend to check it out at the conservatory and botanical gardens, located at 1777 E. Broad Street Columbus
    • Cost: Included with admission
    • Info: The theme of this exhibition is Hues of the Holidays. The website calls it an “enchanting botanical experience is where color takes center stage.”

    Cincinnati

    Disney & Pixar’s “Toy Story” in concert

    • When and where: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 3 and 2 p.m. Jan. 4 at the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra music hall, located at 1241 Elm St. in Cincinnati
    • Cost: Prices vary, see website for details
    • Info: This concert, conducted by Damon Gupton, will be a live performance that accompanies the playing of the film

    Festival of Ferns

    • When and where: This seasonal event lasts through Jan. 4 Cincinnati Parks’ Krohn Conservatory, located at 1501 Eden Park Drive
    • Cost: $10 for adults, $7 for kids age 5-17, free for kids 5 and younger
    • Info: This event includes a “botanical model of Cincinnati,” trains, landmarks and more. This is your last weekend to check out the event as it ends Jan. 4

    Dayton

    Pyramid Hill Lights

    • When and where: 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 3 and 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 4
    • Cost: $25 for a carload of non-members, $15 for a carload of members
    • Info: There’s plenty of holiday lights for the family to drive through

    Deck the Diamond

    • When and where: Runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on select nights (including this Friday and Saturday) until Jan. 3 at Day Air Ballpark, located at 220 N Patterson Blvd. in Dayton
    • Cost: $14 for Friday through Sunday tickets, free for kids 2 and younger
    • Info: This event features light displays and shows, decorations and more “to create unforgettable memories for you and your loved ones!”

    Toledo

    Archery and Fireside S’mores

    • When and where: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 4 at t Pearson Metropark, Sledding Hill, located at 761 S Lallendorf Road
    • Cost: $10
    • Info: If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to practice your archery and enjoy some s’mores at the same time, this event is surely for you

    Toledo Paint and Sip Party – Snow Globe

    • When and where: 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 3 at Wine & Canvas Toledo Studio, located at 5248 Monroe St. in Toledo
    • Cost: $40
    • Info: At this event, you’ll have the chance to have some drinks and create your own canvas, with guidance from a local artist

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • From Ebola to world records, here’s a look at historic anniversaries in 2026

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    It’s been a busy century.

    Within the past 100 years, the world has seen World War II, the advent of space travel, the fall and rise of nations and plenty more.

    What You Need To Know

    • A lot has happened over the last 100 years

    • A number of historic events will be seeing anniversaries this year

    • Here’s a look at some, according to History.com

    Here’s a look at some major historic events recognizing 100, 50 or 10-year milestones this year, according to history.com.

    • “Amos ‘n’ Andy” made their debut on a Chicago radio station as “Sam ‘n’ Henry” on Jan. 12, 1926
    • TV is demonstrated publicly for the first time by John Logie Baird on Jan. 26, 1926
    • The first liquid-fueled rocket is launched out of Auburn, Massachusetts, on March 16, 1926
    • The Ford Motor Company adopts the five-day, 40-hour work week on May 1, 1926
    • Marilyn Monroe was born on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles 
    • Fidel Castro is born in Cuba on Aug. 13.
    • Gertrude Ederle swims across the English Channel on Aug. 6, 1926, the first woman to do so
    • Babe Ruth earns a world record with three home runs against the St. Louis Cardinals on Oct. 6
    • The magician Harry Houdini died on Oct. 31 in Detroit
    • Cambodia was renamed to Kampuchea by the Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot on Jan. 5, 1976
    • The first Concorde planes with commercial passengers take off from airports in England and France on Jan. 21, 1976
    • Paul Robeson—a singer, athlete and actor—died on Jan. 23, 1976. Sal Mineo, another actor, was killed in a stabbing in California.
    • Frank DeLuca and Patricia Columbo were arrested on May 15, 1976, for the murder of her parents and brother in Illinois
    • The National Basketball Association merges with the American Basketball Association on June 17, 1976
    • The first recorded Ebola virus epidemic occurs in Sudan on June 27, 1976
    • The United States Naval Academy admitted its first women on July 6, 1976, and the first female cadets were enrolled at West Point one day later
    • Romanian Nadia Comăneci is first Olympic gymnast to earn a perfect 10 on July 18, 1976
    • The Viking 1 probe made a successful landing on Mars on July 20, 1976
    • An earthquake destroys the Chinese city of Tangshan on July 28, 1976, killing an estimated 242,000 people
    • Renée Richards,a transgender athlete, was barred from competing as a woman in the U.S. Open on Aug. 27, 1976
    • Mao Zedong died on Sept. 9, 1976
    • The movie “Rocky” released in theaters on Nov. 21, 1976
    • El Chapo is apprehended by authorities in Mexico on Jan. 8, 2016
    • The musician Prince died on April 21, 2016
    • A gunman opens fire inside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, killing 49 people and injuring dozens of others
    • A man drove a truck through a street filled with people celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, France, killing 86 people and injuring hundreds of others on July 14, 2016
    • Hillary Clinton accepts the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. She was the first woman to lead a major party in the United States
    • Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, chose not to stand for the national anthem during a game on Aug. 26, 2016, setting off a firestorm of controversy around the decision
    • Mother Teresa was named Saint Teresa of Calcutta on Sept. 4, 2016
    • The National Museum of African American History and Culture opened on Sept. 24, 2016
    • The Paris Agreement went into effect on Nov. 4, 2016, with the hope to curb carbon emissions and mitigate global warming
    • The nation of Russia is accused of cheating in the Olympics by the World Anti-Doping Agency on Dec. 9, 2016

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Political changes, new laws coming in 2026 to Ohio

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    OHIO — The new year is upon us, and with it come some major political changes for the Buckeye State. 

    Several new laws will take effect in 2026, including new laws targeting drug overdoses in schools, “Keith’s Law” and the finalization of cellphone policies for schools. 

    For more information on the latest state laws, click here.

    House Bill 57: Jan. 19, 2026

    The new law allows a city, local, exempted village or joint vocational school district to obtain and maintain a supply of an overdose reversal drug for an emergency. The district’s board of education will be required to adopt and implement a policy regarding the supply’s maintenance and drug’s use at each school operated by the district. 

    Policies must include: 

    • A requirement that each school conform to the requirements of division (C)(1) of section 3715.50 of the Revised Code
    • The amount of the drug’s supply to be maintained at each school
    • A requirement that each school’s supply be stored in a secure location that is easily accessible to school employees or contractors
    • A description of any training regarding the supply’s maintenance and drug’s use that school employees or contractors may be required to complete

    Under the law, a board of education can accept donations of money from any person or entity to purchase overdose reversal drugs, with the money used only for that purpose. The board must track the spending of the donated funds. 

    District superintendents must also file a report as soon as is practical following the use of an overdose reversal drug. The use must be reported to the board of education and the parent or guardian of the student who received the reversal drug. An annual report must also be made of the district’s use of overdose reversal drugs in emergencies to the Department of Education and Workforce.

    House Bill 144: Jan. 19, 2026

    “Keith’s Law” was passed in October, and aims to enhance first responders’ ability to assist individuals with special needs during emergencies.

    Through the law, a voluntary statewide database is established for those with special needs to share relevant and vital information with first responders. Officials said the information will be shared with each county’s 911 system. The systems will be required to provide the appropriate information to first responders when dispatched to ensure first responders are prepared.

    The database will be administered by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities in partnership with the Ohio Department of Public Safety

    Minimum wage increase: Jan. 1, 2026

    Minimum wage will increase on New Year’s Day from $10.70 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.35 per hour for tipped employees to $11 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.50 for tipped employees. 

    The increase is 30 cents for non-tipped workers and 25 cents for tipped workers.

    The minimum wage will apply to employees of businesses with annual gross receipts totaling more than  $405,000 per year.

    Minimum wage increases each year because of a constitutional amendment passed in Nov. 2006 stating that Ohio’s minimum wage increases Jan. 1 each year by a rate of inflation. Ohio’s minimum wage is tied to the Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners and clerical workers over the 12-month period prior to September.

    At smaller companies with annual gross receipts of $394,000 or less per year after Jan. 1, and for 14- and 15-year-olds, the state’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. The state wage is tied to the federal minimum wage, which requires an act of Congress and the president’s signature to change.

    School Cellphone policies: Jan. 1, 2026

    While DeWine signed the bill requiring every Ohio school district to establish an official policy regarding cell phone use during school hours, aiming to minimize student use in K-12 schools, it still takes effect next year.

    The policies must emphasize that student cellphone use be limited during the school day, reduce distractions caused by cellphones in class settings and if a school board determines it appropriate, or if included in a student’s individual education program, allow for students to use cellphones or other electronic communication devices for student learning, to monitor a health concern or to address a health concern.

    While most schools have adopted policies ahead of the 2025-2026 school year, by state law a policy prohibiting cellphone use by students during the instructional day must be set by Jan. 1, 2026.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Snow showers to affect New Year’s plans

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    OHIO — As we wrap up 2025 and head into 2026, winter weather will impact New Year’s holiday plans around Ohio.

    What You Need To Know

    • Snow chances will be widespread across Ohio this evening

    • Along and ahead of another cold front, snow showers could be heavy at times, briefly reducing visibility

    • An Arctic cold front is responsible for another push of cold air moving in, and we’ll see even colder air returning Thursday

    Snow chances will be widespread across Ohio this evening, making for a messy New Year’s Eve forecast. 

    Along and ahead of another cold front, snow showers could be heavy at times, briefly reducing visibility and leading to messy roads. 

    We’ll see widespread snow north of I-70 late this afternoon into the evening, then progressing south as we move into your late night forecast. 

    Snow totals outside the Snowbelt won’t be a lot, but the timing will be important, with 1″ or so  quickly falling with some heavier bursts of snow. 

    An Arctic cold front is responsible for another push of cold air moving in, and we’ll see even colder air returning Thursday, with highs in the teens and 20s.

     

    Don’t forget, the Spectrum News App is a great resource to track Ohio’s wintry weather and stay up to date on the latest breaking news and information.

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    Meteorologist Ashley Batey

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  • Caleb Downs is quite the CFP veteran heading into the quarterfinals

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    ARLINGTON, Texas — Caleb Downs had to be reminded that he was getting ready for his sixth College Football Playoff game, which probably won’t be rare a decade from now but is unique in just the second year of the expanded 12-team format.

    What You Need To Know

    • Caleb Downs had to be reminded that he was getting ready for his sixth College Football Playoff game

    • The third-ranked Buckeyes (12-1, CFP No. 2) got a first-round bye despite losing to top-ranked Indiana in the Big Ten championship game

    • Downs remembers the nerves from his CFP debut with the Crimson Tide

    The Ohio State safety smiled at the thought and figured it couldn’t hurt to have played in the CFP as a freshman at Alabama, losing 27-20 to Michigan in overtime before transferring to the Wolverines’ biggest rival and winning four postseason games and a national championship with the Buckeyes a year ago.

    “That could be a positive, just knowing that I’ve been in this situation so many times,” said Downs, a two-time Associated Press All-American. “At the end of the day, it’s not about me. It’s about everybody else feeling confident during the game. Really just trying to push that to all my teammates.”

    He’s talking younger teammates such as freshman Devin Sanchez, a backup cornerback who has tried to imagine the nerves and emotions in the hours before kickoff Wednesday night in a Cotton Bowl quarterfinal against No. 10 Miami.

    The Hurricanes (11-2, CFP No. 10 seed) are first-time CFP qualifiers, but got a start on those nerves with the 10-3 first-round victory at Texas A&M on Dec. 20.

    The third-ranked Buckeyes (12-1, CFP No. 2) got a first-round bye despite losing to top-ranked Indiana in the Big Ten championship game.

    “Lean on them a lot, more than you think,” Sanchez said. “They’re guys that have been here a lot of times, a couple of guys have been to the Cotton Bowl for the third straight year in a row. So this is not a new place for them. As a new guy, there’s nothing I can do but lean on them. The speed will be a little different. The intensity will be up a little bit more. Just lean on those guys, and when my number’s called just be able to go out there and make sure that they trust me to be out there.”

    Downs remembers the nerves from his CFP debut with the Crimson Tide. He was in the Rose Bowl, a spectacle he had seen on TV as a kid.

    “That was probably the biggest game I had played at the time,” said Downs, one of the top players in the 2024 portal as the first freshman to lead the storied Alabama program in tackles. “Knowing that, it was a little bit of nerves.”

    The Buckeyes were in the Cotton Bowl for last season’s semifinals, beating Texas 28-14 after comfortable wins over Tennessee at home and No. 1 Oregon in a Rose Bowl quarterfinal.

    Downs found a way to leave the Rose Bowl with a better feeling. Now he’ll be back on the field where he intercepted Texas’ Quinn Ewers almost a year ago, in what will be his 44th game in just three seasons.

    “I think just in general with Caleb, just the amount of experience he has playing football is probably the most important thing,” first-year defensive coordinator Matt Patricia said. “His professionalism and how he prepares is probably the best example that I can point to for all the players.”

    Downs, a projected first-round pick should he decide to enter the NFL draft in April, isn’t the only experienced defensive back. Davison Igbinosun and Jermaine Matthews Jr., the starting cornerbacks in front of Sanchez, have been around awhile.

    Igbinosun was on the 2023 Ohio State team that also played in the Cotton Bowl, a 14-3 loss to Missouri after missing out on the last four-team playoff.

    A year later, Downs was with him, believing the experience of being in the playoff didn’t matter as much as losing in the playoff.

    “It definitely added a little bit of fuel to the fire because I lost my freshman year,” Downs said. “It made me want to come back and play better. I think that was a lot of what everybody else on the team felt because they didn’t have the success they wanted to earlier in their career. I think that was a hungry team. And we’ve got to be the same way this year.”

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • 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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  • Summit County prosecutor discusses Arrive Alive program

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    OHIO — It’s that time of year when nearly every weekend is filled with parties, many of which can include alcohol.

    Around this time last year, three people were killed in crashes from New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day.

    One of the three deaths was listed as OVI-related (operating a vehicle under the influence) by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Also, over those two days, troopers made 77 impaired driving arrests.


    Spectrum News 1 spoke with Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich about the Arrive Alive program.

    From 4 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 12 p.m. Jan. 2, those in Summit County can use the code SUMMITNYE26 to get a free ride home via the rideshare app Lyft. There’s a limit of 600 codes, and they cover a trip up to $20.

    You can watch the full interview above.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Akron man deported after living in U.S. for 44 years

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    CLEVELAND — Brittani Sisouphanh is spending her first holiday season without her father Sone Rassavong who was recently deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to his home country Laos.

    What You Need To Know

    • Brittani Sisouphanh is the daughter of Laotian immigrant Sone Rassavong, who she said was wrongfully arrested and deported by ICE earlier this year

    • The United States is home to an estimated 245,000 Laotian Americans

    • U.S. President Donald Trump is upping restrictions on nationals from more than a dozen countries he’s classified as “high risk,” including Laos

    Sone Rassavong first moved to the United States in 1981 as a refugee and lost permanent resident status after being accused of violating a protection order, Sisouphanh said. He was living in Texas at the time, she said, and lacked access to reliable transportation to check in for parole.

    “He didn’t understand what really comes with probation. So he had missed a day to go check in with his parole officer, and when he missed that appointment, they put a warrant out for his arrest,” Sisouphanh said. “He did not know that you check in once a month, and he just — they put him in jail, for missing that.”

    Sisouphanh said her father was detained by ICE officers that same year after serving several months in jail. 

    Still, she said, her father never received full due process.

    “Under ICE custody, they told my dad, again, no legal representation. They told my dad that if he signs this paper, he can go home. So he signed the paper,” Sisouphanh said. “And my dad has broken English. He doesn’t understand very well, but he didn’t know signing the paper, he was signing his status to be changed from permanent resident to deportation.”

    After signing the deportation order, Sisouphanh said, her father moved back to Ohio and had been living in Akron under a work visa.

    He checked in with Homeland Security and applied to renew his work authorization card each year, Sisouphanh said.

    “We went there just going to check in like normal, not knowing that my dad wasn’t going to come back out with us. I didn’t give any time for him to say bye to family or anything like that. Whatever he had on is what he had to go with,” she said.

    Rassavong is one of tens of thousands of Laotian Americans who became at risk of deportation after U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing full restrictions and an entry ban on all immigrants from Laos and Sierra Leone.

    The White House wrote online last week that the limitations imposed under the proclamation are part of Trump’s promise “to restore travel restrictions on dangerous countries” and secure the nation’s borders.

    Sisouphanh said she and other family members have had limited contact with Rassavong since October.

    “It was so hard to be in communication with him. I had to call lots of places, talk to lots of people. I was able to find him on an app, and we were able to communicate that way. But, he did go to Laos and he did share some experience. Getting there was very traumatizing, inhumane,” she said.

    Rassavong is now being detained in Laos, being transferred to the country from a U.S. detention center last week, Sisouphanh said.

    “It’s going to be a culture shock, for sure,” she said. “He left Laos when he was 15, and he stayed in a camp in Thailand till he was 17, and then came to America when he was 17.”

    The impact of Rassavong’s deportation is being felt by many others in the family, Sisouphanh said. He was the head of their family as the father of seven children and grandfather of 13 grandchildren.

    “It changed my way of living because I was living with him the day to day life. And when the day he went, I had work … I just didn’t know how to deal with it,” said Logan Rossavong, Sone Rassavong’s youngest child.

    Still, Rossaving’s family said they’re holding on to hope.

    “When we were on FaceTime, he lost weight …  but right now he’s doing good,” Logan Rossavong said. “He’s trying to keep it, you know, positive, trying to make the best of it.”

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    Tanya Velazquez

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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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  • Hidden camera found in a Hocking Hills Airbnb

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    HOCKING HILLS, Ohio — Airbnb rentals have become a go-to option for travelers seeking something more personal than a hotel. Offering unique spaces, privacy and often a better price.

    But as their popularity continues to soar, there are growing concerns about what guests may not see when they check in. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A hidden camera was found in a Hocking Hills rental property 

    • The man who placed the camera there was sentenced to almost a decade in prison 

    • He was recording adults and children in the bathroom 

    Last month, an Akron man was sentenced to nearly a decade in prison after hiding a camera in the bathroom of his Hocking Hills rental cabin.

    The Hocking County Sheriff’s Office said the man was secretly recording over 50 guests, including children. 

    “Especially in the past year or so, Airbnb has really cracked down on privacy issues. And has been very clear with hosts on the platform that they have a zero-tolerance policy for any sort of cameras within the home or any private spaces,” said Sarah Karakaian, co-owner of Thanks for Visiting. 

    Karakaian is an expert in the short-term rental industry. 

    She said as an Airbnb host herself, she’s glad they make the hosts go through background checks but encourages guests to do their own research when booking a short-term rental. 

    “Is it monitored by any sort of municipality in terms of does that host have to have a permit? Do they have to operate under some sort of jurisdiction other than Airbnb?” Karakaian said. 

    The police department said cabin renters found the hidden camera in the ceiling of a bathroom and a residential search warrant was executed.

    The lead detective in the case said recorded videos from the camera date back to Sept. 2023 through Feb. 2024.

    Garrett Hendricks, a criminal defense attorney, said that under Ohio law, you’re right to record is based on whether an individual being recorded has a reasonable expectation of privacy. 

    “What that means is if the person believes they’re in private and they’re not likely to be recorded, then the law generally doesn’t allow recording,” said Hendricks, owner of Hendricks Law Office LLC. 

    Hendricks also said the charges can be much more severe when children are involved. 

    “If you are recording minors or adults illegally, meaning one of those places where they do have an expectation for privacy, certainly you can get into additional trouble or you have additional criminal exposure based on the fact that it is a minor as opposed to an adult because of the child pornography laws,” Hendricks said. 

    In the Hocking Hills case, the man will have to register as a Tier II sex offender for 25 years.

     

     

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    Cassidy Wilson

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  • Blue Jackets add veteran toughness in acquiring forward Mason Marchment

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Blue Jackets added veteran size and toughness to their roster by acquiring forward Mason Marchment from the Seattle Kraken in a move completed on Friday night just before the NHL’s holiday roster freeze.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired forward Mason Marchment from the Seattle Kraken
    • The Kraken received a 2027 second-round draft pick and a fourth-round pick in next year’s draft

    • Marchment provides a physical presence in being listed at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds

    The Kraken received a 2027 second-round draft pick and a fourth-round pick in next year’s draft, which the Blue Jackets previously acquired in a trade with the New York Rangers.

    The 30-year-old Marchment provides a physical presence in being listed at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds. He’s also a two-time 20-goal-scorer over his seven-year career, and had four goals and 13 points in 29 games with Seattle this season.

    “Mason is a player I know very well, and I think he will add a great deal to our team,” Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said. “He is a physical, hard-nosed competitor with proven offensive ability and we are very excited to have him join the Blue Jackets.”

    The trade involved two struggling teams seeking to shake things up after getting off to slow starts. Columbus is tied for last in points in the Eastern Conference standings, while Seattle is tied for last in the West.

    Aside from adding draft picks, the Kraken freed up salary cap space on a player who is in the final season of a four-year, $18 million contract.

    “This trade gives us more draft capital and flexibility as we look to improve our team moving forward,” Kraken general manager Jason Botterill said.

    Undrafted, Marchment broke into the NHL as a 24-year-old by appearing in four games with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2019-20 season before being traded to Florida. He spent two seasons with the Panthers before signing with the Dallas Stars.

    The Stars then acquired two draft picks in trading Marchment to Seattle in June.

    Overall, he has 80 goals and 202 points and 284 penalty minutes in 331 career games.

    The Blue Jackets also announced forward Brendan Gaunce has been designated non-roster in being away from the team due to personal reasons. Gaunce has a goal and four points in 12 games with the Blue Jackets this season.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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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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  • Dealing with grief during the holiday

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    STOW, Ohio — The holidays are supposed to be filled with fun, family and friends but it can be difficult celebrating the holidays after losing a loved one.

    What You Need To Know

    • Fred Price and his wife, Sheila, met as teenagers

    • A 2024 survey from the American Psychiatric Association said grief or the loss of a loved one was a top stressor at 47%

    • Grief is the experience of coping with loss

    Fred Price and his wife, Sheila, met as teenagers.

    “She completed me,” said Price. “She was the love of my life. We dated in high school and then went our separate ways.”

    They reunited later in life, and then got married in 2005. Price says they had a wonderful life.

    “She had bad scoliosis since a child and went through several operations,” said Price. “Unfortunately, the last one that she had was not successful.”

    Sheila died in February of 2022. They were married for 16 years. Price said she loved the holiday season.

    “She loved Christmas, completely,” said Price. “All the holidays were her favorite and, I’ve tried to keep on that tradition.”

    Price has several of Sheila’s items around the house especially for Christmas. Price said the first year was the hardest for him. During that time, he started going to The GriefCare Place for support. Price is not alone; more than a million people will spend the upcoming holiday without a loved one. Benjamin Barnes works with The GriefCare Place. An organization that provides support groups. Barnes says grief can be complicated, different for everybody and last for a long time.

    “It depends on who you lost, how you lost to them,” said Benjamin Barnes, a clinical mental health counselor. “Who they meant to you who they were to you and it is not a one size fits all process.”

    A 2024 survey from the American Psychiatric Association said grief or the loss of a loved one was a top stressor at 47%. Grief is the experience of coping with loss. It’s a natural reaction that can involve an intense emotional, physical and mental responses like sadness, anger, confusion and numbness. During certain times grief can amplify and be triggered by birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. Grief can include the loss of You may grieve the loss of:

    • A friend, family member, partner or pet
    • A marriage, friendship or another form of kinship
    • Your home, neighborhood or community
    • Your job or career
    • Financial stability
    • A dream or goal
    • Good health
    • Your youth
    • Fertility

    Anything that was important to you.

    According to Kubler-Ross, there are five stages of grief:

    • Denial. You may have difficulty accepting that a loss is real.
    • Anger. You may direct anger at multiple sources, including people who couldn’t save a loved one, God, yourself — or even no one in particular.
    • Bargaining. You may imagine reaching an agreement, so you don’t have to deal with a loss. You may also regret past actions that you imagine could’ve spared you from loss.
    • Depression. You may experience the complex emotions associated with depression including emotional detachment.
    • Acceptance. Eventually, most people embrace the reality of loss even if the pain’s still there.

    The Cleveland Clinic says there are different types of grief including:

    Anticipatory grief

    Anticipatory grief involves grieving before the actual loss. 

    Abbreviated grief

    Abbreviated grief may follow anticipatory grief. You can grieve a loss quickly because you’ve already done a lot of emotional labor while anticipating that loss. 

    Delayed grief

    Instead of experiencing the emotions that accompany grief immediately after a loss, you feel them days, weeks or even months later.

    Inhibited grief

    Inhibited grief involves repressing emotions. This type of grief can lead to upset stomach, insomnia, anxiety and panic attacks. 

    Cumulative grief

    Cumulative grief involves working through multiple losses at once. Grieving multiple losses simultaneously makes the process difficult and complex in unexpected ways.

    Collective grief

    As a group, we grieve the shared experiences we’ve lost as we struggle to imagine a changed future.

    Barnes said there are some things you can do to navigate grief during the holidays. First, make sure to take care of yourself. Prioritize physical, mental, emotional and spiritual self-care. Make plans for the holiday — honor the lost loved one by lighting a candle.

    “When you first lose a loved one, you’re going to have all kinds of different emotions,” said Price. “You may at one point feel like you’re going crazy, but it’s okay to feel anger.”

    Give yourself permission to feel what you are feeling and don’t self-isolate, socialize and find support through family, friends or a group.

    “There’s no right way to do this, and so, it’s so important as hard as it is we always have a choice even in the deepest grief,” said Barnes.

    Price said it has been a difficult transition without Shelia, but he has a great support team around him and is healing. He remembers Shelia as the loving energetic and faithful person he fell in love with.

    “She loved pictures, we had to take all these photos, and now I look back on them, and I cherish those photos,” said Price. “I’m glad that we did it.”

    After about a year and half of attending the support group, Price became a counselor. Now, he helps other widowers get through their tough times.

    If you are experiencing grief and you need someone to talk to, the GriefCare Place offers their support groups at no charge.

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    Rose Todd

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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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  • Registration for Spectrum News 1 Ohio’s closings, delays system

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — With more snow and extreme cold expected this weekend, Spectrum News 1 Ohio is expanding access to its free closings and delays alert system to additional organizations across the state.

    The system, which launched last winter, allows organizations to post announcements about weather-related closings, delays or schedule changes. Updates appear across Spectrum News 1 Ohio’s platforms, including our website and mobile app, helping communities stay informed during rapidly changing winter conditions.

    Initially available to K-12 school districts, the service is now open to charter and private schools, churches, non-profits, colleges, and other organizations.

    Registration takes only a few minutes and can be done here. A frequently asked questions page is also available to walk organizations through the process.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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