ReportWire

Tag: Ohio

  • Shop with a Cop is back

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

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

    What You Need To Know

    • Shop with a Cop is back

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Edens said this event amazes him time and time again.

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

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    Travis Hicks

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  • 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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  • Pacific moisture delivers heavy rain for holiday travelers next week

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    Whether you’re flying or driving, the weather could impact your holiday travel next week. Here’s what to expect across the country.

    What You Need To Know

    • Mostly dry weather is on tap across the central and eastern U.S. this weekend

    • Heavy rain is expected in California and the Pacific Northwest

    • Temperatures are trending significantly above normal for Christmas


    Here are the weather highlights for holiday travelers. 


    A more detailed forecast for each day can be found below.

    Saturday

    If you’re traveling Saturday, a weak disturbance will bring some light snow across the Great Lakes and interior Northeast during the afternoon and evening. Heavier snow accumulation should remain into Canada.  Most of the Midwest is looking at dry, sunny weather. 

    Northern California and the intermountain west will continue seeing periods of wet weather.


    Sunday

    Wet weather continues out west on Sunday, especially for parts of Northern Calfornia, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Heavy snow and rain is expected.

    Some snow showers are possible around the Great Lakes and rain across the Southeast, but activity remains light.

    Monday

    A prolonged period of wet weather is on tap into early next week across Northern California and the intermountain west. Monday evening into Tuesday morning could see some showers across the Ohio Valley and snow in the Great Lakes.


    Tuesday

    Snow is possible across New England and the Northeast on Tuesday, but totals remain on the low end with only a couple inches of accumulation. Out west, rain and snow continues.

    Christmas Eve

    California will see wet weather on Christmas Eve as another atmospheric river brings in Pacific moisture, leading to periods of heavy rain and mountain snow. The possibility of showers will be present through the Ohio Valley.


    Christmas

    The Rockies and areas westward see wet and wintry weather on Christmas Day, with the higher elevations seeing a white Christmas. Much of the central and eastern U.S. will be warmer than normal with mostly dry conditions.


    Friday

    The day after Christmas could finally offer a break for some areas out west, but high elevation snow chances continue. Some rain is possible across the Northeast.


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

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Nearly 200 Ohio fire departments to receive millions from grant

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    OHIO — The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal announced Friday that 198 fire departments will receive nearly $4 million from the 2026 MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communications Systems) Grant. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The fire departments represent 63 counties across Ohio

    • A complete list of MARCS Grant recipients is available here

    • Funds will be distributed in early 2026

    The fire departments represent 63 counties across Ohio. 

    The MARCS radio system offers statewide, secure and reliable public service wireless communication for first responders, according to the department. It allows first responders to communicate with each other and with other agencies. Costs to acquire and operate the technology can become expensive. 

    “This grant funding is a major resource for fire departments across Ohio, especially since it helps give them access to MARCS radios that they might not otherwise be able to purchase,” said Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “These radios help first responders better serve Ohio communities and protect those who call them home.”

    A complete list of MARCS Grant recipients is available here. The fire departments will receive the funding in early 2026.

    The MARCS Grant is distributed annually to departments in areas with 25,000 residents, and they can receive up to $50,000. 

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Miami Township warns of email scam asking for payments

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    DAYTON, Ohio — The Miami Township administration is warning residents of a scam that’s circulating by email.

    The email requests an invoice payment to the Community Development Department, Miami Township officials said. 

    Payments for permits and applications are only accepted by cash, check or through the department’s secure, online portal — not emails.

    Miami Township officials urge residents to always be skeptical when receiving a suspicious email by reading it carefully and validating the URL address. 

    For any questions, residents can call 937-433-9969.

    [ad_2] Lydia Taylor
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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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  • The Ursid meteor shower arrives, the last of 2025

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    The last meteor shower of 2025, the Ursid meteor shower, arrives each year around the winter solstice. While it isn’t as impressive as the recent Geminid shower, it’s still worth seeing.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ursid meteor shower peaks in the pre-dawn hours of Dec. 22

    • The average number of meteors per hour is 5-10. On rare occasions, there have been bursts near 100

    • The Ursid meteor shower originates from the debris trail of Comet 8P/Tuttle

    What causes most meteor showers?

    Meteor showers occur when the Earth passes through debris left over from a comet or asteroid. This debris material is usually no bigger than a large grain of sand. When these particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up, leaving bright, sometimes colorful streaks of light in the night sky.

    In the case of the Ursids, the debris trail is left over from Comet 8P/Tuttle. This comet was first discovered in 1790 by Pierre Mechain from Paris, France. Later, in 1858, Horace Tuttle of Harvard University rediscovered the comet when its orbit took it back through the solar system.

    When and where to meet watch

    The Ursids range from Dec. 13 to 24. The peak arrives on the evening of December 21st through dawn. Make sure you dress warmly and find a dark location, away from lights. A country area is ideal. Allow your eyes to adjust to the night sky, which takes up to 30 minutes. The best time to watch the sky is from around 1 a.m. EST until dawn.

    All annual meteor showers have a radiant point from which they originate. With the Ursids, they radiate from the area of the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. (Big Dipper & Little Dipper). More specifically, from the star Kochab in the Little Dipper constellation. Look for the Big Dipper and the star Kochab well to the north-northeast.

    Keep in mind, you don’t need to look directly at the radiant point (near the star Kochab in the Little Dipper); looking about 30 to 40 degrees away often yields longer, more impressive meteor trails across the sky.

    Here is the cloud forecast across the nation during the peak viewing time:

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

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    Meteorologist Scott Dean

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  • The Ursid meteor shower arrives, the last of 2025

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    The last meteor shower of 2025, the Ursid meteor shower, arrives each year around the winter solstice. While it isn’t as impressive as the recent Geminid shower, it’s still worth seeing.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ursid meteor shower peaks in the pre-dawn hours of Dec. 22

    • The average number of meteors per hour is 5-10. On rare occasions, there have been bursts near 100

    • The Ursid meteor shower originates from the debris trail of Comet 8P/Tuttle

    What causes most meteor showers?

    Meteor showers occur when the Earth passes through debris left over from a comet or asteroid. This debris material is usually no bigger than a large grain of sand. When these particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up, leaving bright, sometimes colorful streaks of light in the night sky.

    In the case of the Ursids, the debris trail is left over from Comet 8P/Tuttle. This comet was first discovered in 1790 by Pierre Mechain from Paris, France. Later, in 1858, Horace Tuttle of Harvard University rediscovered the comet when its orbit took it back through the solar system.

    When and where to meet watch

    The Ursids range from Dec. 13 to 24. The peak arrives on the evening of December 21st through dawn. Make sure you dress warmly and find a dark location, away from lights. A country area is ideal. Allow your eyes to adjust to the night sky, which takes up to 30 minutes. The best time to watch the sky is from around 1 a.m. EST until dawn.

    All annual meteor showers have a radiant point from which they originate. With the Ursids, they radiate from the area of the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. (Big Dipper & Little Dipper). More specifically, from the star Kochab in the Little Dipper constellation. Look for the Big Dipper and the star Kochab well to the north-northeast.

    Keep in mind, you don’t need to look directly at the radiant point (near the star Kochab in the Little Dipper); looking about 30 to 40 degrees away often yields longer, more impressive meteor trails across the sky.

    Here is the cloud forecast across the nation during the peak viewing time:

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

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    Meteorologist Scott Dean

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  • Ted Ginn Jr. Named Head Coach of UFL’s Columbus Aviators

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    Source: Ezra Shaw / Getty

    Congrats to the Cleveland football legend!

    Ted Ginn Jr. will serve as the first head coach in the history of the United Football League’s Columbus Aviators. He’ll be bringing a deep Ohio football legacy back to the state.

    Ginn grew up in Cleveland and played high school football at Glenville High School. His father, Ted Ginn Sr., built one of the most dominant programs in Ohio history. Ginn Sr. led Glenville to multiple state championships and helped shape generations of Division I and NFL talent. Which cemented his status as a legendary high school coach in Northeast Ohio.

    After starring at Glenville, Ginn Jr. became one of the most electrifying players in Ohio State history. He emerged as a dynamic wide receiver and return specialist for the Buckeyes. Ginn earned national recognition before entering the NFL as the ninth overall pick in the 2007 draft.

    Ginn went on to play 14 seasons in the NFL, carving out a long career that included stops with the Dolphins, 49ers, Panthers, Cardinals, Saints, and Bears. He built a reputation as a game-changing speed threat and one of the league’s most dangerous return men.

    The Aviators selected Ginn to lead the franchise as it prepares for its inaugural season in 2026. Team leadership emphasized his football experience, leadership background, and strong ties to Ohio as key factors in the decision. The organization expects Ginn to play a central role in establishing the team’s identity as professional spring football continues to grow in the state.

    For Ohio football fans, the hire represents a full-circle moment. A Cleveland native, Ohio State legend, and longtime NFL player now steps into a leadership role with a professional team based in Columbus, further connecting Northeast Ohio, Buckeye football, and the next era of pro football in the region.

    Glenville Tarblooders Win Division IV State Championship Over Shelby

    These 20 Stores in Cleveland Are Hiring Seasonal Staff Right Now

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    Matty Willz

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  • New cameras will automatically cite Cleveland drivers for parking violations

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    CLEVELAND — Next time you park in Downtown Cleveland, be careful. The city plans to install roughly 40 cameras in hopes to decrease parking violations. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Cleveland plans to install roughly 40 new cameras downtown that will have the ability to automatically issue parking citations to drivers 
    • The cameras will also be used to collect data and create new loading zones where people can legally stop for a limited time
    • The city is also increasing the days parking is enforced to seven days a week in Downtown and six Days a week in Ohio City

    “The goal of this is to better enforce illegal stopping and parking activities, oftentimes and especially downtown,” said Mathew Moss, a senior strategist in Mayor Justin Bibb’s office.

    The city plans to reduce parking violations by installing roughly 40 new cameras on Euclid, West 25th, Prospect and Huron. They are contracting with a company called Autonomous to install cameras that can scan license plates and automatically issue citations if a car is improperly parked. 

    “Our goal is to deploy the camera, collect as much data as we can in terms of when the loading activity is most concentrated,” Moss said. 

    Moss said using data from the cameras will then allow the city to create smart loading zones. These are areas where people will be able to legally stop for a bit to drop somebody off, or for delivery drivers to pick-up food that’s been ordered.  

    “A loading zone might be a loading zone when we need it most, maybe early in the morning, through the early afternoon perhaps, and then it can transition to paid parking, or maybe a valet zone in the evening,” Moss said. 

    The city plans to install the cameras in the first quarter of 2026 and start creating those smart loading zones in February and March. 

    Changes are also coming to parking fees and hours for city street parking paid by using app Park Mobile. 

    “Currently folks are capped at two hours, coming into the new year they’ll be able to extend beyond two hours to a third and fourth hour,” said Lucas Reeve, senior strategist in Mayor Bibb’s Office.  

    Reeve said the fee for the third and fourth hour will increase per hour. 

    Another change in 2026 is that parking fees will now be enforced seven days a week in downtown and six days a week in Ohio City and will extend to later hours.

    Reeve said the city expects an increase in revenue from these parking changes. 

    “[Giving Cleveland] the ability to invest into neighborhoods with better lighting, crosswalks, speed tables and things like that,” Reeve said. 

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    Corey O’Leary

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  • Cleveland Talent Alliance’s Winter Career Expo triples attendance

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    CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Talent Alliance’s Winter Career Expo tripled its attendance from last year, with over 800 students registered. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A national graduate employability report from Cengage Group claims it’s the toughest entry-level job market in five years, with just 30% of graduates landing jobs in the field they studied
    • Students in attendance at the Cleveland Talent Alliance’s Winter Career Expo represented over 80 different colleges from around the world
    • Despite a cooling national job market, a spokesperson for the Greater Cleveland Partnership maintains that their are early-career job opportunities available in Cleveland.

    The event is geared toward college students and recent graduates looking for early career positions. Kara Carter, the vice president of Talent Initiatives at Greater Cleveland Partnership, said she was blown away by this year’s turnout. 

    She said the students in attendance represented over 80 different colleges from around the world – with students coming from local schools like Case Western Reserve University, to as far away as University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

    “They’re thinking now about their jobs this summer,” Carter said. “They could be home playing video games or Christmas shopping, or you know, doing whatever 20-somethings do. But, instead they put suits on and printed out their resumes and they’re down here actively looking for jobs.”

    Recent graduates are facing an unusually difficult job market. A national graduate employability report from Cengage Group claims it’s the toughest entry level job market in five years, with just 30% of graduates landing jobs in the field they studied. 

    “I have a lot of friends and family who have interned, who have graduated and they are having a lot of trouble finding jobs,” Kalayah Bradley, a student at the career expo, said. 

    Damon Hoody came to the career expo in search of an internship or full-time job as a computer network technician. He described the job market as “kinda bleak.”

    “I think with a lot of like the recent events and the whole AI boom, I think a lot of companies are when they would have probably hired, let’s say five to 10 interns, they’re probably doing two or three,” Hoody said.

    However, Carter said Northeast Ohio’s job market is unique and could potentially be more hospitable to recent grads. 

    “Our economy is growing faster than our population and these employers — 80 employers here today — they’re keenly interested in these students to fill those early career roles,” Carter said.

    Carter said new graduates interested in Cleveland should look at the Cleveland Talent Alliance’s job board, which was launched in October to help boost Cleveland’s talent retention. She hopes the tool can be a helpful resource for new grads navigating the current job market.

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    Siobhan Harms

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  • University of Toledo creates center dedicated to cancer research

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    TOLEDO, Ohio — The University of Toledo announced Wednesday it’s launching the Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute, which will bring together experts to help advance cancer treatment.

    What You Need To Know

    • The institute will create an environment for collaboration for clinicians and researchers who specialize in biology, chemistry, engineering, medicine, pharmacy and physics at UToledo, along with partners ProMedica and the Toledo Clinic

    • The experts include 50 University of Toledo faculty who have active cancer research supported by nearly $13 million in grants

    • They will be tasked with developing innovative projects, competing for large-scale grants to advance their work and more

    “Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. The Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute aims to unite the strengths of UToledo and our partners to advance scientific discovery, improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of cancer in and beyond northwest Ohio,” said Dr. Jian-Ting Zhang, a professor in UToledo’s College of Medicine and Life Sciences and inaugural director of the Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute.

    The institute will create an environment for collaboration for clinicians and researchers who specialize in biology, chemistry, engineering, medicine, pharmacy and physics at UToledo, along with partners ProMedica and the Toledo Clinic. So far, 60 experts have been chosen for inaugural membership, according to the university. 

    The experts include 50 University of Toledo faculty who have active cancer research supported by nearly $13 million in grants. 

    They will be tasked with developing innovate projects, competing for large-scale grants to advance their work and more. They will also collaborate with working groups specializing in breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer.

    “The Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute will provide the infrastructure to turn laboratory discoveries into patient-centered care innovations,” said Dr. Imran Ali, dean of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences. “Our members will be well equipped to accelerate the translation of their research discoveries into innovative prevention strategies and improved detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer for patients regionally in northwest Ohio as well as across the United States and worldwide.”

    The University of Toledo said the new center will also support growth in experiential learning, innovative research and community health. 

    “The Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute is a unique opportunity to advance all of these launch pads as we advance medical research and positively impact the health and well-being of our region,” University of Toledo President James Holloway said. “The institute will position us as a regional leader in translational cancer research, elevating the visibility and impact of the innovative work of our faculty and partners while establishing new opportunities to train the next generation of cancer researchers and physician-scientists.”

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    Lydia Taylor

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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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  • City of Toledo offers Christmas tree drop-off locations

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    TOLEDO, Ohio — The City of Toledo is offering residents six locations to drop off their live Christmas trees this year. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The service is free

    • Drop-offs can continue through Jan. 31

    • Drop-off locations will be clearly marked

    The service is free, and trees can be dropped off through Jan. 31, 2026, at these park locations: 

    1. Jermain Park – 1720 S. Cove Blvd.
    2. Ravine II Park – 1699 S. Ravine Pkwy.
    3. Byrne Park – 2201 Byrne Road
    4. Detwiler Park – 3775 E. Manhattan Blvd.
    5. Bowman Park – 1955 W Laskey Road
    6. Highland Park – 1965 Finch St.

    The drop-off locations will be clearly marked, the city said. All trees should be clear of lights, decorations and any other materials. 

    The National Christmas Tree Foundation estimates around 25 to 30 million Americans purchase real Christmas trees every year. There are also more than 4,000 local Christmas tree recycling programs throughout the U.S.

    In addition to turning trees into mulch, cities and other organizations can repurpose trees in different ways. 

    According to the Arbor Day Foundation, live trees can be dropped into lakes or ponds to help improve fish habitats. Algae forms on the trees over time, providing nutrients. The trees can also serve as a refuge from predators. 

    Some trees may be placed in state parks by local crews. The trees can help form a habitat for birds, providing them both warmth from the cold and a sanctuary for nesting. Contact local state park officials for more information. 

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Ohio School Cellphone Ban Takes Effect Jan. 1

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    Source: Matt Cardy / Getty

    Ohio will officially ban student cellphone use in public schools beginning January 1, following language included in the state’s newly approved two-year budget.

    The law requires every public school district, community school and STEM school to adopt a policy that limits student access to cellphones and other personal communication devices during school hours. The rule applies statewide and forces districts to formalize enforcement plans if they have not already done so.

    Under the law, students must keep cellphones powered off and stored away during the school day. Schools may allow limited exceptions for medical needs or when teachers approve phone use for instructional purposes. The law does not apply to private schools.

    Districts must determine how they will store or manage devices, whether through lockers, backpacks or other systems. Many Ohio schools already enforce similar policies and report fewer classroom distractions and improved student focus.

    Supporters of the ban say phones interrupt learning and reduce face-to-face interaction among students. Critics argue phones provide a sense of security, especially during emergencies, but districts say schools already have established communication and safety protocols in place.

    Parents with concerns about contacting students during the school day should work directly with their child’s school, which will continue to handle communication through approved channels.

    Major Changes To Ohio’s Marijuana Laws Could Be On The Way

    Ohio Lawmakers Seek to End E-Check Program in Northeast Ohio

    Ohio Minimum Wage Will Increase in 2026 Under New Proposal

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    Matty Willz

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  • Ex-Vice President Kamala Harris to visit Cleveland, Ohio, Harris the nation’s first Black and first woman-of-color vice president… By Clevelandurbannews.com, Ohio’s Black digital news leader

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    Clevelandurbannews.com and Kathywraycolemanonlinenewsblog.com

    Staff article

    CLEVELAND, Ohio-Former Vice President Kamala Harris (pictured), a Barack Obama ally and the nation’s first Black and first woman-of-color vice president, is bringing her “107 Days” book tour to  Cleveland, Ohio, at the KeyBank State Theatre at Playhouse Square early next year.

    Harris replaced former President Joe Biden as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee after Biden bowed out due to health issues and plummeting campaign poll numbers. Harris has written several books, with her recent memoir “107 Days” (2025) being around 320 pages, while her earlier memoir “The Truths We Hold” (2019) is about 336 pages, and her children’s book “Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea“ (2022) has about 40 pages.

    Event Details For Book Tour in Cleveland

    Date and Time: Wed., Feb. 25, 2026, at 7 p.m. EST.

    • Location:

      , Cleveland, OH.

    • Event Type: The event is titled “A Conversation with Kamala Harris,” where she will discuss her memoir “107 Days,” which chronicles her 2024 presidential campaign as the Democratic nominee leading up to her loss to current President Donald Trump.
    • Local Partner: Cleveland’s independent bookstore, 

      , is partnering for book sales at the event.

    • Tickets: Tickets for the Cleveland stop went on sale on Fri., Dec. 12, 2025. Meet-and-greet tickets, which include a photo with Harris and a signed copy of the book, were also available. Current ticket availability can be checked on vendor sites such as Playhouse Square’s website, SeatGeek, or Vivid Seats.

    • Book Content Overview

      • Campaign Chronicle: The reasonably priced book tells the story of the 2024 presidential campaign from Harris’s personal perspective, including the chaos of strategy sessions and the intensity of debate prep.
      • Intimate Details: Harris offers an unfiltered look at the pressures, triumphs, and heartbreaks of the race, describing private moments that rarely make headlines.
      • Resilience and Leadership: According to the publisher, Simon & Schuster, the book is a chronicle of resilience, leadership, and the high stakes of democracy in action, written with the pace of a page-turning novel.
      • Behind-the-Scenes Insights: It includes details on the challenges faced, such as the short time frame to build a campaign infrastructure, the dynamics with the Biden team, and the emotional toll of the campaign.
      • Clevelandurbannews.com and Kathywraycolemanonlinenewsblog.com, the most-read Black digital newspaper and Black blog in Ohio and the Midwest. Tel: (216) 659-0473. Email: editor@clevelandurbannews.com. We interviewed former President Barack Obama one-on-one when he was campaigning for president. As to the Obama interview, CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE AT CLEVELAND URBAN NEWS.COM, OHIO’S LEADER IN BLACK DIGITAL NEWS.

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    editor@clevelandurbannews.com (Kathy)

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  • Ohio joins multistate lawsuit against Uber

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    OHIO — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced Ohio has officially joined a multi-state lawsuit originally filed by the Federal Trade Commission.

    The lawsuit against Uber USA, LLC and Uber Technologies, Inc. is for deceptive practices tied to its Uber One subscription. 

    According to the lawsuit, which is pending in a U.S. District Court in California, customers were allegedly misled with “free trials” that automatically rolled into paid subscriptions, exaggerated the money users could save, made it hard to cancel a subscription and even charged customers before their billing date or before the free trial ended. 

    “Uber took consumers for a ride – and it wasn’t what they signed up for,” Yost said. “A free trial shouldn’t lead to a surprise bill, and canceling shouldn’t become an exercise in frustration.”

    Refunds for affected consumers, civil penalties and a court order prohibiting Uber from using these tactics in the future are the primary goals of the lawsuit. 

    Other states involved include Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District Attorney for Alameda County in California.  

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • U.S. Air Force Band of Flight tickets remain available this week

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    DAYTON, Ohio — “Sounds of the Season” will fill the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force this year, with two free holiday concert performances this week. 

    Performed by the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight, tickets remain available for concerts on Tuesday, Dec. 16, and Wednesday, Dec. 17. Doors will open at 6 p.m. both nights at Center Stage in Building 2 of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and concerts begin at 7 p.m.

    Admission to the concerts is free; however, tickets are required and are still available for both performances. Reservations can be made by clicking here; seating is general admission.

    The shows feature a selection of seasonal favorites, and there will be a special guest appearance by Santa Claus. 

    Photographs with Santa will be available for an additional fee through Photogenics. 

    Visitors can also enjoy Holidays in the Hangars, a seasonal display of decorated trees found within the museum’s galleries. They will be on display through Dec. 31.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Big Ten puts 10 on AP All-America first team, led by 4 from Ohio State

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    Four players from Ohio State are among 10 first-team picks from the Big Ten on The Associated Press All-America team released Monday, a group headed by repeat selection Caleb Downs of the Buckeyes and AP Player of the Year Fernando Mendoza of Indiana.

    What You Need To Know

    • The AP has named an All-America team every year since 1925

    • Downs, the Big Ten defensive player of the year, has made the first team each of his two seasons at Ohio State 

    • Mendoza, who won the Heisman Trophy over the weekend, led the top-ranked Hoosiers to a 13-0 record and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff

    The AP has named an All-America team every year since 1925, and Notre Dame’s two first-team picks this season increased its all-time lead to 87.

    Downs, the Big Ten defensive player of the year, has made the first team each of his two seasons at Ohio State after landing on the second team as a freshman at Alabama in 2023. He is one of 12 players on the 27-man first team who did not start their careers at their current school. Downs is joined on the first team by fellow Buckeyes Jeremiah Smith, Kayden McDonald and Arvell Reese.

    Mendoza, who won the Heisman Trophy over the weekend, led the top-ranked Hoosiers to a 13-0 record and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff after transferring from California. He has thrown a nation-leading 33 touchdown passes and is the catalyst of one of the most productive offenses in the country.

    A total of 18 schools are represented on the first team, including seven of the 12 in the CFP.

    Iowa has had at least one first-team player seven straight years and in 10 of the last 12. This is the fourth year in a row Miami, Notre Dame and Ohio State have had at least one.

    Punter Cole Maynard gave Western Kentucky its first-ever first-team pick. Defensive lineman Landon Robinson is Navy’s first since 1975 and kicker Kansei Matsuzawa is Hawaii’s first since 1986.

    First-team All-Americans (by conference)

    Big Ten — 10

    SEC — 6

    Big 12 — 3

    ACC — 1

    Independent — 3

    Conference USA — 2

    American — 1

    Mountain West — 1

    ___

    The AP All-America team was selected by a panel of 52 college Top 25 poll voters.

    First-team offense

    Wide receiver —Makai Lemon, Southern California, junior, 5-11, 195, Los Angeles.

    Wide receiver — Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State, sophomore, 6-3, 223, Miami Gardens, Florida.

    Wide receiver — Skylar Bell, UConn, senior, 6-0, 185, New York, N.Y.

    Tackle — Francis Mauigoa, Miami, junior, 6-6, 335,Ili’ili, American Samoa.

    Tackle — Spencer Fano, Utah, junior, 6-6, 308, Spanish Fork, Utah.

    Guard — Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon, senior, 6-5, 318, Denver.

    Guard — Beau Stephens, Iowa, senior, 6-5, 315, Blue Springs, Missouri.

    Center — Logan Jones, Iowa, graduate, 6-3, 202, Council Bluffs, Iowa.

    Tight end — Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt, graduate, 6-4, 235, Denton, Texas.

    Quarterback — Fernando Mendoza, Indiana, junior, 6-5, 225, Miami.

    Running back — Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame, junior, 6-0, 214, St. Louis.

    Running back — Ahmad Hardy, Missouri, sophomore, 5-10, 210, Oma, Mississippi.

    Kicker — Kansei Matsuzawa, Hawaii, senior, 6-2, 200, Tokyo.

    All-purpose — KC Concepcion, Texas A&M, junior, 5-11, 190, Charlotte, North Carolina.

    First-team defense

    Edge rusher — David Bailey, Texas Tech, senior, 6-3, 250, Irvine, California.

    Edge rusher — Cashius Howell, Texas A&M, senior, 6-2, 248, Kansas City, Missouri.

    Interior lineman — Kayden McDonald, Ohio State, junior, 6-3, 326, Suwanee, Georgia.

    Interior lineman — Landon Robinson, Navy, senior, 6-0, 287, Fairlawn, Ohio.

    Linebacker — Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech, senior, 6-1, 235, Wichita Falls, Texas.

    Linebacker — Arvell Reese, Ohio State, junior, 6-4, 243, Cleveland.

    Linebacker — CJ Allen, Georgia, junior, 6-1, 235, Barnesville, Georgia.

    Cornerback — Leonard Moore, Notre Dame, sophomore, 6-2, 195, Round Rock, Texas.

    Cornerback — Mansoor Delane, LSU, senior, 6-0, 190, Silver Spring, Maryland.

    Safety — Caleb Downs, Ohio State, junior, 6-0, 205, Hoschton, Georgia.

    Safety — Bishop Fitzgerald, Southern California, senior, 5-11, 205, Woodbridge, Virginia.

    Defensive back — Jakari Foster, Louisiana Tech, senior, 6-0, 211, Piedmont, Alabama.

    Punter — Cole Maynard, Western Kentucky, senior, 6-1, 180, Mooresville, North Carolina.

    Second-team offense

    Wide receiver — Carnell Tate, Ohio State, junior, 6-3, 195, Chicago.

    Wide receiver — Malachi Toney, Miami, freshman, 5-11, 188, Liberty City, Florida.

    Wide receiver — Danny Scudero, San Jose State, sophomore, 5-9, 174, San Jose, California.

    Tackle — Kadyn Proctor, Alabama, junior, 6-7, 366, Des Moines, Iowa.

    Tackle — Carter Smith, Indiana, junior, 6-5, 313, Powell, Ohio.

    Guard — Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State, junior, 6-4, 323, Graham, Washington.

    Guard — Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M, graduate, 6-5, 325, Dallas.

    Center – Jake Slaughter, Florida, senior, 6-4, 303, Sparr, Florida.

    Tight end — Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon, junior, 6-3, 245, Idaho Falls, Idaho.

    Quarterback — Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt, graduate, 6-0, 207, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

    Running back — Emmett Johnson, Nebraska, junior, 5-11, 200, Minneapolis.

    Running back — Kewan Lacy, Mississippi, sophomore, 5-11, 210, Dallas.

    Kicker — Tate Sandell, Oklahoma, junior, 5-9, 182, Port Neches, Texas.

    All-purpose — Wayne Knight, James Madison, junior, 5-7, 190, Smyrna, Delaware.

    Second-team defense

    Edge rusher — Rueben Bain Jr., Miami, junior, 6-3, 270, Miami.

    Edge rusher — John Henry Daley, Utah, sophomore, 6-4, 255, Alpine, Utah.

    Interior lineman — A.J. Holmes Jr., Texas Tech, junior, 6-3, 300, Houston.

    Interior lineman — Peter Woods, Clemson, junior, 6-3, 310, Alabaster, Alabama.

    Linebacker — Sonny Syles, Ohio State, senior, 6-5, 243, Pickerington, Ohio.

    Linebacker — Anthony Hill Jr., Texas, junior, 6-3, 238, Denton, Texas.

    Linebacker — Red Murdock, Buffalo, graduate, 6-1, 240, Petersburg, Virginia.

    Cornerback — D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana, junior, 5-9, 173, Miami.

    Cornerback — Chris Johnson, San Diego State, senior, 6-0, 195, Eastvale, California.

    Safety — Dillon Thieneman, Oregon, junior, 6-0, 205, Westfield, Indiana.

    Safety — Louis Moore, Indiana, senior, 5-11, 200, Mesquite, Texas.

    Defensive back — Hezekiah Masses, California, senior, 6-1, 185, Deerfield Beach, Florida.

    Punter — Brett Thorson, Georgia, senior, 6-2, 235, Melbourne, Australia.

    Third-team offense

    Wide receiver — Eric McAlister, TCU, senior, 6-3, 205, Azie, Texas.

    Wide receiver — Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee, junior, 6-5, 200, Midland, Texas.

    Wide receiver — Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State, junior, 6-2, 200, Allen, Texas.

    Tackle — Keagen Trost, Missouri, graduate, 6-4, 316, Kankakee, Illinois.

    Tackle — Brian Parker II, Duke, junior, 6-5, 305, Cincinnati.

    Guard — Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech, senior, 6-4, 330, Royston, Georgia.

    Guard — Evan Tengesdahl, Cincinnati, sophomore, 6-3, 320, Dayton, Ohio.

    Center — Iapani Laloulu, Oregon, junior, 6-2, 329, Honolulu.

    Tight end — Michael Trigg, Baylor, senior, 6-4, 240, Tampa, Florida.

    Quarterback — Julian Sayin, Ohio State, redshirt freshman, 6-1, 208, Carlsbad, California.

    Running back — Cam Cook, Jacksonville State, junior, 5-11, 200, Round Rock, Texas.

    Running back — Kaytron Allen, Penn State, senior, 5-11, 219, Norfolk, Virginia.

    Kicker — Aidan Birr, Georgia Tech, junior, 6-1, 205, Kennedale, Texas.

    All-purpose — Jadarian Price, Notre Dame, junior, 5-11, 210, Denison, Texas.

    Third-team defense

    Edge rusher — Caden Curry, Ohio State, senior, 6-3, 260, Greenwood, Indiana.

    Edge rusher — Nadame Tucker, Western Michigan, senior, 6-3, 250, New York.

    Interior lineman — Tyrique Tucker, Indiana, junior, 6-0, 302, Norfolk, Virginia.

    Interior lineman — Lee Hunter, Texas Tech, senior, 6-4, 330, Mobile, Alabama.

    Linebacker — Aiden Fisher, Indiana, senior, 6-1, 231, Fredericksburg, Virginia.

    Linebacker — Caden Fordham, North Carolina State, graduate, 6-1, 230, Ponte Vedra, Florida.

    Linebacker — Owen Long, Colorado State, sophomore, 6-2, 230, Whittier, California.

    Cornerback — Avieon Terrell, Clemson, junior, 5-11, 180, Atlanta.

    Cornerback — Treydan Stukes, Arizona, senior, 6-2, 200, Litchfield Park, Arizona.

    Safety — Michael Taaffe, Texas, senior, 6-0, 189, Austin, Texas.

    Safety — Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo, senior, 6-2, 202, Tampa, Florida.

    Defensive back — Bray Hubbard, Alabama, junior, 6-2, 213, Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

    Punter — Ryan Eckley, Michigan State, junior, 6-2, 207, Lithia, Florida.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Akron police to use AI-powered assistant to manage non-emergency calls

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    AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Police Department announced it’s implementing a new AI-powered system to help manage non-emergency calls more efficiently.

    What You Need To Know

    • “Ava,” the AI-powered system, will now act as a virtual assistant to help manage the calls for service for non-urgent needs

    • Ava’s job is to connect callers with the appropriate contact, as well as gather key information for dispatchers to relay to officers

    • If Ava can’t help the caller or recognizes that the caller needs immediate help, the caller will then be transferred to a live call taker, according to APD

    APD said it receives thousands of non-emergency calls on top of 911 calls. To help improve response, APD said “Ava,” the AI-powered system, will now act as a virtual assistant to help manage the calls for service. 

    Ava’s job is to connect callers with the appropriate contact, as well as gather key information for dispatchers to relay to officers. Trained dispatchers must review the data Ava gathered to make sure it’s complete and accurate before being sent to officers. 

    If Ava can’t help the caller or recognizes that the caller needs immediate help, the caller will then be transferred to a live call taker, according to APD.

    “This added layer of support allows dispatchers to focus more attention on urgent 911 calls, while ensuring residents continue to receive timely assistance for their non emergency needs,” APD wrote in a statement. 

    APD conducted testing prior with Ava throughout the summer, so some residents may recognize it, APD said. From the testing, it received feedback from residents to help refine the system.

    The implementation of this system comes after the Summit Emergency Communications Center, which covers several neighboring communities, began to use the same technology and has receive positive results.

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    Lydia Taylor

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