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Tag: Ohio

  • Lake Erie ice fishers take advantage of frozen lake

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    PORT CLINTON, Ohio — Before the sun rises on a February morning, a group of dedicated ice fishers journeys out onto Lake Erie.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ice fishing season on Lake Erie lasts anywhere from a couple of weeks to two months
    • This year, ice fishers have been taking advantage after arctic temperatures froze a majority of the lake
    • The area near Port Clinton is known for its great walleye supply, and the islands and shallow waters help keep the ice from breaking up 
    • Once Lake Erie freezes, locals who live on the islands near Port Clinton are entirely reliant on air travel

    “You got to be a little bit crazy, you got to be a little bit obsessed, because it’s not for the faint of heart,” said John Fickert, one of those ice fishers. 

    As the sun starts to poke out over the horizon, Fickert makes camp. 

    “We’re many miles offshore, really desolate, really peaceful,” he said.

    On Lake Erie, the ice fishing season lasts anywhere from two weeks to two months. During that time, Fickert goes every chance he gets.  

    “Probably as soon as I could walk, I was out here fishing with my dad,” Fickert said, lighting up when he recalls old memories. “Those were the good ol’ days when I’d get out of school, and he’d haul me out here.”

    Ice fisher John Fickert set’s up his gear as the sun rises on Lake Erie. (Spectrum News 1/Corey O’Leary)

    Using a fish finder, he puts two rods in and can see when fish are near.

    “These are fish swimming across; do you see them?” he asks, pointing to two slender blobs on the screen of the fish finder. 

    However, after seeing a few fish, none of them wanted to bite.

    “He’s there, but he just won’t quite do it,” Fickert said. 

    Often, it’s a waiting game, and you don’t always get lucky. 

    “It’s just kind of unpredictable,” Fickert explains, adding that there was one day this year when he caught nothing. 

    He fishes around the Port Clinton area, near Put-in-Bay and Kelley’s Island. The ice on Lake Erie drastically transforms that area both visually and economically. 

    No one knows that better than Dustin Schaffer, owner of Island Air Taxi in Port Clinton. 

    “In the winter, it’s like a light switch when the boats quit,” Schaffer said. “In the winter, it’s the only way.”

    Once the ferries stop running because of the ice, all travel to and from this island have to be done by air. 

    “We have a lot of ice fishermen. There’s islanders, I fly teachers, there’s school kids that I transport back and forth,” Shaffer explained.

    In February, fishermen’s huts dot the lake, with the area known as one of the best places to catch walleye.

    Ice fishing huts dot Lake Erie. (Spectrum News 1/Corey O’Leary)

    On the ground, Fickert finds a new place to set up after a couple of hours with no bites. This year, he didn’t get to come out with his father. 

    “He passed away last year,” Fickert said. 

    Fickert said he spread some of his father’s ashes across the frozen lake. Now, he uses his father’s snowmobile and gear. 

    Ice fishing is an activity he’ll always associate with his father, even when he’s not catching anything. 

    John Fickert and his father.

    John Fickert and his father. (Spectrum News 1/Corey O’Leary)

    “Not a good sign… very negative mood,” Fickert said after a fish came near his lure but quickly swam away. 

    After a day where there were no bites, and right before he was planning to head back to shore, a fish finally bit. 

    “We’ve been waiting all day for her,” Fickert said, laughing. 

    But ask any ice fisher, it’s not all about the fish. 

    “The draw to it is just the rareness of it,” Fickert said. “It’s more like a treat when you get to do it.”

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    Corey O’Leary

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  • East Cleveland is first city to be placed under receivership

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    EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — East Cleveland is the first-ever town to be placed under a receivership, meaning that after years of fiscal emergency, a court appointed third party is going to be taking over their finances in order to find a viable long-term solution.

    What You Need To Know

    • The city of East Cleveland is being placed under a receivership
    • After years of fiscal emergency, a court-appointed third party is going to be taking over their finances
    • The town’s new mayor said this is a way for them to move forward

    East Cleveland has long been in debt.

    “Part of the problem is that we have a lot of debt that hasn’t been quantified yet,” new Mayor Sandra Morgan said.

    Morgan said the receivership was in the works before her term, but it is something she supports.

    “I believe it’s a lifeline for us,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to right the ship, frankly.”

    At a recent town hall, residents heard from the mayor and the court-appointed receiver, George Shoup.

    “I’m dismissed as a receiver once we determine that the areas of financial distress has been resolved and that a viable plan going forward is in place,” Shoup said.

    Morgan said the current estimate of the city’s debt lies around $50 to $65 million, largely as part of large settlements ordered where the police department was found guilty of abuse.

    “There’s just an erosion of the infrastructure because no one bothered to invest,” Morgan said.

    The city has consistently lost population since the 1950s. It was once at roughly 40,000 residents but is now around 14,000. Morgan said, if they want long-term financial stability, they’ll have to reverse that trend. 

    “We’re planning for building housing, really all sorts of housing,” she said.

    She said new developments, like more housing as part of the Circle East project, shows there’s a push for growth.

    “There’s a lot of reasons to come to East Cleveland,” she said.

    When asked about what she’d say to an East Cleveland resident who is skeptical about the receivership, she said, “the alternative is real grim.”

    “We don’t really have any alternative, and this is a way for us to move forward,” she said.

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    Corey O’Leary

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  • Man killed, child seriously injured after being struck by train in Marion

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    MARION, Ohio — A man has died, and a child was seriously injured after being hit by a train at the Kenton Avenue crossing in Marion, according to Marion police.

    What You Need To Know

    • A man and a child were hit by a train in Marion, Ohio

    • The 33-year-old man was killed, and the child sustained serious injuries, Marion police said

    • The investigation is ongoing

    In a press release from the police department, it states that authorities received a call at around 8:41 p.m. on Feb. 13 from the railroad company, CSX, saying that two people had been hit by a train.

    Dalton McMillen, 33, was killed, and a 12-year-old child was seriously injured. After the 12-year-old was removed from underneath the train, the child was taken to Marion General Hospital and later to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

    The most recent data from the National Safety Council shows that, in 2024, there were 954 railroad deaths. That’s a slight decline from 2023’s 967. Of the deaths in 2024, 27% took place at crossings.

    “The investigation is on-going and there are no additional details to release at this time,” the news release from police reads.

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Cincinnati Zoo welcomes new serval kitten to Cat Ambassador Program

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    CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is welcoming a new furry face to its Cat Ambassador Program.

    What You Need To Know

    • The zoo announced the arrival of a serval kitten from the Nashville Zoo named Theodore Roosevelt, or Teddy

    • Servals are known for their keen hearing and are great jumpers, able to leap five times the length of their body straight up into the air

    • The Cincinnati Zoo said eventually he will have a role in the Cheetah Encounters

    The zoo announced the arrival of a serval kitten from the Nashville Zoo named Theodore Roosevelt, or Teddy. His parents, Cleopatra and Winston Churchill, welcomed both Teddy and his brother Alexander Hamilton, who remains with the Nashville Zoo’s ambassador team, on Oct. 26, 2025.

    “Teddy is getting used to the sights and sounds of the CAP building. He has lots of room to climb and various places to curl up and sleep in his new house, but his favorite thing to do so far has been to go in his outdoor area and stare into the other yards,” the zoo said in a news release. “He also enjoys exploring the keeper area of our main building and playing with all his toys.”

    Servals are known for their keen hearing and are great jumpers, able to leap five times the length of their body straight up into the air to catch birds. 

    Teddy is still acclimating to his new home and keepers, but after his quarantine period he will train to get used to new indoor spaces around the zoo. 

    The Cincinnati Zoo said eventually he will have a role in the Cheetah Encounters just like the other servals.

    [ad_2] Madison MacArthur
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  • ‘Bent, but not broken’: Congresswoman Shontel Brown reflects on a chaotic 2025

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    CLEVELAND — Democratic Congresswoman Shontel Brown reflected on what she calls a chaotic year in Washington, D.C. during her State of Ohio’s 11th Congressional District Address.

    What You Need To Know

    • Democratic Congresswoman Shontel Brown reflected on what she calls a chaotic year in Washington, D.C. DC during her State of Ohio’s 11th Congressional District Address

    • Brown says her district is facing pressure because of many of President Donald Trump’s priorities, including the tax and spending policy he calls the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”

    • Brown vowed to use every tool she has to dismantle ICE, saying she would not vote to approve giving the agency even one more cent of funding

    “Our communities are being terrorized by ICE,” she said. “Our health care is being cut. Our food assistance is being slashed. Our schools and our local programs are being defunded by Washington. Our pocketbooks are being stretched thin by Trump’s reckless tariffs.”

    Brown says her district is facing pressure because of many of President Donald Trump’s priorities, including the tax and spending policy he calls the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

    “But I like to call it the Big Ugly Law,” Brown said.

    The law extends tax cuts and cuts spending on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and health care programs Medicare and Medicaid, reduces spending on clean energy tax credits and significantly increases spending for ICE. 

    The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates nearly 100,000 Ohioans will lose out on SNAP food benefits because of the Republican-backed spending bill. Brown said her district has the highest percentage of people relying on SNAP in the state. While she fights to protect and restore those benefits, she said Republicans invested $75 billion into ICE. 

    “I am going to introduce legislation in the coming weeks that would repeal that funding and put it right back into the SNAP program,” she said.

    Brown vowed to use every tool she has to dismantle ICE, saying she would not vote to approve giving the agency even one more cent of funding. 

    She said House Democrats will continue using their leverage to secure wins despite being in the minority, pointing to the release of the Epstein files as a win.

    Constituent Terreia Whitsett said she’d like to see Brown continue to press that issue.

    “The biggest issue is that the attorney general is not interviewing the victims,” Whitsett said. “And I think that’s very important. When you’re a victim of something, you want to be heard and you want to know that people really feel what you’re going through. And I just think she’s deflecting a lot.”

    Through all the chaos of 2025, Browns said her community banded together, protesting ICE’s crackdown, raising money to make up for frozen federal benefits and taking care of each other.

    “We know our strength and we know our power,” she said. “We’ve been tested, but not defeated. Battered, but not beaten. Bent, but not broken.”

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    Nora McKeown

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  • Crews contain fire at Columbus airport storage hangar Friday morning

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — In the early hours of Friday morning, crews responded to a fire at a storage hangar at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

    What You Need To Know

    • Crews contained a fire early Friday morning at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport

    • The fire was at a storage hangar

    • A firefighter was injured during the response
    • An investigation is ongoing as to the fire’s cause and the extent of the damage

    According to the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, crews from Columbus, Whitehall and Mifflin Township managed to contain the situation at 575 North Hamilton Road just before 6:30 a.m.

    The release confirms that a firefighter suffered minor injuries while responding to the fire.

    They said an investigation into the cause of the fire, and the damage it caused, is ongoing. However, they said it seems unoccupied office space took the brunt of the damage.

    “We are incredibly grateful for the swift and professional response of our firefighters and our emergency partners,” said Daren Griffin, president and CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, in a news release. “Their efforts helped contain the fire quickly and prevented any impact on airport operations. Our thoughts are with the firefighter who sustained minor injuries during the response, and we wish him a full and fast recovery. The safety of our team, passengers, and community remain our highest priority.”

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Ohio elementary student brings cursive back to class

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s a skill many adults learned in school, but for some younger students today, it can feel almost foreign — because it isn’t as commonly taught in classrooms anymore.

    What You Need To Know

    • A fourth grader at West Mound Elementary started a cursive club to teach classmates a skill that’s become less common in schools

    • Educators say increased technology and computer-based testing have reduced time spent on handwritten skills like cursive

    • Teachers say cursive still plays an important role in everyday life, especially for tasks like signing documents

    That’s not the case for fourth grader E’lon Hamilton at West Mound Elementary School in Columbus. Cursive comes so naturally to him that he’s now teaching it to others.

    “I got it (cursive) from my parents. I used it on occasions when I needed to, like when I was writing something very important,” Hamilton said.

    Once a week during lunch at West Mound Elementary School in Columbus, Hamilton runs a cursive club he started himself. He gives tips, demonstrates letters, and watches closely as his classmates practice.

    “Because I wanted not just myself to know cursive. I want other people to know cursive as well. A lot of other people,” Hamilton said.

    For many of the kids in the club, cursive is a handwriting skill they might not have learned otherwise.

    “At the club, I think I’m a little bit good. Like, like connecting them is kind of, like, hard to not let go,” said club member Diana Oitiz.

    Educators say cursive has become less common as priorities in schools have shifted.

    “We have a lot of tests now that are on the computers that need to learn how to use the keyboards. So I can see that technology is probably taking over a lot of the handwritten things,” said Margaret Brown, principal of West Mound Elementary School.

    Still, educators say cursive can matter — not just for school, but for everyday life.

    “You have to sign a check. Right? You gotta pay your bills. You have to do this in your signature, in cursive. So at least being able to sign your name in cursive is important for us,” Brown said.

    When asked his favorite word to write in cursive, Hamilton didn’t just choose a word; he shared a message.

    “Happiness. I want everybody to be happy in this class. What I want, like, is the more we learn teamwork, the more we get along with each other, the more we make friends. Happiness is key. Teamwork is key,” Hamilton said.

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    Aliah Keller

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  • Prolonged snow coverage leads to areas of snow mold

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    Winter snowfall is beginning to melt and the artic air that gripped the eastern two-thirds of the country has retreated.

    What You Need To Know

    • Parts of the Midwest, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic experience prolonged snow coverage this winter

    • This type of fungus thrives in cooler conditions

    • Ways to keep snow mold away include mowing grass short in the late fall


    However, this temperatures shift and rapid thawing has lead to an unwelcome sight across many lawns: snow mold.

    Prolonged snow coverage

    A snow event on Jan. 24 to 26 brought snow and ice to regions of the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Following the winter weather, arctic air surged south, keeping much of the region snow- and ice-covered.

    Another system Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 brought snow to the Mid-Atlantic, with areas like Charlotte, N.C. picking up just under a foot of snow. Like its predecessor, this storm was followed by bitter cold, leaving snow-covered ground in areas that don’t see flakes every winter.

    Snow mold

    If you start to notice odd circular patches or web‑like areas on your lawn, with pink or grayish discoloration, you might have snow mold. 

    Snow mold develops on a lawn in St. Charles, Mo. after prolonged snow during the winter. (Spectrum News/Stacy Lynn)

    According to Cardinal Lawn’s Lawn Disease Library, snow mold or snow rot is a type of fungal lawn disease that forms from sustained snow cover or wet leaves. It is most visible in spring after snow melts, but sometimes it is observed in winter after a big snowfall and then a thaw.

    Any grass exposed to cold temperatures and snow cover can be affected, and if left untreated, the lawn may suffer damage. 

    This fungus thrives in cold, damp conditions, damaging individual blades as well as the crown and roots. It often appears as gray circular patches or pink, web‑like growth. The pink type is the more severe fungus and does not need snow cover, as it proliferates when the grass is wet and temperatures are below 45 F.

    While most lawn diseases are associated with warm weather, TruGreen’s lawn care tips note that snow mold only occurs on actively growing winter grass in cooler weather and can persist up to 60°F if air and soil remain moist. Spores can be spread by wind or splashing rain, moving the disease from one part of the lawn to another.

    Prevention

    Although it’s impossible to completely prevent, some fall planning might help keep it at bay. TruGreen recommends mowing your lawn short before the grass goes dormant, 2 to 2.5 inches. Shorter grass is less likely to mat down.

    It’s best to avoid nitrogen fertilizer in late fall and make sure your soil drains properly to prevent excess moisture. Late summer or fall aeration can help break up the plant material that exists between the soil and the grass. 

    During the winter, don’t let the snow pile up. Those large piles that were created from clearing driveways and sidewalks need to be spread out and shortened. Any piles that take long to melt could be potential breeding grounds for the fungus.

    Repair

    Snow mold may happen despite best efforts. Ways to treat it include raking the matted grass, which adds circulation and helps to stimulate new grass growth. If your grass still doesn’t appear healthy, consult a lawn care company.

    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 Stacy Lynn

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  • 41 employees to be affected by Saks Fifth Ave closure in Polaris

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — As a result of Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring, 41 employees at Saks Fifth Avenue in Polaris are losing their jobs. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The operator of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus said that it will close eight Saks Fifth Avenue stores as well as its Neiman Marcus Boston store

    • The goal is to focus on its most profitable businesses
    • All employees at the Polaris location will be let go between April 11 to April 30

    The operator of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus said that it will close eight Saks Fifth Avenue stores as well as its Neiman Marcus Boston store as it focuses on its most profitable businesses and pares down debt.

    Among the cities affected by the closures include Columbus. 

    The entire Polaris facility is set to close, and all employees will be let go between April 11 to April 30. The closure is expected to be permanent, according to a WARN Notice. 

    Saks Global also said Tuesday it will be winding down 14 standalone Fifth Avenue Club personal styling suites on Saturday, though it will keep three standalone sites. It also will close its home site called Horchow.com, a business that Neiman Marcus acquired in the late 1980s. As of Feb. 19, shoppers will be redirected to the home category on NeimanMarcus.com, where they will find the full assortment previously available on Horchow.com.

    The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • University of Toledo sees 3 Rockets invited to NFL Scouting Combine

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    TOLEDO, Ohio — Three former Toledo football players are heading to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, the most of any Group of Six school and more than the other 12 Mid-American schools combined according to the university. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Defensive backs Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Avery Smith and Andre Fuller will head to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana for the combine

    • The university said the three invites are tied for the most Rockets ever selected to participate in the annual combine

    •  Since 2017, there have been 11 Toledo Rockets drafted

    Defensive backs Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Avery Smith and Andre Fuller will head to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana for the combine. Defensive backs will participate in media interviews on Feb. 26 and on-field workouts on Feb. 27. 

    The university said the three invites are tied for the most Rockets ever selected to participate in the annual combine. In 2017, Kareem Hunt, Treyvon Hester and Michael Roberts particpated and last year Toledo had two invites for defensive lineman Darius Alexander and safety Maxen Hook.

    Safety McNeil-Warren was named to three All-America teams last year: Second Team All-America by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and Sporting News and Third Team All-America by the Associated Press. He’s the fourth Rocket in Toledo’s 109-year history to be named to at least three major All-America teams and just the second in the past 54 years.

    He was also named the “Group of 6” Defensive Player of the Year by Pro Football Focus and to the PFF All-America Team. McNeil-Warren had 77 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups in 2025. He also had three forced fumbles and two fumbles recovered.

    Cornerback Smith is a two-time Second-Team All-MAC selection with 100 tackles, three interceptions and 25 pass breakups over the past two seasons. He was the second in the MAC in passes defended in 2024 at 16 and third last season at 12. Smith saw his draft stock rise with his performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl on Jan. 27.

    Cornerback Fuller was a First-Team All-MAC honoree in 2025 had 49 tackles, one interception and 11 breakups. He missed the 2024 season because of an injury, but originally joined the Rockets in 2022 after starting off at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The university said Fuller also had a strong performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl.

    The three are hoping to be the latest selected for the NFL Draft. Since 2017, there have been 11 Toledo Rockets drafted.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Cincinnati Parks begins habitat restoration project in French Park

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    CINCINNATI — While the worst of the cold seems to have passed, Cincinnati Parks is preparing for warmer weather as it kicks off a habitat restoration project in French Park. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The project will cover a 22-acre section of forested area

    • There are a number of invasive shrubs, vines and trees within the park including Amur honeysuckle, Buckthorn, Callery pear, Multiflora rose and English ivy

    • Specialized contractors will use two primary methods depending on conditions including equipment in heavily infested areas and utilizing hand-removal in areas will valuable native plants

    The project will cover a 22-acre section of forested area, removing invasive plant species through a donation from the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. Park officials said the project is set to be completed this May. 

    The 22-acre area where the restoration will take place. (Cincinnati Parks)

    There are a number of invasive shrubs, vines and trees within the park, including Amur honeysuckle, Buckthorn, Callery pear, Multiflora rose and English ivy, which crowd out native plants, reduce biodiversity and make it harder for native wildlife to thrive, according to the parks.

    By removing these plants, the habitat is improved for birds and wildlife while restoring healthy forest ecosystems

    Specialized contractors will use two primary methods depending on conditions including equipment in heavily infested areas and utilizing hand-removal in areas will valuable native plants. Cincinnati Parks said invasive shrubs and small trees will be mulched and native trees will be flagged for protection.

    Cut stumps will be treated to stop regrowth and crews will mark treated areas to protect soil, trails, water bodies and infrastructure. 

    Crews will work from Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with some possible weekend work. 

    Visitors should not be affected by the work, but may see crews, workers or temporary access limitations in some areas. Trails will remain open, but may have short-term closures if necessary for safety. There will be markers and signage for crews and their vehicles.

    The project will be monitored by Cincinnati Parks.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Understanding the importance of climate norms

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    January and now February, parts of the country have faced extreme cold, prompting many meteorologists to note, “This air is much colder than average.”

    But how do we define “average,” and have those averages—or normals—changed over time?

    What You Need To Know

    • Climatologists use 30-year periods to establish baselines for “climate normals”

    • Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    • FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events


    Climatologists use 30-year periods to smooth out year-to-year variability and establish baselines, or “climate normals,” for comparison. For example, a high of 45 degrees in January in Missouri might be five degrees above the long-term average.

    Why 30 years?

    Jared Rennie, a physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Centers for Environmental Information, explains that the 30-year standard better reflects the changing climate and its influence on day-to-day weather. 

    He adds that NOAA also explores other base periods to meet user needs. In addition to the 1991–2020 normals released a few years ago, NOAA provides a 15-year baseline (2006–2020).

    These baselines are updated every ten years to capture ongoing changes—so data from 1980 to 2010 will differ from values averaged over 1990–2020.

    Differences in the data

    There are regional differences when comparing the most recent datasets (1980–2010 vs. 1990–2020). Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    Temperatures are generally warmer by 0.3 to 1.0°F across most areas, with the north-central U.S. slightly cooler.

    (Courtesy: NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information)

    More frequent 100-year events

    It seems like every few weeks we hear, “This is a once in a 100-year event.” Why are we seeing more of these “once in a lifetime events?”

    “Scientifically, this usually refers to the percent chance an event happens in any given year,” he stressed.

    Adding, “With extreme rainfall events, NOAA uses data to identify areas that exceeded the 1% or 0.1% chance of occurring in a given year (known as a 1-in-100-year event and 1-in-1000-year event, respectively).”

    He says that as for the frequency of these types of events, it depends on the specific event. “When it comes to large-scale events like droughts and heat, we have a better understanding of how these are trending over time.”

    “For example, the science tells us that temperatures are increasing, especially at nighttime, which is affecting the number of heat events in the 21st century.”

    Smaller-scale events, such as tornadoes and certain floods, are harder to quantify, and ongoing research aims to improve understanding.

    Weather vulnerability

    How do population densities impact weather vulnerability? “There is lots of research in the socioeconomic space that is attempting to identify not only populations affected by weather and climate extremes, but also their risk.”

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides resources to help communities assess risk from heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes, and tornadoes. More information can be found in the Dec. 2025 National Risk Index for Natural Hazards index.

    FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events, like heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes and tornadoes.

    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 Stacy Lynn

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  • Understanding the importance of climate norms

    [ad_1]

    January and now February, parts of the country have faced extreme cold, prompting many meteorologists to note, “This air is much colder than average.”

    But how do we define “average,” and have those averages—or normals—changed over time?

    What You Need To Know

    • Climatologists use 30-year periods to establish baselines for “climate normals”

    • Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    • FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events


    Climatologists use 30-year periods to smooth out year-to-year variability and establish baselines, or “climate normals,” for comparison. For example, a high of 45 degrees in January in Missouri might be five degrees above the long-term average.

    Why 30 years?

    Jared Rennie, a physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Centers for Environmental Information, explains that the 30-year standard better reflects the changing climate and its influence on day-to-day weather. 

    He adds that NOAA also explores other base periods to meet user needs. In addition to the 1991–2020 normals released a few years ago, NOAA provides a 15-year baseline (2006–2020).

    These baselines are updated every ten years to capture ongoing changes—so data from 1980 to 2010 will differ from values averaged over 1990–2020.

    Differences in the data

    There are regional differences when comparing the most recent datasets (1980–2010 vs. 1990–2020). Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    Temperatures are generally warmer by 0.3 to 1.0°F across most areas, with the north-central U.S. slightly cooler.

    (Courtesy: NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information)

    More frequent 100-year events

    It seems like every few weeks we hear, “This is a once in a 100-year event.” Why are we seeing more of these “once in a lifetime events?”

    “Scientifically, this usually refers to the percent chance an event happens in any given year,” he stressed.

    Adding, “With extreme rainfall events, NOAA uses data to identify areas that exceeded the 1% or 0.1% chance of occurring in a given year (known as a 1-in-100-year event and 1-in-1000-year event, respectively).”

    He says that as for the frequency of these types of events, it depends on the specific event. “When it comes to large-scale events like droughts and heat, we have a better understanding of how these are trending over time.”

    “For example, the science tells us that temperatures are increasing, especially at nighttime, which is affecting the number of heat events in the 21st century.”

    Smaller-scale events, such as tornadoes and certain floods, are harder to quantify, and ongoing research aims to improve understanding.

    Weather vulnerability

    How do population densities impact weather vulnerability? “There is lots of research in the socioeconomic space that is attempting to identify not only populations affected by weather and climate extremes, but also their risk.”

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides resources to help communities assess risk from heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes, and tornadoes. More information can be found in the Dec. 2025 National Risk Index for Natural Hazards index.

    FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events, like heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes and tornadoes.

    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 Stacy Lynn

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  • Understanding the importance of climate norms

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    January and now February, parts of the country have faced extreme cold, prompting many meteorologists to note, “This air is much colder than average.”

    But how do we define “average,” and have those averages—or normals—changed over time?

    What You Need To Know

    • Climatologists use 30-year periods to establish baselines for “climate normals”

    • Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    • FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events


    Climatologists use 30-year periods to smooth out year-to-year variability and establish baselines, or “climate normals,” for comparison. For example, a high of 45 degrees in January in Missouri might be five degrees above the long-term average.

    Why 30 years?

    Jared Rennie, a physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Centers for Environmental Information, explains that the 30-year standard better reflects the changing climate and its influence on day-to-day weather. 

    He adds that NOAA also explores other base periods to meet user needs. In addition to the 1991–2020 normals released a few years ago, NOAA provides a 15-year baseline (2006–2020).

    These baselines are updated every ten years to capture ongoing changes—so data from 1980 to 2010 will differ from values averaged over 1990–2020.

    Differences in the data

    There are regional differences when comparing the most recent datasets (1980–2010 vs. 1990–2020). Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    Temperatures are generally warmer by 0.3 to 1.0°F across most areas, with the north-central U.S. slightly cooler.

    (Courtesy: NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information)

    More frequent 100-year events

    It seems like every few weeks we hear, “This is a once in a 100-year event.” Why are we seeing more of these “once in a lifetime events?”

    “Scientifically, this usually refers to the percent chance an event happens in any given year,” he stressed.

    Adding, “With extreme rainfall events, NOAA uses data to identify areas that exceeded the 1% or 0.1% chance of occurring in a given year (known as a 1-in-100-year event and 1-in-1000-year event, respectively).”

    He says that as for the frequency of these types of events, it depends on the specific event. “When it comes to large-scale events like droughts and heat, we have a better understanding of how these are trending over time.”

    “For example, the science tells us that temperatures are increasing, especially at nighttime, which is affecting the number of heat events in the 21st century.”

    Smaller-scale events, such as tornadoes and certain floods, are harder to quantify, and ongoing research aims to improve understanding.

    Weather vulnerability

    How do population densities impact weather vulnerability? “There is lots of research in the socioeconomic space that is attempting to identify not only populations affected by weather and climate extremes, but also their risk.”

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides resources to help communities assess risk from heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes, and tornadoes. More information can be found in the Dec. 2025 National Risk Index for Natural Hazards index.

    FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events, like heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes and tornadoes.

    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 Stacy Lynn

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  • FC Cincinnati unveils ‘The Seven Hills’ kit ahead season opener

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    CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati’s newest kits pays ode to the city’s history. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The team unveiled “The Seven Hills” kit on Wednesday just before the Major League Soccer season starts in 10 days

    • The term “Seven Hills” goes far back in the city’s history, going all the way back to the 1800s

    • The kit replaces the Canvas Kit from the past two seasons

    The team unveiled “The Seven Hills” kit on Wednesday just before the Major League Soccer season starts in 10 days. 

    The term “Seven Hills” goes far back in the city’s history, going all the way back to the 1800s. At the time, the city recognized the seven hills as: 

    • Mount Adams
    • Walnut Hills
    • Mount Auburn
    • Vine Street hill
    • College Hill
    • Fairmount
    • Price Hill (formerly known as Mount Harrison)

    “The popular origin of Cincinnati’s ‘seven hills’ stems from the 1881 book “History of Cincinnati, Ohio” by Henry A. Ford, A.M. and Mrs. Kate B. Ford, who reflected that the hills of Cincinnati formed naturally beautiful amphitheaters and created a ‘splendid panorama of the city below,’ which nowhere else in the nation could rival in beauty,” wrote Carter Chapley for FC Cincinnati. “The official interpretation of the names of the seven hills have been debated over the years, but the sentiment remains the same – the communities that make up the city’s peaks and valleys are as much part of Cincinnati as the geology they are founded on.”

    The kit replaces the Canvas Kit from the past two seasons. It’ll be worn as the secondary uniform along with the primary Orange and Blue Legacy Kit, which was worn last season. 

    “The Seven Hills” kit is unique, as the white and orange combination is a first for the team.

    It’ll be worn during the season opener at TQL Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 21 against Atlanta United. “The Seven Hills” kit is also available to buy on FCCGo.com and at the FCC Team Stores.

    Fans can purchase their Seven Hills Kit online at FCCGo.com or by visiting the Over-The-Rhine Team Store (1433 Vine Street) and the TQL Stadium Team Store (NE corner of the stadium; 1501 Central Parkway) which will be open for special hours Wednesday through Saturday.

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • The First African American Astronaut

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    Guion Bluford, the first African American to travel into space, became one of the space community’s most influential figures.

    What You Need To Know

    • Guy Bluford was the first African American to fly in space

    • He started his career as a pilot in the Air Force

    • He became an astronaut for NASA in 1979


    Bluford developed a fascination with flight at a young age, and by high school he knew he wanted to become an aeronautical engineer.

    Early life

    After earning his college degree, Bluford joined the U.S. Air Force and received his pilot wings in Jan. 1966 at the early age of 24.

    He soon became an instructor pilot and later entered the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, where he earned a master’s degree in 1974 and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering in 1978.

    After his 1974 graduation, he served at the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory, initially as a deputy and eventually as branch chief of the Aerodynamics and Airframe Branch.These achievements led to his selection for the NASA astronaut program in 1978.

    It’s safe to say he never lost sight of his childhood dreams.

    Becoming a legend

    The crew of Space Shuttle 8 shown in front of launch pad 39-A at Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida on August 5, 1983, with the tip of the orbiter Challenger showing in the background. Ready for a August 30 launch are left to right: Mission Specialists Dale Gardner, Guion Bluford, Dr. Bill Thornton, pilot Dan Brandenstein and commander Richard Truly. The crew was going through STS-8 countdown test on Thursday, and are wearing blue suits with pilot Brandenstein wearing a red tee shirt underneath. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)

    After a year of training, Bluford became an official astronaut in Aug. 1979.

    Four years later, on Aug. 30, 1983, he flew his first mission aboard STS-8. That inaugural flight was brief but notable, pioneering techniques for nighttime operations and deploying the Indian National Satellite.

    After 145 hours in space, the crew returned to Edwards Air Force Base on Sept. 5.

    Over the next 10 years, Bluford became the second, third and fourth African American in space, logging over 688 hours.

    After NASA

    In 1993, Bluford left NASA and retired from the Air Force to become the Vice President and General Manager of the Engineering Services Division of NYMA Inc., in Greenbelt, Maryland.

    After several more high-end jobs, he went on to become the President of Aerospace Technology in Cleveland, Ohio, a job that he still holds today.

    Bluford never stopped learning or pursuing the next level of his career. A brilliant figure in the space and engineering communities, he became a leader and role model for many African Americans.

    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 Staff, Meteorologist Shelly Lindblade

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  • ‘Tanisha’s Law’ officially signed, family celebrates

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    CLEVELAND — After advocating for years, Tanisha Anderson’s family is celebrating the official signing of law named in her honor that aims to establish a more compassionate and dignified response to calls for mental health crises in Cleveland. 

    What You Need To Know

    • After advocating for years, Tanisha Anderson’s family is celebrating the official signing of law named in her honor that aims to establish more compassionate and dignified response to calls for mental health crises in Cleveland

    • Mayor Justin Bibb officially signed what’s known as “Tanisha’s Law,” which will establish a bureau of unarmed clinicians and social workers to respond to calls for mental health crises, at a celebration of her legacy at Case Western Reserve University’s Law School on Saturday

    • It’s been 11 years since Tanisha died after being restrained by Cleveland police during a mental health crisis

    “I just want to let Tanisha know right now that the theory of a Black woman just being thrown out to the sidewalk and dying that way, those days are no more,” Tanisha’s Uncle, Michael Anderson, said.

    It’s been 11 years since Tanisha died after being restrained by Cleveland police during a mental health crisis. Her family has been fighting for a more humane response to those dealing with mental illness since her death.

    “I’ve always said until Tanisha’s law is passed, to me, she’s still out there on the sidewalk,” Anderson said. “Well, today she got up.”

    Mayor Justin Bibb officially signed what’s known as “Tanisha’s Law” at a celebration of her legacy at Case Western Reserve University’s Law School on Saturday. It will establish a bureau of unarmed clinicians and social workers to respond to calls for mental health crises, rather than police. 

    “The guy I serve, he makes no mistakes,” Tanisha’s sister, Jennifer Johnson, said. “All this was for a purpose in his divine plan to save someone else’s life. If this is what it took to come to forth, so be it. Someone else like will be saved because of this Tanisha’s law.” 

    It’s the first piece of legislation Bibb has signed outside of city hall, choosing to do it where the original draft was written five years ago by former CWRU law students Michael O’Donnell and Alexandra Mendez-Diez. 

    Ayesha Bell Hardaway, a law professor at Case, helped spearhead those efforts.

    “They did this work without course credit,” she said. “They did this work without payment, and they did it in addition to everything else that they had to do while being students in school, which is a lot in law school.”

    Anderson said he couldn’t have gotten here without their support, but not every member of his family was able to make it to this point. His sister, Tanisha’s mother Cassandra Johnson, died in 2021.

    “Now, nothing was wrong with her,” Anderson said. “She didn’t have any kind of diagnosis or anything like that. She just pretty much willed herself away.”

    Johnson was there the night Tanisha died. In a video of an old press conference shown at the celebration, she said officers prevented her from going to Tanisha as she lie restrained, calling for her mother’s help and praying on the ground. 

    “I was having a really hard time,” Johnson said. “I think when any mother hears the cry of their child asking you to help me mommy. ‘Mommy help me. Help me.’ I can talk about it now without crying. When you hear that ringing in your head day in and day out, all through the night, you can’t sleep. You can’t eat. It’s something I can’t explain to anybody, what’s really happening in my mind about that day.” 

    Anderson said Johnson fought for justice for years before the trauma became too much to bear.

    “I heard her last heartbeat, and that’s the beat that kept me going,” he said. “That’s the beat that pushed me, was her last heartbeat.”

    Tanisha’s daughter, Mauvion Green, was also there the night her mother died. She was 16 years old. Now 27, she said she has since focused on carrying herself with love, kindness and compassion.

    “No matter what’s going on, even if it’s the enemy, I pray for you,” Green said. “I really do. I don’t have no bad blood in my heart. It’s nothing there for hatred. What she left with me was love, and that’s how I always go through life.”

    While they are taking time to celebrate how far they’ve come, Anderson said there’s still work to be done.

    “It’s not over,” he said. “You come to things like this where, it’s like, ’Yeah, we got Tanisha’s law!’ Okay, but now do you understand there’s a lot of things that need to come together to bring this to fruition, to make sure that it’s done right.”

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    Nora McKeown

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  • Cavs secure 132-126 victory over Sacramento

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    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — James Harden scored 23 points in his Cavaliers debut and Donovan Mitchell had 35, including a free throw that sealed the win with 35 seconds remaining, in Cleveland’s 132-126 victory over Sacramento on Saturday night that sent the Kings to their 12th straight loss.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cavs secured a 132-126 victory over Sacramento Saturday night

    • James Harden scores 23 points in his Cavaliers debut

    • Cavaliers are at Denver on Monday night

    Harden was acquired by Cleveland from the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday for Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick. He shot 7 for 13, including 5 for 8 from 3-point range, and had eight assists.

    Jarrett Allen had 29 points and 10 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who won for the eighth time in nine games.

    Nique Clifford scored 30 points to lead Sacramento, which hasn’t won since beating Washington at home on Jan. 16. Russell Westbrook added 21 points and nine assists for the Kings, who have lost six straight at home.

    The Cavaliers went into halftime leading 57-55, but the Kings took the lead in the third quarter at 96-93. Mitchell scored 29 points of his points in the second half for the Cavaliers.

    Up next

    Cavaliers: At Denver on Monday night.

    Kings: At New Orleans on Monday night.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • USDA food safety tips ahead of the Super Bowl

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    Is it really the big game without the chicken wings, the pizza and the chips and dip?

    If you’re hosting or attending a Super Bowl party tonight to watch the Seahawks and the Patriots duke it out, chances are you’ll have an assortment of snacks nearby.

    Ahead of the big game, The United States Department of Agriculture has guidance on keeping that food safe for consumption.

    During a multi-hour football game, according to the USDA, food is often left out unheated and uncooled, which can lead to issues with the formation of bacteria.

    “Each year millions of Americans get sick from foodborne illness – commonly called food poisoning,” the release reads. “These illnesses result in roughly 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”

    The USDA offers five quick tips to keep food safe:

    • Be safe with takeout food
    • Follow the two-hour rule
    • Wash hands effectively
    • Use a food thermometer
    • Store leftovers properly

    The release directs food safety questions to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline, reachable at 1-888-674-6854. You can also ask questions at ask.usda.gov or by emailing MPHotline@usda.gov.

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Ohio Man Charged With Threatening to Kill Vice President JD Vance and Possessing Child Abuse Files

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    An Ohio man has been charged with threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance while he was visiting his home state last month. But the man’s lawyer said his health makes it unlikely he would have been able to carry out the threat.

    In addition to the charge for threatening Vance, prosecutors also charged Shannon Mathre with possessing digital files depicting child sexual abuse that were discovered during the investigation. That second charge carries a much stiffer potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison. The charge related to the threats could lead to a maximum five-year sentence.

    Lawyer Neil McElroy said that Mathre’s health challenges would have been apparent to anyone in the courtroom Friday when he pleaded not guilty to the charges, so he doesn’t think the threat charge makes sense. McElroy said he couldn’t comment on the charge related to the possession of child sexual abuse files because prosecutors haven’t yet provided any details about that at this early stage of the case.

    “Anyone that spends any time in a room with Mr. Mathre or has any knowledge of his condition — physical condition, mental condition — can see that it’s a farce,” McElroy said. He declined to go into detail about Mathre’s health challenges, but the lawyer said that Mathre has “some mental disabilities and a variety of other conditions.”

    Still, the Justice Department and Secret Service took the threat very seriously after Mathre said “I am going to find out where he (the vice president) is going to be and use my M14 automatic gun and kill him.”

    The indictment filed in court doesn’t offer many details about the threat or the images he allegedly possessed, but the Secret Service said the investigation went beyond the online threat to also examine Mathre’s actions and behavior. The 33-year-old Toledo man’s Samsung phone was seized on Jan. 21 as part of the investigation.

    “Our attorneys are vigorously prosecuting this disgusting threat against Vice President Vance,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. “You can hide behind a screen, but you cannot hide from this Department of Justice.”

    David M. Toepfer, who is the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, said “hostile and violent threats made against the Vice President, or any other public official, will not be tolerated in our district.”

    The Secret Service agent in charge of the Toledo office, Matthew Schierloh, said there should be zero tolerance for any kind of political violence in this country.

    “The safety and security of those we protect is paramount to everything we do,” Schierloh said. “Thanks to vigilant members of the public and the tenacious work of our special agents, a comprehensive joint investigation was conducted, resulting in the arrest of a defendant for making threats against the Vice President.”

    Mathre is doing back in court on Wednesday for a hearing to determine whether he will remain in custody as the case moves forward.

    Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

    Photos You Should See – Feb. 2026

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    Associated Press

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