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Tag: Ohio

  • Ohio Turnpike, OSHP partner to promote safe driving habits

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    OHIO — Ohio officials are teaming up to remind motorists of their “personal responsibility” to practice safe driving habits along the state’s major roadways. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission are teaming up to encourage safe behaviors

    • For the fourth year, Ohio has seen a decrease in fatal crashes across the state, including 37 fewer lives lost in 2025 when compared to 2024

    • OSHP will conduct high-visibility patrols on the turnpike throughout 2026, focusing on violations that put drivers at risk, such as distracted driving, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt

    The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission are teaming up to encourage safe behaviors when behind the wheel.

    “Our troopers, our partners at the turnpike and first responders regularly encounter the aftermath of a poor choice that is made while behind the wheel,” said Staff Lt. Rick Reeder, Ohio State Highway Patrol. “These poor choices leave lasting impacts on families and communities, and many of them could have been avoided.”

    For the fourth year, Ohio has seen a decrease in fatal crashes across the state, including 37 fewer lives lost in 2025 when compared to 2024. The Ohio Turnpike had its lowest number of lives lost in the last 5 years at 10.

    From 2021 through 2025 on the Ohio Turnpike, there were:

    • 4,061 speed-related crashes, resulting in 21 fatalities and 1,637 injuries
    • 304 crashes where a distraction played a role, causing one death and injuring 143 others
    • 32 fatalities where a safety belt was available but not used

    “As you can see, in too many instances, these senseless tragedies resulted from something that was preventable,” Staff Lt. Reeder said.

    OSHP will conduct high-visibility patrols on the turnpike throughout 2026, focusing on violations that put drivers at risk, such as distracted driving, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt.

    “Innovations like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and blind spot warnings are impressive and helpful, yet they’re not a substitute for safe driving behaviors and letting your guard down,” said Ohio Turnpike Chief Engineer Chris Matta, who also serves as deputy executive director for the turnpike commission. “Improving safety isn’t a switch we flip overnight. It’s ongoing work — through education, enforcement, outreach and most importantly, personal responsibility,” added Matta.

    Over the past five years, more than 6,000 people have died on Ohio’s roadways, and data shows the top crash factors remain the same for both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. 

    These factors include:

    • Unsafe speed
    • Improper lane changes
    • Following too closely
    • Failure to yield

    Last year, more than 56 million cars and trucks traveled 3 billion miles on the Ohio Turnpike, with commercial vehicles accounting for about 25% of traffic on the turnpike. 

    Buses and trucks have larger blind spots, less maneuverability, and need more distance to stop. 

    The American Trucking Associations’ Share the Road campaign gave tips for drivers on ensuring safety:

    • Never cut in front of a truck
    • Don’t linger alongside a truck
    • Pass safely and promptly
    • Stay clear of blind spots;
    • Remember: if you can’t see the driver’s face in the side mirror, they can’t see you
    • Give trucks room to maneuver

    “This has already been a challenging winter,” said Matta. “Snowplow trucks are not obstacles. They’re making our roadway safer. Please give them plenty of room to work.”

    Drivers can report reckless or impaired driving and drug activity by calling #677.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, predicting 6 more weeks of winter

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    PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of wintry weather Monday, a forecast sure to disappoint many after what’s already been a long, cold season across large parts of the United States.

    His annual prediction and announcement that he had seen his shadow was translated by his handlers in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club at Gobbler’s Knob in western Pennsylvania.

    What You Need To Know

    • Punxsutawney Phil’s handlers say he’s seen his shadow and is therefore predicting six more weeks of winter weather

    • Phil’s annual prediction occurred shortly after dawn Monday outside his tree stump in Gobbler’s Knob

    • Groundhog Day on Feb. 2 comes at the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox

    The news was greeted with a mix of cheers and boos from the tens of thousands who braved temperatures in the single-digits Fahrenheit to await the annual prognostication. The extreme cold kept the crowd bundled up and helped keep people on the main stage dancing.

    Usually guests can come up on stage and take pictures of Phil after his prediction, but this year the announcer said it was too cold for that and his handlers were afraid to keep him out too long. Instead, the audience was asked to come to the stage, turn around and “do a selfie.”

    The club says that when Phil is deemed to have not seen his shadow, that means there will be an early spring. When he does see it, it’s six more weeks of winter. Phil tends to predict a longer winter far more often than an early spring.

    The annual ritual goes back more than a century, with ties to ancient farming traditions in Europe. Punxsutawney’s festivities have grown considerably since the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray.

    Lisa Gibson was at her 10th Groundhog Day, wearing a lighted hat that resembled the tree stump from which Phil emerges shortly after daybreak.

    “Oh man, it just breaks up the doldrums of winter,” said Gibson, accompanied by her husband — dressed up as Elvis Presley — and teenage daughter. “It’s like Halloween and New Year’s Eve all wrapped up into one holiday.”

    Gibson, a resident of Pittsburgh, had been rooting for Phil to not see his shadow.

    Rick Siger, Pennsylvania’s secretary of community and economic development, said the outdoor thermometer in his vehicle read 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius) on his way to Gobbler’s Knob.

    “I think it’s just fun — folks having a good time,” said Siger, attending his fourth straight Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney. “It brings people together at a challenging time. It is a unifying force that showcases the best of Pennsylvania, the best of Punxsutawney, this area.”

    Last year’s announcement was six more weeks of winter, by far Phil’s more common assessment and not much of a surprise during the first week of February. His top-hatted handlers in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club insist Phil’s “groundhogese” of winks, purrs, chatters and nods are being interpreted when they relate the meteorological marmot’s muses about the days ahead.

    AccuWeather’s chief long-range weather expert, meteorologist Paul Pastelok, said early Monday some clouds moved into Punxsutawney overnight, bringing flurries he called “microflakes.”

    Pastelok said the coming week will remain cold, with below-average temperatures in the eastern United States.

    Phil isn’t the only animal being consulted for long-term weather forecasts Monday. There are formal and informal Groundhog Day events in many places in the U.S., Canada and beyond.

    Groundhog Day falls on Feb. 2, the midpoint between the shortest, darkest day of the year on the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It’s a time of year that also figures in the Celtic calendar and the Christian holiday of Candlemas.

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    Associated Press

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  • Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, predicting 6 more weeks of winter

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    PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of wintry weather Monday, a forecast sure to disappoint many after what’s already been a long, cold season across large parts of the United States.

    His annual prediction and announcement that he had seen his shadow was translated by his handlers in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club at Gobbler’s Knob in western Pennsylvania.

    What You Need To Know

    • Punxsutawney Phil’s handlers say he’s seen his shadow and is therefore predicting six more weeks of winter weather

    • Phil’s annual prediction occurred shortly after dawn Monday outside his tree stump in Gobbler’s Knob

    • Groundhog Day on Feb. 2 comes at the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox

    The news was greeted with a mix of cheers and boos from the tens of thousands who braved temperatures in the single-digits Fahrenheit to await the annual prognostication. The extreme cold kept the crowd bundled up and helped keep people on the main stage dancing.

    Usually guests can come up on stage and take pictures of Phil after his prediction, but this year the announcer said it was too cold for that and his handlers were afraid to keep him out too long. Instead, the audience was asked to come to the stage, turn around and “do a selfie.”

    The club says that when Phil is deemed to have not seen his shadow, that means there will be an early spring. When he does see it, it’s six more weeks of winter. Phil tends to predict a longer winter far more often than an early spring.

    The annual ritual goes back more than a century, with ties to ancient farming traditions in Europe. Punxsutawney’s festivities have grown considerably since the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray.

    Lisa Gibson was at her 10th Groundhog Day, wearing a lighted hat that resembled the tree stump from which Phil emerges shortly after daybreak.

    “Oh man, it just breaks up the doldrums of winter,” said Gibson, accompanied by her husband — dressed up as Elvis Presley — and teenage daughter. “It’s like Halloween and New Year’s Eve all wrapped up into one holiday.”

    Gibson, a resident of Pittsburgh, had been rooting for Phil to not see his shadow.

    Rick Siger, Pennsylvania’s secretary of community and economic development, said the outdoor thermometer in his vehicle read 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius) on his way to Gobbler’s Knob.

    “I think it’s just fun — folks having a good time,” said Siger, attending his fourth straight Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney. “It brings people together at a challenging time. It is a unifying force that showcases the best of Pennsylvania, the best of Punxsutawney, this area.”

    Last year’s announcement was six more weeks of winter, by far Phil’s more common assessment and not much of a surprise during the first week of February. His top-hatted handlers in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club insist Phil’s “groundhogese” of winks, purrs, chatters and nods are being interpreted when they relate the meteorological marmot’s muses about the days ahead.

    AccuWeather’s chief long-range weather expert, meteorologist Paul Pastelok, said early Monday some clouds moved into Punxsutawney overnight, bringing flurries he called “microflakes.”

    Pastelok said the coming week will remain cold, with below-average temperatures in the eastern United States.

    Phil isn’t the only animal being consulted for long-term weather forecasts Monday. There are formal and informal Groundhog Day events in many places in the U.S., Canada and beyond.

    Groundhog Day falls on Feb. 2, the midpoint between the shortest, darkest day of the year on the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It’s a time of year that also figures in the Celtic calendar and the Christian holiday of Candlemas.

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    Associated Press

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  • Winter is the perfect time to start your native Ohio gardening

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    CLEVELAND — Gardening isn’t a task normally associated with winter, but February can be the perfect time to plant.

    What You Need To Know

    • A free native seed library is distributing seeds to residents across multiple northern Ohio locations
    • To properly sprout, various seeds native to Ohio have to be planted in the winter
    • Wild Ones Greater Cleveland is putting on two Winter Sowing Workshops in partnership with the seed library, one on Feb. 8 and one on Feb. 11

    “A lot of times people will get a native seed and not know what to do with it. They’ll try planting it and it won’t work if you plant it in the summer,” explained Allison Welch, the Education Coordinator for Wild Ones Greater Cleveland.

    The group is a nonprofit run by volunteers, and it is putting on a series of winter-sowing workshops. 

    “You need to do it in the winter to experience the right kind of conditions to sprout by spring,” Welch said 

    Various seeds native to Ohio need winter weather for proper germination and sprouting.

    The workshop is free and takes participants through all the steps of planting seeds that will sprout in spring and summer. 

    The workshop is the perfect pairing for West Creek Conservatory’s Native Seeds Library program, which is now in its second year. 

    “So here we got the display, with our native seed library,” said Danielle Dejak, the Outreach Coordinator for the West Creek Conservancy.

    The program provides free seeds at various locations across northern Ohio. 

    “This year we really have expanded up to nine locations and up to 12,000 seed packets now,” Dejak said. 

    Now in its second year, the seed library has expanded because of high demand, partnering with organizations like Holden Garden and Forests, who collected many of the seeds themselves. 

    So why plant native seeds?

    “Native plants are gonna provide a lot of food and habitat for pollinators and just our native wildlife in general and because of their deep root systems they are going to really help with stormwater management, helping to slow the flow of that rainfall and reduce flooding and erosion,” Dejak said. 

    If you’re feeling antsy this winter, it might be time to consider some gardening. 

    Wild Ones has partnered with the seed bank to offer a free winter sowing course on Feb. 8 and Feb. 11. 

    “Come spring, you got a beautiful garden ready to go,” Welch said.

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    Corey O’Leary

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  • Expert shares tips to keep our furry friends safe

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    CINCINNATI — Freezing temperatures can quickly become deadly for pets.

    What You Need To Know

    • Severe temperatures can harm everyone in a household, including your pet

    • Queen City Veterinary Clinic shares tips to keep animals safe in the winter

    • One suggestion is to outfit your dogs with boots and sweaters

    Knowing how to help our four-legged friends can be the difference between life and death. 

     “One really big key is if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them,” Owner of Queen City Veterinary Clinic, Larry Keller, said.

    Keller shared tips on ways you can keep your pet safe and signs you need to worry about.

    “The biggest things you worry about hypothermia, if they’re shaking, if they’re looking for a place to hide and get warm, that’s a sign you need to go ahead and bring them inside,” Keller explained.

    Similar to people, pets’ tolerance to the cold can vary based on their size, age and coat.

    The American Veterinary Medical Association said it’s important to look out for signs like whining, shivering, if your pet seems weak or starts seeking warm places to burrow.

    “If you have a dog that’s been inside the entire winter and you decide I want to take them for a walk, I wouldn’t stay more than five or ten minutes outside,” Keller warned.

    Another way to protect a pet during the winter is to outfit them with small boots, a sweater or a dog coat.

    If they’ve been outside, wipe them down. That’s not only to keep them dry but to remove any de-icing products they may collect.

    Keller said if travelling with a pet, make sure you don’t leave them in a car for a long period.

    “Leaving your dog in the car, people think about it during the summer because your car gets real hot, but think about it you drive to Kroger for 15 minutes, then you come outside and get in your car it’s cold, the same thing happens to your dog,” Keller continued.

    And lastly, be prepared by talking to a veterinarian about anything your pet may need during the cold weather.

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    Travis Hicks

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  • National Museum of the U.S. Air Force closed amid federal appropriations lapse

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    DAYTON, Ohio — The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force announced on Saturday that they are temporarily closed “due to the lapse in federal government appropriations.”

    The museum said in a press release this will remain in effect until the enactment of an appropriations bill or continuing resolution and when the “Department of War authorizes normal operations to resume.”

    The Senate voted Friday to fund most of the government through the end of September while carving out a temporary extension for Homeland Security funding, giving Congress two weeks to debate new restrictions on federal immigration raids across the country. The bill passed 71-29 and will now head to the House, which is not due back until Monday.

    Speaker Mike Johnson, who held a conference call Friday with GOP lawmakers, said he expects the House to vote Monday evening. But what is uncertain is how much support there will be for the package.

    The museum directs visitors to check their website and social media for updates.

    “The Air Force Museum Foundation and the National Aviation Hall of Fame, both located on the Museum campus, will continue to operate independently during the Museum’s closure,” the release reads. “Visitors should contact each organization directly for information regarding their operations or scheduled activities.”

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    Cody Thompson, Associated Press

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  • Ohio politicians propose increase in penalty for disrupting religious services

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    OHIO — Some Ohio lawmakers are looking to increase the punishment for interfering with religious services or lawful meetings, raising the penalty from a first-degree misdemeanor to a fifth-degree felony.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ohio politicians are looking to increase the penalty for disrupting religious services

    • Two Republican representatives introduced a bill that would make it a fifth-degree felony

    • This is in response to a recent anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church

    House Bill 662 was introduced into the Ohio House by Reps. Tex Fischer, R-Boardman, and Johnathan Newman, R-Troy, on Jan. 29.

    A press release from Fischer’s office states the bill is in response to a recent anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church. The situation gained national attention.

    One of the church’s pastors, David Easterwood, leads the local field office for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. One of the leaders of the protest and prominent local activist Nekima Levy Armstrong said she’s also an ordained reverend.

    Journalist Don Lemon was recently released from custody after he was arrested and hit with federal civil rights charges over his coverage of the protest.

    “While every American has the right to peacefully protest ICE or any other government entity, they do not have a right to storm into a place of worship and disrupt another American’s right to freely practice their religion,” Fischer said in the release. “We cannot allow our country to be a place where families fear they may face harassment or see their religious services disrupted by activists attempting to score political points while attending church on a Sunday morning. Our state should not tolerate this behavior and must stand strong in protecting the rights of Ohioans of all faiths to freely practice their religion.”

    The release states this bill will not restrict the ability of Ohioans to peacefully protest.

    “I will do everything possible to ensure Ohioans’ God-given First Amendment right to free exercise of religion is protected along with houses of worship and worshippers,” Newman said in the release. “I am glad to join Rep. Fischer sponsoring this important legislation.”

    You can see the full bill here:

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Ohio Weekend Digest: A deep freeze while digging out from the winter storm

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    Your weekend is here, Buckeye State. Let’s look back at some of the stories that were in the headlines this week. But first, here’s a look at the forecast:

    Find more forecast details: Cincinnati | Cleveland | Columbus | Dayton | Toledo

     

    Top headlines across Ohio this week

    Snow totals from this weekend’s winter storm

    A weekend winter storm dropped several inches of snow on the state Saturday, with many areas reporting more than a foot. The snow was followed by bitterly cold temperatures. Read more >>>

    Understanding Ohio’s snow emergency classifications

    During the storm, many counties provided “snow emergency level notifications.” But some counties opted for different ways to notify the public about the safety risks associated with the storm. Read more >>>

    Schools prepare as Temporary Protected Status for Haiti nears end

    On Feb. 3, the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti comes to an end. Many people in Springfield, Ohio, are preparing to see a potential influx of ICE activity in their city. The Springfield City School District is pushing for stability, safety and normal operations as a way to brace for what could happen next. Read more >>>

    Troopers seize millions in cocaine during traffic stop

    Law enforcement seized 154 pounds of cocaine during a traffic stop in Madison County last Friday, Jan. 23, accordingLaw enforcement seized 154 pounds of cocaine during a traffic stop in Madison County last Friday, Jan. 23, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.. Read more >>>

    OSU declines to take Leslie Wexner’s name off of its football practice facility

    Ohio Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno is pushing to end dual citizenship in the United States, which immigration attorney Ayla Blumenthal said would override decades of Supreme Court precedent. Read more >>>

    The biggest stories of the week across the nation

    1. DOJ has opened a federal civil rights probe into death of Alex Pretti, deputy AG says

    2. Justice Department says it’s releasing 3 million more pages as part of final Epstein files release

    3. Trump sues IRS and Treasury for $10 billion over leaked tax info

    Download the Spectrum News App

    There are plenty of things going on this weekend across the Buckeye State. If you’re looking for something to do, check out our Weekend Pass for some ideas.

    Asia Plaza in Cleveland is celebrating the Lunar New Year. (Spectrum News 1/Chloe Magill)

    Weekend Playlist

     

    Here’s what we’re listening to as we relax and unwind this weekend.

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  • Columbus officials address water main breaks, efforts to repair

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther spoke with media Friday morning about the large number of water main breaks they’ve seen in the city following the recent winter storm and frigid temperatures and what they’re doing to address them.

    What You Need To Know

    • The City of Columbus has seen a number of water main breaks following the winter storm 

    • Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said the city is at about 60 as of mid-morning on Friday

    • If there’s issues in your neighborhood, they’re encouraged to report them to 311

    “This has probably got to be the greatest number of water main breaks we’ve had in recent memory,” he said.

    The mayor said there were about 60 breaks as of mid-morning Friday across the city. He said this is the next stage in the battle against the recent winter storm.

    “Our snow warriors have done a great job and have been out all week, around the clock, clearing our roads,” he said. “And now, with these frigid temperatures to follow up, we’ve got main breaks.”

    If there’s issues in your neighborhood, he encourages people to report them to 311.

    “We got a frigid weekend ahead of us, so please report them as soon as you notice them, and we’ll get teams out as quickly as possible,” he said. “But this is going to be an ongoing battle for at least the next several days until it warms up a little bit.”

    Based on the forecast, the mayor said there’s going to be even more over the coming days.

    Ginther said, from what he’s heard from the Department of Public Safety, most of the roads in neighborhoods are now passable.

    “I think we’re on our second, third run of the priority three residential areas,” he said. “Obviously, in situations where there’s a water main break, that’s a whole different situation, but my understanding that for the schools the last couple of days, it was more about the frigid temperatures than neighborhood residential areas not being passable.”

    Brian Haemmerle, assistant administrator for Columbus Water & Power Division of Water, confirmed they have six to seven of their own crews working right now as well as two contractors with multiple crews. Each crew, he said, is working to handle about two leaks a day amid the freezing temperatures.

    When prioritizing leaks, they look to determine if it’s an emergency situation, whether people are out of water, whether it’s causing property damage, etc.

    Their goal is to have everything repaired within 14 days. They are working seven days a week.

    “You know, the seasons change, but you know, there are going to be challenges,” Ginther said. “And that’s why I’m so proud of these folks, you know, out here in these temperatures and these conditions, working together, putting our neighbors first. It is a significant challenge, and I’m glad we’ve got some of the country’s best amongst our city workers leading the way.”

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Blue Jackets beat Flyers 5-3 for third straight win

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Charlie Coyle had a goal and an assist and the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Philadelphia Flyers 5-3 on Wednesday night for their third straight win.

    What You Need To Know

    • Kirill Marchenko, Eric Gudbranson, Sean Monahan and Mathieu Olivier also scored for the Blue Jackets

    • The Blue Jackets have won seven of their last eight games and are tied at 57 points with the Flyers and Capitals for fourth place in the Metropolitan Division

    • Marchenko put the Blue Jackets back in front with 19.3 seconds left in the first, skating four-on-four, before Gudbranson made it 3-1 at 1:57 of the second period

    • The Blue Jackets head to Chicago on Friday night

    Kirill Marchenko, Eric Gudbranson, Sean Monahan and Mathieu Olivier also scored for the Blue Jackets to offset a hat trick by Philadelphia’s Travis Konecny.

    Elvis Merzlikins stopped 24 shots for Columbus and Zach Werenski had two assists, giving him 35 points in his last 21 home games.

    The Blue Jackets have won seven of their last eight games and are tied at 57 points with the Flyers and Capitals for fourth place in the Metropolitan Division.

    Konecny’s hat trick was the third of his career and Dan Vladar made 26 saves in his first start after missing six games with a lower-body injury. Rasmus Ristolainen left with a lower-body injury in the first period and did not return in the Flyers’ second straight loss.

    Coyle gave Columbus the lead 38 seconds into the game before Konecny pulled Philadelphia even at 9:03.

    Marchenko put the Blue Jackets back in front with 19.3 seconds left in the first, skating four-on-four, before Gudbranson made it 3-1 at 1:57 of the second period, with his first goal of the season and a league-leading 39th by a Blue Jackets defenseman.

    Konecny pulled Philadelphia within a goal at 4:08 of the third period and completed his hat trick at 4:46 to tie it. His 38 points against Columbus are the most he has against any NHL team.

    Monahan put Columbus back in front to stay with 3:28 left in the third, and Olivier sealed the win with an empty-netter with 1:06 remaining.

    Up next

    Flyers: Visit Boston on Thursday night.

    Blue Jackets: Visit Chicago on Friday night.

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    Associated Press

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  • Canton consolidates warming shelters

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    CANTON, Ohio — Canton is consolidating its warming center operations this week to one location rather than two.

    What You Need To Know

    • The city is closing its St. Paul AME warming center and moving all shelter operations to Dueber Elementary

    • The shelter will operate from Jan. 29 to Feb. 28

    • Transportation will be provided to the warming center by SARTA

    The city is closing its St. Paul AME warming center and moving all shelter operations to Dueber Elementary at 815 Dueber Ave SW, 44706.

    “We are grateful to Pastor McCants and the congregation of St Paul AME for opening their doors to those in need,” said Canton Mayor William V. Sherer II. “We are simply seeing a need greater than the church can currently hold, and it best to move operations to where we can best accommodate what we’re facing.”

    The shelter will operate from Jan. 29 to Feb. 28. Hours will be from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Guests should use the north entrance and food and water will be available.

    Transportation will be provided to the warming center by SARTA. Route #113 will take guests to the school; in order for bus fares to be waived, guests must tell drivers they are going to the warming shelter. 

    If transportation is needed when SARTA is not available, call 330-649-5800.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Community reflects on one year of federal immigration enforcement

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    CLEVELAND — Verónica Martínez and her family first immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico over a decade ago, but she said it’s difficult to not be unsettled by President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

    What You Need To Know

    • The recent immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis and protests over the killing of two American citizens there in recent weeks are sparking demonstration across the country

    • Detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have hit a record-high of more than 65,000 in the last year, according to the agency’s recent data

    • In Ohio, tensions are taking a toll on immigrant communities made up of people who came here for various reasons, many, hoping to pursue the American dream
    • Cleveland Heights residents are rallying around its neighbors as they navigate a year of change

    “We come from Mexico [after] living more than 14 years in El Paso, Texas, and we are a traditional Mexican family,” Martínez said. “…We migrated to this state of Ohio precisely to seek an education – better education for our son.”

    Martínez said she and thousands of other Cleveland Heights residents witnessed the impact of federal enforcement efforts firsthand a year ago, when six Cilantro Taqueria workers were arrested and detained without a warrant by ICE officers in Coventry Village. The restaurant said most of them have since self-deported.

    “Since this raid by the agents, many members of the community felt a deep indignation and disagreement about these processes that they were carrying out,” she said. “Now that we know that they were detained without having a due legal process, overlooking the rights that all the people living here in America have.”

    Dozens of community leaders, including Martínez, expressed their support for these workers and other immigrants in Ohio and nationwide, at an “immigration vigil” in Peace Park on Monday. The event was organized by members of grassroots movement Cleveland Heights for Immigrant Rights, which formed after the Cilantro Taqueria arrests.

    A crowd gathered in freezing temperatures across the street from Mexican restaurant Cilantro Taqueria in Cleveland Heights.

    A crowd gathered in freezing temperatures across the street from Mexican restaurant Cilantro Taqueria in Cleveland Heights. (Spectrum News 1/Tanya Velazquez)

    “Several community members began organizing and have worked hard throughout the past year to organize petitions to the City Council and the mayor to request that there be measures that legally support these unprotected and vulnerable people,” Martínez said.

    The vigil also paid tribute to Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were shot and killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis, along with others who’ve died in ICE custody since 2025.

    Mariamne Ingalls is one of several artists from the Indivisible NEO Arts Committee that constructed tombstones to display at the vigil. She said each of them include the name, age and details of their death.

    “The idea is to bring visibility to what’s going on,” Ingalls said. “More attention so more people can get together and reassert the lawful due process in this country.”

    The project was led by Kathleen Russell, Co-leader of the Indivisible NEO Arts Committee, which she said plans to create more installations in the future.

    The project was led by Kathleen Russell, Co-leader of the Indivisible NEO Arts Committee, which she said plans to create more installations in the future. (Spectrum News 1/Tanya Velazquez)

    Rep. Shontel Brown, D-District 11, stood with northeast Ohioans at Monday’s vigil to mourn “over 39 deaths across the country” under the Trump administration.

    “But, as it relates to Ohio, I get calls from constituents who are in in great fear,” Brown said. “…People are afraid to go to work. They’re afraid to go to school. They’re afraid to church.”

    The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement campaign has divided Americans, according to polling from the New York Times and Siena released Friday, with more than 60% of voters saying ICE tactics have “gone too far.”

    Several Republicans have criticized the Trump administration response ICE to the fatal Minneapolis shootings, and has raised questions about state powers and trust in the federal government.

    Trump said he wants to de-escalate state tensions in Minnesota, after writing on social media that Americans should “LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB!” earlier this week.

    Martínez said she and others will continue showing up in the community with the hopes of sending a message.

    “Above all we want to communicate that we are alert, we are active and we are attentive, observing all the actions that are being carried out in all parts of the country,” she said. “And we also want to tell our local, state and federal authorities that we are a people that is organizing, that is organizing to follow the legal paths to be able to recover democracy in our country.”

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    Tanya Velazquez

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  • Shedeur Sanders to be an AFC quarterback for the Pro Bowl Games, AP source says

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    CLEVELAND — Shedeur Sanders has been selected as a replacement QB on the AFC’s roster for next week’s Pro Bowl Games, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Monday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the NFL has not announced roster changes

    • The Cleveland Browns rookie was a fifth-round pick after many thought he would go earlier in the draft

    • Sanders was not selected as one of the four alternate selections at quarterback when the rosters were first announced

    The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the NFL has not announced roster changes. Yahoo Sports was the first to report on Sanders’ addition.

    The Cleveland Browns rookie was a fifth-round pick after many thought he would go earlier in the draft. Sanders played in eight games, and started the Browns’ final seven games, going 3-4. He had a 56.6% completion rate and 68.1 passer rating along with 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

    New England’s Drake Maye, Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo’s Josh Allen were on the original AFC roster when the selections were announced on Dec. 23.

    Maye is unable to participate because of the Patriots advancing to the Super Bowl, while Herbert and Allen dealt with injuries at the end of their seasons.

    Other AFC quarterbacks, including Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, Indianapolis’ Daniel Jones and Denver’s Bo Nix also suffered season-ending injuries. Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence was one of the top alternates, but Lawrence opted not to play in the event.

    Sanders was not selected as one of the four alternate selections at quarterback when the rosters were first announced.

    Finding players to fill out Pro Bowl rosters because of injuries has always been a challenge, but it has increased since the NFL did away with the exhibition full-contact all-star game format and went to a weeklong skills competition and flag football game beginning with the 2022 season.

    Tyler Huntley made it as an alternate three years ago after throwing two touchdowns and three interceptions in four starts with the Baltimore Ravens.

    The Pro Bowl Games will take place in San Francisco ahead of the Super Bowl. Pro Football Hall of Famers Jerry Rice (NFC) and Steve Young (AFC) are the coaches for the flag football showdown on Feb. 3.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Cavs partner with local company for fully traceable, sustainable retail line

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    CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers are continuing their commitment toward environmental progress at Rocket Arena and in northeast Ohio by producing one of the first fully traceable and sustainable merchandise lines in professional sports.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cleveland Cavaliers partnered with Cleveland-based Found Surface to create a fully traceable and sustainable merchandise line

    • Over 100 pounds of material waste were composted locally and all dye-process water was recycled during the manufacturing process

    • The Cavaliers are one of the first professional sports teams to have a fully traceable and sustainable retail line

    Inside a warehouse in The Flats, you’ll hear the sounds of cutting, sewing, and tagging. 

    “It’s a very rigorous process,” Found Surface’s Christian Marcano said. “All the way from the start to the end.”

    Marcano works for the Cleveland-based company Found Surface. He said making each piece of clothing is an art form.

    “We try to be intricate and just making sure that this is not a machine press to start way to get our clothes out,” said Marcano. “It’s a lot of craftsmanship involved.”

    That craftsmanship can now be seen inside Rocket Arena.

    “We are the first, and as far as I know, the only professional sports team to have a fully domestically traceable retail line,” said Cavaliers Vice President of Sustainability and Environmental Services Danielle Doza. 

    Doza said partnering with Found Surface was an easy decision because of the environmental benefits. The organic cotton was grown in Texas and made its way to Cleveland, where the clothing was made. 

    “Through the manufacturing process, the waste from this process is actually composted locally,” Doza said. “All of that waste is turned into soil and kept right here in northeast Ohio. The process uses a low-enzyme dye, and all that water is recycled and used in the next batch of manufacturing.”

    Cleveland Cavaliers director of retail marketing Amy Armstrong thinks the merchandise line helps bring the team and community closer.

    “We’re really strengthening and elevating this community by just working with all of these local partners that we have here,” said Armstrong. “With Found Surface being right down the street, they’re the manufacturer for us. All of the designs are inspired by our Metro parks. It’s a great way to strengthen and uplift this community in Cleveland.”

    Marcano hopes Found Surface can continue making a difference and that the partnership with the Cavs will give them the opportunity to do just that.

    “We just want to continue to be sustainable and just show that we can make anything for anyone,” he said. “I know for me, along with everybody else at Found Surface, this has got to be a dream come true. Being able to put the ‘Made in Cleveland’ tags on these pieces is super important.”

     

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    Jack Berney

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  • The first impactful winter storm of the year

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    It was a relatively quiet start to 2026, with winter storms bringing heavy snow to the typical snow belts. The hardest-hit states included Michigan and New York, where lake-effect snows have added up, with some areas seeing well over 100 inches.

    What You Need To Know

    • Snow was reported from New Mexico and Texas to Maine

    • Freezing rain and sleet brought icy conditions to Mid-South and South

    • Five tornadoes touched down in Alabama and Florida on Sunday



    However, the Mid-South, Mid-Atlantic, and even the Northeast hadn’t seen as active a start. In fact, these regions began the year with temperatures above average, some even having top ten warmest starts to January. But all of that changed on Jan. 23. 

    At one point, a large storm stretched over two-thousand miles, with millions of people under a weather alert.

    Southern snow and ice totals

    Two storm systems merged as arctic air surged south across much of the U.S. By Jan. 23, snow began falling in New Mexico. The highest snowfall accumulated near Bonita Lake, NM., where 31 inches of snow fell. 

    As the storm emerged east of New Mexico into Texas, it picked up moisture from the Gulf. Snow, sleet and freezing rain fell across the South. Dallas and Fort Worth, TX., picked up 1 to 2 inches with bitter cold that followed. 

    Northern Arkansas and Oklahoma saw higher totals, ranging from 6 to 8 inches, with a mix of sleet and freezing rain in parts of Arkansas. 


    Mid-South snow and ice

    By Saturday, Jan. 24, snow and ice moved through the Mid-South, with the heaviest snow occurring Saturday night into Sunday across Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky and Illinois. 

    With cold air in place in Missouri, snowfall totals range from 5 inches around Kansas City to over a foot of snow south of St. Louis. Kentucky saw snow at the onset before switching to a mix of snow and sleet, which limited the totals. 

    As the storm moved through Illinois, Indiana and Ohio Saturday into Sunday, it was mainly a snow event. Totals ranged from 6 to 9 inches across the region.


    The Northeast and New England snow

    With cold air in place in the north, it was an all-snow event in this region. The storm dumped over a foot of snow onto New York City, with the Boston area picking up nearly two feet of snow Sunday through Monday evening.

    York, Maine, in the southern part of the state, accumulated 20 inches of snow. 


    Mid-Atlantic snow and ice

    Snow fell in parts of the Mid-Atlantic before changing to sleet. Washington D.C. saw nearly 7 inches of snow before it mixed with and changed to sleet. 

    Central North Carolina picked up a few flakes before it mixed with and changed over to sleet. While not as icy as freezing, sleet still caused treacherous road conditions.


    Southeast snow and ice totals

    The colder air was in place in the northern parts of Alabama, Georgia and Upstate South Carolina. Some snow fell at the onset of the storm before mixing with and changing to sleet and freezing rain. Ice Storm Warnings were posted on Sundy and Monday across the region.


    Severe side of the storm

    The National Weather Service confirmed that five tornadoes touched down on Sunday. Four of them in Alabama and one in Florida. The highest rated tornado was an EF2 with winds estimated of 115 mph in Geneva County, Ala. 


    Airport delays

    With all of the intense weather of the pass few days, airport delays and cancelations are prevalent. Here’s the latest below. 


    Cold air remains locked in place for the eastern two-thirds of the country. 

    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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  • Winter storm postpones Blue Jackets’ game against Kings

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — The NHL postponed the Columbus Blue Jackets’ home game against the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night because of a major winter storm that created dangerous travel conditions across much of the United States.

    What You Need To Know

    • Almost a foot of snow fell in Columbus, Ohio
    • The game is rescheduled for March 9 in Columbus

    • Wind chills are also making temperatures dangerous

    Almost a foot of snow fell in Columbus, Ohio, and windchill factors were forecast to be around minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday night. The game is rescheduled for March 9 in Columbus.

    The NBA postponed games in Memphis and Milwaukee on Sunday because of the storm.

    The Dallas Mavericks tried twice to fly to Milwaukee for their Sunday night game against the Bucks, but conditions didn’t allow it. A decision to postpone was announced a few hours before tipoff. Food that had been prepared for the game was donated to shelters in the Milwaukee area.

    Earlier Sunday, a game between the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies was postponed about three hours before tipoff.

    Reschedule dates were not announced.

    The NBA also changed the start times for two games on Monday: Philadelphia 76ers at Charlotte Hornets tipped off at 3 p.m. ET instead of 7 p.m., and the Indiana Pacers at Atlanta Hawks at 1:30 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m.

    The Memphis area was experiencing a mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain that began falling early Saturday morning and continued Sunday morning. South and east of Memphis, freezing rain collected on power lines and trees, causing widespread outages and blocked roads. Authorities had recommended people stay off the streets as the wintry mix and frigid temperatures caused a refreeze.

    The Nuggets said they planned to fly out at some point Sunday, depending on the conditions at Memphis International Airport. They are scheduled to play at home Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons.

    The Grizzlies are scheduled to be in Houston for a game against the Rockets on Monday.

    An NBA G League game scheduled for Monday between the Memphis Hustle and Stockton Kings in Southaven, Mississippi, was postponed and rescheduled for Feb. 19.

    At least two college women’s basketball games were postponed: No. 17 Tennessee’s visit to No. 18 Mississippi on Monday and Tulane’s visit to Memphis on Tuesday. Reschedule dates were not announced.

    In men’s basketball, a game featuring Tennessee at No. 21 Georgia was pushed back a day from Tuesday to Wednesday. Purdue Fort Wayne and IU Indianapolis, and Southern Illinois and Evansville had Sunday games postponed without make-up dates announced.

    The schedule changes come after dozens of games were moved around last week in anticipation of the storm.

    Separately, on Saturday, the NBA postponed a game between the Warriors and Timberwolves to “prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community” after the fatal shooting of a man by a federal officer in a district located less than two miles away from where the Timberwolves play.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Updates: Snow, frigid cold impact Ohio

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    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    Ohio

    UPDATED 9:20 AM ET Jan. 26, 2026
    PUBLISHED 5:37 AM ET Jan. 25, 2026
    PUBLISHED 5:37 AM EST Jan. 25, 2026

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Akron announces trash pick-up delay

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    AKRON, Ohio — As Ohio continues to deal with winter weather, Akron is delaying its trash/recycling pick up for the week. 

    The one-day delay starts Monday, Jan. 26, where there will be no curb service. Service will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 27 and continue through Saturday, Jan. 31.

    The city also is reminding residents of the parking ban taking effect at 7 a.m. on Monday. Throughout the ban, no vehicles should be parked on any city street. Violations of the parking ban could result in fines and removal of the vehicle.

     

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Check local emergency snow levels before hitting the road this weekend

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    OHIO — We’re getting closer to the start of the impending winter storm and, while officials have urged Ohioans to stay home if at all possible, some people will need to brave the roads even in unsafe conditions.

    If you do so, you’ll want to be sure you have the most relevant details on conditions for your area. Make sure you’re checking in with your local sheriff’s office to determine what snow emergency level your county is under before hitting the roads.

    What You Need To Know

    • Local sheriff’s issue snow emergency levels during winter weather events

    • Be sure to check your local level before hitting the roads this weekend

    • This winter storm is expected to bring a lot of snow to the Buckeye State

    Here’s a look at how some counties in the state differentiate between the three levels.

    Cuyahoga County

    The City of Cleveland describes the snow emergency levels as follows:

    • Level one — “Use caution”
    • Level two — “Hazardous roads – necessary travel only”
    • Level three — “Emergency vehicles only – travel advisory strictly enforced”

    They recommend people working in the city know their workplace’s snow emergency policies.

    Hamilton County

    The County Sheriff describes their snow emergency levels as follows:

    • Level one — “Roadways are hazardous with blowing snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously. Unnecessary travel is discouraged.”
    • Level two — “Roadways are hazardous and may be very icy. Only drive if it is necessary to do so. Employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.”
    • Level three — “Extremely hazardous road conditions. All of certain County roads are closed. No one should be on the roadways unless absolutely necessary. Employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.”

    Montgomery County

    The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office describes their snow emergency levels as follows:

    • Level one — “Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads are also icy. Drive very cautiously.”
    • Level two — “Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.”
    • Level three — “All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. However, those traveling on the roadways may subject themselves to prosecution.”

    Lucas County

    The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office describes their snow emergency levels as follows:

    • Level one — “A Level I Snow Advisory is due to conditions caused by ice, blowing and drifting snow, which can make county roadways hazardous. Residents should drive cautiously. This advisory can be upgraded or discontinued.”
    • Level two — “In addition to elements detailed in a Level 1 Advisory. A Level II Snow Advisory includes ice, blowing and drifting snow causing low visibility on county roadways.  Only persons with a real and important need to be out on roads and streets should do so. This advisory can be upgraded, downgraded, or discontinued.”
    • Level three — “A Level III Emergency is for all roads and streets in Lucas County. This declaration does not apply to traffic on the Ohio Turnpike but does apply to all other roads and streets in Lucas County. Travel on these roadways is limited to emergency and essential personnel only. No one should be on these roadways during the duration of this Snow Emergency unless absolutely necessary. All employees should contact their employer to determine if they should report for work.  All non-emergency and nonessential personnel traveling the roadways during this Snow Emergency may be subject to arrest and prosecution under section 2917.13 of the Ohio Revised Code for ‘misconduct at an emergency.’ The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office is without authority to arbitrarily determine what occupations, job descriptions or duties constitute essential or nonessential employees.”

    Before traveling on the roads during this winter storm, be sure to check the emergency snow level issued by your county sheriff. You can find their contact information and website here.

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Major winter storm moves into Ohio tonight

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    OHIO — Arctic air has settled in across the Buckeye State but now our attention turns to a major winter storm that is approaching and will bring heavy snow to much of the state starting later today.

    What You Need To Know

    • Brutally cold temperatures are expected today through next week

    • Snow starts to fall in southern Ohio this evening, spreading north into the night

    • Heavy snow continues through early Monday morning

    This winter storm will bring heavy snow at times, which will make for some very dangerous travel conditions. Since the air is so cold, the snow that falls will be very light and fluffy, which will accumulate quickly.

    Timing of system

    Impacts from the storm will first be felt late this afternoon into the early evening when snow first starts to fall in southern Ohio. The latest models show snow will likely start between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. for areas south and southwest of a line from Dayton to Chillicothe. As the evening progress, snow will continue to spread northward with areas like Columbus, Zanesville, Wheeling and Lima seeing snow after 7 p.m. We’re looking at a late night timeframe for snow starting in northern Ohio into the very early morning hours Sunday.

    Snowfall rates could be heavy at times, with heavier snowfall expected by mid-morning Sunday.

    We’ll continue to see snow accumulate through the remainder of the day Sunday. Snow will begin to taper off overnight into Monday as the system moves out of the region. By Monday mid-morning, most of the state will see drier conditions, but snow will still be possible across the northeast.

    Even though most of the state will see drier conditions Monday, roads may still be snow covered leading to another day of treacherous travel.  

    Snowfall totals

    Most of the state will see more than six inches of snow. Heavier amounts are possible, with a foot of snow expected in some areas. A heavier band of snowfall totals is setting up over an area extending from Cincinnati through Chillicothe to near Athens. Central Ohio and Northeast Ohio could see anywhere from 8-12″ of snow, with localized heavier amounts possible. Lesser amounts of snow will fall in Northwest Ohio, with 4-8″ expected in areas like Toledo and Sandusky.

    Areas in Southeast Ohio where sleet or ice may be an issue could see lesser amounts.

    Frigid cold

    Once the snow is done, it’s expected to hang around for a while because temperatures will continue to be cold. One of the coldest mornings will be Tuesday, with wind chills in many areas falling to -20 degrees. 

    Check back for updates throughout the weekend as the winter storm affects Ohio and much of the country.

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    Meteorologist April Loveland

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