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Tag: Ohio

  • Gov. DeWine endorses Vivek Ramaswamy for governor

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    OHIO — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, has announced his endorsement for the 2026 governor’s race, backing Vivek Ramaswamy. 

    What You Need To Know

    • DeWine endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy and running mate Rob McColley

    • Ramaswamy announced his running mate would be Rob McColley for lieutenant governor

    • “With the election year upon us, I am joining Republicans across Ohio in supporting our dynamic ticket for Governor, led by Vivek Ramaswamy,” DeWine said in a news release. 

    “With the election year upon us, I am joining Republicans across Ohio in supporting our dynamic ticket for Governor, led by Vivek Ramaswamy,” DeWine said in a news release. “Ohio is winning new business projects from the coasts, and Vivek will keep the momentum going. Vivek Ramaswamy knows that Ohio is the best state to build a business, raise a family, and pursue your vision of the American dream.”

    Ramaswamy announced his running mate would be Rob McColley for lieutenant governor earlier this week. 

    “The first important decision any Governor makes is who will be his or her choice for Lieutenant Governor. Vivek Ramaswamy has made a great pick in Senate President Rob McColley to be his running mate,” DeWine said. “Senate President McColley is a strong leader who is well respected by the members of the General Assembly. He knows Ohio and brings geographical balance to the ticket.”

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Great Parks announces Community Days which require no motor vehicle permit

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    CINCINNATI — Great Parks visitors is expanding access by not requiring Motor Vehicle Permits on select Community Days throughout 2026. 

    What You Need To Know

    • These days only apply to motor vehicles, as admission to Great Parks is always free for anyone entering the park without a motor vehicle

    • Great Parks said the fees for Motor Vehicle Permits go toward safety and conservation efforts in Great Parks and cost $10 for Hamilton County residents and $16 for non-residents

    • Otto Armleder Memorial Park and Pernbank Park do not require permits

    These days only apply to motor vehicles, as admission to Great Parks is always free for walkers, joggers, bikers and anyone entering the park without a motor vehicle. 

    Permits will not need to be displayed on the following Community Days:

    • Jan. 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
    • Feb. 17 – Random Acts of Kindness Day
    • April 22 – Earth Day
    • May 16 – Kids to Parks Day
    • June 6 – National Trails Day
    • June 19 – Juneteenth
    • July 17 – Great Parks’ Birthday
    • Sept. 26 – National Public Lands Day
    • Nov. 11 – Veterans Day
    • Nov. 27 – Opt Outside Day

    Great Parks said the fees for Motor Vehicle Permits go toward safety and conservation efforts in Great Parks and cost $10 for Hamilton County residents and $16 for non-residents. Permits can be purchased by clicking here or at a Great Parks location.

    Permits can also be made available to certain visitors, such as active military and some armed forces veterans, participants in the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library’s Discovery Pass program, and Hamilton County residents with a valid food assistance card (Ohio Direction Card or Ohio EBT card). Students at a Hamilton County college or university can also receive a discount.

    Otto Armleder Memorial Park and Pernbank Park do not require permits.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Ohio Governor Candidate Amy Acton Taps Former State Democratic Chair David Pepper as Running Mate

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Democratic Ohio gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton has chosen an outspoken former state party chair as her running mate, confirming her selection of David Pepper as her No. 2 to The Associated Press ahead of their first public appearance together Wednesday.

    Pepper, 54, the son of a former Procter & Gamble CEO, is a lawyer, writer and former member of the Cincinnati City Council and the Hamilton County Commission in his native Cincinnati.

    Acton said Pepper has a track record as a pragmatic problem-solver at the local level, which she said will serve as an asset to her campaign. Pepper spearheaded a foreclosure prevention program, introduced a prescription drug discount program for county residents, led an earned income tax credit initiative, balanced the budget and held the line on property taxes, according to the campaign.

    “I’ve been going everywhere and listening deeply for almost two years now, and people are longing for public servants again who solve the problems of our everyday life,” Acton said in an AP interview, adding that the two share a common vision for the state.

    Pepper said he sees economic similarities between his time in county office during the Great Recession and now.

    “I’m really looking forward to taking that experience of working across party lines — because, back then, that’s how you did things — and applying that statewide,” he said.

    Acton’s announcement came on the same day that her chief Republican rival, billionaire biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, planned a special campaign announcement in Cleveland that also was expected to involve his running mate.

    Amid news reports Tuesday night, Ohio Chamber of Commerce President Steve Stivers issued a statement commending Ramaswamy on choosing GOP Ohio Senate President Rob McColley for the role of lieutenant governor.

    “President McColley has been a steadfast champion for Ohio’s business community throughout his legislative career,” Stivers said. “His leadership on cutting duplicative regulations, reducing and simplifying our tax burdens, and pushing transformational energy reforms have all directly strengthened Ohio’s competitive position to CNBC’s 5th Best State for Business.”

    McColley, 41, was first elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 2014 before being appointed to the Senate to fill a vacancy in December 2017.

    Acton and Ramaswamy are vying to succeed Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who faces term limits at the end of this year.

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

    Photos You Should See – December 2025

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    Associated Press

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  • What to know about this year’s tax changes under ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’

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    OHIO — With the passage of President Trump’s tax bill last July, tax filing season will look different for many Americans.

    What You Need To Know

    • A major tax bill passed last summer is bringing notable changes, and with more than 800 pages, it impacts a wide range of Americans

    • Workers who rely on tips — especially in the service industry — could see more of their earnings stay in their pockets

    • Overtime pay is getting a tax break — extra hours worked could now mean extra money kept, as some overtime income may be tax free

    • New relief measures may reduce how much people 65 and older owe, particularly those living on fixed incomes like Social Security or pensions

    The act is more than 800 pages long, so there’s a lot to unpack. But John Patriarca, the chief operating officer of P3 Financial Group, said there are three main takeaways most taxpayers should know.

    1. No tax on tips. Workers who earn tips may no longer have to pay federal taxes on that income. That’s a significant change for people in the service industry who rely on tips to make ends meet
    2. Overtime pay is also getting a tax break. If you work extra hours, that overtime money could now be tax free, depending on income and eligibility requirements
    3. Seniors aged 65 and older are seeing changes too. New tax relief measures could lower how much retirees owe, especially those living on fixed incomes like Social Security or pensions

    “There’s not a ton of controversy and overall, it’s you know, it is a good thing,” Patriarca said. “It will benefit the bulk of the taxpayers. They do project this year to be the largest amount in terms of volume and sheer number of tax refunds that are going to be going out.”

    Patriarca said the new laws are designed to benefit low-to-middle-income earners the most.

    “These income limitations obviously are designed to make sure that these policy changes affect and target lower to middle-income earners, which really are the people that deserve and need the tax breaks,” Patriarca said.

    He added the law is retroactive to January of last year, meaning the taxes taxpayers will prepare in 2026 are for the 2025 tax year.

    No Tax on Tips

    The new law allows qualified workers to deduct tip income if they meet certain requirements. Single filers can deduct up to $12,500, while married couples filing jointly can deduct up to $25,000, with income limits that phase out at higher earnings.

    No Tax on Overtime

    The overtime deduction follows a similar structure, including the same dollar limits and income phase-outs. Single filers have a maximum deduction of $12,500, while married filers can deduct up to $25,000.

    Patriarca said both of these deductions directly reduce taxable income, meaning there’s no need to itemize deductions whether a filer itemizes or takes the standard deduction.

    Senior Standard Deduction Increase

    Under the senior tax relief provisions, there’s an additional $6,000 deduction for taxpayers 65 and older who file single, and $12,000 for married couples filing jointly if both spouses qualify. There is an income limitation, however — $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly, before the deduction begins to phase out.

    Patriarca said all the stipulations make professional guidance especially helpful to ensure everything is reported correctly and taxpayers get the most out of their money.

    While there’s a lot of advice online and on social media, he recommends not creating a tax plan based on information from an unqualified source.

    “2025 was a little bit goofy because these tax laws were put into place mid-year,” Patriarca said. “So, you just want to make sure you check with your employer to make sure they’re reported properly and then when you do file your tax return that you’re reporting those properly with whichever service you use.”

    Other notable changes

    Another change, Patriarca said, allows taxpayers to deduct the interest they pay on car loans, though there are limitations and eligibility requirements.

    For small businesses and self-employed individuals, the law also includes expanded bonus depreciation for certain assets placed into service.

    How often do tax changes happen?

    Patriarca said changes to tax law aren’t uncommon.

    “We do see tax law change generally whenever we see policy change within Congress,” Patriarca said. “And so, when we see a shift in power at that level, generally we will see potentially some new tax bills from new tax law, as we have in 2025.”

    The changes impact not only taxpayers but also employers responsible for filing W-2s and 1099s.

    “We just want to make sure that we’re doing our due diligence, making sure that we’re submitting all of our wage reporting, W-2, 1099 accurately so that our employees are in a favorable position and they’re able to file their taxes accurately and take advantage of the new tax code,” Patriarca said.

    These tax changes are currently set to run through the end of 2028, unless extended by future leadership.

    The IRS has not yet announced when it will begin accepting tax returns, though the agency typically starts processing returns in the last week of January. The deadline for filing taxes without requesting an extension is April 15.

    Patriarca also reminded taxpayers that filing an extension does not mean they can delay payment. Even with an extension, any balance owed must still be paid by April 15.

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    Taylor Bruck

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  • Columbus fire chief resigns amid disciplinary charges

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Jeff Happ is resigning from his role as Columbus fire chief, effective Jan. 16, according to the City of Columbus.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Columbus fire chief is resigning, effective Jan. 16

    • This is after disciplinary charges were filed against him related to the aftermath of a deadly crash involving a fire engine that occurred in July 2023

    • Various assistant chiefs will serve as acting chief in the interim, as the city looks for his replacement

    This follows disciplinary charges being filed against him last month following a deadly crash involving a fire engine in July 2023.

    The city’s director of public safety, Kate McSweeney-Pishotti, said in a Dec. 9, 2025, letter that Happ was charged with violating the city’s “Central Work Rule and the Rules of Conduct of the Division of Fire…”

    “The conduct described in the independent investigation conducted by David DeVillers of the Barnes and Thornburg law firm demonstrates significant misfeasance and nonfeasance in the performance of your duties as the Fire Chief,” the letter reads.

    The deadly crash occurred when a firefighter, Tyler Connors, made a U-turn in an emergency cut-out on I-270. Two vehicles hit the fire engine, and one person died.

    The firefighter who was driving was sentenced to probation for vehicular manslaughter. In the letter, it states that Happ issued no discipline to Connors, that he called what happened “an unfortunate situation which has been resolved in the court system.”

    You can view the full letter, including the specifics of the charges, here:

    “The department continues to review the findings of the investigation to evaluate potential discipline for others independently found to have violated policies in this case,” said Glenn McEntyre, assistant director of the Department of Public Safety via email Tuesday. “Policy changes ordered by the Director of Public Safety are in the process of being implemented. These changes will strengthen training, supervision and accountability at the division of fire, with the hope of preventing something like this from ever happening again.”

    He said various assistant chiefs will serve as acting chief during six-week rotations while the city seeks a replacement.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Cody Thompson

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  • Nicolas Máduro’s removal sparks protests, celebrations worldwide

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    CLEVELAND — Marie Navarro is among the millions of Venezuelans celebrating Nicolas Máduro’s removal, but not all are one board with how it was done.

    What You Need To Know

    • Former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Máduro appeared in U.S. court facing drug and weapons charges

    • The United States launched strikes on Venezuela and captured Máduro Saturday morning, sparking controversy worldwide

    • In recent weeks, the United States seized two oil tankers off Venezuela and more than 110 people have been reportedly killed in recent U.S. airstrikes on boats it alleges were carrying drugs
    • Protests against US military action in Venezuela and celebrations of Máduro’s removal took place around the globe over the weekend

    Venezuela’s Economic Crisis

    Navarro first moved to the United States in 2017, and is now the owner of Tumbao58 at CentroVilla25 in Cleveland. She’s one of nearly 8 million Venezuelans who’ve left the country in search of better living conditions since Máduro took office.

    Venezuelans have endured more than a decade of economic devastation under a leader many consider illegitimate, including the United States. According to the Human Rights Watch, more than 80% of Venezuelans have been living in poverty and lack access to basic services like food and medicine.

    “It is something that we were waiting for, on my part, not with much eagerness because the Venezuelan people have been looking for our freedom for many years,” Navarro said.

    Maduro had maintained power through various tactics that violate human rights principles, including restricting internet access and jailing political opponents and critics. 

    History of U.S. intervention

    The United States has a long history of intervention in the Caribbean and other Latin American countries, which can be traced back to as early as the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, which has been used repeatedly by U.S. presidents to justify foreign intervention.

    Gloria La Riva is an organizer for the Now to Stop War and End Racism (ANSWER) Coalition and a longtime activist in Latin America, including Venezuela. 

    “There has not been anything like this since the U.S. takeover of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines in 1898,” La Riva said.

    La Riva said she met Máduro herself in 2000 when he was a young political activist.

    “People don’t know much about the history of Venezuela, but from the turn of the 20th century until 1999, the U.S. ruled over the vast resources that Venezuela has” La Riva said.

    Still, Navarro said she is hopeful Máduro’s removal from office is the first step in addressing the longtime needs of Venezuelans.

    “Our country is in ruin … so, I am sure that this whole transition is going to greatly favor us for the people, that is, the people are going to see the fruit of their wealth again,” Navarro said.

    Venezuelan Oil and Narcotrafficking

    U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused Máduro’s government of engaging with drug trafficking.

    “I’ve been in Venezuela since 2001 many times, and in the very beginning there was a lot of violence, a lot of drug violence, a lot of gun violence. You could see 100 people murdered on a weekend in the capital of Caracas. That doesn’t happen now,” La Riva said.

    Trump also announced Saturday the U.S. will run Venezuela and take control of its massive oil reserves.

    Delcy Rodiguez, who’s previously served as Vice President to Máduro and vowed to work with Trump, was sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president Monday morning.

    “Trump admitted that the aim is, he said, we will take back the oil, the land and the resources that have been stolen from the U.S.…Venezuelan resources do not belong to the United States. It belongs to the Venezuelan people for their economic benefit,” La Riva said.

    The United States’ recent military action in Venezuela is the latest escalation in increasingly tense relationship between the two countries revolving around Venezuela’s main raw material, La Riva said

    “So, beginning with President Obama, a very heavy series of sanctions had been imposed, more than 1000 sanctions, economic … on the country, on its leaders, on the resources, [on] the oil corporation of CITGO in the United States, which belongs to Venezuela, was confiscated by the U.S.” La Riva said.

    Contemporary US-Venezuela Relations

    “I had been working for 20 years at two large companies.  Those jobs don’t exist anymore,” Navarro said. “This is due to all the failed economic policies that have made it impossible for any company, anywhere in the world, to be sustainable over time.”

    Venezuela is home to the largest crude oil reserve in the world. Navarro said she hopes the United States will help Venezuelans rebuild their country rather than exploit it.

    The U.S. was Venezuela’s primary market for oil until Hugo Chavez took power in 1999. Now it’s China and Russia.

    “Venezuela has undoubtedly already been invaded by Russia, China and Cuba, who have been stealing all our oil and all our wealth for years,” Navarro said. “… Perhaps the United States, in this role, could act as a kind of police force that could stop these kinds of events. Right? I’m not… I’m not entirely against this decision.”

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    Tanya Velazquez

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  • Cleveland City Council sworn into office after redistricting

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    CLEVELAND —  A new, 15-member Cleveland City Council has officially been sworn into office after redistricting resulted in the loss of two seats this election cycle. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A new, 15-member Cleveland city council has officially been sworn into office after redistricting resulted in the loss of two seats this election cycle

    • Of those sworn in Tuesday night, 12 are returning members and three are newcomers: Ward 7’s Austin Davis, Ward 11’s Nikki Hudson, and Ward 12’s Tanmay Shah

    • Council President Blaine Griffin was chosen by his colleagues to stay in that role over the next four years

    “My commitment to you, and I hope that we would make it to each other as council colleagues, is to not bring a problem without a solution,” Council President Blaine Griffin said after being chosen by his colleagues to keep his leadership role through this term. 

    The body is down to 15 members from 17 in the last term because of population loss in the city over the last decade. 

    “It is the best of times in some parts of Cleveland with thriving neighborhoods, amenities, world class arts, education and entertainment venues, but it’s the worst of times in other locations,” Griffin said, comparing Cleveland’s neighborhoods to Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. “There are people under a tremendous amount of pressure. We have an awesome responsibility to relieve the burden and not add to it.”

    Of those sworn in Tuesday night, 12 are returning members and three are newcomers: Ward 7’s Austin Davis, Ward 11’s Nikki Hudson and Ward 12’s Tanmay Shah.

    Shah, a democratic socialist, said he’s looking forward to working with council to tackle challenges coming from outside city hall.

    “Pretty much everyone here is working towards improving the lives of Cleveland, and that’s not something that the ultra wealthy care about,” Shah said. “And, we know right now that they’re funneling so much money into the elections so far at the national stage at in Columbus. So, we have our work cut out, but if we can get together on the same page here, I absolutely believe we can overcome those challenges.”

    Mayor Justin Bibb also marked the official start of his second term with a separate, private swearing in ceremony.

    In a post on X, he said, “A second term is not a victory lap — it is a mandate. I am proud to have the opportunity to serve the city I love. The work continues.”

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    Nora McKeown

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  • Five years after Jan. 6, questions remain

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    OHIO — Tuesday marks five years since the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, a day that left a lasting mark on American democracy.

    As the nation reflects on what happened and where things stand now, questions remain about accountability, security and the impact on our political landscape.

    On Jan. 6, 2021, a mob stormed the U.S. capitol as lawmakers met to certify the presidential election results. What unfolded shocked the nation and world, affecting a cornerstone of American democracy and raising urgent questions about security.

    Around 80 of the rioters were from Ohio, and President Trump either pardoned them or asked for their charges to be dismissed. One of those Ohioans who stormed the capitol five years ago was Caleb Jones. He was arrested in March of 2021 and said he’s reflected and learned a lot the last five years.

    “I learned never plead guilty when you’re not guilty, that was a big one,” said Jones, who was pardoned. “Also, make sure to get a legal defense that’s actually on your side, that’s another big one. I did whatever people said I should do and go with the recommended guy or whatever, but I don’t think it was in my best interest, but now it doesn’t really matter because a lot of people who didn’t commit any violent acts and were just kind of there, like myself, have been pardoned.” 

    In the days that followed Jan. 6, federal investigators launched one of the largest criminal investigations in U.S. history. Hundreds have since been charged, and new security measures were put in place to protect the capitol and those who serve inside it. 

    And now, as the nation reflects on the events of Jan. 6, many are also looking ahead and asking how to prevent something like this from happening again and what it will take to restore trust in the democratic process.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Ohio police release video of person of interest in killing of dentist and his wife

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    Police in Ohio on Monday released footage of a person of interest who was seen walking near the home of Spencer and Monique Tepe around the time the dentist and his wife were killed on Dec. 30, 2025.

    Investigators believe Spencer, 37, and Monique, 39, were fatally shot between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Tuesday in their home located in the Near East Side neighborhood of downtown Columbus, local police said. The person of interest was captured on surveillance camera in an alley near the Tepe’s residence during the same timeframe.

    “We have received and are continuing to receive numerous tips from the community, which our detectives are following up on,” Columbus Division of Police said on social media, urging community members to contact authorities if they recognize the person in the video.

    Police in Ohio released footage of a person of interest who was seen walking near the home of Spencer and Monique Tepe around the time the dentist and his wife were killed.

    Columbus Police


    The footage shows the person in a dark, hooded top and lighter color pants, walking with their hands in their pockets. The person of interest’s face cannot be seen and no other information was provided.

    Officers were dispatched to the Tepe’s home in the late morning of Dec. 30 for a welfare check, according to a statement from the Columbus Division of Police. When they arrived, they found Spencer and Monique Tepe dead with apparent gunshot wounds.

    Investigators said no weapons were found at the scene and there were no signs of forced entry. Two children, a 1-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl, were found inside the home uninjured. 

    spencer-and-monique.jpg

    Spencer and Monique Tepe

    Rob Misleh


    In a statement released by the family last week, loved ones described Spencer and Monique Tepe as devoted parents and partners whose lives were centered on service, family and community.

    “We are heartbroken beyond words,” the statement said. “While no outcome can ever undo this loss, our family is committed to seeing this tragedy fully and fairly brought to justice, and to honoring Spencer and Monique by protecting the future of the children they loved so deeply.”

    Allie Weintraub

    contributed to this report.

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  • Michael Schumacher, Wisconsin Author of Biographies of Alan Ginsberg and Eric Clapton, Dies at 75

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    MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Michael Schumacher, a Wisconsin author who produced a diverse array of works ranging from biographies of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and musician Eric Clapton to accounts of Great Lakes shipwrecks, has died. He was 75.

    Schumacher’s daughter, Emily Joy Schumacher, confirmed Monday that her father passed away on Dec. 29. She did not provide the cause of death.

    Schumacher produced such varied biographies as “Francis Ford Coppola: A Filmmaker’s Life;” “Crossroads: The Life and Music of Eric Clapton;” and “Dharma Lion: A Biography of Allen Ginsberg” — a prominent Beat Generation poet and writer.

    Other biographies included “Mr. Basketball: George Mikan, the Minneapolis Lakers & the Birth of the NBA” and ”Will Eisner: A Dreamer’s Life in Comics.” Eisner was one of the earliest cartoonists to work in American comic books and was a pioneer of the graphic novel concept.

    Though he was born in Kansas, Schumacher lived most of his live in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He studied political science at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside but left the school just one credit short of graduating, his daughter said. He gravitated toward writing at a young age, she said, and basically built two writing careers — one focused on biographies and another on Great Lakes lore.

    Living on the shores of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Schumacher produced accounts of how the freighter Edmund Fitzgerald sank during a storm on Lake Superior in 1975; a November 1913 storm that claimed the lives of more than 250 Great Lakes sailors; and how four sailors fought to survive on Lake Michigan after their ship sank in a storm in 1958.

    Emily Joy Schumacher described her father as “a history person” and “a good human.” She said he worked longhand, filling countless flip notebooks and later transcribing them on a typewriter. She said she still remembers the sound of the keys clacking.

    “My dad was a very generous person with people,” Emily Joy Schumacher said. “He loved people. He loved talking to people. He loved listening to people. He loved stories. When I think of my dad, I think of him engaged in conversation, coffee in his hand and his notebook.”

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

    Photos You Should See – December 2025

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    Associated Press

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  • Miami Valley Human Trafficking Task Force shares 2025 numbers

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    DAYTON, Ohio — The Miami Valley Human Trafficking Task Force has released its data from 2025, including the number of arrests they made, money they seized and victims they helped.

    What You Need To Know

    • In 2025, the Miami Valley Human Trafficking Task Force made dozens of arrests, seized tens of thousands of dollars and more

    • They recently released their data from last year

    • Anyone with info about human trafficking can report tips to 937-225-4357(HELP)

    Here’s the data breakdown for the task force’s 2025 operations:

    • 84 indictments
    • 43 arrests
    • 32 new investigations
    • 84 tips
    • $98,039 seized
    • 72 victims rescued, interviewed or referred to services
    • 1,400 people provided with human trafficking awareness training in the area

    “Our message is simple – Don’t buy sex in Ohio,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said in a press release. “Under the strong leadership of Sheriff Streck, the Miami Valley Human Trafficking Task Force is reinforcing that those who seek to buy or sell sex will face criminal consequences.”

    The task force asks that anyone with information related to human trafficking report tips to 937-225-4357(HELP).

    “Every victim we are able to rescue represents hope, safety, and the opportunity to rebuild their life,” said Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck in the release. “The Miami Valley Human Trafficking Task Force is committed to protecting vulnerable individuals, holding traffickers accountable, and making our communities safer.”

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    Cody Thompson

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  • Authorities Investigate Incident at US Vice President’s Ohio Home, CNN Reports

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    WASHINGTON, Jan ‌5 (Reuters) – ​Law enforcement ‌officials are investigating ​an incident at ‍U.S. Vice President ​JD ​Vance’s ⁠Ohio home and have taken one person into custody, CNN reported on ‌Monday, noting that Vance ​and his ‌family ‍were not ⁠there at the time.

    CNN, citing an unnamed U.S. law enforcement source, said ​authorities do not believe the person was able to enter the residence and that local news outlets reported what appeared to be damage to ​at least one of the home’s windows.

    (Reporting by Susan ​Heavey; Editing by Katharine Jackson)

    Copyright 2026 Thomson Reuters.

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    Reuters

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  • Storage solutions for holiday decorations

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    CLEVELAND — The holidays have come and gone, and you may have already forgotten the stress of unpacking, organizing and putting up all those decorations.

    There are several ways to save time packing those decorations away for next year.

    What You Need To Know

    • Maria Arman is a busy wife and mom to 3 boys under the age of 7

    • Kris Renee is a pro-organizer who shares tips and tricks with her tens of thousands of social media followers

    • A survey by YouGov 91% of those surveyed said it’s at least somewhat important to them that their home is organized

    Maria Arman is a busy mom and wife. However, she said every year she finds the time to decorate her house for Christmas.  

    “I do it for my kids,” she said. “I also do it for other people to come over and enjoy and sit. But more importantly, I do it for my husband.”

    When it’s time to take everything down and pack it away, it’s just as much work.

    “I have three boys under the age of 7,” said Arman. “Every day is chaos. I have a dog, two cats, two snakes, two geckos, and they keep asking for more animals. So, I try to stay organized, but in reality, I don’t always have the time.”

    Arman said, with her lifestyle, it’s not always easy being organized. Kris Renee is a pro-organizer who shares tips and tricks with her tens of thousands of social media followers. She said Arman isn’t alone when it comes to trying to get organized, especially after the holidays.

    “Putting away your decorations at the holidays can be really chaotic, especially when you’re talking about bigger, bulkier items like your wreaths,” said Renee. “If you don’t have the original boxes, you can use household items to store them. Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to organization.”

    According to a survey by YouGov, 91% of those said it’s at least somewhat important to them that their home is organized. Compare that to the 54% who think their home is somewhat organized and the 46% who said they organize when things get out of hand.

    “Being organized was going to be essential to making our house run smoothly,” said Renee.

    Renee is a mom of 8 she said getting organized begins with being realistic with what you have, where it’s going and using stuff around your house to help with packing.

    “When you have busy households like Maria and I both do, we’re often hosting and so we have red solo cups, which are actually a great solution for keeping your breakable ornaments safe when you’re packaging them away for the season,” said Renee.

    When it comes to taking down decorations after the holidays, there is not right or wrong time. Renee said she starts taking things down right after the holiday is over while Arman puts a little bit away at a time.

    “Putting all of your decorations on a table or on the floor really helps you get an idea of what it is that you have, what it is that you want to keep and get rid of, as well as what size storage bins you will need to put these items in,” said Renee.

    Some other ways to organize holiday decorations after the holidays include:

    • Create a Plan: Make a list of each room that has decorations.
    • Declutter: Before putting away those decorations, declutter your storage space. Get rid of decorations or items that are broken, or you no longer need or use. Donate or discard those items.
    • Organize Decorations: Get labels and storage containers to put away holiday decorations in an organized way. Get bins, dividers, and labels to keep everything organized and easily accessible for the next year.
    • Sort and Store like items: Organize items by room, decoration type, color or whichever sorting method works for your items.
    • Use unused spaces: Use spaces like under your bed with specialty storage boxes for those tight spaces.

    As a working mom and wife, Arman said she loves decorating for all of the holidays and the smiles it puts on her family’s faces. She knows organizing can be difficult but whenever she does organize, big or small, she feels a sense of relief.

    “Every holiday, I try to stay as organized as possible for Christmas,” Arman said. “I’m trying to work on it more, but with the chaos coming in the new year, the more organized every little bit helps.”

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    Rose Todd

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  • Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy fired after 1 month and 6 losses

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    GLASGOW, Scotland — After six losses and one month, Wilfried Nancy’s brief and disastrous time as Celtic manager is over.

    Just 33 days since he left Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer for Celtic, the club said Monday it “has decided to terminate the contract of manager Wilfried Nancy, with immediate effect.”

    Paul Tisdale is also leaving as Celtic’s head of football operations, and there was no word on a new manager.

    “A further update will be provided to supporters as soon as is practical,” the club added.

    Nancy lost his first four games in charge, including a League Cup final, and six out of eight in total. His final outing was a 3-1 home loss to fierce Glasgow rival Rangers on Saturday in the Old Firm derby, the biggest match in Scottish soccer.

    Nancy’s tenure ended up being slightly shorter than the interim stint of his predecessor Martin O’Neill, who had taken charge following the departure of Brendan Rodgers on Oct. 27. Nancy was appointed on Dec. 3.

    O’Neill, a fan favorite who won three Scottish titles with Celtic in the early 2000s, later said he would have been happy to stay on.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Toledo property donated to Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation

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    TOLEDO, Ohio — Nationwide Children’s Hospital has announced that the 6.6-acre property located at 1946 North 13th St. in Toledo was donated to their foundation by BTC Toledo.

    What You Need To Know

    • Property at 1946 North 13th St. in Toledo was donated to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation

    • Tenants have been told about the change in ownership

    • There are currently no finalized plans for the property

    “This remarkably generous gift will allow Nationwide Children’s – Toledo to continue expanding our infrastructure and provides us an opportunity to help even more children achieve their best outcomes,” said Rick Miller, President of Nationwide Children’s – Toledo in a press release. “The donation from BTC Toledo and the Pennie family will improve the lives of children and families in northwest Ohio for decades to come. We’re grateful that the Pennie family has chosen to contribute in this way to our goal of nurturing the highest-quality pediatric care in Toledo.” 

    In the release, Nationwide Children’s notes that the property is home to various businesses and community organizations. They said the current tenants have been notified about the ownership change.

    There are not currently any finalized plans for the property, but Nationwide Children’s vice president for planning and business development, Libbey Hoang, said they will make sure they keep kids and families a priority.

    “While specific plans are still being developed, the possibilities are wide ranging—from supporting patient care and population health initiatives—to creating space for local nonprofits and community partners,” Hoang said in the release. “In Columbus, we routinely collaborate with health systems and nonprofits to develop facilities and programs that address the greatest areas of need. We will take the same thoughtful approach here, ensuring that whatever goes into this space reflects the priorities of children and families in northwest Ohio.”

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    Cody Thompson

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  • A tense calm holds on Venezuela a day after Maduro was deposed by U.S.

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    CARACAS, Venezuela  — A tense calm held in Venezuela on Sunday, one day after President Nicolás Maduro was deposed and captured in an American military operation.

    What You Need To Know

    • Convenience stores, gas stations and other businesses were mostly closed after his capture

    • Families with houses damaged in blasts during the operation that captured Maduro and his wife were still cleaning up debris

    • After the seismic shift in Venezuela and promises by President Donald Trump that the United States would “run” Venezuela with the help of Maduro’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez

    Venezuela’s capital Caracas was unusually quiet Sunday with few vehicles moving around. Convenience stores, gas stations and other businesses were mostly closed.

    A day before, lines wound through stores and outside gas stations as uncertain Venezuelans stocked up on goods in case turmoil broke out. Roads typically filled with runners and cyclists sat largely empty and Venezuela’s presidential palace was guarded by armed civilians and members of the military.

    Outside the capital, in La Guira state, families with houses damaged in blasts during the operation that captured Maduro and his wife were still cleaning up debris. Some buildings were left with walls gaping open.

    After the seismic shift in Venezuela and promises by President Donald Trump that the United States would “run” Venezuela with the help of Maduro’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, no one in the country seemed to know where things stood or what lay ahead.

    In a low-income neighborhood in eastern Caracas, construction worker Daniel Medalla sat on the steps outside a Catholic church and told a few parishioners that again there would be no morning Mass.

    Medalla theorized the streets remained mostly empty not because people are worried about another strike but because they are fearful of government repression if they dare celebrate, coming after a fierce government crackdown during last year’s fraught elections.

    “We were longing for it,” Medalla, 66, said of Maduro’s exit.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Protesters rally against ICE, actions in Venezuela

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Activists gathered in Columbus on Saturday to protest recent immigration enforcement actions in Ohio and U.S. foreign policy decisions involving Venezuela, arguing that both contribute to fear and instability in immigrant communities. 

    What You Need To Know

    • According to the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, Operation Buckeye has led to more than 200 arrests in Ohio, approximately 80% Latino and roughly 93% men

    • Protesters said recent ICE activity and U.S. foreign policy decisions are increasing fear in local immigrant communities

    • Organizers are encouraging residents to report ICE activity to immigrant support networks rather than intervene directly

    The protest, organized by the Party of Socialism and Liberation, followed a recent enforcement effort by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement known as Operation Buckeye. The Ohio Immigrant Alliance reported that more than 200 people were arrested during the operation. Approximately 80% were Latino, and roughly 93% were men.

    “What we’re seeing right now is a war on immigrants here at home, and a war on Latin America abroad,” said Shenby G, a staff member with the Columbus Liberation Center. “And we understand the root cause of migration across Latin America has been U.S. imperialism and the looting of countries.”

    Some families said they are avoiding public places out of concern that any interaction could lead to separation of their loved ones.

    “Any country has to take care of the borders to a certain extent,” said Rick Wilhelm, a member of the Veterans For Peace. “But the way this is done is just inhuman. I mean, separating little kids from their parents.”

    Organizers said the effects of immigration enforcement, combined with foreign policy decisions, are fueling fear, but many are ready to stand up.

    “It’s basically the standard playbook of make people afraid. Keep them nervous, keep them unwilling or unconfident, not wanting to go out,” said Carter Mason, a protester at the event.

    Organizers said U.S. actions in Venezuela add another layer to the crisis facing immigrant communities in the United States.

    “We know that the Venezuelan people will continue to resist… just as immigrants here at home will resist the terror that ICE has launched on us and our communities,” said Shenby G.

    ICE has said it is focused on arresting individuals with serious criminal records, referring to them as “the worst of the worst.”

    Organizers said the protest is part of ongoing efforts to connect local immigration concerns with global conflicts they believe are affecting communities in Central Ohio.

    They said community members should only document and report ICE activity — including times, dates and locations — to immigrant support organizations rather than intervene directly.

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    Saima Khan

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  • Doctors walk to promote better health in their communities

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    COLUMBUS — Doctors are stepping out of the office and into the community to promote better health.

    What You Need To Know

    • Walking is one of the simplest and effective forms of exercise 

    • Walk with a Doc is a group that meets up at a park and listens to a medical lesson from a doctor then walks together
    • The group started in Columbus but has spread all over the nation 

    Instead of a waiting room, the doctor visit starts on a walking path walk with a doctor to encourage people of all ages to get moving while learning about their health.

    Walking is one of the simplest things that people can do to improve their overall health, and this gives them the chance to connect outside of the clinic.

    The free program is open to the public and focuses on physical activity, conversation and prevention, helping participants feel comfortable asking questions along the way.

    “It’s called Walk with a Doc. It’s something that was started by a physician at St. Ann’s, Dr. David Sab here several years ago and he started a thing, he’s a cardiologist, he had some patients he met out at a park here, I believe it was High Banks, and the whole thing was just to encourage exercise in a fun way,” said Philip Berger, a medical doctor at St Ann’s. “So he would meet his patients out here and give a short talk about a medical topic and then after that go for a walk and be able to say ‘Hey folks, you are doing what I’ve asked you to do right now.’”

    He said Walk with a Doc has spread to 30 countries. The goal is to build healthier habits and stronger relationships one walk at a time.

    Walk with a Doc is held every Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. at High Banks Metropark throughout the year, with no registration is required.

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    Cassidy Wilson

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  • Myles Garrett sets NFL single-season sack record with 23rd sack

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    CINCINNATI — Cleveland Browns All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett set the NFL’s single-season sack record with 5:09 remaining during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

    What You Need To Know

    • Garrett sacked Joe Burrow for a 6-yard loss on first-and-10 at the Browns 45-yard line

    • Burrow was in the shotgun formation when he saw Garrett coming and went down

    • Garrett suprassed Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt for the records

    Garrett sacked Joe Burrow for a 6-yard loss on first-and-10 at the Browns 45-yard line. Burrow was in the shotgun formation when he saw Garrett coming and went down.

    Garrett came into the game needing one sack to surpass the mark of 22 1/2 shared by Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan (in 2001 with the New York Giants) and Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt in 2021.

    The sack in some ways was similar to Strahan’s record-breaking sack of Green Bay’s Brett Favre. Both players didn’t put up much of a challenge when they saw an oncoming pass rusher.

    Garrett’s teammates celebrated his 23rd sack even though Cincinnati tried to go no-huddle on the next play.

    Garrett has sacked 51 players over his nine-year NFL career. Burrow is at the top of the list at 12 in 10 meetings.

    The NFL did not start counting sacks as an official statistic until 1982. Mark Gastineau of the New York Jets had 22 in 1984 until Strahan surpassed that late in the fourth quarter of the New York Giants’ 2001 season finale against Green Bay. Favre went down to the ground as Strahan was approaching to set the mark. Watt tied the record during the final game in 2021 at Baltimore by taking down Ravens QB Tyler Huntley.

    Garrett has recorded at least half a sack in 11 of 12 games including Sunday. That includes a team-record five against the New England Patriots on Oct. 26, four against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 14 and three one week later at Las Vegas.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Navy beats short-handed Cincinnati 35-13 in Liberty Bowl

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    MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Blake Horvath threw a pair of touchdown passes and rushed for a score to lead No. 22 Navy to its 11th victory of the season, 35-13 over short-handed Cincinnati in the Liberty Bowl on Friday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Blake Horvath threw a pair of touchdown passes and rushed for a score to lead No. 22 Navy to its 11th victory of the season, 35-13 over short-handed Cincinnati in the Liberty Bowl

    • Horvath scored on a 2-yard run and had scoring passes of 30 and 13 yards. The senior quarterback finished 9 of 15 for 108 yards

    • Cincinnati was missing several key players, including quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who threw for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns this season

    Horvath scored on a 2-yard run and had scoring passes of 30 and 13 yards. The senior QB, who helped open up the passing game this season for the run-heavy Midshipmen (11-2), finished 9 of 15 for 108 yards.

    Alex Tecza rushed for 80 yards and a touchdown for Navy, which finished the season on a four-game winning streak, including a 17-16 victory over Army in its most important game of the year. Eli Heidenreich ran for 62 yards and had five receptions for 64 yards.

    The Midshipmen last won 11 games in 2019. Navy went 10-3 in 2024, coach Brian Newberry’s second season, and its 21 wins are the most in a two-season span in program history.

    “Two seasons. The most wins in Navy football history within two years,” Newberry said. “We’ve played football around here for a long, long time, and that’s a credit to these guys.”

    Cincinnati (7-6) was missing several key players, including quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who threw for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns this season, and its leading tackler, linebacker Jake Golday. The absences of Sorsby — who will be highly sought-after in the transfer portal — and running backs Tawee Walker and Evan Pryor left the Bearcats without their top three rushers.

    “You’d love to have all the guys that we had as a part of our team throughout the whole season,” Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield said.

    Manny Covey rushed for 78 yards for Cincinnati. Senior receiver Cyrus Allen had a 4-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter — his 13th scoring catch of the season, tying a school record.

    With a wet field and overcast conditions, both teams relied on rushing in the first half, but didn’t have much to show for it. Navy had 160 yards of offense by halftime, compared to only 118 for the Bearcats.

    “It was hard to get any kind of rhythm in the first half,” Satterfield said.

    Bearcats quarterback Brady Lichtenberg said the conditions led to problems in the passing game.

    “It seemed like right when we ran on the field, the weather started getting a lot worse,” Lichtenberg said. “The rain was coming down a lot harder. The ball felt a little heavier.”

    Horvath connected with Luke Hutchison late in the first half for a 30-yard touchdown that put the Midshipmen ahead 14-7. On Navy’s opening drive of the second half, Horvath’s 13-yard pass to Heidenreich stretched the lead to 21-7.

    Coleman Cauley closed out the scoring for Navy by returning an interception 5 yards for a touchdown. It was the first pick-6 in a bowl game for Navy.

    “I just jumped the route,” Coleman said. “I wasn’t going down, I was getting to the end zone.”

    The takeaway

    Navy: The Midshipmen relied on their running game to churn out yardage, with an occasional big play thrown in. Navy tested Cincinnati’s young secondary, even though Horvath missed receivers a few times.

    Cincinnati: Opt-outs left the Bearcats with an inexperienced squad. Along with Lichtenberg, Samaj Jones saw action at quarterback. Cincinnati finished with 239 yards of offense and a dozen first downs.

    Up next

    Navy: While the Midshipmen don’t have to worry about losing players to the transfer portal, they do have to replace some key seniors, including Horvath, Tecza and Heidenreich, plus defensive standouts like Landon Robinson.

    Cincinnati: The Bearcats improved upon last season, even though they dropped last five games after reaching No. 17 in the AP poll. Satterfield is set to get to work immediately on replenishing the roster. “We’re looking for guys with character. Guys that are going to do things right,” he said. “The guys we’re bringing in, if they don’t have that, they’re not going to be here.”

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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