Several new Ohio laws take effect at the start of 2026, bringing changes that will impact workers, students, voters, and businesses across the state. Lawmakers say the updates are meant to modernize policies, address inflation, and tighten regulations in key areas. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing: Minimum Wage Increase Read more
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is releasing new data from the Christmas holiday reporting period, showing increased enforcement activity and multiple deadly crashes across the state, including in northeast Ohio. According to the Patrol, 17 people were killed in 14 crashes statewide between Dec. 24 and Dec. 28. Of those Read more
The Supreme Court of Ohio says a person does not have to prove they already suffered mental distress to get a civil stalking protection order. In a 5–2 decision Tuesday, the court ruled it’s enough for a petitioner to believe continued encounters with the accused will cause mental distress. The Read more
As the year winds down, the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio is urging donors to help prevent a seasonal drop in the blood supply. Donors of all blood types are needed now through early January. Anyone who gives blood or platelets through Jan. 4, 2026, will receive a Red Read more
If you’re wondering whether Santa has left the North Pole yet, NORAD has it covered. The North American Aerospace Defense Command has been tracking Santa’s worldwide journey for 70 years, and the tradition is still going strong. According to NORAD’s John Ingle, kids can start following Santa’s flight beginning at Read more
Holiday gatherings are meant to bring joy, but experts say stress and overindulgence can quietly take a toll on both mental and physical health. Psychologist Dr. Kia-Rai Prewitt with Cleveland Clinic says family tension is common this time of year, and managing it like a workplace challenge can help. She Read more
There’s good news to share from Wadsworth this holiday season. The Salvation Army reports it has surpassed its $58,000 fundraising goal for the Red Kettle Campaign, thanks to strong community support over the weekend. The Red Kettle Campaign officially ends at 5PM on Christmas Eve. That generosity showed up in Read more
After decades of serving Wadsworth families day and night, a beloved local funeral home is entering a thoughtful new chapter. Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home has been acquired by Auble Funeral Homes and will now operate as Auble-Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, continuing service at its longtime North Lyman Street location. For families, what Read more
There is no question that Ohio’s public schools are under immense financial strain. Outdated funding formulas, rising costs, and legislative decisions have pushed districts into impossible positions. But how those realities are communicated to families matters just as much as the numbers themselves. This week, Wadsworth City Schools released a Read more
Wadsworth City Schools has released detailed information explaining its current fiscal precaution status, and district leaders say transparency and community collaboration are central to the process. According to the district, Wadsworth is required by state law to create a financial reduction plan, but officials stress that this plan is not Read more
