Smucker Sues Trader Joe’s

Orrville-based J.M. Smucker Company filed a lawsuit against Trader Joe’s for selling pre-made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches similar to Smucker’s popular Uncrustables sandwiches.

The federal lawsuit alleges trademark infringement. Trader Joe’s markets its sandwiches as “crustless peanut butter & strawberry jam sandwiches.”

In particular, Smucker cited the pie-like edge markings on Trader Joe’s sandwiches, as well as packaging that uses a similar blue to Smucker’s Uncrustables branding.

Smucker has previously taken legal action to protect its Uncrustables brand. In 2022, the company sent a cease-and-desist letter to Minnesota-based Gallant Tiger, which also made a version of a crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Rail Project Picking up Steam

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission joined other commissions and Midwestern cities in committing $650,000 toward a passenger rail project that would connect Columbus, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Fort Wayne.

Local communities have also contributed about $400,000 to the project, including $50,000 from Hilliard.

The project’s next step is route and station planning, and the city has identified two possible transit hubs: Brown Park Drive and Interstate 270 at Britton Parkway.

Columbus is the nation’s largest city without passenger rail and has not had service since 1979. Central Ohio’s population is expected to grow to 3 million by 2050.

OHSAA NIL Rules Challenged

The mother of an Ohio high school football star has filed a lawsuit against the Ohio High School Athletic Association over the organization’s ban on athletes benefiting from their name, image, and likeness (NIL).

OHSAA member schools rejected changes to NIL rules in 2022, with plans to vote again in May 2026. The OHSAA executive director said this lawsuit is likely to force an earlier vote.

According to the complaint, Wayne High School junior Jamier Brown could earn more than $100,000 a year if not for current OHSAA rules.

Brown is the nation’s No. 1 wide receiver in the class of 2027 and has been committed to Ohio State since November 2024.

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➤ Statewide: The Ohio Redistricting Commission will meet next Tuesday at Gov. Mike DeWine’s order to begin its first round of discussions on proposed plans for a redrawn congressional map. (More)

➤ Cuyahoga County: Cuyahoga County residents will receive free admission to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 2 as the museum showcases exhibits honoring this year’s 13 inductees. (Details)

➤ Cleveland: A felony theft charge against City Planner Kim Scott was dismissed for insufficient evidence, though prosecutors said misdemeanor charges could still be pursued. Scott is accused of stealing paid leave and falsifying records. (More)

➤ Zanesville: The Canadian Brass will perform at Secrest Auditorium on Sunday. Tickets are available online and at the door. (Details)

➤ Columbus: Livingston United Methodist Church sold its property to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for $7.3 million. The church will continue to operate under a lease while it searches for a new site. (More)

➤ Poland: Village officials, Poland Township trustees, and Mahoning County commissioners passed resolutions supporting preservation of the Poland Public Library amid concerns over the building’s integrity and possible relocation. (More)

➤ Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco led a game-winning drive, and Evan McPherson’s 36-yard field goal gave the Bengals a 33-31 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Box Score)

➤ No. 1 Ohio State travels to Wisconsin for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, No. 24 Cincinnati faces Oklahoma State on the road at 8 p.m., and Kent State meets Toledo at 2 p.m. (See Schedule)

➤ The Cleveland Cavaliers unveiled blue, wine, and gold 2000s-era throwback uniforms to be worn in 11 games this season. (See Photo)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | NHL | NCAAF | NBA | Soccer | Tennis | Golf

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➤ Coca-Cola Consolidated announced a $35 million expansion of its Twinsburg manufacturing facility, funding a new can production line that will create 40 jobs. (More)

➤ Cleveland-based Cleveland-Cliffs announced it will permanently close its Steelton, Pennsylvania, plant in early 2026 after idling the facility earlier this year. (More)

➤ Smith & Wollensky, a Boston steakhouse, has suspended its planned return to Columbus, which was slated for the first floor of the Hyatt Regency Columbus. (More)

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➤ Mike and Dusti Helberg claimed first place at the Circleville Pumpkin Show with a 1,972-pound, Ohio-grown gourd, earning $3,000 in prize money. (See Photo)

➤ Cleaning and restoration are underway at Cleveland’s New Life at Calvary Church, funded by a federal grant to ensure the historic building stands strong and beautiful for another century. (More)

➤ The Ohio Department of Natural Resources celebrated the completed renovation at Harrison Lake State Park with a ribbon-cutting, marking major campground upgrades that improve accessibility, efficiency, and visitor experience. (More)

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How do you prefer your steak?

1. Rare
   
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3. Medium
   
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Yesterday’s Results:

How do you prefer to travel for long-distance trips?

1. Plane: 19%
2. Car: 17%
3. Bus: 16%
4. Train: 16%
5. Other: 16%
6. RV/camper: 16%

Which passenger railroad was the first to operate in Ohio?

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