From the Founder’s Desk:

Why I Want The Flyover Readers to Own The Flyover

When I decided to accept investors in The Flyover, one thing mattered to me more than anything: that our readers would have the chance to become our owners. If I had my druthers, every single investor in The Flyover would be a Flyover reader. That’s why we’ve structured this offering with you in mind:

• Bonus shares for all The Flyover readers who invest

Legally, the offering is open to any U.S. citizen. But my heart—and our strategy—are focused on keeping ownership in the hands of our readers. Right now, we’re less than $84,000 away from hitting $4 million raised—80% full. Once we cross that mark and announce our final investment date, I expect the final 20% to be filled.

That’s why I’m asking our readers one more time: will you consider investing in The Flyover today? 

This is the final month to invest.

But some of our readers are asking: “How do I get a return on my investment?”

Here’s why The Flyover is different:

• Already profitable after just two years (most start-ups never are)

• 80% gross margins and 24% net income (exceptional margins)

• In the top 1% of media start-ups (proven strength)

How investors could realize returns:

1. A Sale—Only to a partner who shares our values. (CNN or The New York Times need not apply.)

2. Public Listing—Shares traded openly on an exchange.

3. Profit Distributions (Dividends)—Because we’re already profitable, this is possible.

Recap: Sale. Listing. Distributions.

My Closing Pitch

More than 2,600 Flyover readers have already joined us as investors. We’re just $84,000 away from our next milestone—and once we hit it, we will announce our closing date.  If you’ve been considering investing, now is the moment.  Will you help us finish this round and together make The Flyover a news company truly owned by its readers?

Will you be one of the final investors who help us keep The Flyover fully reader-owned?

Invest in The Flyover Today

Audit Flags Widespread Job Pledge Shortfalls

A state audit found that 39 of 60 companies that received state loans and tax credits between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, didn’t meet their job-creation promises.

Ohio Auditor Keith Faber called it “appalling” that companies “weren’t meeting their end of the bargain.” You can read the full report here.

The Department of Development said it will recommend that the state amend or rescind agreements with companies that failed to create enough jobs.

The audit didn’t include megaprojects—defined as projects with $1 billion or more—such as the Intel and Anduril projects in central Ohio.

Short-Term Rentals Linked to Deadly Shootings

At least 14 people have been killed and 47 injured, at short-term rentals in Ohio since 2017, according to Signal Cleveland.

At least 26 parties at Ohio short-term rentals ended in shootings during that time frame—most at Airbnbs—and victims were usually reported as teenage males.

In November, several people were wounded, and an 18-year-old was killed in a shooting at a Summit County Airbnb mansion party attended by as many as 300 people.

In July, a 17-year-old was shot and killed at a party in Columbus. Now, Columbus City Council member Emmanuel Remy is pushing stricter short-term rental laws, including requiring owners to notify neighbors when homes are converted.

State Rolls Out Job Search Initiative

Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel announced the creation of WorkOhio, a new state initiative aimed at connecting Ohioans with in-demand jobs.

Through the state website, Ohioans can request one-on-one job-search support in seven regions statewide. After submitting a request, residents can expect to be contacted within two business days.

Other resources include job opportunities for a range of education levels, a career-change quiz, careers for veterans, and more.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Fulton County: Ohio health officials opened a lead testing clinic for Delta residents after elevated airborne lead levels were detected near the Burning Bearings demolition site, with additional testing scheduled weekly starting Jan. 21. (Details)

➤ Cincinnati: Twelve University of Cincinnati students were displaced after a Thursday night dorm fire at Morgens Hall, which fire officials said was likely caused by an artificial Christmas tree. (More)

➤ Also Cincinnati: An arbiter panel ordered Cincinnati to reinstate Police Capt. Danita Pettis with back pay, ruling insubordination and neglect-of-duty charges unfounded. (More)

➤ Cleveland: Trash services will resume on Tuesday, with expanded pickup allowed next week after officials canceled collection due to snow and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. (More)

➤ Also Cleveland: Cleveland Clinic said it’s working to create a Level 1 trauma center at its main campus for adults and children, treating injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, gunshot wounds, and blunt force trauma. (More)

➤ Columbus: The Ohio National Guard announced that about five members of the 1937th Support Detachment will deploy to U.S. Central Command to support Operation Spartan Shield in the Middle East. (More)

➤ Nielsen released the top 10 local markets for college football viewership in 2025, with Columbus and Dayton ranking No. 2 and No. 3 nationally, behind Birmingham, Alabama. (See Ranking)

➤ Former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was named head coach of the Atlanta Falcons after six seasons in Cleveland, where he snapped the Browns’ 18-year playoff drought. (More)

➤ The Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 in a shootout on Saturday, improving to 3-0 under new coach Rick Bowness. (More)

➤ Ohio State forward Donovan “Puff” Johnson was declared eligible for the 2025–26 season on Saturday after a judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking NCAA restrictions. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer | Golf

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➤ Columbus-based Worthington Steel announced plans to acquire German metal processor Kloeckner & Co., creating the second-largest steel service center company in North America. (More)

➤ Columbus Regional Airport will add daily, nonstop service to Los Angeles International Airport through United Airlines, beginning in March. (More)

➤ Meijer recalled 38,000 gallons of Steam Distilled Water sold in six states, including Ohio, after an unknown black substance appeared in some containers, prompting FDA warnings to stop using the product. (More)

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➤ Middletown native Vice President JD Vance will deliver an address at the March for Life Rally in Washington, D.C., on Friday, emphasizing the pro-life movement’s central role in a healthy conservative coalition. (More)

➤ The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is accepting hand-painted artwork for the Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp competition through Feb. 1. The winner’s work will be featured on the 2027 Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp. (Details)

➤ The Cheetah Run 5K will return to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden on March 22 after a six-year hiatus, guiding runners through the zoo for close-up views of cheetahs, lions, giraffes, and other habitats. (Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

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Have you ever run in the Cincinnati Zoo’s Cheetah Run 5K?

1. Yes
   
2. No
   
3. I’d like to
   

Friday’s Results:

Should the University of Dayton join the Big East Conference?

1. No opinion: 42%
2. Yes: 33%
3. No: 25%

Other than Morrison Waite, who was the other U.S. Supreme Court chief justice from Ohio?

Show me the answer