Agencies Picked for Drone First Responder Program

State officials have selected nine public safety agencies for a new drone first responder program, expanding aerial response during emergencies.

Lawmakers created the program under House Bill 96, allowing agencies to deploy National Defense Authorization Act-compliant drones with live video streams to give responders aerial views of a scene—and, in some cases, to deliver medical supplies.

The agencies selected are: Springfield Police/Fire/EMS, Athens Police Department, Lima Police Department, Toledo Police Department, Violet Township Fire/EMS, Austintown Fire Department, Hamilton Police/Fire/EMS, Amherst Police Department, and Kelleys Island Fire/EMS.

Drone operations are expected to begin in the spring after an onboarding process.

Millennial Saint’s Relics Displayed in Ohio

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinnati is displaying a rare relic of St. Carlo Acutis today, with Mass, prayer, talks, and devotions scheduled.

St. Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager who died of leukemia at 15, was canonized by Pope Leo XIV in 2025. He’s now known as the patron saint of the internet, having created a website that documented Eucharistic miracles from around the world.

From Feb. 13-18, the relics will be available for viewing at sites across central Ohio, including Columbus, Lancaster, Westerville, Hilliard, and Worthington.

Mentor Native Eyes Historic Ocean Crossing

Spotz has already notched a list of firsts, including swimming the Allegheny River’s 325 miles and becoming the first American to row solo from Africa to South America.

During the trip, Spotz will rely on dehydrated meals, sports drinks, and chocolate for 5,000 calories per day. She will also carry a desalinator, a Starlink, safety gear, and baby wipes to combat salt sores while enduring months alone at sea.

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➤ Central Ohio: Recently unredacted federal records include an FBI list that identified billionaire Les Wexner—founder of L Brands and chairman of the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center Board—as a possible co-conspirator of convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. (More)

➤ Cleveland: Authorities said on Wednesday that they have not determined whether two Lyft drivers shot and killed in separate incidents less than two days apart are connected. (More)

➤ Sylvania: Lourdes University will permanently close at the end of the academic year, citing financial pressures, with the University of Toledo serving as a teach-out partner for students. (More)

➤ Worthington: The Kroger at Worthington Square Mall temporarily closed after a sewage backup and water leak, then reopened after health officials approved the cleanup. (More)

➤ Brook Park: Officials plan to seek federal funding for road and pedestrian upgrades near the site of the new Cleveland Browns stadium. (More)

➤ Hamilton County: The county filed a lawsuit against pharmacy benefit managers and drugmakers, alleging they inflated insulin prices for years and seeking compensation and court action to halt the practices. (More)

➤ Gov. Mike DeWine said legalizing sports betting was a “mistake,” after Ohio wagers hit $10.3 billion in 2025—the third consecutive year of growth since legalization. (More)

➤ Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson won his salary arbitration case and will earn $6.8 million this year. Reds players have won both arbitration rulings this offseason. (More)

➤ University of Dayton baseball will host crosstown rival Wright State on April 15 at Day Air Ballpark, home of the minor league Dayton Dragons. (Details)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: Olympics | NBA | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ Three Ohio establishments landed on USA Today’s list of the 44 best U.S. restaurants for 2025: The Aperture in Cincinnati, Agni in Columbus, and Social at the Stone House in Massillon. (See List)

➤ Paycor opened its new downtown Cincinnati headquarters with a ribbon-cutting ceremony following a $36 million renovation of a former Saks Fifth Avenue department store. (More)

➤ Six Flags’ Ohio parks, Cedar Point and Kings Island, plan to hire 12,000 seasonal workers for 2026, with pay starting at $14 per hour and hiring events beginning this week. (Job Details)

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➤ Cleveland reached 42 degrees on Tuesday, ending an 18-day stretch of below-freezing highs, the city’s longest such streak since 2015. (More)

➤ Columbus Metropolitan Library will hold a surplus sale on Feb. 19, offering desks, tables, chairs, shelves, furniture, and other items it no longer needs. (Details)

➤ National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation stars Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo—Clark and Ellen Griswold in the film—will appear March 1 at Belden Village Mall in Canton for autographs and photos. (Details)

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Should sports betting be legal in Ohio?

1. Yes, minimal rules
   
2. Yes, strict rules
   
3. No
   
4. Not sure
   

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever felt an earthquake?

1. Yes, in Ohio: 38%
2. Yes, elsewhere: 31%
3. No: 31%

Which four candidates received at least 2% of Ohio’s popular vote in the 1860 presidential election?

Show me the answer