Overdose Deaths Plummet

A report by the National Center for Health Statistics shows that drug overdose deaths in Ohio fell by about 35% last year compared to 2023.

Overdose deaths fell to 3,136 last year, down from 4,847 the prior year, based on preliminary data. You can view the full data report here.

Nationally, overdose deaths dropped by 27%, with 30,000 fewer deaths than the prior year—the largest one-year decline in the 45-year history of comparable data collection.

Researchers cite less drug use, naloxone access, addiction treatment expansion, and shifts in how people use drugs as factors in the decline.

Lawmaker Targets Noon Kickoffs

State Rep. Tex Fischer, R-Boardman, introduced a bill to reduce the number of noon kickoffs for Ohio State football, with an exception for the traditional noon rivalry game against Michigan.

The bill, a response to fans’ frustration over the early start times favored by TV networks, aims to prohibit games from starting before 3:30 p.m. if both teams are ranked in the top 10 nationally and at least one is a state university.

The legislation would subject the host team’s conference and the television network to fines of up to $10 million.

Earlier this week, Fox announced that Ohio State’s showdown with Texas will be the network’s season-opening Big Noon Kickoff game on Aug. 30.

Donut Shops Among Nation’s Best

Three Ohio donut shops rank among the nation’s 50 best, according to a ranking by Yelp Elite reviewers.

Donna’s Delicious Dozen in Columbus ranked No. 8 nationally and No. 1 in Ohio. Donna’s menu ranges from classic Boston cream donuts to specialty pineapple upside-down cake donuts.

Bill’s Donut Shop in Centerville ranked No. 33, while The Vegan Doughnut Company in Lakewood ranked No. 38. You can see the full rankings here.

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➤ State: The state Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation banning K-12 students from using cell phones in schools. The bill now moves to the state House. (More)

➤ Reynoldsburg: Construction began on an $80 million laboratory that will expand the state’s livestock disease testing capacity. (More)

➤ St. Clairsville: Belmont College will offer drone piloting classes this summer to prepare students for FAA certification. (Details)

➤ Northern Ohio: The state Department of Agriculture added Summit, Portage, Trumbull, Carroll, Wood, and Seneca counties to the spotted lanternfly quarantine list. (See Map)

➤ Akron: The police department will host a hiring event Saturday, allowing applicants to complete both the physical and written tests in one day. (Details)

➤ Zanesville: Four Maysville High School students won top honors at the National History Day state competition, qualifying for the national contest in Washington, D.C. (More)

➤ The NFL released the 2025 schedules for Cleveland and Cincinnati, featuring a season-opening game against each other on Sept. 7 in Cleveland. (See Schedules)

➤ Wright State men’s golf team finished 24 over par in the NCAA Urbana Regional, failing to qualify for the national championship. (Results)

➤ Miami softball plays Tennessee at 1:30 p.m. and Ohio State faces North Carolina at 4 p.m. in today’s opening round of the NCAA Knoxville Regional. (See Schedule)

➤ The U.S. men’s soccer team will play Japan in a friendly match at Lower.com Field in Columbus on Sept. 9. (Details)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAB | Soccer | PGA

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➤ Using Ibuprofen? This “Antarctic Discovery” is rewriting pain science. While you rely on medications that merely mask pain, this Antarctic “super nutrient” activates a cellular pathway that extinguishes inflammation at its source. The solution to your inflammation might have been swimming in the ocean all along. (Learn More)

➤ Dayton Children’s Hospital partnered with Abridge on artificial intelligence-aided technology that saves time by converting doctors’ conversations with their patients into digital notes. (More)

➤ Columbus-based Middle West Spirits acquired Old Elk Distillery in Fort Collins, Colorado, expanding its bourbon and whiskey portfolio. (More)

➤ Lion Cub’s Cookies in Columbus was named a finalist in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Cookie Shop. Voting ends June 9. (Vote)

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➤ Car insurance costs to hit record highs in 2025. With car insurance premiums projected to hit $2,101 in 2025, overpaying isn’t an option. Switching providers could save you $1,300 yearly–don’t leave it on the table. View Money’s best car insurance list to see if you could save. SEE IF YOU COULD SAVE

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New Research: Common Brushing Habit Could Be Damaging Your Teeth

A recent study from Kyoto University has revealed a surprising threat to your oral health: a toxic biofilm known as “Dental Rust.”

This bacteria hides deep in the gum line and enamel cracks—and routine brushing may actually push it in further, accelerating tooth decay and gum damage.

Left untreated, it may lead to serious infections.

The good news? A simple, science-backed 30-second Himalayan method is showing powerful results in neutralizing this threat.

Click here to watch the short video and learn how to protect your oral health.

➤ The master’s degree in nursing program at The Ohio State University placed No. 1 among U.S. public universities in this year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings. (More)

➤ Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve will host an America 250 History Hike on Saturday, offering a guided tour of its natural and cultural history. (Details)

➤ Ohio History Connection laid off 12 staff members from the State Historic Preservation Office due to federal funding delays. (More)

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Which college football kickoff time do you prefer?

1. Noon
   
2. Afternoon
   
3. Night
   
4. Don’t care
   

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever seen a rainbow cloud in person?

1. Yes: 45%
2. No: 55%

The historic John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge connects Ohio to which state?

Show me the answer