Ohio Lowers Flags to Honor Charlie Kirk

Gov. Mike DeWine ordered U.S. and Ohio flags lowered to half-staff through Sunday in memory of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a campus event launching the group’s fall college tour. He was known for on-campus question-and-answer sessions promoting conservative viewpoints.

Vice President JD Vance, an Ohioan, posted a tribute describing Kirk’s “profound faith” and praising him as a devoted husband and father. Vance shared memories of their friendship and political work together.

Vance noted Kirk’s support for his U.S. Senate campaign and for President Trump’s reelection efforts, concluding: “You ran a good race, my friend. We’ve got it from here.”

Ohio Guard to Remain in D.C.

Ohio National Guard members deployed to Washington, D.C., will remain through at least late November, Gov. Mike DeWine said, following a request from the Secretary of the Army.

Some personnel will rotate during the deployment, but 150 Ohio Guard members will remain in the nation’s capital at all times to carry out law enforcement patrols.

DeWine said he does not anticipate similar National Guard patrols in Ohio cities, emphasizing the role local law enforcement agencies have in targeting violent crime within the state.

Guard units were initially mobilized last month as part of federal efforts to address violent crime in Washington.

List: Best Ohio Natural Wonders

A list of Ohio’s six most captivating natural wonders highlights landscapes from Hocking Hills’ sandstone cliffs and waterfalls to the underground splendor of the Ohio Caverns.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, between Akron and Cleveland, includes forests, the Cuyahoga River, remnants of the Ohio & Erie Canal, and a scenic railroad. It’s Ohio’s only national park.

In Delaware, the Olentangy Indian Caverns are a network of caves formed by an ancient underground river. Wyandotte Indians used the caves into the early 1800s, and visitors today can explore them through self-guided tours.

Other “natural wonders” highlighted include Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park and Mohican State Park.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Southern Ohio: Forecasters expect drought conditions to expand during the next two weeks, with elevated risk from Cincinnati through Columbus to Marietta. (See Map)

➤ Columbiana County: The U.S. Coast Guard’s Pittsburgh unit reported a barge sank early Thursday in the Ohio River near Columbiana County, Ohio, causing minor pollution as agencies monitor water quality. (See Photo)

➤ Solon: Roxbury Elementary students will temporarily relocate to Parkside Church in Chagrin Falls after elevated levels of asbestos were found in a school roof drain. (More)

➤ Cincinnati: America’s River Roots Festival canceled several headliners for its Oct. 8-12 event, including Weezer and Maren Morris. Organizers said tickets will be refunded. (More)

➤ Ohio State: A lawsuit over mold growth at the Lawrence Tower residence hall will proceed to trial, a judge ruled. About 500 students were relocated from the residence hall last fall. (More)

➤ Columbus: City officials announced nine initiatives to improve quality of life in the state capital, addressing public safety, homelessness, housing, youth programs, and more. (More)

➤ Jets from the 180th Fighter Wing will fly over seven northwest Ohio schools on Sept. 12 during home football games for Military Appreciation Night, partnered with Anthony Wayne Local Schools. (See Schedule)

➤ BIGPLAY, a Cleveland-based sports media network, acquired publishing rights for Sports Illustrated’s Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians, and Ohio State Buckeyes team sites. (More)

➤ Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Andre Szmyt will handle kicking duties this weekend despite a missed field goal and extra point in last week’s one-point loss to Cincinnati. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NCAAF | MLB | Soccer | WNBA | Golf

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Say goodbye to buzzing and biting—The ZapNado is a high-power insect trap that zaps flies, mosquitoes, and pests instantly with UV light and a built-in electric grid. Safe for indoor or outdoor use, it keeps your space bug-free without harmful chemicals—perfect for peaceful evenings and worry-free living. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Ohio regulators will allow American Electric Power to charge data centers differently from other consumers, recognizing the large strain they place on the energy grid. (More)

➤ Rumpke Waste & Recycling opened a $100 million, 226,000-square-foot Columbus facility, billed as North America’s most advanced, capable of processing 250,000 tons of recyclables annually with AI-driven technology. (More)

➤ Athens’ Jackie O’s Taproom & Brewery had three beers ranked in Ohio’s top 100, with its Bourbon Barrel Oro Negro recognized as the state’s No. 1 American Imperial Stout. (See Ranking)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Move freely again — experience fast relief and everyday comfort with the Nü-Knee Brace, offering targeted compression and stabilization for chronic pain, arthritis, or injury without the bulk or slip of traditional braces. (LEARN MORE)

Flying together with our sponsor

Sleep isn’t just about comfort — it’s about your health. That’s why Miracle Made bed sheets are infused with natural silver fibers that eliminate up to 99.7% of bacteria, helping you avoid germs, allergens, and odors that build up on ordinary sheets. The result? A fresher, cleaner sleep surface that supports healthier skin, easier breathing, and overall wellness every night.

By staying cleaner longer, these sheets also reduce the need for frequent washes, saving you time while giving you peace of mind. Wake up knowing you’ve spent the night in a hygienic environment designed to protect your health — and enjoy the crisp, cool feeling of a 5-star hotel bed right at home with Miracle Made bed sheets.

➤ Inkubator 2025, a two-day writing conference with classes and workshops, runs today and Saturday at the Cleveland Public Library’s Main Library downtown. (Details)

➤ Artisan Pizza Cafe in Columbus’ Italian Village closed early Monday after a surge in demand following a positive pizza review from Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. (More)

➤ Six Flags extended its licensing agreement with Peanuts Worldwide for five years, allowing characters such as Snoopy and Charlie Brown to remain prominently featured at Kings Island and Cedar Point. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Experience triple action with Premium Glyco Blood Support! This all-natural formula helps balance blood sugar, regulate blood pressure, and support healthy weight loss. It also boosts good (HDL) cholesterol and lowers bad (LDL). Limited-time, internet-exclusive offer—feel the difference fast! (LEARN MORE)

What’s your favorite style of beer?

1. Lager
   
2. Ale
   
3. Light
   
4. India Pale Ale
   
5. Stout
   
6. Other
   
7. Don’t drink beer
   

Yesterday’s Results:

When did you last visit Cracker Barrel?

1. It’s been a while: 23%
2. Earlier this year: 17%
3. Last month: 16%
4. This week: 15%
5. Never: 15%
6. Going this week: 14%

What is Ohio’s driest summer on record?

Show me the answer