Holiday Sales Outlook Shines

Retail sales in Ohio are expected to grow 3.1% this holiday season, up from last year’s 2.5% increase, according to a forecast.

Online sales continue to play a big role, with online and mobile shopping outpacing overall retail sales growth in Ohio since 2013.

The state Department of Commerce warns shoppers to be wary of holiday-related scams, especially fraudulent gift cards.

Last year, Ohio ranked among the top 10 states nationwide for fraud complaints, with more than $278 million in reported losses.

Registration and Title Fees Increasing

Ohio vehicle registration and title fees will rise in the new year.

The annual registration fee for a passenger car will increase from $11 to $16, and the service fee will rise from $5 to $8.

The annual registration fee for non-apportioned commercial vehicles will increase from $30 to $35, and the statutory fee for a certificate of title will rise from $15 to $18.

The increases will help the state Department of Public Safety cover the costs associated with enforcing motor vehicle and traffic laws, officials say.

Cincinnati Tops Most-Searched Rental Markets

Cincinnati is the nation’s most in-demand market for apartment renters this year, according to RentCafe.com’s Renter Engagement Tracker.

The Queen City jumped four spots from last year, with page views up 34% and saved searches up 56%. Atlanta, Kansas City, Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas round out the top five.

Cleveland climbed three spots to No. 8, and Columbus rose one place to No. 12.

The Midwest dominated the rankings, with 10 of the top 20 cities. You can see the full rankings here.

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➤ Columbus: The city plans to take unspecified disciplinary action against Columbus Fire Chief Jeffrey Happ after further investigation into a 2023 fatal highway crash involving a fire engine. (More)

➤ Dayton: Kettering Health’s main campus and its Soin Medical Center were recognized as high-performing hospitals for maternity care by U.S. News & World Report. (More)

➤ Belmont County: A 48-hour boil advisory was issued for several neighborhoods after a water line break on Tuesday. (More)

➤ Cleveland: The school board was scheduled to vote Tuesday night on a consolidation plan that would close or merge 29 schools. (More)

➤ Whitehall: City Councilman Gerald Dixon was charged with allegedly compelling underage prostitution and other crimes dating back nearly 30 years. (More)

➤ Mahoning County: Power was restored after damaged equipment left more than 4,000 customers without electricity overnight into Tuesday in Youngstown and Austintown. (More)

➤ Ohio State redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, given to the nation’s most outstanding college football player. (More)

➤ Middletown native Kyle Schwarber is finalizing a five-year, $150 million contract with Philadelphia, according to ESPN. (More)

➤ Shedeur Sanders was named the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback for the rest of the season. (More)

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

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➤ Sun Country Airlines plans to open a new base at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to support its growing cargo division. (More)

➤ Jaggers, a burger chain created by the founder of Texas Roadhouse, plans to open its first Ohio restaurant near Polaris Fashion Place in Columbus. (More)

➤ Construction began on a 24-lot, 24-acre subdivision in Clermont County’s Miami Township, with home prices starting at $1.2 million. (More)

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➤ Actor Ben Stiller was seen wearing Dayton Dragons gear at a New York Knicks game over the weekend. The Dragons are a minor league affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. (See Photo)

➤ Ray Helms, a U.S. Army World War II veteran who landed at Normandy Beach three days after D-Day, celebrated his 103rd birthday in Medina on Monday. (Watch Video Report)

➤ Jacob Estrada, owner of Lowrider Cafe, formed a group studying the possible conversion of the vacant Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Toledo into a homeless shelter. (More)

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Have you completed your Christmas shopping?

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2. Still looking
   
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Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever watched The Wizard of Oz (1939)?

1. I love it: 32%
2. It’s alright: 26%
3. Not a fan: 21%
4. Never seen it: 21%

What’s Ohio’s state flower?

Show me the answer