Ohio Colleges Receive Failing Free Speech Grades

Six Ohio universities received an “F” in the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s 2026 college free speech rankings, based on survey responses from more than 68,000 students at 257 campuses.

The survey assessed 12 areas, including comfort expressing ideas, self-censorship, administrative support, and political tolerance. Rankings placed Ohio colleges between No. 49 and No. 224 nationally.

Ohio State, Toledo, Case Western Reserve, Kent State, Oberlin, and Dayton received failing grades. Wright State earned the state’s highest grade with a “D,” while overall state results mirrored the national average of “F.”

Grades for each of the 13 Ohio colleges represented in the rankings can be seen here.

GE Aerospace, UAW Reach Tentative Deal

GE Aerospace and the United Auto Workers reached a tentative five-year contract agreement after more than 600 employees went on strike in August over a proposed nearly 40% increase in healthcare costs.

The proposed deal includes $3,500 payments to offset healthcare expenses, additional vacation and personal time, a guaranteed minimum workforce, and preserved strike language.

Union officials scheduled a ratification vote for next week but instructed members to remain on strike until the process concludes.

The agreement would apply to UAW employees at GE Aerospace facilities in Evendale, Ohio, and Erlanger, Kentucky.

Cincinnati Restaurant Earns National Honors

Wildweed, an Italian restaurant in Cincinnati, was named one of America’s 20 best new restaurants by Bon Appétit. It was one of only three Midwestern restaurants recognized on the 2025 list.

It also appeared on a national list of the 50 best U.S. dining spots as the only Ohio entry. Critics praised Wildweed as “one of the Midwest’s most impressive and regionally distinctive Italian restaurants.”

Chef David Jackman was a finalist for the James Beard Foundation Award for “Best Chef: Great Lakes” earlier this year. Esquire Magazine previously named Wildweed a “Best New Restaurant” just three months after it opened.

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➤ Statewide: Ohio Homeland Security launched an artificial intelligence-powered reporting system designed to let residents anonymously report suspicious activity. (More)

➤ Hamilton County: State Rep. Adam Mathews called for the resignation of Judge Ted Berry after Berry made controversial comments about the assassination of conservative advocate Charlie Kirk. (More)

➤ Youngstown: Ursuline High School canceled the remainder of its football season after a lawsuit was filed alleging hazing and sexual assault during a summer camp. (More)

➤ Cincinnati: A new state partnership with Cincinnati will initially run two days each month, enabling joint law enforcement operations and additional support from state agencies. (More)

➤ Luckey: An independent analysis confirmed local drinking water is safe, despite a newspaper report raising concerns about possible radioactive contamination from a former beryllium production facility. (More)

➤ Kent: The Federal Aviation Administration awarded Kent State University $4.1 million to complete repaving projects at its airport, including the Compass Calibration Pad Apron and Taxiway A. (More)

➤ A last-minute rushing touchdown by backup quarterback Jake Browning gave the Cincinnati Bengals a 31-27 win over Jacksonville, but star QB Joe Burrow exited with a toe injury. The Baltimore Ravens routed the Cleveland Browns 41-17. (See Scores)

➤ Diego Rossi scored a first-half hat trick as the Columbus Crew outlasted Atlanta United 5-4, eliminating Atlanta from postseason play in a high-scoring contest. (Recap)

➤ Jeremiah Smith scored two touchdowns, and freshman running back Bo Jackson rushed for 109 yards on nine carries as Ohio State pulled away from Ohio University in a 37-9 victory. (Recap)

➤ St. Xavier High School football head coach Steve Specht became the program’s all-time winningest coach with a 28-0 shutout of Westerville North—his 190th win with the Bombers. (More)

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

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➤ Bipartisan legislation would allow Ohioans to deduct church tithes from their taxable income. Ohio is one of 14 states that do not currently permit such deductions. (More)

➤ Kettering Health announced plans for a new Washington Court House facility, opening next year. It will offer primary and specialty care, urgent care, x-ray and lab services, and wellness programs. (More)

➤ ProMedica will move the obstetrics program from Flower Hospital to Toledo Hospital by year’s end. Flower Hospital will continue outpatient obstetrics but will no longer handle inpatient care. (More)

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➤ Cleveland Metroparks Zoo named its baby red panda Leela after a video showed her mother choosing the name from food bowls labeled with three options. (Watch Video)

➤ Volunteers are invited to help with cleanup and maintenance at nine state parks on Sept. 27-28 in recognition of National Public Lands Day. Projects include painting, trail and habitat upkeep, and tree trimming. (Details)

➤ Maze Craze in New Springfield opened its 23-acre corn maze for the season, featuring a Winnie the Pooh theme with 8.6 miles of trails. (More)

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Should Ohioans be allowed to deduct church tithes from their taxable income?

1. Yes
   
2. No
   
3. No opinion
   

Friday’s Results:

What’s your favorite style of beer?

1. Don’t drink beer: 22%
2. Lager: 15%
3. Light: 15%
4. Stout: 13%
5. India Pale Ale: 12%
6. Ale: 12%
7. Other: 11%

 Which U.S. president also served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?

Show me the answer