Nationwide Children’s to End Sex-Change Meds

Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus will stop prescribing puberty blockers and hormone therapies to patients beginning Sept. 26, ending its provision of sex-change medication.

Hospital officials said the move is intended to “proactively plan and support our providers and patients in a rapidly changing regulatory environment.”

In April, the Ohio Supreme Court reinstated enforcement of a state ban on sex-change treatments for minors, reversing a lower court decision. Gov. Mike DeWine originally vetoed the SAFE Act in 2023, but it was overridden by the Republican-controlled legislature.

UC Health Ending Stroke Unit

UC Health will end its mobile stroke unit on Sept. 19, but staff will remain employed and continue serving Cincinnati-area patients.

Officials cited low utilization and high operating costs as key factors in discontinuing the mobile stroke unit. It was the region’s first and only mobile stroke unit, which the hospital claimed reduced treatment time by 20 to 30 minutes.

In a separate move, UC Health will eliminate 50 positions systemwide. Affected employees will receive severance and may apply for open roles across the network.

Bengals Edge Browns in Opener

A missed extra point ultimately handed the Cincinnati Bengals a 17-16 win over in-state rival Cleveland to open the NFL season on Sunday.

The Browns outgained the Bengals 327-141 in total yards, but missed an extra point after a go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter. Evan McPherson’s 35-yard field goal then gave Cincinnati a 17-16 lead.

With just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Cleveland kicker Andre Szmyt missed again—this time a 36-yard field goal that would have given the Browns the lead.

Next Sunday, Cincinnati will host the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Cleveland visits the Baltimore Ravens. See the Week 2 NFL schedule here.

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➤ Statewide: Ohio lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill to ban cat declawing, aiming to join New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Rhode Island as states with similar bans. (More)

➤ Cincinnati: The city’s fire department earned two American Heart Association honors for the first time, receiving Gold Status recognition for treating heart attacks and strokes. (More)

➤ Columbus: A local family who lost $8,000 in a Florida vacation rental scam is warning others about fraudulent listings. (More)

➤ Licking County: The Sheriff’s Office will appear in two episodes of the CW series Police 24/7, featuring deputies performing routine patrols and other duties. (More)

➤ Canfield: Former Mayor Bernie Kosar Sr., father of former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar Jr., has died at age 87. (More)

➤ Centerville: The city is warning residents about box-tree moths, an invasive pest dangerous to boxwood plants. Officials recommend caterpillar insecticides to treat infestations. (More)

➤ Ohio upset Big 12 opponent West Virginia 17-10, holding the Mountaineers to 250 total yards and tallying four sacks. (Recap)

➤ The Cincinnati Reds unveiled a statue of Marty Brennaman at Great American Ball Park’s Crosley Terrace, honoring the legendary broadcaster who called games for 46 years. (See Photos)

➤ Jeremiah Smith caught an 87-yard touchdown pass in Ohio State’s 70-0 win over Grambling State, the second-longest pass play in program history and the longest recorded at Ohio Stadium. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | Soccer | WNBA | Golf | U.S. Open | NASCAR | F1

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➤ Cincinnati food trucks in Over-the-Rhine and the Central Business District must close by 11 p.m. on weekends under a new public safety rule. (More)

➤ Ohio State’s season-opening win over Texas delivered a record day for Columbus businesses, with one business owner saying over 40% of her yearly sales come from home football weekends. (More)

➤ A state lawmaker is urging Kings Island and Cedar Point to make their ride-status apps accessible off-site, providing live updates on wait times and closures. (More)

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➤ The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium named its baby elephant Rita Jean, born in July, honoring the Wolfe family, whose legacy has shaped the zoo for more than a century. (See Rita Jean)

➤ Tickets go on sale this week for Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, in Cincinnati, featuring an illuminated wooded trail with magical creatures, interactive moments, and Harry Potter universe attractions. (Details)

➤ Tyler Childers will headline next year’s Buckeye Country Superfest, taking place June 13, 2026, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. (Details)

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Which NFL team do you cheer for?

1. Browns
   
2. Bengals
   
3. Steelers
   
4. Lions
   
5. Other
   
6. Not a fan
   

Friday’s Results:

Should energy companies be allowed to adjust your thermostat or water heater?

1. No: 62%
2. Yes: 19%
3. No opinion: 19%

What do the 17 stars on Ohio’s flag represent?

Show me the answer