Ohio Expands Testing Investigation

Ohio education officials are investigating “significant testing anomalies” at more than 50 additional public and charter schools statewide after Columbus City Schools self-reported problems at Independence and Walnut Ridge high schools, where spring test scores were invalidated.

The statewide review flagged 37 charter schools and 15 traditional public schools. State letters cited unusual patterns involving late answer changes, testing speed, year-to-year swings, and results inconsistent with student ability.

Several schools in Franklin County, Hillview Elementary School in Newark, all Steubenville City Schools buildings, and several Cincinnati-area schools have been named.

The original Columbus cases involved reports that students used cellphones or other smart technology during testing.

Severe Storms Batter Ohio

Powerful thunderstorms knocked out electricity to nearly 53,000 customers across eight Northeast Ohio counties Thursday evening as destructive winds, torrential rain, hail, and flooding swept through the region.

The National Weather Service warned of wind gusts up to 80 mph, and a tornado warning was issued east of Cleveland after a funnel cloud was reported near Timberlake.

The storms damaged the Geauga County Fair—forcing the cancellation of Thursday night’s demolition derby—while also toppling trees onto homes and vehicles and prompting water rescues in Summit County.

Northwest Ohio also took a hit, with wind gusts near 60 mph knocking trees and large branches onto homes, roads, and a vehicle in Toledo.

No. 1 Buckeyes Open Season

No. 1 Ohio State kicks off its 2026 season today against Ball State at Ohio Stadium, a tuneup before the Buckeyes travel to face No. 5 Texas next week.

The 12:30 p.m. kickoff will mark the first meeting between the programs, with Ohio State entering as a 50.5-point favorite.

Before the game, Ohio State will recognize 31 players during the program’s first season-opening Senior Day ceremony. Jim Tressel will also be inducted into the Ohio Stadium Ring of Honor.

Elsewhere around the state, Cincinnati hosts Boston College this afternoon, while Ohio, Bowling Green, Miami University, Kent State, and Youngstown State are also in action.

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➤ Lebanon: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin met Friday with law enforcement officials for a roundtable focused on federal immigration enforcement, while also urging Haitians to return to their home country. (More)

➤ Cleveland: ODOT abruptly closed the State Route 17 bridge between West 220th Street and NASA Parkway after inspectors found more extensive deterioration in its supporting floor beams, triggering emergency repairs and detours. (See Details)

➤ Also Cleveland: Eleven Glenville High School football players were suspended from school and ruled ineligible for two games after Grove City police charged them with theft in connection with an alleged shoplifting incident involving more than $4,500 in merchandise. (More)

➤ Central Ohio: AT&T and Verizon outages disrupted phone service Friday at law enforcement agencies and hospitals. AT&T later said 911 service in Franklin and Muskingum counties had been restored. (See Details)

➤ Columbus: The Ohio State University was selected as one of eight universities participating in Foundry School—a federal program with 17 advanced manufacturing sessions covering factory design, supply chains, energy, and defense production. (More)

➤ New Albany: U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, said Intel is “100% committed” to completing its delayed semiconductor plant, though he acknowledged there is no guarantee the project will ultimately be finished. (More)

➤ Chesterland: West Geauga High School Principal Ryan Patti was named Ohio High School Principal of the Year. Patti is in his sixth year as principal and 15th year as an administrator. (More)

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➤ Jared Sullinger is returning to Ohio State as director of player development for the men’s basketball program after a decorated Buckeyes career, five NBA seasons, and professional stops overseas. (More)

➤ Ryan Day wants to remain Ohio State’s football coach for at least another decade, saying, “It’d be hard for someone to convince me there’s a better job in the country.” (More)

➤ Akron football opened its season with a 38-16 loss at Wake Forest as freshman quarterback Cibastian Broughton threw for 111 yards and led the Zips with 82 rushing yards. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: US Open | MLB | NCAAF | Soccer

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➤ Six baby bison have joined the conservation herd at the Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area Visitor Center in McConnelsville, where the growing herd can be seen Wednesday through Sunday. (See Bison)

➤ Spotted lanternfly sightings are increasing across central Ohio as the invasive pest reaches adulthood, prompting agriculture officials to urge residents to kill the insects and remove trees of heaven. (See Details)

➤ Columbus circus artist Cyara Hotopp officially earned a Guinness World Record after completing 93 spins in 30 seconds while suspended by her hair, surpassing the previous mark of 68. (More)

➤ Cleveland Orchestra musicians voted to authorize a strike as contract talks continue over wages and healthcare costs. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. 

➤ A simple blood test is rewriting how early Alzheimer’s can be caught and treated. (Listen Now)

➤ Social Security overpaid a retiree $35,000 and gave her just 30 days to pay it back. (Hear Details)

➤ AAA predicts drivers will face the highest Labor Day gas prices on record this holiday weekend. (Podcast Available)

Which Ohio college football program do you follow most closely?

1. Ohio State
   
2. Cincinnati
   
3. Miami
   
4. Ohio
   
5. Bowling Green
   
6. Toledo
   
7. Akron
   
8. Kent State
   
9. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

What are your Labor Day weekend travel plans?

1. Staying home: 82%
2. Driving: 11%
3. Still deciding: 5%
4. Flying: 2%

The city of Findlay is named for Col. James Findlay, a veteran of which war?

Show me the answer