Lightning Strike Sparks Apartment Fire

Investigators say a lightning strike likely caused a second-alarm fire early Wednesday at The Avenue at Polaris apartments in Columbus, displacing about 50 residents and sending three firefighters to the hospital.

Residents reported that smoke detectors did not activate and that they learned of the fire only after smelling smoke and spotting fire trucks outside.

The blaze was upgraded to a second alarm due to the building’s size and the risk to occupants. Hospitalized firefighters were treated for exhaustion and later released.

Rocket Launch Creates ‘Swirling Lights’ in Sky

A “ball of swirling light” spotted late Tuesday across Ohio was linked to the launch of United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, which sent two military satellites into space.

While the Perseids meteor shower peaked the same night, astronomer Jay Reynolds said the light likely came from rocket vapors reflecting sunlight and moonlight.

Sightings were also reported in central Ohio and across the eastern U.S., with reports from Pennsylvania to Maine.

The Vulcan rocket’s mission marked the first U.S. Space Force-sanctioned flight of the new launcher.

Feast of the Assumption Returns to Little Italy

A 126-year tradition returns to Cleveland’s Little Italy this evening as the Feast of the Assumption begins with food, games, and festivities starting at 6 p.m. along Mayfield Road.

The four-day Catholic street festival hosted by the Parish of Holy Rosary honors the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Festivalgoers can attend Mass and enjoy live music, games, inflatables, and desserts from local restaurants. A complete schedule of events is available here.

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➤ Statewide: Democratic state senators proposed raising Ohio’s minimum wage by $1 annually until it reaches $15 in 2029. The current rate is $10.70 for non-tipped workers and $5.35 for tipped workers. (More)

➤ Also statewide: Two Republican lawmakers proposed legalizing raw milk sales in Ohio, saying the measure would regulate existing sellers and improve safety. (More)

➤ Columbus: Several downtown streets are closed through Monday morning for CBUS Soul Fest, which this year expands to a two-day event. (See Closures)

➤ Sandusky County: A 78-year-old pilot was uninjured after a 2021 biplane he was piloting crashed while landing at the Sandusky County Regional Airport on Tuesday. He was wearing a seatbelt and safety goggles. (More)

➤ Ashland County: Gov. Mike DeWine attended the grand opening of Mohican State Park’s new 5,205-square-foot visitor center, featuring exhibits on the park’s cultural and natural history. (More)

➤ Bolivar: For the first time in 246 years, the American flag is flying over Fort Laurens—Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort—abandoned by U.S. forces in August 1779. (More)

➤ Third baseman José Ramírez became the Cleveland Guardians’ leader in multihomer games with his 27th, surpassing Jim Thome and Albert Belle, in a 4-3 win over the Miami Marlins on Tuesday night. (More)

➤ The Cleveland Cavaliers will play on Christmas Day for the first time since 2018, facing the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. (Details)

➤ Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s foundation is partnering with Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Appalachian Children’s Coalition to expand mental health services for students in southern Ohio. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA | LLWS

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➤ Eight-ounce containers of Clover Valley instant coffee sold at Dollar General stores in Ohio were recalled over concerns they may contain glass fragments. (Details)

➤ Spirit Halloween will open in more than 50 vacant Ohio storefronts this fall, including former Big Lots and JoAnn Fabrics locations, offering costumes, decorations, and seasonal merchandise. (See Locations)

➤ Toledo-based LPG, a property management and real estate company, ranked No. 275 on Inc.com’s 2025 list of the nation’s 5,000 fastest-growing private companies. (More)

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➤ The Akron Zoo invites the public to vote on a name for its newborn male white-cheeked gibbon by Aug. 26, with the gibbon family choosing between the top two names. (Vote Here)

➤ Reader’s Digest named Cincinnati chili—served over spaghetti with cheddar and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—Ohio’s signature comfort food. (See Recipe)

➤ The Ohio Department of Development awarded over $46 million through the Motion Picture Tax Credit Program to support 27 production projects across 14 communities, including films, TV series, theatrical productions, documentaries, and digital media. (More)

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Did you see the unusual lights in the sky Tuesday night?

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2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

What does a gallon of gas cost near you?

1. $3.20 or more: 15%
2. $2.80-$2.89: 15%
3. $2.69 or less: 14%
4. $2.70-$2.79: 14%
5. $2.90-$2.99: 14%
6. $3.00-$3.09: 14%
7. $3.10-$3.19: 14%

Which four Ohio counties have the longest names?

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