Monday, February 23, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1949, WHIO-TV, the Miami Valley's first television station, went on the air. WHIO initially broadcasted four hours a day, and programs included local talk shows, sports, and news.

🥇 Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski helped deliver the U.S. its first men's hockey gold medal in 46 years. Read more about his performance and the team's tributes to the late Johnny Gaudreau in today's Top Stories.

Across Ohio, watch parties celebrated the American gold medal victory. The reaction at Miami University to the overtime game-winner is available here.

Today's sponsor is Splash Spotless Cleaning Products, makers of a hands-free foam toilet cleaner that tackles stains and odors without scrubbing—just pour, let it foam, and flush.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

Werenski Assists Hockey Gold Winner

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski set up Jack Hughes for an overtime goal against Canada, securing Team USA's first men's hockey gold medal since the 1980 Miracle on Ice.

Werenski also played a significant role in the U.S. reaching the finals, assisting on three goals in the semifinal against Slovakia and becoming the first Blue Jackets player to record three points in an Olympic hockey game.

Following the 2-1 victory against Canada, U.S. players paid tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau, parading his jersey around the ice and posing for a team photo with two of his children. Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, died in August 2024 after they were struck by a driver while bicycling the night before their sister's wedding.

Johnny Gaudreau played for the Columbus Blue Jackets alongside Werenski from 2022 until his death.

Trump Pledges $10M to East Palestine's Recovery

President Trump said in a social media post last week that the federal government will provide $10 million for East Palestine's economic recovery following the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment.

The derailment involved a leak of toxic chemicals, forcing over 2,000 residents to evacuate and leading to reported health issues such as migraines, nosebleeds, and memory problems.

The National Institutes of Health has an ongoing five-year project to study the short- and long-term effects of the chemicals released during the derailment.

Trump said that what was allowed to happen in East Palestine was "horrible," stating his desire for the city to grow and "flourish." Trump and former President Biden were among the high-profile officials who visited the town in the wake of the incident.

DOJ Sues OhioHealth

The U.S. Department of Justice has sued OhioHealth, alleging the hospital system limits competition and raises health care costs for patients.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost joined the suit, which alleges that OhioHealth restricts "commercial health insurers from offering health plans that allow patients to share in the savings that come from choosing OhioHealth's lower-cost rivals."

The government claims OhioHealth's actions violate the Sherman Antitrust Act. Yost noted that consumers are the "biggest losers" when competition is restricted.

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➤ Statewide: A Franklin County judge ruled State Teachers' Retirement System board members improperly coordinated with an outside investment firm to transfer control of the pension fund serving more than 500,000 Ohio teachers. (More)

➤ Tipp City: Police arrested Caleb Flynn, a former American Idol contestant, in connection with the fatal shooting of his wife, Ashley, and the alleged staging of the crime scene. (More)

➤ Cincinnati: Education officials postponed the opening of its "safe sleep lot," a designated parking area for families of homeless students at William Howard Taft Elementary School, to mid-April from March. (More)

➤ Columbus: The Ohio State University said it achieved a record $1.68 billion in research and development expenditures in 2025, aided by a 3% increase in funding from federal partners. (More)

➤ Franklin County: Blendon Township police officer Connor Grubb, acquitted in the shooting death of Ta'Kiya Young, resigned and accepted $150,000 for lost benefits and back pay. (More)

➤ Toledo: Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order Friday morning after hazmat crews responded to a reported ammonia leak at the Sofo Food Facility on Waggoner Road, then lifted it that afternoon. (More)

➤ Ohio native Connor Curran, in his Olympic debut, won gold in freeski team mixed aerials Saturday at the 2026 Winter Games. (More)

➤ Cincinnati men's basketball upset No. 8 Kansas 84–68 on Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse, handing the Jayhawks their largest home loss to an unranked opponent since 1973. (More)

➤ The Cincinnati Open Sporting Club will open to the public on March 16 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, featuring a 56,000-square-foot clubhouse and a 53,000-square-foot indoor tennis center. (See Photos)

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➤ Elon Musk Sounds Alarm on China's Silver Ban "This is not good," Musk warned as China cut off 70% of global silver refining in January—right as demand exploded. Silver powers Tesla batteries, AI chips, and military tech. No substitute exists. Silver jumped 144% in 2025. In the 1970s, a similar crisis sent prices from $1.50 to $50—a 3,000% gain. Analysts say this shortage is worse. Early investors could see historic upside. 👉 Get The Free Silver Report & See How to Profit

➤ Microsoft plans to begin construction this month on a new data center in Hebron, scheduled for completion in November, as state legislators consider proposals to further regulate data centers in Ohio. (More)

➤ Lowe's will lay off hundreds of employees at two North Carolina support centers, including 17 Ohio workers, with most separations beginning April 19 and concluding by May 1. (More)

➤ Mr. Clean, the mascot for Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble's cleaning brand, announced his retirement after 68 years, though the company said its cleaning products will remain available. (See Mr. Clean)

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➤ Cincinnati Chili Week kicks off today and runs through March 1, with participating restaurants offering chili specials from $5 to $7 citywide. (See Restaurants)

➤ The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency seek poster submissions from kindergarten through eighth grade students to raise severe weather awareness. (More)

➤ The Ohio Department of Agriculture launched a new initiative to promote the state's wine industry by sharing stories from local winemakers and encouraging residents to explore Ohio wineries. (More)

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