Thursday, February 19, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1803, Congress approved Ohio’s admission to the Union, but failed to formally ratify the state constitution. President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially signed Ohio’s statehood into law on Aug. 7, 1953.

Students at Edgewood Primary scored an unexpected day off after a burst water line flooded the school, sending crews scrambling. See the flooding in today's Around section.

Tune into today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, where Ayla Brown breaks down a new ranking of the best and worst states to retire in. Wondering where Ohio lands? We’ve got that, plus the key takeaways you won't want to miss. Watch here.

Today’s sponsor, Incogni, helps protect your Social Security number and other sensitive personal information by removing it from data brokers and people-search sites, reducing your risk of scams, identity theft, and unwanted exposure online.

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.

Japan to Invest $33B in Ohio

Japan plans to invest $33 billion in a natural gas power plant near Portsmouth, expected to generate 9.2 gigawatts, enough to power about 7.4 million homes at full capacity.

The plant is part of a broader $550 billion U.S. investment pledge made by Japan and announced Tuesday by the Trump administration, which also includes projects in Texas and Georgia.

President Trump tied Japan’s latest U.S. investment pledge to a trade deal that reduces tariffs on Japanese imports to 15%.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the deal will, “strengthen grid reliability, expand baseload power, and support American manufacturing with affordable energy.”

Cleveland Loses $3.3M Grant

Mayor Justin Bibb faced criticism at Cleveland City Council budget hearings after the city lost a $3.3 million lead abatement grant, telling members, “The buck stops with me.”

The $3.3 million was part of a $4.9 million grant awarded in 2024 through the Ohio Department of Development using federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to replace lead-coated windows and doors, a major source of childhood lead exposure.

Federal rules required the grant funds to be spent by the end of February, but Cleveland used only about $1.6 million of the $4.9 million, the Ohio Department of Development said in a statement.

A Bibb cabinet member initially blamed state regulations for the lost $3.3 million grant, but the administration later walked back the claim after Bibb acknowledged the city created excessive red tape that caused the failure.

Warmer Temperatures Trigger Ice Jams

Warmer temperatures across northeast Ohio have broken apart river ice formed during a record-breaking cold streak, causing ice jams and increasing flooding risk through the weekend. See ice jam here.

Thawing temperatures and ice jams flooded parts of Eastlake after ice broke upstream. Grand River Metroparks closed as water rose, and firefighters warned that predicted rain could worsen conditions.

The National Weather Service also issued a flood advisory for Lake County on Wednesday after ice jams on the Grand River threatened Painesville, Fairport Harbor, and Grand River.

Officials said Mother Nature offers the best solution to ice jams, as a slow, steady thaw lets ice break apart and flow into the lake at a manageable rate, but residents should prepare in case conditions worsen.

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➤ Statewide: A statewide quarantine was issued for the invasive spotted lanternfly, restricting movement of trees and nursery stock as officials warn of threats to agriculture, including the state’s $6 billion grape industry. (See Lanternfly)

➤ Cincinnati: Officials approved $210,000 for the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center to provide legal aid, rights education, and social services to immigrant residents facing ICE detention. (More)

➤ Tipp City: The FBI joined state and local authorities investigating the fatal shooting of Ashley Flynn, 37, in her Tipp City home, as the tight-knit community mourns and rallies around her family. (More)

➤ New Albany: Les Wexner is set to face a House Oversight deposition in New Albany over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, as residents voice skepticism and call for accountability. (More)

➤ Trenton: Edgewood Primary School in Butler County was closed after a main water line burst, flooding parts of the building with about 191,000 gallons of water and forcing cleanup and repairs before students can return. (See Flooding)

➤ Miami County: Gov. Mike DeWine joined state officials to open two upgraded rest areas featuring native plants, dog trails, family restrooms, and exhibits highlighting Ohio’s history and attractions. (More)

➤ Sagamore Hills native Kyra Dossa, 22, competed on Wednesday in Qualifications 1 and 2 at Livigno Snow Park, scoring 53.55 and 75.98 but not advancing in Olympic aerials competition. (More)

➤ Cincinnati handed No. 5 Auburn its first loss Tuesday night, using a six-run surge over the final two innings to secure an 8-0 win at Plainsman Park. (More)

➤ Former Cincinnati Reds greats Barry Larkin and Johnny Bench headlined the 2026 Governor’s Baseball Dinner in West Palm Beach, celebrating the Florida Grapefruit League season and Orlando’s MLB expansion push. (More)

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➤ More than 36,000 customers have filed over $57 million in claims after Columbus-based Value City Furniture closed its stores and declared bankruptcy, leaving them without deliveries or refunds. (More)

➤ Northside business owners say a pattern of violence led a landlord to terminate Spotlight Lounge’s lease after a Sunday shooting killed two people and injured two others outside the bar. (More)

➤ Fast-casual chain Noodles & Company closed its Westerville and Upper Arlington locations as part of a nationwide downsizing plan that includes up to 35 additional closures this year. (More)

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➤ Alex Rodriguez, a 14-time All-Star and World Series champion, will speak at Youngstown State University’s Thomas Colloquium on March 26, discussing his 25 years building businesses overseeing 40 A-Rod Corp companies. (More)

➤ Epic Entertainment Center reopened on Monday at Colerain Township’s Northgate Mall, transforming a former movie theater into a 58,000-square-foot venue with go-karts, arcade games, ropes courses, and trampolines. (More)

➤ Cleveland Metroparks plans to hire 1,000 seasonal workers and will host a job fair on March 7 at the zoo, offering positions for applicants 16 and older through mid-October. (More)

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