Sunday, June 14, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1876, the Republican National Convention opened in Cincinnati, where Ohio's own Rutherford B. Hayes was nominated for president.

In case you missed it, this week on The Flyover Podcast, Ayla Brown broke down the clearest guidance yet on alcohol consumption and health. Scientists have debated for years whether a daily drink helps or harms you, and a major new study offered fresh answers. Ayla explained what the latest research found and what it could mean for your long-term health. Listen here.

Today’s sponsor is Insurify, a simple tool that helps drivers compare auto insurance quotes from multiple companies in minutes. With insurance costs continuing to rise across the country, more people are looking for ways to lower monthly expenses without sacrificing coverage. That’s why we’re highlighting Insurify today.

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.

Pharmacists Get Expanded Healthcare Powers

Ohio pharmacists will soon be able to screen, test, and treat patients for strep throat, influenza, COVID-19, and RSV under legislation passed by the Ohio Senate this week.

The bill moves beyond dispensing medications to let pharmacists diagnose and prescribe treatment, meaning a major expansion of their scope of practice. Supporters say it will reduce pressure on overloaded primary care offices and emergency rooms across the state.

Rural Ohioans and residents in lower-income communities stand to benefit most, where waits for a primary care appointment can stretch weeks and the nearest doctor may be a significant drive away.

The measure now heads to the Ohio House amid major activity in the legislature before its summer break.

Cincinnati Seminary Fights State Lawsuit

Hebrew Union College, the nation's oldest Jewish seminary and a Cincinnati institution since 1875, filed a motion Friday to dismiss a state lawsuit seeking to block its planned campus consolidation.

The motion argues that the suit, brought by former Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, violates the First Amendment's protections for religious institutions. The college contends the state has no authority to dictate how a faith-based institution manages its internal affairs and assets.

Yost sued in April, claiming Hebrew Union misled donors when it began winding down Cincinnati operations to consolidate with its New York and Los Angeles campuses. The school has operated in Cincinnati for 151 years and trains Reform rabbis, cantors, and educators.

A judge has yet to rule on the motion to dismiss.

576-Pound Bear Collared in Ohio

Ohio wildlife officials collared a 576-pound black bear in Ashtabula County this week, clocking in at nearly twice the normal weight for black bears in the region.

The male bear was captured as part of a tracking program run by the Ohio Division of Wildlife and university researchers. Staff biologist Katie Dennison called him "unusually large."

Ohio recorded a record 537 black bear sightings in 2025, up sharply from prior years, as the animals push westward from the Pennsylvania border. State officials cite "consistent evidence" of bears reestablishing themselves in Ohio.

The collar allows researchers to track the bear's movements as the population expands further into Ohio communities.

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➤ Akron: City officials launched PIVOT, a program sending hospital counselors to gun violence victims to break retaliation cycles. Shooting victims through May hit 58, up 20 from last year, and bars in Highland Square now face early-closing orders. (More)

➤ Steubenville: Residents gather Sunday evening at Fort Steuben Park for a “Stop the Violence” vigil, organized by families of local shooting victims, to remember the fallen and push for change in the Jefferson County river city. (More)

➤ Norwood: The Skyline Chili franchise raised more than $150,000 in 10 days for the two children of Alyssa Hill, 27, a waitress fatally stabbed at the restaurant June 2 by her ex-boyfriend, who faces murder charges. (More)

➤ Clermont County: Bethel Police Chief Chad Essert, 44, was indicted by a Clermont County grand jury on 70 felony counts, including 56 of sexual battery and 14 of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. (More)

➤ Statewide: The Ohio House passed a bill this week requiring the state to replace all Electronic Benefits Transfer cards with chip-enabled versions designed to prevent the skimming fraud that has cost SNAP recipients millions of dollars. (More)

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➤ Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson said he's fully healthy for the first time since Week 3 of the 2023 season. The competition for the starting job between Watson and Shedeur Sanders is expected to carry into training camp in July. (More)

➤ Hamilton Badin claimed its first title in 30 years by beating Columbus Bishop Watterson. The OHSAA baseball tournament continues throughout the weekend. (Tournament Info)

➤ Bernhard Langer, a two-time Masters champion and World Golf Hall of Fame member, has been named the 2027 Tournament Honoree for the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin. (More)

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A Simple Financial Checkup That Could Pay Off

Most people review subscriptions, phone plans, and streaming services when looking to save money—but insurance is often one of the biggest monthly expenses that gets overlooked.

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➤ A Payne, Ohio man is pedaling coast to coast across America to raise awareness for mental health, cycling from the Pacific in California to the Atlantic. (More)

➤ The Columbus Arts Festival closes its 64th year today along the Scioto Mile, with more than 400,000 visitors expected over the three-day run and more than 250 visual artists on display. Today is the final day. (More)

➤ Cleveland Metroparks opened the Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center at E. 55th Street Marina this weekend as Ohio's first community sailing facility on Lake Erie, featuring lessons for all skill levels and waterfront dining. (More)

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➤ Hearing persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears? While many people blame hearing damage, experts say hidden factors may be making tinnitus worse. By identifying these underlying triggers, some people are finding ways to reduce the noise and enjoy greater peace and quiet. Learn more about what may be causing your tinnitus.