Friday, July 3, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1863, the 8th Ohio Infantry Regiment helped repel Pickett’s Charge, the Confederate assault on Union lines during the Battle of Gettysburg.

🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July weekend! Celebrations are already underway across Ohio ahead of tomorrow’s 250th anniversary of American independence, and if you’re looking for ways to join in, check Top Stories for events happening around the state.

We're always interested in products that take an everyday task and simply make it easier. That's what caught our attention about today's sponsor, the Sonic Glow Brush. If you've ever wished brushing your teeth was quicker without sacrificing a thorough clean, this is worth a look.

Senator Targets Birthright Citizenship

Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno said he will introduce legislation to end birthright citizenship, turning to Congress after this week’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling left the concept intact.

Moreno said he’s reviving legislation originally introduced by former Senate Democrat leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada. The Immigration Stabilization Act of 2026 would end birthright citizenship, increase penalties for illegal immigration, and reduce legal immigration.

Moreno criticized the Supreme Court’s ruling on social media, saying it ignored the 14th Amendment and “handed a win” to the Chinese Communist Party.

Vice President JD Vance, an Ohio native, called the ruling “atrocious,” warning that it would fuel birth tourism. He also pointed to a “silver lining,” saying the split vote showed that the concept of birthright citizenship is “hanging by a thread.”

CBJ, Werenski Address Trade Rumors

The Columbus Blue Jackets and star defenseman Zach Werenski addressed trade rumors directly Wednesday, seeking to clear up public confusion after Werenski rejected a trade to the Dallas Stars.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said in a statement that Werenski indicated earlier this spring that he was uncertain about a potential future contract extension with Columbus, prompting Waddell to explore trade options.

Werenski said he wished that “this wouldn’t have become such a public thing,” but added that he wants to win, and he wants to “do that in Columbus.”

Columbus also lost captain Boone Jenner to the Washington Capitals in free agency amid uncertainty surrounding Werenski and other players. Jenner signed a four-year, $23 million contract with Washington.

Fireworks to Light Up Ohio's Skies

Ohio will roll out dozens of fireworks shows over Independence Day weekend, giving nearly every region a way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Red, White & BOOM! in Columbus headlines today’s schedule as one of the Midwest’s largest displays. Cedar Point’s Star-Spangled Celebration is ongoing in Sandusky, while Conneaut hosts Red, White & Boom Over Lake Erie.

Cincinnati will hold neighborhood shows throughout the holiday weekend, while Dayton’s Lights in Flight returns downtown and Nelsonville stages Thunder in the Valley.

Cleveland officials expect more than 100,000 visitors for Light Up the Lake and are warning drivers to prepare for heavy traffic and limited parking.

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➤ Statewide: Ohio attorney general candidates are calling for greater transparency at JobsOhio after an ethics complaint accused the board chairman of conflicts tied to a $100 million nuclear-reactor fund and a utility he lobbies for. (More)

➤ Also Statewide: During hearings before the state legislature’s Joint Data Center Committee, lawmakers have suggested that foreign social media influence, including activity tied to the Chinese Communist Party, may be helping fuel pushback against data centers. (More)

➤ Columbus: The city Rec & Parks Department post celebrating Somali Independence Day drew online backlash, prompting the department to delete the message after it spread widely. (More)

➤ Cleveland: The family of slain police officer Jamieson Ritter is suing the city, alleging the department was dangerously understaffed when he was killed in the line of duty. (More)

➤ Toledo: East Toledo is slated for a major overhaul of Front and Main streets after U.S. Sen. Jon Husted announced $19.5 million in BUILD grants for the project. (More)

➤ Cincinnati: Breeze Airways is launching two seasonal nonstop routes from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Portland, Maine. (More)

➤ Also Cincinnati: The U.S. Coast Guard warned Ohio River boaters about a surge in dangerous debris from recent flooding ahead of the July Fourth holiday weekend. (More)

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➤ The Ohio State University’s Board of Trustees approved Ohio Stadium renovations, including a new south end zone video board and upgraded audio system, with work expected to be completed before the 2027 football season. (More)

➤ An Ohio judge is expected to rule July 9 on a preliminary injunction request from 24 men’s and women’s college basketball players challenging new NCAA age-eligibility rules. (More)

➤ Ursuline College sued the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, alleging the league is forcing the school out because it primarily sponsors women’s sports, creating scheduling problems for men’s teams. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | Wimbledon | MLB | WNBA | Golf

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➤ Cincinnati-based Kroger said Giant Eagle will keep its name after Kroger’s $1.65 billion acquisition of the grocery chain, with Giant Eagle continuing to operate as a division of the parent company. (More)

➤ The Ohio Supreme Court upheld a ruling allowing utilities to bill customers to support two money-losing coal plants, ending a dispute tied to the House Bill 6 scandal. (More)

➤ Cleveland Hopkins International Airport broke ground on its new Gold Lot, a 1,600-space parking project that is part of the airport’s broader modernization effort. (More)

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➤ An Ohio family moving from the Buckeye State to Florida found their household belongings, from a child’s bed to a grandmother’s violin, being auctioned off after they had already paid the movers. (More)

➤ The Ohio State Highway Patrol is adding troopers to the roads throughout the July Fourth holiday weekend as part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign. (More)

➤ The city of Akron opened its first esports game room at the Lawton Street Community Center ahead of a middle school summer camp next week, with plans to open the space to the public in August. (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. Clicking the links will take you directly to these stories:

➤ Trump Accounts launch on the Fourth of July with a $1,000 federal deposit, though most eligible families have yet to enroll. (Hear Details)

➤ Wisconsin school officials barred a graduating senior from including a Bible verse in the ceremony slideshow. (Hear Episode)

➤ Brooklyn bodegas are openly selling an experimental weight-loss drug over the counter, despite a federal ban on its commercial sale. (Listen Now)