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A close-up of a driver's hands on a steering wheel, illustrating the impact of new Ohio BMV registration fees and costs in 2026.

News

Ohio BMV fees increase begins, vehicle registration and title services included

New year brings higher Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) fees for vehicle registration and title services. The modest increases aim to solve a public safety budget crisis without raising the gas tax. Jan. 1 changes mark the first major hike in years Beginning January 1, 2026, drivers across the state will pay more…

ByNina OliverioJanuary 2, 20260Comments

Concept image for the TriHealth UnitedHealthcare agreement showing the word Healthcare on shredded paper.

Health News

TriHealth UnitedHealthcare agreement reached just before 2026 deadline

The new TriHealth UnitedHealthcare agreement ensures that thousands of Cincinnati patients will maintain their in-network coverage for the new year. Local families are breathing a sigh of relief after the last-minute TriHealth UnitedHealthcare agreement prevented a major disruption in care. Just hours before the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, TriHealth and UnitedHealthcare finalized…

ByNina OliverioJanuary 2, 20260Comments

Empty swings at a playground. Image used to represent the shooting in West End of Cincinnati where an 11-year-old was shot.

News

New Year’s tragedy: 11-year-old girl fatally shot in West End playground

The new year has begun with heartbreak for the West End community. An 11-year-old girl was fatally shot at a neighborhood playground on the evening of January 1. The Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) is currently investigating the incident, which occurred just hours after the city rang in 2026. According to initial police reports, officers responded…

ByNina OliverioJanuary 2, 20260Comments

A top-down view of several colorful soda cans grouped together, illustrating sugar-sweetened beverages subject to SNAP ban proposals.

Health News

SNAP bans on soda to take effect in five states

Starting today, several states are officially implementing SNAP bans on soda and candy. This is part of a sweeping national health initiative. This significant shift in federal policy means SNAP bans on soda and other non-nutritious items will begin. It will reshape the grocery experience for millions of Americans. Starting New Year’s Day 2026, the…

ByNina OliverioJanuary 1, 20260Comments

Students standing in a school hallway looking at their smartphones, illustrating the impact of the new Ohio school phone policy restrictions.

News

New Ohio mandate tightens school phone policy statewide, takes effect this year

A significant shift in classroom management is underway across Ohio. Public school districts are preparing to implement stricter guidelines for personal devices. Signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine, House Bill 250 mandates that all districts adopt an official policy to minimize student cell phone use during school hours. The legislation, which aims…

ByNina OliverioJanuary 1, 20260Comments

U.S. HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill on the left and a man in a suit with glasses on the right.

Health National News News

HHS freezes federal child care payments to Minnesota amid allegations of widespread fraud

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has frozen all federal child care payments to Minnesota and imposed new verification requirements nationwide, citing allegations of rampant fraud in the state's childcare programs. Deputy HHS Secretary Jim O'Neill announced the measures in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on December 30, 2025, stating: "We…

ByNina OliverioJanuary 1, 20260Comments

News Politics

Ohio Lawmakers Push Early Action to Prevent Alleged Minnesota-Style Childcare Fraud in Columbus

Ohio lawmakers are moving to intervene early amid growing concerns. Publicly funded childcare programs in the Columbus area may be showing warning signs similar to those that preceded one of the largest fraud scandals in recent Midwestern history. Childcare fraud allegations have prompted urgent attention. In late December, 43 members of the Ohio General Assembly…

ByAdam KoehlerDecember 31, 20250Comments

News Sports

Joe Burrow Trade Rumors Explode: Could the Bengals Actually Deal Their Franchise QB This Offseason?

As the Cincinnati Bengals limp to the end of a frustrating 2025 season—currently sitting at around 6-10 after a disappointing campaign marred by injuries and defensive struggles—the NFL world is buzzing with one question: Is Joe Burrow on the trade block, possibly leading to a Joe Burrow trade? The 29-year-old superstar quarterback's candid comments in…

ByRob KantnerDecember 31, 20250Comments

Silver handcuffs resting on a dark wooden surface, representing the reduction in violent crime across Ohio in 2025.

News

State crime reduction initiative yields over 500 felony arrests in 2025, says Ohio governor

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that a targeted state initiative aimed at curbing violent crime has resulted in 521 felony arrests. Additionally, the initiative led to the seizure of 175 illegally possessed firearms over the past year. The results come from the Governor’s Violent Crime Reduction Initiative. This initiative deployed state resources to support…

ByNina OliverioDecember 31, 20250Comments

Close-up of a firefighter in uniform holding a handheld two-way radio device against a blurred background.

Community News

Ohio fire grants award millions to upgrade department equipment

Ohio fire grants provide critical funding for emergency radio communication upgrades and safety gear across the state. State officials announce nearly $4 million in Ohio fire grants to help first responders modernize their radios. State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon announced this week that 198 fire departments across the state have been selected to receive significant…

ByNina OliverioDecember 31, 20250Comments