Thursday, April 24, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1902, John Eisenmann transferred his patent for the Ohio flag—the only non-rectangular state flag in the country—to the state of Ohio.

Real ID-compliant driver's licenses become mandatory for air travel in May. Don't have one yet? Find out what documents to bring to your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles in today's Top Stories.

Later today, we'll be sending you a special message from our sponsor, Pacaso, sharing an exciting investment opportunity in their luxury home platform.

We're sponsored today by Prime Biome, with tips for helping you have smoother, younger-looking skin.

BMV Extends Hours for Real IDs

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will extend its Saturday hours on April 26 and May 3 ahead of the federal Real ID deadline on May 7. Instead of the usual noon closing time, BMV locations will stay open until 3 p.m. on these two Saturdays.

After the May 7 deadline, Ohioans must have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, or a valid passport, to board domestic flights. If your driver's license has a star in the top right corner, it is Real ID compliant.

To obtain a Real ID-compliant license or card, residents need to provide their Social Security number, proof of identity, two documents proving Ohio residency, and proof of any name changes if applicable. Read more about the Real ID process here.

Poor Air Quality Widespread

Many of Ohio's most populous areas struggle with poor air quality, according to an American Lung Association report. Of the 33 counties studied, most received low or failing grades for smog and particulate pollution.

Six counties were given an F based on the number of high ozone days: Butler, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Lake, Lucas, and Warren. Only Washington and Lawrence counties received an A. You can see the full report here.

For particulate pollution, none of the counties received an A. Six counties received an F: Butler, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Preble, Stark, and Trumbull.

Among metro areas across the country, the Cleveland-Akron-Canton area ranked No. 9 and Cincinnati ranked No. 14 for the most polluted by year-round particle pollution.

Colleges Criticize Trump Policies

Eleven college presidents from Ohio joined more than 200 leaders nationwide in signing a letter denouncing the Trump administration's higher education reforms and federal funding limits as "unprecedented government overreach."

The presidents of Antioch, Oberlin, Otterbein, Kenyon, Capital, Heidelberg, Wooster, Dayton, Columbus College of Art & Design, Ohio Wesleyan, and Denison colleges signed the letter that criticizes the deportations of foreign students and the "coercive use of public research funding." Read the letter here.

Ohio Wesleyan's Matt vandenBerg called the letter a rare moment of "solidarity," while Otterbein's John Comerford called government intrusion by any political party an "attack on democracy."

Harrison Fields, a White House spokesperson, said in an email that the administration is "standing up for equality and fairness and will not be swayed by worthless letters by overpaid blowhards."

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➤ Cleveland: Mayor Justin Bibb delivered his final State of the City address of his first term, highlighting public safety improvements and efforts to keep the Browns downtown. (More)

➤ State: Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost certified the language of a proposed statewide ballot question to end qualified immunity for police and other public officials after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene. Next, the proposed question goes to the state Ballot Board for its review. (More)

➤ Columbus: Police are investigating reports of hidden cameras found in Morrill Tower dorm bathrooms at Ohio State University. (More)

➤ Cincinnati: The Interstate 71 Lytle Tunnel will close overnight Friday and Saturday for maintenance and repairs. (Details)

➤ Butler County: The National Weather Service confirmed Ohio's 15th tornado of 2025, an EF0 that crossed from Indiana into Butler County on April 3, causing tree and minor structural damage over 10 miles. (More)

➤ Steubenville: The state Environmental Protection Agency has noted concerns about the city's public water system operating without a certified operator. (More)

➤ Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points in leading Cleveland to a 121-112 win over Miami on Wednesday night, giving the Cavaliers a 2-0 series lead. (Box Score)

➤ Cleveland Guardians' infielder David Fry learned he's expecting a second daughter during a gender reveal by teammate Steven Kwan, who put on a pink wristband during Tuesday's win over the Yankees. (Watch Video)

➤ Top Cincinnati Reds prospect Chase Burns was promoted to Double-A Chattanooga. The 22-year-old right-hander posted a 3.09 ERA and 0.86 WHIP with 20 strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings for High-A Dayton. (More)

➤ Sean Stewart, a former five-star prospect, entered the transfer portal after one season with Ohio State men's basketball. (More)

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➤ Norfolk Southern reported $750 million in first-quarter profits, boosted by $141 million in insurance payments for the East Palestine train derailment. (More)

➤ Cobra, a cocktail bar and Asian-fusion eatery in Columbus, is among the select group of restaurant bars in the central U.S. nominated for Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. (More)

➤ Mercy Health will build an emergency room in Champion, featuring 25 beds, a helipad, and 75 nurses. It's expected to open in 2026. (More)

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Scientists at University College Cork tested a simple 10-second technique on 674 women battling wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging skin.

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➤ Moses Eldridge, Ohio's oldest known living World War II veteran, celebrated his 108th birthday last week. The Columbus resident was drafted in 1943 and earned a medal for his service. (Watch Video Report)

➤ The Cincinnati Zoo announced 12-year-old gorilla Gladys is pregnant for the first time after overcoming a past arm injury, treated with a novel 3D-printed titanium cast. (More)

➤ Columbus Metropolitan Library will host a free Star Wars event on May 3, featuring set recreations, costumed characters, and themed activities. Donations benefit Mid-Ohio Food Collective. (Details)

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