Vice President JD Vance will visit Canton, Ohio, on July 28 to celebrate the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Vice President JD Vance to Visit Canton, Ohio to Celebrate ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’
Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit Stark County to mark the recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a new law aimed at supporting American families and businesses. The visit is expected to take place in Canton at noon, although the White House announcement on July 25 did not disclose the exact venue or additional details.
This high-profile visit aligns with one of Canton’s most celebrated weeks as the city prepares to host the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. This year’s inductees include Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Antonio Gates, and Sterling Sharpe, with the official ceremony scheduled for August 2 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
The vice president’s presence during this nationally recognized event highlights the increasing political and cultural significance of Northeast Ohio. Local residents and businesses alike are expected to benefit from the combined attention brought by the new legislation and Hall of Fame celebrations.
For continuing coverage on this and other breaking stories across Columbus and Ohio
coach James Kasser resigned following an investigation
Former Olentangy Berlin Wrestling Coach Resigns
Former wrestling coach at Olentangy Berlin High School has resigned after school officials investigated inappropriate text messages he sent to an 18-year-old former student-athlete.
James “Jamie” Kasser, 62, a longtime coach in Delaware and Union counties, stepped down from his role following a May investigation into messages described as sexually suggestive. According to records obtained through a public records request, the Olentangy Local School District was alerted in May about possible policy violations.
In a July 22 statement, the district confirmed it had informed the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, child protective services, and the Ohio State Board of Education’s Office for Professional Conduct about the matter.
Emails obtained show a parent previously a friend of Kasser, expressing deep disappointment. “I respected him for how he coached young women… I now believe he may be a predator,” the parent wrote.
Screenshots of Kasser’s messages beginning in February, reportedly shifted tone by April. Messages included flirtatious language such as “Sending naked hugs and kisses your way,” and “If I was younger, I would have snatched you up.”
In a July 23 interview, Kasser claimed his intentions were supportive and that he believed the student was experiencing emotional distress. “I am sure my word choice could have been better, but my intentions were pure,” he said.
A May sexual battery investigation by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office was closed with no charges filed. The student said Kasser had been texting her and her teammates for years, and while the messages felt “weird,” she initially brushed them off.
Kasser officially resigned on May 23, 2025, and is no longer affiliated with the district.
In response, Olentangy Berlin Principal Ben Jagger announced the hiring of a new coach who will continue to foster a safe and empowering environment for female athletes. The district emphasized its commitment to protecting students and upholding high ethical standards.
Kasser was once celebrated for his coaching career, even earning a gold medal in the 2013 Veterans World Championships. Many in the community expressed shock and disappointment, including Orange Township trustee Lisa Knapp, who said,“He was a very good coach to my kids. It’s heartbreaking.”
Lorain mourns Officer Wagner, killed in ambush shooting
One of the Lorain Officers Ambushed on July 23 Has Died, Police Confirm
One of theLorain police officers ambushed during a devastating shooting on July 23 has died, according to Acting Lorain Police Chief Michael Failing. Officer Phillip Wagner, 35, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds sustained during the targeted attack.
“Officer Wagner’s life and service to our city will never be forgotten,” Failing said. “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support. Our department mourns a true hero and stands with his family, colleagues, and friends during this heartbreaking time. We ask the community to keep them in your prayers.”
Officers Peter Gale and Brent Payne were also shot in the ambush. Payne remains in serious condition, while Gale, who was shot in the hand, is recovering.
The shooter, identified as 28-year-old Michael Parker of Lorain, was killed when officers returned fire.
The ambush unfolded around 1 p.m. near River Bend Drive and Colorado Industrial Park while the officers were taking a break in their patrol vehicles. The suspect began shooting with a rifle before the officers could respond. One managed to call for backup during the attack.
Authorities, including the Elyria Police Department, the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), are leading the investigation into the incident.
Emergency responders gather at River Bend Drive after ambush shooting involving Lorain police officers.
3 Lorain Police Officers Shot in Suspected Ambush
Lorain, Ohio– In a tragic ambush on Wednesday afternoon, three Lorain Police Department officers were shot, with two suffering serious injuries. Authorities confirm the officers were targeted in a planned attack involving high-powered weaponry.
According to officials, the suspect—described as a 28-year-old male—was lying in wait near River Bend Drive, an isolated area that dead-ends off Colorado Avenue. Officers Phillip Wagner and Peter Gale were having lunch in their patrol vehicles when the gunman opened fire.
The suspect reportedly had an “arsenal of weapons” and used a high-powered rifle to initiate the assault. Officer Wagner and Officer Brent Payne were critically injured and were airlifted to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. Officer Gale sustained a hand injury and was treated at Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital.
Police returned fire, and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. It remains unclear if he was killed by law enforcement or took his own life. Authorities executed a search warrant at the suspect’s home on Lakeview Boulevard shortly after the incident.
Due to the scope of the attack, the Elyria Police Department is leading the investigation, with support from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Multiple agencies, including the Elyria Fire Department, Avon Police, and Cleveland Police, provided critical assistance during the emergency response.
Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley expressed gratitude for the rapid support from state and federal leaders, including Governor Mike DeWine and Senator Jon Husted. “It is a tragic day for Lorain, but we are a strong city and we will move forward,” he said.
Governor DeWine described the incident as a “targeted attack on law enforcement,” adding that it underscores the risks officers face daily.
Lorain city offices will remain closed Thursday and Friday to allow the community and department to recover.
President Trump discusses the new U.S.-Japan trade deal at the White House, calling it a historic economic win for American industries ahead of rising global tariffs.
President Donald Trump Announces Massive U.S.-Japan Trade Deal
President Donald Trump has confirmed a significant trade agreement with Japan, avoiding the previously threatened 24% tariff hike by securing a lower 15% rate. Trump made the announcement on July 22 through a post on Truth Social and during a White House gathering with Republican lawmakers.
“This is a massive deal, possibly the largest in history between the United States and Japan,” Trump said, praising the agreement as a major win for American workers and industries. The agreement comes just days ahead of the August 1 deadline, when higher tariffs are set to impact global trade.
While exact details of the deal remain undisclosed, Trump revealed that Japan will invest $550 billion into the U.S., with America expected to receive 90% of the profits. Additionally, Japan has agreed to ease restrictions on imports of U.S. products including automobiles, rice, and other key agricultural exports.
Japan, currently the fourth-largest trading partner of the U.S., joins a growing list of countries with which the Trump administration has struck bilateral trade deals. These include recent agreements with the Philippines, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba confirmed early Wednesday from Tokyo that his government had received initial reports from negotiators in Washington, though he refrained from offering public comment on the specifics of the agreement.
Trump had previously introduced a universal 10% tariff back in April, delaying broader trade sanctions to allow room for negotiation. With the global tariff increase on the horizon, this Japan deal is seen as a strategic move to stabilize economic ties and secure American trade interests.
As U.S. trade policy continues to evolve, this landmark agreement marks a significant development in the country’s economic strategy.
Sammy Sasso, former Ohio State wrestling star and current Lehigh coach, is facing multiple firearm and drug charges following a Pennsylvania traffic stop in July 2025.
Former Ohio State Wrestling Star Sammy Sasso Arrested in Pennsylvania on Gun and Drug Charges
Former Ohio State wrestling star and current Lehigh University coach Sammy Sasso was arrested in Pennsylvania on July 16, 2025, after authorities discovered loaded firearms and suspected marijuana products during a traffic stop.
According to the affidavit, Sasso, 25, was pulled over by Nazareth Borough Police for driving a vehicle with expired registration. Upon questioning, Sasso admitted to having a firearm in the driver’s side door. He did not have a valid concealed carry permit.
Further inspection led officers to detect the scent of marijuana and spot dispensary-labeled packaging. A loaded Beretta .40 caliber handgun was recovered from the door compartment. Sasso confirmed he did not possess a Pennsylvania medical marijuana card.
With his consent, police searched the vehicle and found two THC vape cartridges and a container with marijuana residue. Upon checking the trunk, officers located a red Ohio State backpack. After initially refusing consent to search it, Sasso reportedly admitted it contained additional firearms.
A search warrant was obtained, and three more semi-automatic handguns were recovered. Sasso now faces multiple charges, including:
Four counts of unlawful firearm possession
One count of controlled substance possession
One count of possession of drug paraphernalia
Vehicle code violation for expired registration
His preliminary court hearing is scheduled for July 30, 2025.
This legal incident comes just months after Sasso began his coaching career at Lehigh University. He retired from competitive wrestling in early 2025 after recovering from a near-fatal shooting in Columbus in 2023. Sasso was attacked during an attempted carjacking near Ohio State, resulting in multiple surgeries and a long recovery.
Despite the setback, he returned to the sport in late 2024 before retiring. Sasso ended his Buckeye career as a two-time Big Ten Champion and four-time All-American, one of the most decorated wrestlers in Ohio State history.
For continued updates on this developing story and more Ohio sports news, stay connected .
Air quality alert in Columbus, Ohio due to rising ozone levels – July 23
Air Quality Alert Issued for Central Ohio for July 23 Due to Elevated Ozone Levels
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has announced an air quality alert for July 23, warning residents in Franklin, Licking, Delaware, and Fairfield counties of potentially unhealthy ozone pollution levels for sensitive individuals.
According to MORPC’s statement released on July 22, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach 101, placing it in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category. The air quality scale, which runs from 0 to 500, uses this number to indicate elevated pollution levels.
The increase in ozone pollution is attributed to a ridge of high pressure that will reduce atmospheric mixing. Coupled with sunny skies, high temperatures in the 90s, and lingering wildfire smoke, these conditions are expected to intensify ozone formation and particle pollution across the Central Ohio region.
MORPC advises sensitive populations including children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma or chronic respiratory conditions like COPD to minimize outdoor exposure, especially during morning hours.
AG Dave Yost announces plan to challenge ruling against Ohio’s school voucher program.
Dave Yost to Appeal Judge’s Ruling Declaring Ohio’s School Voucher Program Unconstitutional
Columbus, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced Monday that the state will appeal a judge’s recent ruling which deemed Ohio’s school voucher program unconstitutional. The announcement came during a press conference held alongside House Speaker Matt Huffman and several school choice advocates.
“We do not agree with that decision. That is why we have appeals courts,” said Yost. “The program remains the law of the land for the 2025-2026 school year, and families should continue making the best educational choices for their children.”
The ruling, issued in late June, followed a lawsuit filed by more than 200 public school districts. These districts argue the program violates the state constitution by diverting critical funds away from public schools, thereby compromising the requirement to maintain a “thorough and efficient” system of public education.
Speaker Huffman disputed the ruling, claiming the state constitution supports funding for religious education and calling the legal effort by public schools “a fool’s errand.”
Rabbi Eric “Yitz” Frank, President of School Choice Ohio, stressed the real-world impact of the court’s decision, noting that more than 160,000 students are enrolled in private schools using state-funded scholarships. “At the end of the day, hundreds of thousands of families are relying on AG Yost to defend school choice,” Frank said.
Yost confirmed that his office will formally file the appeal on Wednesday.
Ohio State Fair 2025: See Which Roads Will Be Closed
The Ohio State Fair 2025 returns to Columbus from July 23 to August 3, drawing nearly 1 million visitors to the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds. Known for its thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, mouth-watering food vendors, concerts, and the iconic butter cow, the event is one of the most anticipated summer traditions in Ohio.
But before heading to the fairgrounds, drivers and fairgoers should be aware of major road closures in the surrounding areas that could impact travel.
Road Closures Near the Ohio Expo Center
Due to ongoing construction projects, several roads near the Ohio Expo Center have been closed since October 2024 and will remain closed throughout the fair. According to officials, these closures are necessary to ensure safety and manage traffic flow during the event.
Here’s a list of affected roads:
17th Avenue from Clara Avenue to Dora Avenue
Velma Avenue between 17th Avenue and Maynard Avenue
Silver Drive from 17th Avenue to 20th Avenue
Drivers should plan for alternate routes and allow for extra travel time when visiting the fairgrounds. Detours and traffic signage will be clearly marked throughout the area.
When and Where Is the Ohio State Fair 2025?
Dates: Wednesday, July 23 – Sunday, August 3, 2025
Location: Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds 717 E. 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
What to Expect at the Fair
Visitors can look forward to more than just food and fun. The fair also features:
Live music and concerts
4-H and agricultural exhibits
Carnival rides and games
Shopping and handmade crafts
Free shows and family entertainment
Whether you are a lifelong fairgoer or a first-time visitor, the Ohio State Fair 2025 promises a memorable experience for all ages.
Plan Ahead
Given the expected turnout and construction in the area, attendees are encouraged to arrive early, consider carpooling, or use public transportation. Parking lots around the fairgrounds will be open, but spaces may fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Columbus Council debates rescinding Sutphen fire truck deal amid ongoing union strike.
Columbus City Council May Cancel Sutphen Fire Truck Deal Amid Ongoing Union Strike
The Columbus City Council is reconsidering a contract with Sutphen Corporation, a Dublin-based fire truck manufacturer, due to a strike by unionized workers. The contract, originally approved in May, was for the purchase of a new ladder truck. However, council members are expected to vote on rescinding the agreement during their July 21 meeting, citing the company’s refusal to meet specific labor-related contract terms.
The city sought guarantees allowing termination of the deal if a labor strike caused delivery delays or if non-union workers—often called “scabs” were used. These conditions were not met.
In light of the unresolved labor dispute, the council is now considering a new $2.59 million contract with Atlantic Emergency Solutions for a Pierce Manufacturing ladder truck. This proposal is slightly higher than Sutphen’s $2.51 million offer, including a $33,000 delivery fee.
Tensions escalated after the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 67 raised concerns about Columbus’s aging fire truck fleet and called for a comprehensive vehicle replacement plan. Union president Steven Stein criticized the city in April for underfunding emergency equipment for years.
Meanwhile, around 85 Sutphen employees represented by Teamsters Local 284 have been on strike since late May after working without a contract since October. Teamsters President Mark Vandak claims the company retaliated after the union spoke before the City Council, alleging Sutphen withdrew a previous proposal in response to the union’s public comments.
The Teamsters have since filed multiple unfair labor practice complaints, which are under investigation by the National Labor Relations Board. The strike, which started in Dublin, has now spread to Sutphen’s Hilliard and Urbana locations.
