Ohio
Ohio University online nursing program earns top national recognition
Noah Wyle steps off-screen to support real healthcare workers
“The Pitt” star Noah Wyle spoke at a rally for the support of health care workers, he was joined by his mom who worked as a nurse.
Nurses in Ohio looking to advance their careers have a top-ranked option close to home.
Ohio University’s online RN to BSN program has been named the best in the state and the third-best asynchronous online RN to BSN program in the nation by Nurse.org, according to a community announcement.
The rankings highlight programs that offer flexibility for working nurses without sacrificing academic quality or career preparation. OHIO’s program was recognized for its fully online, asynchronous format and student-centered approach.
“This recognition reflects Ohio University’s commitment to preparing nurses for leadership in today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment,” Char Miller, executive director of the School of Nursing, said in the announcement. “Our RN to BSN program is designed to meet working professionals where they are while equipping them with the advanced skills needed to improve patient care and strengthen communities.”
Curriculum refresh aligns with industry standards
The recognition comes shortly after OHIO updated its RN to BSN curriculum to align with updated American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials and evolving industry expectations. The redesigned program emphasizes competency-based education, leadership development, patient safety, public health and social determinants of health.
The revamped curriculum also expands clinical experiences in community and population health, as well as capstone learning. These changes aim to provide students with real-world leadership and care coordination experience while they continue working in the field.
Healthcare programs earn national accolades
Ohio University’s healthcare programs have received national recognition across multiple disciplines. The university’s online master’s in nursing program was ranked 12th in the nation for the past two years and second among public institutions in Ohio, according to U.S. News & World Report.
The program was also ranked fourth for best online master’s in nursing for veterans and first in the state. Additionally, OHIO’s nurse practitioner program ranked third in Ohio, and its online BSN to DNP program was ranked second nationally by AllNurses.com.
Recently, the School of Nursing graduated its largest class of nursing students from the Athens Campus, with 124 graduates.
Flexible pathways for working professionals
The RN to BSN program offers flexible educational pathways for working nurses seeking career advancement while balancing personal and professional responsibilities, according to the announcement.
For more information about Ohio University’s online RN to BSN program, visit the OHIO University website.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
Ohio
Humane agents removing chickens from Youngstown property
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — First News is working to learn more information after officers served a search warrant Friday afternoon for a building at the corner of Market Street and Pasadena Avenue
When we showed up to the scene, we found Animal Charity of Ohio had humane agents there.
We could also hear what sounded like roosters crowing, and eventually we saw humane agents bringing out several chickens and roosters in cages from the property. Authorities said they removed approximately 30 pairs of roosters and hens.
That brought us to a residence on Glenwood Avenue near the corner of Stadium Street.
So far, we aren’t hearing anything, but a number of officers and humane agents seemed to be knocking on the front door, and seemingly no one answered.
They then all moved behind the house, and one was an officer carrying a sledgehammer and a crowbar. So far we haven’t heard or seen any action.
First News will update this story as we learn more.
Nick Rich contributed to this report.
Ohio
Canadian wildfire smoke forces cancellation of several events in northwest Ohio
ROSSFORD, Ohio — Smoke from Canadian wildfires forced the cancellation of three community events Thursday, including a multi-day festival, a weekly farmers market and a summer concert series finale.
Organizers of the Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest, the Perrysburg Farmers Market and the Whitehouse Summer Concert Series each cited hazardous air quality conditions as the reason for their decisions.
Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest canceled
Rossford city officials and the Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau Board jointly decided Thursday to cancel the Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest, which was scheduled to run July 17-19.
The Visitors Bureau’s director Beth Genson said in a statement: “The decision to cancel the 2026 Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest was made jointly by City officials and the Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau Board after careful consideration of the hazardous air quality conditions caused by smoke from the Canadian wildfires. The health and safety of our attendees, volunteers, vendors, performers and staff was our highest priority. We recognize how disappointing this is for our community and visitors, but we believe cancelling the event was the responsible decision under these circumstances.”
Perrysburg farmers market, Whitehouse concert also called off
The Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce canceled Thursday’s farmers market in historic downtown Perrysburg. The chamber’s director of tourism Sally Moore said: “The health and safety of our vendors, customers, volunteers, and staff is our top priority. Based on the current hazardous air quality conditions and the guidance we received, we believe cancellation is the safest course of action.”
In Whitehouse, the final performance of the summer concert series at Whitehouse Village Park was also canceled Thursday out of concern for the safety of concertgoers. A spokesman for the series said organizers are hoping to reschedule the final performance in August or September.
Health experts advise staying indoors
Dr. David Geisinger, a pediatric emergency medicine physician, said residents should limit time outdoors while smoke remains in the area.
“We all need to be extra careful, but the children especially, younger kids, anybody with asthma, chronic lung disease, COPD, bronchitis, they would need to be especially careful,” Geisinger said.
Geisinger added that with current air quality index levels, indoor activities are the safer option.
“With this level of air quality index and the smoke, it’s better to do activities that are inside,” he said.
Smoke from the Canadian wildfires was expected to continue affecting air quality into Friday.
Latest Local News | First Alert Weather | Crime | National | 13abc Originals
Copyright 2026 WTVG. All rights reserved.
Ohio
Man pleads guilty to inappropriate conduct with minor in Howland
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – A Warren man indicted in June on charges he had inappropriate conduct with a teenager pleaded guilty Thursday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.
Daniel Procopio, 29, pleaded guilty to one third-degree felony count of attempted illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance.
Howland police arrested Procopio following a report filed by the parent of a teenager who reported Procopio had inappropriate contact with the teen. The investigation by Howland police showed Procopio in February 2026 had asked a 16-year-old female to send nude photos of herself to him, according to Assistant Prosecutor Gabriel Wildman.
The crimes are alleged to have taken place in February and March.
Procopio will be sentenced at a later date.
-
Georgia1 minute agoGeorgia officials react to Trump’s address on election security
-
Hawaii7 minutes agoMaui County expands ADU rules, boosts housing opportunities
-
Idaho13 minutes agoCougar kitten named at Zoo Idaho in Pocatello – Local News 8
-
Illinois19 minutes ago
Illinois GOP trails badly in midterm cash
-
Indiana25 minutes agoChance for storms continue into the weekend across Central Indiana
-
Iowa31 minutes agoWill Moon, Iowa football donor and owner of Iowa 80 truck stop, dies at 64
-
Kansas37 minutes agoKansas City Current vs San Diego Wave FC: Where to watch, TV channel, live stream & kick-off time | Goal.com US
-
Kentucky43 minutes agoAdkins among new appointments to Kentucky State Fair Board