Good morning, Ohio. Here's what you need to know today.

Your Weather Planner

Mainly cloudy skies and light southwest winds will meet us Friday morning, helping to keep temperatures a good 5 to 10 degrees above where they were Thursday morning. While we'll see more clouds than sun today, there will be a few sprinkles and showers, mainly south and east. As another cold front swings through the state from the north, there's a possibility of a few sprinkles along the lake. Despite this, highs will still reach the middle 40s before sharply turning colder late Friday night into Saturday. While Saturday may give areas north and east a few snowflakes, anything more than a light dusting isn't expected. Saturday is a cold day, but a dry one with some sunshine returning to the state late. Although a dry pattern is expected moving into most of next week, gear up for chilly temperatures to continue through at least Wednesday.


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Around Ohio

1. 5 Counties Become Purple as DeWine Says Hospitals Face "Crisis"

A total of eight counties are now under Purple Alert Level 4 — the worst level on the state's scale indicating high spread of COVID-19. Franklin County was the only one to drop from level 4 to Red Alert Level 3. The state reported a higher number of cases Thursday compared to Wednesday, and hospitals are still seeing a high number of patients.

2. Northeast Ohio Universities Lay Out Spring Semester Plans to Keep COVID-19 Infections Low

COVID-19 isn't slowing down in Ohio, and universities are having to change plans quickly. At first, many colleges asked students to stay home after Thanksgiving break to finish the fall semester, and then return in the spring. Now, they're asking students to plan for another remote semester. 

3. Hamilton County Awarded $1.7M to Fight Violent Crime

Hamilton County received two grants from the Department’s Office of Justice Programs to combat crime. The awards are part of more than $458 million in funding nationwide to target hot spots and make sustainable changes to neighborhoods. County leaders hope they can use the funds to engage with the community and create long-term solutions. 

Around the Nation

1. The COVID-19 Pandemic is Raging. Is Help On the Way?

2. Biden Said He Asked Dr. Fauci to Stay On, Will Ask Americans To Wear Masks for First 100 Days

3. US Surpasses 14 Million COVID Cases, Approaches 275K Deaths

Ohio Voices

Meet Brian Scono. He owns a wood frabrication shop and says his job his extra special because it helps him connect with clients on a deeper level. 

Ohio Fun Fact

The movie "The Shawshank Redemption" was filmed at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio. If you take a tour, you'll see some of the props from the film. The Ohio State Reformatory is known for its annual haunted house attraction and self-guided tours.