After speculation that it would drop its COVID-19 vaccine mandate, The University of Akron is keeping it in place but with relaxed requirements; a Holmes County missionary group is calling for a day of prayer in support of 17 members who were abducted by a Haitian gang 12 days ago; an Akron man convicted of setting fires that killed nine of his neighbors has been sentenced to nine consecutive life terms in prison without parole; and more stories.

There are currently no approved vaccines for breast cancer, which affects 1 in 8 women.

The bill includes money for port modernization, freight rail, waterway transportation, highways and airports.

The Ohio Health Department has issued new guidelines for what to do if a student comes in contact with someone who’s tested positive for COVID; Ohio’s top lawyer has filed suit against the Biden administration over a rule allowing family planning clinics that provide abortion referrals to receive federal funds; a city council in a Cincinnati suburb has voted to ban abortion; and more stories.

The half-dozen candidates were asked about immigration, judicial appointments and social issues but not about former President Donald Trump, though most have angled to gain his support.

But they need to wear masks and they can't stay in class if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19.