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Today – Newly released records are offering a clearer picture of the investigation into a Danville man accused of planning an attack tied to the UFC Freedom 250 event.

Today – An Ohio mother’s call to local law enforcement may have helped stop an alleged multi-state attack plot targeting a UFC event on the White House South Lawn.

Today – A landmark Mansfield home that once showed visitors what the future could look like may soon become a public museum celebrating the city’s manufacturing past.

This week on The News Man Weekly, Carl dives into a packed local agenda, addressing the "nothing to do in Mansfield" crowd by highlighting a weekend full of community events, from Juneteenth celebrations to the Miss Ohio parade. Carl shares his take on the History Channel's Washington docudrama, plus the latest on Richland County tax relief, state funding for the new Mansfield Playhouse and vehicle upgrades for the local police department. Later, Rusty Cates and hot air balloon pilot-in-training Luke Wash join the show to preview the upcoming Ashland BalloonFest and the history behind the "balloon town" tradition. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee. Relevant links: Ashland BalloonFest Facebook page Ashland BalloonFest website Some photos from BalloonFest 2025. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – A Madison High School graduate is bringing a new condominium community to Ashland, with plans for roughly 175 homes on nearly 60 acres near Smith and Baney roads.

Today – A $1 million state investment is giving the Mansfield Playhouse’s campaign for a new, accessible theater a major boost as the historic community theater nears the end of its 100th season.

Today – Mansfield teen MaKayla Lawrence is bringing her smile, her sash and her “bubbly” spirit to the Miss Ohio Teen stage.

Today – A former FBI agent’s memories of Cleveland’s mob wars are bringing new life to the stories of Angelo Lonardo, Danny Greene, and the era when the city became known as “Bomb City USA.”

After celebrating our 100th episode in front of a live audience, the News Man Weekly crew returns to the familiar confines of the Richland Source podcast studio. This week, Carl, Zac and Hayden dive into some of the biggest local stories making headlines, including a major roundabout project in the Lexington-Ontario corridor, the opening of Silver Birch of Mansfield and storm damage across Knox County. Later, we sit down with Destination Mansfield Richland County President Lee Tasseff for a conversation about tourism's impact on the local economy, what attractions are bringing visitors to the area and why this summer could be one of the busiest yet for Richland County.  This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Relevant links:  Friedrick on Cleveland mob: Angelo Lonardo, Danny Greene & FBI investigations Roundabout construction to close Lex-Springmill/Home roads June 15 for 120 days Silver Birch opens doors to affordable assisted senior living in Mansfield Short, severe thunderstorm results in serious damage, power outages across Knox County Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today: Affordable rental housing could be coming to long-vacant lots across Mansfield, as a developer’s plan for scattered-site homes moves one step closer to reality.

Today – A new solar farm could be coming to Mansfield’s north side, built not on open farmland, but on top of two closed landfills.

Buc-ee’s says it wants to be a good neighbor as Mansfield City Council signs off on a development agreement for a major new travel center near I-71 and Ohio 39.

Today – Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan weighs in on data centers, child care, health care costs and federal oversight during a stop in Shelby.

This week's episode of the News Man Weekly is brought to you LIVE at Relax, It's Just Coffee. The team left the cozy confines of the Richland Source podcast studio and recorded in front of a live audience to celebrate 100 episodes. After our typical intro banner and news of the week -- we're joined by the Mansfield Shakespeare Company, musical guest Cody Nicolas and Mayor Jodie Perry and City Engineer Bob Bianchi came on to talk about Main Street construction. We even had a surprise visit from Skate Ohio. NOTE: We apologize for the less-than-ideal sound quality during the musical guest's performance.  This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Relevant links:  Visit Mansfield Shakespeare Company's website Find Cody Nicolas's band Narrow/Arrow on Spotify Find updates on the Main Street Improvement Project Mayor: Buc-ee's visitors -- not local taxpayers -- will pay for infrastructure improvements Solar farm proposed for construction atop closed Mansfield, Richland County landfills Time is right: Mansfield restaurateur Dan Lew buying Coney Island Diner business on Main Street Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – Ohio Express bandmates are back on the same recording for the first time in decades, thanks to a 21-year-old Shelby musician with a deep love for the sounds of the 1960s.

Today – Closed landfills in Mansfield and Richland County could soon find new life as a solar farm capable of generating 25 megawatts of power.

Today – Mansfield’s proposed Buc-ee’s Travel Center clears another hurdle, but questions remain from nearby residents as the project heads to City Council.

Today, Mansfield celebrated Memorial Day with a message from a retired Army general who said Richland County’s care for its fallen heroes makes him proud to be an Ohioan.

Episode 99 of the News Man Weekly is a shorter, stripped-down edition of the show — but Carl and Zac still manage to cover plenty of ground. Carl opens with a rant about the upcoming live 100th episode at Relax, It's Just Coffee, reluctantly preparing himself to leave the safety of the studio and interact with actual human beings. Later in the episode, Carl breaks down Netflix’s haunting true-crime documentary The Crash before diving into several major local headlines, including Mansfield City Council approving annexation and zoning for the proposed Buc-ee's development, the sale of a home tied to one of the largest drug busts in METRICH history, and new parking improvements tied to the B&O Trail connector project.  This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  All listeners are invited to attend the live 100th episode recording June 1 at Relax in downtown Mansfield. Related links: Facebook event for our 100th episode Poignant musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ to kick off 2026-2027 season at Mansfield Playhouse Mansfield City Council approves land annexation for Buc-ee’s Travel Center Convicted drug dealer’s confiscated Madison Township home to be sold Public parking lot planned along Trimble Road near tunnel to B&O connector trail Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

A Shelby councilman’s resignation from Mansfield City Schools is drawing scrutiny after district records described it as tied to a threat of termination or non-renewal.

Today: A Clear Fork graduate’s secret life as Brutus Buckeye led to a snowy, viral moment in one of college football’s biggest rivalries.

Today – Mansfield’s push to bring Buc-ee’s to the I-71 and Ohio 39 interchange took a major step forward this week, but the project still has a few more approvals ahead.

Today – A confiscated Madison Township home tied to one of Richland County’s largest drug cases is headed for sale, and local officials say the move sends a clear message.

In episode 98 of the News Man Weekly, the crew riffs on graduation season, the Cavs’ Game 7 victory and the Sonic Temple music festival. We break down the latest developments surrounding the proposed Buc-ee's project, discuss the $1 million state grant awarded to demolish the West Park Shopping Center and recap the Ohio State Highway Patrol's latest OVI checkpoint. Carl also revisits the comedy classic Animal House in this week’s edition of “What’s Carl Watching?” complete with his top five favorite lines from the movie. Later, we welcome Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero for a wide-ranging conversation about the proposed Franklin Township data center, the Buc-ee’s development, wind and solar restrictions, the future of the Westinghouse site and Richland County's direction over the next five years. The interview also explores the balancing act between economic growth and quality of life as local leaders navigate some of the biggest development conversations the county has seen in years. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links:  Find our Sonic Temple coverage here Wrecking ball is next: State awards $1 million grant to demolish former West Park Shopping Center One motorist cited for OVI during checkpoint on U.S. 42 on Thursday St. Peter’s High School graduates 19 students during 2026 commencement Annexation vote for Buc-ee’s planned for Mansfield City Council on Tuesday Richland County commissioners oppose data center plan, but cannot ban them Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today: Roller skating, skateboarding and a bit of nostalgia are coming together this summer as Skate Ohio prepares to open a new indoor facility at Ontario Center.

Richland County commissioners say they oppose a proposed Franklin Township data center, but they also say they do not have the legal authority to ban those projects countywide.

Adam Compton was sworn in as a lieutenant with the Mansfield Fire Department, stepping into a first-line leadership role that oversees crew readiness, training, and on-scene decision-making. A Lexington graduate who joined MFD in 2018, Compton said he’s proud to carry on a family legacy in local fire service and wants to pay it forward to newer firefighters. Read more: https://www.richlandsource.com/2026/05/08/adam-compton-promoted-to-lieutenant-in-mansfield-fire-dept/ 

Today: A tense overnight standoff in Bucyrus ended Monday with a suspect dead, after police say he fired on officers during a nearly 12-hour ordeal that brought agencies from across north central Ohio to the scene.

Episode 97 of News Man Weekly opens with a Carl rant about Richland County’s surprisingly massive primary election turnout. Carl, Zac and Hayden then riff on the weekend before diving into the latest local headlines, including Mansfield’s Bike-A-Palooza giving away more than 100 bicycles, two Shelby school staff members credited with saving a choking student’s life and the long-awaited comeback of Mansfield Speedway. Later in the show, we welcome guests B.J. Price and Adam McElroy from Skate Ohio to talk about the organization’s rapid growth, plans for a future downtown presence, a new development at the Ontario Center and the momentum behind the Bad Magic Skatepark project at Maple Lake Park. The conversation explores how skateboarding can create community, mentorship and positive outlets for young people, while also touching on new partnerships, expansion into other communities and the larger vision for skate culture across Ohio.  This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links:  Visit Skate Ohio's website and follow them on Facebook. Email info@skateohio.com to collaborate or partner.  Richland County ranks 2nd among 88 Ohio counties in voter turnout Tuesday Free, family Bike-A-Palooza returns to Mansfield’s North Lake Park on Saturday Shelby City Schools staff members act quickly to save choking student Monster trucks invade Mansfield Speedway   Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.  

Today – Shelby High School staff members are being praised for quick action that helped save a choking student’s life.

Ontario is taking a preemptive pause on artificial intelligence data centers, even before any formal proposal lands at City Hall.

Today – Jim Odson saved his first life as a teenager, and went on to help shape emergency medical care in Mansfield for more than three decades.

Today – Tyger Threads is helping Mansfield Senior High School students get brand-new clothing, shoes and personal care items — with dignity, choice and confidence built into the experience.

In episode 96 of the News Man Weekly, we break down the key stories shaping the community. These include what voters need to know ahead of the May 5 primary election, a downtown vandalism arrest that drew a strong response from police leadership and the long-awaited roundabout project at Lexington-Springmill and Home roads finally moving toward construction.   Then, we’re joined by broadcaster Chris Kelly from iHeartMedia. Kelly shares insight into upcoming career changes, how radio in Mansfield has evolved over the years, and how he got started in radio and what advice he has for younger folks in the industry today.  This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links:  Read all of our election coverage K.E. McCartney earns $241K contract to oversee Richland County roundabout construction Mansfield police arrest 21-year-old man for alleged downtown theft & vandalism Fire! Cannons belch smoke and flame at 48th annual Ohio Civil War Show in Mansfield Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – Olive and Oak Company is growing its boutique footprint, bringing affordable women’s fashion from Mansfield into a new permanent space in Fredericktown.

In this live recording of the State of the City, Jodie Perry sits down with Carl Hunnell for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about the city's future. In this episode: What $100M+ in development actually means for Mansfield The reality behind downtown construction and the $20M Main Street project How property taxes and “pots of money” really work Why the city is being more selective with developers The push for housing at every level, from senior to market-rate units Public safety progress, including drops in crime and full police staffing What’s ahead in 2026, including major projects and economic momentum Mayor Perry also reflects on lessons learned in office, the long game of economic development and why collaboration across city, county and township leaders matters more than ever. Read more and watch the conversation on YouTube here.

A major local investment could give downtown Mansfield’s former Holiday Inn a new life as a boutique hotel, event center, and community gathering place.

Today: Downtown Mansfield is getting ready to turn summer nights into a monthly celebration, with a refreshed 2026 Final Friday concert series bringing new acts, familiar favorites and plenty of reasons to head to the Brickyard.

Episode 95 of News Man Weekly opens with a reminder to get out and vote during the upcoming primary election as Host Carl Hunnell politely reminds folks to "put up or shut up." This week's News of the Week dives deeper into the planned $10 million redevelopment of a downtown hotel in Mansfield. Other news includes a 22-year-old Mansfield man charged with felony vandalism after driving onto the basketball courts at Liberty Park and a reminder that Mayor Jodie Perry's "State of the City" will take place this year in a Q&A format with the News Man himself. The episode ends with a conversation between Carl and a trio of city parks representatives. Public Works Director Louis Andres, Parks Superintendent Mike Woogerd and Cortney Freshwater join the show to talk all things city parks, as well as what activities local residents and youth can expect this summer. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee. Related links: Mansfield City Council advances plan for $10 million redeveloped downtown hotel Mansfield mayor 'State of the City' to be Q&A conversation with Richland Source Mansfield man, 22, charged with felony vandalism after driving onto Liberty Park basketball courts Be a Source member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Renaissance Theatre leaders are warning patrons not to use a nearby hotel parking lot after a towing incident disrupted a packed performance of “Mamma Mia!” in downtown Mansfield.

Jim Gorman left a lasting imprint on Mansfield through military service, aviation, business and philanthropy. A World War II pilot and longtime leader at Gorman-Rupp, he also helped shape local institutions by supporting aviation museums, donating land for parks and community projects, and introducing young people to flying.

Inkcarceration is aiming even higher in 2026 after drawing a record 90,000 fans across three sold-out days last year at the Ohio State Reformatory. The July 17 through 19 festival will bring more than 65 bands to Mansfield, including headliners like Disturbed, Bad Omens and Limp Bizkit, while continuing to mix live music with tattoo culture and the prison’s one-of-a-kind setting. Organizers say upgrades to the site, parking and camping could make this year’s event one of the festival’s biggest yet.

Today – A notorious Richland County murder case has reached its final chapter, as convicted killer John Boyle has died in prison.

Episode 94 of News Man Weekly starts with a very Ohio problem — snow in April and a place that refuses to fully commit to spring — before diving into a packed week of local headlines and big-picture conversations. From the latest developments (and pushback) on the proposed Buc-ee’s site to a major downtown hotel redevelopment and the passing of one of Richland County’s most infamous criminal figures. Plus, we're joined by Ashland University professor John Moser before he heads to a new career role at the University of Tennessee. Moser breaks down today’s political climate through a historical lens, drawing comparisons to past global conflicts and offering insight into where the country may be headed. Moser doesn’t hold back, either — diving into the escalating war in Iran, breaking down how President Trump’s foreign policy fits (or doesn’t) into historical precedent, and what it all means for America’s standing on the global stage. Then, Richland Source reporter Katie Ellington Serrao joins the show to talk about the Source Journalism Fellowship, what it means for the next generation of local storytellers, and why civic engagement starts earlier than most people think. This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Related links: Apply to the Source Media Journalism Fellowship Free food, music and community spirit highlight first 'BBQ at the Goose' in Mansfield Downtown Mansfield hotel proposal latest public-private development push Sentence complete: Convicted murderer John Boyle dies behind bars Mansfield Planning Commission advances rezoning for Buc-ee's site Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – A prescribed burn at Gorman Nature Center may have left the prairie blackened for now, but park officials say the fire is already helping new life take root.

Today – A new parking lot along the B&O Trail connector in Mansfield could finally be opening soon, giving trail users another easy access point into the city and finishing off a project years in the making.

Today – A major Buc-ee’s proposal is moving closer to reality in Mansfield, but there’s a growing clash between promised economic development and the fears of residents who say their quiet corner of Richland County could be changed for good.

Today – A Mansfield church is bringing new life to Cyclops Park, turning a long-neglected softball complex into a community gathering place for leagues, mentorship and summer fun.

Episode 93 of the News Man Weekly is packed from start to finish — from Carl’s latest battle with modern-day package delivery logic to a full rundown of the biggest stories shaping north central Ohio. The crew dives into a potential Buc-ee’s development moving closer to reality, a bizarre and disturbing discovery inside an Ontario home, and new data showing Mansfield’s water supply is in better shape than expected for decades to come    Plus, two standout interviews you won’t want to miss: Pastor Raymond Cochran Jr. and David Yoder share their vision for reviving Cyclops Circle into the Crown Oasis of Love Sports Complex, a project aimed at impacting youth and families across the region. Then, Mansfield Playhouse Artistic Director Doug Wertz joins the show to talk about the theater’s 100th season, the latest production The Big Five-Oh, and what’s ahead as the historic venue enters its next century.   This episode is powered by the great folks at Relax, It's Just Coffee.  Get involved in The Crown at Oasis Sports Complex Get tickets to Mansfield Playhouse shows More related links: Planning commission to take next step Tuesday toward Buc-ee's in Mansfield Study finds Clear Fork Reservoir dependable source of drinking water for next 50 years UPDATE: New details emerge in Ontario probe of 'suspicious circumstances' on August Drive The Crown: Oasis of Love to launch summer leagues at Cyclops Park Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Today – A troubling discovery inside an Ontario home is raising new questions as investigators work to piece together what happened on August Drive.