This hearty Fall Sweet Potato Chili is a cozy, flavor-packed twist on a classic. Filled with tender sweet potatoes, colorful bell peppers, and protein-rich beans, this one-pot vegetarian chili is both satisfying and nourishing. A hint of cocoa powder and cinnamon deepens the flavor, while chili powder and cayenne add just the right kick of heat. It’s perfect for meal prep, easy weeknight dinners, or warming up on a chilly day.

Sunscreen is more than a summer essential—it’s a vital tool for preventing skin cancer. Because so many people use sunscreen daily throughout their lives, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is committed to ensuring that these products are both safe and effective.

Across central Ohio, many families are struggling to make ends meet. According to the United Way of Central Ohio, nearly 40% of Ohio households live below the ALICE threshold (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)—meaning they’re working hard but still unable to cover basic needs like housing, childcare, and food.

Earlier this year, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced an initiative to reduce animal testing and invest in “human-based technologies” such as organ-on-a-chip systems, AI tools, and clinical data modeling. The move was celebrated as a major step toward more humane, human-relevant science.

Ohio is facing its most severe outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) to date, with nearly 7,000 deer confirmed sick or dead across 22 counties, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

The recent closure of the Grove City Petland store marks a turning point in a decade-long debate over where Ohio pet stores source their animals. While Petland maintains that the decision to close had nothing to do with public pressure, many in Central Ohio see it as a win for animal advocates and consumers alike—a sign that the tide is shifting toward greater accountability and compassion in the pet industry.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to shed light on the many forms of abuse that often go unseen. One such connection gaining long-overdue attention is the link between animal abuse and family violence.

In Wyandot County, compassion has a home — and it started in a garage.

Founded in 1985 by Dave and Lynda Balz, the Wyandot County Humane Society (WCHS) began as a simple effort to help stray and unwanted animals find safety and care. Forty years later, that small act of service has evolved into a multi-faceted organization that includes the HOPE (Helping Our Pets Everywhere) Clinic and the Wyandot County Equine Rescue, all working together to save lives of every species imaginable.

At Ohio Animal Advocates, we believe that real change starts at the community level. One of the most effective ways to reduce overpopulation, prevent suffering, and keep families and pets together is through accessible, affordable spay/neuter programs. A recent comparison shows just how impactful spay/neuter can be.

As the air turns crisp and Ohio’s farmers’ markets overflow with autumn produce, there’s no better time to bring seasonal, plant-forward meals to your table. Today we’re sharing a cozy recipe for Roasted Fall Vegetables with Pecan Topping—a simple, flavorful dish that highlights the best of the season while also aligning with a compassionate lifestyle that benefits both people and animals.

In the glow of Ohio’s summer nights, the flicker of fireflies is a childhood memory many of us cherish. But in recent years, their sparkle has been fading. Across Ohio and around the world, firefly populations are on the decline, with habitat loss, pesticide use, and light pollution threatening their survival.