Ohio News

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- Penzone Salon and Spa is moving forward with constructing a new "live-work" building near its Dublin location to house an art gallery and residence for the company's founder and president.

The beauty company is aiming to build a 2,978-square-foot building named "The Gallery Residence" on its 3.52-acre Dublin campus, the same property that's home to Penzone's salon and spa built in 2018 and its original 1991 location now known as the multipurpose "Penzone Base One" building.

Cleveland hot pot restaurant opens central Ohio location

The Gallery Residence will serve as a second home for founder Charles Penzone and his wife, current company President Debra Penzone, along with an art studio and gallery for Charles' abstract paintings.

While the Penzone couple resides in German Village, the two spend the majority of their time at the company's Dublin headquarters to train and mentor the large staff of health and beauty professionals. The residence is intended to remedy the couple's commute, while also offering a space for social gatherings and guests visiting the campus.

• Penzone is aiming to build a 2,978-square-foot building named "The Gallery Residence" on its 3.52-acre Dublin campus. (Courtesy Photo/Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission)
• Penzone is aiming to build a 2,978-square-foot building named "The Gallery Residence" on its 3.52-acre Dublin campus. (Courtesy Photo/Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission)
• Penzone is aiming to build a 2,978-square-foot building named "The Gallery Residence" on its 3.52-acre Dublin campus. (Courtesy Photo/Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission)
• Penzone is aiming to build a 2,978-square-foot building named "The Gallery Residence" on its 3.52-acre Dublin campus. (Courtesy Photo/Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission)

"Recently, [the Penzones] were living Downtown, and they were getting tired of the commute, so they wanted to come closer to where they work and where they socialize, which is in Dublin," said Chris Meyers, the proposal's leading architect, during an Oct. 3 Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. "The idea was brought to us, how could we do a residence on this property."

The planning commission voted to recommend approval of the proposal, which will next be reviewed by city council before construction can begin. Once completed, Penzone hopes to foster a walkable headquarters open to the Dublin community.

"This piece of land is so unique and it's an island, it really is Penzone campus," said planning and zoning commissioner Kim Way during the meeting. "So, the idea of introducing buildings that fit into that campus, to me, makes the most sense."

Matt the Miller’s Dublin restaurant relaunched as steakhouse

Commission member Gary Alexander chose to abstain from voting, noting that Dublin's code wouldn't allow for this building to be built in this part of Dublin. Alexander also argued that the proposal is a "creative interpretation of what 'live work' is."

"When there's a different owner, this is a house. This is going to become a single-family house. And the code says you can't have single-family residence," said Alexander. "It's plain as day."

The residence continues a series of new buildings and renovations across the company's portfolio. The company constructed its new Dublin salon in 2018, followed by a new Short North location the same year. The Polaris and German Village locations have also undergone remodeling. Penzone opened a New Albany salon in 2022, replacing the area’s former location on Cherry Way.

The company finished the transformation of Base One into a new multipurpose building in April, equipped for corporate gatherings and home to a training salon, co-working spaces for rent, a yoga studio and a café.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio State fans have long been able to enjoy a specialty hot dog before select football games from Dirty Frank’s food truck, but soon fans will have a permanent location to frequent during tailgates.

Dirty Frank’s is opening a new location near campus, on North High Street near East Woodruff Avenue. The former Poke Bro’s location is set to welcome hot dog fans this month. 

According to J Davis Electric, the final inspection for electricity passed on Sept. 21, with the location expected to open shortly. A representative from Dirty Frank’s told NBC4 they hope to open the week of Oct. 14, but cannot confirm an opening date until inspections are completed.

This OSU sports team is losing its scholarships, sources say

Hot dog fans have been able to purchase Dirty Frank’s inside Ohio Stadium since 2022 at one of three stadium partnerships the Columbus staple has. Dirty Frank’s also has locations inside Huntington Park and Lower.com Stadium.

Just blocks from its Ohio Stadium location, the High Street spot will be the second storefront Dirty Frank’s has opened this year after debuting its carryout-only Worthington location in January.

Dirty Frank’s first announced the new location on Feb. 13 with a social media post of a hot dog joining in on the OSU tradition of spelling O-H-I-O with its cartoon arms. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The former headquarters of the Ohio Democratic Party is being demolished for an apartment building that's expected to bring 74 units to the area.

Located Downtown on the corner of East Fulton Street and South Grant Avenue, Elevate 340 will be built by Lancaster-based developer Fairfield Homes. The project has been in the works since 2022 and was recently approved for $1.25 million in grants by Columbus City Council.

Colleen Marshall celebrates 40 years at NBC4

When the funds were approved in May, Councilmember Shayla Favor said it was important to push for more housing since Columbus is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

“We’re grappling with supply and demand here,” Favor said. “We are growing at a rapid rate to the tune of around 40 folks a day and, unfortunately, we don’t have enough housing units.”

A news release from Fairfield Homes said recent studies show, of the three largest metropolitan areas, Columbus is experiencing the greatest shortage of affordable and available rental units.

"Increasing access to affordable housing is the most cost-effective strategy for reducing childhood poverty and increasing economic mobility," said Jennifer Gorsuch Walters, president of Fairfield Homes.

There will be one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Of the 74, 55 of those will be set aside for families at or below 60% of the area median Income. In May, four of those units were said to be set aside for families at or below 30% of the AMI, but the latest news release from Fairfield Homes said the other 19 would be market-rate.

A 74-unit apartment development will be built on the site of the Ohio Democratic Party's former headquarters. (Courtesy Photo/Franklin County Auditor's Office)

The apartments will be built on the site of the former Ohio Democratic Party headquarters. Demolition of that building started on Sept. 30 and will be finished after a couple of weeks.

Construction on Elevate 340 is expected to be finished by early 2026.

RUSSELLS POINT, Ohio (WCMH) — A high-tech solar farm under development in Logan County plans to incorporate the ancient art of sheep herding to keep vegetation from growing over its panels and blocking essential energy from the sun.

Open Road Renewables’ Grange Solar Grazing Center has announced that agreements have been signed with two local farmers to use sheep to feed on the land's grass and other vegetation. In a news release, the company said Ganson Farm and Wildlife and John Shroyer will take on shepherding duties with their flocks to reduce ground cover among the photovoltaic cells.

Capriella Castle: Secluded event venue with castle, thick woods

“The sheep grazing operation at Grange will ensure that the project land remains in active agricultural use for decades, while also supporting the growth and diversification of Logan County’s agricultural economy,” Samantha Sawmiller of Open Road Renewables said. “Combining solar energy with agriculture is a key aspect of our commitment to collaborating with farmers, landowners, and the Logan County community.”

Also known as “lambscaping,” the sheep grazing operation will help bring back raising the animals in the state, according to Open Road Renewables. The solar power outfit noted, “Ohio’s sheep and lamb inventory has been steadily decreasing for several decades.” Bringing new supplies — as many as 7,800 per year — will also support “domestic demand” and reduce reliance on imports.

“I have lived here my whole life,” said Noah Ganson of Ganson Farm and Wildlife. “I went to school here. Hunted, fished, worked, and volunteered here. Living in Logan County means living in a place where I feel like I can make a difference. The Grange Solar Grazing Center will allow us to expand our farming operation, provide locally grown food to the community, and have financial security going forward as we grow our farming business.”

Farmer John Shroyer of Logan County was equally enthusiastic about being part of the new "agrivoltaics" industry that combines using the pasture for agriculture and solar energy production.

Community solar power bill stalls at Ohio Statehouse

“I’m excited to embark on this journey as a sheep grazer for the new solar project in Logan County,” Shroyer said. “This unique opportunity will allow our farm to blend traditional farming with renewable energy, ensuring our flock thrives while contributing to a sustainable future.”

Open Road Renewables said the “size and spacing” of Grange's 2,600-acre solar project could support several more farming contracts.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – As predicted the average cost of a gallon of gasoline in Columbus resumed it’s expected decline after refinery maintenance around the country halted a recent trend of falling prices at the pump.

According to GasBuddy’s survey of 500 stations in the Columbus area, the average price at the pump dropped by 13 cents per gallon last week to reach $3.10. The current price is 3 cents lower per gallon than last month and 18.5 cents per gallon lower than this time one year ago.

The cheapest gas station in the Columbus area was priced at $2.61 a gallon, while the most expensive was $3.39, a difference of 78 cents per gallon. In Ohio, the average price of gas also dropped 15.2 cents from $3.18 per gallon to $3.03 per gallon.

Columbus Gas Prices Tracker

Nationally, gas prices also experienced a small decline of 4.6 cents per gallon to reach $3.13, while the price of diesel continues to hit new lows since January 2022, settling at $3.54 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis Patrick De Haan, the overall outlook remains promising for most states across the country, but disruptive weather in the Gulf of Mexico and last week’s attack on Israel by Iran could cause prices to rise temporarily.

"In addition to the escalation in the Middle East, hurricane season remains active, with Hurricane Milton now heading toward a likely landfall in Florida,” said De Haan. “For now, motorists in most areas can expect to see more increases in gas prices, but I remain hopeful that a $2.99 national average remains possible this fall."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- NOAA's Climate Prediction Center is forecasting milder-than-normal weather through the fall, with slightly above-normal rainfall across Ohio.

Average temperature forecast October-November 2024. (NOAA)

The forecast for precipitation leans toward wetter-than-normal conditions around the Great Lakes and Northeast, extending south across northern Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Average precipitation forecast October-November 2024. (NOAA)

The four-month drought affecting much of Ohio was partially relieved by rain from the remnants of Hurricane Helene that curled northwest into Kentucky and stalled for several days, although extreme-exceptional drought conditions persist over a large portion of eastern Ohio.

U.S. Drought Monitor issued Oct. 3, 2024. (NOAA/USDA)

The search for signs of what to expect this winter regarding snowfall usually focuses on Pacific climate patterns, one of several factors that influence the average storm track across the continental U.S. in the winter.

There is a 71% chance for La Niña to develop and linger through much of the upcoming winter. La Niña reflects a cooling of the equatorial eastern and central Pacific Ocean, the opposite of El Niño that prevailed during the winter of 2023-24 in North America.

The usual tendency reflected in the jet stream (storm track) is a northward shift of the heaviest precipitation during La Niña.

Looking at weaker autumn La Niña patterns since 2000 and the average winter temperature (32.2 degrees) and snowfall (28.2 inches) in Columbus that followed offers a clue regarding the nature of the winter to come.

Five of the six winters were less snowy compared with the 30-year average (1991-2020), while temperatures were above normal in half of the winters.

Weak La Niña Winters WINTERSNOWFALL (Oct.-May)AVERAGE TEMPERATURE (Dec.-Feb.)2000-0126.329.12005-0612.934.72008-0923.229.92016-1717.131.62017-18 29.832.42022-2312.537.7

However, half of the Januarys featured below-normal temperatures, indicating a southward shift of the jet stream often brings several weeks of true winter weather in a La Niña pattern.

Interestingly, in six moderate La Niña seasons since 1950 (cooler water than in a "weak" pattern), half of the winters were fairly cold and snowy.

There are several other key variables such as solar activity, which is approaching a maximum this winter, snow cover in northeastern Asia and northern Canada, and Atlantic sea surface temperature patterns that affect the nature of winter, which are unknown this early in the fall.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Colleen Marshall knows why she still looks forward to coming to work, almost 40 years to the day after she arrived at NBC4.

"I still come into this room every day because I love this job," she said. "I could be out there practicing law full time, but I still I keep thinking there's another story out there that I just haven't quite gotten yet, that there's another one on the horizon."

Majority of Ohio voters favor Issue 1 redistricting amendment, poll shows

And the mission continues for Marshall, a weeknight anchor who doggedly pursues stories with the same sense of purpose that brought her to Columbus on Oct. 6, 1984. These days, she anchors NBC4 at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. alongside Kerry Charles, her fourth permanent partner.

Marshall, whose personal anniversary coincides with 75 years of NBC4 as Columbus' first television station, sat down with Charles to reflect on her time at the station. Their conversation, which touches on her history, the role of women in the newsroom and even her many, many hairstyles over the years, can be viewed below.

Watch: Kerry Charles and Colleen Marshall discuss her 40 years with NBC4

When Marshall said she could instead be practicing law full time, that's true. In 2000, while in her 40s, she heard from a coworker about a program at Capital University and decided to take it on, while continuing to report the news. She completed her degree in four years. That internal drive for Marshall, a native of southwestern Pennsylvania, has churned for years.

She came to NBC4, then branded as WCMH, in 1984 from a station in Wheeling, West Virginia, at a time when the options for women reporting the news were limited. But she never wanted much to do with light content.

"I can have a good time, but it's serious business," she said in a 1992 interview. "My credibility is important. I've always done hard news."

That was the year she was promoted to the main anchor desk. Previously, she had been a weekend anchor while reporting three days a week. When a spot opened next to weeknight anchor Doug Adair, the man who helped make WCMH the top station in Columbus during the previous decade, he knew he wanted Marshall at his side.

Three Ohio billionaires make Forbes list of richest Americans

"Colleen is just about the best reporter-anchor I've ever met," Adair, who died in 2019, said in a 1992 interview. "She can handle herself out in the field as well as at the anchor desk."

"He supported me," Marshall said. "He encouraged me. He would review my tapes with me. He's the reason I became an anchor. He encouraged them to make me the weekend anchor. I owe a lot to Doug."

Adair retired in 1994, and Marshall settled in alongside Cabot Rea, forming Columbus' longest-lasting anchor pairing. Rea had come from the 5:30 news, a lighter fare show that Marshall never warmed to ("I'm just not comfortable with it," she said). After Rea's retirement in 2015, Mike Jackson joined Marshall, where his warm voice was matched by his warm nature. In the video above, that's Jackson tossing a stuffed spider at Marshall as a Halloween prank. Jackson suffered a stroke in 2019 before he died one year ago.

She's now been paired with Charles for four years.

Look: Colleen Marshall over the years at NBC4

• Colleen Marshall with Doug Adair in an undated photo (NBC4)
• Colleen Marshall with, from left, Jerod Smalley, Cabot Rea and Ben Gelber in the mid 2000s (NBC4)
• Colleen Marshall in an undated photo (NBC4)
• Colleen Marshall in 2005 (NBC4)
• Colleen Marshall with Cabot Rea in an undated photo (NBC4)
• Colleen Marshall in an undated photo (NBC4)
• Colleen Marshall in an undated photo (NBC4)
• Colleen Marshall with President Joe Biden (NBC4)
• Colleen Marshall in an undated photo (NBC4)
• Colleen Marshall in an undated photo (NBC4)
• Colleen Marshall in an undated photo (NBC4)
• Colleen Marshall in an undated photo (NBC4)
• Colleen Marshall in an undated photo (NBC4)
• Colleen Marshall in an undated photo (NBC4)
• Colleen Marshall with, from left, Jimmy Crum, Doug Adair, Cabot Rea and Jym Ganahl in 1998

In her reporting, Marshall dedicates herself to many causes: disputes in Ohio's teacher pension system; sexual abuse victims of a former Ohio State University team physician; the weekly political show she hosts, The Spectrum; and most personal of all, the impact that Alzheimer's can have on individuals and their loved ones. Marshall's mother died from the disease.

Marshall has interviewed Catholics fighting doubt, death row inmates, pundits and presidents.

"You have to get answers from people who are in positions of power and often in positions of power because voters put them there," she said.

But the biggest story she covered personally was the September 11 attacks, when she and three others from the station reported from the scene in the days that followed. She got through a security perimeter near Ground Zero by saying she worked for NBC4, and to this day, she wonders if the officer mistakenly thought she meant the affiliate in New York.

"Looking back at those images, it almost seems like a movie," Marshall said in 2019. "It seems like this couldn't have been real, that we lived through that, that Manhattan looked like that."

It's not all news for Marshall, a proud mother of son Garrett and daughter Shannon. Her husband, Gary, is a former NBC4 news photographer. Together, Colleen and Gary have adopted 18 shelter dogs, all of whom were either elderly or disabled.

No, slowing down isn't in the offing for Marshall. When asked for two names of people she'd like to interview, she said Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

The mission continues.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A majority of Ohio voters back a constitutional amendment to change how the state's political districts are drawn while Sherrod Brown and Bernie Moreno are locked in a tight Senate race, new polling shows.

Sixty percent of Ohioans plan to vote "yes" in favor of Issue 1, while 20% plan to vote "no" and 20% are not sure, according to a new poll by Bowling Green State University's Democracy and Public Policy Research Network. The nonpartisan poll, with a margin of error +/- 3.6 percentage points, surveyed 1,000 likely Ohio voters online from Sept. 18 to 27.

How to register or update your voter registration for this November’s election

The network said partisan differences over Issue 1 are clear in the poll's results, with 82% of Democrats backing the measure vs. 41% of Republicans. Among independents, 57% plan to vote in favor of Issue 1.

If passed, Issue 1 would create an independent redistricting commission of 15 Ohio citizens who would be tasked with mapping out the state's congressional districts, state Senate districts and state House districts, rather than the current commission made up of seven politicians. A "yes" vote would be in support of the citizen-led commission, and a "no" vote means to keep the system as is.

"In both 2015 and 2018, Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved measures designed to reduce partisan gerrymandering. Our results suggest we're headed for a similar result in 2024," said BGSU political science professor Melissa Miller.

Meanwhile, Ohio's U.S. Senate race is being closely watched across the county and promises to be incumbent Sherrod Brown's toughest contest yet. The poll found Brown with a slight edge, 49% to 45% against his opponent, Republican Bernie Moreno. Brown is seeking his fourth term as a U.S senator and has won each of his previous campaigns by at least six points.

Brown is the only public figure who holds a net positive favorability rating among respondents, +1, while Moreno has the lowest net favorability rating at -14. Nearly one in five of those polled report having neither a favorable nor unfavorable view of Moreno.

Former Ohio governor John Kasich: ‘I will not be voting for Donald Trump’

"This will likely be Sherrod Brown's most difficult Senate campaign," said Robert Alexander, BGSU professor and director of the Democracy and Public Policy Research Network. "His success or failure will say a lot about the future competitiveness between Democrats and Republicans in Ohio for the foreseeable future."

The network also found Donald Trump continues to poll strongly in Ohio, besting Kamala Harris 51%-44% among likely voters. Trump has won the state in his two previous campaigns by nearly identical eight-point margins. 

Fifty-nine percent of respondents believe the country's economic condition has worsened in the last year and only 23% percent believe the country is headed in the right direction. Trump continues to be a polarizing figure as a nearly equal number of respondents hold favorable, 46%, vs. unfavorable, 49%, views of him.

"Donald Trump continues to hold a solid lead in Ohio. While nearly half of the electorate holds an unfavorable view of him, many Ohioans continue to be disappointed in the current economic climate," said Alexander.

Raw video: NBC4’s Colleen Marshall interviews Jim Jordan after rally

Notably, the poll was conducted after Trump squared off in a debate against Harris on Sept. 10, where he claimed that Haitian migrants in Ohio were eating Springfield residents' pets and local wildlife. As he and running mate J.D. Vance, a U.S. senator representing Ohio, used the disproved story to highlight the systemic strain on Springfield, the situation escalated to bomb threats on local buildings, and a Haitian nonprofit filing criminal charges against the pair.

The network found 84% of Ohioans believe the current political environment is as toxic as it has been in their lifetime, but 85% also believe it is important for people with differences to be open and talk to one another.

When thinking about politics, respondents feel exhausted, 86%, and angry, 85%, at least some of the time. In addition, large majorities believe that the current political environment will lead to increased violence, 79%, and that there are serious threats to the future of democracy given the issues that currently divide the country, 83%.

Central Ohio Weather and Radar QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Today: Clear sky, high 68
• Tonight: Clear, colder, low 43
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 70
• Wednesday: Sunny sky, high 70
• Thursday: Mainly sunny, high 69
• Friday: Sunny, mild, high 74

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Happy Monday!

Following the passage of a cold front overnight, we've got a much more fall-like forecast on tap for the upcoming week. For today, expect lots of sunshine, with highs in the upper 60s. That puts us right close to normal for this point in the year.

High pressure dominates our forecast for much of the extended period, which keeps us dry and clear. That allows for cold morning lows the next several days. For Tuesday and Wednesday, expect highs close to 70 with sunshine.

Thursday we'll be back in the upper 60s, before we start a slight warming trend into the weekend.

Expect highs in the mid 70s Friday, then in the upper 70s for the weekend.

-McKenna

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The sound of bagpipes and bells filled the air Sunday afternoon along the banks of the Scioto River in Downtown Columbus as the city’s Division of Fire held its annual firefighter memorial ceremony at the Fire Fighter Memorial Park and Eternal Flame.

"We take this day to honor all of our members that have passed away in the last year, whether they were on duty or even retirees,” Columbus Fire Battalion Chief Jeffrey Geitter said. “We take this moment to cherish the legacy they left us. We know some of these names and it really hits home. And so definitely, you know, some tears and eyes at times and, you know, just emotional for sure, but in a positive way.” 

The flame atop the four pillars burns for each firefighter past and present. 

"The spirit never dies, it is always inside of us,” Geitter said. “Every person that takes the oath to serve the citizens, it will always be there, even in retirement.” 

Watch: Columbus Fire holds firefighter memorial

A crowd of friends and family members of the firefighters who died in the last year filled the chairs in front of the flame. Their loved ones will now have their names added to the monument, remembering all they gave to the city of Columbus and its people. 

Sharleen Stanley came to Sunday's ceremony to honor friends of her father, who was a CFD firefighter for decades.  

"My dad was a Columbus firefighter before I was even born, so I was born into that family,” she said. “And it really was and probably continues to be a family that you feel a part of. I now have a son who followed in his grandfather's footsteps. [..] I was so grateful my father was still living when my son got on the division of fire. And they gave my son my dad's badge number, and he was able to be there at the ceremony and pin it on him.” 

Stanley spoke of the fire department like family, because to her, it literally is all in the family.  

"I was always so proud of my father and what he did,” she said. “He's just a wonderful, wonderful guy. I miss him terribly.” 

She stood talking with old friends and new family members after the ceremony, like Thomas Christ, a retired firefighter. 

"It's just a special family like this guy,” Stanley said. “I'm not related to him, but I consider him my uncle, and he's in that family. 

It's these relationships that make a ceremony like Sunday's a priceless time for those in attendance. 

"I've been coming to these for years and the sad part about it for me now, I'm, I know all these guys they're calling out there because I worked with all of them, and it's it just, brings back memories," Christ said. 

He served the city of Columbus for more than 30 years. He's been retired now for 23 years, but looks back fondly on his time with fire department. 

"I had a lot of good times in those 30, but, I mean, a lot of sad times,” Christ said. “You know, we had a lot of tragedy but we had an awful lot of good times and the camaraderie that we built and the brotherhood that we had.” 

Those men and women were family to him then, and still are today. 

"It was the greatest job in the world, and I'm sorry I had to leave it, but my body was telling me I couldn't take any more beatings,” Christ said. “But, I thought it was the greatest job in the world, and I wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world.” 

Many of the 15 men honored Sunday were a part of the Columbus Division of Fire for more than 30 years. 

Central Ohio Weather and Radar

An area of high pressure will slide farther to the east, pumping in warmer air on southwesterly winds ahead of a strong low-pressure area north of the Great Lakes.

A strong cold front will initiate a narrow band of showers and storms east of I-71 this evening, with the potential for gusty winds and brief heavy rain, before exiting Ohio around sunset.

Tonight will bring breezy and drier air, with clearing skies and temperatures falling into the upper 40s toward morning.

In the wake of the cold front, pleasantly cool weather will follow all week. We'll see lots of sunshine. Highs will only reach the mid- to upper 60s, with morning readings in the low 40s, and upper 30s in the cooler spots.

Cooler weather with abundant sunshine will help bring out more fall colors across Ohio in the next couple of weeks.

Forecast

• Sunday: Partly sunny, evening storm east. High 85
• Tonight: Breezy, clearing. Low 48
• Monday: Mostly sunny, cooler. High 67 
• Tuesday: Sunny. High 69 (44)
• Wednesday: Sunny. High  (44)
• Thursday: Sunny. High 70 (43)
• Friday: Sunny. High 74 (45)
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, mild. High 78 (48)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Two people have been transported to a local hospital after a highway shooting in southeast Columbus on Sunday.

Authorities responded to the scene on Interstate-70 westbound near South Hamilton Road and Courtright Road at 12:17 p.m. on Sunday, according to the Columbus Division of Police. One victim was transported in critical condition while the other was taken in stable condition.

(Ohio Department of Transportation)

All westbound lanes of I-70 are closed beyond State Route 317 and South Hamilton Road as authorities investigate the incident, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Police said one of the victims was found in the 1500 block of Elaine Road. As of 1 p.m. on Sunday, a suspect is not in custody.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio State has risen to No. 2 in the USA Today coaches poll after a stunning week 6 of the 2024 college football season.

Ohio State (5-0, 2-0) secured a 35-7 victory over Iowa on Saturday. The Buckeyes took a 7-0 halftime lead into an explosive third quarter, scoring 14 points in the span of less than two minutes to take full control of the contest. 

Meanwhile, the previously-ranked No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide fell 40-35 to Vanderbilt. The loss means the Crimson has fallen to No. 7, while the Commodores remain unranked. Texas is still in the top spot, while Georgia climbed from No. 5 to fourth. Penn State also shifted upward, from No. 7 to the fifth spot.

Oregon rose from No. 6 to third, meaning the No. 3 team will be taking on the now-No. 2 Buckeyes this coming weekend. The matchup at Autzen Stadium on Saturday is set to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on NBC4. 

USA Today coaches poll (Week 7) 1Texas2Ohio State 3Oregon4Georgia 5Penn State 6Miami7Alabama 8Ole Miss9Tennessee10LSU11Clemson12Notre Dame13Iowa State14Texas A&M15BYU16Oklahoma17Utah 18Missouri19Kansas State 20Indiana21Michigan 22Boise State 23Illinois 24Pittsburgh 25SMU

The attention now shifts to the Ducks, who improved to 5-0 this season after a 31-10 win over Michigan State on Friday night. Oregon will be the first ranked opponent the Buckeyes have faced this season.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- This week on The Spectrum:  

• Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno held a rally in central Ohio on Thursday, alongside a slate of high-profile conservatives. Moreno, who has focused his campaign on issues like the economy and immigration, said migrants are taking resources away from those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

"FEMA this year along spent $650 million resettling migrants, don't call them immigrants. Immigrant is what I was, follow the legal process," said Moreno. "These are migrants that came into this country illegally."

• Marshall attended Moreno's event to also question Republican Congressman Jim Jordan. When a promised news conference did not happen, Marshall approached Jordan after the event. But, a supporter of Jordan's tried to run interference.

"President Trump's gonna win, Bernie's gonna win Ohio, we're gonna win the Senate, we're gonna win the White House and we're gonna keep the House," said Jordan.

• Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, former President Trump's pick for vice president, is back on the campaign trail after many said he won his debate against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate. Still, Vance is being criticized for saying "he'd rather focus on the future" when asked whether Trump won the 2020 election.

"Walz called that 'a damning non-answer,' Democrats have already cut that into a campaign ad and they're hoping that will help them win moderate, independent voters," Meet the Press host Kristen Welker told Marshall.

• Meanwhile, former Republican Congresswomen Liz Cheney is backing Vice President Harris, and they were out on the campaign trail together for the first time in Wisconsin.

"Harris is hoping that [Cheney's] presence, her campaigning for her, will really help her to reach some of those moderate, independent, suburban women, maybe even some Republicans, who are frustrated with former President Trump," said Welker.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Officials at the Ohio State University are helping students navigate the divisive election season as November draws near.

NBC4 spoke with the university's director of counseling, Dr. Micky Sharma, who says being in college during the election can lead to some added stress and anxiety. After talking to students, there were a lot of mixed reactions. Some are excited to cast some of their first votes while others are dreading it and even considering not voting at all.

“I don’t know which way I’m going to vote in this election or if I will vote at all,” said Ahmed Lasheen, sophomore at Ohio State.

“It makes me feel good that my voice is heard and that my vote counts. I actually have a contribution to society,” said Jordan McAdoo, junior at Ohio State.

Watch: How OSU students are navigating this election season

With more than 60,000 students, Dr. Sharma says Ohio State is a diverse campus and it can be overwhelming to be surrounded by so many new ideas especially when it’s many students’ first time voting.

“Part of being in college is learning to relate and interact and work with folks who don’t agree with you. That’s a part of what is going to happen when you leave the university,” he said.

Many of the students NBC4 spoke with said being on campus does increase their stress surrounding the election.

“I think that’s because election outcomes can directly impact how our school operates and programs and scholarships that we have access to,” said McAdoo.

“I definitely feel a lot of anxiety in terms of just not knowing what’s next but honestly I like to embrace those tough conversations and also I challenge the other people around me,” said Isaac Wilson, senior at Ohio State.

However, there are some who don’t think being on campus makes a difference.

“I would say it doesn’t have an effect on my election stress. I haven’t had any election stress since it began,” said Nathan Nworie, junior at Ohio State.

Sharma said you can get help but there are also ways to take care of yourself. He says it’s important to know when enough is enough.

“You have to be mindful of your own capacity . How much can I manage? So much is available through social media, news sites and on your phone. You have to be mindful of when you need to take a break,” said Sharma.

He also said the university offers many resources for students dealing with election anxiety. You learn more about those here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- When you think science, you probably don’t think cheese puffs and ready whip but you should.

In this week's “Connecting with COSI,” Joe Wood shows Monica Day how to do snack time COSI style.

To learn more about COSI click here https://cosi.org/

For a previous report on this story view the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Three people who were captured on video surveillance running toward a South Linden home firing shots, one of which struck and killed a woman, remain at large and wanted by Columbus police.

Three years ago this past July, officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 2000 block of Grasemere Avenue. Superia Wilson, who had recently given birth, was sitting on the porch with her boyfriend on the evening of July 16, 2021, when three people reportedly pulled in front of the home in a black Ford Fusion.

The three people got out of the vehicle and ran toward the apartment. Wilson and her boyfriend fled inside while the suspects opened fire.

Wilson, 31, was struck by one of the shots, and she was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The newborn child was nearly struck by a bullet but avoided injury, police said.

The suspects, who were captured on video surveillance, drove away. One person was arrested in February 2023, but the case was dismissed in Franklin County Municipal Court.

Police ask that anyone with information on the suspects or the incident to call Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 or visit www.stopcrime.org and e-mail your tip.

Superia Wilson, 31, was shot and killed on July 16, 2021 in North Linden.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Police say two children are missing after they were last seen in east Columbus.

Six-year-old Jamila Austin and 5-year-old Kenneth Austin were abducted by a family member at around 7 p.m. on Saturday near Brookshire Court in Linwood, according to the Columbus Division of Police.

Jamila Austin (left) and Kenneth Austin (right). (Courtesy Photo/Columbus Division of Police)

Jamila, about four feet tall and weighing 55 pounds, was wearing blue jean shorts, a white crop stop and sandals when she was taken. Kenneth, about three feet tall and 50 pounds, was wearing orange Mickey Mouse pants, a black and red Mickey Mouse shirt and black sneakers.

Police are asking anyone with information to call 614-645-4545 and to reference case number 243009404.

Unemployment rates have continued to rise across U.S. metropolitan areas, provoking alarm throughout the nation and guiding the Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates last month.

As of August, unemployment rates had increased from the previous year in 315 out of 389 U.S. metros areas—including 45 of the 51 largest metros, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

To get a glimpse of regional variations in employment, Stacker compiled a list of counties with the highest unemployment rates in Ohio, using BLS data. Counties are ranked by their preliminary unemployment rate in August 2024, with initial ties broken by the number of unemployed people within that county, though some ties may remain. County-level unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.

The national unemployment rate remains relatively low at 4.1% in September, down slightly from the previous month. Still, it's up substantially from 3.8% during the same month last year and remains higher than it had otherwise been since December 2021. By comparison, unemployment rates surged to 10% in October 2009 during the Great Recession, and a full recovery took years. At the height of the brief COVID-19 recession in April 2020, unemployment hit 14.7%.

The Federal Reserve has shifted its focus from curbing inflation to unemployment, cutting interest rates to alleviate economic strain and spur job growth.

Since last year, unemployment has spiked in half of states—a signal often indicating a looming recession, as Piper Sandler Chief Global Economist Nancy Lazar told Business Insider. These jobless rates, paired with layoffs among major U.S. employers like Google and Tesla, have sparked concern among Americans. Minus a major economic blow, economists continue to forecast that the U.S. is tracking toward an incremental slowdown in growth known as a "soft landing." The Fed plans to continue cutting rates to achieve this.

To get a better idea of your community's current economy, read on to see the counties with the highest unemployment in Ohio.

You may also like: These 10 car insurers have the highest market share in Ohio

Big Joe // Shutterstock

#50. Erie County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.1%
--- 1-month change: Down 1.3 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.3 percentage points
- Total labor force: 39,303 people (1,596 unemployed)

Canva

#49. Muskingum County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.1%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.6 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.6 percentage points
- Total labor force: 41,621 people (1,703 unemployed)

Almal3xia // Shutterstock

#48. Greene County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.1%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.5 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.6 percentage points
- Total labor force: 83,560 people (3,397 unemployed)

Canva

#47. Portage County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.1%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.6 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.6 percentage points
- Total labor force: 86,317 people (3,582 unemployed)

Canva

#46. Cuyahoga County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.1%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.8 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.2 percentage points
- Total labor force: 617,573 people (25,218 unemployed)

JNix // Shutterstock

#45. Harrison County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.2%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.9 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.4 percentage points
- Total labor force: 6,926 people (292 unemployed)

Aiwilliams // Shutterstock

#44. Carroll County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.2%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.9 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.2 percentage points
- Total labor force: 12,640 people (528 unemployed)

Canva

#43. Henry County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.2%
--- 1-month change: Down 1.5 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.8 percentage points
- Total labor force: 13,053 people (553 unemployed)

Canva

#42. Ottawa County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.2%
--- 1-month change: Down 1.0 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.5 percentage points
- Total labor force: 22,231 people (932 unemployed)

Canva

#41. Ashland County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.2%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.6 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.9 percentage points
- Total labor force: 26,167 people (1,095 unemployed)

You may also like: Highest-rated breweries in Ohio

Canva

#40. Seneca County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.2%
--- 1-month change: Down 1.2 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.7 percentage points
- Total labor force: 26,792 people (1,123 unemployed)

James W. Thompson // Shutterstock

#39. Marion County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.2%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.7 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.6 percentage points
- Total labor force: 27,226 people (1,149 unemployed)

Keith J Finks // Shutterstock

#38. Huron County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.2%
--- 1-month change: Down 1.7 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.6 percentage points
- Total labor force: 28,725 people (1,214 unemployed)

photo.ua // Shutterstock

#37. Hamilton County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.2%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.6 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.7 percentage points
- Total labor force: 431,546 people (18,059 unemployed)

Canva

#36. Morgan County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.3%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.3 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.6 percentage points
- Total labor force: 6,997 people (298 unemployed)

Roberto Galan // Shutterstock

#35. Defiance County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.3%
--- 1-month change: Down 1.1 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.9 percentage points
- Total labor force: 17,959 people (770 unemployed)

Bravo Charlie Productions // Shutterstock

#34. Allen County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.3%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.6 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.3 percentage points
- Total labor force: 47,391 people (2,034 unemployed)

Rosamar // Shutterstock

#33. Wood County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.3%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.6 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.9 percentage points
- Total labor force: 70,588 people (3,000 unemployed)

BLAZE Pro // Shutterstock

#32. Stark County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.3%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.5 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.5 percentage points
- Total labor force: 182,692 people (7,776 unemployed)

JNix // Shutterstock

#31. Perry County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.4%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.9 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.6 percentage points
- Total labor force: 16,270 people (718 unemployed)

You may also like: How many people are receiving substance use treatment in Ohio

James Marciniak // Shutterstock

#30. Clark County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.4%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.6 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.7 percentage points
- Total labor force: 63,987 people (2,806 unemployed)

Showcase Imaging // Shutterstock

#29. Summit County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.4%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.6 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.5 percentage points
- Total labor force: 268,955 people (11,742 unemployed)

Canva

#28. Guernsey County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.5%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.8 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.7 percentage points
- Total labor force: 18,182 people (823 unemployed)

JNix // Shutterstock

#27. Clinton County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.6%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.8 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.5 percentage points
- Total labor force: 18,498 people (848 unemployed)

Donna Wickerham // Shutterstock

#26. Richland County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.6%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.8 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.6 percentage points
- Total labor force: 51,565 people (2,383 unemployed)

You may also like: Seniors in these Ohio counties have the highest Alzheimer's rates

Canva

#25. Montgomery County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.6%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.7 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.6 percentage points
- Total labor force: 250,190 people (11,557 unemployed)

The American Explorer // Shutterstock

#24. Vinton County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.7%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.9 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.3 percentage points
- Total labor force: 5,492 people (258 unemployed)

Canva

#23. Highland County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.7%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.7 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.3 percentage points
- Total labor force: 17,777 people (832 unemployed)

Canva

#22. Crawford County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.7%
--- 1-month change: Down 1.1 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.3 percentage points
- Total labor force: 18,151 people (861 unemployed)

ADC Bradley // Shutterstock

#21. Brown County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.7%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.7 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.8 percentage points
- Total labor force: 19,950 people (935 unemployed)

You may also like: Best- and worst-run cities in Ohio

redtbird02 // Shutterstock

#20. Ashtabula County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.7%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.8 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.9 percentage points
- Total labor force: 43,764 people (2,037 unemployed)

JNix // Shutterstock

#19. Columbiana County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.7%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.7 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.5 percentage points
- Total labor force: 45,321 people (2,108 unemployed)

JNix // Shutterstock

#18. Belmont County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.8%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.8 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.6 percentage points
- Total labor force: 28,278 people (1,347 unemployed)

Madison Muskopf // Shutterstock

#17. Coshocton County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.9%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.9 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.4 percentage points
- Total labor force: 14,031 people (692 unemployed)

Canva

#16. Washington County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 4.9%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.7 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.7 percentage points
- Total labor force: 27,503 people (1,339 unemployed)

You may also like: Best private high schools in Ohio

JNix // Shutterstock

#15. Gallia County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.0%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.9 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.5 percentage points
- Total labor force: 11,972 people (600 unemployed)

Canva

#14. Hardin County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.0%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.6 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 1.1 percentage points
- Total labor force: 13,028 people (645 unemployed)

Canva

#13. Mahoning County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.0%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.8 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.7 percentage points
- Total labor force: 99,279 people (4,927 unemployed)

Canva

#12. Pike County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.1%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.6 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.6 percentage points
- Total labor force: 11,415 people (579 unemployed)

The American Explorer // Shutterstock

#11. Lawrence County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.1%
--- 1-month change: Down 1.0 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.7 percentage points
- Total labor force: 23,920 people (1,222 unemployed)

You may also like: Best draft picks in Cleveland Guardians history

Canva

#10. Adams County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.2%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.8 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.7 percentage points
- Total labor force: 11,497 people (596 unemployed)

Canva

#9. Trumbull County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.2%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.8 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.8 percentage points
- Total labor force: 83,832 people (4,350 unemployed)

James Marciniak // Shutterstock

#8. Jackson County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.3%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.5 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.7 percentage points
- Total labor force: 12,797 people (678 unemployed)

Kenneth Keifer // Shutterstock

#7. Noble County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.4%
--- 1-month change: Down 1.1 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 1.0 percentage points
- Total labor force: 4,731 people (254 unemployed)

Canva

#6. Scioto County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.5%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.8 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 0.7 percentage points
- Total labor force: 30,392 people (1,663 unemployed)

You may also like: Ohio ranks #30 in mental health care deserts

Michael Shake // Shutterstock

#5. Lucas County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.5%
--- 1-month change: Down 1.9 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 1.4 percentage points
- Total labor force: 207,579 people (11,482 unemployed)

Canva

#4. Monroe County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.2%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.9 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 1.4 percentage points
- Total labor force: 5,221 people (324 unemployed)

Canva

#3. Meigs County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.3%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.9 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 1.1 percentage points
- Total labor force: 8,564 people (542 unemployed)

Canva

#2. Jefferson County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.3%
--- 1-month change: Down 1.0 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 1.0 percentage points
- Total labor force: 27,456 people (1,743 unemployed)

Wendy van Overstreet // Shutterstock

#1. Athens County

- August unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.4%
--- 1-month change: Down 0.5 percentage points
--- 1-year change: Up 1.7 percentage points
- Total labor force: 24,292 people (1,555 unemployed)

This story features data reporting and writing by Paxtyn Merten and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.

Central Ohio Weather and Radar QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Today: Partly sunny/ iso. PM rain, high 86
• Tonight: Clearing and very cool. low 47
• Monday: Clearing & cooler, high 67 (44)
• Tuesday: Sunny & brisk, high 69 (44)
• Wednesday: Clear skies, high 68 (43)
• Thursday: Sunny & mild, high 69 (46)

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Another taste of summer returns to Central Ohio for Sunday with temperatures reaching the mid 80s. All at the same time wind gusts will increase to 25-30 mph. This comes ahead of a cold front that will move through late in the afternoon.

A few areas, mainly east of the city, will see a couple of scattered showers with a rumble of thunder or two. This front will bring a marginal risk of severe weather east of the city.

Tonight temperatures are going to drop really fast. By 11 o'clock it will be more than 20 degrees cooler than our daytime high. The air will cool down about another 20 degrees by tomorrow morning. Lows will fall to the mid 40s across Central Ohio.

Monday starts of the work week very cool. With cold air settling in temperatures will stay in the mid-upper 60s all afternoon. Skies will continue to clear out and become very sunny once again.

The majority of the work week will see temperatures at or slightly below normal with plenty of sunshine. There is a warming trend that begins by this upcoming weekend. Virtually no rain chances are expected from Monday onward.