Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – While gas prices fell in the Columbus area last week, it did little to erase the 40-cent surge over the previous two weeks, and potential additional hikes may be around the corner.

According to GasBuddy’s survey of 500 stations in the Columbus area, the average price at the pump dropped by 8.6 cents last week to reach $3.05 per gallon. The current price is 27 cents per gallon higher than four weeks ago but still 29.2 cents lower than this time one year ago.

Columbus Gas Prices Tracker

The cheapest gas station in the Columbus area was priced at $2.54 a gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $3.29, a difference of 75 cents per gallon. In Ohio, the average price of gas also rose 8.7 cents from $3.08 per gallon to $2.99 per gallon.

Nationally, gas prices also rose, by 2.7 cents per gallon, to reach $3.11. The price of diesel, however, rose only slightly by 0.9 cents, settling at $3.56 per gallon.

What is price cycling?

While the decline in fuel prices is welcome, head of petroleum analysis with GasBuddy Patrick De Haan said it is likely only temporary, as the spring and summer travel seasons get underway.

“While average prices remain well below last year's levels, we’ll likely begin to catch up, with prices expected to increase in most— if not all—states over the next few weeks,” De Haan said. “Continued uncertainty around whether tariffs will be implemented on April 2 could also impact pump prices, setting the stage for a volatile period for American drivers."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Gov. Mike DeWine said he disagrees with advocates who argue the state is unwelcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.

The governor was answering questions during a moderated Columbus Metropolitan Club forum on March 26 when he was asked whether Ohio is fostering an unfriendly climate for LGBTQ+ residents. The moderator said advocates claim DeWine has signed into law several bills that prompt bullying against transgender youth, like legislation regulating school restroom use.

"I'd disagree with that, I would totally disagree with that," said DeWine. "I don't think we have done that. Look, you go back and look at everything that I have said as governor, in 'State of the State' speeches and other times, this should be a welcoming state. We want everybody to come to Ohio and feel welcomed in the state."

Delaware, Marysville LGBTQ+ groups say local businesses are dialing back support

When pressed, DeWine firmly denied there's "an anti-LGBTQ climate" in Ohio but said "it's important for all of us who in public office to speak out about that and for all of us to continue to make it clear that this is a state that welcomes everyone." DeWine reiterated that, "we want you to come to the state of Ohio, we want you to feel welcome here."

DeWine's comments come as the Statehouse has advanced several bills that opponents deem "anti-LGBTQ+," instead of repealing Ohio's dormant same-sex marriage bans, removing antiquated HIV criminalization laws, passing a statewide conversion therapy ban or prohibiting LGBTQ+ discrimination.

Ohio's list of "anti-LGBTQ+ bills" includes a measure requiring academic institutions to set separate bathrooms based on students' "biological sex." After the bill was signed into law last November, Ohio's only statewide trans-led organization, TransOhio, said more than 10,000 people called, emailed and wrote to DeWine urging for a veto. "Our trans students and educators deserve so much better. Trans people have been a part of Ohio long before it was Ohio, and we always will be," the group said.

Proponents argue the legislation addressed concern from Ohio parents about their local schools allowing the opposite sex into shared restrooms or locker rooms. Sen. Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware) said he sponsored the bill because he supports "protecting women, and our daughters, by simply providing the specific facilities reserved for them."

Columbus City Schools said this law is why the district reverted students' names to those reflected on birth certificates, leading to backlash from parents who said the move came without notice and harmed trans students. The district rescinded its trans and gender variant student policy in February, removing policy protecting names and pronouns. 

Longtime advocate warns of Ohio deaths if federal HIV funding is cut

DeWine also signed into law in January a bill coined by supporters as "The Parents' Bill of Rights," which goes into effect in April and will require teachers to notify parents before teaching "sexuality content" and of changes in a student's mental, emotional or physical health.

A national crisis hotline said it received a significant increase in calls from LGBTQ+ youth in Ohio within hours after the governor approved the measure. Opponents said the bill will strip those youth of being able to confide in educators and school staff, putting them at risk of being outed to unsupportive families.

The governor argued to reporters in January that the measure will provide a path for parents to be informed about what's going on in their child's life. "[Parents are] the first teachers, they're the best teachers, and that's very, very important," DeWine said, also noting that he does not see the bill as harming LGBTQ+ students.

Another bill banning gender-affirming care for trans youth was vetoed by DeWine in late 2023. However, after the Statehouse voted to override the governor's veto, the ACLU filed a lawsuit against the measure, which yielded a five-day trial last July. While the Franklin County judge in that trial ruled in August the measure could go into effect, an appeals court decided in March that the law is unconstitutional.

"Children are just not old enough, they're not mature enough to be able to make these lifelong decisions," said Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery), the legislation's primary sponsor, when the law was enacted. "We wanted to put on the brakes and say, 'Wait a minute, this is an adult decision.'"

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Mayors for Akron, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo said in a joint statement that while they "are proud to offer trans-inclusive health care benefits to their employees," the law prevents young people from accessing those benefits. "While our city does everything we can to empower and lift up all our youth, the state law prevents parents in our city from making health care decisions for and with their child," Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said.

Other LGBTQ-related bills that have been debated at the Statehouse include a measure prohibiting "adult cabaret performances" that opponents say would amount to a ban of drag queens in public, a bill to ban universities from asking students their preferred pronouns, and legislation prohibiting mental health service to minors without parental consent, which a leading advocacy group said could prematurely out LGBTQ+ teens.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio motorists who are caught driving under the influence will be hit with harsher penalties next week when Liv’s Law goes into effect. 

After unanimously passing the Statehouse and gaining Gov. Mike DeWine’s signature, Liv’s Law will go into effect on Wednesday, April 9. The legislation, sponsored by Reps. Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe) and Kevin Miller (R-Newark), was named after Olivia Wright, 22, who was killed by a drunk driver near Ashville in September 2020. 

“A constituent, Bryan Wright, brought this issue to my desk after losing his daughter, Olivia, to a drunk driver,” Johnson said in a news release. “He pointed out to me how weak Ohio’s laws are compared to other states in the nation, and that is what inspired me to work on this legislation in an attempt to try and deter any drunk driver from becoming a repeat offender.”

The implementation of the law means those charged with an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence) will face increased fines, specifically an extra $190 compared with current law. For example, the minimum fine for a first-time offense will rise from $375 to $565, and the minimum fine for a second offense will rise from $525 to $715.

Liv’s Law will also increase the maximum fine for aggravated vehicular homicide to $25,000, which is $10,000 more than the current law allows. Additionally, right now the offense is punishable by up to 15 years in prison when the defendant has had three or more OVI-related convictions in the past 10 years; the incoming law will increase the maximum sentence to 20 years and allow courts to consider offenses within the last 20 years.

“It is my hope that Liv’s Law will serve as a deterrent for those who have repeatedly decided to put the lives of others at risk all for the sake of their convenience,” Miller said in a statement. 

The law will also allow police to collect oral fluid samples from drivers suspected of driving under the influence, while current law only permits blood, urine and breath testing. Oral fluid testing allows law enforcement to test for substance use on-site and receive results within minutes. Similar to the other kinds of testing used in the state, refusing an oral fluid swab can result in a misdemeanor charge and penalties such as fines or jail time under Ohio’s implied consent laws.

Liv’s Law will also mandate those who have been charged with an OVI two or more times to use ignition interlocks, or breathalyzers, in order to start their cars. Currently, the court may or may not require the device on a second offense depending on what the individual’s blood alcohol content was. 

Introduced in February 2023, Liv's Law did not receive any opponent testimony before it passed the Statehouse in December 2024.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Crews are attempting to rescue at least one person from a home in east Columbus after a tree fell on it Sunday night.

According to Columbus Division of Fire Batallion Chief Jeffery Geiter, the home is located on the 1400 block of Noe Bixby Road.

Officials said at least one person was reported to be in the home at the time.

Strong storms and heavy winds tore through central Ohio Sunday night, resulting in storm damage across the region.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- If you live, work, or have visited the city of Columbus, you may have been impacted by last summer’s massive ransomware attack, and time is running out to protect yourself. 

Monday is the deadline to sign up for the city’s offer of free credit and dark web monitoring.

Short North’s Bristol Republic relocating to Dublin’s Bridge Park

The city estimates half a million people are impacted by the ransomware attack that hit Columbus, but only about five percent of that number have signed up for free monitoring from the city. 

People's private information was stolen as well as sensitive case details from the Columbus Division of Police and city attorney's databases. 

As a result, Columbus began offering free credit monitoring shortly after NBC4 Investigates exposed the extent of the breach. This service includes credit monitoring by all three credit bureaus, identity theft restoration service, identity theft insurance and dark web monitoring for two years. 

Through a records request from the city, it was learned Columbus has signed an agreement with Experian for a $45.26 fee for each activation code redeemed. That, combined with other fees, means the city has spent more than $1 million on this service. 

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Almost 23,000 people, including children, have enrolled. 

Experts also recommend freezing your credit with each of the three credit bureaus. 

We have information on how to do that as well as all of our investigation into this attack at www.nbc4i.com/cityhack. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Strong thunderstorms knocked out power to more than 9,000 AEP customers in Franklin and Delaware counties Sunday night.

As of 10:45 p.m., a total of 14,684 Franklin County customers and 2,405 Delaware County customers were without power -- 17,089 customers out of the total 17,995 statewide affected by outages Sunday.

AEP estimates power to one of the hardest hit areas of Franklin County -- on the west/southwest side of the county -- will be restored by 2:30 a.m. Monday. The other part of the county with the most outages -- in the New Albany area -- is still waiting for the cause of the outages to be assessed before power can be restored.

You can track outages statewide in the map below.

Central Ohio Weather and Radar

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- With severe weather in the forecast, a reminder that driving in the rain may be more dangerous than you think. 

According to AAA, rain is responsible for more crashes than any other weather condition. 

That’s mostly due to underestimating. AAA said many drivers get out on the road while it’s raining, thinking they don’t need to change their driving habits, and that’s what leads to so many crashes. 

Four killed in three separate Columbus crashes

"We love the spring, but it comes with those showers, so give yourself more time,” AAA Driver Education Supervisor Kellie O’Riordan said. 

She said it’s always best to leave earlier than normal would during severe weather, letting drivers take it slow on dangerous roads. 

“You have that debris and the leftover oils on that roadway meeting with that rain,” O’Riordan said. “Of course, oil and water don't mix and that's when it becomes the most slippery.” 

She also advises keeping extra distance from other vehicles, never using cruise control, and of course, “turn around, don’t drown.”

“Don't assume that that standing water is just a little bit of water; always assume that there could be a sinkhole,” O’Riordan said. 

Counties with the highest unemployment in Ohio

As little as six inches of water can cause drivers to lose control and can also cause damage to your car. 

“You could flood your engine, you could work the brake rotors, loss of power steering or a short and any of the electrical units and those things add up,” O’Riordan said. “That's going to cost thousands of dollars and our insurance experts tell us that if you choose to go through standing water, that might not be covered.” 

This is just the start of spring showers and O’Riordan said there is some maintenance you should be checking on your car -- make sure your tire pressure is full and your tire tread is still good. 

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

• Former Senator Sherrod Brown is dipping his toe back into public policy. 

Learn about the new initiative he launched in an effort to put workers’ issues at the forefront in Washington. 

• Ohio is getting its own version of DOGE. Hear about who’s involved and what they’ll be doing. 

• The Ohio Civil Rights Commission is accused of violating civil rights. See what a federal court found the group and its director liable for. 

• The nation’s top security officials go on an on-line app to detail a planned military assault. Is that classified information?  Our strategist, Republican Mark Weaver and former Democratic Ohio State Senator Lou Gentile weigh in. 

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- Bristol Republic, the Short North bar known for live music and an extensive whiskey collection, is relocating to Dublin's Bridge Park.

The restaurant and bar announced this week it will move to 4495 Bridge Park Avenue, at the intersection of Bridge Park Avenue and Mooney Street. The announcement said the new location "builds on everything guests love about Bristol," like more space, convenient parking, a bolder menu and an even more inviting atmosphere.

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"Bridge Park is the perfect home for the next chapter of Bristol Republic," said Brian Swanson, owner of Bristol, in a release. "We're bringing everything our guests love -- great food, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere -- but in a space that allows us to do even more."

Bristol's current location at 1124 N. High St. in the Short North opened in 2019. A closing date has yet to be announced.

The new multi-level, 6,500-square-foot Bridge Park location is slated to open in late 2025 and feature an open design with a seamless indoor-to-outdoor flow, the announcement said. The space will be designed to accommodate private gatherings, relaxed dining, and the location's lineup of live entertainment, including country and blues performances.

Guests can also expect an elevated menu that combines Bristol's barbeque favorites, like the 18-hour brisket or the Texas Spare Ribs, with new dishes, including dry-aged meats and seasonal chef-driven specials. A cocktail program and vast whiskey selection will also be available.

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"We're excited to welcome Bristol to Bridge Park," said Bob Hoying, principal at Crawford Hoying, the development company behind Dublin's mixed-use district. "The addition of a well-loved concept complements the continuous vibrancy that we have always envisioned for our mixed-use neighborhood."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The investigation into a 2020 homicide has revealed little new information since a man was shot dead on the West Side.

According to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, Columbus police continue to seek leads into the fatal shooting of James Johnson, who was found with gunshot wounds inside a Honda Element on Oct. 20, 2020.

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Officers arrived at a Sunoco gas station on Sullivant Avenue, where several shell casings were found in the parking lot of the business. A few minutes later, they responded to a shooting call at a United Dairy Farmers on Hague Avenue, where they found Johnson inside his vehicle.

The preliminary investigation revealed that two suspects, who remain unnamed, were involved in the shooting at the Sunoco gas station, and they fled the scene in a red and gold Pontiac Montana, which included a woman driving the vehicle. Johnson then reportedly drove to the UDF before police were called.

Police are searching for two suspects in connection to a 2020 homicide at a Sullivant Avenue Sunoco gas station.

Johnson was taken to Grant Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. For an earlier report on this story view the video player above.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip.

The first jobs report fully under the new Trump administration showed a softening job market, with the unemployment rate ticking up to 4.1% in February, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics figures released March 7.

Job growth increased but fell below expectations, one of several possible fissures appearing in the once rock-solid labor market. Businesses are pulling back on hiring as the economic forecast and policy outlook grow murkier due to volatile trade policies and large cuts to the federal workforce.

Federal government employment fell by 10,000 in February, pushing up total cuts to the federal workforce. In the first two months of 2025, 62,530 federal workers were let go. However, the most recent cuts, including the Department of Education's workforce getting slashed by nearly half, have not yet appeared in official jobs data. Retail employment also fell by 6,000.

The broader unemployment index, known as the U-6, which also includes laborers working part-time because they can't find full-time work, and those who want to work but have given up searching, rose to 8%, its highest since October 2021.

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 January 2025, 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.

Key takeaways: Jobs report shows softening labor market

February's job growth of 151,000 fell below economists' expected gains of 160,000, showing the labor market is cooling faster than predicted. Experts say many companies weighing policy changes and economic uncertainty are deciding it's safer to hold off on hiring decisions for now.

"If you were a company and you were saying, 'I'm looking to expand, or I'm looking to hire,' you would have investors in those companies saying, 'Are you crazy?'" Ron Hetrick, senior labor economist at Lightcast, told Marketplace.

Consumer spending fell in January for the first time in two years, which may have led to layoffs or hiring slowdowns, Nela Richardson, ADP's chief economist, told NBC News.

The big story: From bold promises to frozen labor market

After an initial market pop following Trump's electoral win, indexes have slumped to below when he took office, and uncertainty about the future of the markets is a common theme. Are threatened tariffs in place, delayed, reversed, or ramped up? Has that federal worker been fired or given their job back? Are those federal dollars slashed or reinstated? It's a question mark that changes daily.

Research shows that uncertainty invites lower investment, slows employment, and increases financial market volatility. The word "uncertain" showed up 47 times in the March edition of the Beige Book, the Federal Reserve's snapshot of reports from across the nation, compared to 17 times in the previous report from January.

The new administration's blitz of executive orders and trade policy waffling have cast a dense fog over the short-term economic outlook. One thing that is known? Uncertainty isn't good for business planning, job creation, or hiring.

In a March 12 interview with Semafor, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon noted that average consumers likely don't change "what they're going to do because they read about tariffs," but "companies might."

"Uncertainty is not a good thing," Dimon added.

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

47. Marion County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.5%
--- 1-month change: +1.0 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.1 percentage points
- Total labor force: 26,927 people (1,469 unemployed)

47. Pickaway County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.5%
--- 1-month change: +1.2 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.0 percentage points
- Total labor force: 28,631 people (1,579 unemployed)

47. Williams County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.5%
--- 1-month change: +1.2 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.3 percentage points
- Total labor force: 16,853 people (927 unemployed)

47. Portage County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.5%
--- 1-month change: +1.1 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.9 percentage points
- Total labor force: 85,406 people (4,718 unemployed)

44. Montgomery County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.6%
--- 1-month change: +0.9 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.0 percentage points
- Total labor force: 256,779 people (14,333 unemployed)

44. Summit County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.6%
--- 1-month change: +0.9 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.9 percentage points
- Total labor force: 274,306 people (15,331 unemployed)

44. Hardin County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.6%
--- 1-month change: +1.1 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.2 percentage points
- Total labor force: 13,273 people (741 unemployed)

43. Stark County

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.7%
--- 1-month change: +1.1 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.8 percentage points
- Total labor force: 182,926 people (10,411 unemployed)

42. Ashland County

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 5.9%
--- 1-month change: +1.2 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.1 percentage points
- Total labor force: 25,650 people (1,511 unemployed)

38. Seneca County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6%
--- 1-month change: +1.4 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.5 percentage points
- Total labor force: 26,500 people (1,595 unemployed)

38. Coshocton County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6%
--- 1-month change: +1.0 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.6 percentage points
- Total labor force: 15,024 people (894 unemployed)

38. Fayette County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6%
--- 1-month change: +2.0 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.6 percentage points
- Total labor force: 13,307 people (793 unemployed)

38. Lawrence County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6%
--- 1-month change: +1.1 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.1 percentage points
- Total labor force: 24,180 people (1,447 unemployed)

34. Carroll County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.2%
--- 1-month change: +1.5 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.8 percentage points
- Total labor force: 12,378 people (763 unemployed)

34. Harrison County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.2%
--- 1-month change: +1.7 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.8 percentage points
- Total labor force: 5,939 people (371 unemployed)

34. Richland County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.2%
--- 1-month change: +1.1 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.7 percentage points
- Total labor force: 53,982 people (3,320 unemployed)

34. Ross County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.2%
--- 1-month change: +1.6 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.8 percentage points
- Total labor force: 32,927 people (2,043 unemployed)

29. Washington County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.3%
--- 1-month change: +1.3 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.3 percentage points
- Total labor force: 27,337 people (1,729 unemployed)

29. Mahoning County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.3%
--- 1-month change: +1.0 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.7 percentage points
- Total labor force: 104,309 people (6,560 unemployed)

29. Crawford County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.3%
--- 1-month change: +0.8 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.9 percentage points
- Total labor force: 18,936 people (1,190 unemployed)

29. Champaign County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.3%
--- 1-month change: +2.5 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +2.1 percentage points
- Total labor force: 19,140 people (1,213 unemployed)

29. Highland County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.3%
--- 1-month change: +0.9 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.4 percentage points
- Total labor force: 19,908 people (1,250 unemployed)

27. Columbiana County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.5%
--- 1-month change: +1.7 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.0 percentage points
- Total labor force: 45,603 people (2,971 unemployed)

27. Hocking County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.5%
--- 1-month change: +1.7 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.4 percentage points
- Total labor force: 12,983 people (847 unemployed)

24. Muskingum County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.6%
--- 1-month change: +1.8 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.2 percentage points
- Total labor force: 41,320 people (2,712 unemployed)

24. Sandusky County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.6%
--- 1-month change: +1.8 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.8 percentage points
- Total labor force: 28,103 people (1,858 unemployed)

24. Trumbull County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.6%
--- 1-month change: +1.1 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.8 percentage points
- Total labor force: 88,954 people (5,898 unemployed)

23. Fulton County

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.7%
--- 1-month change: +1.9 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.3 percentage points
- Total labor force: 21,576 people (1,447 unemployed)

21. Jackson County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.8%
--- 1-month change: +0.9 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.3 percentage points
- Total labor force: 14,133 people (957 unemployed)

21. Belmont County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.8%
--- 1-month change: +1.8 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.8 percentage points
- Total labor force: 28,212 people (1,931 unemployed)

18. Jefferson County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.9%
--- 1-month change: +1.1 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.6 percentage points
- Total labor force: 28,214 people (1,947 unemployed)

18. Brown County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.9%
--- 1-month change: +1.7 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.1 percentage points
- Total labor force: 20,573 people (1,420 unemployed)

18. Gallia County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 6.9%
--- 1-month change: +1.3 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.2 percentage points
- Total labor force: 12,770 people (877 unemployed)

16. Athens County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 7%
--- 1-month change: +1.5 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.2 percentage points
- Total labor force: 26,287 people (1,849 unemployed)

16. Erie County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 7%
--- 1-month change: +1.4 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.8 percentage points
- Total labor force: 36,924 people (2,581 unemployed)

15. Clark County

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 7.1%
--- 1-month change: +2.6 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +2.5 percentage points
- Total labor force: 62,334 people (4,451 unemployed)

14. Lucas County

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 7.2%
--- 1-month change: +1.5 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.3 percentage points
- Total labor force: 207,788 people (15,012 unemployed)

13. Perry County

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 7.3%
--- 1-month change: +1.7 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.3 percentage points
- Total labor force: 16,176 people (1,173 unemployed)

12. Vinton County

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 7.5%
--- 1-month change: +1.7 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.5 percentage points
- Total labor force: 5,681 people (425 unemployed)

11. Pike County

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 7.7%
--- 1-month change: +1.5 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.4 percentage points
- Total labor force: 11,612 people (891 unemployed)

10. Scioto County

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 7.8%
--- 1-month change: +1.7 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.6 percentage points
- Total labor force: 29,801 people (2,328 unemployed)

9. Guernsey County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 8%
--- 1-month change: +2.5 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.5 percentage points
- Total labor force: 16,721 people (1,344 unemployed)

8. Huron County

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 8.2%
--- 1-month change: +2.0 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +0.8 percentage points
- Total labor force: 28,592 people (2,344 unemployed)

7. Henry County

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 8.5%
--- 1-month change: +2.9 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +2.3 percentage points
- Total labor force: 13,849 people (1,175 unemployed)

6. Morgan County

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 8.8%
--- 1-month change: +2.6 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.5 percentage points
- Total labor force: 6,520 people (575 unemployed)

4. Adams County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 9.1%
--- 1-month change: +2.4 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.2 percentage points
- Total labor force: 11,633 people (1,053 unemployed)

4. Monroe County (tie)

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 9.1%
--- 1-month change: +1.2 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.3 percentage points
- Total labor force: 5,511 people (504 unemployed)

3. Noble County

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 9.3%
--- 1-month change: +2.6 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +2.0 percentage points
- Total labor force: 4,416 people (411 unemployed)

2. Ottawa County

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 9.5%
--- 1-month change: +2.0 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.3 percentage points
- Total labor force: 20,175 people (1,908 unemployed)

1. Meigs County

- January unemployment rate (preliminary): 10.1%
--- 1-month change: +3.2 percentage points
--- 1-year change: +1.7 percentage points
- Total labor force: 8,224 people (831 unemployed)

This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Ben Popken, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Four people were killed overnight Sunday on roadways in Columbus after three separate crashes.

Police dispatchers reported about these various crashes that all resulted in fatalities, including one that killed two people. Each crash remains under investigation and has caused various road closures.

Latest Columbus and central Ohio traffic conditions 1:44 a.m.: Motorcyclists killed on State Route 161

Dispatchers reported a motorcyclist on SR-161 eastbound at Interstate 270 was hit by four separate vehicles. The person driving the motorcycle was killed while another motorcyclist involved in the crash was also killed.

Columbus fire and police crews remained on the scene on the east side well to clean up the roadway as the scene cleared at around 7 a.m.

2:04 a.m.: One killed on Interstate 71 southbound

20 minutes after the double fatal crash on SR-161, a vehicle hit a wall on I-71 south just south of SR-161 in northeast Columbus. One person was pronounced dead in the crash but dispatch could not confirm if it was the driver that hit the wall or somebody else.

As of 7 a.m., I-71 southbound lanes remain closed, including ramps from SR-161 to get onto I-71 from both directions.

3:24 a.m.: Pedestrian killed on I-71 northbound

Police dispatchers told NBC4 a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle just before 3:30 a.m. on I-71 northbound near East North Broadway Street. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

I-71 northbound lanes remain closed from US Route 62 near downtown Columbus all the way past East Cooke Road on the northeast side of the city. Ramps from I-670 west and East Weber Road to get onto I-71 remain closed as well.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — One of the most popular national lottery games is about to debut an overhauled structure, changing how it is played and how much it will cost to buy a ticket.

Mega Millions officials announced in a news release that the new rules will be rolled out on April 5, after revealing changes would be coming last October. Key updates include higher jackpots and improved odds of winning.

The game will begin with a $50 million jackpot, up from its current starting point of $20 million. With the addition of a more expensive ticket price, jackpots are expected to grow higher in less time.

“If the jackpot is below $50 million after the drawing on April 4, it will increase to $50 million for the first drawing of the new game,” officials explained. “If the jackpot is over $50 million after the drawing on April 4, it will continue to roll into the new game.”

Participants will have 70 numbers to pick from for five white balls. Options for choosing the Mega Ball will reach 24 — down from 25 in the existing game. The one fewer Mega Ball will improve the jackpot-winning odds from 1 in 302 million to 1 in 290 million.

Ohio players will no longer be able to add an extra $1 for the Megaplier. The Megaplier kicks in when all 5 white balls match without the Mega Ball, giving the player $1 million times the Megaplier number drawn. Instead, there will be a “built-in multiplier on every play, automatically improving every non-jackpot win by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X or 10X — up to $10 million for matching the five white balls,” the commission noted.

The new Mega Millions prize matrix will take effect on April 8, 2025. (Image Courtesy/Mega Millions)

Right now, a basic Mega Millions ticket is $2, the current minimum prize is also $2. The new wager price will be $5. However, the new minimum non-jackpot prize is rising to $10, so any winner will do better than just breaking even on their ticket purchase.

“This is only the game’s second price adjustment since the first ticket was sold more than 20 years ago and the first change since the current game matrix was adopted in 2017,” the lottery said.

Six winners have struck billion-dollar jackpots. In the Buckeye State, there have been 20 jackpot winners and 65 second-tier winners of $1 million or more.

Mega Millions is a joint lottery that can be played in 45 states, including Ohio, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are held Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m. in Atlanta.

The next Mega Millions drawing is Tuesday at 11 p.m.

Additionally, the Ohio Lottery recommended that participants “keep it fun.” Help for a gambling problem is available 24/7 by calling the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966.