Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A local nonprofit is working to give away over 1,500 free trees to Ohioans this fall, encouraging residents to replace their Bradford pears and other non-native species. 

Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed is a nonprofit organization that helps protect a 32-mile stretch of the Olentangy River, spanning from Delaware County to where the Olentangy meets the Scioto River. 

DeWine wishes Biden well, says Senate race the one to watch

“We help protect the river itself and the land surrounding it, so this includes areas like Clintonville, Columbus, Linden, Delaware County, Upper Arlington and we do this through tree plantings, litter pickups, water quality testing, and just a bunch of different community events to try to protect the environment,” said fellow Josephine Cacciato. 

In recent years, native trees have been pushed out of their environment by invasive species such as Bradford pear trees, according to the organization. The tree, known for its unpleasant scent, damages Ohio’s habitats by destroying native ecosystems and plants.

The nonprofit, which has held the giveaway for the past three years, hopes to promote native species such as American Beech and sweetgum trees in central Ohio. Both residents and institutions such as schools and churches can apply to receive one or more trees through the giveaway, but those who enter must be located along the Olentangy watershed. 

Map displaying the Olentangy watershed area that qualifies for the giveaway.

“We have over 20 species, mostly tree species, but we have about five species of shrub for places that can't have plants that are as big or as tall, so there's a list available,” Cacciato said. “These are all native Ohio trees, so we're very connected to promoting native species in Ohio because they're much better for the environment and support the species we have here in our ecosystem.”

The organization is also looking for “tree ambassadors” who would take responsibility for a limited number of trees (15 for example) and distribute them to neighbors through word of mouth or social media.  

Keeping people safe at the Ohio State Fair

If an individual removes an invasive species such as a Bradford pear from their yard, they can receive an extra tree, but it is not required to enter the giveaway. 

“Bradford pear trees recently became illegal in Ohio, so we're asking people to just check in their yard,” Cacciato said. “They're really very invasive and they spread very quickly. So we're just asking if you do have one, remove it and then we can give you an additional tree as well.”

Another main reason the nonprofit is holding the giveaway is to further develop tree canopies in the Columbus area, Cacciato said. A tree canopy is a part of a city that is shaded by trees, also described as the layer of branches and leaves that cover the ground when viewed from above.

“Because Columbus is developing so much, it's one of the most rapidly growing urban heat islands in the country, and urban heat islands are just a space where there's so much focus and there's a lot of people and energy that temperatures rise and they can rise by 10s of degrees, for example,” Cacciato said. “Neighborhoods with less tree canopy can be up to 10 degrees hotter on the same time as day as one with better tree canopy.”

Columbus unveils new fire response technology

Cacciato said the free trees will have been raised in a nursery for a month and will be in “pretty strong condition,” but advised that the first year of a tree’s life is the most important. Those who participate should make sure they are protecting and watering their new tree, she said. 

Residents and institutions who want to enter the giveaway or become a tree ambassador must fill out a form and the organization will reserve their trees. Tree pickup will take place on Oct. 12 at Worthington Tree Nursery and Oct. 19 at Weinland Park Tree Nursery.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A group of businesses in Ohio has received the first authorizations to work with recreational marijuana, as the state's first crop intended for this type of sale has also crossed a milestone.

Medical dispensaries and other industry players have been waiting for certificates of operation -- the last paperwork needed before they can convert to dual-use -- and in the storefronts' case, to start selling recreational marijuana. A majority of the state's cannabis businesses applied to make the switch, and the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control already gave many of them provisional licenses to prep before the green light.

2024 turning into big year for sports business in Columbus

However, DCC Public Information Officer Jamie Crawford confirmed 10 certificates of operation had been issued as of Tuesday. But the caveat comes when breaking that number down to which businesses received them: four cannabis cultivators and six processing facilities. No dispensaries obtained their certificate, meaning they remain locked to only selling medical marijuana. Customers, for their part, can't buy recreationally yet and are only allowed to grow their own.

These were the growing facilities and processors holding certificates of operation as of Tuesday:

• Pure Ohio Wellness, LLC - Both cultivator and processor branches in Springfield
• GTI Ohio, LLC - Both cultivator and processor branches in Toledo
• AT-CPC of Ohio, LLC - Both cultivator and processor branches in Akron
• Farkas Farms, LLC - Cultivator in Grafton
• One Orijin, LLC - Processor in Columbus
• Riviera Creek Holdings II, LLC - Processor in Youngstown
• FN Group Holdings, LLC - Processor in Ravenna Township

Attorney Paula Savchenko of Cannacore Group, a Florida-based firm that helps companies secure licensing to do business with cannabis, told NBC4 that Ohio's rollout is a common approach.

Citizen-led redistricting amendment going on Ohio ballot in November

"This is actually typical in most states where the cultivators and manufacturers will get the licenses first before the retailers, because the cultivators and manufacturers need to be able to produce the product to supply the retail stores," Savchenko said. "So, in states where you're seeing the retail licenses given out first, those retail stores actually end up having to operate without product for a significant amount of time, and it's really smart that the state decided to do it this way."

Marijuana seedlings in various stages of growth at Cresco Labs' Yellow Springs, Ohio facility. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn)

Crawford agreed with Savchenko's analysis in comments to NBC4. He previously used a metaphor of "multiple windows" at the BMV to describe dispensaries and their counterparts in line to get certificates. With the first batch issued, he told NBC4 that these new ticket holders had a more streamlined approval process when it was their turn.

"Given the fact that cultivators, processors and testing labs are less complicated than dispensaries – and to ensure an efficient supply chain – cultivators, processes and labs receive some priority over dispensaries when it comes to issuance of certificates of operation to help ensure that, once Certificates of Operation are issued to dispensaries, there is nonmedical product available for adult consumers to purchase," Crawford said.

Columbus unveils new fire response technology

He also detailed some of the steps that dispensaries are going through before they will also get certified.

"In order to receive their certificate of operation, dispensaries will be required to show they are able to properly process adult use and medical sales, as well as provide proof of training, which could take a little longer to process than the types of operators," Crawford said.

A Cresco Labs employee holds an adult marijuana plant May 15, 2024, at their Yellow Springs, Ohio facility. (NBC4 Photo/Mark Feuerborn)

Even before getting a certificate, some of Ohio's cannabis industry has already geared up for launch day. In May, NBC4 visited Cresco Labs' growing facility in Yellow Springs, where its team planted the state's first marijuana crop intended for recreational products. The company's chief communications officer, Jason Erkes, confirmed that two months later, the same plants were harvested and ready.

"We harvested more than 300 pounds of flower from our first crop earmarked for the adult-use market," Erkes said. "Once they go through the drying and curing process, we’ll begin preparing them for market with about 75% being packaged as tenths or half ounces of flower, and the rest being manufactured into edibles or vapes ready for market by the time adult-use sales launch."

Past predictions on when recreational sales could start have missed the mark. Lawmakers who approved the dual-use approach for cannabis dispensaries guessed "mid-June," while Story Cannabis' CEO estimated the week of June 23. More recently, Erkes said he thinks July will be the month. But even since March, storefronts like Sunnyside Dispensaries under Cresco's fold have been getting ready for the big day, whenever it is.

Central Ohio Weather and Radar QUICK WEATHER FORECAST:

• Today: Sct'd PM pop-ups, sticky, high 86
• Tonight: Isolated showers, low 67
• Thursday: Sct'd AM showers, high 84
• Friday: Mainly sunny, high 84
• Saturday: Warm sunshine, high 88
• Sunday: Clouds build, showers later, high 90

FORECAST DISCUSSION:

Happy Wednesday!

We've got a similar setup today to what we saw yesterday. Expect a dry morning, with highs warming into the middle 80s, and a stick to the air. Once we get into the mid-afternoon timeframe, scattered storms start to develop. Not a washout, but we will see some heavier downpours in spots, so keep an eye on the Storm Team 4 mobile weather app.

For tomorrow, expect scattered shower activity during the morning, eventually clearing up into the early afternoon following the passage of a cold front. Highs top out in the low to middle 80s tomorrow with lowering humidity.

Friday looks really good, with highs sticking in the middle 80s, and a nice and comfortable feel to the air. We'll see lots of sunshine.

The weekend will be a hot one, with sunshine and highs in the upper 80s Saturday. We warm near 90 by Sunday, with shower chances building late-day.

-McKenna

GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH) -- A central Ohio veteran got a home upgrade, thanks to a home remodeling company. 

Since 2022, West Shore Home has been serving veterans, active duty and their families through its West Shore for Warriors initiative. 

Citizen-led redistricting amendment going on Ohio ballot in November

Kenneth Kirk, of Grove City, is a Korean War veteran. At 94 years old, he said he can’t believe the company did this for him at no cost at all, saying it might just save his life.

Kirk got a major upgrade to his bathroom. 

“I’ve never seen one as pretty as that in my life,” Kirk said when he first saw his brand new shower. 

Private First Class Kirk fought in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. It lasted 17-days in sub-zero temperatures. Kirk considers himself lucky. 

“I got my feet frozen and I had a little shrapnel in me, but, you know, a lot of them are not able to talk to you today because out of 3,800, only 400 was fit for duty,” he said.

Columbus unveils new fire response technology

Kirk was diagnosed with PTSD and is now legally blind. Over the years, he’s lost his wife of 70 years and two of his sons. 

“I've had a lot of things happen since then and most of it's been really nice,” he said. 

Recently, it’s been getting hard for him to safely get in and out of the shower. He’s fallen three times already. In his old unit, he didn’t really have anywhere to safely grab onto, so he had been leaning on a shower door to get in and out and stay stable.

On Tuesday, at 8 a.m., West Shore Home got to work. 

West Shore Home sent a design consultant out to Kirk’s home. That same night, the consultant called Lukas Razzano, the general manager, and let him know that there was an absolute need to do something about this. 

“He said, ‘Hey, Lucas, I think we, I think we have one. Here's his story, Korean War veteran, 94 years old, 90% blind, wife just recently passed, he needs some help, it’s getting to the point where this is going to decide whether he stays in his home or not,’” Razzano said.

Razzano is a veteran himself, so he says it’s an honor to be able to Kirk out today. 

Restaurants in central Ohio bulldozed to make way for Chick-fil-A, Sheetz

“Kenny lost all the nerves in his feet,” Razzano said. “He can't walk around in his own house without shoes on. Nothing. I mean, imagine going home and having to wear shoes all day, not being able to sleep at night from, you know, what happened in Korea. And if we can come in and make his shower a little more comfortable for him, and so one last thing you have to think about it. It keeps me here all year round.”

After a roughly 12-hour day, the new safety-enhanced shower is ready to go. 

“I can’t imagine using it now. I can’t wait,” Kirk said. 

His new shower features a seat, grab bars and a magnetic shower wand. Kirk said he greatly appreciates the gesture. 

You can watch a previous report in the player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Fans gathered Tuesday night into Lower.com Field in Downtown Columbus for the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge and were treated to a show.

Twenty all-stars from the MLS and Liga MX teams, along with two legends and two women's players, competed in five challenges in the annual skills competition that kicks off All-Star week. Liga MX was able to win the overall challenge by a final score of 6-5, but it came down to the wire.

The evening began with the MLS NEXT Pro Goalie Wars challenge, where four keepers from the MLS' developmental league competed in a single-elimination bracket to earn a Goalie Wars title belt. Crown Legacy FC goalie Chituru Odunze won the competition, taking home the title.

What to know about Team USA for the Paris Olympics

The main skills challenge began with the shooting challenge which Liga MX was able to win. Crew striker Cucho Hernandez gave the hometown crowd a good show in the challenge despite MLS falling in the first of five challenges.

After MLS was victorious in the touch challenge, Liga MX retook the overall lead in the cross & volley challenge. Hernandez, though, electrified the crowd with a highlight reel bicycle kick goal.

Silky smooth passing from Spaniards Riqui Puig and Sergio Busquets led MLS to victory in the passing challenge, setting up the winner-take-all crossbar challenge for the overall title.

Liga MX was able to clinch the overall title after Cruz Azul's Gonzalo Piovi hit the crossbar from more than 30 yards away. It's the second time Liga MX beat MLS in the skills challenge with the victory earning Special Olympics Ohio, Liga MX's charity of choice, a $25,000 donation. MLS' charity, Adaptive Sports Collection, also received a $25,000 donation.

The 28th MLS All-Star Game will take place Wednesday night at Lower.com Field. MLS has won both previous meetings with Liga MX.

• COLUMBUS, OHIO - JULY 23: Cucho Hernandez of the MLS All-Stars participates in the 2024 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge at Lower.com Field on July 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
• COLUMBUS, OHIO - JULY 23: Jonathan Dos Santos of the LIGA MX All-Stars talks with Jordi Alba of the MLS All-Stars during the 2024 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge at Lower.com Field on July 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
• COLUMBUS, OHIO - JULY 23: Cucho Hernandez of the MLS All-Stars participates in the 2024 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge at Lower.com Field on July 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
• COLUMBUS, OHIO - JULY 23: Stanislav Lapkes participates in the 2024 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge at Lower.com Field on July 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
• COLUMBUS, OHIO - JULY 23: Andre-Pierre Gignac of of the LIGA MX All-Stars participates in the 2024 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge at Lower.com Field on July 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
• COLUMBUS, OHIO - JULY 23: Cucho Hernandez of the MLS All-Stars participates in the 2024 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge at Lower.com Field on July 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
• COLUMBUS, OHIO - JULY 23: Alicia Cervantes of the LIGA MX participates in the 2024 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge at Lower.com Field on July 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
• COLUMBUS, OHIO - JULY 23: Diana Ordonez of the Houston Dash participates in the 2024 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge at Lower.com Field on July 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Four Columbus fire stations will be getting technology that is meant to help first responders get better rest during a 24-hour shift.

A shift like that can be challenging. Firefighters are usually woken up several times throughout the night.

“The thought of sleeping just isn't a thing. It's more just rest. And not a true sleep," Battalion Chief Jeffrey Geitter said.

Restaurants in central Ohio bulldozed to make way for Chick-fil-A, Sheetz

In all but one Columbus fire station, no matter the type of call, everyone at the station hears the alarm to go.

“The majority of our runs in the Columbus Division of Fire are medical related. So the paramedic vehicles go out often multiple times a night in certain stations. And so everyone at that station is now woken up for an incident they don't need to respond on," Geitter said.

That is not the case at Station 16 in North Linden. It has a system where bedrooms are assigned to vehicles. Then when a call comes in, only the rooms for the needed vehicles are alerted. A notification plays over a speaker in the rooms and there is also a light. Columbus City Council recently approved $600,000 for the system, made by Locution Systems Inc., to be added to other fire stations.

“We know that giving them a better quality of life will make everybody safer in the city of Columbus just being able to respond with a clearer head," said Councilmember Emmanuel Remy.

Columbus hit by cybersecurity ‘incident’

The stations were chosen based on call volume and if they have individual rooms which are needed to have the system, according to Geitter.

“It matters because firefighter health and safety as well as the community’s safety will benefit from this technology, in the sense of it reduces our injuries because we are more rested. And it reduces mistakes that could be made if you’re awake for 24 hours which are our shifts," he said.

Geitter and Remy also said it's likely any new fire station from here on out will likely be built with the newer alert system.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Greater Columbus Sports Commission said 2024 will be the biggest year for sports on its record.

The City of Columbus is currently in the spotlight hosting the MLS All-Star game at Lower.com Field. This is just one of many major sporting events calling Columbus home this year.

Coach Ryan Day acknowledges high expectations for Ohio State

The sports commission said in the first six months of the year, major sporting events have already brought more than $80 million in visitor spending.

“Not only all the great events that we already have here, a bunch of Blue Jackets games, a bunch of Clippers games, a bunch of Crew games, a bunch of Ohio State games as well, but those special events as well, that really set off the city,” Jesse Ghiorzi, director of marketing for the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, said. “And I mean, just even earlier this year, earlier this month, we had the USA Fencing Championships, which is the biggest fencing event in the history of fencing with 6,300 competitors. So different type of event than this one, but both at the same, at their core, bringing a bunch of people to Columbus to experience the city, get a taste of the sports action that we've got here.”

Ghiorzi said the momentum isn't stopping. He said earlier in the year, the city submitted more than a dozen bids to host NCAA championships from 2026 to 2028.

Columbus is already approved to host the NCAA women's basketball final four in 2027 and the U.S. Chess Championships in 2029.

Ghiorzi said these are all big-ticket events that will bring thousands of people to the city. He said each successful event opens the doors for more opportunities.

Watch: Blue Jackets introduce Dean Evason as coach

“As the city continues to grow in population and businesses being based here and those sorts of things, we have more of an opportunity to host bigger and bigger events and more frequently hosting these big events,” Ghiorzi said

He said some of the biggest selling points when bidding to host these events are how much the Columbus fans show up and the proximity from the arenas to the airport and hotels.

Since the beginning of 2024, the city has hosted the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, fencing championships and more.

Ghiorzi said they learn something from every event to make the next one even more desirable. 

“So you're always able to kind of update your playbook, your blueprint, and take a few tricks from the last event to put it towards here,” he said. “And so, you know, at first, when sometimes we'll try to do something and collaborate across the city, it seems kind of ambitious. And then a couple of events later, it's like, ‘Oh, that's the standard. Now we've raised the standard.’”

See how much a full-time worker in Ohio needs to make to afford a two-bedroom apartment

The sports commission is predicting the MLS All-Star Week add another $20 million to that visitor spending number, calling this summer “the summer of soccer.”

It continues Aug. 3 when two of the top Premier League teams – Manchester City and Chelsea – will face off at Ohio Stadium. Ghiorzi said there will be around 80,000 people in attendance.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio voters will decide on a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment looking to change redistricting laws for the state this November.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced Tuesday that the Citizens Not Politicians-led redistricting initiative aiming to remove politicians from the redistricting process will be on the ballot this election. Instead, the amendment proposes a redistricting commission to create a "fair, transparent and impartial redistricting process that genuinely reflects the will of Ohio's citizens," Citizens Not Politicians said.

The proposed commission would be made of Republican, Democratic and independent Ohio citizens from around the state. Current and former politicians, part officials and lobbyists would not be eligible to serve on the commission.

Former Columbus Zoo CEO pleads guilty to felony charges

Citizens Not Politicians calls itself a nonpartisan coalition dedicated to ending gerrymandering, or the process of drawing biased political boundaries, in the state of Ohio. They have received support from over 100 Ohio businesses, thousands of Ohio voters and even Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Arnold Schwarzenegger addresses the Terminate Gerrymandering event during The Arnold Sports Festival on Sunday, March 3, 2024. (NBC4)

In order to get on the ballot, a measure must get at least 413,487 signatures, which equals 10% of the total vote cast for governor in the last relevant election, according to LaRose. These signatures must also come from at least half -- or 44 of 88 -- of the counties in Ohio, and there must be signatures equal to at least 5% of the total vote cast for governor in those counties.

According to LaRose, the redistricting proposal petition reached 535,005 signatures in 58 counties.

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor helped draft the amendment. She is a lifelong Republican, according to Citizens Not Politicians, and she said the amendment will restore equity to Ohio voters.

"With this amendment on the ballot, Ohioans have the chance to reclaim their power from the self-serving politicians who want to stay in power long past their expirations date while ignoring the needs of voters," O'Connor said.

The amendment will now be sent to the Ohio Ballot Board, which has until Aug. 22 to generate the language that will appear on the ballot Nov. 5, according to a news release from Citizens Not Politicians. The Ballot Board is required to hold a public hearing to adopt the language.

When are Columbus police trained to use lethal force?

LaRose is one of five members of the Ballot Board, which also includes two Ohio Senators, one citizen and a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. O'Connor said she is confident the board will produce simple and accurate language for voters.

In a previous interview with NBC4, Citizens Not Politicians spokesperson Chris Davey said Ohioans are fed up with a long history of gerrymandering.

Ohio Senate and House district maps approved by the Ohio Redistricting Commission on Sept. 26, 2023.

Previous redistricting maps drawn by Ohio legislators have been heavily criticized, and rejected by the Ohio Supreme Court. In July 2022, the Court declared a congressional district map "unduly favors" the Republican Party, violating gerrymandering prohibitions. New maps drawn up in November 2023 faced similar criticisms, which appeared to give Republicans 23 likely Senate seats, out of 33, and 61 likely House seats, out of 99.

"Literally in the dark of night, Democrats and Republicans got together and forced gerrymandered maps on the people of Ohio," Davey said. "And the citizens are done with it."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The 2024 Summer Olympic Games are upon us.

The eyes of the world will be upon the city of Paris, the iconic venues, and the world-class competition, but amidst all the sights and sounds is the potential for scams.

What you need to know about recent data breaches

“Of course, scammers take advantage of current trends,” Judy Dollison, president of the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio, said.

Trends, headlines, or big events, the BBB of Central Ohio said scammers consistently use them to their advantage, and one of the biggest and most watched events of the year will be the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

It wouldn't be the first time a con artist used the competition to trick consumers. The BBB said several scams were reported to its scam tracker during previous games such as job opportunities, links to watch events, and ads for merchandise.

"A lot of the scammers are approaching through ads on social media,” Dollison said.

Ads on Facebook or Instagram may seem legitimate but could be fake, offering merchandise that doesn’t exist.

Two years later, resident gets guardrail near bike path along busy roadway

“We always say, ‘if something seems too good to be true, it probably is,” Dollison said. “So, if you see a really good price on something, if it just doesn’t seem right, I would avoid it.”

But if you just have to have it, use a credit card.

"They offer additional protections, that if there's a product that you don't receive, or it's not as advertised, you can have additional recourses to get your money back,” Dollison said.

And if you want to watch the Games on anything but cable, make sure the source is legitimate.

"This happened a lot during the pandemic,” Dollison said. “We saw where the streaming service wasn't real, they were collecting your data, and they were installing malware. So, you're not only out your information, your money, you're not getting the game that you signed up for and you potentially have a virus on your computer.”

Speaking of malware, there are also concerns that scammers are putting a new twist on an old tactic – the fake emergency scam, also known as the grandparent scam. A scammer hacks someone's email account, and shortly after, sends the same message to that person's contacts, something to the effect of, “I'm over in Paris and my wallet was stolen! Can anyone help me out by sending gift cards?"

Need help? Contact ‘Better Call 4’

“Anything online has a potential for malware,” Dollison said. “You know, in general, we say, ‘Don't click on links that are unfamiliar or unsolicited.’ If it sounds like it’s coming from a friend, pick up the phone and call that friend and say, ‘Was this really you?’ before you engage in that service.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine answered questions from reporters on Tuesday for the first time since President Joe Biden decided to end his re-election campaign on Sunday.

“We all have seen what we have seen on TV,” DeWine said. “I’m not sure I know any more than anyone else does.”

Secret Service director resigns after assassination attempt against former President Trump

DeWine said that a few weeks ago, he and his family had a “brief” conversation with Biden, lasting for about 10 minutes.

“He seemed fine,” DeWine said. “But that was brief.”

When Biden first announced that he would end his re-election campaign, DeWine posted on X, that he wishes Biden “all the best as he serves out the remainder of his term and in the years ahead.” On Tuesday, DeWine said he is still “not calling on him to resign.”

Biden stepping down now, despite a round of primary elections across the county and in Ohio, means the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee will be chosen by delegates at the Democratic National Convention. The Ohio Democratic Delegation voted Monday night to pledge all votes to Vice President Kamala Harris, who Biden also endorsed.

Harris campaign begins vetting potential running mates

Thanks to a special session, the DNC now has until Sept. 1 to ensure the Democrats have a presidential candidate on Ohio’s Ballot.

But DeWine said no matter who the Democrat is running against former President Donald Trump, he is not worried about Trump winning the state.

“There is no indication that he is not going to carry Ohio,” DeWine said. “I do not consider Ohio a battleground for the presidency; where I do see a battle ground is the United States Senate.”

DeWine said the U.S. Senate race in Ohio, which could ultimately decide the balance of power in that chamber, is where he is putting his focus.

NBC4 asked DeWine if he worries that the change at the top of the ticket will impact that race, he said he cannot say either way right now.

Biden to address nation for first time since ending candidacy

“The one thing we’ve learned about this political campaign is there is a lot we don’t know, and this continues to have twists and turns, and we’ve never had a presidential campaign in the history of the county like this,” DeWine said. “We’ve got a long way to go before the election.

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (WCMH) -- A 2-year-old child has been hospitalized after being hit by a car Tuesday afternoon in Reynoldsburg.

According to police dispatchers, the incident was reported at approximately 1:56 p.m. in the 3000 block of Dewbourne Drive.

The child was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Police said the car that hit the child did not stay at the scene, but they have not shared any other information on a possible suspect.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Ohio State Fair is all about fun and coming together as Ohioans to celebrate our agrarian roots.

However, as with any event where hundreds of thousands of people gather in one place, logistics and security are top of mind, especially for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, which is in charge of the safety plan for the state fairgrounds and patrons.

Butter Cow sculptures at Ohio State Fair will honor nation’s top athletes

"It's tradition, we'll have a huge presence,” Sgt. Tyler Ross with the OSHP’s public affairs unit, said. “You'll see state troopers everywhere you turn.”

Ross is just one of dozens of troopers who will be out at the fairgrounds for the next couple of weeks. His advice: prepare and plan.

"Make sure when you come in you know where you're going to park," he said. “If you are coming with a larger family, make sure you're staying in communication with each other, and you have the ability to. Because with this many people in one place, as you see with concerts and stuff sometimes, sometimes Wi-Fi and things don't get through."

That's especially important with children. If you get separated, tell them to find a state trooper immediately. Caregivers and parents should do the same.

"Undoubtedly, with this many people, there are going to be those situations, unfortunately,” Ross said. “The quicker the better (you find a trooper), and we'll help you get reconnected with your family."

Ride inspection at Ohio State Fair is underway

With it being an election year, higher profile politicians tend to visit the fair-- this coming on the heels of the assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump which still has people on edge.

"We won't discuss safety protocol just due to security measures; however, we have those safety plans in place," Ross said. "So whether is a VIP or politician or a general fairgoer... our job is to ensure the safety of everyone.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Columbus man and his Arizona supplier have both pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl in Columbus.

Ontario M. Yarbrough, 26, was accused of operating a "drug house" in the Hilltop area in 2023, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Kenneth L. Parker said. Yarbrough pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl on June 13, and his supplier, Jose Ruben Leyva, 46, pleaded guilty to the same crime Tuesday.

According to Parker, Yarbrough accepted five packages and tracked at least 13 packages from Arizona between April and October 2023 at locations around Columbus.

Former Columbus Zoo CEO pleads guilty to felony charges

After he received one of the packages, delivered by an undercover postal investigator, investigators executed a search warrant of Yarbrough's house, according to court documents. Inside the home, investigators found the package he had received contained nearly 500 grams of fentanyl. Officers also seized 10 bags of "white powder," two firearms and ammunition, cash and drug trafficking material, according to Parker.

Leyva's home in Buckeye, Arizona, was searched days later, where investigators found pills and powder containing fentanyl, packaging materials, cash and other drug paraphernalia, according to Parker.

The crime is punishable by at least 10 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of life in prison. A sentencing date will be scheduled, Parker said, and the court will determine their sentences.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — NBC4’s annual special “A Journey Through Alzheimer’s,” hosted and produced in part by Colleen Marshall, has received another regional Emmy.

The half-hour informative program won in the Health/Medical Short or Long Form Content category at the 60th Annual Gala of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Ohio Valley Chapter, on July 20, 2024, held at the Central Bank Center in Lexington, Kentucky.

"A Journey Through Alzheimer's," is a yearly broadcast that brings viewers important in-depth information on Alzheimer’s disease. The show, created by Marshall after her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, has been airing for 16 years.

See how much a full-time worker in Ohio needs to make to afford a two-bedroom apartment

In 2023 Marshall was recognized by the Central Ohio Alzheimer's Association, receiving the organization's Community Impact Award. The award honored the significant impact Marshall has made on behalf of families living with Alzheimer's, including those reached by an annual TV program she hosts that offers resources and hope to families living with the disease.

“In my opinion, no one in Central Ohio has done more to support this cause and drive awareness of this disease than Colleen Marshall,” said Vince McGrail, executive director of the Alzheimer's Association Central Ohio Chapter at the time. “Colleen consistently supports our mission and provides a platform for families to tell their stories.”

Butter Cow sculptures at Ohio State Fair will honor nation’s top athletes

This is the sixth Emmy for "A Journey Through Alzheimer's." NBC4 also congratulates Jennifer Kiser, the station's director of operations, who won an Emmy for her work on the annual series.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - A tradition that has been part of the Ohio State Fair is back with a special theme that goes with the upcoming Olympics.

The American Dairy Association Mideast revealed the 2024 Butter Cow sculpture that has been a staple at the fair since the early 1900s. This year's sculpture depicts a snapshot of the nation's top athletes "moo-ving" to victory, according to the release.

• In this year’s butter cow display at the Ohio State Fair, the iconic butter cow and calf proudly wear their butter medallions as they stand next to four elite athletes.
• The traditional butter cow and calf are sporting butter medallions in this year’s butter display at the Ohio State Fair. They proudly stand next to four elite athletes, including a track and field para athlete at the starting line, a gymnast doing a handstand on the balance beam, a cyclist rounding the curve and a high-jumper clearing the bar.
• In this year’s butter cow display at the Ohio State Fair, the iconic butter cow and calf proudly wear their butter medallions as they stand next to four elite athletes.
• A track and field para athlete sculpted in butter is in position at the starting line in this year’s butter cow display at the Ohio State Fair.
• Included in this year’s butter cow display at the Ohio State Fair is a life-size butter sculpture of an elite gymnast balancing on her hands on a balance beam.
• A high jumper clearing the bar is sculpted in butter in this year’s butter cow display at the Ohio State Fair. The sculpture is actually anchored to the ceiling of the butter cooler so it appears the athlete is jumping over the bar.
• A life-size butter sculpture of a cyclist is included in this year’s butter cow display at the Ohio State Fair. Sculptors built a hidden armature to convey the motion of the cyclist leaning to the side as he rounds a curve.

The display is made with about 2,000 pounds of butter, showcasing the iconic butter cow and calf with butter-sculpted medals. Along with the cow and calf, visitors can catch life size butter sculptures of a track and field para athlete, a gymnast doing a handstand on the balance beam, a high-jumper and a cyclist.

The butter display also shows the hard work and dedication of dairy farmers and athletes who are fueled by dairy foods including milk, yogurt, cheese and more.

When it comes to the process, it takes about 450 hours to complete the dairy sculpture inside a 46-degree cooler. The work was done by a group of technical sculptors led by Paul Brooke of Cincinnati.

• Paul Brooke is the lead sculptor for the American Dairy Association Mideast’s butter cow display at the Ohio State Fair. Brooke, of Cincinnati, has been part of the creative work for more than 20 years.
• Erin Birum, of Columbus, smooths handfuls of butter as the sculpture of a track and field para athlete takes shape. A team of Ohio-based sculptors spent 375 hours in a 46-degree cooler to create this year’s butter cow display at the Ohio State Fair.
• Sculptors used approximately 2,000 pounds of butter to create the 2024 butter cow display. It took approximately 450 hours to complete the sculpture and 375 of those hours were dedicated to sculpting inside the 46-degree cooler.

2024 Ohio State Fair: what to know before you go

Last year, the sculpture theme celebrated Ohio’s rich history of innovation, featuring notable inventors including Thomas Edison, Garrett Morgan, Josephine Cochrane and James Spangler.

The Butter Cow sculpture will be on display at the Dairy Products Building, where visitors can also enjoy a variety of Ohio-produced dairy foods from ice cream and milkshakes, to cheese sandwiches and milk.

INDIANAPOLIS (WCMH) -- Ohio State football returns in a little over a month, and coach Ryan Day is scheduled to preview the season.

Day is scheduled to address the media at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday from Lucas Oil Stadium during the annual Big Ten media days. You can watch the news conference live in the video player above. This year marks the largest Big Ten media days in the conference's history, with 18 coaches speaking.

2024 is the beginning of the Big Ten's crossing into the West Coast with four former Pac-12 schools: USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington. Day's Buckeyes are set to play only one new Big Ten school, Oct. 12 at Oregon.

LeBron James chosen as flag bearer for Team USA at Paris Olympics opening ceremony

Day will likely discuss how the new-look roster has trained over the summer. Transfers including quarterback Will Howard, running back Quinshon Judkins, and safety Caleb Downs are looking to make an instant impact on a team that has a mix of experience and highly touted freshmen. The offense will be led by new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who is set to takeover a majority of play-calling duties from Day.

The Big Ten announced its preseason honors team earlier Tuesday. On the list from Ohio State were safety Caleb Downs, receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson and defensive end JT Tuimoloau.

The Buckeyes will discover where they rank nationally on Aug. 12 when the Associated Press' preseason poll releases. They'll open their season Aug. 31 against Akron at 3:30 p.m. at Ohio Stadium.

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- The former CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium pleaded guilty Tuesday to 15 felony charges and agreed to pay an additional $315,000 in restitutions.

Tom Stalf admitted to 12 counts of tampering with records and three single counts of theft by deception, conspiracy and telecommunication fraud, according to Ohio Auditor Keith Faber. He is one of five former Zoo officials involved in a theft investigation over over $2.29 million.

Stalf initially pleaded not guilty in October to the charges implicating him in the misuse of nearly $2.3 million in Zoo funds. He was initially scheduled to begin jury trial on Aug. 6, according to court documents.

Stalf and other Zoo executives were accused of using their positions to attend sporting events, offer housing to family and other personal uses. Stalf was specifically accused of using Zoo funds to purchase a personal RV for $45,000.

How much a worker must make to afford a two-bedroom apartment in Ohio

According to Faber, Stalf will also pay $315,572.65 in restitutions to cover credit card purchases, Ohio State and Blue Jackets tickets, concert tickets and other personal purchases made with Zoo funds. This restitution payment comes after a previous $400,000 settlement Stalf agreed to pay back to the Zoo in 2021.

Stalf's plea comes just days after a fifth and final employee was charged, former purchasing assistant Grant Bell. Bell is also the son of former chief financial officer Greg Bell, who is also implicated in the theft and pleaded guilty to 14 felony counts last October.

Former marketing director Pete Fingerhut and former purchasing agent Tracy Murnane are each also facing felony charges. Stalf is the third former Zoo employee to plead guilty this month, following Murnane pleading guilty to 14 felony charges, and Fingerhut pleading guilty to 16 charges.

Stalf's sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 14.

HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) – To support plans to replace three elementary schools and create a new sixth grade center, Hilliard school district residents will see a levy on the ballot Nov. 5 – the first in eight years. 

Hilliard’s Board of Education unanimously decided to support a combined bond-levy request to help renovate and improve school facilities. The $6.9 million operating levy will go toward daily school maintenance, and the bond issue would authorize the district to issue $142 million in bonds for renovation and improvements, according to Hilliard schools. 

Much of the improvement funding will go toward executing phase one of the district’s Master Facilities Plan, the first of two. Phase one will focus on creating elementary spaces and converting existing facilities to create a third center for sixth graders, according to the district. 

Columbus Metropolitan Library holding summer reading events

Phase one will replace three existing elementary schools, Brown, Beacon and Ridgewood, according to Hilliard City Schools. It will also attach a second preschool to the new Beacon Elementary building, and Brown will be converted to a third sixth-grade building. Other renovations will focus on playgrounds, extracurricular spaces and safety improvements, according to the district. 

This is the first school levy request the district has made since the last one passed in 2016. 

The district said in the 2023 fiscal year, its expenses exceeded how much it was bringing in, forcing it to rely on previous savings to close the gap. District revenue is projected to grow by --at most -- 1.5% annually, while expenses are expected to grow between 3% and 5% each year, according to the district. Thus, the board of education said it was time to ask for more funding. 

The Master Facilities Plan follows a 2023 district-wide survey, which consulted parents and students about their opinions on various solutions to facility usage. According to the survey, participants were most in favor of implementing a third sixth-grade center, particularly so students could remain with the same classmates throughout their time in the district.

With Biden out, will Ohio see a Democratic candidate before ballot deadline?

“Having three 6th grade schools allows students to stay with the peers they will go to high school with and graduate with, which allows them to build lifelong relationships,” one survey respondent said. 

The survey provided mixed results, however. Many people voiced concerns about costs, especially following an extensive redevelopment plan and increasing home values in the area. 

“I am concerned about passing all these bond levies in the first place, but when the cost is so high it has me concerned,” another survey respondent wrote. 

The district responds to concerns about fiscal responsibility on its website, citing its Auditor of State Award with Distinction as proof of its responsible usage of tax dollars. According to the Ohio Auditor, this award is granted to those who do not contain findings for recovery, weaknesses or other issues in their funding. 

The Ohio Department of Education’s annual report card for Hilliard City Schools placed it fairly centrally among Ohio public schools regarding spending and performance. The report card noted Hilliard spends the most on classroom instruction of the 14 schools in its comparison group, which ranged from other similarly sized districts in Franklin County to as far as Cleveland. According to Hilliard’s website, it spends the least per pupil in Franklin County, a separate measure of spending.

More details released in Columbus teacher accused of assaulting student

The district will host seven community meetings to discuss the levy at various district schools every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. between Sept. 11 and Oct. 23. The first is Sept. 11 at the Bradley High School Media Center. 

The district also said redistricting of students will happen whether the levy passes or not. The process will begin in 2025, although the district stressed no decisions have been made regarding when or where things will be implemented. If the levy passes, the district said no changes will be implemented until the third sixth-grade building opens. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Nearly 600 athletes from across the 50 states will be in Paris for the Olympics over the next two weeks.

Team USA once again brings a strong contingent of some of the best athletes in the world. Familiar faces will look to make more history, while numerous teams bring a collection of great athletes from the United States' major professional leagues.

Elsewhere, the Americans have stars in the lesser-known sports and are favorites to top the Olympic medal table once again. Here is what to know about Team USA for the Paris Olympics.

The stars

Simone Biles (Gymnastics) - The 27-year-old is back for her third Olympics and can become just the second woman to win two all-around gold medals.

Katie Ledecky (Swimming) - Ledecky is three medals away from passing Jenny Thompson as the most decorated female American Olympian of all-time.

Caeleb Dressel (Swimming) - The Floridian has never lost a medal race in his Olympic career, boasting seven golds. He will look to make it 10 after Paris.

Regan Smith (Swimming) - A world record holder, Smith won three medals in Tokyo but none of them were gold. She will look to change that in the three individual events she is slated for.

Noah Lyles (Track) - The double sprint world champion is aiming to become the first American man to win the Olympic 100-meter and 200-meter races in 20 years.

Sha'Carri Richardson (Track) - An American woman has not won the 100-meter dash since 1996 and Richardson, who missed out on Tokyo, is the favorite to break that drought.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Track) - The 23-year-old has already claimed two Olympic gold medals and a plethora of world records. She enters as the favorite in the 400-meter hurdles.

• Simone Biles waves during introductions for the U.S. Gymnastics Championships Sunday, June 2, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
• FILE - Katie Ledecky, of the United States, reacts after winning the women's 1500-meters freestyle final at the 2020 Summer Olympics, July 28, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. Ledecky started off the U.S. national championships Tuesday, June 27, 2023, with a dazzling performance in the 800-meter freestyle. She turned in her fastest time since setting the world record at the 2016 Rio Olympics. At 26, Ledecky has already sealed her legacy as one of the greatest freestyle swimmers the sport has ever witnessed, yet she shows no signs of slowing down. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)
• SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 13: Caeleb Dressel reacts after competing in the Men's 50m Freestyle final on Day 4 of the TYR Pro Swim Series San Antonio at Northside Swim Center on April 13, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
• INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JUNE 20: Regan Smith of the United States competes in the Women's 200m butterfly final on Day Six of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Swimming Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium on June 20, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
• Noah Lyles celebrates after winning the men's 100-meter final during the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Team Trials Sunday, June 23, 2024, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
• USA's Sha'Carri Richardson reacts after crossing the finish line to win the women's 4x100m relay final during the World Athletics Championships at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest on August 26, 2023. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP) (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images)
• EUGENE, OREGON - JULY 24: Sydney McLaughlin of Team United States celebrates winning gold in the Women's 4x400m Relay Final on day ten of the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 at Hayward Field on July 24, 2022 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Team sports

Basketball - LeBron James and Stephen Curry lead a men's team with high chances of winning a fifth straight gold medal, and a WNBA superstar team looks certain to win an eighth straight women's gold medal.

Soccer - For the first time since 2008, two USA soccer squads are going to the Olympics. A young American men's roster has aspirations past the group stage while the women's new look roster seeks a first gold since 2012.

Indoor Volleyball - The women enter as the defending champion and can be the first repeat winners since 2012 while the men are hoping to return to the podium after no medal in Tokyo.

Beach Volleyball - Women's duo Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes can join a legendary list of American beach volleyball gold medalists while both men's pairs are hoping to produce upsets.

Water Polo - Women's water polo is favored to win a fourth straight gold medal as the men are on the outside looking in toward multiple European powerhouses.

Rugby - The Americans are bringing two teams with hopes to earn the first medal in the sport. The women's chances are slightly better than the men's.

Women's Field Hockey - An American women's field hockey team is in the Olympics for the first time since 2016, hoping to create some upsets in a tough group.

• LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: (R-L) Devin Booker #15, LeBron James #6 and Anthony Davis #14 of the United States run onto the court for an exhibition game against Canada ahead of the Paris Olympic Games at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The United States defeated Canada 86-72. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
• SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 01: Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Plum, A'Ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu of the United States celebrate Team USA winning the Gold Medal during the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Final match between USA and China at Sydney Superdome, on October 01, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
• BORDEAUX, FRANCE - JULY 12: Walker Zimmerman prepares to receive the ball during USMNT U23 training on July 12, 2024 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Andrea Vilchez/ISI/Getty Images)
• COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO - JUNE 01: Sophia Smith #11, Trinity Rodman #22, and Lindsey Horan #10 of the United States celebrate after playing the Korea Republic at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on June 01, 2024 in Commerce City, Colorado. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)
• LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA - JULY 14: Members of the United States volleyball teams pose for photos during an Olympic send-off celebration after a Women's match between the United States and Netherlands as part of the 2024 USA Volleyball Cup presented by hoag at Walter Pyramid on July 14, 2024 in Long Beach, California. The United States defeated Netherlands 3-1. (Photo by Kaelin Mendez/Getty Images)
• LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Beach volleyball players Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes pose during the Team USA Paris 2024 Olympic Portrait Shoot at NBC Universal Studios Stage 16 on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
• FUKUOKA, JAPAN - JULY 28: Ashleigh Johnson of USA, Madeline Musselman of USA, Tara Prentice of USA, Rachel Fattal of USA, Maggie Steffens of USA, Jewel Roemer of USA, Ryann Neushul of USA, Emily Mary Ausmus of USA, Kaleigh Gilchrist of USA, Bayley Weber of USA, Jenna Michelle Flynn of USA, Amanda Longan of USA, Jordan Raney of USA listening to headcoach Adam Krikorian of USA during the World Aquatics Championships 2023 Women's Waterpolo 5th-6th place decider match between USA and Hungary on July 28, 2023 in Fukuoka, Japan. (Photo by Albert ten Hove/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
• CHOFU, JAPAN - JULY 31: Team United States huddles in the Women’s Placing 5-8 match between Team United States and Team China during the Rugby Sevens on day eight of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Stadium on July 31, 2021 in Chofu, Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
• LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 06: Meredith Sholder of the United States celebrates with team mates during the FIH Pro League Women's match between USA and Great Britain at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on June 06, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Other athletes to watch

Brady Ellison (Archery) - In his fifth Olympics, Ellison is considered the greatest American archer as he looks to add to his three-medal tally.

Nevin Harrison (Canoe) - Harrison, 22, made history in Tokyo winning the inaugural C-1 200-meter sprint race for America's first ever canoe gold medal. She aims for a repeat in Paris.

Jessica Parratto, Delaney Schnell (Diving) - The platform diving pair reunite after claiming silver in the synchronized event in Tokyo.

Lee Kiefer (Fencing) - The Cleveland native aims to win a second consecutive Olympic title in the individual foil event.

Scottie Scheffler (Golf) - The world's top male golfer is the favorite to add Olympic gold to a 2024 season where he has already won the Masters and Memorial.

Nelly Korda (Golf) - The LPGA's top player is looking to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals and cement herself in golf history.

Fred Richard (Gymnastics) - The 20-year-old Michigan Wolverine could be a breakout star in the gymnasium for Team USA, hoping to claim a few Olympic medals.

Coco Gauff (Tennis) - Gauff enters the Paris Games with strong chances to win gold on the clay courts of Roland Garros as the No. 2 seed.

Helen Maroulis (Wrestling) - The first American woman to win a wrestling gold medal returns for her third Olympics to reclaim the 2016 title she lost in Tokyo.

• TLAXCALA, MEXICO - OCTOBER 16: In this handout image provided by the World Archery Federation, Brady Ellison of USA during the Men's recurve finals during the Tlaxcala 2022 Hyundai Archery World Cup Final on October 16, 2022 in Tlaxcala, Mexico. (Photo by Dean Alberga/Handout/World Archery Federation via Getty Images )
• NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 15: Canoe athlete Nevin Harrison poses for a portrait during the 2024 Team USA Media Summit at Marriott Marquis Hotel on April 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
• BERLIN, GERMANY - MARCH 23: Gold medalists Jessica Parratto and Delaney Schnell of Team United States pose for a photo with their medals in the medal ceremony for the Women's Synchronized 10m Platform Final in the World Aquatics Diving World Cup 2024 - Stop 2 on March 23, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
• NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 16: Fencer Lee Kiefer poses for a portrait during the 2024 Team USA Media Summit at Marriott Marquis Hotel on April 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
• Scottie Scheffler holds up his trophy after winning the Travelers Championship golf tournament at TPC River Highlands, Sunday, June 23, 2024, in Cromwell, Conn. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
• KAWAGOE, JAPAN - AUGUST 07: Nelly Korda of Team United States celebrates with the gold medal at the victory ceremony after the final round of the Women's Individual Stroke Play on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Kasumigaseki Country Club on August 07, 2021 in Kawagoe, Japan. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
• MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 29: Frederick Richard competes on floor during the Men's U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team Trials on June 29, 2024, at Target Center in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
• Coco Gauff of the United States reacts during the final of the ASB Tennis Classic against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in Auckland, New Zealand, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. (Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP)
• LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Wrestler Helen Maroulis poses during the Team USA Paris 2024 Olympic Portrait Shoot at NBC Universal Studios Stage 16 on November 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Team USA's biggest medal table rivals

China: In Tokyo, China finished with one less gold than Team USA but were 24 medals short in the total tally. China's dominance in table tennis, badminton, diving, and weightlifting will see them again as the chief rival to the Americans.

France: Every Olympics, the hosts are right in the medal mix bringing more athletes than ever before. The French team has numerous individual contenders but stand strong as favorites in multiple team sports, including in both soccer and both handball tournaments.

NBC4 Paris Olympics Previews

• A look at the venues
• Six sports to learn more about
• Memorable moments for host nations
• Golf preview
• Water and extreme sports preview
• Team sports preview
• 22 international athletes to watch
• Swimming preview
• Track & Field preview
• Gymnastics preview
• Basketball preview
• Tennis preview
• Combat and racket sports preview
• Soccer preview

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Full-time workers in Ohio must make nearly $21 an hour to afford a “modest” two-bedroom apartment in the state, a new report claims. 

The study, by The Coalition on Homelessness and Housing Ohio and the National Low Income Housing Coalition, states Ohioans must make $20.81 an hour while working a full time job to afford a two-bedroom apartment. This is a 9% increase from last year's report, which stated Ohioans needed to make $19.09 an hour.

Historic preservation, parking among changes to Columbus' zoning code proposal

The analysis states the Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Ohio is $1,082. In order to afford rent and utilities without paying more than 30% of income on housing, a household must earn $3,608 monthly or $43,293 annually.

Of the 10 jobs with the most employees in the state, only general operations managers and registered nurses earn more than $20.81 an hour, according to the 2024 Out of Reach Ohio report. Fast food workers, stockers, cashiers, retail salespeople, laborers, customer service representatives, assemblers, and home health aides make less than $20 an hour. 

At the state’s current minimum wage of $10.45 an hour, an individual would have to work 80 hours a week, or two full-time jobs, in order to afford a two-bedroom apartment, according to the study.

In some Ohio cities, the amount a household must earn in order to afford a two-bedroom apartment is higher than the state average. Renters in Ohio’s three biggest cities need to make more than $20.81, the report says. 

When are Columbus police officers told to use a gun over a Taser?

In Columbus, renters must make $25.04; in Cleveland, renters must make $21.31; and in Cincinnati, renters must make $22.98. Union County renters also must make more at $24.04 an hour and Akron renters must make $19.98.

The report states Ohio landlords filed nearly 108,00 evictions in 2023, more than any year since 2015. At the same time, homelessness in the state grew by 7%.