Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — There will certainly be a lot of traffic around Ohio Stadium this Saturday, when the Ohio State University Buckeyes kick off the 2025-26 football season.

Thousands of people will likely be searching for a parking spot, but the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio has a warning for fans about towing companies that take advantage of game days, preying on drivers to make more money.

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While the BBB said it's the responsibility of the driver to be aware of where they park, BBB President Judy Dollison said there are less-than-upstanding tow companies that take advantage of big crowds.

"So, predatory towing companies work to maximize their profit during increased demands on parking spaces," Dollison said. "So, think an OSU game or a concert. Again, when there's a lot of traffic to a certain area, they really look to find ways to catch people in illegal parking spots, whether they know it or not."

Dollison said there are three predatory tactics local car owners have reported to the agency. The first is aggressive towing.

"These towing companies have spotters looking for you," Dollison said. "As soon as you get out of your car, they seize your car."

The second tactic is excessive fees.

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"So, even if you are in a tow away zone, the fees are beyond what they're legally allowed to, to charge you for that," Dollison said.

The final tactic is a lack of transparency.

"Sometimes these towing firms don't put all the information in order to help you find your car when you are towed,” Dollison said.

She said Ohio does have regulations in place to help address these issues, such as clear signage, maximum towing fees, and immediate release, but not everyone follows the rules. That's why the BBB offers some suggestions for drivers who are planning trips to campus.

"So, first of all, we always say, plan ahead and do your research," Dollison said. "So, you know the lots that may be a problem and the ones that are better, maybe that you want to go to."

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Also know your rights as a vehicle owner. Ohio Revised Code makes it clear as to what's allowed and what's not; if you think you're a victim of a towing mercenary, document everything.

"Take photos, write everything down, so that you have proof that, you know, the signage wasn't there, or you know, I was parked here during this hour," Dollison said.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio regulates towing practices, so you can report any suspected violations to them and to the BBB.

It also helps to plan for parking well before game day. CampusParc at Ohio State University has maps online for parking lot options, as well as details on shuttles, and whether you should have cash or a credit card ready in order to pay.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio State’s school spirit is being put to the test: the second year of the We Give Blood campaign started on Wednesday morning at the Ohio Union.

“We want to win this thing, alright?"Versiti Area Vice President and Director of Donor Services Joe Gantz said. "We came in fifth last year and the state up north might have got us, but we're going to come back and we're going to get them this year. So we're excited and we're going to come out swinging in 2025."

All 18 Big Ten universities are in a race to see which school can donate the most blood. The winning school will get $1 million to advance student or community health.

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Organizers said someone needs blood every two seconds, but some blood centers have less than a day's supply. The number of young people donating blood has been falling in recent years, so the goal is to inspire the next generation of donors.

“Donors are starting to age out a little bit, so we're trying to bring education and awareness to our younger adults that are coming up through college of the need and how important it is to be able to give blood,” Gantz said.

Ohio State students, fans and alumni can participate in blood drives and centers across the country. After you donate, you can text “DONATE” to ABBOTT (222688) or log your donation here. 

The competition ends Dec. 5, and the winner will be awarded the next day at the Big Ten Football Championship Game.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — According to the calendar, it is still summer, but the shorter days of fall are creeping back as the last quarter of 2025 approaches.

Columbus residents will begin to notice a big shift in the sunrise and sunset times starting in September. The time and time zone website, Time and Date AS, shows that on Monday, Sept. 1, sunrises will no longer be earlier than 7 a.m. Additionally, on Sept. 3, the sun will begin to set before 8 p.m. — at 7:59 p.m. on that day.

Due to a loss of approximately two minutes and thirty seconds of daylight each day, the Columbus region will lose roughly one hour and 15 minutes of daylight by the end of September.

DateSunriseSunsetDaylengthSept. 17 a.m.8:02 p.m.13:02:41Sept. 37:02 a.m.7:59 p.m12:57:37Sept. 22 (fall begins)7:19 a.m.7:28 p.m.12:08:34Sept. 307:27 a.m.7:15 p.m.11:47:43Source: Time and Date AS When does fall begin in 2025?

Known as the autumnal equinox, fall begins in the Earth's Northern Hemisphere when the sun crosses the celestial equator. This will occur on Monday, Sept. 22, at 2:19 p.m. in Columbus.

On Sept. 22, the sun will rise at 7:19 a.m. and set at 7:28 p.m., providing central Ohioans with about 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon, or Corn Moon, will take place on Sept. 7, at 2:09 p.m., according to Farmers' Almanac.

The full moon in September can be known as either the Corn Moon or the Harvest Moon. Since the name Harvest Moon is usually reserved for full moons closest to the fall equinox, this year the Harvest Moon will be on October 6. This name switch typically takes place every two to three years, with the October full moon being referred to as the Hunter's Moon in other years.

Remaining full moons in 2025:

Sunday, Sept. 72:09 p.m.Corn MoonMonday, Oct. 611:48 p.m.Harvest Moon (Super Moon)Wednesday, Nov. 58:19 a.m.Beaver Moon (Super Moon)Thursday, Dec. 46:14 p.m. Cold Moon (Super Moon)Source: Farmers' Almanac When does daylight saving time end in Columbus?

Daylight saving time began on Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. in Columbus when clocks were turned forward to 3 a.m. On Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time will end when clocks are turned backward to 1 a.m.

The clock change on Nov. 2 will result in the sunrise and sunset being about one hour earlier than the previous day. Columbus residents will notice more light in the morning and less in the evening.

Daylight saving time dates for Columbus:

YearDST Start (Clock Forward)DST End (Clock Backward)2025Sunday, March 9, 2 a.m.Sunday, Nov. 2, 2 a.m.2026Sunday, March 8, 2 a.m.Sunday, Nov. 1, 2 a.m.2027Sunday, March 14, 2 a.m.Sunday, Nov. 7, 2 a.m.2028Sunday, March 12, 2 a.m.Sunday, Nov. 5, 2 a.m.Source: Time and Date AS

The Buckeye State is one of more than two dozen states that have previously sought to observe daylight saving time year-round. However, Ohio's efforts are limited until there is a change in federal law. According to the Uniform Time Act of 1966, states can switch to standard time but cannot adopt permanent daylight saving time without changes to federal legislation.

In December 2023, Ohio’s House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill urging the U.S. Congress to approve a previous version of the Sunshine Protection Act. Although the measure was being considered in Ohio's Senate, it only received one hearing in June 2024 and did not advance out of the General Government Committee.

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Chillicothe police officer and another person were injured Wednesday morning in a shooting, authorities said.

The shooting happened at about 1 a.m. Wednesday in the 300 block of East Main Street.

The officer was taken to a hospital for treatment and is expected to be OK, police said. Another man involved was hospitalized with what was described as serious injuries.

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The Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating, which is standard procedure for shootings involving officers.

No other details were immediately available.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus development officials gave initial review on Tuesday to plans for a 12-story Downtown apartment building that will become a key piece of the ongoing Capitol Square Renaissance project.

Developed by Edwards Companies, the tower will be located on a parking lot on South Fourth Street, bridging the existing Preston Centre building and the broader Capitol Square Renaissance development. The tower represents a significant phase in a $600 million effort to transform several blocks of Downtown into a walkable, mixed-use district. Watch a previous NBC4 report on the Capital Square Renaissance project in the video player above.

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Josh Thomas, a Kephart Architects project manager involved in the tower's design, said during Tuesday's meeting that the building will include ground-floor retail space and two floors of parking. Residential units will span nine floors above, comprised of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and two-story penthouses. The rooftop will feature amenities such as a pool, clubhouse, and grilling stations.

A rendering of the new 12-story tower that will be located on a parking lot on South Fourth Street, bridging the Preston Centre and the broader Capitol Square Renaissance development. (Courtesy Photo/City of Columbus)

The 12-story tower adds to the growing list of buildings within the Capitol Square Renaissance, a project awarded up to $33 million in state tax credits this year through Ohio's Transformational Mixed-Use Development Program. The tax credits support the redevelopment of underutilized Downtown parcels into more pedestrian-friendly spaces with new residences, retail, offices, and public parks.

The redevelopment plan encompasses more than 1,000 new residential units, nine restaurants, nearly 200,000 square feet of office space, and multiple structured parking decks across about 10 acres south of East Broad Street.

So far, Edwards Companies has completed the Preston Centre, a mixed-use conversion of the former PNC Tower that includes residential units and dining venues like Butcher & Rose steakhouse. Another recent addition is the Pembroke building at 195 E. Broad Street, a 15-story residential tower that opened this spring with 164 apartments.

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The 12-story tower is intended to serve as a connection point between these completed phases and future developments planned for the Capitol Square Renaissance. Among those future projects are a sister building across South Fourth Street and a 10-story residential building adjacent to the Ohio Statehouse. This latter building is expected to include Capitol Park, a new public green space integrated into the development.

Edwards Companies plans to continue advancing construction with a target to complete the entire development by mid-2030, which is projected to create thousands of construction and permanent jobs in the Columbus area.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A man wanted in connection with the death of a two-year-old Columbus boy in 2020 has been arrested in Massachusetts.

According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Southern District of Ohio, Dioblis Williams was arrested in Framingham, Massachusetts, nearly 750 miles east of Columbus, on a warrant issued by the USMS District of Massachusetts Fugitive Task Force.

Williams, 25, has been charged with murder, five years after he was reportedly babysitting for his girlfriend’s son, Jamir Jones. Jones died on March 25, 2020, after suffering apparent blunt force trauma.

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Williams reportedly called police, who found Jones unresponsive at an apartment on Holt Avenue in North Central Columbus. Jones was taken to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police said that he told officers that while he was babysitting, the boy “pooped” in his pull up and that he placed the child in the bathtub unsupervised. Several minutes later, the boy was found unconscious.

A criminal complaint noted that during an autopsy it was determined that Jones did not drown, but that he sustained injuries to his abdomen and multiple internal injuries, as well as bruising around his head and neck.

A warrant was issued one week ago and Columbus police, along with the USMS Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team, contacted the Massachusetts Task Force, believing Williams was in the Farmington area. He was arrested Wednesday morning.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Anduril, the company planning to bring 4,000 defense manufacturing jobs to Pickaway County, can now be seen across Ohio State's campus as an athletic sponsor.

Last week, Anduril announced its sponsorship and that it will also serve as the presenting sponsor of "Defend The 'Shoe," a 12-part original series about the team's efforts to repeat as national champion. Anduril partnered with Learfield, Ohio State athletics' sponsorship management company, for both the sponsorship and the upcoming series.

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Anduril said the sponsorship is the next step in its investment into Ohio. The California-based defense systems company aims to start building drones and other aerial weapons near Rickenbacker Airport in July. Dubbed Arsenal-1, the $1 billion project will employ 4,000 Ohioans. See previous coverage of Arsenal-1 in the video player above.

A Learfield spokesperson said the trailer for "Defend The 'Shoe" will release on Wednesday, with the first episode debuting Friday before Ohio State's opener against Texas. The Learfield spokesperson said the series will be available on social media.

Anduril will be seen across Ohio Stadium, the Schottenstein Center and other athletic facilities. The agreement is a multi-year partnership, although Anduril did not announce how many years it will sponsor Ohio State athletics.

“Just as my alma mater Ohio State has shaped Ohio’s identity for more than a century, we intend for Anduril to be a durable community partner, creating jobs, mentoring young talent and delivering technology that keeps our nation secure," Zachary Mears, Anduril's senior vice president of strategy, said.

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Originally hoping to start construction at the end of July, Anduril is pushing forward with permits and logistics to try to break ground in Ohio. State records show Anduril plans to optimize existing buildings to get the plant up and running. It is also adding a building along Henson Family Street and the Elizabeth Avenue Extension. Anduril plans to build another building across Elizabeth Avenue during phase two of its construction.

The project is moving forward. According to state permit filings, Arsenal-1 recently received permission from the Ohio EPA to install paint spray booths to outfit the vehicles made at the plant. Earlier this month, the Pickaway County Commissioners also established three roads near Rickenbacker as county roads, including a new Anduril Avenue.

Courtesy photo / Ohio EPA

On July 18, Anduril posted a photo of its "Arsenal-1 Inaugural Class," the first hires for the Ohio plant. The group appears to be made up of 17 men who are training at Anduril's headquarters in Costa Mesa.

As Anduril waits to break ground, it hopes to increase name recognition with the OSU partnership. State Sen. Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) spoke highly of the partnership with Ohio State on social media, calling it "exciting news."

"This builds on their major investment in the Arsenal 1 facility near Rickenbacker, bringing thousands of jobs to central Ohio," Reynolds said. "Proud to see partnerships that strengthen our economy, support our students, and invest in Ohio’s future."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus diners have plenty to celebrate in August, with a mix of new restaurants and the return of longtime favorites opening this month.

From a national steakhouse chain introducing its second location near New Albany to a beloved Chinese restaurant reopening nearly two years after a fire, the end of summer brought exciting energy to the local food scene.

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Additionally, with the unexpected return of a fast-food seafood eatery near Grandview Heights and a new place for wings and burgers in Hilliard, the latest openings offer something for every appetite.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
6036 N. Hamilton Rd., Columbus

The 6,000-square-foot steakhouse, built on a previously undeveloped lot in the Hamilton Quarter retail center near New Albany, is the national chain's second location in central Ohio. The chain describes itself as “polished casual,” sitting between a traditional casual restaurant and fine dining. The brand is known for its hand-cut, aged steaks and fresh seafood, which are seared on a wood-fired grill fueled by locally sourced lumber.

Hunan Lion
2038 Crown Plaza Dr., Columbus

Hunan Lion caught on fire in October 2023 before the diner was set to open for the day. Over the course of nearly two years, the restaurant experienced numerous “delays due to city approvals, permitting and contractor scheduling,” according to its website. Now customers can once again enjoy Hunan Lion’s spring rolls, fried rice, Lo Mein, General Tso’s chicken, Szechuan beef and other Chinese cuisine.

Marino’s Seafood Fish & Chips
1216 W. Fifth Ave., Columbus

The fast-food seafood restaurant near Grandview Heights is once again welcoming customers after closing earlier this summer, as owners Harry and Rosemarie Kougendakis planned to retire and a plan to convert it to an Arthur Treacher’s fell through.

Wilson’s Bar & Grill
5242 Cemetery Rd., Hilliard

Wilson’s Bar & Grill has moved into the former Yabo's Tacos location in Hilliard. The eatery serves chicken wings, burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas and other American and Tex-Mex fare. The restaurant already has one location at Hilliard Moose Lodge, a fraternal and service organization located at 5370 Grace St., where it opened in 2023.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Republican lawmakers at the Ohio Statehouse are introducing a legislative package aimed at delivering property tax relief.

Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery) is the primary sponsor for all three bills.

House Bill 420 would ban ballot language that calls for a levy to be in effect for "a continuing period of time" instead of a set number of years.

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House Bill 421 would allow voters to reduce inside millage -- which is an unvoted property tax that increases the burden for property owners as property values increase.

The third bill, House Bill 422, would change the threshold of votes needed to pass levies, depending on the levy amount:

• Levies of 1 mill or below: Simple majority
• Levies between 1 mill and 2 mills: 60%
• Levies over 2 mills: 66%

All three bills are awaiting committee assignments.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Saturday will mark the 18th time Ohio State plays a team ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press poll as it faces Texas at Ohio Stadium at noon.

The playoff semifinal rematch will be the first time in nearly 20 years that Ohio State is playing a No. 1 team in the regular season and the first time in six years an AP top-ranked team has gone into a regular season game as an underdog.

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The Buckeyes have a vast history of playing top-ranked teams over the past century, from old-school Big Ten contests to modern playoff bowl games. Here is a look at some notable games Ohio State has played against No. 1 teams and how top-ranked teams have done as underdogs.

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Saturday's game will be just the third time in the playoff era that an AP No. 1 team will be an underdog in a regular season game. As of Wednesday, oddsmakers have the Longhorns as a one-and-a-half point underdog against the Buckeyes, likely due to the game being in Columbus instead of Austin.

The two other times this happened was in Southeastern Conference games, most recently in 2019 when LSU went to No. 5 Alabama as a five-point underdog, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow led the Tigers to a 46-41 win that propelled them to a national title.

The other instance was in 2014 when No. 5 Alabama hosted No. 1 Mississippi State on Nov. 15. Dak Prescott could not lead the Bulldogs to the upset, and the Crimson Tide won 25-20.

Ohio State has never started a season playing a top-ranked team.

Sept. 13, 2008: USC

The iPad, Instagram and the College Football Playoff did not exist the last time Ohio State played a top-ranked team in the regular season. The fifth-ranked Buckeyes' Week 3 game of the 2008 season was in Los Angeles against No. 1 USC, then the powerhouse of the Pac-12 Conference.

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Coach Jim Tressel's squad was no match for the Trojans, who were led by quarterback Mark Sanchez and running back Joe McKnight, in a 35-3 loss. A late first quarter field goal from Ryan Pretorius was the only Ohio State score before USC rattled off 35 unanswered points.

Sanchez threw four touchdown passes, and Ohio State QB Todd Boeckman threw two interceptions.

Jan. 1, 2025: Oregon in Rose Bowl (playoff quarterfinal)

It was not too long ago when the Buckeyes last played a No. 1 team with that game propelling them to a national championship. Despite entering the Rose Bowl quarterfinal as a heavy favorite, No. 6 Ohio State was looking for revenge against No. 1 Oregon after a one-point regular season loss in October.

A quick 45-yard touchdown catch from Jeremiah Smith one minute into the game set the tone. Ohio State entered halftime leading 34-8 and won 41-21 to advance to the playoff semifinal against Texas.

Quarterback Will Howard threw three touchdowns, and Smith torched Oregon's defense with seven catches for 187 yards and two scores.

Dec. 31, 2022: Georgia in Peach Bowl (Playoff semifinal)

Ohio State's last loss to a top-ranked team was nearly three years ago and one of the program's most heartbreaking. The Buckeyes were fortunate to get into the 2022 playoff field despite a loss to Michigan at home and were set to play No. 1 Georgia in the Peach Bowl semifinal.

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Quarterback C.J. Stroud was sharp, with two first-half touchdown passes to Marvin Harrison Jr. Down by 14, the Bulldogs took over in the fourth quarter, erasing the deficit and taking a 42-41 lead with 54 seconds left.

As the clock struck midnight, Buckeyes fans started the new year with heartbreak, when Noah Ruggles missed a 50-yard field goal wide left.

Ohio State games against No. 1 team (5-12)

• Alabama (2020, 2014)
• Cornell (1940)
• Georgia (2021)
• Iowa (1985)
• Miami (2002)
• Michigan (1997, 1948, 1947)
• Michigan State (1966, 1951)
• Oregon (2024)
• Penn State (1994)
• Purdue (1968)
• UCLA (1962)
• USC (2008, 1972)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – U.S. News and World Report recently unveiled a list of the best public high schools in Ohio and across the country. 

The digital media company released a report last week ranking nearly 18,000 high schools where comprehensive data was available throughout all 50 states.

In order to compile the list, U.S. News and World Report analyzed each school’s test scores from assessments such as AP and state-required exams, along with graduation rates and the performance of students from “underserved” communities, including Black, Hispanic and low-income backgrounds.

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When it comes to the best high schools in Ohio, Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati took the top spot (ranked No. 91 nationally) and was followed by Bexley High School (No. 152 nationally), Ottawa Hills High School (No. 169 nationally), Solon High School (No. 174 nationally) and Rocky River High School (No. 187 nationally).

At No. 2, Bexley High School marked the only Columbus-area institution to make the state’s top 10. Out of the state's 903 high schools, central Ohio had several that ranked in the top 50, including:

• Olentangy Liberty High School (No. 12 in Ohio, No. 423 nationally)
• Dublin Jerome High School (No. 14 in Ohio, No. 497 nationally)
• Olentangy High School (No. 16 in Ohio, No. 523 nationally)
• Upper Arlington High School (No. 22 in Ohio, No. 609 nationally)
• Granville High School (No. 27 in Ohio, No. 741 nationally)
• New Albany High School (No. 30 in Ohio, No. 787 nationally)
• Columbus Alternative High School (No. 31 in Ohio, No. 826 nationally)
• Grandview Heights High School (No. 31 in Ohio, No. 887 nationally)
• Olentangy Berlin High School (No. 34 in Ohio, No. 970 nationally)
• Columbus Grove High School (No. 39 in Ohio, No. 1,097 nationally)
• Orange High School (No. 46 in Ohio, No. 1,176 nationally)

The top five high schools in the country were:

1. BASIS Tucson North in Arizona
2. Signature School in Indiana
3. Central Magnet School in Tennessee
4. Davidson Academy in Nevada
5. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia

U.S. News & World Report has published its annual list of best high schools since 2007. This year’s full report and methodology can be found here. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Two new pieces of bipartisan legislation introduced at the Ohio Statehouse seek to elevate and refine the legacy of one of Ohio's most cherished symbols: the buckeye.

State Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) introduced a bill last week to officially designate the buckeye candy as Ohio's state candy, recognizing its unique place in the state's culture and identity. Meanwhile, state Rep. Sean Brennan (D-Parma) put forward legislation to correct a decades-old error in the Ohio Revised Code regarding the Latin name of the state tree, the buckeye tree.

"The buckeye candy is more than just a dessert; it is a reflection of Ohio's culinary heritage and a tradition unique to the state of Ohio," DeMora said. "Much like the buckeye tree itself, the candy is a symbol of pride, community, and a shared identity that connects generations of Ohioans."

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Made from a mixture of peanut butter and chocolate, and resembling the nut of the buckeye tree, the buckeye candy has become a nostalgic and widely beloved treat across the state. It is closely tied to Ohio traditions, from holiday celebrations and family gatherings to its deep association with the Ohio State University, DeMora said.

DeMora's proposal argues that the candy's enduring popularity and cultural relevance make it a fitting addition to Ohio's collection of state symbols, which includes the Ohio buckeye tree, the cardinal, and the scarlet carnation. The bill is currently awaiting a number and committee assignment.

In a separate but thematically connected move, Brennan's legislation corrects a long-standing error in the official record concerning the buckeye tree's scientific name. Since 1953, Ohio law has listed the Latin name as Aesculus globra, a misspelling of the correct term, Aesculus glabra.

"As a proud Buckeye, I believe our state's official symbols deserve to be represented with accuracy and respect," Brennan said. "This isn't just a matter of spelling -- it's about honoring the natural heritage of Ohio and ensuring the revised code reflects the same excellence we expect in every part of state government."

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Brennan's bill, which also awaits a bill number and committee referral, makes no substantive change to the tree's designation, the legislator noted. Instead, it aims to reflect attention to detail and pride in Ohio's identity, he said.

"Whether you’re a botanist, a student, or just a proud Ohioan, you deserve a state law that gets the buckeye right," Brennan added.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Two Ohio senators have proposed a law that would require Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices to offer visitors assistance with obtaining unclaimed funds. 

Senate Bill 243, sponsored by Sens. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) and Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson), would mandate registrars and deputy registrars of motor vehicles ask each person conducting an in-person transaction if they would like to check if they have unclaimed funds. 

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If so, the BMV worker would have to complete the check and help the visitor submit a claim if they choose to. Introduced in July, the legislation also would direct BMVs to adopt policies, procedures and forms necessary to make this change.

“Lots of people have no clue that they have money,” DeMora said. “I think it's common sense and we should be helping people get back money that they're owed.”

Unclaimed funds are money held by the state that many residents may be unaware they possess, from sources such as inactive bank accounts and uncashed checks. Anyone can check if they have unclaimed funds and file a claim to obtain their money through the Ohio Department of Commerce’s website. Currently, the state holds about $4.8 billion in unclaimed funds, according to the agency. 

DeMora said he was inspired to introduce the bill after legislators passed a controversial provision in the state budget in late June that allocated $600 million of unclaimed funds to help the Cleveland Browns pay for a new stadium. See NBC4’s previous coverage in the video player above.

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“The fact that we're giving $600 million of people's money, taxpayers’ money to the Browns to build a stadium, it is ridiculous,” DeMora said. 

Under the budget, unclaimed money that is not collected within 10 years of entering the pool will revert to the state to use for a “Ohio Cultural and Sports Facility” fund. The budget immediately designated $1.7 billion for the fund, including the first grant of $600 million for the Cleveland Browns stadium. The predominantly Republican lawmakers who support the project believe it puts idle money to good use.

DeMora’s recent effort is not the only piece of legislation that has been introduced this year as a result of the Browns stadium funding plan. DeMora introduced another bill in April that would ban public money from going to a professional sports franchise unless the team has a winning record in three of the last five seasons. He did, however, previously say he was not confident that the bill will pass but he hopes it sends a message. 

“If a team wants to get taxpayer money, then the least they can do is have a winning season…” he said in an April news release. 

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Two other Democratic lawmakers also introduced a bill earlier this month that would bar lawmakers from accepting free or discounted professional sports tickets, arguing receiving such gifts could pose a conflict of interest after lawmakers passed the Browns funding plan.

SB 243 awaits a committee assignment and its first hearing. Four Democrats currently cosponsor the bill.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The election for Ohio governor is more than a year away, but Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton are both boasting fundraising records in the race. NBC4 has context for those results.

Acton, the doctor who led Ohio's COVID-19 efforts and is currently the only Democrat in the race, set several party records for fundraising. Acton's team initially said her $1.35 million raised was the "most ever by a Democratic challenger for Governor in July of an off-year." However, Nan Whaley, the Democratic challenger in the 2022 gubernatorial race, raised $1.64 million in the same time frame.

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Shortly after announcing Acton's funds as record-breaking, her campaign released an updated announcement that separated Acton's $1.35 million from her record-breaking campaign. However, the claim was not clearly redacted in the updated release and continues to be a talking point repeated among Democrats and printed in at least five Ohio publications. Acton herself reposted a tweet from 314 Action that said she broke “fundraising records with over $1.3M haul in her bid for Ohio governor.” 

Acton's campaign manager Philip Stein said reports like the tweet are correctly identifying Acton's $1.35 million as a groundbreaking fundraising effort. Acton's first six months in the race garnered more individual donors (17,000) and individual donations (33,000) than any previous Democratic candidate for governor. Acton also raised the most money through June of any of her predecessors.

Acton's team said also it did beat the first-quarter Democratic record for gubernatorial fundraising, with $600,000 by the end of March. Stein said these records are the milestones Acton and others are referring to.

When comparing the two records, Ramaswamy is far outpacing Acton with his own record, $9.7 million raised so far in the election cycle. Although Ramaswamy said his fundraising is a "bottom-up movement across Ohio," Acton has far more in-state donations.

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According to campaign finance contribution records, just under 60% of Ramaswamy's total fundraising came from Ohio, with out-of-state donations totaling nearly $4 million. NBC4 compared contribution records filed with the state to visualize where contributors are coming from.

Comparatively, in-state contributions dominate Acton's campaign finance records. $1.17 million of Acton's total fundraising came from in-state donations, about 90% of her contributions. As with Ramaswamy's contributors above, the graph detailing Acton's donors pulls from state campaign finance records.

According to campaign finance reports, Ramaswamy has had 83,436 contributions and Acton has had 34,946. All of Acton’s top 10 donations come from around Ohio. Ramaswamy’s top 10 donations include seven Ohioans, two donations from Texas and a donation from Florida. 

Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, a Republican, and former Rep. Tim Ryan, a Democrat, are also reportedly considering races. Heather Hill is also vying for the governor’s seat, and on Tuesday said she was looking for a party to be the candidate for after stepping back from the Republican race. Governor-hopefuls have until early 2026 to declare their candidacy.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A non-profit animal shelter that provides affordable veterinary care to animals throughout Columbus is asking the community to help expand their reach. 

In April, Central Ohio's Programs for Animal Welfare, or CO-PAW, launched a program to bring its veterinary services to underserved communities in Mexico. The group will be holding a fundraiser this weekend to support this cause, while also embracing and showcasing the culture of the area.  

“The name of the fundraiser is A Night in Oaxaca,” CO-PAW CEO Breona Baines said. “The fundraiser is for our international outreach program; it aims to sterilize and treat stray animals in Mexico.” 

Baines said data from one of the areas targeted by CO-PAW shows 25% of people are testing positive for intestinal parasites every year. She notes this is due in large part to the population of unaddressed strays.   

“There are about 40 million dogs and maybe 20 to 25 million cats and about 70% of them live on the street,” Baines said. “So, the average lifespan is only maybe one and a half to two years old. So, you know, they're starving.”   

The program’s goal is to service more than 12,000 animals per year for free and they have been making some strides in that effort.  

“We've partnered with several municipalities across Oaxaca, along with the local university and the vet school, to sterilize 25 cats and 25 dogs a day, Monday through Friday,” Baines said.  

A Night in Oaxaca fundraiser is scheduled for Aug. 31 at Seventh Son Brewing and features live music, performances, raffles, and more. For tickets or to donate, click here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio State football is big business.

The Big Ten conference TV deal is $1 billion per year, generating an estimated $80 to $100 million in revenue for each Big Ten school. But Buckeye football is also big business for small businesses.

Kelly Dawes has owned College Traditions on Lane Avenue a block away from the Horseshoe for over 30 years. She said half of their business in an entire year comes from the seven or eight Buckeye home game weekends.

She said it takes months of preparation to make sure they have merchandise stocked in all sizes, any new gear displayed front and center, and all different kinds of products, like Buckeyes socks, because you never know when a visiting fan will need some warm socks like last year's Tennessee game.

This season is unique, though, because Dawes said they never slowed down.

"We kind of joke around here that somebody will go, oh, it's football season," she said. "Can you believe it's football season? We're like, it never ended. So we've just been pretty steady since the National Championship."

Dawes said they get new and unique Buckeye-themed items in the store all the time. Game week means 70-plus hours of work with no days off for Dawes and some of her key employees.

No. 3 Ohio State faces off against No. 1 Texas on Saturday at Ohio Stadium. The game kicks off at noon.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A man accused of shooting a Marysville police officer has been taken into custody after reportedly escaping from a Columbus hospital on Tuesday.

According to police, Dustin Edward Ohm, 29, was caught after he fled from a rehabilitation center on Dennison Avenue in Columbus.

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According to a Union County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Ohm was dropped off at the rehab center after an off-site medical appointment at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center that the sheriff's deputies were unaware of; Ohm then fled from the hospital on a scooter.

The sheriff's office said he was recaptured a short time later.

Ohm is accused of shooting at a Marysville police officer on the morning of May 30. That morning, according to police, officers responded to a home on the 900 block of White Oak Court for a domestic dispute.

Police said that after officers made contact with Ohm at the scene, he allegedly pulled out a gun and fired at police from inside his vehicle. The officers returned fire, but Ohm fled the scene, hitting a Marysville cruiser and several other vehicles in the process. One Marysville police officer was injured in the shooting; they were treated and released.

Union County Sheriff Department deputies and troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol joined Marysville police in pursuing the suspect, who was spotted on U.S. 33 and State Route 31. The chase continued west on U.S. 33 before the suspect’s vehicle became disabled in the median of U.S. 33 near Northwest Parkway.

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Ohm reportedly exited the vehicle armed with a gun and was shot multiple times by Union County deputies. Ohm was taken to a local hospital before being transferred to a Columbus area hospital.

Ohm is charged with attempted aggravated murder of a law enforcement officer, three counts of felonious assault on a peace officer, having weapons while under disability, two counts of failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer, discharging a firearm at or into a habitation, and vandalism.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - The days until Ohio State University football kicks off the season in a historic matchup against the No. 1-ranked Texas Longhorns are turning to hours.

The game is a rematch of a pivotal and unforgettable Cotton Bowl in Texas last January: with a spot in the National Championship on the line, the Jack Sawyer-led Buckeyes beat Texas 28-14 in route to Ohio State’s ninth National Championship.

But these two programs share more similarities than differences. The first glaring similarity is the culture surrounding the sport in the home city of each university.

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It's all driven by, "Football in general; UT is Austin's professional sports team," Austin, Texas, resident and Longhorns fan Ruben Arce said. "It almost feels like, you know, very, very similar, right? Columbus and Austin have been robbed of getting actual professional sports teams, but in that same breath, like, that's what, that's what makes Ohio State and Texas so important to that city.” Arce is a co-host of the Those 2 Dudes podcast.

Aside from the football culture, Austin and Columbus are very similar in many other ways. Both cities are the state capital; both have a young population; and both politically represent a spot of blue within a sea of red around each state.

The populations are even nearly identical. Austin is home to more than 990,000 residents while Columbus is home to just more 930,000. The greater metro areas are just as close in population; 2.3 million people call the greater Austin area home while 2.2 million people call the greater Columbus area home.

It gets weirder when you ask someone from Austin to describe parts of their city that they love, and you get an answer that could also come from a Columbus native describing this city.

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"There's a ton to do,” Arce said. “Always check out the local food scene. Always hit up food trucks. Food trucks are phenomenal here. Walking the trails is so beautiful.”

When the two teams meet Saturday, the similarities and differences won't matter to the fans or to the teams on the field, but there are some stark differences between the two as well. 

"It's probably to like, around 80 degrees [on average],” Arce said. “We probably get three of the four seasons. We don't really have a long winter. We can get a really cold fall and we'll get spurts of winter.”

Another difference is the number of football National Championship trophies on display. The Buckeyes have won nine National Titles while the Longhorns have won just four, with their last coming in 2005. It was during that season that quarterback Vince Young led the Longhorns into Ohio Stadium in week two and beat the Buckeyes.

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WCMH) – The Pixelle Paper Mill in Chillicothe is facing more cuts, with another round of layoffs set for this Sunday.

About 181 employees are expected to lose their jobs, including all union workers.

Union vice president Tim Jenkins with United Steelworkers Local 731 said the next round of layoffs will leave a skeleton crew of just 50 to 60 employees behind.

He said the company used its legal right to lay off workers to strip away what was left of the union’s governing body.

Another round of cuts is expected in mid-September, with 27 more jobs on the line. This would slash the remaining workforce by about half.

In April, Pixelle Paper Mill filed a WARN notice that it would be laying off about 800 workers and announced it would be shutting down the mill beginning in June. Days later, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) sent a scathing letter to the CEO of the paper mill’s parent company, calling the move “corporate greed” and criticized the company for putting “profits over people.”

A day after Moreno’s letter, the company announced that it would remain open through 2025. However, in June, Pixelle ownership filed another notice with the state, saying it would begin shutting down in August.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Class is back in session at Ohio State University and while students are getting back into a routine, campus police want safety to stay top of mind.

According to Lt. Joanna Shaul with the Ohio State University Police Division, they're focused on making sure students know they're supported, whether they're walking to class or heading home at night. 

"If they're not feeling safe, if there is something that they notice that makes them uncomfortable, let us know, and we are here and ready to respond to investigate those things and take appropriate action," Shaul said. 

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There are a number of resources both on and off campus for students to utilize if they feel unsafe. Across campus, there are blue light emergency phones that connect directly to 9-1-1 dispatchers, giving them an immediate location. Students can press the red button and speak into the intercom to request police, fire or medical help, or to report suspicious activity. 

Ohio State University police also have a joint patrol program with Columbus police for off-campus areas. As is typical this time of year, they increase their staffing and patrols. 

"Mostly just for visibility," Shaul said. "We want people to know that we're out here. We want them to see us. We want them to get to know us."

Students also have access to other resources like the Rave Guardian app, which includes faster delivery of Buckeye Alerts and safety push-notifications. It allows students to select friends or family as virtual guardians to follow them via GPS tracking using a destination-based timer. If time expires, the virtual guardian is alerted. According to police, a person’s own safety ultimately comes down to staying alert.

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"They should be in groups whenever possible," Shaul said. "You don't want to walk with your headphones, be really aware of your surroundings. I think that's hard, particularly for our youngest students. They haven't been in that position before, but we want to have them pick their head up, look around, make eye contact with people, notice things." 

Police know the start of the school year often brings parties and drinking and their message to students is simple - enjoy yourselves but stay safe. 

"Which is not over-consuming alcohol," Shaul said. "Not consuming alcohol under the age of 21, locking up your valuables at all times. Don't let anybody into your home or residence hall that you don't know."

Students can also utilize the Lyft Ride Safe program which offers discounted rides inside the university-designated service area from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. 

As far as protecting campus buildings from people who shouldn't be inside, police said there are measures in place.

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"We rely on students to know, like that person lives in my residence hall, that one doesn't," Shaul said. "Notify the proper authorities. But we also have a comprehensive plan with cameras, swipe card access. And then, you know, officers, both security officers and police officers, patrolling on and off campus for those situations."

At the end of the day, police said it's about staying alert, utilizing the tools around you and calling for help when needed.