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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio dispensaries can now sell pre-rolled marijuana joints.

This has been more than a year in the making after dispensaries were given the green light to sell recreational marijuana.

The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control updated its rules on Aug. 1 to allow processors the ability to put pre-rolls on the market, but they must first obtain approval from the state to do so.

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Many local dispensaries like Nar Reserve have been anticipating this provision change, noting that adding this product would increase demand and give them a competitive edge when it comes to Michigan dispensaries.

“We sold out,” Darius Walters with Nar Reserve said. “We sold out so fast that it was even harder to keep up with the marketing, making sure that the people know we have them. Before I even let them know they were gone, you know, we had them one day. We should see more in stock as the market continues to adjust to the demand.

“They can go to one place and get their single-serve or their five packs or three packs and be able to take care of themselves without having to go to Michigan for them and/or go to other smoke shops,” Walters added.

The DCC also said standard pre-rolls are available to both medical and adult-use patients, but medical patients are not allowed to buy infused pre-rolls, which contain other concentrates.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Central Ohio business and technology leaders gathered in Columbus on Wednesday for an event called C.I.O Tomorrow.

One of the topics of the event is what it’ll take to make Columbus -- and Ohio as a whole -- a leader in the tech industry.

Leaders like Nick Fortine, president of Columbus Business First, said the event is about making sure the next generation of tech companies and leaders have the education, strategy and execution skills to bring more growth to central Ohio. 

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“Columbus is a thriving community,” Fortine said. “It's really important that we continue to collaborate, bring the technology community together again to make connections, to learn from one another, and to really become a catalyst for the next generation of technology leadership.” 

Through speeches and in-depth breakdowns, the highlight was how technology is a part of every organization and critical to a business's success. Another key point was the rapid speed with which technology is changing, from learning how one company creates automated welding systems to being educated in programming artificial intelligence. Nationwide Financial Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Michael Carrel sees it all as an imperative investment.   

“If we don't, companies in central Ohio won't continue to grow; we’ll be displaced by companies that are able to leverage technology to be able to change the way you interact with customers and our new markets,” Carrel said. “So, it's critical for us.” 

There was also discussion surrounding the potential for job growth as more companies like Intel or Anduril come to Ohio, which are expected to add more than 4,500 jobs by 2035. There is a belief that students in high school and college have an opportunity for careers with these companies but should study various technology and cybersecurity programs.

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“We need workers in central Ohio,” Fortine said. “Our economy is growing, it’s very diversified and at the heart of almost every company is technology. And so, we need technologists that are credentialed, that come out of organizations like vocational schools or state community colleges or the Ohio State University or any other university across Ohio or across the country. We need them all.” 

According to the Columbus Partnership, there has been a 22% increase in tech jobs over the last five years in Columbus alone. Steve Wylie, general manager and vice president of sales for Trace3, said this could lead to Ohio becoming a national leader of the technology industry.  

“I mean, California, for instance, you know, Silicon Valley, you know, has its place and will probably continue to have its place,” Wylie said. “But there's a lot of those tech companies which are putting second homes here in Ohio. And so, I think, for us as Ohioans, like, it's our job to in the organizations that we work with to continue to attract more of that.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- If you've noticed your grocery bills getting bigger, beef may be one of the reasons. Prices are at record highs and it doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon.

According to industry experts, it comes down to simple supply and demand. According to the latest consumer price index data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ground beef prices rose 11.5% and beef steak prices rose 12% compared to this time last year.

At the grocery store and central Ohio butcher shops, sticker shock is setting in.

"We see consumer demand for beef up across the board," Ohio Beef Council executive director Elizabeth Harsh said. "Certainly, we see ground beef prices at a historical high."

Harsh said a shortage of cows and tough weather are to blame. "Cow herds across the country have been at an all-time low for many decades and we really see that reflected here in central Ohio and throughout the state," Harsh said. 

Record high prices are coming simultaneously with historically high demand with Harsh saying demand is at its highest in 40 years.

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"So, while the supply is low, consumers want beef and are willing to buy beef, even as we see beef prices continue to rise, we see beef sales following right along with it," Harsh said. 

David Smith has owned Bluescreek Farm Meats and Market for more than 30 years. He said because he owns a farm he raises almost everything himself. Not everyone does though. 

"People that has strictly a retail store, freestanding, that doesn't raise their own meats, it's going to be particularly hard on them," Smith said. "You're going to see a lot of them going out of business."

However, Smith said even he has had to absorb some of the costs. "The bottom line's getting slimmer all the time," Smith said. Smith's customers are feeling this when they go to purchase beef. "You're looking at anywhere from two to four dollars a pound higher," Smith said. 

According to industry experts, if people buy more chicken and pork for their dinner meals it could help decrease the price of beef. Central Ohio families looking to save can stretch their meals with ground beef, roasts, or other less expensive cuts.

"People always have to eat," Smith said. "That's the bottom line. People have to eat. So, they will try to take other cuts and marinate them, extend them with different recipes out of the cookbook like ground beef, ground lamb. There are all kinds of different things that they can do with ground beef that's on the lower end of meat."

Experts said they don't expect prices to level off this fall. In fact, they said they could climb even higher as we head into winter due to fuel costs and other factors.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio State University athletics leaders said a lot of thought went into figuring out how to make the gameday experience unmatched for Buckeye fans, not necessarily calling the changes new traditions, but more like evolved traditions.

“Nobody's going to be able to do what we're about to do,” Ohio State Associate Athletics Director for Marketing and Live Events Caleb Clark said.

Ohio State's athletics team wants the gameday experience to not only be fun but to tell a story.

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“We didn't really take away any of those traditions at all,” Clark said. “We just, maybe, you know, I kind of say we want to live in the nuance of game experience, so those subtle tweaks are going to be noticeable.”

From fans getting a towel when they walk in to the ringing of the victory bell before the game, to a new anthem by hometown band Caamp, Clark said everything was curated specifically to fan experience.

“It's a different energy,” he said. “It's not third down. It's not going in the third quarter break. It's something in the first half to make you kind of feel pride in being from Ohio.”

The university said a lot of ideas stemmed from the Buckeyes’ National Championship run.  Ohio State wants to maximize musical opportunities for the band and fan engagement opportunities, too.

“What we talked about is we want to make this a tough place to play in the country, so how do we get there when the visiting team comes in and they have to change what they're doing?” Clark said.

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Fans are counting down the minutes to Saturday’s season opener.

“That's kind of like what OSU is,” Ohio State student Ethan Strohacker said. “We have all our traditions that we carry forward, but like also we are pushing forward with just the new generations coming in each year.”

This weekend's game will be a Cotton Bowl rematch from last season. Many will never forget the play that sealed Ohio State's win in that game when Jack Sawyer sacked Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, picked up the fumble and took it 83 yards for a touchdown. 

In case Texas fans try to erase it from their memory, there will be a subtle reminder at Saturday's game.

A new item will debut on The ‘Shoe’s concession menu: the Scoop and Score nachos, a gametime snack named after Sawyer's play against Texas that had the entire football world talking. It is a loaded nachos dish with beans, cheese and cilantro chimichurri.

Hospitality leaders said it's a fun way to honor the Pickerington native and the Buckeyes historic run to the National Championship.

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“I don't want anyone to be depressed, but a friendly reminder of what might have happened in 2024 is certainly not a bad thing,” Levy Vice President of Hospitality and Strategy Chris North said.

Athletics leaders are excited to share what they’ve worked so hard to create.

“Maybe from the outside, if you don't understand it yet, when you come to the game, I think you really will,” Clark said.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus Metropolitan Library is once again partnering with Children's Hunger Alliance to provide free after-school snacks.

The statewide non-profit has been leading the charge to break the cycle of childhood hunger in Ohio since 1970. It works with more than 1,800 partners across the state to provide food and nutrition education to children right where they are.

Children ages 1 through 18 are eligible for the program. Snacks will consist of a fruit, vegetable, protein, grain, and milk.

Leaders said food insecurity remains a big issue in the community, and children deserve nourishing food year-round.

"Here at Columbus Metropolitan Library, our commitment to young minds goes beyond literacy," said Ben Zenitsky, a media specialist with the library. "We believe that no child should ever have to wonder where their next meal is coming from."

The free snacks will be offered at 16 of the library's 23 locations beginning Tuesday. Locations were selected for the meal program based on student need.

• Barnett Branch: Monday-Friday: 3:30-4:30 p.m. & Saturday: 2:30-3 p.m.
• Driving Park Branch: Monday-Saturday: 4:15-4:45 p.m.
• Franklinton Branch: Monday-Friday: 3:30-4 p.m. & Saturday: 12:15-12:45 p.m.
• Hilltop Branch: Monday-Friday: 3:15-3:45 p.m. & Saturday: 2:15-2:45 p.m.
• Karl Road Branch: Monday-Friday: 4:15-4:45 p.m. & Saturday: 2:15-2:45 p.m.
• Linden Branch: Monday-Saturday: 4-4:30 p.m.
• Main Library: Monday-Friday: 3:15-3:45 p.m.
• Martin Luther King Branch: Monday-Saturday: 3:45-4:45 p.m.
• Northern Lights Branch: Monday-Saturday: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
• Northside Branch: Monday-Friday: 4:15-4:45 p.m. & Saturday: 2:15-2:45 p.m.
• Parsons Branch: Monday-Saturday: 4-4:45 p.m.
• Reynoldsburg Branch: Monday-Saturday: 4:15-4:45 p.m.
• Shepard Branch: Monday-Friday: 4:15-4:45 p.m. & Saturday: 2:15-2:45 p.m.
• South High Branch: Monday-Saturday: 4-5 p.m.
• Southeast Branch: Monday-Friday: 4:15-4:45 p.m. & Saturday: 2:15-2:45 p.m.
• Whitehall Branch: Monday-Saturday: 4-4:30 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Flags across Ohio will be flying at half-staff starting Thursday at sunrise in honor of the victims in Wednesday’s mass shooting at a school in Minnesota.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, in accordance with a similar order issued by President Donald Trump, has ordered all Ohio and U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff on all public buildings and grounds across the state until sundown on Sunday, Aug. 31.

The order comes after two children were killed and 17 people were injured after a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

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.

How often has the No. 1 team been an underdog?

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.