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You can watch a special edition of NBC4 Sports Extra, taking you behind-the-scenes of Big Ten Saturday night, in the player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- While fans watch Ohio State take on Minnesota on NBC4 Saturday night, there's an army of production personnel behind the scenes making sure the broadcast goes smoothly.

The majority of that army arrived in Columbus on Thursday, making the parking lot right outside Ohio Stadium its home this weekend, taking two full days to prepare to bring viewers the best sights and sounds from the game.

Between two production trucks and an RV that serves as a green room, dozens of staff members spend hours preparing for the contest. At the helm of the entire production is Kregg Van Meter, who is the director of operations for the network's Big Ten telecasts. His job is to oversee all the logistics, from coordinating with school officials to booking all the flights for the crew.

What to know about Ohio State’s game against Minnesota on NBC4

"We have a crew of about 140 people. And about 110 of those we travel week to week to week. I tell people all the time this is the modern day equivalent of growing up and joining the circus," Van Meter said.

It's NBC's third season broadcasting Big Ten football in primetime. And Saturday marks the network's second trip to the Horseshoe since Big Ten Saturday Night started. And Van Meter has the preparations down to a science.

"We get here on a Thursday all the gear comes out. All the cameras come out. You set your stage. You take two days to do that," Van Meter said. "You do your show and then you rip it all down in two hours once the game is over. And you move on to the next city."

About 5,000 feet of cable is used in the production, much of it used to connect a total of 25 cameras from the field to the broadcast compound.

While a producer and director are tasked with selecting the best sights and sounds, the voice fans hear the most will be from Noah Eagle, who's been calling Big Ten games for NBC since the network acquired the rights to Saturday night games in 2023.

And Eagle understands well the importance of Buckeye football to the Columbus market and surrounding areas.

"What makes it unique to me is that even in a city that has professional sports and is a major city and has all these other things going on, they're still the number one show in town," Eagle said. "And you feel it every time you go. You feel how passionate the fanbase is. And it stretches wide. Obviously beyond Columbus but just certainly within Columbus, walking around you feel that. And you understand that."

Watch David DeGuzman's extended interview with Noah Eagle in the player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A recent study claims Columbus is one of the best cities in the country for people with disabilities.

WalletHub compared 182 cities – including the 150 most populated U.S. cities, plus at least two of the most populated cities in each state – across 33 indicators of “disability-friendliness.” Metrics included the employment rate for people with disabilities, the number of disability-accessible restaurants and the cost of doctor’s visits. 

The study sourced data from a variety of government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private companies.

Columbus ranked as the fourth-best city for people with disabilities, offering the lowest cost for in-home care of all cities analyzed, and "strong state-level support through CDC funding and Employment First policies," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo told NBC4.

"On the quality-of-life side, Columbus performs especially well in education and housing accessibility, ranking 14th for both the number of special-education teachers and the share of accessible homes listed on the market," Lupo said. "However, the city could improve in areas such as accessible dining options and overall walkability, which are important for day-to-day independence."

Taking the No. 1 spot was Minneapolis, largely due to its availability of affordable, quality medical care, according to WalletHub. Additionally, the city has the fifth-most wheelchair-accessible trails in the nation and the 11th-most homes listed for sale that are wheelchair accessible.

Source: WalletHub

Rounding out the top five was St. Louis (No. 2), Scottsdale, Arizona (No. 3) and St. Paul, Minnesota (No. 5). The worst cities for those with disabilities were Juneau, Alaska; South Burlington, Vermont; Gulfport, Mississippi; Pearl City, Hawaii; and Jackson, Mississippi. 

WalletHub’s full study can be found here.

HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) — The Norwich Township Fire Department (NTFD) is encouraging residents to do visual inspections of their electric meters following what they learned during the investigation of a recent house fire.

The fire happened at Vernon Kennedy's home on Aug. 25.

“That just looks like a fire pit you’d have outside. You feel like if you just tap that with another log or hammer that would just kind of crumble," Kennedy said as he looked up at burnt rafters.

There was fire, smoke, or water damage throughout the entire home. It was gutted and is in the process of being repaired.

“As the days go on it gets a little easier. The day of and the first few weeks afterwards it just made you want to cry," he said.

The fire started in the area of the electrical meter on the outside of the home, according to investigators. It spread into the attic and other parts of the home. Daryl Miller, NTFD's Fire Marshal, said during the investigation, other neighbors told him they'd previously noticed arcing and sparks at their boxes and gotten those problems fixed.

“This is a unique situation to where multiple people have reported hazards around their residence," he said.

Miller said freezing and thawing of soil or things like tree roots can get in the way of underground cable, causing the cable to pull on the electrical box. Now he's urging residents to do a visual-only inspection of their meters. If any issues are noticed, Miller said call the power company and an electrician.

“We’re looking for the meter pulling away from the wall surface and it’ll be very obvious and we’re also looking for a separation in the service cable PVC that's here as well," he said. "This hazard is not a hazard that is just isolated to this community but this is a hazard that could happen anywhere."

No one was hurt during the fire at Kennedy's home and the fire department was able to get all the family's pets out safely. 

“If this can serve as any sort of public awareness or something then great, then hopefully nobody else has to go through this," Kennedy said.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A house fire in September led to a Columbus Humane investigation and three dogs in search of a new home. 

It’s a case that shines a light on how, in many cases, people who break the law when it comes to animals avoid consequences. 

Agents respond to an abandonment call but can’t track down the owners. That means they can't press charges. But even if the animals won’t get justice, they get a happy ending. 

Two of the three dogs in this case have been adopted, and NBC4 got to meet the one still at the shelter. 

“Shane is a one-year-old bulldog mixed with something wiry. He is the cutest dog I think any of us have ever seen here,” Columbus Humane Chief Advancement Officer Brittany Williams said. “Every time he goes out for a walk, he takes this little toy with him, these little comfort plushies that he has.”

In early September, the home where Shane and two other dogs lived with their previous family burned down. 

“This person in their neighborhood witnessed a house fire, witnessed the people vacate the home and abandon three dogs there in the home,” Williams said. 

Humane agents responded and tried to find the owners. 

“That involves leaving notices on that property, following up the 24 hours and then 48 hours following that,” Williams said. 

Still no response, so agents legally could take the dogs. And while they could not press abandonment charges on the owners -- since they couldn’t be found -- they could start the search for new homes. 

“They're also very thin when we got them, so needed to make sure that they were healthy and ready to be adopted,” Williams said. 

The other two dogs in this case have been adopted, so it’s just Shane, a fan favorite in the shelter, waiting for his forever home. 

“Shane is the sweetest dog. He is potty-trained. He's very young. So he has such a great life left to live,” Williams said. 

A few months ago, NBC4 showed a dog named Prince. Children’s services were involved in his case and contacted Humane agents when they saw him. 

100 days after he was surrendered, Prince is still waiting for his forever home.

Columbus Humane is raising money to support its animal cruelty investigation work. They have a Defend Your Friend 5k next weekend to support the effort. Read more about it or sign up here.

"Columbus Humane is overwhelmingly funded by charitable contributions. Even our cruelty investigations work," Williams said. "So the way that you can help support Shane and other pets like him is by supporting Columbus Humane and supporting our cruelty investigations work."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A man was charged after explosive devices were found by Columbus police during a Friday morning traffic stop.

Officers pulled over a vehicle near East Welch Avenue when they located suspected improvised explosive devices inside, according to the Columbus Division of Police.

Columbus Fire Department's Arson and Bomb Squad responded and confirmed the devices were homemade explosives consisting of fireworks parts and black powder, according to an affidavit.

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CFD Arson planned to execute search warrants at several locations, police said.

Jovan T. Linville, 29, was charged with unlawful possession of dangerous ordnance, according to court records.

Linville is scheduled to appear in court Saturday morning.

No other details were immediately available.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Hundreds of veterans gathered at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on Friday for the annual Central Ohio Stand Down event.

“That responsibility, support for our veteran community is up to us,” said Dan Willis, executive director of Central Ohio Stand Down.

For many veterans, the challenges don’t end when they come home. That’s why dozens of volunteers came to lend a helping hand.

“I decided to come out today to look around and visit with some of the vets that I know,” U.S. Marine Wilbert Diggs Sr. said.

Volunteers handed out meals, groceries and clothing for the upcoming colder months.

“It's not just items that they can take home, but they get information that improves the quality of life. We find that a lot of our veterans don't even know what questions to ask for the solutions that they need,” Willis said.

That included information about VA benefits, legal aid and health screenings.

“I just came out to show my appreciation and thank everybody, you know, for giving because we gave. So now they’re giving us a little bit of thank you and we really appreciate that,” Diggs said.

The event has grown each year, which means the number of volunteers needed has too. Organizations all over central Ohio got involved like the Mid-Ohio Food Collective and the Blue Star Mothers of America.

“My son is a veteran. My husband's a veteran. I've been a Blue Star mom since 2009 and it's a passion,” said Deb Waltz, a member of the Buckeye Military Moms branch of Blue Star Mothers of America.

Learn how to get involved in next year’s Central Ohio Stand Down here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - An annual festival celebrating coffee and other caffeinated beverages is returning to central Ohio.

The Columbus Coffee Festival is back Saturday and Sunday for its 10th year at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. The event will showcase more than 40 coffee roasters and tea vendors from a variety of businesses.

Resch’s Bakery begins welcoming customers in Gahanna

Attendees will receive a coffee mug they can take home with them and are able to try out samples from the different vendors on site. Tickets are on sale, starting at $20. Anyone wanting to attend must purchase their tickets to reserve a timeframe at the festival.

Along with coffee, the festival will also feature food trucks, live music, craft vendors and more. The festival is also a family-friendly event. Children 12 and under are free to attend.

For more information on the Columbus Coffee Festival and how to get your tickets, visit the event's website.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A person with measles visited two public places near New Albany while infected, according to Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health.

Health officials said the person visited the New Albany Early Learning Center at 5101 Swickard Woods Boulevard between 10:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. on Sept. 25. The person also visited Target at 6030 North Hamilton Road between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the same day.

Officials noted the time windows include two hours after the person left because the disease can remain in the air for two hours.

The New Albany-Plain Local School District has also notified families and staff about potential exposure, according to officials.

Anyone who visited those locations between those times and has not been fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine may have been exposed. Health officials urge anyone who may have been exposed to watch for symptoms and visit a doctor if sick. It could take one to three weeks after exposure to show symptoms.

Anyone with measles symptoms is asked to notify their provider's office before showing up. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and water eyes. A rash can typically appear three to five days after symptoms begin.

Currently, there are three confirmed measles cases in central Ohio, and all are among unvaccinated individuals who traveled internationally.

Health officials are working to identify if there are additional exposures and urged anyone with children 12 months or older to vaccinate their children immediately.

Columbus Public Health offers the vaccines for anyone of eligible age with no appointments needed. Learn more on the CPH website. MMR vaccines are also available at health care providers.

NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) -- A woman filed a lawsuit Thursday against a New Albany church over alleged sexual abuse she says could've been prevented.

The lawsuit, filed by a now-29-year-old woman under the pseudonym O.W. for privacy reasons, accuses Faith Life Church leaders of not doing enough to stop the alleged abuse.

O.W. and her family were parishioners of the church. The lawsuit alleges O.W. was abused from approximately ages 5 to 16 by Gary Thomas Keesee Jr., the son of senior pastors Gary and Drenda Keesee.

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The lawsuit claims Gary and Drenda Keesee were made aware of their son's alleged sexual abuse in the early 2000s and did not report it to authorities, therefore failing to protecting others from abuse.

As an heir-apparent to his parents' leadership, a youth pastor, and a musical director, Keesee Jr. had unsupervised access to children who looked up to him as a role model, according to the lawsuit.

"Gary and Drenda were domineering leaders of [the church], using their dynamic personalities and authoritarian positions to demand obedience and loyalty from church members," according to the lawsuit. "Gary and Drenda provided leadership and paid positions in [the church] to approximately half-a-dozen close family members, further consolidating their control over church members."

NBC4 has reached out to a law firm representing the church for comment.

Keesee Jr., 36, was indicted earlier this year on numerous charges of rape, gross sexual imposition, and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Watch previous coverage in the player above.

The date range for the charges spans from 2001 to 2012 with a Licking County prosecutor saying the ages of the victims ranged from 6 to 15 at the time of the alleged offenses.

The superseding indictment against Keesee Jr. lists the 32 total allegations along with the following date ranges:

DatesCharge (counts)Nov. 2001-May 2004Rape (5)Nov. 2001-May 2004Gross sexual imposition (5)Oct. 2002 – Nov. 2006Rape (5)Oct. 2002 – Nov. 2006Gross sexual imposition (3)Dec. 2004 – Nov. 2006Gross sexual imposition (1)Nov. 2006 – Oct. 2008Rape (1)Nov. 2006 – Oct. 2008Gross sexual imposition (2)Oct. 2008 – Oct. 2011Unlawful sexual conduct with minor (5)June 2008 – June 2012Rape (2)June 2008 – June 2012Gross sexual imposition (3)

In February, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office asked the Licking County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the church for allegations of sexual abuse of minors because Drenda Keesee serves as a Knox County commissioner.

Drenda Keesee has also published several books, including one titled “They Are Coming For Your Children,” which is described as “a wake-up call to parents and the nation to confront and combat what is nothing less than every offensive evil that hell can unleash against the children of this generation. From transgenderism, to critical race theory to sex-trafficking, satan is bent on destroying this generation because they are destined to bring in worldwide revival and usher in the return of Jesus Christ.”

Keesee Jr.’s jury trial is expected to begin on Nov. 18, according to online court records.

GAHANNA, Ohio (WCMH) – A historic family-owned bakery has begun welcoming customers in Gahanna. 

Resch’s Bakery launched at 150 N. Hamilton Road on Friday at 11 a.m., according to its Facebook page. The business’ anticipated opening comes after its August 2024 announcement that it would take over the former Dollar General.

When Resch’s first shared it would open in Gahanna, the bakery said its location at 4061 E. Livingston Ave. in southeast Columbus would continue operating as usual. However, a sign posted on its door in late September revealed it would shut down the Livingston Avenue location before its Gahanna opening. 

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The sign did not disclose a reason for the Livingston Avenue closure, and NBC4 was unable to reach the bakery’s owners. According to its website, the Gahanna building is “significantly larger” than the Livingston Avenue store, enabling the bakery to increase its output. Resch’s serves donuts, pastries, cakes, cookies, pretzels, pies and more.

The business’ founder Wilhelm Resch immigrated to America from the German town of Neiderwinden in 1906. He and his uncle built the first Resch’s Bakery building in 1912 at 1029 E. Livingston Avenue. The family then opened a store at 4061 E. Livingston Ave. in the early 1960s. Both of those locations have since closed, leaving the Gahanna bakery as the sole storefront.

More information about Resch’s Gahanna opening can be found on the bakery’s Facebook page and website. 

NELSONVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Ohio Supreme Court ruled to uphold a voter-approved transition of government in southeast Ohio, the first of its kind.

In November 2024, Nelsonville became the first Ohio city to abolish its own city charter and return to a statutory government, a local government that defaults to the state's standard municipal government. Nelsonville city officials, tasked with abolishing their own jobs, moved to stop elections for the new form of government. On Sept. 17, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled against the city, allowing elections to proceed this November.

Nelsonville voters, fed up with infighting and costly lawsuits among city officials, overwhelmingly voted in favor of abolishing the charter last year. Voters approved a citizen-enacted ordinance to return to a statutory government, which the city had until 1995, to take effect on Jan. 1. Elections for the new government will take place in November, and candidates were certified by July. See previous coverage of the ballot issue in the video player above.

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This left Nelsonville officials with the task of setting up their own replacements. Law Director Jonathan Robe told NBC4 in March that it was a difficult feat, as the current government still operates under the charter, which does not fully authorize them to create a new government.

Nelsonville city councilmembers tried twice to modify the voters' decision, saying it needed to change in order to effectively set up the new government. The first attempt, a May election issue to modify the decision, failed. In August, councilmembers voted to fully repeal the ordinance anyway.

Although the candidates were already certified for the ballot, Nelsonville officials argued the new form of government was repealed, so no election could be held. They asked the state to intervene and remove candidates from the ballot. City officials also asked the state to protest several write-in candidates for new positions.

On Sept. 17, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that Nelsonville did not have the authority to overturn a voter-approved initiative. The court also said the city had not appropriately asked for residents' opinions and that candidates should be allowed to proceed.

The ruling means Nelsonville residents will be able to vote for a new mayor, council, auditor, treasurer and law director. Many of the candidates are write-ins, so tallying the votes may be more complicated for polling officials on election night.

There are three candidates for mayor, two of whom are write-ins. City Auditor also has three candidates, two of whom are write-ins. Other races appear easier; Nelsonville has seven council candidates, one council president candidate and one treasurer candidate, the same number as open seats.

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Nelsonville will also vote for four councilmembers to serve only through December, addressing a gap between when current councilmembers' roles expire and the new government takes effect. There are only four candidates for this special election, three of whom are write-ins.

Not all of the new government will be truly new. Of the uncontested positions, several have already served as councilmembers under the charter.

Wesley Henderson, who was appointed to current council in August and already resigned, is running for a seat on statutory council. Nic Joseph Saul is a current councilmember running for new council. Daniel Sherman, who was on council for several years before resigning, is the only candidate on the ballot for council president.

Carol Sue Powell, a write-in, was a councilmember before she resigned in 2024. She rescinded her resignation and attempted to continue serving on the board, leading to a confusing period where Nelsonville had more councilmembers than seats. A judge upheld that she was not a lawful councilmember, although she hopes to be one again.

Although the office of mayor is contested, it will also most likely elect a familiar face. Councilmembers Jonathan Flowers and Nancy Sonick are both running for mayor, as is City Manager Fred Holmes, so all mayoral candidates have served in the soon-to-be abolished charter government.

With the Supreme Court ruling, Nelsonville residents will elect their new officials on Nov. 4.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Six more bands were announced Friday for next year's Sonic Temple music festival.

Added to the lineup are:

• Stone Temple Pilots
• Zakk Wylde + Black Label Society
• Sevendust
• P.O.D.
• Saliva
• Soil

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That brings the total number of bands announced to 32. The festival takes place from May 14 to May 17 at Historic Crew Stadium. Tickets are on sale now, and the daily schedules of performances will be announced in the future.

Full Sonic Temple lineup (as of Oct. 3)

In alphabetical order. Headliners in bold.

• Atreyu
• Attila
• Behemoth
• Black Label Society
• Bloodywood
• Brand of Sacrifice
• Cattle Decapitation
• Chelsea Grin
• Chiodos
• Coheed and Cambria
• Conquer Divide
• Cradle of Filth
• Dance Gavin Dance
• Dethklok
• Disembodied Tyrant
• Dying Fetus
• Electric Callboy
• Hawthorne Heights
• Lorna Shore
• Make Them Suffer
• My Chemical Romance
• Nekrogoblikon
• Paleface Swiss
• P.O.D.
• The Plot in You
• Saliva
• Senses Fail
• Sevendust
• Soil
• Stone Temple Pilots
• Suffocation
• We Came as Romans

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A teenager who was ruled to be tried as an adult in the death of a mother who attempted to stop a carjacking pleaded not guilty in court Thursday.

The case against Ray-Yon Hawkins, now 17, advanced in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas after it was ruled in September that he would be tried as an adult. He faces charges of murder, involuntary manslaughter, robbery, theft and failing to stop after an accident.

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Hawkins, along with another teenager and 20-year-old Gerald Dowling Jr., were charged in the death of Alexa Stakely, who was found at 1:30 a.m. on July 11, 2024, lying near the intersection of Blue Knoll Drive and Annual Drive, just north of Canal Winchester. Stakely, 29, was attempting to stop a carjacking in the southeast Columbus neighborhood of White Ash, where three suspects had entered her vehicle, which was parked at the White Oak Park Condominiums.

Dowling, along with two 16-year-old boys, jumped in Stakely’s car and drove off, police said. Stakely ran after the car, screaming for her child, before being struck and thrown to the ground. The result was a fatal head wound, and she was pronounced dead at 8:43 a.m.

Alexa Stakely

Dowling, now 20, and the two teenagers surrendered two weeks later. The teens were charged with murder and were slated to be tried as adults. The boys were originally charged with murder alongside Dowling, who was assigned a $10 million bond in July 2024.

However, in February, one of the teenagers was sentenced to the Department of Youth Services for an undetermined amount of time and his case is now closed.

In August, Dowling Jr. was sentenced to serve a minimum of seven years in prison after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Charges of theft and receiving stolen property were dropped as part of the plea agreement.

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Hawkins, who pleaded not guilty, was issued a $500,000 bond in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas in September, but on Thursday a judge raised the bond amount to $750,000. His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.

Stakely was a speech pathologist for preschool students in Canal Winchester schools and, as a single mother, also worked a second job as a restaurant server and had just finished her shift before the carjacking.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A fast food chain known for its “ButterBurgers” and custard is eyeing a new central Ohio location.

Culver’s is working toward opening at 1000 E. Dublin Granville Road in north Columbus near Worthington. The fast food chain wants to redevelop part of the parking lot in front of Space Shop Self Storage into a restaurant with a drive-thru, according plans filed with the city.

The proposed Culver’s would be run by Indiana-based Meyer Foods Management Company, which operates over 30 Culver’s restaurants across Indiana, Ohio and Georgia, according to its website. 

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The family-owned franchise management company is also preparing to launch a Culver’s location in the Hamilton Quarter shopping center near Gahanna and New Albany, and at 6450 Gender Road in Canal Winchester. The Hamilton Quarter location is set to debut this month, while an opening date for the Canal Winchester spot has not yet been announced.

Culver’s has 27 eateries in Ohio, including four in the Columbus area, according to its website. Central Ohio locations include restaurants in Marysville, Reynoldsburg, Powell and in the Hilliard Green neighborhood. 

Culver’s is the home of the ButterBurger, which features buns brushed with butter and seared beef patties. The chain also offers frozen custard, customizable with a variety of toppings, such as Oreos, strawberries and hot fudge. 

Outside of Culver's burgers, its menu features chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, seafood, salads and soups. Sides such as French fries, onion rings and cheese curds are available as well.

Culver’s was founded in Sauk City, Wisconsin, in 1984. The chain has since spread to over 1,000 eateries across 26 states, a majority of which are franchises. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus police have arrested a suspect believed to be involved in multiple overnight stabbings within a few miles of each other Friday morning.

According to Sgt. James Fuqua, officers were called to two areas in the Northgate neighborhood of North Columbus. The first incident occurred at the 6900 block of Lancaster Lane, where a man was seated in his car, suffering from multiple stab wounds.

Cyclist critically injured in west Columbus hit-skip

The man was taken to an area hospital and listed in critical condition but has since been upgraded to stable condition. Police said the suspect fled the scene just after midnight.

At around 2:37 a.m., police arrived at the 6000 block of Crossgate Place, approximately 2.5 miles from the first incident, and found another victim who had been stabbed. The victim was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Police said the suspect fled the scene on foot and was eventually detained on Cleveland Avenue. Both stabbings are believed to be committed by the same suspect.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It's homecoming night. And you can watch the game on NBC4.

No. 1 Ohio State will host Minnesota in the only game at the Horseshoe taking place in October. The Buckeyes aim improve to 5-0 after winning their Big Ten opener on the road last week at Washington. Kickoff Saturday is set for 7:30 p.m.

OSU owns a 12-game win streak against the Golden Gophers and have won 40 of the last 42 matchups dating back to 1969.

Here are three things to know.

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The defense under Matt Patricia has made a statement throughout the season so far. The Buckeyes have yet to allow opponents to score in double figures nor have they allowed a touchdown in the red zone this season.

And OSU has used multiple combinations on the defensive line, including linebackers at the line of scrimmage. They've even incorporated cornerback Caleb Downs at times.

In the last two games, Tywone Malone has started on the inside for the Bucks. He's a former two-sport athlete, playing college baseball at Ole Miss. But now he's all in on football and Malone is making a move as the Ohio State defensive line looks better week after week, putting on his best performance yet last Saturday at Washington.

"Using the tools that Coach Johnson and Coach Patricia are giving him. And now they're starting to show up on the field," coach Ryan Day said. "And it's a mindset. And his mindsets changed. And because of that, you see a better player."

Malone, a fifth-year senior, reflected on the journey it took to earn a starting role for the Buckeyes.

"This game is not easy. A lot of time. It takes a lot of patience, especially coming from two sports into just focusing on one," Malone said. "Now it's not as time consuming. So you can focus more on one thing rather than two things."

Buckeyes playing with an edge

Caden Curry emerged as a star from last weekend's 24-6 win at Washington. His 11 tackles, five TFLs and three quarterback sacks earned the defensive end multiple "Player of the Week" honors. And the Buckeyes are 13-0 in games when Curry is credited with a tackle-for-loss.

Curry plays with an edge and that's how the Buckeyes want to play.

"The most desperate and hungry team is going to win every Saturday, and we have to make sure that we wake up every day and that same mentality," Day said. "That's when you win games, you know, week after week. Sometimes that's not easy to do. So it's my job and it's our job as coaches, and it's the job of the leaders here to make sure that we wake up with a bad attitude every day and that we're showing up with an edge."

An O-Line made in Ohio

Four of the five starters for Ohio State's starting offensive line hails from the Buckeye state. Left tackle Austin Siereveld came from Liberty Township, left guard Luke Montgomery is from Findlay and the right side features a pair from Cincinnati: Tegra Tshabola and Phillip Daniels.

The camaraderie is apparent. Last weekend in a very loud Husky Stadium, Montgomery and Carson Hinzman worked together on the silent count and it paid off, committing just one false start.

On Mondays, Montgomery likes to watch back games but it's not just because he wants to get better from the film.

"I like to go back and watch the TV copies as a fan because that's something my dad and just my family when I was back home," Montgomery said. "Like when I was younger, I always watch Ohio State games on Saturday and I just love listening to the commentaries and stuff like that. So I usually just go back and watch the game through.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Police are investigating a hit-skip in which a cyclist was ejected onto a west Columbus street early Friday morning.

According to a CPD incident report, an adult was riding a bicycle westbound on Sullivant Avenue, near the intersection of Wedgewood Drive in the Hilltop area. At the same time a smaller blue SUV was traveling westbound and approached the cyclist from behind.

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The cyclist was struck at around 1:30 a.m., was ejected from the bicycle, and was thrown onto the sidewalk, north of the road. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and listed in critical condition.

Police said the driver of the SUV failed to stop and fled the crash scene, heading west on Sullivant Avenue in Franklin Township. The Columbus Police AIU unit also responded to the scene and is still investigating the incident.

Anyone with knowledge about this incident is asked to contact the Columbus Division of Police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Stonewall Columbus is being honored on Friday, the organization's 45th anniversary, with an Ohio historical marker, recognizing its decades of advocacy and support for central Ohio's LGBTQ+ community.

The unveiling ceremony is set for noon at Stonewall Columbus' North High Street community center. While Ohio's historical marker program, administered by Ohio History Connection, has placed more than 1,800 markers throughout the state, this dedication is only the fourth to honor LGBTQ+ history. The marker highlights the organization's founding in 1981 as Stonewall Union, and its ongoing contributions through activism, education and community-building efforts.

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"When you look at the connections that we've created over those 40 plus years, it really is an opportunity to recognize, not only Stonewall, but the LGBTQ+ community across Columbus and the state," said Densil Porteous, executive director of Stonewall Columbus. "It is a moment of resistance to get together in community and to celebrate, even though we are faced with such struggles and vitriol right now in this particular moment." Watch a previous episode of NBC4's "Out in Ohio" featuring Stonewall Columbus in the video player above.

• The Stonewall Columbus Community Center at 1160 N. High St. in the Short North. (Adobe Stock)
• The Stonewall Columbus Community Center at 1160 N. High St. in the Short North. (Adobe Stock)

Alexandria Ingley, department manager of community engagement at Ohio History Connection, emphasized the importance of celebrating LGBTQ+ history in the state.

"Stonewall Columbus has a 40-plus year history as an LGBTQ+ advocate, leader, service procider and sanctuary for community and connection in the state of Ohio," she said. "This particular marker will honor the rich history and ongoing contributions of Stonewall Columbus to the local community and the broader movement of LGBTQ+ rights across the state."

"The Ohio historical marker program is a broad commitment to honoring all of Ohio's history and, in that sense, it's exciting to be able to celebrate history from all different parts of its communities," Ingley continued. "Our commitment is to making sure that ultimately our work is representative of the people, places and events that make Ohio special."

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Stonewall has long been a key player in local and state-level advocacy. The organization has supported other LGBTQ-related historical markers, including a recent one for Summit Station, Ohio's first lesbian bar, and has worked on several initiatives to preserve LGBTQ+ history, such as the ongoing digitization of archival footage from its former television program, the "L/G/B Report."

"As a mission-driven organization, the acknowledgement of the work that we've done through a visible marker is just that, we're stepping into our mission so we are seen and thriving," Porteous said. "LGBTQ+ folks are a part of American history, and the erasure of our stories doesn't tell the full story of our American history."

The ceremony comes at a time of both celebration and concern for Ohio's LGBTQ+ community. Earlier this year, a federal grant funding the installation of 10 other LGBTQ+ historical markers in Ohio was canceled by DOGE. While the cuts didn’t impact Stonewall's marker, the organization said it was disappointed in the loss of nearly $250,000 in federal funds.

"Visibility matters, especially when the history and identity of our community is slowly being erased," said Porteous. "When young people are looking to affirm their identities, they can see these markers around our state, around our city; that they become excited and they understand that they are seen, they are valued and hopefully that they can thrive in our community."

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The marker dedication is part of a broader celebration of Stonewall's 45th anniversary. The organization is hosting an evening event, "Come Out for Stonewall," at its community center beginning at 7:30 p.m. The celebration is featuring music, hors d’oeuvres, and a special toast to the organization's achievements, with an after-party hosted by Black Sheep in the Short North. The dedication event and evening celebration are open to the public.

Porteous noted that this recognition will help ensure Stonewall's contributions to LGBTQ+ rights are remembered for generations to come.

"Being able to step into our 45th year with such support, within community gathering is really essential in this moment," he said. "The opportunity to be able to say that we are one of the oldest LGBTQ+ organizations in the area is phenomenal... we've been around for so long, doing such critical work, and so that we can celebrate stepping into 45 years is pretty monumental."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The number of abortions performed in Ohio did not increase in the wake of the implementation of a reproductive rights amendment, state data shows. 

Ohio law requires physicians to report certain medical and demographic information about abortion patients to the state Department of Health, which then compiles this data into annual reports. Physicians do not report patients’ names. 

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The department released its latest report covering 2024 on Wednesday, which revealed Ohio physicians completed a total of 21,829 abortions last year -- a drop of less than 1% compared with 2023. 

The number of abortions performed in Ohio from 1976 to 2024. (Photo courtesy/Ohio Department of Health)

Ohio voters approved an amendment in November 2023 that enshrined the right to abortion before fetal viability – and after if the mother faces a health risk – in the state’s constitution. Fetal viability, or the point at which a fetus can survive outside the uterus, is generally considered to be between 22-24 weeks gestation but is determined by an individual’s doctor. The measure took effect 30 days after the election, on Dec. 7, 2023, making 2024 the first full year it was in effect. 

Before the amendment’s implementation, Ohio’s abortion law was often in a state of flux. The state enacted a ban after six weeks of pregnancy in 2019, but it was largely unenforced due to court challenges. When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, the six-week ban went into effect from June 24 through Sept. 14, before it was once again blocked by a court. With that law on hold, abortion was legal in Ohio through 21 weeks of gestation when the amendment went into effect. 

“Given that Ohio has some of the most liberal abortion laws in the country and we have radical judges pushing this agenda, these numbers are encouraging,” Carrie Snyder, executive director of Ohio Right to Life, said of the report. “We aren’t satisfied with the loss of any innocent pre-born child, and our efforts to protect them will continue.”

While the overall number of abortions remained largely unchanged in 2024, Ohio did see more out-of-state residents receiving abortions for the third year in a row. Last year, 3,133 out-of-state residents underwent the procedure, making up about 14% of all abortions performed in Ohio. This marks an increase from 2,771 out-of-state residents in 2023 (12.6% of all abortions), 1,287 in 2022 (7%) and 1,097 in 2021 (5%). 

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“I am glad that those people could come to Ohio for the care they needed, but they should have been able to get the care much closer to home,” said Kellie Copeland, executive director of Abortion Forward. “No one should be forced to cross state lines for health care.” 

The majority of abortions, or 64.6%, were performed at less than nine weeks of gestation. The state reported 0.7% of abortions, or 146, were performed after 21 weeks. 

A small portion of abortion patients, 0.4% or 97 individuals, underwent the procedure out of medical necessity. Conditions that resulted in a medically necessary abortion included hemorrhage, diabetes, premature rupture of membranes and cardiac disease. The rest of the patients, 99.6%, did not undergo the procedure due to medical necessity, according to the report. 

Data shows that the majority of abortion patients were between 20 and 29 years old (55.7%), followed by 30 to 39 (32.6%), 18 to 19 (5.9%), over 40 (3.2%) and under 18 (2.6%). When race was reported, 48.9% of patients were Black, 42.4% were white, 5.1% were multiracial, 3.3% were Asian or Pacific Islander and 0.3% were American Indian. 

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The report found 83.4% had never been married, while 10.4% were married, 3.8% were divorced, 2.2% were separated and 0.2% were widowed. It further stated 36.5% of patients did not have any children, while 25.3% had one, 37% had two or more and 1.2% did not report if they had children or not. 

A law expanding Ohio’s abortion reporting requirements recently went into effect. The state will soon create a public, electronic dashboard that will update monthly and contain similar data to what is included in the annual reports. The dashboard will supplement the annual reports, rather than replace them. 

Dashboard data will be posted on the 15th of each month starting in October, according to Ohio Department of Health press secretary Ken Gordon. The new law will also require annual abortion reports going forward to be published in March rather than October, making the data released in the reports more current. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Descendants of the 661st Tank Destroyer Battalion visited central Ohio this week to hear from the last living member of their fathers' unit: Columbus resident Marvin Brown.

“That makes me very sad,” Brown said of being the last 661st veteran. “The love of a man and a woman is something to behold, very inspirational. But the love of one GI for another GI, you’ve been both shot at together, is something special.”

Brown, 99, vividly recalls his time in Germany during World War II. He shared his memories with several dozen 661st descendants on Tuesday at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. The museum was closed to the public, allowing Brown to share stories for an hour before attendees embarked on a tour.

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“I never had a pair of dry socks on my feet for the first few days,” Brown shared. “And I didn't want to report to medics because I didn't want to leave my buddies. That's how much I loved them.”

Brown was among the youngest of the battalion, having turned 18 just months before arriving in Europe. Brown, like several attendees' fathers, first tried to enlist as a young teen after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He remembered the enlistment office was standing room only, which made him proud.

World War II Veteran Marvin Brown (center) and several descendants of the 661st Tank Destroyer Battalion (NBC4i)

Two years later, Brown was old enough to enlist. He was originally slated for paperwork, but asked to be transferred to work as an assistant gunner. Brown said he wanted to fight.

“I’m Jewish and Hitler was killing my people, and I wanted to go do whatever I could to get them off our backs,” Brown said.

Brown is one of about 45,000 remaining living WWII veterans, and one of just 1,600 in Ohio. Many attendees had met Brown previously; although it is now nearly all descendants, the 661st holds an annual reunion.

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Brown recalled one event where he reunited with Rufus McBride, a soldier who Brown had last seen crushed between two tanks. Brown thought McBride had died, but the pair reunited decades later, and McBride's son was present Tuesday. Brown said the Germans had their coordinates and would fire artillery shells as they rested, making safety a luxury.

“You had to be lucky because there was nowhere to go,” Brown said. 

With five men to a tank, Brown said he did far less walking than many troops and left the war with the original soles of his Army boots. He said his college roommate, a Marine Corps photographer, went through three pairs in the Pacific Islands.

After the war, Brown still wore his boots during bad weather, and said he still may have them. He's not sure where his other souvenirs -- a German bayonet and armband -- are today.

Brown and his brothers in arms were part of the Battle of Leipzig, the final major German city to fall to American troops. Brown recalled the last of the fighting, with his officers threatening to burn down a monument S.S. soldiers were hiding in. Brown said the "mayor was horrified," knowing there was precious art in the basement stolen by the Nazis. The threat was enough to get the S.S. out.

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After Germany surrendered, Brown went back to the U.S. to fight in Japan. Several of the 661st were on trains headed west to set off for the Pacific when they learned America dropped the nuclear bomb. 

“I don't like anybody to say anything bad about Harry Truman,” Brown said. “I feel he saved my life.”

Brown said he did not always want to talk about his service, but wants to keep the 661st's story alive. In one of the few interviews he's done, Brown spoke with NBC4’s Ben Gelber in 2016. Brown realized he lived a parallel life with a fellow Creekside retirement community resident, both New Yorkers serving in the 661st, and shared the story with Gelber.

After Brown spoke, the museum gave attendees a private tour. The descendants also met up with Brown on Wednesday to grab lunch at his favorite spot, Scotty's Cafe in Bexley.

When asked what attendees were most excited to see in Columbus, they all said Brown. Attendee Tom Slopek's father, Julius, was in the 661st. Slopek said it was incredible Brown would give so much for his country, calling him "one of the bravest men he'd ever met."

Brown said he was honored that the group decided to reunite in Columbus to see him.

“There were times of sheer terror and times of sheer boredom,” Brown said. “But I want to tell you that I loved their dads.”