Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A court case over a stolen leaf blower has inspired an Ohio bill that aims to change the state’s legal definition of burglary. 

Ohio law currently defines burglary as trespassing into a structure by force, stealth or deception with the intent to commit any criminal offense inside. House Bill 252, sponsored by Reps. Gary Click (R-Vickery) and Adam Bird (R-New Richmond), would remove the requirement for force, stealth or deception.

Bill would increase Ohio minimum wage to $15 by 2029

Prosecutors brought the idea for the bill to lawmakers, according to Click. Louis Tobin, president of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, said the bill stems from a Supreme Court case in which justices were tasked with deciding whether the theft of a $500 leaf blower from an open garage counted as burglary under Ohio law. 

In September 2020, Donald Bertram casually walked past a Scioto County homeowner into his garage and took the leaf blower, according to court records. Despite the homeowner asking Bertram to put the leaf blower back, he put it in his car and drove off with it. 

A short time later, police arrested Bertram and charged him with burglary, before a jury convicted him of the crime. He was sentenced to 8-12 years in prison for the second-degree felony.

However, Bertram appealed the decision on the basis that the state had failed to prove he used force, stealth or deception. The case reached the Ohio Supreme Court in 2023 and the state's highest court agreed with Bertram, vacating his sentence. 

Instead, the Ohio Supreme Court instructed the Scioto County Common Pleas Court to convict Bertram of a misdemeanor trespassing charge, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. 

Ohio Democrats call for more transparency surrounding Intel project

“This is another one of those ‘only in Ohio’ moments that just ought not to be,” Click said at a hearing for the bill in May. “The fault does not lie with the justices of the Ohio Supreme Court. They rightfully interpreted the law. The fault is in the law itself, and we have the power to fix that.”

Click said Ohio’s requirement of the use of force, stealth or deception for burglary is unique. He pointed to the definitions of burglary for five other states, including California and Texas, which all define the crime as entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime and exclude the requirement seen in Ohio law. The FBI defines burglary as the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft, also without the need for force, stealth or deception.

Tobin, who testified in support of the bill, said the leaf blower theft is not an isolated incident, and criminals in multiple other Ohio cases have acted just as brazenly. He pointed to a 2013 case where a defendant walked into an open garage in the middle of the day and stole a lawnmower, and a 1998 case where a defendant walked into a victim’s unlocked apartment and walked out with her VCR. 

“The common factor in all of these cases, including Bertram, is that the criminal boldly walked into another’s home,” he said in June testimony. “The purpose of our burglary laws is to protect the occupants of homes from dangerous, unwanted intrusions. The danger isn’t created by the means of entry but by the entry itself.”

The legislation has also drawn support from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office and Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office. 

Ramaswamy sets Ohio record with $9 million for governor's race; Acton at $1.4 million

However, not everyone is on board. Zachary Miller, legislative policy manager with the Office of the Ohio Public Defender, said the proposed change would lead to a dramatic expansion of felony charges for acts that are currently “appropriately” classified as lesser offenses and could potentially lead to “unjust outcomes.”

“Without the ‘force, stealth or deception’ element, the line between a felony burglary and lesser misdemeanor offenses will be blurred,” Miller said. “The OPD urges the committee to consider the potential for over-criminalization and the erosion of a historically significant element of these offenses that HB 252 represents.”

The bill, introduced in April, still requires votes in both the House and Senate, as well as additional hearings, before potentially reaching Gov. Mike DeWine for final approval.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A suspect wanted in connection with a fatal shooting outside of a north Columbus bar has been arrested in Springfield, Ohio.

According to Springfield police an arrest was made after a Thursday night standoff at a Quality Inn hotel on East Leffel Lane. Andre Jordan, 34, was confirmed as the arrested suspect by the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

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The confrontation between Jordan and Springfield PD, along with Clark County sheriff deputies and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, lasted several hours, between 7:30 and 11:30 p.m.

While there were reports of shots fired, there were no injuries during the standoff and Jordan is now listed as an inmate at Clark County Jail. He is charged with being a fugitive from justice in Clark County.

P:olice search for a suspect in New Albany after one person was shot dead outside of Ledo's Tavern in Old North Columbus, Aug. 8, 2025 (NBC4/Ronald Clark)

In Franklin County, Jordan was wanted in connection with the murder of 40-year-old Bryan Morris Jr., who was gunned down outside of Ledo’s Tavern, in Old North Columbus between Ohio State’s campus and Clintonville. The shooting reportedly occurred near the bar at 2:26 a.m. on Aug. 8.

Columbus police arrived at the intersection of North High Street and Duncan Street and found Morris suffering from a gunshot wound. He was hospitalized in critical condition but died soon afterward.

Jordan reportedly fled the scene in a white BMW, which was found parked at the LC New Albany Apartment Complex. CPD identified Jordan as the alleged suspect in a media release later that evening. 

Jordan will remain in Clark County custody until an extradition date is set for his transfer back to Franklin County.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- After continued construction delays and market uncertainty, some Ohio Democrats are casting doubt on Intel's Ohio One project -- and calling for increased accountability.

"They will never finish what they're doing," state Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) said. "They will not create one permanent job at Intel because they got all these tax breaks. And I don't know if the state has money to recoup that money back or not."

Report: Trump considering federal investment in Intel to help Ohio plant

State Reps. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D-Gahanna) and Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) announced Thursday they are introducing a House resolution to provide public updates on Intel's $28 billion manufacturing project. The resolution asks the governor's office, the Department of Development, and JobsOhio to release quarterly updates about Intel's progress, starting this fall. See previous coverage of Intel in the video player above.

The resolution asks for updates on construction, financial disclosures and strategic changes Intel may be considering. Intel submits an annual report to the Department of Development as part of its Job Creation Tax Credit and Onshoring Grant, due each March 1. It also provides quarterly financial updates under its Water Reclamation Grant. Dan Tierney, Gov. Mike DeWine's press secretary, said Intel filed its most recent fiscal update on July 9.

The resolution comes amid reports that President Donald Trump is considering having the U.S. government take a stake in Intel to help Ohio's plant. According to Bloomberg, Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan and Trump are considering a deal after the pair met at the White House on Monday.

Originally scheduled to open this year, Intel's project is the largest economic deal in Ohio's history. Both Ohio and the federal government offered tax breaks, grants and incentives to help Intel build chips in Licking County. With Intel announcing it will slow construction further and an adjusted completion date into 2032, Brown Piccolantonio and Brennan said they want reassurance that the state incentives are not being taken advantage of.

Bill would increase Ohio minimum wage to $15 by 2029

“Intel’s plans for Ohio have gone from high-tech hope to high-stakes uncertainty,” Brennan said. “Our state made the largest financial commitment in its history to bring this project here. It’s only right that the people of Ohio know where their money is going — and what their return on investment will be."

Tierney said that since the project was announced in 2022, the state has paid $718 million directly to Intel. He said Ohio has seen a "significant return on investment" already, as Intel has invested about $7 billion into the Ohio One facility. If Intel does not meet its commitments, Tierney said the state's incentives could be clawed back in January 2029 through contract agreements that allow Ohio to recoup its money.

Intel's required annual report includes how much money Intel and Ohio have invested, updates on construction and employment, and a list of top Ohio suppliers. In 2024's report, Intel said it had 163 Intel Ohio One employees and invested about $2.3 billion in that year's construction.

The annual report does not include Intel's strategic changes or larger financial well-being, which the House resolution asks for. All reports are public record, but only the 2023 annual report has been publicized by the governor's office. Tierney said the governor's office is providing Brown Piccolantonio and Brennan with the most recent reports.

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Because the push for public reporting comes as a House resolution, it will ask, rather than require, the state to provide those reports. A resolution is a formal expression of the General Assembly's opinion or wishes when the topic does not warrant a bill.

Resolutions still need to be passed by the House and Senate, but are not law and do not need the governor's signature. Ohio's legislature is on summer break, so it's unlikely the resolution would see action before legislators return in October.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Republican Vivek Ramaswamy has set an Ohio fundraising record in 2026's gubernatorial race, while Democrat Amy Acton trails more than $8 million behind.

Ramaswamy raised $9.7 million from 40,000 donors between the start of his campaign in February and the end of June, Ohio campaign finance records show. Jonathan Ewing, campaign manager for the billionaire and his 2024 presidential candidacy, said the haul set a record for the largest first-quarter fundraising total in Ohio history. Watch a previous NBC4 report on Ramaswamy's gubernatorial run in the video player above.

Bill would increase Ohio minimum wage to $15 by 2029

"Raising this historic amount in just four months sends a powerful message: Ohioans are eager for bold, transformative leadership," Ewing said in a release. "The remarkable surge of support in the final week of the quarter exceeded all expectations, proving that Vivek is uniting people across the state and is ready to usher in a new era of prosperity and opportunity."

The previous record was held by former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, who raised $7.2 million in 2023 during the first months of his failed reelection campaign. Brown, who was defeated last fall by Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno and was eyeing a possible gubernatorial run, is said to be entering the 2026 race against Republican Sen. Jon Husted, according to multiple media outlets.

Meanwhile, Acton raised $1.4 million between the start of her campaign in January and the end of June, campaign finance records show. The former department of health director's haul came from 17,000 donors who made nearly 33,000 donations, both records for a Democratic candidate for governor at this point in the election cycle, her campaign said.

"While Vivek Ramaswamy continues to rely on personal wealth and billionaire donors to fund his race, Amy is proud of the tens of thousands of small-dollar donations from grassroots supporters in all 88 counties," Philip Stein, Acton's campaign manager, said in a release. "We're excited to continue to bring people together from all sides of the political spectrum who know she's the right choice for governor."

Ramaswamy's top donors include Jim Moline, president of Toledo-based construction company Moline Builders, with $31,000; George Fisher, owner of Cavalier Distributing in Cincinnati, with $28,000; and Mackenzie Price, co-founder of an "AI-powered" private school in Austin, Texas, with $17,000. Acton received $16,000 from several donors, more than $15,000 from a chapter of the Ohio Civil Service Employee Association, $5,000 from a steel worker union, and $1,000 from political action committee called "Safer, Greener, Cleaner."

Report: Trump considering federal investment in Intel to help Ohio plant

Although Ramaswamy holds a sizeable financial lead over Acton, the former department of health director's campaign argues she "has a clear path to victory," citing recent polling from Impact Research that shows the two are statistically tied.

"Every day on the campaign trail, Amy hears from Ohioans impacted by high costs and health care cuts who are ready for change," Stein said. "They know that someone who rose from a tough childhood in Youngstown to be a doctor, saving lives in Ohio and beyond, understands what they are going through and will fight for them. And that's exactly what Dr. Acton will do as governor."

Ramaswamy boasts endorsements from the Ohio Republican Party and President Donald Trump, who wrote on social media in late February that the candidate is "something special."

"Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country," Trump said. "He will be a great governor of Ohio, will never let you down, and has my complete and total endorsement."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- More than 1,000 Columbus Education Association members voted to approve a new three-year contract Thursday at the Columbus Convention Center.

CEA spokesperson Regina Fuentes said teachers and staff voted overwhelmingly in favor of the agreement between the union and the Columbus City Schools Board of Education.

It’s a very different story from three years ago when the union decided to strike just as the school year was starting. Both sides are happy to avoid a strike this time around.

Columbus schools paints bleak financial future

“It feels good to know that we can continue to negotiate and, you know, and to move forward and do what's best for our members,” Fuentes said.

The negotiation process this year lasted for months.

“We know that our board is very dysfunctional right now, and we have to continue moving forward and kind of move them on so that we can actually continue to grow,” Fuentes said.

A new contract is in place, but Fuentes said the CEA’s work is ongoing, especially following the approval of the most recent state budget.

In a special board meeting Wednesday night, the district’s treasurer revealed that Columbus City Schools needs to make $50 million in cuts. District leaders said this is partially due to cuts to public education funding in the Ohio budget.

Report: Trump considering federal investment in Intel to help Ohio plant

“Any cuts to public education are devastating, and we definitely don't want that, so we are going to continue to fight moving forward to make sure that those cuts don't negatively affect our students,” Fuentes said.

The new contract between the school board and the teachers’ union includes a pay raise for the first year, and then wage talks will open back up for the second and third years of the agreement so members can negotiate for more salary increases.

“We know that this is not ideal. We know that not everybody is going to be happy with this. But we are trying to work with what we have,” Fuentes said.

CCS staff return to school on Monday, and students will be welcomed back the following week on Aug. 25, so the new contract comes just in time.

The agreement must now be ratified by the Columbus City School Board, which will meet on Tuesday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — With two and a half weeks to go, the Buckeyes aren't too far away from making decisions that will decide who will start on the offensive line against Texas, and where those players will start.

"We've got to start honing in on where guys can help us and play at an elite level," Ohio State offensive line coach Tyler Bowen said. "We've got to figure out that combination of the best pretty quick."

The challenge comes in finding which five players in which five spots work best. There's an added layer that makes this a little more complex because every player has a primary and a secondary position.

When Bowen talks about finding the best combination, he has seen a ton of them through the first two weeks of training camp. Despite the complexity, there's a lot to like; the line has a lot of depth and there's experience too.

Carson Hinzman will be starting games for a third year, Luke Montgomery did great in his two starts last year against Texas and Notre Dame, Austin Siereveld has done nothing but deliver since first starting games early last season, and Tegra Tshabola is a senior who should be better as long as he stays healthy.

That leaves a battle to start at tackle, one that appears to be between Phil Daniels and Ethan Onianwa.

Daniels, who transferred in from Minnesota and played high school football in Cincinnati, lost his black stripe Wednesday. It's another sign of the impressive run he has been on in training camp, showing a ton of progress since the spring.

"I'm just playing faster," Daniels said. "I know the plays now, so everything's just clicking and once I know the plays, I feel like I can kill anybody."

Montgomery played nearly 200 snaps alone last year during the CFP run. Taking it game-by-game, he played in more snaps from the Rose Bowl to the Cotton Bowl to the championship game. It was a big ask; the Buckeyes needed help solidifying the guard spot and Montgomery stepped into the challenging situation. 

"You know, if I'm being honest with you, I was just pretty pissed off that I didn't get a chance before, so I just, it was kind of like, here's what I'm going to do," Montgomery said. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A local business made sure that every local student has the resources they need to start the school year on a positive note.

On Thursday, dozens of backpacks were given out to girls who are part of the Justice for Black Girls organization.

Columbus McDonald’s owners Andre and Gale Hill, along with the organization Community for Direction, helped provide the back-to-school supplies.

They said Black girls are among the students who are the most underserved when it comes to having proper school supplies and proper guidance.

The organizers noted that every product that the girls received contained a message of positivity and affirmation.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Sticker shock is hitting Ohioans hard when they open their property tax bills. 

NBC4 has shown you where property taxes have doubled and even tripled, and how many are desperate for some relief. 

Bill would increase Ohio minimum wage to $15 by 2029

State legislators have disagreed on the best way to get Ohioans that relief without compromising schools and others who rely on these dollars. 

Now the Governor’s Property Tax Reform Work Group is trying to find a solution. The work group is considering how to give Ohioans property tax relief without hurting the entities, such as school districts, that rely on this money. The group has until September to issue a report with concrete proposals to address property taxes. 

On Aug. 14, the group discussed five concepts, mostly focused on what should or should not be allowed when it comes to school levies. 

Those concepts were school district property tax reductions and cash balance carryover limits, school district property tax levy restrictions, adding substitute and emergency levies in 20-mill floor calculation, county budget commission authority and procedures, and limiting property tax increases via inflation cap.

Report: Trump considering federal investment in Intel to help Ohio plant

“I'm not trying to supplant the legislature,” Governor’s Property Tax Task Force co-chair Bill Seitz said. “We are trying to refine what they have done while preserving the essence of the concepts they put forward and at the same time come up with additional ideas that have yet to be enacted by the general assembly that might that might provide further real property tax relief or greater transparency and clarity to the problem.”

The group, made up of leaders from counties and school districts, discussed options, shared opinions, and talked about how the concepts should be adjusted or issues they had with them.  

“The governor has not laid out any expectations of what he wants the end result to be," Seitz said. "He has assembled a group of folks who are experts in their respective fields of administering or benefiting from property taxation, with a good smattering of former legislators and business people, and said, 'Get to work and put your minds together and see what you can come up with.'"

In the meantime, a grassroots group is gathering signatures across the state to put a constitutional amendment to abolish property taxes on the ballot. 

Former Buckeye, Browns draft pick Quinshon Judkins won’t be charged for July incident

This has been criticized by some lawmakers as a harsh approach.

NBC4 spoke with the petitioner, who said they are aiming to be on the May ballot and will announce when they have collected half of the 413,000 signatures meeded

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Through its mosquito surveillance program, Franklin County Public Health is seeing its highest level of West Nile virus in years.

"This has been a very, very active virus year,” Franklin County Public Health Environmental Section Division Manager Charlie Borschart said. “West Nile virus is very prevalent in the mosquito population right now. We’re probably on track to exceed the number of positive mosquitoes we got in 2018, which was a pretty banner year.”

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The Ohio Department of Health has a map that shows how many pools of mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus. There have been 528 pools that have tested positive in Franklin County, according to the latest data. The next closest county had 88.

“We’re very good at catching mosquitoes, we’re very good at testing for virus," Broschart said.

Ohio Department of Health press secretary Ken Gordon said Franklin County and Columbus health departments have "very robust surveillance programs," so they submit more mosquitoes than other jurisdictions, leading to more samples testing positive for West Nile.

“We’ve identified this as an important part of Franklin County Public Health’s program and the environmental program but then all the jurisdictions we serve also see this is very important that we maintain it at a high level,” Gordon said.

ODH also said that the percentage of samples testing positive in Franklin County is not higher than some other jurisdictions and many areas have seen significant increases in virus activity. The infection rate in mosquitoes in Franklin County is five times higher than the 10-year average, according to FCPH.

Bill would increase Ohio minimum wage to $15 by 2029

“When the virus is this prevalent and we’re seeing it in the mosquitoes, it's pretty important that people are aware, you don't want people to kind of blow this off because it's just important," Broschart said.

He said this doesn't mean people shouldn't go outside, but stressed the importance of using bug spray, wearing light and loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding certain areas during certain times.

There have been two cases of West Nile virus in humans in Ohio so far this year, according to state data.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, while most people don’t experience symptoms from West Nile virus, those who do may suffer headaches, fevers, body aches, and a rash. Those who suffer from more severe cases could experience a high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, seizures, paralysis, or coma.

NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) -- Intel stock is up 7% after Bloomberg reported President Donald Trump's administration is considering having the federal government take a stake in the company.

According to the Bloomberg report, which cited people familiar with the plan, the deal would help protect Intel's Ohio facility. The report said plans are still in the works and stem from a meeting between Trump and Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan on Monday. The White House did not confirm the plans.

“Discussion about hypothetical deals should be regarded as speculation unless officially announced by the administration,” White House Spokesman Kush Desai told NBC4.

Bill would increase Ohio minimum wage to $15 by 2029

Any agreement would help Intel, which is laying off 15% of its workforce and reorienting to fight ongoing financial difficulties, and likely Tan himself. Tan's meeting with Trump came after calls from senators and the president to investigate Tan's alleged ties to the Chinese military or to have Tan resign.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), a Trump ally, was the first to call for a review of Tan's ties to China and has not publicly commented on rumors of a deal as of publication. A deal between Tan and the U.S. government indicates Tan may be under decreased political scrutiny from the White House. After the meeting, Intel said Tan's conversation with Trump was "candid and constructive."

"We appreciate the President’s strong leadership to advance these critical priorities and look forward to working closely with him and his administration as we restore this great American company," Intel said in a statement after Monday's meeting.

According to Bloomberg's report, the federal investment would specifically help Ohio's plant. Once the face of domestic semiconductor manufacturing, Intel's $28 billion Ohio One plant is far from its original opening goal of 2025, now aiming for 2032. In late July, Intel announced it was further slowing construction on Ohio's facility as its manufacturing division continues to be unprofitable. The company confirmed that slowed efforts do not mean construction will stop entirely.

Intel was already promised federal support through the bipartisan CHIPS Act, which pledged $7.8 billion to the chipmaker last November. As of July, Intel reported it had not received new CHIPS Act funding since January.

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Trump has pushed for more domestic semiconductor manufacturing, threatening 100% tariffs on foreign semiconductors. Most semiconductors -- small, complex chips that power complex technology like computers -- are manufactured in Taiwan, with the U.S. International Trade Commission estimating 44.2% of all American semiconductors originate there. The commission said 92% of the world's most advanced chipmaking capacity is located in Taiwan.

Federal support for Intel, especially Ohio's plant, could help the U.S. become more competitive in the semiconductor industry. Intel Ohio One plans to encompass two "leading-edge" semiconductor fabs to help the U.S. build advanced chips.

Ohioan Vice President J.D. Vance and Intel did not immediately respond to NBC4's request for comment. Senator John Husted declined to comment at this time.

CLEVELAND (WCMH) -- Former Ohio State running back and Cleveland Browns draft pick Quinshon Judkins will not face formal charges after being arrested in July for an alleged domestic violence incident.

A memorandum obtained by NBC4 from the Broward State attorney's office in Florida said that prosecutors will not seek a misdemeanor battery charge. Judkins was charged with a count of “touch or strike/battery/domestic violence," according to Broward County records.

Among the reasons prosecutors said Judkins would not be charged include no video surveillance of the alleged incident, no independent witnesses, a delayed report of the incident, and more. The full memorandum can be seen by clicking here.

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A police report obtained by NBC4 sister station WJW in Cleveland said that Judkins and his off-and-on girlfriend had arrived at the Fort Lauderdale airport on the evening of July 7. The two got into a rental car and Judkins was alleged to have punched the woman in the face, left arm, and thigh.

She reported the incident to police on July 12 at 5 p.m. According to the report, police said she had visible bruising on her body as well as in pictures she provided to investigators.

"The delay is problematic as the victim was alone on numerous occasions without the Defendant, had the ability and resources to make the report without his knowledge, but chose not to do so," wrote assistant state attorney Barbara Driscoll.

As of Thursday, Judkins is the only NFL rookie without a contract. If he signs with the Browns soon, he will be part of their roster for the Sept. 7 regular season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

He transferred from Ole Miss in 2024 to join Ohio State and was instrumental in its national championship campaign last year. He led the team in rushing with 1,060 yards and tied for the team lead with 16 touchdowns. Judkins scored three times in the Buckeyes' national championship victory over Notre Dame on Jan. 20.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A man has been hospitalized in critical condition after a shooting Thursday afternoon in a west Columbus neighborhood.

A police dispatcher said officers were called to the intersection of West Broad Street and Wisconsin Avenue in Franklinton just before 1:45 p.m. on reports of a shooting.

Officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Medics arrived and took the victim to a hospital in critical condition.

Bill would increase Ohio minimum wage to $15 by 2029

Columbus police has yet to identify a suspect as it continues to investigate.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new bill proposed at the Ohio Statehouse would increase the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour over the next four years.

Senate Bill 234, introduced by Sen. Kent Smith (D-Euclid) and Sen. Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus), would gradually phase in the minimum wage increase between 2026 and 2029. The legislation was co-sponsored by five other lawmakers -- all Democrats.

The state's minimum wage would increase to $12 per hour beginning Jan. 1 and would increase by $1 each year, reaching $15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2029. Starting on Sept. 30, 2029, the director of commerce would adjust the rate annually, which would take effect the following Jan. 1.

The bill would also eliminate the tipped employee minimum wage, requiring all workers to earn the same minimum wage.

"This bill is about creating an economy that works for Ohio families, instead of one where minimum wage and tipped workers are working 60 hours a week to cover basic expenses," Smith said in a statement. "By ending the subminimum wage penalty and raising the minimum wage, we will alleviate poverty, grow our economy, and empower working Ohioans."

Ohio's current minimum wage is $10.70 per hour and $5.35 per hour for tipped employees. A constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2006 requires the minimum wage to be increased based on inflation.

"This bill is rooted in economic stability, fairness, and long-term prosperity," Craig said in a statement. "Our job is to put people first, which means raising the wage floor. As of January 1, 2020, more than half of all states and Washington, D.C., have a higher minimum wage than Ohio, and of the 27 states ahead of us, nearly a dozen are already above $15 an hour. Ohio can't afford to fall behind."

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, as is the state's minimum wage for companies with gross receipts smaller than $394,000.

A recent report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio found full time workers must earn at least $22.51 an hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment in Ohio.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio State women's basketball coach Kevin McGuff has returned to work from a suspension after he was accused of operating a vehicle impaired in May.

In a statement to NBC4, Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork said McGuff was suspended for two weeks without pay. The timing of the suspension was not specified.

"Kevin has expressed remorse and is cooperating fully with the legal process and the university," Bjork said.

McGuff is due back in court on Oct. 7, according to online court records.

The women's basketball coach was arrested after he allegedly hit several curbs and drove through someone's yard, according to an arrest report. Watch previous coverage in the player above.

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An officer spoke with McGuff, who was reportedly behind the wheel of the vehicle, which was parked partially in the yard, according to police. He was asked where he was coming from, to which he replied “I live here,” while pointing to his home.

The officer asked McGuff where he was at before he arrived home, and he was unable to answer. Eventually, he told the officer that he was at dinner, but said he didn’t have anything to drink, according to the report.

McGuff allegedly failed three in-car tests, including reciting the alphabet from D to R without singing. The officer, according to the report, had to give him instructions three times, and he reportedly couldn’t recite any other letters besides “D.”

The officer said they smelled alcohol coming from McGuff’s breath when he was asked to step out of his vehicle. He allegedly refused to give a breath sample, so he was placed under an administrative license suspension and his license was seized, according to police.

McGuff has coached the Buckeyes since 2013-14 and has amassed over 220 wins with the program. Ohio State has appeared in eight NCAA tournaments during McGuff’s tenure, with the team’s best outing coming in 2023, when the Buckeyes made the Elite Eight.

Ohio State enters 2025-26 seeking a fifth consecutive 20-win season and a fifth straight berth in the NCAA tournament, something the Buckeyes have not done since making 10 straight big dances from 2003 to 2012.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A potential trial start date for a 49-year-old woman that was accused of killing a five-year-old boy that was the subject of an Amber Alert has been delayed.

Pammy Maye, charged with aggravated murder, abuse of a corpse and three counts of tampering with evidence, was in Franklin County Common Pleas Court Thursday as an evaluation was made on her psychiatric state.

Her attorney previously said he plans to argue Maye was not guilty in the 2024 death of Darnell Taylor by reason of insanity due to her mental state at the time of the killing.

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A competency report was taken in late July as experts from the Behavioral Health Center deemed her not competent to stand trial but said she could improve over time. The judge scheduled an additional psychiatric evaluation hearing on Oct. 14, delaying a possible trial and giving Maye an additional 60 days.

Pammy and Jabrell Maye were temporarily appointed as Taylor's legal custodians in 2023 after it was ruled Taylor had developmental disabilities and diminished physical and mental capacities.

Darnell Taylor, left, and Pammy Maye

Taylor’s disappearance in February of 2024 triggered a statewide Amber Alert, and Maye was soon after named as the suspected abductor. She was found in the Cleveland suburb of Brooklyn two days after Taylor’s disappearance, and Taylor’s body was found in southwest Columbus hours later.

Maye described the area where she left Taylor and after a Columbus police detective read Maye her Miranda rights, she waived her rights orally and then in writing. Then Maye described, in detail, how and why she killed Taylor.

In November, the family filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging widespread abuse by Maye of Taylor over a span of nearly a year. A historical timeline of events was given that detailed alleged examples of abuse and negligence.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — From textile art and outdoor theater to an Archie Griffin appearance, food festivals and even a ghost tour, central Ohio’s calendar is packed with ways to soak up the final weeks of summer.

This week’s lineup brings together a mix of free, family-friendly events and ticketed experiences, including a heart-healthy community walk, clean(ish) comedy, live music soul fest and a celebration of children’s literature. See the list below of these not-to-be-missed happenings in and around Columbus over the coming days.

'A Common Thread' textile art exhibition

Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery, Tuesdays through Fridays until Oct. 3, noon to 5 p.m.

The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery is showcasing “A Common Thread,” an exhibition curated by Caren Petersen and Char Norman. Running from July 26 to Oct. 3, this exhibition features contemporary artworks by 16 artists who live and work in Ohio. Admission is free.

'She Kills Monsters' by Qui Nguyen

Schiller Park Amphitheatre, Aug. 14 through 31, Thursdays through Sundays, 8 p.m.

“She Kills Monsters,” performed by the Actors' Theatre of Columbus, is an adventure that explores both the heart and mind. Qui Nguyen’s play blends comedy, action, and a coming-of-age story. This Young Adventurers version is appropriate for all ages and is directed by Dr. Aviva Neff. All performances are free, and donations are appreciated during intermission.

Scenes at Schiller Park, Columbus, Ohio (Adobe Stock) Dick's House of Sport grand opening

Polaris Fashion Place, Aug. 15 through 17

Dick’s House of Sport grand opening celebration will include appearances by Archie Griffin and Jeremiah Smith, an opportunity to donate gently used sporting equipment, $10 off coupon good on purchases of $50 or more, special giveaways, prizes and more.

Archie Griffin, two-time Heisman Trophy winner from Ohio State, dots the I in Script Ohio during halftime of an NCAA college football game against Akron Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete) CBUS Soul Fest

Downtown Columbus Scioto Mile, Aug. 15 and 16, from 4 to 10 p.m.

The CBUS Soul Fest, organized by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, celebrates the culture, music, and spirit of Columbus. It expands on Experience Columbus's CBUS Soul platform, which showcases the city's Black culture, creativity and contributions. This free, family-friendly festival is a highlight of the summer, offering an unforgettable weekend filled with entertainment and community connection.

• Eric Benét (Photo by Russell Baer)
• Rahsaan Patterson (Photo Courtesy/ Rahsaan Patterson)
• Raheem DeVaughn (Photo by Chris Hernandez)
• Goapele (Photo Courtesy/ Goapele)

Clean Up Your Act: Clean(ish) Comedy Show

The Attic Comedy Club, Aug. 15, 9 p.m.

“Clean Up Your Act” is a comedy show featuring carefully selected local and regional comedians known for their “edgy” humor. In this show, these performers will strive to keep their material relatively clean while still offering adult content. However, they will avoid unnecessary “vulgarities.” Admission to the show is $20.

American Heart Association’s 30th Central Ohio Heart Walk

McFerson Commons Park, Saturday, Aug. 16, event opens at 8 a.m.

The community is invited to celebrate the Heart Walk’s 30th anniversary as it mobilizes to fight heart disease and stroke, the leading cause of death in both central Ohio and the United States. NBC4 anchors Jennifer Bullock and Jerod Smalley will emcee the event, which aims to raise critical funds and drive awareness around CPR training, which can double or even triple survival rates when performed by bystanders. 

Central Ohio Heart Walk (NBC4 Photo) Once Upon Ohio

Ohio History Center, Aug. 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Celebrate children's literature with the Ohio History Connection. Kids can dress as their favorite storybook characters and enjoy a day filled with book-themed activities, crafts, and storytelling sessions with the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Live children's music will feature The Shazzbots.

Admission prices:
• Adults: $16
• Youths (ages 4-12): $10
• Students and seniors (60+): $14
• Children under 3 and members: free

Photo Courtesy/ The Ohio History Connection

Columbus Food Truck Festival: Hilliard Edition

Franklin County Fairgrounds, Hilliard, Aug. 16 and 17, starts at 11 a.m.

Now in its 14th year, the festival features an array of cuisines from 50 of the best gourmet food trucks across the Midwest. Guests can enjoy an impressive lineup of live music, explore a selection of handcrafted items from local artisans and crafters, and embark on a unique shopping adventure.

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

CAPA Summer Movie Series, Ohio Theatre, Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 17, 2 p.m.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the origin story of the feared Sith Lord Darth Vader begins on the desert planet of Tatooine in the first installment of the “Star Wars” saga. Starring Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman and Liam Neeson. Rated PG. Single tickets are $6, with a discounted rate of $5 for students and seniors.

FILE- In this May 13, 1999, file photo, actor Jake Lloyd, who portrays young Anakin Skywalker in the film "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" plays a game during the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File) Ringside Cafe Ghost Tour and Investigation

Columbus Ghosts Tours, Ringside Café, Aug. 16, 11 p.m.

The event begins at 11 p.m. with a paranormal tour of Ringside Café, then patrons can spend time with their own paranormal investigation tools. Columbus Ghosts Tours will have a limited supply of equipment. The event will end at 1 a.m. The bar will be open during the event. Participants need to sign a waiver. Ages 21 and older. Tickets are $50.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - Meet Winston! He is available at the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.

Winston is 4 years old and is described as a "super sweet" dog. He knows "sit" and "drop it" and is working on "down." He will do any of his tricks for treats.

Shelter staff say Winston has been at the shelter since June and has been stressed, so staff have been keeping him occupied to keep his stress levels down. Staff members said he would make a great "office buddy" and loves to hang out with staff members.

One of Winston's favorite places to hang out at the shelter (Franklin County Dog Shelter).

Winston also loves toys, especially stuffy ones, and will just lay on the bed while he's chewing on his favorite plush. Staff said he would be great with older children and can be "picky" with other dogs.

"If you have pets at home, I recommend bringing your dog in for a dog introduction here at the shelter," said Allison Linkous, adoption counselor. "We can definitely assist with that."

Linkous says the shelter is doing sleepovers where someone can take Winston for 1-3 days to get him out of the shelter. You can also take him on a field trip where you can take him on a walk or do something fun for a couple of hours.

Winston is available for meet and greets right now at the shelter, located at 4340 Tamarack Blvd. in Columbus. For additional information and other adoptable dogs, visit the shelter's website.