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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohioans have limited access to affordable childcare, and experts say it's costing the state billions.

"It's just as important for them as food and housing and all of the other supports that they need," Gina Ginn, CEO of Columbus Early Learning Centers, said. "Childcare is really a part of what they need if both parents are going to work.”

A 2025 report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation found childcare issues cost Ohio an estimated $5.48 billion annually in costs to employers and loss of state tax revenue. Ginn said central Ohio does not view childcare as a necessary part of boosting employment and the economy. She said just like roads and transportation are necessary for workers, childcare is crucial for parents’ ability to be employed.

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According to the Chamber of Commerce report, gaps in childcare affect employment, household stress and the state's economy. Groundwork Ohio, which also contributed to the report, said childcare can cost between $10,000 and $13,000 annually for just one child.

"If those couples had that money back, I mean, the idea that they could potentially buy a home or have the money that they needed for other areas of their life as a family -- it would, it would impact the economy in other ways," Ginn said. "They would have more money to spend."

Ginn said of Ohio's major metro areas, Columbus and Franklin County have the least support for affordable childcare. She said families on the "benefits cliff" are hit especially hard, referring to households that make too much to qualify for federal childcare programs, but do not make enough to afford private childcare. See previous coverage in the video player above.

Franklin County does offer the RISE program, which provides scholarships to families and teachers to help increase access to childcare. However, RISE is supported by short-term COVID-19 assistance funding. RISE is expected to sunset in November 2026 once funding expires.

RISE is administered by Future Ready Five, a central Ohio program working to better prepare kids for kindergarten. In September, experts spoke with the city of Columbus about the need to boost learning access and outcomes between ages 0-5. Future Ready Five CEO Mario Basora said 60% of central Ohio children are unprepared when they start kindergarten.

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“And then when their scores come out in third grade and fourth grade, we blame the school districts because the scores aren’t quite what we need them to be,” Basora said.

Basora said 90% of a child's brain is developed by age 5, so improving test scores and student outcomes starts before kids go to school. Future Ready Five collaborates with childcare centers, teachers and parents to improve early literacy. However, kids can't benefit from the program if they cannot afford to attend the centers in the first place.

Federal and state changes compound childcare access issues in central Ohio. Starting this month, parents must work at least 33 hours per week to qualify for full-time Publicly Funded Child Care benefits. Ginn said the change, which effects reimbursement rates, would be "very damaging to a lot of childcare programs." The change is also expected to hit families hard.

"I don't even know that we know what is possible if people had access to the care that they really, truly need for their child," Ginn said.

In September, Gov. Mike DeWine announced a $10 million Child Care Cred affordability program. Families whose incomes are between 200%-400% of the federal poverty level are eligible. If approved, families share childcare costs with their employers and the state. Employees and employers cover 40% each, and the state will cover the remaining 20% through June 2026.

Intel reveals new details about layoffs, government deal

The state is also implementing a voucher program for families to attend childcare services of their choice, similar to the state's scholarship program for students to attend nonpublic schools. Ginn recommended a similar system as a possible solution. First, she said there needs to be a culture shift.

“It really would have to be first valued in our community and in our state as something that is a part of what it takes for people to be in the workforce and to be productive in the workforce is that they have to have reliable, high quality care for their children,” Ginn said.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Prosecuting attorneys are expected to begin calling witnesses on Monday in the murder trial of Connor Grubb, the Blendon Township police officer who fatally shot Ta’Kiya Young. 

Grubb, 31, is charged with four counts of murder, four counts of felonious assault and two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the deaths of Young, 21, and her unborn baby. NBC4 will livestream court proceedings in the video player above, with viewer discretion advised. Written live updates can be found below.

If convicted of murder, Grubb could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. The trial, which began on Nov. 3, is expected to last 2-3 weeks. 

Use of force trials for police officers follow a different standard than the typical murder trial. Jurors will not have to determine if Grubb killed Young, but rather whether Grubb’s use of force was “objectively reasonable” based on what he knew at the time, without the use of hindsight. 

Attorneys Mark Collins and Kaitlyn Stephens are defending Grubb, and Montgomery County prosecutors Erin Claypoole, Daniel Brandt and Richard Glennon are tasked with convincing the jury Grubb’s use of force was unreasonable. Judge David Young, who is not related to Ta’Kiya Young, is presiding over the case.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person is in "extremely critical condition" after a piece of equipment fell, entrapping them.

According to the Columbus Division of Fire, a person was loading a piece of equipment at the 1200 block of W. Mound Street when it fell on them. Fire officials said it trapped them for nearly 20 minutes.

NBC4i/Ronald Clark

Rescue officials responded around 5:54 a.m. Columbus Fire said the person was transferred to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.

According to Google Maps, the location of the emergency is the same as Sunbelt Rentals, an equipment rental agency near Old Cooper Stadium in west Columbus.

This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.

NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) -- Intel has offered new details about the future of its business in a federal tax filing.

Intel released its third-quarter results on Oct. 28 but only filed a second, more detailed quarterly report last week. Intel said it has questions about its deal with the U.S. government but has been unable to connect with SEC staff for answers due to the government shutdown. See previous coverage of Intel's government deal in the video player above.

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The report offered more insight into several big decisions Intel has made this year, including the federal deal. In August, Intel agreed to give President Donald Trump's administration a 10% stake in the company in exchange for promised federal funding. Intel was awarded a $8.9 billion federal deal in November 2024 but had received none of its promised CHIPS Act funding since Trump took office.

Ohio plant delays

Ohio was only mentioned once by name in Intel's filings, referring to long-term plans to expand existing operations and invest in Ohio's manufacturing plant. However, the filing reiterated that manufacturing expansion projects, like Intel Ohio One in New Albany, might have to be paused or discontinued if the company cannot find significant external customers and meet milestones for a technology called 14A.

Ohio's plant falls under the Intel Foundry division of the company. Foundry figures out the best methods or "recipes" for manufacturing semiconductors, which are small and difficult to make. These "recipes" are called process nodes, and 14A is Intel's newest node. The company has high hopes for 14A but said it will need to attract external customers to make its development worthwhile. 14A is still under development, but the Ohio plant's success largely hinges on 14A's marketability.

Ohio's plant also saw the departure of a number of leaders in a short period of time. Although Intel initially did not appear to be hiring to replace departed Ohio leaders, the company is now advertising new Ohio One positions, a good sign that Ohio's plant is still in motion. When announced in 2022, Ohio One was the largest private investment in the state's history.

Questions about government deal

Intel said it has questions about its deal with the government, as there is limited precedent to follow. Intel said in its filings that it has received $5.7 billion so far, but has lingering questions amid the government shutdown. Intel said the deal eliminated its contractual rights to receive future CHIPS Act funding as a grant, and could limit future grant opportunities.

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Intel said it did not immediately release all shares to the government. Instead, it put some shares in escrow, meaning a third party holds funds until all agreed-upon conditions are met. Intel said it will release the remaining shares when the government releases funding.

According to the filing's risk factor segment, which details possible challenges in the future, Intel acknowledges the funding agreement could be threatened in several ways. Intel said future branches of government could find the agreement to be void. The company said foreign business, which accounted for 76% of Intel's revenue in 2024, could also be affected now that the U.S. government is a significant stakeholder.

Layoffs

Intel also offered insight into its layoffs, confirming that the company will reduce its workforce by about 15% by the end of the year. Most of the layoffs have already occurred, as the company laid off more than 13,000 employees over the past three months. The company plans to end 2025 with just 75,000 employees.

Intel recently sued a former employee, Jinfeng Luo, who was told on July 7 that he would no longer be employed, effective July 31. The federal lawsuit does not specify if Luo was let go due to company-wide reductions. It does allege Luo took nearly 18,000 company files with him when he left, many of which were top secret documents.

Musk deal

In a positive swing for Intel outside of its tax filing, Elon Musk announced that he is considering the company for a possible partnership. At Tesla's annual shareholders meeting on Thursday, Musk, who serves as the automaker's CEO, said he needed a "gigantic chip fab" to meet his AI and robotics needs.

Union demands action after nurse allegedly strangled by patient at OSU

"You know, maybe we'll do something with Intel," Musk said. "We haven't signed any deal, but it's probably worth having discussions with Intel."

Tesla currently works with two other semiconductor manufacturing companies, TSMC and Samsung. Musk said he thinks building a big chip fab is the only way to meet demands, and a stockholder mentioned Intel 14A as a possible collaborator. Musk seemed to be considering building a new fab from scratch, but with Intel Ohio One underway and in need of a customer, possible collaboration with Tesla is worth Ohio keeping an eye on.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Work is set to begin next month on the first phase of the Capital Line, a two-mile pedestrian and bicycle pathway that city officials said will transform the way people move through Downtown.

The $100 million project, led by Downtown Columbus Inc. in partnership with the city's department of public service, will create a continuous, pedestrian-focused route. Construction will start on phase one, a reimagining of East Gay Street, in December and is expected to continue through 2027, according to an update shared during an Oct. 28 Downtown Columbus meeting. Watch a previous NBC4 report on the Capital Line in the video player above.

Construction will start on phase one, a reimagining of East Gay Street, in December and is expected to continue through 2027. (Courtesy Photo/MKSK)

The first stage of phase one, running from December to July, will focus on stabilizing underground vaults beneath East Gay Street. This work will largely occur below street level and is not expected to cause major disruptions for pedestrians or traffic.

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The second stage, scheduled from February to June, will involve relocating and replacing underground utilities in coordination with two dozen service providers. Partial East Gay Street closures and temporary water shutoffs are expected, but traffic will remain open in one eastbound lane. Pedestrian access to all buildings will be maintained.

The final "block-to-block" stage, from June 2026 through October 2027, will transform the surface of East Gay Street, including paving and the installation of new pedestrian amenities. Each block along East Gay Street will close to cars for about three to four months during this stage, though sidewalks and entrances will remain open.

Once complete, the Capital Line will include landscaping, benches, and other features aimed at creating a safer, more walkable corridor through the city's center.

• Work is set to begin in December on the Capital Line, a two-mile pathway that city officials say will transform the way people move through Downtown. (Courtesy Photo/MKSK)
• Work is set to begin in December on the Capital Line, a two-mile pathway that city officials say will transform the way people move through Downtown. (Courtesy Photo/MKSK)

City leaders have said the Capital Line is modeled after successful urban pathways in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Indianapolis, both of which saw substantial returns on investment. Downtown Columbus Inc. President Amy Taylor previously cited data showing that for every dollar spent on similar projects, cities have seen an average $27 in economic return.

More than 13,000 people live in Downtown today, a number projected to triple by 2040. Officials said the Capital Line will be an essential part of managing that growth while improving the quality of life for residents and visitors.

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"This ensures that people have a path that’s not just on our roadways that is dedicated to them to move around Downtown in the place that we know everybody wants to be, because Downtown is everyone's neighborhood," Columbus City Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla said earlier this year.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As temperatures continue to drop, Sunday’s rain turned into a wintry mix, which means some slick spots could be waiting for you on your way into work Monday morning.

"We would remind people, just be careful out there because in inclement weather, there are a lot of what ifs," AAA Club Alliance spokesperson Morgan Dean said. "Other drivers are driving by. They may be slipping and sliding, too."

Union demands action after nurse allegedly strangled by patient at OSU

According to AAA, the first winter weather of the season is the time to get back into the winter driving mindset, and it starts with slowing down and checking your car before you hit the road.

"It’s been a while since we've had snow on the roads," Dean said. "We've gotten used to having clear roadways. We need to get back into that mindset that we could be doing some slipping and sliding."

Experts say one of the biggest mistakes drivers make when those first snowflakes fall is going too fast.

"Please don't speed and don't rush," Faith Driving School owner Sam Alqaraen said. "Try to drive slowly. You know, as you speed, you taking a high risk, and always keep a good distance between you and the other cars."

If you do start to slide, don't panic and don't slam on the brakes.

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"Don't do the fast turn," Dean said. "Don't do the hard braking. Those are some of those times when you can start the car to spinning. And that is not what you want to have happen on the snow and ice."

This is also a good time to give your car a quick check. Experts recommend starting with your wiper blades, tires, and lights, all of which can make a big difference when conditions get rough.

"Pump all your tires up to that right pressure," Dean said. "That'll give you the best traction out there. Speaking of traction, is there enough tread on that tire? If it looks like it's getting bald, that is not going to stop on a slick roadway. You need to start thinking about getting new tires."

Drivers are also encouraged to keep a winter emergency kit handy with items like jumper cables, blankets and even kitty litter or sand in case your car gets stuck.

"But using some of those items in your emergency kit, you may able may be able to rescue yourself," Dean said. "It could be that sand or kitty litter down under the tires to get to the traction and get you moving."

And if you're driving along a bridge or overpass, be mindful that those freeze first.

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"Your brain should see, ‘Oh, I'm coming up on this overpass,’" Dean said. "’I'm coming up on this bridge. Let me back off on the accelerator a little bit.’ Sometimes when you're coasting versus using the accelerator, it'll keep your wheels from spinning."

If you find your car sliding a lot, experts recommend driving in the tire tracks of the vehicle in front of you, which could give you more traction.

Elon Musk's eye-popping trillion-dollar pay package, Apple's big F1 gamble, and Meta's scam-friendly ad policies set the stage for a candid debate on Big Tech's priorities and who really pays the price for innovation (and neglect).

• Musk gets approval for bumper Tesla payout but, unlike his robot, there are strings attached - Behold the one trillion dollar man
• SpaceX to Buy Another $2.6 Billion of Echostar Spectrum
• Chinese Astronauts Stuck in Space After Suspected Damage to Return Craft
• YouTube's Goes Bonkers, Removes Windows 11 Bypass Tutorials, Claims 'Risk of Physical Harm'
• Scammy Ads Generated an Estimated 10% of Meta's Revenue in 2024
• Texas Sues Roblox For Allegedly Failing To Protect Children On Its Platform
• YouTube TV responds to Disney memo with no deal in sight
• YouTube TV exec calls Disney 'unnecessarily aggressive'
• Sports streaming is a fragmented hot mess
• Denmark's Government Aims To Ban Access To Social Media For Children Under 15
• The Department Of Defense Wants Less Proof Its Software Works
• China suspends export restrictions for a year on five critical minerals to the US, including gallium and germanium, used to make certain types of semiconductors
• Immigration agents have new technology to identify and track people
• Internet Archive's legal fights are over, but its founder mourns what was lost
• FBI subpoenas the web registrar behind Archive.is
• Trump AI Czar Says 'No Federal Bailout For AI' After OpenAI CFO's Comments
• Fedora man unmasked: Meet the teen behind the Louvre mystery photo
• Take-Two delays 'GTA VI' for second time to November next year
• Apple TV's new Pluribus show might be its best sci-fi series yet
• After more than 200 years, the 'Farmers' Almanac' is shutting down for good

Host: Leo Laporte

Guests: Iain Thomson, Ashley Esqueda, and Janko Roettgers

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Sunday marked the 2025 Veterans Day Rally, hosted by the Military Veterans' Educational Foundation at the National Veterans Memorial Museum.

Carrie Killingsworth, president of Ohio MILVETS, said the event creates a space to honor veterans and celebrate their contributions to the nation. 

“A lot of people expect to see a guy wearing a hat in Kroger and recognize that he’s a veteran and that's great, but there's really no way for the community to connect with that guy,” Killingsworth said. “It's really hard and God love people who say thank you for your service. That's a lovely gesture, but it doesn't give you this, that person-to-person connection that you can get here at the rally.” 

This was the second annual Veterans Day Rally. The event had everything from historical displays, guest speakers, entertainment and food, all for free. Ohio MILVETS also gave out educational scholarships to the families of central Ohio service members who died during service.   

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“I hope that everyone here today sees that its multigenerational, that we are coming together to support our veterans and what it means to be a veteran, and all the things veterans have done for the country and the community,” Airforce veteran SMSgt Mike Dedousis said.  

Organizers said another highlight from the event was seeing young cadets and ROTC members from various schools throughout Columbus connecting with veterans. They hope it will help guide them on their journey towards the future.   

“Our veterans fought for what they knew was right and it's very good to honor them because some of them died and they couldn't come back to see their families,” Kamiya Smith of Arts Impact Middle School said. “So its a good to honor them and appreciate everybody who did that.” 

Organizers said they hope the event can continue to be a bridge to connects and support veterans in the future. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – This week on the Sunday Briefing:

• “We got our a**** handed to us,” Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said.

Democrats are celebrating wins in key states in this week’s election, and now attention turns to 2026.

How it could shift focus in the race for Ohio governor as Republicans fear a blue wave.

• In less than six months, two Democrats will face off for the nomination for Ohio attorney general. Hear from each candidate and why they believe it’s time to step away from business as usual.

• Devastating images of famine and destruction out of Gaza as a fragile peace continues. The Israeli consulate shares his message for Ohioans and the world.

• Will Democrats’ victories this past week carry over to next year’s elections? Democratic strategist Morgan Harper and Republican strategist Mark Weaver join the roundtable to debate.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio's top nursing union is demanding action after a nurse was allegedly strangled by a patient at the Ohio State University Hospital.

Rick Lucas, president of Ohio Nurses Association and former president of the OSU nursing union, wrote leadership at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center after a postpartum nurse was injured on the job and did not receive support from management or administration. Marti Leitch, chief spokesperson for Wexner Medical Center, said steps in the post-event notification process was missed, delaying support services until the next day.

Lucas said a postpartum nurse intervened during an altercation between a female patient and male family member around 6:50 p.m. on Nov. 6. The man was allegedly holding an infant in his arms, possibly endangering the baby.

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The nurse stepped in to help, and Lucas said she was strangled by the man. Leitch said the nurse was pulled into the hall by her shirt collar.

Leitch said the baby was unharmed, and the man was taken to the emergency department for evaluation because of his behavior. Leitch said medical center security and Ohio State University police both responded to de-escalate and protect the baby. Lucas said OSU police were only called once they confirmed the name of the man involved, and officers said they had received a call about the same person the day before.

Lucas said the nurse was not seen in the emergency department, and no hospital officials checked on her well-being.

"When she called me, she broke down again -- not just because of the attack itself, but because no one asked her if she was okay," Lucas said. "Not one person. That is an institutional failure of compassion."

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Leitch said the hospital's support services were delayed, but was delivered the next morning to the nurse and other involved staff. She also said the hospital is correcting its process to ensure a similar delay does not happen in the future.

Lucas said the nurses' union is demanding the hospital preserve and provide all camera footage, hold a debriefing with hospital administration, ban the man from the hospital unless he needs medical care, and that the hospital give the nurse paid leave. Leitch said in cases like this, employees are told they have the right to press charges. NBC4 reached out to Ohio State police to see if any charges are being filed.

Lucas said learning of the event was one of the hardest phone calls of his life. He said he and the nurses union will continue to push for accountability.

"This altercation is a troubling example of a persisting national problem. No one should face the threat of harm at work," Leitch said. "We remain firmly committed to providing a safe and secure environment for everyone who comes to our facilities to work, learn or receive care."

The U.S. government is reportedly preparing to ban the sale of wireless routers and other networking gear from TP-Link Systems, a tech company that currently enjoys an estimated 50% market share among home users and small businesses. Experts say while the proposed ban may have more to do with TP-Link’s ties to China than any specific technical threats, much of the rest of the industry serving this market also sources hardware from China and ships products that are insecure fresh out of the box.

A TP-Link WiFi 6 AX1800 Smart WiFi Router (Archer AX20).

The Washington Post recently reported that more than a half-dozen federal departments and agencies were backing a proposed ban on future sales of TP-Link devices in the United States. The story said U.S. Department of Commerce officials concluded TP-Link Systems products pose a risk because the U.S.-based company’s products handle sensitive American data and because the officials believe it remains subject to jurisdiction or influence by the Chinese government.

TP-Link Systems denies that, saying that it fully split from the Chinese TP-Link Technologies over the past three years, and that its critics have vastly overstated the company’s market share (TP-Link puts it at around 30 percent). TP-Link says it has headquarters in California, with a branch in Singapore, and that it manufactures in Vietnam. The company says it researches, designs, develops and manufactures everything except its chipsets in-house.

TP-Link Systems told The Post it has sole ownership of some engineering, design and manufacturing capabilities in China that were once part of China-based TP-Link Technologies, and that it operates them without Chinese government supervision.

“TP-Link vigorously disputes any allegation that its products present national security risks to the United States,” Ricca Silverio, a spokeswoman for TP-Link Systems, said in a statement. “TP-Link is a U.S. company committed to supplying high-quality and secure products to the U.S. market and beyond.”

Cost is a big reason TP-Link devices are so prevalent in the consumer and small business market: As this February 2025 story from Wired observed regarding the proposed ban, TP-Link has long had a reputation for flooding the market with devices that are considerably cheaper than comparable models from other vendors. That price point (and consistently excellent performance ratings) has made TP-Link a favorite among Internet service providers (ISPs) that provide routers to their customers.

In August 2024, the chairman and the ranking member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party called for an investigation into TP-Link devices, which they said were found on U.S. military bases and for sale at exchanges that sell them to members of the military and their families.

“TP-Link’s unusual degree of vulnerabilities and required compliance with PRC law are in and of themselves disconcerting,” the House lawmakers warned in a letter (PDF) to the director of the Commerce Department. “When combined with the PRC government’s common use of SOHO [small office/home office] routers like TP-Link to perpetrate extensive cyberattacks in the United States, it becomes significantly alarming.”

The letter cited a May 2023 blog post by Check Point Research about a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group dubbed “Camaro Dragon” that used a malicious firmware implant for some TP-Link routers to carry out a sequence of targeted cyberattacks against European foreign affairs entities. Check Point said while it only found the malicious firmware on TP-Link devices, “the firmware-agnostic nature of the implanted components indicates that a wide range of devices and vendors may be at risk.”

In a report published in October 2024, Microsoft said it was tracking a network of compromised TP-Link small office and home office routers that has been abused by multiple distinct Chinese state-sponsored hacking groups since 2021. Microsoft found the hacker groups were leveraging the compromised TP-Link systems to conduct “password spraying” attacks against Microsoft accounts. Password spraying involves rapidly attempting to access a large number of accounts (usernames/email addresses) with a relatively small number of commonly used passwords.

TP-Link rightly points out that most of its competitors likewise source components from China. The company also correctly notes that advanced persistent threat (APT) groups from China and other nations have leveraged vulnerabilities in products from their competitors, such as Cisco and Netgear.

But that may be cold comfort for TP-Link customers who are now wondering if it’s smart to continue using these products, or whether it makes sense to buy more costly networking gear that might only be marginally less vulnerable to compromise.

Almost without exception, the hardware and software that ships with most consumer-grade routers includes a number of default settings that need to be changed before the devices can be safely connected to the Internet. For example, bring a new router online without changing the default username and password and chances are it will only take a few minutes before it is probed and possibly compromised by some type of Internet-of-Things botnet. Also, it is incredibly common for the firmware in a brand new router to be dangerously out of date by the time it is purchased and unboxed.

Until quite recently, the idea that router manufacturers should make it easier for their customers to use these products safely was something of anathema to this industry. Consumers were largely left to figure that out on their own, with predictably disastrous results.

But over the past few years, many manufacturers of popular consumer routers have begun forcing users to perform basic hygiene — such as changing the default password and updating the internal firmware — before the devices can be used as a router. For example, most brands of “mesh” wireless routers — like Amazon’s Eero, Netgear’s Orbi series, or Asus’s ZenWifi — require online registration that automates these critical steps going forward (or at least through their stated support lifecycle).

For better or worse, less expensive, traditional consumer routers like those from Belkin and Linksys also now automate this setup by heavily steering customers toward installing a mobile app to complete the installation (this often comes as a shock to people more accustomed to manually configuring a router). Still, these products tend to put the onus on users to check for and install available updates periodically. Also, they’re often powered by underwhelming or else bloated firmware, and a dearth of configurable options.

Of course, not everyone wants to fiddle with mobile apps or is comfortable with registering their router so that it can be managed or monitored remotely in the cloud. For those hands-on folks — and for power users seeking more advanced router features like VPNs, ad blockers and network monitoring — the best advice is to check if your router’s stock firmware can be replaced with open-source alternatives, such as OpenWrt or DD-WRT.

These open-source firmware options are compatible with a wide range of devices, and they generally offer more features and configurability. Open-source firmware can even help extend the life of routers years after the vendor stops supporting the underlying hardware, but it still requires users to manually check for and install any available updates.

Happily, TP-Link users spooked by the proposed ban may have an alternative to outright junking these devices, as many TP-Link routers also support open-source firmware options like OpenWRT. While this approach may not eliminate any potential hardware-specific security flaws, it could serve as an effective hedge against more common vendor-specific vulnerabilities, such as undocumented user accounts, hard-coded credentials, and weaknesses that allow attackers to bypass authentication.

Regardless of the brand, if your router is more than four or five years old it may be worth upgrading for performance reasons alone — particularly if your home or office is primarily accessing the Internet through WiFi.

NB: The Post’s story notes that a substantial portion of TP-Link routers and those of its competitors are purchased or leased through ISPs. In these cases, the devices are typically managed and updated remotely by your ISP, and equipped with custom profiles responsible for authenticating your device to the ISP’s network. If this describes your setup, please do not attempt to modify or replace these devices without first consulting with your Internet provider.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- With yet another win under its belt, Ohio State is sailing into week 12 at No. 1 once again.

Ohio State (9-0,6-0) was named the top-ranked team in the USA Today coaches poll after beating Purdue 34-10 on the road. Saturday's win highlighted Ohio State's ability to win even without a star player, as Carnell Tate was held from the game as a precautionary measure.

With three games left, Ohio State is almost certainly playoff-bound. The Buckeyes were ranked No. 1 in the initial playoff poll last Tuesday. Also coming for Ohio State on Sunday is a decision from 4-star DL Emanuel Ruffin. Ruffin, a top recruit, said he will announce his college decision Sunday afternoon. Ruffin decommitted from Colorado on Tuesday, and will choose between Ohio State and Mizzou.

Why didn't Carnell Tate play against Purdue? 2025 coaches' poll rankings (Nov. 9, 2025) 1Ohio State2Indiana3Texas A&M4Alabama5Georgia6Oregon7Ole Miss8Texas Tech9Notre Dame10Texas11Oklahoma12Georgia Tech13BYU14Vanderbilt15Utah16Miami (FL)17Michigan18USC19Virginia20Tennessee21Louisville22Cincinnati23Pittsburgh24Missouri25James Madison

Ohio State will hope for another win Saturday against UCLA at Ohio Stadium. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m., and viewers can catch the game live on NBC4.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus police are searching for leads in a homicide in which charges against the original suspect were dropped this summer.

According to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, investigators remain focused on the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Jayvon Gore, who was found in the 1400 block of Oakland Park Avenue in North Linden. Gore was taken to a hospital in critical condition but later died in the early hours of June 18.

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The initial findings revealed that several people exchanged gunfire in the parking lot at an afterhours business near the E.Z. Oakland Park Plaza, where Gore had been a customer. Gore was fatally struck, as was the Columbus Division of Fire Station 18, located across the street.

As officers arrived at the scene, several potential witnesses reportedly fled the scene, and police were unable to get any statements. For an earlier report on this story view the video player above.

Three weeks later, a man arrested in connection to a carjacking in the area one month earlier, was also charged in Gore’s murder. However, while the suspect's carjacking case remains ongoing in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, the murder charge against him was dropped, leaving Columbus police with zero leads.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person was transported to a local hospital in critical condition after a shooting Sunday morning in Franklinton.

Columbus dispatchers said police responded to Schultz Avenue around 7:35 a.m. on reports of a shooting. Dispatchers said upon arrival, they found one person suffering from a gunshot wound. They were transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

Police said there was no word on a suspect at this time.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It has been more than a week since the November SNAP payments were supposed to come in.

Over one million Ohioans who rely on SNAP assistance are in limbo waiting for their cards to be reloaded. SNAP is the federal food assistance program, paused due to the government shutdown and a judicial back-and-forth about emergency funding. In the mean time, Ohioans are forced to make difficult decisions to keep food on the table.

“I have felt dehumanized. I have felt like the people around me and my community that are struggling, have been dehumanized,” Brooke Rickman, Columbus resident and SNAP recipient, said.

Rickman is a working mother, with a 4-year-old and twins under 1 year. She has relied on SNAP for more than four years.

“All of my bill money goes to bills and so SNAP has been the sole reason that my kids have been fed. The sole reason I’ve been fed. So now we’re kind of in a position where there is no food,” she said.

At the beginning of November, her SNAP card wasn’t reloaded. She is still waiting.

“As much as we hear on the news, like, 'Oh, it's coming or it's happening,' the reality for my family is it isn't happening,” Rickman said.

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It’s forced her to make sacrifices like choosing between food and gas.

“For me, it's not just food," Rickman said. "This impacts my gas. This impacts the ability to pay the rest of my bills because in my household, every dollar has a home and the grocery home was our food benefits and that's gone."

Rickman said she is taking it day by day. She stretched her remaining SNAP balance as far as possible and has relied on help from the community.

“My kids are not being fed because all of a sudden this has lit a fire in me to pull up my bootstraps. I've already pulled them up. That's all I've been doing," Rickman said. "The only way my kids are eating as of right now is the fact that I have a community.”

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- A fast-casual chicken salad restaurant is expanding with another central Ohio location in Dublin.

Chicken Salad Chicken will launch a new restaurant at the Shoppes at River Ridge in Dublin, the chain announced late last month. Set to open in early 2026, the 2,552-square-foot restaurant will be located at 4345 W. Dublin Granville Road, south of State Route 161 and east of Riverside Drive.

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Jen Crichfield, franchise owner of Chicken Salad Chick, said in a statement, "as a lifelong member of the Columbus area," she is "thrilled to have opportunity to grow in a place so close to home."

• (Courtesy Photo/Chicken Salad Chick)
• (Courtesy Photo/Chicken Salad Chick)
• (Courtesy Photo/Chicken Salad Chick)

"I am grateful to our hard-working team and loyal guests for making this dream a reality," she said. "Chicken Salad Chick is all about warm hospitality, fresh flavors, and community, and we can't wait to share that experience with our neighbors in Dublin. I look forward to an exciting new year filled with even more opportunities to serve you fresh, made-from-scratch chicken salad."

Chicken Salad Chick is known for its made-from-scratch menu featuring more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors, like the hickory-smoked "Barbie-Q" and the "Fancy Nancy" with Fuji apples, seedless grapes and pecans. A selection of pimento cheese, soups, salads and sides round out the chain's offerings.

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"We're thrilled to welcome Chicken Salad Chick to the Shoppes at River Ridge," said Zach
Graham, senior vice president of commercial real estate and leasing at Crawford Hoying,
owner and landlord at Shoppes at River Ridge. "This concept perfectly aligns with the
experience we strive to provide residents, office workers and visitors alike."

The chain operates several other central Ohio locations, including in Westerville, New Albany and Grandview Crossing. Additional details about the upcoming Dublin restaurant, including official opening dates, will be announced in the coming months.