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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Organizers of Ohio ballot initiatives to outlaw discrimination and repeal the state's dormant same-sex marriage ban got a boost this month from a leading LGBTQ+ rights activist: Jim Obergefell.

Grassroots organization Ohio Equal Rights announced on social media Oct. 17 that Obergefell, the lead plaintiff in the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court case legalizing same-sex marriage, has endorsed the group's proposed 2026 constitutional amendments. In a statement shared by the group, Obergefell said, "The [Ohio Equal Rights] campaign is working to ensure Ohio treats every person equally, and that is something everyone should support."

The "Right to Marry" initiative, which would reverse another amendment passed in 2004 that says marriage is "only a union between one man and one woman," is imperative, Obergefell said, given the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to consider a case on Nov. 7 that is calling for the justices to overturn marriage equality. Should that case succeed, Ohio's 2004 amendment would again become law. Watch a previous NBC4 report on the case in the video player above.

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"It's up to the people of Ohio to say, 'This is what we believe, this is what we value,'" Obergefell, who was born in Sandusky, said. "If our nation's Constitution becomes a mere suggestion of what rights every person enjoys, subject to the whims of state legislators, then Ohioans must propose and pass laws and amendments to protect those rights."

Jim Obergefell speaks to members of the media after the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a ruling regarding same-sex marriage June 26, 2015, outside the Supreme Court in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

The "Equal Rights" amendment would prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy status, disease status, age, disability, recovery status, familial status, ancestry, national origin, or military and veteran status. Obergefell said this initiative "helps ensure that our laws, not just in concept but in practice and reality, protect these rights for everyone, not just some."

"No Ohioan should be evicted from their apartment, fired from their job, denied service in a business open to the public, be prevented from living life on an equal basis denied medical care, or suffer any other indignity because of who they are, whom they love, their age, disability, family status, veteran status, or other reason," Obergefell said. "These amendments will have immediate, positive impacts on Ohioans and their quality of life."

Lis Regula, co-chair of Ohio Equal Rights, said the group is grateful for Obergefell, who has been connecting the organizers with other Ohio advocacy groups to expand the effort to collect the more than 442,000 signatures needed for each proposal to appear on the 2026 ballot. While the backers of the initiatives began collecting those signatures this fall, Regula said that effort will begin in earnest "with all boots on the ground across the state" in January.

"Jim is so identifiable within the marriage equality fight and has strong connections still to Ohio, we wanted to make sure that he was part of the conversation," Regula said. "He's been absolutely great in helping us find additional connections across [Ohio], especially the northern portion of the state, Sandusky and parts of Toledo, and we're just happy to have him on board with this."

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Ohio Equal Rights had originally planned for the "Right to Marry" and "Equal Rights" initiatives to appear on the ballot as a single amendment. However, Ohio's Ballot Board voted in July to split the amendment in two. Secretary of State Frank LaRose, chairman of the board, argued during the July meeting, "It would be good to give [voters] those as two separate amendments," and asked, "Is it conceivable that there are voters out there that would support one part of this but not support the other part?"

Now, to qualify for the 2026 ballot, the organization must gather signatures from at least 10% of voters from the last gubernatorial election, spread across at least 44 of Ohio's 88 counties. That means Ohio Equal Rights needs a combined 885,916 signatures. All signatures must be submitted and verified by the secretary of state at least 65 days before the election.

"Most people have been signing both petitions at the same time, and most of our volunteers and coordinating organizations have been circulating at the same time," Regula said. "This is a community effort. We are a grassroots organization that is partnering with other grassroots organizations. This is not about one group or a small number of people trying to dictate what is best for Ohio. This is about Ohioans recognizing how we can do better at protecting ourselves."

If successful, the proposals would follow in the footsteps of other constitutional amendments in recent years. In 2023, voters approved Issues 1 and 2, establishing the right to abortion and legalizing recreational marijuana, each with around 57% support. Another amendment, Issue 1 in 2024, aimed at changing how political districts are drawn, failed by a 53-47 vote.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Monday kicks off a trial investigating state allegations of misconduct among the pension board that covers 500,000 active and retired Ohio teachers.

The lawsuit was filed in May 2024 after Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost released concerns from an anonymous 14-page letter accusing two State Teachers Retirement System board members of acting without the best interests of educators in mind. Board President Rudy Fichtenbaum and former board member Wade Steen are accused of attempting a hostile takeover of the pension's funds.

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The anonymous letter alleged Fichtenbaum and Steen had improperly schemed to steer money from the $90 billion pension fund to an investment firm known as QED. Steen's lawyer, Norman Abood, said his clients never denied discussions with QED investment leaders, but do not agree that there was any misconduct.

"We're looking forward to the trial, because that's when the rubber meets the road," Abood said. "It's no longer going to be a question of innuendo or rumor."

Abood said Steen, an investment expert appointed to the STRS board by Gov. Mike DeWine, was trying to enhance the pension's economic performance by meeting with QED. He said Steen and Fichtenbaum spoke with QED leaders about possible investment opportunities to address a shortfall in earnings.

Abood said the state has subpoenaed thousands of pages of records, but has not taken anyone's formal statements. He is grateful the trial will offer straightforward, on-the-record details.

"There has been written discovery, but there hasn't been actual question and answer to see what the perspectives of the various people involved were," Amood said.

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The lawsuit was filed amid years of chaos and a retired teachers watchdog group that was fighting for STRS reforms. At the time Fichtenbaum and Steen spoke with QED leaders, the pension fund lost $5 billion in just one year. It has also since come to light that the chief legal counsel for STRS was partially behind the anonymous letter.

The board ultimately declined any investments from QED in 2021, but Yost's civil claims were filed regardless. Although the state initially sought monetary penalties, Yost's office dropped that demand. The state now wants a judge to bar Fichtenbaum and Steen from ever serving on a public pension board again. Steen has already left the board.

"I mean to be, to be accused of the things that they've been accused of, and to have the kind of remedies that the state is seeking, would be a permanent stain on their records," Abood said. "We're very concerned about that."

The fund has consistently underperformed. Teacher retirees told NBC4's Colleen Marshall that they believe the fund's poor performance led to the end of promised annual cost-of-living increases.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A Washington, D.C., man has filed a lawsuit against an Ohio National Guard member and local police, alleging he was detained for recording guardsmen in the nation’s capital while playing the villain's theme from "Star Wars."

On Thursday, Sam O’Hara, 35, filed the lawsuit against guardsman Sgt. Devon Beck, of Columbus, and four D.C. police officers over his Sept. 11 arrest, which he claims violated his First Amendment rights. 

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According to the complaint, filed in federal court in the District of Columbia, O’Hara saw Beck and several other guard members walking on his way home from work and “calmly” walked behind them, playing “The Imperial March” aloud on his phone while recording. The song is used to signal the presence of Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire in the "Star Wars" movie series.

The lawsuit claims O’Hara, who followed from several feet away, did not speak to, touch or otherwise interfere with the guard members’ duties. He played the music “loudly but not at a blaring level,” the suit states.

In less than two minutes, Beck turned around and threatened to call District police officers to “handle” O’Hara if he persisted, the filing says. O’Hara continued playing the music and recording. Beck then contacted the police and four officers came to the scene, placing O’Hara in handcuffs. O’Hara was in the handcuffs for about 15-20 minutes before officers released him without charging him.

“The law might have tolerated government conduct of this sort a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away,” the complaint says. “But in the here and now, the First Amendment bars government officials from shutting down peaceful protests, and the Fourth Amendment (along with the District’s prohibition on false arrest) bars groundless seizures.”

O’Hara is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, as well as his legal fees. The Ohio National Guard declined to comment on the case, and instead directed NBC4's inquiry to the District of Columbia National Guard.

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The filing noted that Beck’s decision to contact local police was in adherence to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s directive that the Metropolitan Police Department, not guard members, make arrests. 

The Sept. 11 incident does not mark the first time O’Hara has played “The Imperial March” while recording guard members. Since August, O’Hara has posted dozens of TikTok videos of him trailing behind guardsmen as he plays the song. Most guard members have ignored O’Hara, with some laughing or smiling, the suit said. The posts have racked up millions of views. 

“Armed National Guard should not be policing D.C. residents as we walk around our neighborhoods,” O’Hara said in a statement. “It was important to me not to normalize this dystopian occupation. Instead of respecting my right to protest, police officers handcuffed me so tightly my wrists were still marked and sore the next day. This shows the danger of deploying troops onto American streets: it puts all our basic rights at risk.”

The August mobilization of the troops in the nation’s capital came after President Donald Trump issued an executive order declaring a crime emergency in the city. More than 2,300 guard members from eight states, including Ohio and the District, were deployed, alongside hundreds of federal agents. 

The U.S. Department of Justice said in January that the District’s violent crime rate is at a 30-year low. It is unclear how long the guardsmen may stay in the city. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Buckeye Nation is mourning the loss of one of its own as former Ohio State and New York Jets center Nick Mangold has died at the age of 41 after complications from kidney disease.

"Finding this news out in real time is just super shocking, super sad," former teammate Jay Richardson said. "And we're all really just feeling for Nick and his family."

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For those who wore the scarlet and gray alongside him like Richardson, Mangold was more than just a dominant lineman -- he was family. 

"The Buckeye brotherhood took a huge loss today," Richardson said.

Richardson and Mangold first met as teenagers. They were high school football all-stars turned Buckeyes in the 2002 recruiting class. That same season, Mangold helped Ohio State win a national title. 

"He got some reps on that '02 championship team as a freshman when so many of us were redshirting because it was such a talented team," Richardson said. "Guys like Nick and Rob Sims and A.J. Hawk, they were good enough to play right away."

Richardson and Mangold's football journey came full circle in 2012 when they reunited on the New York Jets. 

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"To watch his career go from being almost an undersized center to just being a Pro Bowl level, ultra elite NFL player, was really, really cool to see as a former teammate," Richardson said. 

From Columbus to New York, tributes have been pouring in on social media. 

"It just speaks to his impact that he had, and the platform that you're given when you're a Buckeye or when you're an NFL player," Richardson said. "You're definitely thrust in that spotlight, and I thought he handled it well and was always a fantastic teammate and a great person."

For Richardson, the news doesn't feel real. He said teammates have been flooding their Buckeye group chat, sharing stories, old memories and disbelief. 

"Anybody that has played with him, that has known him, that has been his teammate or his friend, will tell you, dude was a special guy," Richardson said. "Funny guy. Very, very quick-witted. Always had a one-liner and just somebody that cared deeply for his loved ones."

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Mangold leaves behind his wife and four children.

"All of Buckeye Nation is right there with his family," Richardson said. "All of his former teammates, all of his former friends, anyone he's come in contact with, everybody's feeling it and we're all just pulling for his family and hoping that they feel that love."

Mangold's death comes less than two weeks after he announced on social media he had kidney disease and needed a transplant. Mangold said he didn't have any relatives who were able to donate, so he went public with the request for a donor with type O blood. 

"I don't know if anything prepares you for something like that, especially a guy so young," Richardson said. "It was really, really sad to see."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A child is dead after what police are calling was an accidental shooting on the west side of Columbus Sunday night.

According to a Columbus police dispatcher, the shooting happened at approximately 9:10 p.m. on the 1500 block of Grandview Avenue.

According to Columbus Police Sgt. Joseph Albert, the child, who was under the age of 10, was pronounced dead by medics at 9:18 p.m.

Albert said the gun was recovered at the scene.

"We say this all the time, you have to lock up your guns," Albert said. "As soon as you get home, you have to lock up your gun. Children are curious; children want to know what it is. We tragically have seen this before in our city. We need this to stop. We need to not have another child lose their life because of a firearm that's unattended."

Police continue to be on the scene investigating.

This is the second accidental shooting involving a child in less than a week. On Wednesday, a child was hospitalized in stable condition after a person carrying a firearm dropped the gun, causing it to go off and shoot the child. A man in that case was charged with negligent assault, a third-degree misdemeanor.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Two people were injured after a vehicle they were in crashed into a house in east Columbus Sunday afternoon.

According to Columbus police, the crash happened on the 600 block of Loreto Lane at approximately 4:50 p.m.

The driver of a Jeep traveling east on Crete Lane near Loreto Lane lost control and hit a home, causing what police said was significant damage to both the building and the vehicle.

The driver and a passenger in the Jeep were both taken to local hospitals with serious injuries, but are both expected to survive. No one in the home was injured, police said.

The Columbus Police Accident Investigation Unit is investigating the crash. Anyone with any information is asked to call 614-645-4767.

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Ross County Sheriff's deputy shot a suspect Sunday afternoon while responding to a call in Chillicothe.

According to the sheriff's office, deputies responded to the 400 block of State Route 180 at approximately 3 p.m. for what the office said was a "disorderly complaint."

When deputies started their investigation, it was discovered there was enough probable cause to arrest a 58-year-old man for assault, the sheriff's office said. While trying to place the man under arrest, the suspect was shot by the sheriff's office.

The sheriff's office did not specify what the suspect did to be shot, how many deputies fired their weapons, or the suspect's condition. The sheriff's office also did not identify the deputy or deputies involved in the incident.

NBC4 is not naming the suspect because, according to online court records, charges have not been filed against him.

The Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation has been requested to investigate the incident.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Sunday marked the 18th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Genoa Park.

The event brings breast cancer survivors, caregivers, and advocates together in a 5K or one-mile walk with the goal of raising funds for cancer research and bringing together a community of supporters.

“It’s the fact that we are able to make headway in survivorship, so it’s really important,” cancer survivor Esther Kasin said.

The event featured a signing wall and a moment of silence for those who lost their lives to this disease. A group of breast cancer survivors were also honored by being named “Champions of Hope.”  Kasin was one of the honorees, and she noted she felt hopeful seeing so many people turn out. She also shared what the moment meant for her.   

“It means a lot, my journey has been very long,” Kasin said. “And I'm just excited that I'm able to have the energy and the strength to be here, not only for myself but for all the other survivors, thrivers and even those we have lost.”

There was also a post-walk party for all those in attendance and NBC4’s Gabrielle Phifer was the emcee for the event.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Ohio High School Athletic Association has released the schedule for the first round of high school football playoffs, scheduled for this Friday.

All games will be played Oct. 31 with kickoff at 7 p.m., unless otherwise stated in the list below.

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Due to a reduction in regional playoff qualifiers, the top four seeds in each region get a first-round bye.

The playoff schedule is as follows:

First round games: Oct. 31
Regional quarterfinals (second round): Nov. 7
Regional semifinals (third round): Nov. 14
Regional finals: Nov. 21
State semifinals: Nov. 28
State title games: Dec. 4-6

Throughout the first three rounds, the better-seeded team will host the games. The regional finals and state semis will all be held at neutral sites, while the state title games will be held at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.

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Tickets for all games can be purchased starting on the Monday before the game at the OHSAA website by clicking here. For more information on tickets, click here.

OHSAA Football First Round Playoff Games

Pairings shown with regional seed. All games on Friday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m., unless otherwise indicated. 

Division I
Region 1

No. 1 Lakewood St. Edward (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Mentor (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Canton McKinley (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Toledo Whitmer (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Cleveland St. Ignatius (1-9) at No. 5 Perrysburg (8-2)
No. 11 Medina (3-7) at No. 6 Strongsville (8-2)
No. 10 Brunswick (5-5) at No. 7 Massillon Jackson (5-5)
No. 9 Cleveland Heights (5-5) at No. 8 Berea-Midpark (6-4)

Region 2

No. 1 Middletown (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Troy (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Findlay (6-4), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Springboro (7-3), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Marysville (5-5) at No. 5 Springfield (6-4)
No. 11 Galloway Westland (5-5) at No. 6 Huber Heights Wayne (6-4)
No. 10 Dublin Jerome (5-5) at No. 7 Hilliard Bradley (5-5)
No. 9 Kettering Fairmont (5-5) at No. 8 Lebanon (7-3)

Region 3

No. 1 Lewis Center Olentangy Orange (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Pickerington Central (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Pickerington North (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Lewis Center Olentangy (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Newark (6-4) at No. 5 Powell Olentangy Liberty (6-4)
No. 11 Westerville Central (4-6) at No. 6 Upper Arlington (8-2)
No. 10 Groveport Madison (5-5) at No. 7 Gahanna Lincoln (7-3)
No. 9 Grove City (5-5) at No. 8 Delaware Olentangy Berlin (5-5)

Region 4

No. 1 Cincinnati Elder (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller (7-3), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Cincinnati St. Xavier (7-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Cincinnati Princeton (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Morrow Little Miami (3-7) at No. 5 Cincinnati Winton Woods (8-2)
No. 11 Cincinnati Oak Hills (4-6) at No. 6 Liberty Township Lakota East (7-3)
No. 10 Hamilton (4-6) at No. 7 West Chester Lakota West (6-4)
No. 9 Mason (5-5) at No. 8 Fairfield (5-5)

Division II

Region 5

No. 1 Akron Archbishop Hoban (8-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit (8-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Austintown Fitch (8-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Uniontown Lake (7-3), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Willoughby South (5-5) at No. 5 Hudson (8-2)
No. 11 Uniontown Green (5-5) at No. 6 Garfield Heights (9-1)
No. 10 Twinsburg (6-4) at No. 7 Macedonia Nordonia (7-3)
No. 9 Youngstown Boardman (5-5) at No. 8 Painesville Riverside (7-3)

Region 6

No. 1 Medina Highland (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Wadsworth (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Avon (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 North Ridgeville (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Toledo Start (6-4) at No. 5 Whitehouse Anthony Wayne (6-4)
No. 11 Fremont Ross (6-4) at No. 6 Olmsted Falls (6-4)
No. 10 Parma Heights Valley Forge (5-5) at No. 7 Toledo St. Francis de Sales (6-4)
No. 9 Oregon Clay (6-4) at No. 8 Brecksville-Broadview Heights (6-4)

Region 7

No. 1 Sunbury Big Walnut (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Columbus St. Francis DeSales (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Massillon Washington (7-3), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Canal Winchester (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Louisville (6-4) at No. 5 Westerville South (8-2)
No. 11 Columbus Northland (7-3) at No. 6 North Canton Hoover (8-2)
No. 10 Mount Vernon (6-4) at No. 7 Ashland (9-1)
No. 9 Worthington Kilbourne (7-3) at No. 8 Columbus Walnut Ridge (7-3)

Region 8

No. 1 Cincinnati Anderson (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Kings Mills Kings (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Trotwood-Madison (6-3), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Xenia (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Cincinnati Turpin (5-5) at No. 5 Cincinnati La Salle (7-3)
No. 11 Cincinnati Aiken (6-4) at No. 6 Lima Senior (8-2)
No. 10 Vandalia Butler (6-4) at No. 7 Harrison (7-3)
No. 9 Piqua (6-4) at No. 8 Cincinnati Withrow (8-2)

Division III

Region 9

No. 1 Canfield (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Cuyahoga Falls CVCA (9-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 10 vs. No. 7
No. 3 Gates Mills Hawken (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 11 vs. No. 6
No. 4 Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph (8-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 12 vs. No. 5

No. 12 Maple Heights (7-3) at No. 5 Chardon (6-4)
No. 11 Cleveland Benedictine (8-2) at No. 6 Akron East (8-2)
No. 10 Geneva (8-2) at No. 7 Alliance (8-2)
No. 9 Madison (7-3) at No. 8 Chagrin Falls Kenston (6-4)

Region 10

No. 1 Medina Buckeye (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Wapakoneta (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 10 vs. No. 7
No. 3 Lexington (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 11 vs. No. 6
No. 4 Richfield Revere (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 12 vs. No. 5

No. 12 Grafton Midview (5-5) at No. 5 Rocky River (8-2)
No. 11 Ontario (6-4) at No. 6 Toledo Central Catholic (6-4)
No. 10 Parma Heights Holy Name (6-4) at No. 7 Lima Shawnee (7-3)
No. 9 Copley (7-3) at No. 8 St. Marys Memorial (7-3)

Region 11

No. 1 Columbus Bishop Watterson (9-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Newark Licking Valley (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Steubenville (7-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Dresden Tri-Valley (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Columbus Independence (6-4) at No. 5 Columbus Hamilton Township (8-2)
No. 11 The Plains Athens (9-1) at No. 6 Delaware Buckeye Valley (8-2)
No. 10 Columbus Linden McKinley (8-2) at No. 7 Carroll Bloom-Carroll (7-3)
No. 9 Thornville Sheridan (7-3) at No. 8 Granville (7-3)

Region 12

No. 1 London (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Tipp City Tippecanoe (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Hamilton Badin (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Jackson (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Hillsboro (5-5) at No. 5 Washington Court House Miami Trace (9-1)
No. 11 Bellbrook (6-4) at No. 6 Kettering Archbishop Alter (7-3)
No. 10 Goshen (7-3) at No. 7 Oxford Talawanda (9-1)
No. 9 Chillicothe (6-4) at No. 8 Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas (6-4)

Division IV

Region 13

No. 1 Perry (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Cleveland Glenville (7-3), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Mentor Lake Catholic (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Beloit West Branch (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Ashtabula Edgewood (6-4) at No. 5 Norton (9-1)
No. 11 Chesterland West Geauga (6-4) at No. 6 Streetsboro (8-2)
No. 10 Salem (6-4) at No. 7 Canal Fulton Northwest (6-4)
No. 9 Hubbard (7-3) at No. 8 Chardon Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (7-3)

Region 14

No. 1 Shelby (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Galion (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Napoleon (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Lima Bath (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Clyde (4-6) at No. 5 Bellevue (7-3)
No. 11 Lorain Clearview (5-5) at No. 6 Sandusky Perkins (7-3)
No. 10 Lodi Cloverleaf (6-4) at No. 7 Bay Village Bay (6-4)
No. 9 Orrville (6-4) at No. 8 Bellville Clear Fork (6-4)

Region 15

No. 1 New Lexington (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Gnadenhutten Indian Valley (9-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Plain City Jonathan Alder (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Chillicothe Unioto (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Canton South (5-5) at No. 5 Columbus East (9-1)
No. 11 Johnstown (7-3) at No. 6 Wintersville Indian Creek (9-1)
No. 10 Duncan Falls Philo (6-4) at No. 7 Circleville (7-3)
No. 9 Heath (6-4) at No. 8 Lancaster Fairfield Union (6-4)

Region 16

No. 1 Cincinnati Indian Hill (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Germantown Valley View (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Cincinnati Taft (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Cleves Taylor (6-4) at No. 5 Clarksville Clinton-Massie (9-1)
No. 11 Middletown Bishop Fenwick (6-4) at No. 6 Brookville (9-1)
No. 10 Cincinnati Roger Bacon (5-5) at No. 7 Cincinnati Wyoming (9-1)
No. 9 New Richmond (4-6) at No. 8 Washington Court House Washington (5-5)

Division V

Region 17

No. 1 Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (7-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Girard (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Poland Seminary (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Garrettsville Garfield (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Andover Pymatuning Valley (7-3) at No. 5 St. Clairsville (7-3)
No. 11 Urichsville Claymont (6-4) at No. 6 Youngstown Liberty (8-2)
No. 10 Richmond Edison (6-4) at No. 7 Akron Manchester (7-3)
No. 9 Burton Berkshire (6-4) at No. 8 Canfield South Range (6-4)

Region 18

No. 1 Liberty Center (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Wooster Triway (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Genoa Area (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Creston Norwayne (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Delta (6-4) at No. 5 Findlay Liberty-Benton (10-0)
No. 11 Port Clinton (6-4) at No. 6 Milan Edison (7-3)
No. 10 Fredericktown (8-2) at No. 7 Fairview Park Fairview (8-2)
No. 9 Oak Harbor (8-2) at No. 8 Pemberville Eastwood (8-2)

Region 19

No. 1 Wheelersburg (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Gahanna Columbus Academy (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Nelsonville-York (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Barnesville (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Amanda-Clearcreek (5-5) at No. 5 Portsmouth (7-3)
No. 11 Belmont Union Local (7-3) at No. 6 Columbus Africentric (7-3)
No. 10 Chillicothe Zane Trace (8-2) at No. 7 Lucasville Valley (8-2)
No. 9 McConnelsville Morgan (7-3) at No. 8 Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant (8-2)

Region 20

No. 1 Williamsburg (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Lewistown Indian Lake (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Casstown Miami East (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 St. Paris Graham (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 West Liberty-Salem (5-5) at No. 5 Carlisle (8-2)
No. 11 Cincinnati Mariemont (6-4) at No. 6 Cincinnati North College Hill (8-2)
No. 10 Arcanum (7-3) at No. 7 Camden Preble Shawnee (9-1)
No. 9 Jamestown Greeneview (7-3) at No. 8 Richwood North Union (6-4)

Division VI

Region 21

No. 1 Kirtland (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Columbiana Crestview (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Columbia Station Columbia (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Hanoverton United (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Cuyahoga Heights (7-2) at No. 5 Smithville (8-2)
No. 11 Columbiana (7-3) at No. 6 Dalton (7-3)
No. 10 Mineral Ridge (7-3) at No. 7 Sugarcreek Garaway (7-2)
No. 9 New Middletown Springfield (7-3) at No. 8 Wickliffe (8-2)

Region 22

No. 1 Castalia Margaretta (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Bascom Hopewell-Loudon (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Archbold (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Paulding (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Defiance Tinora (5-5) at No. 5 Sherwood Fairview (9-1)
No. 11 Elmore Woodmore (7-3) at No. 6 Attica Seneca East (7-3)
No. 10 Collins Western Reserve (8-2) at No. 7 Bluffton (8-2)
No. 9 Carey (6-4) at No. 8 Hamler Patrick Henry (8-2)

Region 23

No. 1 Centerburg (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Beverly Fort Frye (8-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 West Jefferson (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Mount Gilead (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Reedsville Eastern (7-3) at No. 5 North Robinson Colonel Crawford (9-1)
No. 11 Columbus Grandview Heights (7-3) at No. 6 Toronto (9-1)
No. 10 Caldwell (7-3) at No. 7 Grove City Christian (8-2)
No. 9 West Lafayette Ridgewood (8-2) at No. 8 Newcomerstown (7-3)

Region 24

No. 1 New Madison Tri-Village (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Springfield Northeastern (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Mechanicsburg (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 St. Bernard Elmwood Place (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Covington (5-5) at No. 5 Coldwater (6-4)
No. 11 Cincinnati Deer Park (5-5) at No. 6 Anna (7-3)
No. 10 Miamisburg Dayton Christian (6-4) at No. 7 Ironton Rock Hill (6-4)
No. 9 Portsmouth West (5-5) at No. 8 Cincinnati Summit Country Day (5-5)

Division VII

Region 25

No. 1 McDonald (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Fairport Harbor Fairport Harding (10-0), hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Mogadore (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Monroeville (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Ashtabula St. John (5-5) at No. 5 Malvern (6-4)
No. 11 Berlin Center Western Reserve (4-6) at No. 6 East Palestine (7-3)
No. 10 Lisbon David Anderson (6-4) at No. 7 East Canton (8-2)
No. 9 Norwalk St. Paul (5-5) at No. 8 Warren JFK (5-5)

Region 26

No. 1 Lima Central Catholic (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 North Baltimore (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Leipsic (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Columbus Grove (7-3), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Morral Ridgedale (6-4) at No. 5 Gibsonburg (7-3)
No. 11 Montpelier (6-4) at No. 6 Sycamore Mohawk (8-2)
No. 10 Arlington (7-3) at No. 7 Pandora-Gilboa (7-3)
No. 9 Edgerton (6-4) at No. 8 Edon (8-2)

Region 27

No. 1 Jeromesville Hillsdale (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 Waterford (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Lancaster Fisher Catholic (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Willow Wood Symmes Valley (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Glouster Trimble (6-4) at No. 5 Crown City South Gallia (7-3)
No. 11 Danville (5-5) at No. 6 Steubenville Catholic Central (6-4)
No. 10 Lucas (5-5) at No. 7 Strasburg-Franklin (7-3)
No. 9 Zanesville Bishop Rosecrans (6-4) at No. 8 Bowerston Conotton Valley (7-3)

Region 28

No. 1 Maria Stein Marion Local (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9
No. 2 St. Henry (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 vs. No. 10
No. 3 Cincinnati Country Day (9-1), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 6 vs. No. 11
No. 4 Beaver Eastern (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 5 vs. No. 12

No. 12 Fort Recovery (5-5) at No. 5 Cincinnati College Prep (8-2)
No. 11 Cedarville (5-5) at No. 6 Portsmouth Notre Dame (8-2)
No. 10 New Bremen (6-4) at No. 7 Ansonia (8-2)
No. 9 Minster (6-4) at No. 8 Sidney Lehman Catholic (9-1)

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

• Ohio’s Congressional map is now in the hands of the state’s redistricting commission. Hear from leaders on why the district boundaries could become the most gerrymandered in history.

• Two Democrats are facing off in the primary for Ohio’s 15th Congressional District.

“This is the most destructive Congress we’ve had,” candidate Adam Miller said. “It goes all the way back to the Johnson administration, Andrew Johnson administration.”

“If we can get down to the kitchen table, family issues that face most working families, I think we can see that this culture war that’s being waged in Washington is just a distraction,” candidate Don Leonard said.

Hear from both about why they should be sent to Washington.

• The government shutdown in Washington is entering its fourth week. Hear from Ohio’s lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

• Who will blink first, and how long can the government shutdown go on without devastating consequences? Democratic strategist Joe Rettof and Republican strategist Mike Gonidakis join the roundtable to focus on that as well as Ohio’s redistricting standoff.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes will go into November as the No. 1 team in the nation as it pushes towards a 12-0 regular season record.

Ohio State (7-0, 4-0), kept its No. 1 spot in the Week 10 Associated Press poll and USA Today coaches poll despite being on a bye Saturday. The Buckeyes will return to the field on Nov. 1 to host unranked Penn State at noon from Ohio Stadium.

Head coach Ryan Day's side is chasing its first undefeated 12-game regular season since 2019 and its first appearance in a Big Ten Championship Game since the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

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The chief rival for the Buckeyes in the Big Ten this year is No. 2 Indiana, who steamrolled UCLA 56-6 on Saturday in Bloomington. While Ohio State has one more ranked team on its schedule (No. 21 Michigan), Indiana will not play another ranked opponent this season.

Joining Ohio State in the rankings once again is Cincinnati (7-1, 5-0), who moved up to No. 17 as one of two Big 12 teams yet to lose in conference play.

2025 Associated Press rankings (Oct. 26, 2025) 1Ohio State (54)2Indiana (11)3Texas A&M (1)4Alabama5Georgia6Oregon7Ole Miss8Georgia Tech9Vanderbilt10Miami10BYU12Notre Dame13Texas Tech14Tennessee15Virginia16Louisville17Cincinnati18Oklahoma19Missouri20Texas21Michigan22Houston23USC24Utah25Memphis

The Buckeyes' projected opponent for the College Football Playoff using this week's rankings is the winner of a first-round game between No. 8 Georgia Tech and No. 9 Vanderbilt in a quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl.

The first official College Football Playoff rankings will be revealed on Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. The Buckeyes have opened as the No. 1 team in the CFP poll on two previous occasions (2023, 2019).

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Former Ohio State and New York Jets center Nick Mangold has died after complications from kidney disease. He was 41.

The Jets announced that Mangold, of Centerville, Ohio, died Saturday night a little more than one week after he announced he was in need of a kidney donation. He had been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2006 and began undergoing dialysis treatments in the summer. A previous story on Mangold can be seen in the video player above.

"Nick was more than a legendary center," said Jets Chairman Woody Johnson in a release. "He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick's wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family."

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After being a high school multi-sport star, Mangold played four seasons of college football at Ohio State as a center. He won the 2002 national title as a freshman and was later named a first-team All-American with the Buckeyes in 2005.

Ohio State football said in a statement: "The Ohio State football program is saddened by the news of Nick Mangold's passing and sends heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."

Mangold was selected with the 29th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Jets and stayed with them for his entire career. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler and an NFL first-team All-Pro center in 2009 and 2010, helping the Jets to two AFC Championship game appearances in those seasons.

Nick Mangold's life in photos

• COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 3: Center Nick Mangold #55 of the Ohio State Buckeyes gets set to snap the ball against the Miami (OH) Redhawks on September 3, 2005 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Miami (OH) 34-14. (Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images)
• Ohio State offensive lineman Nick Mangold stretches during practice Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2005, in Columbus, Ohio. Mangold, named this season as one of the team captains, is in his fourth season at center, playing in 33 games including 23 starts. When things go wrong for Ohio State's offense, the first people to be verbally attacked by fans and talk-radio callers are the offensive linemen. Based on the way things have gonethe past year or so, those critics have had a lot to complain about. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)
• ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 19: Nick Mangold #55 and A.J. Hawk #47 of Ohio State celebrate after defeating Michigan on November 19, 2005 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Buckeyes defeated the Wolverines 25-21. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)
• New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) and kicker Mike Nugent leave the field after beating the Oakland Raiders, 23-3, to make the playoffs during NFL football Sunday, Dec. 31, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
• New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) walks off the field with center Nick Mangold (74) after a 22-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
• New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) calls signals as he lines up behind center Nick Mangold (74) during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
• 
• New York Jets' Nick Mangold during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Jets, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Eagles beat the Jets 24-14. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
• New York Jets center Nick Mangold carries an American flag as he runs on to the field before an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Jets Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
• New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) looks on before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
• New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) of Team Rice during the NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014, in Honolulu. (Marco Garcia/ AP Images for NFL)
• Nick Mangold for the New York Jets and Chad Pennington are seen at the NFL draft eve party presented by Verizon on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 in New York. (Amy Sussman/AP Images for NFL)
• FILE - In this Jan. 22, 2015, file photo, New York Jets' Nick Mangold poses for a picture after a practice session at Luke Air Force Base for the NFL Football Pro Bowl, in Glendale, Ariz. Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold has announced his retirement from playing football after 11 seasons in which he established himself as one of the NFL's best at his position. The 34-year-old Mangold announced on Twitter on Tuesday morning, April 17, 2018, that he will sign a one-day contract with the Jets to retire as a member of the team.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
• Lian Taylor, 2, of Bayonne, N.J., sits on the lap of New York Jets center Nick Mangold, posing as Santa Claus during the team's holiday party for military families, Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, in Florham Park, N.J. The event, hosted by the Atlantic Health Jets Women's Organization, honored 18 military families. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
• Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump shakes hands with former Ohio State and NFL football player Nick Mangold as he arrives at the Wright Brothers Aero Hangar for a rally, Saturday, March 12, 2016, in Vandalia, Ohio. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
• New York Jets center Nick Mangold, holding his 3-year-old daughter, Eloise, officially retires during an NFL football news conference, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Florham Park, N.J. Mangold announced his retirement a week earlier in a post on Twitter. He was selected to seven Pro Bowls and was twice a first-team All-Pro during his 11-year career. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
• Former New York Jets player Nick Mangold during a ceremony to honor him during the halftime of an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
• Former New York Jets player Nick Mangold during a ceremony to honor him during the halftime of an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

He was inducted into the Jets’ ring of honor in 2022 after starting 164 games for the team from 2006 to 2016.

Mangold is survived by his wife Jennifer and their four children.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A Marion County special education teacher has been found guilty of assaulting a 6-year-old child with nonverbal autism.

According to the Marion County prosecutor, Jodi Grafmiller faces up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine at a future sentencing date after a jury convicted her of one count of assault, a fourth-degree felony. The charge stems from an October 2024 incident in which Grafmiller was accused of slapping a 6-year-old girl at Hayes Elementary School in Marion.

The prosecutor’s office reported that Grafmiller struck the girl after the child reportedly spit on her. As Grafmiller, 50, led students outside for recess, the victim, known to spit due to her nonverbal autism, spit on Grafmiller. In response, Grafmiller smacked the girl across the face, prosecuting attorneys said.

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A classroom aide witnessed the assault and urged Grafmiller to report it, leading to an investigation by Marion police.

Surveillance video was used during the trial, which included testimony that the child had spit on two other employees at the school who did not respond with physical violence.

Grafmiller was placed on administrative leave after the incident and no longer appears on a staff directory for Marion City Schools.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Police remain committed to solving a nine-year-old homicide in which a man was shot several times on the West Side.

David Lee Hodge was gunned down near the 200 block of Columbian Avenue at 8:45 p.m. on Oct. 27, 2016. At that time police responded to Hodge’s home, where he was found lying on the stairs and suffering from several gunshot wounds.

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According to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, it is alleged that multiple suspects broke out windows to enter the residence, where Hodge and a witness both attempted to confront the suspects before shots were fired. For previous reports on this story view the video player above.

All suspects fled the scene, police said, allegedly in a silver Nissan Rouge. Police said it is believed that Hodge, who was pronounced dead at a hospital, knew the suspects.

Nearly nine years later, the home invasion-murder of David Lee Hodge remains unsolved.

Crime Stoppers is once again asking for community assistance and 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-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio ranks among the states where residents are most burdened with student debt, according to a recent study. 

To determine the best and worst states for student debt, the personal finance company WalletHub compared all 50 states and Washington, D.C., across 12 metrics, including the average student debt, proportion of students with debt, unemployment rate among those aged 25 to 34, and availability of student jobs. 

The study, released in September, collected data from a variety of government agencies, nonprofit research organizations and private companies, such as the hiring platform Indeed.

Ohio ranked No. 10 among the worst states for student debt. The average amount of student debt represented about 42.01% of the state’s median income, marking the eight-highest rate in the country. The Buckeye State also saw the fifth-highest share of student loan borrowers aged 50 and older. 

Mississippi was the state where residents were the most burdened with student debt, according to the study. The average Mississippi resident with student loan debt owes 56% of the state's median income -- the highest rate in the country. The Magnolia State also had the fourth-worst availability of jobs to students and the second-lowest share of paid internships.

The full top 10 included:

1. Mississippi
2. New Hampshire
3. Pennsylvania
4. Delaware
5. South Dakota
6. South Carolina
7. Kentucky
8. West Virginia 
9. New Jersey
10. Ohio

Source: WalletHub

Hawaii ranked as the best state for student debt, seeing the third-lowest proportion of students with debt, and the second-lowest amount of student debt as a percentage of the median income. 

The Aloha State was followed by Utah, California, New Mexico, Washington State, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Nevada and Alaska.

WalletHub’s full study can be found here.

LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH) -- A historic Lancaster church will undergo a $4 million transformation to become "a dynamic mixed-use facility" with a co-working space, a makers kitchen and restaurant, and new retail opportunities.

The project will transform Mills Memorial Church at 402 N. Broad St., founded in 1898 and last used for worship in 2019. Backed by a $700,000 JobsOhio Vibrant Community Grant, the redevelopment aims to honor the nearly 125-year legacy of the church, "while creating a dynamic space that serves Lancaster's 40,000 residents," a news release said.

"The Mills Memorial Church has stood in Lancaster for well over a century, and I commend the community's vision and the partnerships created to renew and transform this historic structure," said Gov. Mike DeWine in the release. "The revitalization of the Mills Memorial church will serve future generations by restoring an important part of Lancaster's heritage while creating opportunities that will attract jobs and commercial activity downtown."

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Once completed, the building's co-working space will be Lancaster's first, the release said, while the makers kitchen will give food-based startups access to the tools and certifications they need to scale their operations. Alongside new retail and dining, "these additions will bring more activity downtown and create better opportunities for residents and visitors."

The redevelopment project marks a collaboration between Columbus-based real estate firm Trivium Development, the city of Lancaster, the Lancaster Port Authority, Destination Downtown Lancaster, One Columbus at the Columbus Partnership and JobsOhio.

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"We are thrilled to bring such an exciting project to Lancaster," said Tim Spencer, president of Trivium. "Revitalizing this historic church into a place for innovation, dining and community gathering is both a privilege and an opportunity to contribute to the city's momentum. We believe this space will quickly become a centerpiece for Lancaster's growing downtown."

A rendering of the redeveloped Mills Memorial Church at 402 N. Broad St. in Lancaster. (Courtesy Photo/The Columbus Partnership)

"Lancaster is on the rise," said Lancaster Mayor Don McDaniel. "By transforming this historic landmark into a hub for entrepreneurs and community activity, we are honoring our past while building a vibrant future."

It's unclear when the redevelopment will finish construction and reopen as the mixed-use facility.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One current and one former Crew player were suspended Saturday night by MLS.

Derrick Jones, a lightly used midfielder who joined the team in 2023 as a free agent, was suspended along with Los Angeles FC midfielder Yaw Yeboah, who left the Crew after last season. MLS described the action as "administrative leave pending league review of potential violations of MLS league rules."

"Both players will be prohibited from participating in team activities and competition during the respective reviews," the two-sentence statement concluded.

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Jones, 28, has appeared in only three games for the Crew this season, totaling four minutes of playing time with no other stats. Last season, he appeared in 20 games, including four starts, and recorded two assists. A native of Ghana, Jones has played in MLS since 2016.

According to the salary database provided by the MLS players' union, Jones is making $387,500 in guaranteed compensation this season.

Yeboah, 28, is also from Ghana, appearing in 17 MLS games this season for LAFC, with one goal and one assist. Last season with the Crew, he was a regular starter the first half of the season and recorded one goal. After the season, the team decided not to renew his contract.

Yeboah is making $550,000 this season with LAFC.

The suspension comes as the Crew is preparing to open the MLS playoffs. A series against FC Cincinnati begins Monday night on the road.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus Humane hosted a free one health clinic Saturday, giving people the opportunity to get themselves and their pets vaccinated.

The event was in partnership with OhioHealth and the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging. The clinic offered access to flu vaccines and core animal vaccines including rabies. The event also had free pet food, grocery cards and supplies from the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.

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Brittany Williams, Chief Advancement Officer of Columbus Humane says it was overwhelming to see how many people came to the event, but notes that this work is part of their mission for a reason.

"It's so important because it's needed. And people want to help their pets, they want to help their family. They want to help their family thrive, it's not just about surviving. It's how you can sustain and be able to thrive in your life," Williams said. "The very first person who was in line today got here at 6 a.m."

Organizers say they hope to continue events like this in the future whenever they must fill a need in the community.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Special Olympics Ohio held their state championship for flag football Saturday, highlighting teams from four regions across the state.

The teams competed in various matches throughout the day to eventually win gold. The games were livestreamed for the first time ever.

The event was held at the Bo Jackson Sports Facility bringing fans and families together to support these athletes. The event also provided access to health education for people with mental disabilities.

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Chad Highland of Special Olympics Ohio said the organization gives opportunities to those with disabilities. "Special Olympics is allowing people to do what they want to do and maybe even for sports. And so bringing all these athletes together to compete," Highland said. "The best part is seeing these athletes interacting with their friends."

Special Olympics Ohio is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- Black smoke rising in Dublin on Saturday afternoon raised alarm bells on social media.

But it was no cause for concern.

Posts began appearing on Reddit and Citizen of dark smoke rising near the northwest corner of Interstate 270, north of its interchange with U.S. 33 and State Route 161. The posts noted a large column of smoke and that there had no public information about reports of a fire.

NBC4 reached out to Dublin police and was told that the smoke was from a training fire.

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On Saturday morning, the Washington Township Fire Department, which serves parts of Dublin, posted on Facebook about the training fire in an empty residence on River Forest Road.

"Our crews will be participating in a live burn training exercise TODAY in Dublin. This notice is to inform residents that smoke may be visible in the area during the training," the post read. "Please note that this is a planned and controlled exercise, and our crews will be onsite ensuring all safety protocols are followed."

The post said that the first burn was scheduled for 9:30 a.m., with others to follow throughout the day.