Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Saturday will be the battle of the Ohio teams at Ohio Stadium as the Ohio Bobcats travel to Columbus to face the No. 1-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.

There is a strong Bobcat alumni network in central Ohio, and leaders of the network said the energy for this weekend is already high.

Katie Arnold, the president of the Central Ohio Bobcat Network, thinks a lot of the tailgating space at the Horseshoe will be covered in green. 

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The central Ohio alumni chapter is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, Bobcat networks in the country. 

“I'm pumped,” Arnold said. “We're just coming off this huge sellout game where we beat West Virginia. I mean, we are all high on adrenaline. And I'm so excited to see what we can bring to the Horseshoe against those Buckeyes.”

Arnold said that on Friday, the group will host its block party, an annual fundraiser at Combustion in Pickerington. She said it is kind of a pep rally to get everyone traveling for the game excited for Saturday. Then, on Saturday before the game, the Bobcat Bash, which is sold out, will take place.

“I think, this weekend, we're going to see a lot of green rolling around,” Arnold said.

Arnold said something that makes this network special is its proximity to Ohio University – “hOUme.”

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“Here in central Ohio, we're so close, so we can go back home, if you will, and visit any time we want, and that's kind of a really special place to be,” she said. “I think alumni is a huge term for a lot of people, but I feel like Ohio is forever, right, and so you get to be a part of that family for the rest of your life. And I think it's really special because I don't know many people that have the connections that we have as Bobcats.”

Arnold said the alumni network works hard to give back to both communities, holding the Bobcat Blitz for about a week, collecting donations for the Linden Community Center.

“So right now, we are asking people to donate toiletry items at a lot of our drop off locations,” she said. “So you can go to Bobcat Sports Bar in Grandview, you can go to Jackie O’s on Fourth, and go to Homage Short North.”

The last day to donate is Tuesday. The drop-off locations are:

• Combustion Brewery and Taproom Pickerington
• Combustion Brewery and Taproom Clintonville
• Jackie O’s on Fourth Brewery
• Bobcat Sports Bar
• Homage Easton Town Center
• Homage Short North
• Ohio University’s Dublin Integrated Education Center
• Konneker Alumni Center Athens

Arnold said the donations will be dropped off Thursday and members will spend time getting to know the community.

“So we will be also eating with them, doing line dancing, playing games to get more involved with our community,” Arnold said. 

Arnold described what it's like getting a group of Bobcats together.

Athenaeum Theatre’s owner cancels its shows at historic Columbus venue

“It's kind of dynamic and I would also say a little explosive, right?” she said. “Like everyone's talking about where they used to go eat and where did they go on Court Street, where did they live? What was their favorite item? Right? I like doing the multiple generations. I can be with a ‘20 grad and still be able to communicate and really connect with a ‘70s grad. So I think that is what we have outside of a lot of other places is it takes you can talk to anyone. It takes nothing and you're able to converse with everyone. So yeah, I do think it's a little explosive and a little nostalgic for everyone. “

She said she is hoping for an upset for Saturday's game.

Arnold said if you are not going to the actual game, there are plenty of bars around central Ohio that will be hosting viewing parties. For more information on places to watch the game, check out the alumni Facebook page by clicking here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Ohio Department of Aging hosted a town hall on Monday seeking community feedback as it aims to help Ohioans live longer, healthier lives.

The department hosted the event at Lifecare Alliance, with dozens of Ohioans, including caregivers, providers, and family members, all advocating for those seeking to age with dignity and autonomy.

It was the fifth of six town halls the department is hosting across the state. With the 60+ population expected to double globally by 2050, organizers said it's important they capture voices from all areas of Ohio. The feedback will be used to develop the state's 2027-2030 State Plan on Aging.

Among the potential concerns for Ohioans were better in-home care, transportation, and access to food.

"There's one thing to knowing what the data says, but there is quite another in sitting next to someone and hearing what their story is, knowing what they're challenges are, and then also hearing what their ideas are," Director of the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Katie White said. "That's what I think is so powerful, is yes we'll talk about challenges and needs here, but the best part is hearing the resiliency, hearing the ideas that folks have and how we can make things better."

Local partners and advocates like the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging said community members' needs vary by location, and the programs and services they provide aren't one-size-fits-all.

"What's happening in an urban area might be very different than what's happening in a rural area, right?” White said. “So again, these town halls, going across the state, are so crucial so that we make sure we hear the nuisances. We make sure that we're not just assuming we know what the challenges are, but really listening to the differences."

Among the programs provided by the Ohio Department of Aging are home and community-based, long-term support services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan.

For more information on those programs and services, visit the state’s Department of Aging by clicking here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The drummer of Columbus-based band Twenty One Pilots announced he and his wife are expecting.

Drummer Josh Dun and his wife, actress Debby Ryan, announced the pregnancy in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

"dun&dun +1," the post reads, accompanied by several photos showing the couple holding a pair of small checkered sneakers, a cartoon drawing of the couple, a sonogram picture, and more.

Athenaeum Columbus closing? Historic venue cancels all upcoming shows

The couple, who married in December 2019, reside in the greater Columbus area.

Twenty One Pilots, consisting of Dun and vocalist Tyler Joseph, is set to release its new album, Breach, on Friday. The band is set to kick off a U.S. tour on Sept. 18 with a sold-out show in Cincinnati; the tour is currently set to wrap up on Oct. 26 in Los Angeles.

Ryan, who starred in the Netflix series "Insatiable," is set to costar in the film "Famous" alongside Zach Efron and Bill Pullman.

This will be the couple's first child. No due date or gender was posted.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A slate of upcoming shows hosted by the owner of the Athenaeum Theatre in Columbus have been canceled.

TempleLive, an entertainment venue operator that owns the Athenaeum, has axed its lineup at the theatre through December. A statement on the company's website states, "there are currently no upcoming events," and links to Ticketmaster, which lists TempleLive's previously planned Athenaeum shows as canceled and states that ticketholders will receive refunds.

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However, a series of several other performances put on by Celebrity Etc Presents, a local concert organizer, are scheduled to go on as planned at the Athenaeum, including The Waterboys' North American Tour stop on Friday, An Evening with Geordie Greep on Sept. 18, and The Weight Band on Sept. 19.

TempleLive's cancellations come after the company acquired the Athenaeum in early 2024. The purchase added to the entertainment group's portfolio of Masonic buildings turned music venues, including in Cleveland; Wichita, Kansas; and Fort Smith, Arkansas. The company has canceled its shows in those cities as well, according to local news reports.

The Athenaeum Theatre at 32 N. Fourth St. in Columbus. (Franklin County Auditor's Office)

In a Sept. 5 interview with Arkansas outlet Talk Business & Politics, Lance Beaty, the CEO of TempleLive owner Beaty Capital, said "market power consolidation" has forced the company to begin sunsetting operations in its various cities.

"We are simply an outsider in an insider's business," Beaty said. "No matter how much money you throw at it or how creative you think you are, if you're not on the inside, you're not in."

Located at 32 N. Fourth St., the Athenaeum was constructed in 1896 as a Masonic Temple and underwent expansions in 1914 and 1934. In 1996, the building was purchased and renovated to include a new air conditioning system, paint, carpeting, and flooring to transform it into a premier Columbus event and wedding venue.

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When TempleLive acquired the historic venue last year, senior talent buyer Justin Bridgwater said the company aimed to bring 100 performances to the theatre each year.

"The Athenaeum's rich history and architectural beauty make it a notable venue in the Midwest," Bridgwater said in the 2024 announcement. "The Athenaeum will soon be a sought-after destination for popular artists from diverse genres."

The Athenaeum's upcoming TempleLive lineup included magician Jason Ladanye, paranormal investigator and writer Amy Bruni, rock band Screeching Weasel, and comedian Dan Soder.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly said all upcoming shows at the Athenaeum Theatre have been canceled.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A semi smashed into an overpass west of Downtown on Monday afternoon, leading to lane closures in the westbound lanes of Interstates 70 and 670.

According to Columbus police, the truck struck an overpass and lost part of its load. As of 1 p.m., lanes of I-70 and I-670 were being affected at their merge point, with police allowing traffic through as crew cleaned up the scene.

An NBC4 reporter passed and scene and submitted several photos.

• Traffic at Interstate 70 west of Interstate 670 in Columbus, Ohio, on Sept. 8, 2025. (Isabel Clearly / NBC4)
• Traffic at Interstate 70 west of Interstate 670 in Columbus, Ohio, on Sept. 8, 2025. (Isabel Clearly / NBC4)
• Traffic at Interstate 70 west of Interstate 670 in Columbus, Ohio, on Sept. 8, 2025. (Isabel Clearly / NBC4)
• Traffic at Interstate 70 west of Interstate 670 in Columbus, Ohio, on Sept. 8, 2025. (Isabel Clearly / NBC4)

Find live traffic conditions on NBC4i.com by following this link.

NBC4 Investigates' Isabel Cleary contributed to this story.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A herd of goats has wrapped up a landscaping gig at Antrim Park, and after a job well done, central Ohioans may get to see hoofed employees again in the future. 

After about three and a half weeks of landscaping work, 20 goats departed from the north Columbus park on Thursday. As part of a pilot project, the city contracted the animals through a local affiliate of Goats on the Go – a national organization that specializes in goat grazing – to remove invasive plants in a two-acre area.

Pickerington establishes Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area

“It was a success,” said Tina Mohn, a conservation administrator with the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. “The goats cleared the two acres that we hired them for, if you will. They tackled the invasive and noxious species that we were hoping for.” 

Among the invasive plants the goats removed were honeysuckle shrubs and poison ivy. In addition to benefiting the environment by removing the harmful species, the goats helped clear vegetation by the lake, creating a better view for park-goers, Mohn said. 

“They were able to reach places that we wouldn't have otherwise been able to safely, like steeper cliffs, in areas where we already have some erosion occurring at Antrim, around the lake,” Mohn said. “The goats were able to so nimbly go up and down the banks that would have been impossible to use equipment on and would have been tricky for humans to navigate.”

But Mohn said perhaps the best part of having the goats at Antrim Park was the community’s response to the project. She said visitors were “incredibly engaged” and “interested” in the furry employees.

“Folks took a minute to stop, pause, spend time in the community, engaged with each other, and I think that's really, really important,” she said. “You just can't put a price tag on something like that.”

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Goat grazing provides an alternative to using herbicides, which can kill non-target plants and harm wildlife. It can also provide another option besides heavy equipment, which can cause erosion, especially on sloped lands.

Many invasive plants reproduce by spreading seeds, but when goats graze on these plants, they hamper their ability to do so, according to Goats on the Go. Since the animals' stomachs kill most of the seeds they consume, there is a low risk of them spreading seeds through their manure. Additionally, goat manure is beneficial to the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer.  

“These invasive plants do really well in poor soil where our native plants don’t,” Tracy Chesney, an operator of the local goat grazing affiliate, said in a recent interview with NBC4. “So adding the fertilizer back into the ground really does, especially over repeated grazing, have a huge impact.”

The goats’ services at Antrim Park cost the city $4,100, which the department has called “much more cost-effective than other options.” Mohn said the agency is open to contracting the goats again, and is currently evaluating its budget and identifying which local parks might benefit.

“We're optimistic that we'll be doing this again in other park spaces,” Mohn said. “When that might be, we’re not sure yet.” 

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Despite a successful grazing, Mohn said the goats are not a “one and done” solution to controlling invasive plants at the park, and the department will continue to ensure the harmful species remain at bay through other treatments. 

As with mechanical removal or the use of herbicides, the targeted vegetation often grows back after goat grazing. Repeated grazing can, however, contribute to the long-term decline of unwanted plants.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Claire's, the accessories and jewelry retailer for tweens and teens, is shuttering more than a dozen Ohio stores, including a location inside the Mall at Tuttle Crossing.

In a court filing, Claire's listed more than 290 stores it plans to close after filing for bankruptcy in early August. In addition to the Tuttle Mall shop at 5043 Tuttle Crossing Blvd., the retailer is shuttering its Tanger Outlet Columbus location at 400 S. Wilson Road and the following 11 Ohio storefronts:

• 1075 N. Bridge St. in Chillicothe.
• 43 E. Kemper Road in Cincinnati.
• 2700 Miamisburg-Centerville Road in Dayton.
• 270 Dayton Mall in Dayton.
• 1500 N. Clinton St. in Defiance.
• 8431 Old Troy Pike in Huber Heights.
• 3100 Main St. in Maumee.
• 2727 Edmondson Road in Norwood.
• 1618 N. Bechtle Ave. in Springfield.
• 5001 Monroe St. in Toledo.
• 3985 Burbank Road in Wooster.

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Claire's other central Ohio locations in Easton Town Center, Polaris Fashion Place, Reynoldsburg, and Marysville will remain open.

The retailer joins several other national brands that have closed their locations inside the struggling Tuttle Mall. Clothing brand H&M, who was the largest tenant on the mall's second floor, shuttered their location in 2024. Youth apparel and accessory shop The Children's Place also closed its location on the first floor.

JCPenney announced earlier this year the department's store's Tuttle Mall location has been listed for sale.

The Mall at Tuttle Crossing was home to several atypical tenants last fall, like a travel baseball group that took over a 7,000-square-foot space inside the Dublin mall to use as an indoor training facility. Endeavor Theater, a local organization producing original plays, rented out a space to put on a play.

The tenants joined the mall after Tuttle Crossing's sale to three New York investment firms -- Namdar Realty Group, CH Capital Group and Mason Asset Management -- who purchased the mall in 2023 for $19.5 million, according to the county auditor's office. The acquisition was far below the auditor's appraised value of the site, $49.7 million.

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Tuttle Crossing is one of about more than 100 retail properties owned by Namdar Realty Group and Mason Asset Management, named as "prolific real-estate partners" who operate struggling shopping districts after purchasing them for cheap, according to a profile by The Wall Street Journal.

Other additions included pet store Pawsome Pups, printed products shop Custom Gifts, toy store Adorn'n Amaze, and smoke and vape shop Smokers World. Mall manager Steve Hinkle said in a statement at the time that Tuttle Crossing "is committed to being a community-oriented mall and there have been a number of new stores and businesses interested in being part of the mix."

MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) — One person is dead and another was hospitalized with serious injuries after a fiery head-on collision in Union County over the weekend.

According to the Union County Sheriff's Office, emergency calls were received just after 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning, when reports of a two-vehicle crash were received. Deputies and other emergency personnel arrived near the intersection of State Route 31 and Miller Road, approximately 14 miles north of Marysville in Union County.

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One vehicle, a 2023 Jeep Renegade, was fully engulfed in flames, while another vehicle, a 2009 Honda Civic, was totaled from crash damage.

Emergency crews from The Northern Union County Fire and EMS District, Northwestern Joint Fire District and the Marysville Fire Department extinguished the fire and pulled out the driver of the Jeep. That person was taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to a Columbus-area trauma center. The driver of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene and has not yet been identified.

• One person is dead after a fiery head-on collision in Union County, Aug. 6, 2025. (Courtesy/Union County Sheriff's Office)
• One person is dead after a fiery head-on collision in Union County, Aug. 6, 2025. (Courtesy/Union County Sheriff's Office)

An investigation revealed that the Honda was traveling southbound on State Route 31, while the Jeep was heading north, before crossing the center line and colliding with the Honda. The Sheriff’s Office does not yet know whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash, or what specifically led to the fatal collision.

The Sheriff’s Office, along with multiple Union County and Marysville area agencies assisted at the scene and the crash remains under investigation.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced on Monday it welcomed a new baby bonobo last month.

The yet-to-be-named baby boy was born on Aug. 11 to first-time mom Kibbi, the zoo announced on social media. The newborn is the 18th bonobo welcomed into the zoo's bonobo habitat, "a milestone moment for our zoo and for bonobo conservation," the post said.

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"Both Kibibi and her baby are healthy and doing well. While it took Kibibi a little time to adjust to motherhood, she's showing wonderful care and attentiveness to her son," the zoo said. "In bonobo society, male offspring often remain with their mothers for life, forming strong lifelong bonds."

• The yet-to-be-named baby boy was born on Aug. 11 to first-time mom Kibbi. (Courtesy Photo/Columbus Zoo and Aquarium)
• The yet-to-be-named baby boy was born on Aug. 11 to first-time mom Kibbi. (Courtesy Photo/Columbus Zoo and Aquarium)

Kibbi is the daughter of another bonobo named Kimia who was born at the Columbus Zoo in 1997. Kimia is the granddaughter of Susie and Jimmy, two other bonobos who still live at the zoo, the social media post said. That makes the new baby bonobo the great-grandson of Susie and Jimmy.

The zoo said it won't know the baby boy's father until paternity testing is completed in the coming months.

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"Every bonobo birth is a vital step toward protecting and preserving this incredible endangered species," the post said. "These births not only support global conservation efforts but also help maintain a strong assurance population for bonobos in their native ranges."

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) – The City of Pickerington has established a district where residents and visitors can order alcoholic beverages to go and drink them outside.

On Sept. 2, Pickerington City Council approved a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, where anyone 21 or older can purchase alcohol from participating businesses and consume it while walking within the district's boundaries. 

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The DORA encompasses 52 acres in Olde Pickerington Village, and is generally contained by Reynolds Avenue and Wes Borland Street to the north, Park Alley to the south, North East Street to the east and Hill Road to the west. At least 18 signs will be posted around the DORA to alert people to its boundaries, according to the city. 

(Photo courtesy/City of Pickerington)

The DORA went into effect immediately after the city council's approval, according to the legislation, and is active from noon to 10 p.m. daily.

The branded cups used in the Arena District DORA. Pickerington has yet to reveal what its cups look like.

As required by Ohio law, businesses offering alcoholic beverages in accordance with the DORA must serve drinks in plastic containers with specific branding. The state does not allow people to bring their own alcohol into a DORA. 

Ohio also requires city councils to evaluate their DORAs every five years to either approve their continued operation or dissolve them, which puts Pickerington’s review in September 2030. However, city councils may dissolve a DORA at any time. 

Establishments in the Pickerington drinking area that may decide to participate include Combustion Brewery and Taproom, Bob’s Backyard Barbeque and a Local Cantina that is currently under construction. 

Retailers that do not participate may choose whether to allow drinks inside their establishments, and typically display window signage specifying their rules. Patrons are generally barred from taking a drink purchased at one DORA participant’s establishment onto another participant’s premises. 

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The Pickerington Police Department, which has six officers working on the average shift, will help maintain public safety within the DORA, the legislation states. Still, those hosting special events within the district may be required to pay special duty officers if necessary to ensure safety. 

Ohio legalized designated outdoor drinking areas in 2015, and they have since spread to more than 150 locations across the state. The programs are approved by local legislative bodies, such as city council or township trustees.

Pickerington is joining several other central Ohio areas that have a DORA in place, including Bexley, Downtown Columbus, Dublin, Gahanna, Grove City, the Arena District, Hilliard, Worthington, Powell, Westerville and Reynoldsburg.

WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Fox in the Snow, a central Ohio coffee shop and bakery home to an egg sandwich named "one of the best breakfasts" in the nation, is readying to open its fifth café.

The new location at 79 S. State St. in Westerville will begin welcoming coffee enthusiasts in early October, owner Jeff Excell announced on social media. The coffee shop is taking over the space most recently home to fast-casual sushi eatery Fusian, which abruptly closed last year, along with a Dublin location as the brand shuttered "COVID-era stores."

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"We're super excited about being here, especially in Westerville," Excell said in the video announcement. "We're really close. We're starting to put in furniture in here and do our finishing touches before we start training our staff. We're opening in early October."

Fox's new storefront will mark the brand's fifth central Ohio location. The coffee shop and bakery's first location opened in 2014 at 1031 N. Fourth St., followed by expansion in German Village in 2018, New Albany in 2019 and historic Dublin in 2023. Excell said the Westerville store will be managed by a longtime barista from the Fourth Street shop.

"He knows all about how to make everyone feel welcome and be part of a neighborhood," Excell said. "There's always like kind of a push and a pull. Everybody wants you to stay small and then also everyone wants you to be in their neighborhood, and so we really want to serve both of those things and make it still feel very special."

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Fox's menu boasts a list of hot and iced beverages, including cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, drip coffee, pour-over coffee, hot chocolate, chai and more.

• Fox's new Westerville café will begin welcoming guests in late summer. (Courtesy Photo/David Powers)
• Fox's new Westerville café will begin welcoming guests in late summer. (Courtesy Photo/David Powers)
• Fox's new Westerville café will begin welcoming guests in late summer. (Courtesy Photo/David Powers)
• Fox's new Westerville café will begin welcoming guests in late summer. (Courtesy Photo/David Powers)
• Fox's new Westerville café will begin welcoming guests in late summer. (Courtesy Photo/David Powers)
• Fox's new Westerville café will begin welcoming guests in late summer. (Courtesy Photo/David Powers)

A series of baked goods are also available, like the souffled egg sandwich named by Food & Wine as one of the best breakfasts in the nation. Ham and white cheddar baguette sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, banana bread, blueberry scones, brownies and blondies round out the offerings.

All Fox locations are open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The U.S. men's national soccer team will look to regain its form in the place it has always found success: Columbus.

The USMNT will be in Columbus on Tuesday to face Japan at 7:30 p.m. in a pre-World Cup exhibition at Lower.com Field. It is the first time the team plays in central Ohio in over three years.

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Mauricio Pochettino's side will play a handful of friendly matches over the next few months to prepare for next summer's World Cup. Japan poses another difficult test for a team that is looking to beat a top-25 FIFA ranked team.

Here is what to know about Tuesday's match.

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Since Pochettino took over as coach, the team has a 10-7 record and has lost six straight games against nations ranked in the top-25 by FIFA. Most recently, the U.S. fell to South Korea 2-0 in Harrison, New Jersey, on Saturday in front of a crowd where the majority were pulling for the Koreans.

Despite making the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where it fell to Mexico, the U.S.' winning form against non-World Cup caliber teams in the region has yet to translate in these friendlies with more tough matches to come.

Stars like Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Folarin Balogun are joined by a roster consisting of numerous MLS players looking to make an impression towards a World Cup roster spot. Among those MLS players in the squad are two from the Columbus Crew: Max Arfsten and Sean Zawadzki. Both will hope the USMNT's good luck charm of Columbus comes through.

Columbus and the national team's love affair

Tuesday will be the 15th game for the U.S. men's team in Columbus. The trips to central Ohio began 25 years ago when the team played Costa Rica at Historic Crew Stadium before the Crew's old stadium became the unofficial home of the U.S.-Mexico rivalry.

In five matches against Mexico at Historic Crew Stadium, the U.S. won four times 2-0, coining Columbus games as "Dos A Cero" in soccer lore. That form has translated into Lower.com Field, with the U.S. winning twice in CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers.

The city has always been among those that brings a majority U.S. crowd for games, but Tuesday marks a first. No Asian men's team has ever played in Columbus, and this Japan team is among the best the U.S. has ever faced in the city.

What to know about Japan

The Samurai Blue sit 17th in the FIFA rankings going into their game against the Americans. The team is fresh after a 0-0 tie in Oakland, California, against Mexico, extending Japan's unbeaten run to five games.

Japan was available to play in a friendly after it was the first team to clinch qualification into the World Cup back in March. One of the Asian powerhouses, Japan has been able to put together multiple great performances at World Cups, most recently winning its 2022 group with wins over Spain and Germany before falling in the Round of 16.

Expectations will be higher for this team in 2026 with the expansion to 48 teams, giving Japan an even better chance to advance in the tournament. The match is also perfect to give the USMNT a chance to see the caliber of opponents it likely will face in the group stages of the World Cup.

Talent is also vast for this side with multiple players that play consistenly for European clubs like captain Wataru Endo of Liverpool, Brighton forward Kaoru Mitoma, and striker Ayase Ueda of Feyenoord.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- While lucky players in Missouri and Texas are taking home the $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot, one person in Columbus did purchase a winning ticket.

A spokesperson with the Ohio Lottery said that one of the many $1 million winning tickets was sold in central Ohio. The auto-pick ticket was sold at Hudson Express Carryout in East Linden. It was one of two $1 million winning tickets sold in the Buckeye State.

Other $1 million winning tickets were sold in 12 other states while the two $5 million tickets were sold in Kansas and Texas. Of course, those tickets give out slim pickings compared to the jackpot ones, that will total $1.8 billion, the second-largest U.S. lottery jackpot in history.

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The estimated $1.8 billion jackpot would go to a winner who opts to receive 30 payments over 29 years through an annuity. Winners almost always choose the game’s cash option, which for Saturday night’s drawing would be an estimated $826.4 million.

The Powerball jackpot is down to $20 million with a cash value of $9.2 million. The next drawing is late Monday night.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The priciest home in Franklin County in August went for $3.25 million, and Delaware County's most expensive home sold for $1.8 million.

New Albany dominated the high end of the real estate market in Franklin County in August, with several homes selling for more than $2 million. Leading the pack was a property at 3818 Purdey Court in New Albany, which sold for $3.25 million on Aug. 4. Other notable New Albany sales included 7347 Lambton Park Road at $3 million and 7100 Armscote End at $2.825 million.

Powell also saw significant real estate activity, with five of the top 10 Delaware County sales happening in the city. Dublin came in at No. 2 on the list, with three homes selling for more than $1.2 million in August.

NBC4 analyzed property sale records from the auditors’ offices of Franklin and Delaware counties, focusing on single-family dwellings to exclude sales of apartments, duplexes, or unrelated land purchases.

Franklin County August top sales

1. This house at 3818 Purdey Ct. in New Albany sold for $3,250,000 on Aug. 4.

3818 Purdey Ct., New Albany (Photo Courtesy/ Franklin County Auditor)

2. This house at 7347 Lambton Park Rd. in New Albany sold for $3,000,000 on Aug. 13.

7347 Lambton Park Rd., New Albany (Photo Courtesy/ Franklin County Auditor)

3. This house at 7100 Armscote End in New Albany sold for $2,825,000 on Aug. 8.

7100 Armscote End, New Albany (Photo Courtesy/ Franklin County Auditor)

4. This house at 4991 Yantis Dr. in New Albany sold for $2,250,000 on Aug. 18.

4991 Yantis Dr., New Albany (Photo Courtesy/ Franklin County Auditor)

5. This house at 450 N. Columbia Ave. in Bexley sold for $2,000,000 on Aug. 5.

450 N. Columbia Ave., Bexley (Photo Courtesy/ Franklin County Auditor)

6. This house at 2131 Sheringham Rd. in Upper Arlington sold for $2,000,000 on Aug. 26.

2131 Sheringham Rd., Upper Arlington (Photo Courtesy/ Franklin County Auditor)

7. This house at 4318 Lyon Dr. in Upper Arlington sold for $1,550,000 on Aug. 5.

4318 Lyon Dr., Upper Arlington (Photo Courtesy/ Franklin County Auditor)

8. This house at 4249 Vaux Link in New Albany sold for $1,530,000 on Aug. 25.

4249 Vaux Link, New Albany (Photo Courtesy/ Franklin County Auditor)

9. This house at 2402 Southway Dr. in Upper Arlington sold for $1,505,000 on Aug. 15.

2402 Southway Dr., Upper Arlington (Photo Courtesy/ Franklin County Auditor)

10. This house at 233 Preston Rd. in Columbus sold for $1,500,000 on Aug. 6.

233 Preston Rd., Columbus (Photo Courtesy/ Franklin County Auditor) Delaware County August top sales

1. This home at 10202 Concord Rd. in Dublin sold for $1,825,000 on Aug. 5.

10202 Concord Rd., Dublin (Photo Courtesy/ Delaware County Auditor)

2. This home at 2443 Shepherd Ct. in Powell sold for $1,720,000 on Aug. 11.

2443 Shepherd Ct., Powell (Photo Courtesy/ Delaware County Auditor)

3. This home at 6545 Steitz Rd. in Powell sold for $1,500,000 on Aug. 8.

6545 Steitz Rd., Powell (Photo Courtesy/ Delaware County Auditor)

4. This home at 5124 Reserve Dr. in Dublin sold for $1,500,000 on Aug. 18.

5124 Reserve Dr., Dublin (Photo Courtesy/ Delaware County Auditor)

5. This home at 4078 Rutherford Rd. in Powell sold for $1,426,418 on Aug. 13.

4078 Rutherford Rd., Powell (Photo Courtesy/ Delaware County Auditor)

6. This home at 7821 Genova Dr. in Galena sold for $1,230,346 on Aug. 20.

7821 Genova Dr., Galena (Photo Courtesy/ Delaware County Auditor)

7. This home at 4800 Deer Run Rd. in Dublin sold for $1,225,000 on Aug. 25.

4800 Deer Run Rd., Dublin (Photo Courtesy/ Delaware County Auditor)

8. This home at 1375 Briarcliffe Dr. in Powell sold for $1,175,000 on Aug. 7.

1375 Briarcliffe Dr., Powell (Photo Courtesy/ Delaware County Auditor)

9. This home at 3873 Carter's Corner Rd. in Sunbury sold for $1,130,000 on Aug. 21.

3873 Carter's Corner Rd., Sunbury (Photo Courtesy/ Delaware County Auditor)

10. This home at 1488 Brittingham Ln. in Powell sold for $1,120,000 on Aug. 14.

1488 Brittingham Ln., Powell (Photo Courtesy/ Delaware County Auditor)

NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) -- Survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein called out Ohio's richest man by name last week when they pushed for justice.

Speaking on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, survivors requested more transparency and consequences for the system that allowed Epstein to sexually exploit underage girls. The speech came after the release of 33,000 pages of Epstein files, and NBC4 combed through them to investigate Epstein's ties to Ohio.

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A survivor mentioned Les Wexner, L Brands founder and the billionaire credited with New Albany's transformation, by name during last week's news conference. A reporter asked if any of the survivors had spoken with Wexner, referencing the financial relationship he had with Epstein from the mid-1980s until Wexner severed ties in 2007. Survivors shook their heads to indicate they did not interact with him personally, and survivor Annie Farmer stepped forward to say more.

"When people say, you know, ‘Share names,’ there are names that are very well-known, like that of Les Wexner, who everyone knows supplied an enormous amount of Epstein’s financial wealth and allowed this operation to happen," Farmer said.

Farmer's sister, Maria Farmer, said she was sexually assaulted by Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell in 1996 at a home in New Albany. Maria was unable to attend the news conference, but Annie read a statement on her behalf, alleging Epstein, Maxwell and others assaulted them and "held her captive at Wexner's estate."

"It’s, I think, confusing to many of us why there have not been more ramifications for him (Wexner) and he’s been seen as a victim when clearly I believe there’s more to it,” Annie Farmer said.  

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The Farmer sisters refer to the home as Wexner's, and the house was close to Wexner's New Albany home. However, court records show Epstein bought the property from Wexner in 1992 and transferred it back to Wexner in 1998.

In May, Maria filed a lawsuit against the United States, alleging the FBI and Department of Justice were negligent when she brought the story of her Ohio assault to them in 1996. Wexner has long denied any involvement or knowledge of the Farmer sisters' assault or Epstein's other crimes.

NBC4 looked into the thousands of files released last week, although many of them were already public knowledge. They included Maxwell's testimony that "Epstein ran New Albany" and her comments about Epstein and Wexner's relationship, which were already public record. They also included known ledgers from the New Albany Company, missed phone calls from Wexner and his wife, Abigail, and a mention from Maxwell of a wealthy Ohio woman who was another of Epstein's clients.

House Democrats said only about 3% of the documents released last week were new, although the files do not include any clarification as to what has been made public prior. Much of the new evidence appears to be flight records, and there is some video footage that was previously unreleased.

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The new flight logs did not reveal many details about who joined Epstein on the flights, blocking out all identifiable information outside of gender and whether they were a passenger or crew member. NBC4's review included these new documents, around 1,000 in all, but they detailed international flights that largely did not pertain to central Ohio.

Members of Congress from both parties are circulating a discharge petition that would force a floor vote on whether to require the Justice Department to release all Epstein files to Congress. At the press briefing, survivors said they may publish their own list of names in the near future. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky) said the Epstein estate will also begin producing evidence on Monday.

A spokesperson for the Wexner family did not respond to NBC4's request for comment. Inclusion in the files and discussions about Epstein does not equate a connection with anything illegal.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- We are still a few weeks away from the true start of leaf peeping season here in Ohio. Right now, though, you may have noticed that many trees are starting to show signs of color, or dropping some leaves. This is actually due to stress from our dry weather.

See the latest forecast from Storm Team 4 in the video player above.

Currently, most of the state is under "abnormally dry" conditions. In fact, almost a third of the state is now under what is considered a "moderate drought." What we are noticing already is the product of almost five-plus weeks of very dry weather, putting some heavy stress on the trees.

When do we normally expect peak colors in Ohio?

Color changes will start to occur later this month, but will generally peak in the state next month, with the earliest peak in the northern part of the state in the first third of October. Now, areas very close to Lake Erie will generally be slightly delayed by a week or so due to proximity to the lake, which can keep nights a little warmer.

Once you get into the bulk of central Ohio, we are generally in the "mid-October" range for peak leaf colors in our parks. The southern part of the state will see this peak change the latest, with that generally occurring in the last week and a half of October.

What could cause shifts in leaf colors?

Temperature and precipitation are the two main driving factors of leaf changes. It is wild to look back at past seasons and see how many years we talked about dry or drought conditions impacting the early start, or the muted forecasts for a season.

Also, we have had seasons that have started late due to nearly ideal conditions that extended our leaf peeping season into early November.

As the seasons change, the longer nights (periods of darkness) cause the leaves to go through a process that slowly cuts off the chemicals in the leaves that give them the green color, and allows them to trap chemicals that keep the brilliant colors we look for.

This occurs until the veins in the leaves get cut off from fluids being transferred, and the leaf then is ready to fall.

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So temperature, precipitation, and even the winds could have an impact on the brilliance of the colors, and when they occur, and for how long they stick around. Most of us can remember a time or two in the fall when the colors are starting to look awesome, then a strong cold front comes along and brings some rough winds that strip a lot of leaves off the trees.

While we are seeing stress on some trees, others seem to be fine. That has a lot to do with the type of tree, the location, and the soil moisture content. If you remember last year, we had dry conditions in August, very dry conditions in September, but our fall leaf peeping season wasn't that bad.

While the forecast for the next couple of weeks does call for temperatures to swing back to more seasonal levels, if not a bit warmer than normal, the forecast also calls for much better chances for below-normal precipitation as well. Given that we will continue to see dry to moderate drought conditions and the lower sun angle, this generally means big swings in temperatures most days.

So overall, I would expect mid-September to continue with cool mornings, mild to warm afternoons, and drier than normal conditions. The soil moisture below the scorched top layer could have enough moisture deep down, given our more consistent rains in June and July. We might end up having the perfect ingredients this season for vibrant peak colors for leaf peeping this fall.

We will continue to keep a close eye on the weekly fall leaf updates from our state parks, and update the forecasts for the fall season.

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- A top Ohio civil liberties group says Dublin City Schools restricted a student's free speech when she was prohibited from carrying out her project about transgender activism, raising "serious First Amendment concerns."

In an August letter to Dublin schools Superintendent John Marschhausen, the ACLU of Ohio argues Dublin Jerome High School administrators unlawfully constrained senior Corinne Embi last May when she was completing her final assignment for a women's studies class. The group cited Tinker v. Des Moines, a 1969 U.S. Supreme Court case that said students don't "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech" at the school door.

"Public schools may not restrict student expression merely because they disagree with it or find the message controversial," said ACLU of Ohio senior staff attorney Amy Gilbert in a statement. "It has been well established that school censorship of political speech and viewpoint discrimination are unconstitutional under the First Amendment."

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The ACLU is urging Marschhausen to review policies governing student expression, to ensure "your school officials respect the constitutional rights of all students."

In a statement, a Dublin schools spokesperson said the district is "aware of the concerns raised by the ACLU regarding a recent situation involving a student's right to free expression."

"Dublin City Schools is firmly committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all students, including their right to expression," the statement said. "We take these concerns seriously and are reviewing our current practices and policies to ensure they align with the law and uphold the rights of every student in our district."

Students in the women's studies course were to create an action plan addressing "a current social, political or economic issue facing women." The ACLU said Embi's project on trans issues, which was approved by the class teacher, examined the rise of related legislation at the Ohio Statehouse, like a recent law banning certain medical treatment for youth.

"I've been very much hurt by this anti-trans legislation, and I've been hurt by the rampant transphobia that's been, like, growing," Embi said in a previous NBC4 interview. "And like in young men, especially, it's just made for a very uncomfortable high school experience for me."

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Looking to take the project beyond the classroom, Embi organized a show of support for the trans community where students and faculty could come to school dressed in pink, white and blue -- the colors of the trans Pride flag. She also planned to hold a teach-in after the school day to talk about the legislation and "action people could take in response," the ACLU said.

The senior received approval in late April to post flyers advertising the show of support and teach-in, both set to occur on May 9. However, on or around May 1, school officials took down the flyers and told Embi she could no longer host the teach-in on school grounds or organize the pink, white and blue day given "the district's policy for limiting disruption through demonstration."

Embi moved to distribute "trans wristbands" to other students, a request also denied because the bracelets weren't "related to current course of study." She was then told on or about May 9 that she could no longer present her trans issue project to the class -- a decision that impacted all students in the course, as the presentation component of the assignment was removed from the rubric.

In a statement at the time, Dublin schools said "concerns raised were not about the content of the [Embi's] project, but rather the distribution of promotional materials throughout the school prior to completing the required approval process."

"The promotional flyers were distributed before the necessary steps were completed. LGBTQ+ student organizations across our district regularly promote events and activities without issue by following these same procedures," the May statement said. "Regarding the project presentation, it is our understanding that the presentation component was removed from the rubric for all students in the class."

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The district noted Embi and other students were later permitted to wear shirts and bracelets "as a form of peaceful expression, without restriction or interference from school administrators."

Ultimately, Embi reserved a meeting room at a local library to present the project. The ACLU contends the school district "exceeded its constitutional authority" in prohibiting Embi from distributing the wristbands and presenting her project.

"The school's motive in doing so was clearly in response to an anticipation of potential discomfort or controversy over Corrine's transgender activism project," Gilbert wrote in the letter. "If the purpose of an official's act is to effect viewpoint discrimination, it is subject to strict scrutiny even if the act is facially neutral."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person is in critical condition after a reported shooting in the Hilltop section of Columbus Sunday night.

According to a Columbus police dispatcher, the shooting happened on the 300 block of North Ogden Avenue at approximately 9 p.m.

The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Police have not said what led to the shooting and there is no suspect information available.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – As November’s election draws closer, candidates for Columbus City Council and Columbus City Schools Board of Education ramp up their campaigns, with all candidates taking part in a debate Sunday afternoon at Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center.

Hosted by Columbus Stand Up, the debate featured both candidates for Columbus City Council in the first session, followed by all six candidates for Columbus City Schools Board of Education in the second session.

The debate was organized and marketed for young voters with a goal of inviting more youth to get involved in the local elections process, starting by becoming well-informed on the candidates and the issues.

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"I think it's very important for us students, especially, to just be out there and like, you know, be involved because a lot of things apply to us as well, because, you know, obviously when we grow older, these things are going to matter," Fort Hayes junior Yaretzi Lucero-Buitron said. 

"It's amazing to have such a youthful crowd,” Carter Robinson, from the local chapter of Black Men Build and a presenter at the debate, said. “It's good to have impressionable minds.”

Columbus Stand Up has long worked to make the political process more accessible for working class citizens, and the organization is putting the same mission to work with young people.

Intern and organizer of Sunday's debate, Karina Burck, is a senior at Ohio State University.

"I'm actually shocked at how many, like, people under 25 have showed up,” she said. “I didn't honestly expect as many youth to show up as they have.”

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The turnout on Sunday surpassed the turnout from a similar debate held last year.

Burck will soon graduate from Ohio State and hopes to use her experience as an intern with Columbus Stand Up to get more young people involved and informed.

"We are the ones that are the torches getting passed to,” Burck said. “We are the ones that will be engaged in our political ecosystem for the longest like projected, longest time currently. Obviously, like, we're the youngest ones taking on this new role, so getting us engaged early and getting us, yeah, getting us hooked early is really important because we will then want to keep engaging throughout the rest of our lives. I'm really just trying to find my role in the world in, like, the best way that I can help improve and push society forward to, like, become better people here.”

A number of student volunteers lined the streets heading into Fort Hayes and greeted people at the entrance. These volunteers helped people sign in, find resource tables set up in the hallway, and helped people driving by find parking and where the auditorium was located. 

"I just want to see, like, put myself out there and like, you know, engage with my community a little bit more and see what issues are trying to cover what's happening in running my community," Fort Hayes senior Marilyn Lucero said.

NBC4's Kyle Beachy moderated the City Council portion of the debate. Candidates were asked questions about affordable housing, homelessness, education, public safety, transportation, governance, and more.

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"Those issues directly affect us,” Lucero said. “So, being knowledgeable about those issues and, you know, like once we are eligible to vote, we can like help. You know, those students are like directly affected by those issues.”

The young high schoolers who are not even old enough to vote yet believe young people don't get involved enough in local elections and politics.

"I feel like a lot of people are just kind of scared, honestly, about just kind of reaching out and asking these questions, and I also think that just people don't feel like it matters to them as much because it doesn't apply to them,” Lucero-Buitron said.

They both recognize the need to be informed, and the need to hear voices other than their own.

"Not everyone is like me and so hearing their perspective about these things is just like, you know, it just opens up new worlds to me, and I feel like, you know, just being aware of what's around me is really important," Lucero-Buitron said.

Three CCS Board of Education members will be elected out of the six candidates. One new City Council member will be elected among the two candidates. Election day is Nov. 4. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 6, 2025. Early and mail-In voting begins on Oct. 7.

NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) -- More than a thousand people walked in the 21st annual New Albany Walking Classic on Sunday morning.

It’s hosted by the nonprofit Healthy New Albany and organizers said it’s the largest walking-only race in the country. All of the proceeds went towards programming at Healthy New Albany.

“Healthy New Albany runs the food pantry, the farmers market, the community garden and we offer healthy lifestyle programming,” said Rachel Haugk, executive director of Healthy New Albany.

People of all ages and fitness levels walked. While it brought some fierce competition, it was also a way to give back. Haugk said it comes as the food pantry is more in need than ever.

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“The food pantry is serving about 450 families in our community right now. That equates to about 1,500 individuals. 30% of them are children. Last year alone, we served 220,000 meals and it’s looking like it will be even higher this year as individuals are facing higher rates of food insecurity across the country,” she said.

The food pantry is stuck with meeting a growing demand while resources are shrinking. They are a partner of the Mid-Ohio Food Bank which was hit by a $3 million reduction over the next two years in the state budget.

All of their partners are now seeing a decrease in shipments. Local food pantries have had to get creative to keep their shelves stocked. This race was Healthy New Albany’s way of keeping the pantry afloat. “It also raises awareness of the need and how the community can support the food pantry,” Haugk said.

Find a list of the most needed items and other ways to help here.