Ohio
Cities across the state gear up to make the summer safe
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The summer heat can lead to an increase in violent incidents.
Last May, High street in Columbus experienced two different gun violence incidents on the same day.
11 guns were recovered from the scene and three police officers fired their weapons when responding. The Short North Alliance, along with Columbus Police and City Council, has organized a plan to try to make sure nothing like this happens again.
Those visiting the Short North this summer might notice an increase of officers patrolling the area on bicycles. These officers join the special unit that makes up the Short North Crime Interdiction Program.
Paid parking in the Short North has been extended until midnight. COTA has expanded their services until 11 p.m. and there are now 15 designated rideshare pickup zones that can be utilized from midnight to 4 a.m.
The Short North Alliance received a public safety grant of about $500,000. With these funds, they have extended and expanded their Short North Alliance Outreach Team.
“We’ve added hours of service available through the Short North ambassador team,” said Betsy Pandora, who serves as the executive director of the Short North Alliance. “Those are community members here that help provide safety services to our business owners and to patrons. Whether that’s escorting people to their vehicles when they’re leaving for the evening and more.”
Along with the ambassador program, patrons will notice cameras placed throughout the area.
“We’ve also seen a number of cameras be utilized as a way that we’re supporting safety in the community,” said Pandora. “Some of those are temporary cameras that are moved in fixed places. Some of them are permanently installed throughout the neighborhood that are all real time cameras that can be monitored as an added advantage to helping to support safety.”
Columbus isn’t the only city in Ohio that is gearing up for a safe and fun summer. Cleveland has called for “all hands on deck” to release a summer safety plan in the coming weeks after 10 incidents and three homicides last weekend. This will include things like street lights, trash collection, towing abandoned cars and more.
Cincinnati, on the other hand, is creating a plan to specifically address teen violence. Due to a shortage of about 200 officers, the city’s curfew team is asking parents to pay extra close attention to their children’s behavior this summer and enforce curfews of their own.
Why artists are dropping out of the Great American State Fair
Musicians cancel appearances at the Great American State Fair after questions over Freedom 250 and claims the July Fourth event is nonpartisan.
As several states pull out of the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., questions are coming up closer to home — Is Ohio still participating?
Massachusetts and North Carolina won’t participate in the fair, according to USA TODAY. Reports also indicate that Connecticut, Illinois, Maine and Oregon are also expected to skip the event, with some states citing a combination of financial and political concerns as reasons for opting out.
Here’s what we know about Ohio’s role in the event so far.
Is Ohio skipping the 2026 Great American State Fair?
Ohio has confirmed its participation with a booth titled “Ohio: The Heart of it All,” which showcases state parks and childhood development. The governor’s office began the planning process for the booth in February, shortly after the Great American State Fair was announced, said Lisa Peterson director of communications in the governor’s office.
The Great American State Fair, organized by Freedom 250, is a 16-day exposition that will be displayed on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10.
Additionally, Ohio will host a stop from the “Freedom Truck,” a traveling exhibit tied to Freedom 250. The exhibit will appear at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus. Organizers describe the Freedom Truck as a mobile museum that visits existing fairs and community events, not a version of the Great American State Fair itself.
When does the ‘Freedom Truck’ stop in Ohio?
The Freedom Truck is scheduled to be at the Ohio State Fair from July 27 through Aug. 10, 2026 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus.
The exhibit includes interactive and historical exhibits about the founding of the United States, according to organizers.
The mobile museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, with the final day closing at 6 p.m.
What is the Great American State Fair?
The Great American State Fair is a 16-day event planned for June 25 through July 10 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Organized by Freedom 250, the fair is part of a broader effort to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary with state exhibits, food, entertainment and cultural programming, according to USA TODAY.
President Donald Trump announced he will headline the Freedom 250‑organized Great American State Fair and hold an “America Is Back” rally, the publication reports.
America250 vs. Freedom 250: What’s the difference?
The Great American State Fair is part of Freedom 250, a Trump-backed initiative to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary.
That effort is different from America250, the official, congressionally-authorized program coordinating nationwide commemorations. Meanwhile, America 250‑Ohio, the Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial, is the official state-level partner to the national America250 effort.
The Ohio Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 23, 2026, results for each game:
Mega Millions
Mega Millions drawings take place every week on Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m.
48-51-60-63-66, Mega Ball: 20
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 3
Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.
Midday: 8-8-0
Evening: 2-0-5
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.
Midday: 7-2-9-0
Evening: 1-6-9-3
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 5
Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.
Midday: 2-9-2-5-7
Evening: 2-8-6-4-9
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Rolling Cash 5
Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at approximately 7:05 p.m.
03-09-22-37-39
Check Rolling Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Enquirer digital news director. You can send feedback using this form.
TEMPE, AZ – JANUARY 02: Head coach Jim Tressel of the Ohio State Buckeyes holds the football from the trophy after the Buckeyes defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Tostito’s Fiesta Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium on January 2, 2006 in Tempe, Arizona. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 34-20. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
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