Good morning, Ohio. Here's what you need to know today.
The Big Story
Key States Continue Vote Counts in Presidential Election
As Election Day drew to a close, one thing was clear — we, the people, were not going to learn who won the 2020 presidential election on Tuesday.
With millions of votes still yet to be counted in key states, including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Nevada, and Wisconsin, the race for the White House between President Donal Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden looks to be a close one.
Your Weather Planner
It is back to sunshine as we wrap up with week with temperatures soaring back into the lower 70s in most locations. You likely won't need the jacket over the weekend as sunshine continues in the forecast with high temperatures continuing to climb. The next shot of rain is not expected until next week.
Around Ohio
1. Ohio Sets New Record With 4,961 Cases, DeWine Says Changes "Coming Shortly"
On Thursday, Ohio recorded 4,961 COVID-19 cases — a new record and the third consecutive day of more than 4,000 daily cases. All 88 counties are now labeled as "high incidence spread," which is an increase from 83 counties earlier this week. Gov. Mike DeWine also announced a new head for the Ohio Department of Health. The position has been vacant since June.
2. Polling Data Misses the Mark Again
Voters are questioning polling data once again, saying it's the same issue that occurred in 2016. President Donald Trump and several Republicans outperformed this election despite many polls across Ohio and the country suggesting otherwise before the election. An Ohio professor says pollsters are going to need to make changes, or voters will be skeptical in the future.
3. Ohio to Redraw Congressional Districts After Census
During the 2020 election, no congressional seats changed hands. This is a trend that has been consistent over the last 80 individual races. As the 2020 election season begins to wind down and results are solidified, it marks the beginning of the end for Ohio’s current congressional district map in the voting process. Currently, there are 16 congressional districts, but that soon may change.
4. Teams Look to Punch Ticket to State Title Game
Two teams will earn a trip to the Division I Championship game, as the semifinals comprise the OHSAA Game of the Week, live at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News 1.
Around the Nation
1. AP FACT CHECK: Trump fabricates election corruption
2. Here's Where Coronavirus Stands Across the U.S. Right Now
3. Facebook Bans Big "Stop the Steal" Group for Sowing Violence
Don't Miss This
Ohio Voices
Meet Kelly Trush. She's from Wyoming, Ohio and she loves improv because it makes her happy to be the reason people laugh. She says the thing about improv is you don't know what's coming at you, and you have to go with it, which is a metaphor for life. Hear her story.
Ohio Fun Fact
John D. Rockefeller, the world's first billionaire, lived in Cleveland for much of his life.