DAYTON, Ohio — As the year draws to an end, it can be easy to forget some of the big news that captured our attention throughout 2024, especially in Ohio where we saw the Paris Olympics, a solar eclipse, the 2024 election and a record-breaking 73 tornadoes sweep the state.

Spectrum News 1 has delved into four of the state's major metros to take a closer look at the top five stories in each area. These are the five stories that received the most reads throughout Ohio for 2024:

1: Family in Vice President-elect JD Vance’s old house speak out

Following the Nov. 5 election, Amanda Bailey and her family of eight spoke about the spotlight they found shed on their home, the childhood home of Vice President-elect JD Vance. The family said their home has become somewhat of its own celebrity with people driving past taking pictures and stopping by to ask questions.

2: Dispensaries gearing up for first sales of recreational marijuana

Ohioans voted to legalize recreational marijuana in 2023, and after a delayed start, dispensaries worked to prepare for their first sales this summer. Dispensaries hired extra workers and ensured they had enough of their product ahead of their opening sales.

3: SNAP recipients begin to see changes in benefits

The Department of Job and Family Services made changes to SNAP eligibility this year as prior to Oct. 2024, SNAP was only available to those earning 130% of the federal poverty level. As a person’s income moves closer to 200% of the federal poverty level, the amount of benefits for monthly food assistance decreases more ramp-like rather than a benefit cliff.

4: Man sentenced to at least 9 years in prison for Clark County bus crash

In Aug. 2023, a bus transporting 52 students to Northwestern Local Schools was involved in an accident with a minivan driven by Hermanio Joseph. The bus overturned, killing an 11-year-old boy named Aiden Clark and leaving more than 20 others injured. He was sentenced in May to at least 9 to 13-and-a-half years in prison, with credit for already time served. 

5: Where you can see Fourth of July fireworks across Ohio

Ohioans were ready to celebrate the country's 248th birthday this year. Spectrum News 1 staff gathered firework shows and times throughout the Buckeye State for the Fourth of July.