Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The National Institute of Health announced new requirements for grant recipients, limiting Ohio universities' research.

On April 21, the NIH announced that all grants and agreements must comply with anti-diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility policies as dictated by the Trump administration. Under the notice, the NIH requires grant recipients to certify they do not and will not operate any programs that promote DEI.

The new policy is less likely to affect Ohio State University, which already dissolved its DEI offices, then it is other institutions that still have offices for diversity, like Ohio University. State law will soon change that; all public universities are required to eliminate all DEI programs by June 26 under Senate Bill 1. See previous coverage of Ohio State's DEI cuts in the video player above.

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The NIH is also eliminating grants that it determines have to do with DEI, and federal documents show Ohio State has already lost millions in canceled NIH grants. The NIH requirement also lacks clarity as to what DEI programs are specifically barred, and whether individual researchers or simply the institutions they work for must abide by the new guidelines.

Although the NIH did not specify what qualifies as programs that advance or promote DEI, it was specific about one requirement. The NIH now requires all grant recipients to certify they do not engage in any “discriminatory prohibited boycott,” which refers to limiting purchases with Israeli companies or companies that support Israel. 

In Ohio, state law prohibits public universities from divesting from Israel or supporting boycotts. Effective June 21, 2022, all public entities – including higher education institutions – are not allowed to enter contracts with companies unless the contract says that company is not boycotting Israel. 

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According to federal finance documents, the NIH is obligated to almost $8.7 billion in awards this year, including 330 grants to Ohio State. The NIH has already canceled several OSU grants under the Trump administration, including a $699,000 grant examining cannabis use in LGBTQ+ women on March 11.

Since then, the NIH alone has canceled at least eight other OSU grants, costing university researchers more than $22.6 million in total:

CANCELEDTOTAL $LOST $RESEARCH SUBJECT3/18$42 M$21.8 MHIV awareness3/20$815,881$0Suicide risks in bisexual young adults*3/21$858,221$94,853.17Anti-tobacco messaging for LGBTQ+ adults$450,125$148,099.56HIV prevention for Black men$172,776$538.11Sexual minority health and substance abuse in rural and urban populations$3.1 M$354,000HPV vaccines for sexual minority men3/24$2.4 M$240,559Improving outcomes from COVID-194/1$196,875$93,304.02Vaccines and vaccine hesitancy in rural areas*this grant was for the same researcher as the $699,000 grant canceled on March 11

Other Ohio universities have also had grants cancelled. The University of Cincinnati had at least three NIH grants canceled on March 20 and 21, losing a bit over $2 million that had been promised to research in racial disparity in cognitive diseases, sexual minority women's mental health and accessible voice training for transgender people.

Although the NIH guidance warns against DEI programs specifically assisting race, gender or sexuality research, grant cancelations have targeted a vast range of diversity, equity and inclusion programs. In the chart above, two of eight grant cancelations focused on increasing equity between urban and rural populations.

NBC4 reached out to the NIH for further clarification regarding the new grant guidelines, but did not hear back by publication. Ohio State spokespeople said they are looking into these guidelines further, and will provide information when they can.

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (WCMH) – A central Ohio business known for its chicken wings and barbecue ribs will soon open its first standalone restaurant. 

Slab Kitchen, currently located inside Eastside Brewing Co. in Reynoldsburg, is relocating within the city to an independent brick-and-mortar shop at 7360 E. Main St. The concept was launched as a food truck in 2019, before moving into the brewery, at 1421 Davidson Drive, in 2021.

Owned by brothers Bryan and Terron Nelson, Slab Kitchen is known for its American comfort food, including barbecue baby back ribs, burgers, chicken wings and sandwiches. The concept also serves soft pretzels, French fries, mac and cheese, cole slaw and onion rings. 

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The new location will feature a full-service bar offering craft cocktails and will serve its original menu in addition to some new dishes. The eatery will have a “laid-back vibe” and “modern yet cozy” design, the business shared on Facebook. 

“We're excited and looking forward to expanding the menu and expanding our creativity and having more reach,” Bryan Nelson said. “We're just looking forward to continuing to serve the community.”

While Slab Kitchen currently typically only serves dinner, its new location will expand its hours to include lunch, Bryan Nelson said. Owners are aiming to open the new restaurant by early June.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A pair of 19-year-olds arrested in connection to the death of a 4-year-old child have been indicted on two-dozen total charges, including murder.

According to court documents, Linwood Allison Jr. and Kailee Smith-Parks are each facing a single count of murder and aggravated murder in the death of Ja’Kai Smith, who was reported dead on April 10 after police were called to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

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An investigation was initiated because of “suspicious circumstances related to the death,” which was ruled a homicide after Allison was allegedly seen on camera causing fatal injuries to Ja’Kai at a residence on Steinway Drive. Police also said Smith-Parks had reason to believe the child needed immediate medical attention, but she failed to seek help.

The court indictment also includes 22 charges of endangering children, two allegations per suspect, every day, between March 21 through April 10. Each count indicates that Ja’Kai suffered injuries from possible torture, corporal punishment or physical restraint or abuse in a cruel manner and excessive manner that created a substantial risk of serious physical harm.

Franklin County court documents also stated that Smith-Parks was the child’s mother. She and Allison are scheduled to appear in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas for an arraignment hearing on Wednesday. For a previous report on this story view the video player above.

Franklin County Children Services issued a statement last week, which read in part that in March a concern was raised with the family about neglect and case workers were working with the family to investigate and understand the concerns. The case, which did not include concerns of physical abuse, was still open at the time of Ja’Kai’s death.

NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) -- Biotechnology company Amgen announced a $900 million manufacturing expansion in Ohio on Friday, bringing 350 new jobs to central Ohio.

Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel joined Amgen leaders and Congressman Troy Balderson for the announcement on Friday, celebrating the several hundred new jobs onsite in New Albany. Amgen, which develops medicine to treat significant diseases, said the project is already underway and is expected to be completed in 2027.

The announcement is an expansion of Amgen's existing manufacturing plant in New Albany, which was announced in 2021 and opened in February 2024. The announcement brings Amgen's total investment into central Ohio to more than $1.4 billion with 750 jobs created.

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Amgen was founded 45 years ago and is internationally recognized for developing and manufacturing medicine. The company is based in Thousand Oaks, California, and has invested almost $5 billion in the U.S. since 2017, with Ohio making up 28% of its American investments.

"Ohio has built a strong foundation for economic development, which has led companies like Amgen to see Ohio as a premier destination for growth," Gov. Mike DeWine said. "We are happy to see Amgen deepen its commitment to our state and look forward to the innovation and economic impact it will drive."

The announcement comes amid uncertainty in Licking County developments, with Intel's megaproject delayed into 2031 and Microsoft pulling out of planned data center projects. Tressel said this expansion proves there are still plenty of opportunities in Ohio.

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“Now we have to show that we appreciate it and get ready and make sure we execute so that more companies will want to come and be a part of this successful environment," Tressel said.

Many technology companies have cited economic concerns as reasons for delaying or halting their Ohio ventures. These concerns include fluctuating tariff costs and fears of a possible recession. The timing of Amgen's investment is a good sign that Amgen intends to stay on track with its expansion, as it is not immune to these concerns.

Amgen and other medicinal companies are likely bracing for tariff impacts, as pharmaceutical tariffs are expected by mid-May, according to reporting by The Hill. A new report commissioned by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, of which Amgen is a member, found a 25% tariff on pharmaceutical imports would increase drug costs by almost $51 billion each year.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The school year in central Ohio is winding down with just weeks to go before summer break begins but there is still time to find camp opportunities for kids.

City of Columbus Recreation and Parks summer camps

Week-long themed camps are designed for children aged 6 to 12. Participants engage in various activities such as arts, crafts, sports, games, science experiments and nature exploration.

Although these camps are very popular, some spaces are still open and a wait-list option is available. See details here.

Classroom Antics Tech Camps

Classroom Antics helps guide children in the transformation from tech consumers to tech creators, according to its website. Classes use beloved products such as LEGO, Minecraft, Roblox, VEX, and Scratch, designed for kids and teens ages 7 to 14.

Classroom Antics presents eight distinctive in-person enrichment programs for the summer camp season. Each STEAM program is carefully crafted for different age groups and scheduled at various times throughout the day.

Availability varies; some sessions are full, depending on each location. Details here.

Columbus Academy Summer Experience

Columbus Academy describes its “Summer Experience” as a summer filled with limitless possibilities, from the arts and sciences to athletics and outdoor adventures.

• Several options are still available for middle school students, fewer for grades 3-5, and limited spots remain for K-2 and pre-K kids. A waitlist option is available when programs are full.
• Throughout the summer, registration closes the Monday before the next camp week, so check back often to find specific openings. Details here.

Columbus Children’s Theatre full-day summer camps

According to Columbus Children’s Theatre, every week of the camp ensures students gain valuable onstage performance exposure and backstage production expertise in theatrical disciplines such as scenic design, costuming and beyond. Camp offerings cater to a wide range of ages, from toddlers to teens.

Most weeks still have availability. Details here.

Columbus College of Art & Design’s Creative Summer Workshops

A way for children, teenagers, and adults to unleash their creativity. CCAD notes that courses encompass art and design for young artists, including stop-motion animation, Manga and comics creation, digital art, and other creative pursuits.

Classes are typically held weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon for morning sessions, or 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. for afternoon sessions.

Enrollment details:

Session Dates:Click to Enroll HereRegistration Close DateWeek 1: June 2 – 6Enroll HereMonday, May 19Week 2: June 9 –13Enroll HereMonday, May 26Week 3: June 16 – 20Enroll HereMonday, June 2Week 4: June 23 – 27Enroll HereMonday, June 9Session BreakJune 30-July 4Week 5: July 7 – July 11Enroll HereMonday, June 16Source: ccad.edu Franklin Park Conservatory summer camps

Engaging in themed activities, campers have the opportunity to discover the Conservatory and its numerous gardens. Sessions are separated by age, catering to children aged 3 to 8, with half- and full-day options.

Most weeks are full. However, there are cancellations. Parents can sign up on the waitlist for the best chance of finding a spot. Details here.

IDEAS Summer Camps for Boys & Girls – Columbus School for Girls

Crafted to serve as a classic day camp for Pre-K to 2nd grade and as a cutting-edge program centered on art, science, and technology for grades 3-8, this camp offers a unique and comprehensive summer camp experience.

Some classes are filling up, but many opportunities are still available. Details here.

Just Hoops

Just Hoops Summer Basketball Camps offer players of all experience levels a chance to have fun, grow and elevate their basketball skills. The camp is structured to ensure all athletes, from beginners to experienced players, learn, develop, and compete in an environment built for growth and enjoyment, fostering a love for basketball.

Located in Dublin and Lewis Center, Just Hoops has coeducational camps for 1st through 4th grades and 4th through 8th grades. Most camps are half-day morning camps from 9 a.m. to noon. Details here.

Ohio State University Camp Recky

Camp Recky welcomes both the Ohio State community and the broader Columbus community. By participating in sports and recreation, students develop self-confidence and acquire essential 21st-century skills, including initiative, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Designed for ages 6 to 13. Some spots are still available. See details here.

Metro Parks Summer Camps

Tailored for children to embrace their individuality, join in nature exploration and form new friendships each week. A committed and expert Camp Team ensures a secure environment for kids to embark on outdoor adventures, creating lasting memories and friendships that extend throughout a lifetime, Metro Parks notes in its camp description. Sections begin with ages 3 to 5 and top out with teens aged 13 to 16.

Some sessions are still open for registration, waitlist options are available. Details here.

Wellington Summer Program

The Wellington Summer Program offers children entering prekindergarten through grade 12 the chance to explore newfound talents, acquire essential skills, overcome challenges, and forge enduring friendships.

Register to see openings — a waitlist option is available when enrollment levels are met. Details here.

YMCA Summer Day Camp

Summer day camps cater to school-age children, focusing on fostering relationships, creating a sense of belonging, achieving success in new endeavors, preventing summer learning loss, spending quality time outdoors, and an understanding of the environment, the YMCA site states.

Tailored for youth entering 1st through 6th grade, these programs are facilitated by enthusiastic and caring staff, providing a blend of enjoyment, friendships, challenges, and positive experiences.

Openings are still available. See details here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The U.S. Supreme Court signaled last week it will likely rule with parents who wish to opt their children out of school lessons that include LGBTQ+ books, agreeing with an Ohio group that intervened in the case.

The nation's top court heard arguments on April 22 in the case against a Maryland school district whose curriculum includes LGBTQ+ books, after lower courts sided with the district and said the books weren't part of "explicit instruction" on sexual orientation and gender identity. Rather, the materials were included as options within the district's reading list to represent "a range of cultural, racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds."

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The Protect Ohio Children Coalition had joined other similar groups from California, Colorado, Nebraska and Texas in writing an amicus brief against the school district, arguing in favor of opt-outs for parents wishing to remove their students from such lessons, citing an infringement of their religious beliefs.

"The parents have never maintained that the Pride storybooks, or other specified controversial texts, cannot be taught to other [district] students," the brief said. "The parents merely do not want their own children to be subjected to what they view as attempted indoctrination."

LGBTQ+ books on the reading list included titles like "Uncle Bobby's Wedding," about a young girl struggling with her uncle's same-sex marriage, and "Pride Puppy," about attendees at a Pride march who band together to find a family's lost dog. The district said those on the list are "made available for individual reading, classroom read-aloud and other educational activities designed to foster and enhance literacy skills."

A selection of books featuring LGBTQ characters that are part of a Supreme Court case against a Maryland school district are pictured. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

During oral arguments, Chief Justice John Roberts was reluctant to agree with the school board's argument that the curriculum didn't require students to affirm or support the content of the books. Justice Amy Coney Barrett said the books appeared to be presenting children with more than just neutral facts about the LGBTQ+ community.

"It's not just exposure to the idea, right?" Barrett asked. "It's saying, this is the right view of the world. This is how we think about things. This is how you should think about things. This is like two plus two is four."

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Justice Elena Kagan asked whether a ruling for the parents would cause an increase in religious objections and lead schools to abandon aspects of the curriculum because of the difficulty of providing opt-outs. Justice Sonia Sotomayor questioned if students had exposure to the contested books.

"Haven't we made very clear that the mere exposure to things that you object to is not coercion?" Kagan said. "None of them are even kissing in any of these books. The most they are doing is holding hands."

A similar argument was previously made by Judge G. Steven Agee of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, one of the lower courts that agreed with the district. Agee said the parents were not able to "connect the requisite dots" to show that their religious rights were violated, given there isn't proof that a teacher has used the books in a manner that "coerces children into changing their religious views."

Protect Ohio Children Coalition joined the amicus brief as the inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes in classrooms is being debated across Ohio, like in the case of a New Richmond teacher who is taking her district to court after she was suspended for having books in her class library with LGBTQ+ characters.

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A Jackson Township school district said in January it will pay $450,000 to a middle school teacher who resigned for refusing to address two transgender students by their preferred names and pronouns after a court said forcing the teacher to use students' preferred names amounted to "compelled speech."

The coalition also supported Ohio's "Parents' Bill of Rights" law, which includes a provision requiring schools to provide parents the opportunity to review instructional material that includes "sexuality content." A national crisis hotline said it received a significant increase in calls from LGBTQ+ youth in Ohio within hours after the measure was signed.

A decision in the Maryland case is expected this summer.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Central Ohio gas prices and petroleum experts’ predictions of future prices continue to fluctuate with the ebb and flow of market prices throughout the country.

According to GasBuddy’s survey of 500 stations in the Columbus area, the average price at the pump decreased by 8.8 cents last week to reach $3.04 per gallon. The current price is 3.8 cents lower than four weeks ago and 55 cents lower than this time one year ago.

Columbus Gas Prices Tracker

The cheapest gas station in the Columbus area was priced at $2.78 a gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $3.29, a difference of 51 cents per gallon. In Ohio, the average price of gas also fell by 11.7 cents from $3.07 per gallon to $2.95 per gallon.

Nationally, gas prices remained unchanged at $3.10. The price of diesel followed suit with Ohio, falling 2.0 cents, settling at $3.50 per gallon.

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While gas prices fell in approximately half of the United States, including Ohio, some states experienced increases, according to head of petroleum analysis with GasBuddy Patrick De Haan, who also noted that prices could stall in recent weeks ahead.

“For now, I expect the national average to bounce around in the $3.10 to $3.20 per gallon range over the coming week, with a continued mixed bag for consumers,” De Haan said. “About half of the states may see prices inch lower, while the other half could experience increases. We'll be watching for any market developments, but for now, the market appears to be in a holding pattern."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Ohio Department of Transportation approved $82 million in funding last week to widen U.S. 33 between Columbus and Canal Winchester.

The project will add a third lane in each direction on U.S. 33 between Interstate 270 and Gender Road. The department expects construction to begin in summer 2026, according to its website. 

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The extra lanes aim to “reduce congestion” as well as “improve safety and regional mobility,” according to the agency. The road sees an average of almost 50,000 vehicles daily and is currently mostly two lanes each way.

The funding is part of a larger “U.S. 33 Widening” plan by ODOT, which would also make changes to the Bixby Road and Rager Road intersections. The department estimates the total cost of the project is about $167 million. 

(Photo courtesy/Ohio Department of Transportation)

The $82 million in funding was approved by ODOT's Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC), a body that prioritizes and approves applications for projects that cost more than $12 million. ODOT district offices, metropolitan planning organizations, municipalities and more can apply for TRAC's annual funding. 

For 2025, TRAC approved $319.3 million for 14 transportation projects in 14 counties, including the U.S. 33 widening. The project was the most expensive application approved in the most recent round of funding. 

ODOT predicts construction on U.S. 33 will be finished in fall 2028.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohioans have less than a week to utilize early in-person voting for the May primary and special election.

Voters casting a ballot in the May 6 election will be deciding various primaries, countywide races and municipal issues, from city council seats to property taxes and library funding. Each ballot will also feature the statewide Issue 2, which would allow Ohio to give out up to $250 million in bonds annually, or $2.5 billion over the next decade, to fund local infrastructure projects, like building roads, bridges, landfills, water supply systems and more.

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Voters can cast ballots at county boards of elections most days leading up to the weekend before special election day, so long as they come with photo identification. Here's the remaining dates when you can vote early:

• April 28: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• April 29: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• April 30 - May 2: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• May 3: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• May 4: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Ohio requires in-person voters to have a form of photo identification in order to vote. That includes an Ohio driver's license, an Ohio ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, a U.S. military ID, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID, or an Ohio National Guard ID.

All identification must have an expiration date that has not passed, a photograph of the voter, and the voter's name, which must substantially conform to the voter's name as it appears in the poll list. An unexpired Ohio driver's license, Ohio ID card, or interim documentation with your former address is an acceptable form of ID when your current address is in the pollbook.

If voters do not have any of the above forms of identification, they may cast a provisional ballot. However, for that ballot to be counted, voters must return to the board of elections no later than four days after Election Day to provide a qualifying form of identification.

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Those in Ohio wishing to use mail-in voting must first submit a request form for an absentee ballot, available here, and return it by mail or in person to their county board of elections. The deadline to request a ballot is seven days before the election, on April 29.

After receiving and completing their ballot, Ohioans must ensure their ballot is postmarked by the day before the election, May 5, to be counted. Voters can also return their absentee ballot in person to their county board of elections before the polls close at 7:30 p.m. on May 6.

There are many resources on the Secretary of State's website that will make your trip to the polls easier:

• View your sample ballot here.
• Find your May 6 polling location here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – One person is dead after a shooting early Monday morning just south of Whitehall.

According to Columbus police, a person called 911 just before 4 a.m. and reported that their friend had been shot. Officers arrived at The Villages at Eden Crossing apartment complex in the 1300 block of Fountain Lane in the Shady Lane neighborhood and found one victim.

The victim was taken to an area hospital, where they were pronounced dead at 4:38 p.m.

Police are working to locate a suspect but were unable to give a description. Anyone with information is asked to call 614-645-4545 or 461-8477.

MOUNT GILEAD, Ohio (WCMH) -- A former janitor with a Delaware County YMCA program is facing more than 40 charges of possessing child sexual abuse material. 

Dalton Edwards, 20, of Cardington, is facing 13 second-degree felony charges of pandering sexually-oriented matter involving a minor; 25 fourth-degree felony charges of pandering sexually-oriented matter involving a minor; one second-degree felony charge of illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material; and two fifth-degree charges of illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material. 

According to the YMCA of Central Ohio, Edwards was formerly employed as a part-time janitor at the YMCA before and after-school program at Big Walnut Intermediate School. The YMCA said it suspended Edwards’ employment when it learned of his arrest. 

“At this time, there is no indication that any of his charges are related to YMCA program participants or have occurred during YMCA hours,” the YMCA statement said. 

Dalton was booked into Morrow County jail on April 24, where he remains. Online court records do not list Dalton’s next court appearance. 

The Morrow County prosecutor's office said non-nude photographs of unidentified students from several central Ohio schools were allegedly found on Edwards' phone.

Prosecutors also said there is no indication of any physical involvement with students.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to reach out to the Delaware County Sheriff's Office at (740) 833-2830 or email at dcsodetectives@co.delaware.oh.us.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Parishioners packed the pews of St. Joseph Cathedral for the first Sunday mass since the death of Pope Francis. It comes at a time when the church is navigating the pope’s death while also preparing for what comes next.  

“We're in a season now where the chair of Peter is vacant,” parishioner Kelley Henderson said. “It will not be vacant long, but it's a period of remembrance and it's also, I think, a period for Catholics of reflection." 

Following the burial of Pope Francis, the nine days of mourning have begun.

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“I think he'll probably be known for his more human aspect than the grandiose position that the pope often is put in,” parishioner Ed Wojewodka said.  

While they’ve never met Pope Francis personally, he has left a lasting impact on these parishioners’ lives. 

“His entire pontificate has been really focused on what he would call being close to people, reaching out to the peripheries, to the nooks and crannies of our community globally,” Henderson said. “Pope Francis really, I think, exemplified what it means to be a good neighbor.” 

Following the period of mourning, the Vatican has a new task of choosing the next pope. Parishioners said they’d be following the conclave closely. 

“Every good Catholic in the world is going to be streaming this, you know, waiting for that white smoke to come up,” Henderson said.

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Once a cardinal receives two-thirds of the vote, white smoke will billow from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of the 267th pope.  

“Everybody hopes that they get somebody that they like, but it's not about somebody that you like,” Wojewodka said. “It's about somebody that can lead the church.” 

While the current seat remains empty, the Catholic community still has direction.  

“The mass hasn't changed in more than 2,000 years,” Wojewodka said.  

The cardinals will gather in Rome shortly after the period of mourning. From there, the election process typically lasts a couple of days. 

ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio University police are searching for a man they said raped a student early Sunday morning. 

In a campus crime alert issued Sunday, police said the incident happened at Sargent Hall at approximately 1 a.m. 

According to the alert, the victim met the suspect at the Red Brick Tavern in Athens on Saturday night. The victim said the suspect walked her back to her dorm room and “engaged her in sexual conduct without her consent.” The woman resisted and the suspect fled the room, the alert states. 

The suspect, who told the victim his name was Jude, is described as approximately six feet tall with an average build and shoulder-length brown hair. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ohio University police at 740-593-1911. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- This week on The Spectrum: 

• A one-on-one interview with Congressman Mike Carey. What is his message to constituents protesting the Trump administration. 

• She was the first woman to serve as chief justice on Ohio’s Supreme Court. Why is the placement of her portrait causing controversy? 

• Ohio’s largest corruption scandal is now the subject of a new documentary. Hear from the film’s director about what astounded him the most in the House Bill 6 bribery scheme. 

• This week on the roundtable, with House Bill 6 getting renewed attention, many may be wondering if Ohio is still a pay-to-play state? Republican strategist Mehek Cooke and Democratic strategist Joe Rettof weigh in. 

LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH) -- A 28-year-old man from Canal Winchester was arrested by Fairfield County sheriff's deputies on multiple sexual assault charges, including rape.

The Sheriff's Office said that Kyle Combs was indicted on Wednesday for one count of rape and six of gross sexual imposition one week after being arrested. A victim, who court documents state is currently 5, reported the alleged sexual offenses to authorities, who investigated Combs.

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Court documents further said that the alleged offenses occurred between February 2022 and April of this year. During his initial court appearance, Combs' bond was set at $200,000 with no option to pay the 10% to be released.

He faces 10 years to life in prison on the charge of raping a victim under the age of 13.

ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A 30-year-old woman from Albany could spend the next three years in prison after pleading guilty in a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred last year.

According to the Athens County prosecutor, Kendra Green was ordered to serve three years in prison and will be eligible for judicial release after six months in the death of Martin Woods, 48, of Athens. Green was convicted of failure to stop after an accident for allegedly hitting Woods in June.

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Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol were sent to Radford Road on reports that a man on an electric bike was hit by a car. Woods was found injured from the crash and flown to a hospital in West Virginia, where he was pronounced dead.

Green was also convicted for leaving the scene after the crash.

The real estate frenzy spurred by the coronavirus pandemic continues, though at a slower pace. Buyers are still competing for a limited supply of housing, driving up prices for affordable properties.

The typical home value in the United States was $359,741 in March, 1.2% higher than the year before.

Increasing mortgage rates have slowed growth, with prices even declining in some places. But some areas are still seeing price jumps compared to the year before.

Stacker compiled a list of cities with the fastest-growing home prices in Ohio using data from Zillow. Cities are ranked by the dollar change in the Zillow Home Values Index for all homes from the 12 months ending March 2025. The charts in this story were created automatically using Matplotlib. Data was available for 50 cities and towns in Ohio.

#50. Baltic

- Typical home value: $329,177
- 1-year price change: +$23,192 (+7.6%)
- 5-year price change: +$113,007 (+52.3%)
- Metro area: New Philadelphia-Dover, OH

#49. Dublin

- Typical home value: $556,598
- 1-year price change: +$23,202 (+4.3%)
- 5-year price change: +$182,217 (+48.7%)
- Metro area: Columbus, OH

#48. Maplewood

- Typical home value: $277,220
- 1-year price change: +$23,255 (+9.2%)
- 5-year price change: +$97,718 (+54.4%)
- Metro area: Sidney, OH

#47. Thompson

- Typical home value: $285,320
- 1-year price change: +$23,260 (+8.9%)
- 5-year price change: +$96,388 (+51.0%)
- Metro area: Cleveland-Elyria, OH

#46. Berlin Heights

- Typical home value: $256,794
- 1-year price change: +$23,447 (+10.0%)
- 5-year price change: +$89,481 (+53.5%)
- Metro area: Sandusky, OH

#45. Chickasaw

- Typical home value: $281,489
- 1-year price change: +$23,449 (+9.1%)
- 5-year price change: +$97,697 (+53.2%)
- Metro area: Celina, OH

#44. Spring Valley

- Typical home value: $424,901
- 1-year price change: +$23,491 (+5.9%)
- 5-year price change: +$129,860 (+44.0%)
- Metro area: Dayton-Kettering, OH

#43. Continental

- Typical home value: $200,296
- 1-year price change: +$23,582 (+13.3%)
- 5-year price change: +$61,573 (+44.4%)
- Metro area: not in a metro area

#42. Botkins

- Typical home value: $250,059
- 1-year price change: +$23,598 (+10.4%)
- 5-year price change: +$86,842 (+53.2%)
- Metro area: Sidney, OH

#41. Roaming Shores

- Typical home value: $335,263
- 1-year price change: +$23,602 (+7.6%)
- 5-year price change: +$136,749 (+68.9%)
- Metro area: Ashtabula, OH

#40. Houston

- Typical home value: $264,832
- 1-year price change: +$23,715 (+9.8%)
- 5-year price change: +$97,940 (+58.7%)
- Metro area: Sidney, OH

#39. Paris

- Typical home value: $281,764
- 1-year price change: +$23,777 (+9.2%)
- 5-year price change: +$110,441 (+64.5%)
- Metro area: Canton-Massillon, OH

#38. Bratenahl

- Typical home value: $352,885
- 1-year price change: +$23,987 (+7.3%)
- 5-year price change: +$115,250 (+48.5%)
- Metro area: Cleveland-Elyria, OH

#37. Newbury

- Typical home value: $310,280
- 1-year price change: +$24,143 (+8.4%)
- 5-year price change: +$107,307 (+52.9%)
- Metro area: Cleveland-Elyria, OH

#36. Fort Loramie

- Typical home value: $312,626
- 1-year price change: +$24,193 (+8.4%)
- 5-year price change: +$100,867 (+47.6%)
- Metro area: Sidney, OH

#35. Dellroy

- Typical home value: $251,761
- 1-year price change: +$24,313 (+10.7%)
- 5-year price change: +$92,984 (+58.6%)
- Metro area: Canton-Massillon, OH

#34. Fort Jennings

- Typical home value: $269,424
- 1-year price change: +$24,328 (+9.9%)
- 5-year price change: +$88,803 (+49.2%)
- Metro area: not in a metro area

#33. Hinckley

- Typical home value: $480,936
- 1-year price change: +$24,524 (+5.4%)
- 5-year price change: +$158,852 (+49.3%)
- Metro area: Cleveland-Elyria, OH

#32. New Albany

- Typical home value: $606,196
- 1-year price change: +$24,901 (+4.3%)
- 5-year price change: +$207,138 (+51.9%)
- Metro area: Columbus, OH

#31. Big Prairie

- Typical home value: $281,501
- 1-year price change: +$24,912 (+9.7%)
- 5-year price change: +$94,576 (+50.6%)
- Metro area: not in a metro area

#30. Valley City

- Typical home value: $465,578
- 1-year price change: +$25,024 (+5.7%)
- 5-year price change: +$157,266 (+51.0%)
- Metro area: Cleveland-Elyria, OH

#29. Litchfield

- Typical home value: $381,618
- 1-year price change: +$25,254 (+7.1%)
- 5-year price change: +$148,505 (+63.7%)
- Metro area: Cleveland-Elyria, OH

#28. Fredericksburg

- Typical home value: $386,599
- 1-year price change: +$25,716 (+7.1%)
- 5-year price change: +$122,849 (+46.6%)
- Metro area: Wooster, OH

#27. Chagrin Falls

- Typical home value: $472,949
- 1-year price change: +$25,732 (+5.8%)
- 5-year price change: +$156,430 (+49.4%)
- Metro area: Cleveland-Elyria, OH

#26. Turpin Hills

- Typical home value: $505,940
- 1-year price change: +$25,958 (+5.4%)
- 5-year price change: +$162,398 (+47.3%)
- Metro area: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN

#25. Shawnee Hills

- Typical home value: $459,580
- 1-year price change: +$26,093 (+6.0%)
- 5-year price change: +$53,143 (+13.1%)
- Metro area: Columbus, OH

#24. Glandorf

- Typical home value: $281,185
- 1-year price change: +$26,739 (+10.5%)
- 5-year price change: +$86,862 (+44.7%)
- Metro area: not in a metro area

#23. Mason

- Typical home value: $484,344
- 1-year price change: +$26,827 (+5.9%)
- 5-year price change: +$159,938 (+49.3%)
- Metro area: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN

#22. Holmesville

- Typical home value: $331,355
- 1-year price change: +$26,862 (+8.8%)
- 5-year price change: +$116,042 (+53.9%)
- Metro area: not in a metro area

#21. Windsor

- Typical home value: $280,344
- 1-year price change: +$27,104 (+10.7%)
- 5-year price change: +$111,853 (+66.4%)
- Metro area: Ashtabula, OH

#20. Okeana

- Typical home value: $431,230
- 1-year price change: +$27,145 (+6.7%)
- 5-year price change: +$146,163 (+51.3%)
- Metro area: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN

#19. Lakeville

- Typical home value: $283,205
- 1-year price change: +$27,300 (+10.7%)
- 5-year price change: +$109,509 (+63.0%)
- Metro area: Ashland, OH

#18. Russia

- Typical home value: $324,901
- 1-year price change: +$27,448 (+9.2%)
- 5-year price change: +$105,830 (+48.3%)
- Metro area: Sidney, OH

#17. Orange

- Typical home value: $525,907
- 1-year price change: +$27,556 (+5.5%)
- 5-year price change: +$146,848 (+38.7%)
- Metro area: Cleveland-Elyria, OH

#16. Madeira

- Typical home value: $500,358
- 1-year price change: +$27,987 (+5.9%)
- 5-year price change: +$157,137 (+45.8%)
- Metro area: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN

#15. Novelty

- Typical home value: $409,411
- 1-year price change: +$29,400 (+7.7%)
- 5-year price change: +$134,354 (+48.8%)
- Metro area: Cleveland-Elyria, OH

#14. Pepper Pike

- Typical home value: $659,922
- 1-year price change: +$29,659 (+4.7%)
- 5-year price change: +$187,889 (+39.8%)
- Metro area: Cleveland-Elyria, OH

#13. Amberley

- Typical home value: $557,012
- 1-year price change: +$29,903 (+5.7%)
- 5-year price change: +$199,945 (+56.0%)
- Metro area: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN

#12. Kenwood

- Typical home value: $492,102
- 1-year price change: +$30,855 (+6.7%)
- 5-year price change: +$162,457 (+49.3%)
- Metro area: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN

#11. Riverlea

- Typical home value: $566,066
- 1-year price change: +$33,787 (+6.3%)
- 5-year price change: +$174,048 (+44.4%)
- Metro area: Columbus, OH

#10. Waite Hill

- Typical home value: $720,983
- 1-year price change: +$33,887 (+4.9%)
- 5-year price change: +$209,985 (+41.1%)
- Metro area: Cleveland-Elyria, OH

#9. Gates Mills

- Typical home value: $720,456
- 1-year price change: +$34,006 (+5.0%)
- 5-year price change: +$213,435 (+42.1%)
- Metro area: Cleveland-Elyria, OH

#8. Terrace Park

- Typical home value: $718,026
- 1-year price change: +$35,267 (+5.2%)
- 5-year price change: +$221,020 (+44.5%)
- Metro area: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN

#7. Bentleyville

- Typical home value: $810,653
- 1-year price change: +$35,569 (+4.6%)
- 5-year price change: +$231,441 (+40.0%)
- Metro area: Cleveland-Elyria, OH

#6. Moreland Hills

- Typical home value: $679,125
- 1-year price change: +$38,111 (+5.9%)
- 5-year price change: +$215,996 (+46.6%)
- Metro area: Cleveland-Elyria, OH

#5. Montgomery

- Typical home value: $638,374
- 1-year price change: +$39,906 (+6.7%)
- 5-year price change: +$200,981 (+45.9%)
- Metro area: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN

#4. Kelleys Island

- Typical home value: $411,949
- 1-year price change: +$43,363 (+11.8%)
- 5-year price change: +$147,335 (+55.7%)
- Metro area: Sandusky, OH

#3. Kirtland Hills

- Typical home value: $757,683
- 1-year price change: +$44,531 (+6.2%)
- 5-year price change: +$254,094 (+50.5%)
- Metro area: Cleveland-Elyria, OH

#2. The Village of Indian Hill

- Typical home value: $1,568,199
- 1-year price change: +$89,870 (+6.1%)
- 5-year price change: +$531,681 (+51.3%)
- Metro area: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN

#1. Hunting Valley

- Typical home value: $1,525,743
- 1-year price change: +$116,287 (+8.3%)
- 5-year price change: +$448,329 (+41.6%)
- Metro area: Cleveland-Elyria, OH

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A more than 100-year-old Franklinton building could soon be home to a new show space for the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts.

The association is working with the city of Columbus to begin operating a performance venue inside the Idea Foundry at 421 W. State St. in Franklinton. The city, which purchased the building for $5 million in December, said the collaboration "represents a unique opportunity to reimagine the space as a multidisciplinary cultural venue" and strengthen "Franklinton's identity as a center for innovation and creativity."

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"The Idea Foundry has long served as a creative anchor in Franklinton -- bringing together artists, entrepreneurs and innovators in a way that reflects the neighborhood's energy and potential," said Michael Stevens, Columbus director of development. "As this area continues to evolve, we're excited to explore a new partnership that builds on that legacy."

Chad Whittington, CEO of CAPA, said the partnership ensures the foundry can sustainably operate in Franklinton as a long-term hub for artists. The collaboration means the city and the foundry's staff will work together to manage day-to-day operations, while CAPA will facilitate the performance space.

Patrons can expect "immersive entertainment" inside the new venue, with smaller audiences taking part in interactive shows utilizing an entire room rather than a stage, Whittington said. That programming could include exhibits, projection art, cabaret-style shows, magicians, comedians and more.

"This isn't about taking things that we do in our traditional theaters and just moving it over there," Whittington said. "There's a ton of what I would call 'non-traditional-type' performance or programming that we can do over there that is more artist interactive and doesn't necessarily work in a traditional theater."

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Whittington said the 54,000-square-foot building will continue housing current tenants, like the Columbus Fashion Alliance. The partnership's plans also call for the construction of retail space and possibly developing the property to the west of building, currently home to the Gravity Experience Park, which was also bought by the city in December for $2.5 million.

Next steps include completing the partnership agreement this summer then testing the show space in the fall. Whittington said CAPA and the city will spend the remainder for this year integrating into the foundry's operations before launching a slate of programming in 2026.

"The ability to expand programmatically what we do and allow us to do things that we haven't done in the past, that makes this really exciting for us," said Whittington. "It's not going to happen overnight. The primary focus is to help sustain and make sure we've got a good foundation ... then we can layer on top of that over time with some performing arts activity."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A motorcyclist is dead after being hit by a car Saturday evening in south Columbus.

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Police said the crash occurred just before 9:15 p.m. at the intersections of Parsons and Sheldon Avenues. 28-year-old Nicholas Beyer was driving a Suzuki motorcycle south on Parsons Ave. while a Toyota was going north on Parsons Ave. and preparing to turn left.

As the car was turning left, it hit Beyer's motorcycle in a "near head-on crash", according to police. Beyer was taken to a hospital and was pronounced dead at 10:39 p.m.

Columbus police's accident investigation unit is continuing to investigate the crash.

PICKAWAY CO., Ohio (WCMH) -- A proposal for a new development in northern Pickaway County is being met with concerns from residents.  It would be built on more than 300 acres of farmland along Gibson Road and state route 762. The proposal includes more than 1,200 homes and commercial space.

Many residents are sounding the alarm on this development. Pickaway County is known as a prominent agricultural area in Ohio and those opposed say a development of that size could be a threat not only to that industry, but to schools and safety.

Cory Wasmus lives across from the proposed site. He, along with neighbors, feels the process hasn't been made public enough. That's why he took his concerns to Facebook to educate the community. That video has gone viral locally. 

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"This landowner, our beefs not with him or them. It's more along the lines of this property is the last big section of land in our area and we'd like to have some say on the development of it," Wasmus said. 

The land is currently in Scioto Township. But Pickaway County commissioners could approve an annexation into commercial point. 

"The roads are not capable of handling this kind of traffic," resident Jamie Mitchell said. "The village is not capable of handling this kind of traffic."

Barton Fannin, a Scioto Township trustee, has doubts on whether the township's infrastructure can keep up with the rapid growth. 

"Can we keep up with the infrastructure fire, EMS?" Fannin said. "We live in a township that kids go to Teays Valley School System. Teays Valley School system currently is maxed out. There's a levy that is going to be hitting in May here." 

Cameron Brackman said he's worried about what a development of this size could mean for his property taxes and kids' education.

"Also, because of the redistricting, that now is putting a larger development in is going to impact the schools in which my kids go to which are already overcrowded," Brackman said. 

In the meantime, those who farm in the area like Fannin, said it would pose a safety hazard.

"These equipment are big," Fannin said. "They're large. They're hard to get up and down roads. So with that being said, the more cars and the more traffic that are there, it just makes working a little bit tougher in our region."

According to residents, road and traffic have already been a problem in the area. They fear this would only worsen the problem.

"We are not ready for this," resident Jamie Mitchell said. "Our area is not ready for this. Not just the township, but the whole school district, the county. You're talking one of the largest subdivisions in the county. And we're not ready for it. We're not against the growth, just not at this extreme quite yet."

Pickaway County commissioners are set to meet Tuesday morning to discuss the potential annexation of the land.