Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- At Ohio State University, at least a dozen international students have had their visas revoked, joining several hundred more across the state and country. 

“It’s been isolating, it’s been scary, I’ve been paranoid,” international Ohio State student Ahwar Sultan said. 

Sultan is from India and is in the middle of his master’s program, but two weeks ago, he got notice that his visa was revoked and he had to stop going to class. 

Judge reinstates Ohio State international student’s status

“I don’t know where I stand with the state right now and I don’t think the state knows either,” he said. 

Sultan believes his visa revocation is retaliation for his participation in a pro-Palestinian protest in April 2024. He was arrested and detained during that protest, but the charges were later dismissed, and his record was expunged, according to his lawyer, Jana Al-Akhras.    

Sultan said that when he received the email two weeks ago with his updated status, it offered little explanation. 

“It was somewhere along the lines of my name coming up in a criminal records check and/or I failed to maintain my status, and/or my visa was revoked, and all of those seem really implausible,” he said. 

Sultan fears deportation and said Ohio State is failing him and other international students.

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In a statement, a spokesperson for the university said all affected students are being offered support, resources, and legal advice is available upon request. 

“Caring for our students is the university’s highest priority,” the spokesperson wrote. 

As Sultan and dozens of other international students in Ohio work through this, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine offered little direct comment. 

“It’s still not clear to me who all is losing their visas,” DeWine said. “Without knowing the particular details, I don’t have a comment.”  

DeWine said he thinks students have a place on Ohio’s campuses, but said it is not that straightforward. 

These central Ohio Walmart locations set for remodel

“The other side of that is, with a state university, they very well may be taking the place of an Ohio student,” DeWine said. “So, this is a constant discussion that we have about who should be going to Ohio schools.” 

“That’s ludicrous,” Al-Akhras said. “The history of having international students on our campuses is a long one and now is not the time to be ‘othering’ our students.” 

DeWine said he does not think the process for international students can be ironed out quite yet. 

“The fact that border has not been secure is why we've not been able to have a discussion in this country, a thorough discussion, about who we want to come here and who we don't want to come here, how we want to deal with college students who are coming here,” DeWine said. “These are all questions that, frankly, are not going to get answered in a real satisfactory way until I think the people of this country have confidence that we have control of the southern border.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- More and more central Ohio communities are wrestling with whether to allow solar projects.  

NBC4 Investigates has covered concerns some residents have in Knox County, worrying about losing farmland, while others are concerned about the impact on the quality of life. 

Now, NBC4 is looking into how these projects could mean more money for schools.

These central Ohio Walmart locations set for remodel

Renewable energy companies can pay a lump sum to local governments instead of paying property taxes. Some worry it isn’t enough money, so we’re investigating what’s being paid. 

If the Frasier solar project in Knox County is approved, the project will produce enough energy to power the equivalent of 14,000 homes for a year.  

"I began thinking, which way do I want things to go?" Debbie Wells, who lives across from the proposed project, said.  

Wells has lived across from the proposed site near Mount Vernon for more than 30 years, and it isn’t the first big project proposed across from her front yard.  

"Shortly after I built the house, I started hearing things from my neighbors about an ethanol plant wanting to come in," Wells said. 

That plant didn’t happen; then she heard about the solar project. 

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"It was like déjà vu about 32 years later," Wells said.  

This time, she supports the idea. She expects something to come, and she’d rather look at panels than a housing complex. 

"Being that, it was something that I was going to be opening up my blinds and seeing every day. It was very important to me," Wells said. 

She also supports the benefit it could bring to Mount Vernon schools, as does a district teacher, who said the money could pay for more staff. 

"There's only 24 hours in the day and when I have 160 kids that I have to grade and plan and try to differentiate for with no active co-teacher or support in my classroom, it's challenging," Mount Vernon High School teacher Scott Patterson said. 

Ground broken at Astor Park’s residential development surrounding Lower.com Field

Solar projects across the state are participating in payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT, programs. This allows renewable energy companies to pay fixed annual payments to local governments instead of paying property taxes. 

"It's a nice supplement and it allows us to move forward with, as I said, equipment and supplies that we maybe would hesitate or delay getting based on budgets," Vantage Career Center Superintendent Rick Turner said.  

This program is underway in Paulding County, where Turner is. In fiscal year 2024, the Wayne Trace School District received $1.8 million from the PILOT program.  

"This income is not sustainable to replace state and local funding,” Turner said. “It is, however, a benefit to the schools and in other ways.” 

Knox County Project could generate nearly half a million dollars a year for Mount Vernon City Schools. Those with Frasier Solar say it would bring in $42.8 million to the county as a whole over the span of 40 years.

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The Mount Vernon school district isn’t taking a side. In a statement, Mount Vernon City Schools Superintendent said: "Because it has become politically divisive with varying viewpoints throughout the community, we have remained neutral on this issue from a district perspective.  We have a potential bond issue in the fall for new and renovated buildings so we have taken the position of letting the process take its course, and we would be supportive of the final decision.  If additional funds were to be provided through this process, we earmark a significant portion towards STEM and College and Career pathway support." 

Opponents argue the project takes prime farmland out of use and could hurt quality of life. The next step is for the Ohio Power Siting board to approve or reject the project; the next meeting will be in mid-May.   

WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH) -- A former Whitehall car dealership owner was indicted on Thursday after he allegedly changed odometers on vehicles to lower milage before selling them to customers, according to federal prosecutors.

Simon C. Nwaru, Jr., who owned S. Automotive Ltd., disconnected, reset, and altered milage on eight vehicles between November 2020 and May 2022, prosecutors said, by about 80,000 to 100,000 miles.

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Nwaru allegedly reduced the odometers on the following vehicles by these amounts:

VehicleApproximate High MileageApproximate False Mileage2012 Toyota Sienna222,789132,4502007 Honda Odyssey216,635121,7102009 Chevrolet Traverse200,980120,0002004 Toyota Sienna229,511118,0002007 Toyota Tundra279,964106,5462007 Honda Accord294,747105,5582003 GMC Envoy195,616105,0002007 Toyota Camry188,22085,000

Nwaru was indicted on eight counts of replacing, resetting, and altering vehicle odometers. If convicted, he faces up to three years in federal prison on each count.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio State's University Senate Faculty Council voted to join a Big Ten alliance to respond to any "legal, financial and political" attacks from President Donald Trump's administration.

Faculty Council voted 35-11 in a special meeting on Thursday to join the Mutual Academic Defense Compact, a coalition of schools in the Big Ten Academic Alliance. The MADC seeks to encourage action against perceived attacks on academic freedom. Faculty Senate Chair Sara Watson said the group had a thorough conversation, agreeing to sign with a few small changes.

"We then had a very thoughtful discussion about the resolution itself," Watson said. "One of the questions that came up was about the scope of the resolution. Here the question was: 'Why ask just Big Ten institutions to work collaboratively, why not make a broader call for collaboration?'" 

With 46 of the 71 faculty senators in attendance, Watson said the conversation moved toward a broader call to action and the council opted to add some language to the resolution. Under Ohio State's resolution, Faculty Council urges university President Ted Carter to not only establish the MADC, but a larger coalition of any other universities willing to work on the issue.

The movement began at Rutgers and invited participation from faculty groups from all 18 universities in the Big Ten Academic Alliance. The MADC aims to be a coalition of resources where a threat to funding or programs at one school can rely on the support of many. OSU now joins Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Indiana, Rutgers and Washington in the alliance.

"The preservation of one institution's integrity is the concern of all, and an infringement against one member university of the Big Ten shall be considered an infringement against all," the founding resolution reads.

Big Ten faculty senates have varying levels of authority. Ohio State's is part of the larger University Senate, which helps the university function but cannot dictate how university legal resources or funds are used without support from administrators or the Board of Trustees. Instead, these resolutions urge action from higher administrators.

"Faculty leaders are now working to schedule a conversation with President Carter and Provost Bellamkonda to discuss constructive steps for moving forward," Watson said.

The Big Ten Academic Alliance has 18 universities, and Ohio State is the seventh to vote to join the MADC. University of Minnesota faculty are also meeting Thursday to determine if they will become the eight signatory.

The move comes the same week at least six other Ohio university presidents signed a letter formally condemning Trump's "overreach" in higher education. Carter was not among the signatories. See previous coverage of this letter in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus Crew on Thursday acquired forward Aliyu Ibrahim in a trade with the Houston Dynamo.

In return, the Crew are sending $450,000 to Houston, which could be worth up to $750,000 with performance-based incentives. Ibrahim, a 23-year-old Nigerian striker, is under contract through the 2025 MLS season and includes options for 2026 and 2027.

Ground broken at Astor Park’s residential development surrounding Lower.com Field

"Aliyu is a young and dynamic player whose experience in MLS and the international level adds valuable depth and gives us another quality attacking option," General Manager Issa Tall said in a statement. "We are excited to welcome Aliyu to Columbus and look forward to integrating him into our squad."

After playing in the Croatian league for three seasons with Lokomotiva Zagreb, Ibrahim was signed by the Houston Dynamo in 2023. He helped the Dynamo win the 2023 U.S. Open Cup with three goals in five games.

Ibrahim scored six goals and played in all 34 MLS regular season games in 2024 with the Dynamo. While he has appeared as a right winger mostly, he has experience playing on the left wing and as a striker.

The Black & Gold begin a two-game homestand on Saturday night when they take on the San Jose Earthquakes at Lower.com Field. The following Saturday, the Crew will host the top team in the East, Charlotte FC.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- There will be road closures and "significant" delays on transit routes over the weekend due to the Capital City Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, and Columbus Promise 5K.

The race begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday at High and Town streets.

COTA delays and rerouting

The Central Ohio Transit Authority warned customers they could see "significant" delays because of the race. Some COTA lines will also be rerouted.

Starting on Friday, Lines 1, 2, 5, 8, 11, 52, 61, 102, and CMAX will be rerouted, which will impact a few stops near Columbus Commons around South High Street. On Saturday, Lines 1 through 12, 22, 31, 102, and CMAX will experience the delays and reroutes.

Beginning at 8 a.m., there were be no stops on High Street from Ohio State University to German Village. There will also be impacts on Neil Avenue, West Lane Avenue, North and South Fourth Street, South Third Street, West Long Street, East Spring Street, and Thurman Avenue.

The reroutes are expected to last until early afternoon on Saturday.

COTA said routes could also be subject to change without notice depending on traffic conditions.

The most up-to-date information can be found on COTA.com or by calling 614-228-1776.

Street closures

In addition to the COTA delays and reroutes, several roads in Columbus will also be closed due to the marathon.

From 5 p.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Saturday, the following roads will be closed:

• High Street from Broad Street to Main Street
• Rich Street from 3rd Street to Wall Street
• Town Street from Wall Street to 3rd Street
• State Street from 3rd Street to Front Street

During the race, there will be rolling street closures along the race route, which can be found here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ground has officially been broken on a mixed-used neighborhood development located adjacent to Lower.com field.

Astor Park, which includes its Residential A Block complete with 261 multi-family units, Class-A offices with ground-floor retail, riverfront parks, and public art, all in plain sight of Lower.com Field, is in its infancy stages of development, according to the Columbus Crew.

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The team announced Wednesday that ground was broken on the project, which is set to be completed in 2027. The development of Astor Park also consists of a five-story, 154,000 square foot Class A office building with 17,250 square feet of ground-floor retail space, a 685-space parking garage, 3,700 square feet of murals, 13,600 square feet of public plaza and 39,5000 square feet of recreation in the park.

The development, which will feature studio, one-, and two-bedroom floor plans, sits across from Lower.com Field. In addition to retail options, residents of Astor Park will have access to almost 40,000 square feet of amenity space, including an indoor/outdoor fitness facility, clubroom, game room, social lounge with bar and fireplace, bike storage, dog spa, and a 35,000 square-foot courtyard with pool, outdoor kitchen and dining areas, along with curated art.

“We are thrilled to break ground on the residential portion of Astor Park,” said Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Managing Partners Haslam Sports Group. “Our vision for Lower.com Field has always been for more than just our home on match days.”

(courtesy of The Pizzuti Companies and Haslam Sports Group)

The plan was detailed in an announcement in March 2021, when Astor Park was given its name. Astor Park will also feature a two-acre public park, a pedestrian bridge and direct access to the Olentangy Trail, as well as the Central Ohio Greenway network. 

Astor Park is named after the birthplace of American soccer, Astor House, in New York City, where, in April 1913, Thomas Cahill founded the United States Football Association. It later became known as the United States Soccer Federation. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A man accused of fatally shooting a teenager after a road rage incident in southwest Columbus pleaded guilty Thursday in court to murder charges.

Skyler Burley changed his plea from not guilty in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and attorneys agreed on a life in prison sentence with the possibility of parole after 18 years. Burley, 30, shot 17-year-old Gage Anderson on Aug. 13, 2024, in a United Dairy Farmers parking lot on Clime Road.

Anderson was taken to an area hospital in critical condition but was later pronounced dead at 8:40 p.m. Witnesses told police a vehicle had left the scene and a CPD helicopter quickly located the vehicle in question. Officers stopped Burley at the intersection of Lynward Road and Maurine Drive where he was taken into custody.

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Police said the shooting stemmed from a road rage incident after the victim’s father said Burley got out of his black Kia and shot his son. Court documents stated that Burley told police he shot Anderson in self-defense after the two exchanged words before Anderson lunged at him.

Burley, who was charged with murder, aggravated murder and tampering with evidence, pleaded to one count of murder with a firearm specification.

Members of Anderson’s family spoke on the tragedy of his death, while Burley also offered his apologies before the judge handed down the sentence.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Walmart announced plans on Wednesday to remodel hundreds of stores nationwide, with several central Ohio locations included on the list of stores set to see what the company calls a "re-imagining" of the shopping experience.

The company said the updates will include big and bold signage, displays that better showcase merchandise, more selection of items, plus expanded online pickup and delivery.

The pharmacies will also be getting overhauled with wider aisles, private screening rooms and privacy checkout areas.

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In total, the company plans to remodel 23 stores across Ohio, with eight of them in central Ohio.

Central Ohio Walmart stores set for remodel AddressCity1470 S Court StreetCircleville2700 Bethel RoadColumbus1241 E Columbus StreetKenton555 Colemans Crossing BlvdMarysville2793 Taylor Road ExtReynoldsburg990 W Emmitt AveWaverly50 E Schrock RoadWesterville3657 E Main StreetWhitehall

The company provided renderings of what the remodels will look like.

• Courtesy: Walmart
• Courtesy: Walmart
• Courtesy: Walmart
• Courtesy: Walmart
• Courtesy: Walmart
• Courtesy: Walmart
• Courtesy: Walmart
• Courtesy: Walmart

Walmart didn't provide an exact timeline for when the remodels would take place, but said it's subject to change based on "construction schedules and other factors."

The company employs about 58,000 associates in Ohio.

HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) -- A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Hilliard City Schools by parents who claimed the district pressured a student to adopt "a new name and identity as the opposite sex."

U.S. District Court Judge Michael Watson rejected the suit on Wednesday, stating the parents didn't respond to the school board's motion for a summary judgement and that claims the district could be "hiding [a] child's gender dysphoria" exceeded the two-year statute of limitations. Another claim alleging Hilliard schools intentionally inflicted emotional distress was also dismissed.

A plaintiff said the district "engaged in gender-affirming care" with her child without telling her, but testified multiple times that she knew as early as January 2021 that teachers were referring to the student by a different name and pronouns. To fall within the statute of limitations, the plaintiff needed to file her claims by the end of January 2023.

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While the parents' original filing in the case was submitted on Jan. 16, 2023, this plaintiff didn't join the suit until an amended complaint was filed in February.

"From the outset, our position has been that this suit was misinformed and based on incorrect facts. It mischaracterized our district's policies and procedures and made allegations of conduct that did not occur," the district said in a previous statement. "It also made several broad conclusions and accusations, which had little to do with the legal arguments presented."

The parents initially sued Hilliard schools in January 2023 to call on the court to stop district teachers from wearing LGBTQ-supportive badges that read "I'm Here" with a Pride flag design on the front. Teachers were given permission to continue wearing the badges in 2022 after some parents expressed concern over a code on the back that could lead to websites inappropriate for children.

Watson dismissed that part of the case for lack of standing in 2024, stating the parents didn't allege whether any of their children's teachers, or anyone at their children's schools, wear the badge. The parents also failed to allege that they have any reason to believe that their child would scan the QR code if they see a badge.

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"Plaintiffs offer no allegations that their children have told or will tell the school that they are, or may be, LGBTQ+," Watson wrote in the 2024 ruling. "Because [parents] have not plausibly alleged that their children have reported or will report such issues to school officials, they have likewise not plausibly alleged that they will suffer any injury as a result of what the district might do in response."

The parents' second amended complaint, alleging a student was pressured by teachers to adopt "a new name and identity as the opposite sex," was permitted by Watson at the time to proceed through litigation. The plaintiffs had also argued, "The district's acts were reckless because district officials are not qualified -- and are specifically denied entitlement to -- make diagnoses and treatment decisions for somebody else's child."

NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) – Although many people first think of Les Wexner and the New Albany Company, New Albany and Plain Township have a 230-year history -- one historians intend to celebrate this Saturday.

The New Albany-Plain Township Historical Society will celebrate its 50th anniversary this weekend in an interactive partnership with the New Albany branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the library's local history and genealogy division. The groups will honor the anniversary by hosting a New Albany History Day at the library.

"Our hope is that the community will come out this Saturday to learn more about some of New Albany’s history," New Albany library branch manager Paul Boyce said. "In addition to our guest speakers, the day will include a walking tour of historic New Albany and fun activities for all ages."

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Historical society President Dennis Keesee will kick the day off with the guided walking tour of historical sights in the city at 11 a.m. The hour-long tour is limited to 30 participants and will meet and end at the library.

Next, New Albany's Director of Administrative Services will share plans for the city's new veterans memorial from 12:30 to 1 p.m. The historical society is collecting funds for the recently announced bronze statue, which will reside in the city's planned Veterans Park. The society is $96,500 into its $200,000 fundraising goal to erect the statue.

Also in the afternoon, historians will discuss the history of New Albany and the Vietnam War, and heritage quilters will present a historic quilt depicting the city in the 19th century. If residents are looking for more, there are also six events that will continue throughout the day. History enthusiasts can decorate quilt squares, participate in a scavenger hunt and explore historical displays.

Residents can also become a part of history themselves. People can bring photos or documents to be scanned and digitized as part of the city's history, and can record interviews to preserve New Albany memories for future generations.

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According to the historical society, the city began with Plain Township in 1795, predating the state itself. The first European settlers to live in the area were Revolutionary War veterans who were given 100 acres each from the young U.S. government. In New Albany, a German farmer in western Pennsylvania eventually moved his family to the area to sell whiskey.

After 1812, the federal government began selling off unused veteran land in Ohio, attracting more settlers. According to the historical society, these new settlers began to marry one another and create a small community with heavy German influences after high immigration rates to Ohio.

The city slowly continued to grow, with the Great Depression attracting workers hoping for labor jobs and new traffic from southern states after World War II. The largest boom is well publicized: Wexner's New Albany Company acquired thousands of acres to build up a wealthy community in the mid-1980s.

Boyce said this is the library's first foray into a New Albany History Day program. The city itself is not participating in New Albany History Day, although it is helping to promote the event. Residents can participate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the library on Saturday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - Meet Muncie! He is available for adoption at the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.

Muncie is an 11 month old pit bull mix who has been at the shelter since the middle of March. Shelter staff say Muncie has a playful, energetic personality and would make a great pet for any family.

Muncie (Courtesy: Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center)

Muncie loves playing with dogs in his playgroup at the shelter and would love to find a home where there is already another dog. Muncie is also a member of the shelter's run club. He would be the perfect running buddy for someone who is active and likes being outdoors.

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With his active personality, shelter staff say Muncie also likes to wind down and is content with tossing around toys. He also knows how to sit and is working on down, according to the shelter. He would be open to learning more tricks and is eager to please.

If you are interested in adopting or fostering to adopt Muncie, you can visit him at the shelter for a meet and greet at 4340 Tamarack Blvd. 

To view the full list of adoptable dogs, go to the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center website.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A lucky Ohio Lottery player has purchased the first jackpot-winning Mega Millions ticket since the new game launched earlier this month.

The ticket is worth a whopping $112 million after the winning numbers were matched on Friday. According to a news release from the Ohio Lottery, the winner skipped the auto pick feature and chose their own numbers, which were — 5-13-15-17-28, with the Mega Ball 1.

The ticket was sold at Giant Eagle, 4401 Mayfield Road in South Euclid. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 290,472,336.

The ticket holder now has 180 days to claim their prize. The winnings can be received as a 30-year annuity or as a $49.3 million cash prize.

The overhauled Mega Millions game began on April 5, promising bigger jackpots, better odds and a built-in multiplier that does not cost the player extra money and improves every nonjackpot win by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X.

The ticket price was raised from $2 to $5 per wager, however, the game was designed to have no breakeven prizes, with all winning tickets totaling $10 or more. Additionally, its jackpots start at $50 million.

Ohio has had 21 Mega Millions jackpot winners and 65 second-tier winners of $1 million or more. The nationwide game is sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are conducted at 11 p.m. Eastern on Tuesdays and Fridays in Atlanta.

The next Mega Millions drawing is Friday, April 25.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - From Earth Day events and Upper Deck Golf at Ohio Stadium, to the return of the annual OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon, here are things to see and do this weekend in central Ohio.

Upper Deck Golf

Ohio Stadium, April 24-26

• Upper Deck Golf is returning to Ohio Stadium, giving fans the exclusive opportunity to tee off inside the ‘Shoe. Fans will play a round of golf throughout the Stadium, targeting custom greens. Players will start and end their round at the stadium clubhouse with music, food, drinks and interactive golfing challenges. 

(Courtesy Photo/Upper Deck Golf) COSI Earth Day Celebration

COSI, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• COSI is hosting several activities and fun for the whole family to celebrate Earth Day. Explore how water moves through cities, learn about environmental career paths, meet some animals, and much more. A special presentation will be held on the Atrium Stage at 11 a.m.

2025 Capital City Half Marathon

S. High Street at Town Street, April 26 at 8 a.m.

• More than 10,000 runners and walkers will participate in the annual Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon or 5K in downtown Columbus. After the race, participants can join in on the Post-Race Party and Concert.

Columbus Mimosa Fest

Genoa Park, April 26 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Celebrate your weekend with mimosas, brunch and entertainment. The annual festival will feature curated mimosa flavors, chef brunch bites, live DJ and more. Tickets are on sale for those who are 21 years and older.

(File: Getty) Arbor Day Celebration

Dawes Arboretum, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Visitors will have an opportunity to participate in family-friendly activities including a tree giveaway, tree climbing, art activities, wagon tours, photo opportunity with Ohio State's mascot Brutus, plant sales, and more. Admission is free and open to the public.

2025 Cap City Festival

Adams Community Center, April 26 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is bringing back its annual Cap City Festivals. This is the first of many kicking off at the Adams Community Center. Visitors can enjoy free food, entertainment and more. Admission is free and open to the public.

Crew vs. Earthquakes

Lower.com Field, April 26 at 7:30 p.m.

• The Columbus Crew face the San Jose Earthquakes in a home matchup at Lower.com Field.

Green Columbus Earth Day Celebration

Scioto Audubon Metro Park, April 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Enjoy several special activities and events throughout the day. The event is free, zero-waste and open to the public. Some activities include a yoga class, entertainment, food trucks and more.

Merion Village Founder's Day Celebration and Market

The Century, 106 E Moler St., April 27 from noon to 4 p.m.

• The Merion Village Association is celebrating 40 years with several events and activities. Enjoy a community market offering a variety of local goods, food trucks and more.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Tinashe, Rebecca Black and drag queens from "RuPaul's Drag Race" are among the artists taking the stage for a music festival coming to Columbus during LGBTQ+ Pride weekend.

The All Out Music Festival is hosting Tinashe and Black in Columbus on June 14 at Kemba Live, alongside Betty Who, Vincint, Molly Grace, DJ Jaesyun, Kaleena Zanders. Former Drag Race contestants Crystal Envy and Luxx Noir London will also perform.

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In its fourth year and previously known as Pride on the Shore, All Out said it "commits to booking a diverse, inclusive, predominantly LGBTQ+ lineup but also welcomes allied artists who are strong, supportive, vocal community advocates." The festival's Pittsburgh stop last year included a headlining performance by Chappell Roan as part of her "The Midwest Princess Tour."

"I'm proud of the festival and brand we've built over the last few years and can’t wait to bring it to Columbus," founder Nick Staples said. "A festival of this magnitude takes an incredible amount of hands to get across the finish line, and I'm looking forward to the community experiencing all we have planned."

• Chappell Roan headlining the 2024 Pride on the Shore in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Courtesy Photo/Nick Staples)
• All Out, previously known as Pride on the Shore, said it's committed to a "predominantly LGBTQ+ line-up." (Courtesy Photo/Nick Staples)
• All Out, previously known as Pride on the Shore, said it's committed to a "predominantly LGBTQ+ line-up." (Courtesy Photo/Nick Staples)
• All Out, previously known as Pride on the Shore, said it's committed to a "predominantly LGBTQ+ line-up." (Courtesy Photo/Nick Staples)
• All Out, previously known as Pride on the Shore, said it's committed to a "predominantly LGBTQ+ line-up." (Courtesy Photo/Nick Staples)

Nina West, the Columbus drag queen who competed on "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" last summer, is set to host All Out. As part of West's "continued commitment to giving back to the community," the festival said a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Nina West Foundation, a lifeline for local nonprofits serving LGBTQ+ youth in Columbus.

To fill out the rest of the lineup, the festival is highlighting several Columbus-based drag queens, including Blonde Vanity, Cloe Angel, Maya Bizness and The Girl Named Jack.

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Each artist's performance time will be released at a later date, the festival said. General-admission tickets are on sale for $59.50, while VIP tickets are available for $89.50 and include front-of-stage viewing, express entry, and free water stations. Accessible seating for attendees with disability and their companions can be purchased for $59.50.

ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH) – As public universities prepare for changes under Senate Bill 1, Ohio University is taking a community-centric approach.

Ohio University President Lori Gonzalez has penned multiple letters to students, faculty and staff addressing Senate Bill 1, which will limit faculty union powers, ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs on campus, and adjust discussions of "controversial topics." As many Ohio universities ask students and staff for patience, Gonzalez has publicly addressed concerns from students and staff. See previous coverage of S.B. 1 in the video player above.

"Most of the questions, as you would imagine, were about how what we are required to do by law will impact what and how we teach," Gonzalez said at a university update meeting on Tuesday. "I'm just going to make it clear ... we remain wholly committed to academic freedom as the cornerstone of the academy, critical for educating students."

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Ohio University published a page for legislative updates to provide up-to-date information for students and staff, as did Ohio State University. However, Ohio University has not announced any major changes under SB 1 yet, a stark difference from Ohio State, which dissolved its diversity, equity and inclusion offices before SB 1 was signed into law.

Gonzalez said they will always comply with state and federal law, but they "don't want to over comply." Instead, university spokesperson Dan Pittman said Ohio University is working carefully to accurately and fairly interpret the law while trying to remain transparent.

University leadership has sought student and faculty feedback through an online portal for questions and university update meetings. Gonzalez was able to assure students and staff that they do not anticipate any changes to courses that cover "controversial topics."

"As evidenced by our interactions, OHIO deeply values transparency with our community, and we will continue to further these efforts in the days ahead with additional updates," university spokesperson Dan Pittman said.

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Ohio University Provost Donald Leo is assembling six academic work groups to prepare for various SB 1 requirements. All six groups' responsibilities and timelines are clearly defined online, and the groups' membership will be published this week as well, allowing some insight into the university's process:

• Low Conferral Program Working Group: Implementing a review process for a new requirement to sunset majors that confer fewer than five degrees per year over a three-year period.
• American Civics Literacy Course Working Group: Developing a plan for a new course to satisfy SB 1's required three-credit American civic literacy class.
• Student and Peer Evaluations of Teaching Working Group: Developing policies for peer and student evaluations for SB 1's mandatory written faculty evaluations.
• Publicly Accessible Course Syllabus Working Group: SB 1 requires all syllabi to be publicly available, so this group is developing a plan and template for doing so.
• Intellectual Diversity in Course Approvals Working Group: Under the new law, universities must "demonstrate intellectual diversity for course approval," so this group will implement a process to do so for current and future courses.
• Annual Evaluations and Post-Tenure Review Working Group: Developing a policy for annual evaluations and post-tenure review as required for faculty under the law.

Most groups will meet weekly over the summer to develop a plan for their assigned concepts, with proposals due Aug. 16, 10 days before classes will begin in the fall semester. The American Civics Literacy Course group will work more quickly, submitting a plan in May for review at the June Board of Trustees meeting. The syllabi group has a bit more planning time, as that requirement does not go into effect until the following school year.

"We understand that this is a new process, our goal, of course, is to comply, as the president says, but we want to minimize the burden on the faculty," Leo said.

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Leo said the groups will include representatives from the President's Council and Cabinet, the University Curriculum Council, the Office of Civil Rights, deans of colleges and appointees from the Faculty Senate.

Still, some faculty members want more support from the administration. The newly founded faculty union at Ohio University called on Leo and Gonzalez on April 7, asking them to be better advocates for academic freedom and for faculty expertise.

Professors have been largely against Senate Bill 1, and Ohio University's Faculty Senate passed a resolution strongly opposing the bill in an emergency meeting on March 17. Leo said the university is trying to include them in the decision-making process without burdening them.

So far, Ohio University has only postponed or canceled two events because of DEI concerns: the Black Alumni Reunion and a Celebrate Women Conference at the Lancaster campus. The former still occurred without university support after alumni rallied the community in just weeks.

Senate Bill 1 will go into effect on June 26, and Gonzalez said the university will provide more updates within the next week.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A provision folded into an over 5,000-page budget bill would eliminate elections for county coroners, with industry professionals citing concerns the proposed change could impact the integrity of death investigations. 

House Bill 96, Ohio's proposed budget for the next two years and passed by the House earlier this month, included a section that would get rid of elections for coroners in the state and instead allow county boards of commissioners to appoint the position.

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Coroners investigate and certify the causes of death for people who die within their jurisdiction, primarily under unnatural or suspicious circumstances. Currently, coroners are elected in almost all of the state’s counties. Summit and Cuyahoga counties alternatively have appointed medical examiners, who typically have more extensive forensic pathology training.

David Corey, executive director of the Ohio State Coroners Association, said his organization was unaware the House was going to include the provision in the budget.

“The provision was a total shock to us,” Corey said. “To make such a massive change like this without any proper debate is very disappointing.”

Five coroners in the Cincinnati area expressed similar sentiments in a letter sent to legislators. The letter said “burying” the provision in a budget bill without contacting individually elected coroners or the state association was “unprofessional and reckless.” It also said appointing the position “removes a layer of democratic oversight” and “risks consolidating investigative power in less accountable, potentially politicized hands.”

“We feel the best system for the state of Ohio and for all Ohioans to elect the coroner to preserve the impartiality, the integrity and the independence of death investigation in the state,” Corey said. “By being appointed corner, you're beholden to the people or the person that appoints you, versus trying to just find out the truth and serving the county electorate.”

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The County Commissioners Association of Ohio has long lobbied for the change, with a spokesperson saying that many counties have difficulties recruiting candidates for the role. The group also believes the change would allow for commissioners to “share, combine or reorganize” the duties of the coroner across a larger geographic area for a more efficient system. 

"Coroners are licensed professionals bound to ethical standards, and we would expect that they would continue to operate in an ethical manner regardless of whether they are elected or appointed," the spokesperson said.

In Ohio, coroners must, at a minimum, be licensed physicians with two years of experience. Commissioners already have the authority to appoint a coroner if no one elects to run, according to Corey. Under the proposal, appointed coroners, like elected coroners today, would serve four-year terms.

In 20 states, including Ohio, a majority of counties have elected coroners. In 23 states and Washington, D.C., a majority of counties use medical examiners, who are generally appointed. Six states mostly use other county officials for death investigations, such as law enforcement personnel. 

In Ohio, the coroner is among a handful of countywide elected positions, alongside the offices of county commissioner, sheriff, prosecuting attorney, treasurer, recorder and clerk of court.

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As coroners fight to keep this system, Corey said his organization is looking forward to working with the Senate, where lawmakers will have the chance to negotiate changes and hear public input. A completed version of the bill will be sent to DeWine’s desk for approval by June 30.

As with all spending bills, DeWine can reject certain provisions within the legislation. If the provision passes, appointments for the position across the state would begin in 2029. 

The primary sponsor of the budget bill, Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), did not respond to NBC4’s requests for comment.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus leaders gathered to provide an update on the Envision Hilltop plan Wednesday -- it’s a long-term community revitalization effort focused on three things: people, places and homes.  

The Envision Hilltop plan started five years ago and leaders said that while progress has been made, this is not the finish line just yet.   

“So much has happened since we announced this plan,” Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther. 

Ginther gave an update on the Envision Hilltop plan to dozens of people at the Mid-Ohio Farm on the Hilltop. So far, there’s already been $180 million invested. 

One of the main focuses of the plan so far has been revitalizing Sullivant Avenue.   

“Some of the things we've done there, $10 million in infrastructure streets, alleys, sidewalks, new streetlights, traffic signals and signage, bump outs and pedestrian refuge islands, crashes are down 50% on Sullivant Avenue, extreme speeding is down 92%,” Ginther said. 

Construction is also set to begin on the new Sullivant Avenue police substation as well. It’s scheduled to be completed in August 2026. 

“I think the exciting piece that, at least for the neighborhood, beyond just getting some additional much needed infrastructure, is the opportunity for there to be open space for folks to come in and engage, learn more about what goes on at the substation and engage with folks,”  Columbus Department of Neighborhoods Neighborhood Program Specialist Nick Plouck said. 

Plouck believes Hilltop residents don’t get a lot of opportunity to highlight all the neighborhood has to offer. 

“People choose to live in this neighborhood,” he said. “People are moving to this neighborhood.” 

Hilltop resident Ashley Montana serves as vice chairperson of the Greater Hilltop Area Commission. One thing she’d love to see more of in the future is affordable housing units.  

“I hope we'll add more diversity into our housing stock and have units available for all residents regardless of their income,” Montana said. 

Ginther also mentioned that COTA recently confirmed that the West Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit line is expected to be completed by 2028.   

For more on the plan, click here. 

CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Circleville police are asking for the public’s help in finding a woman first reported missing more than two weeks ago. 

Police said Darlynn Buehler, 58, was last seen on April 1 by her co-workers at about 6:30 p.m. at her workplace on Thoroughbred Drive in Columbus. Since that time, police said she has not been in contact with friends, family, or her employer. 

Darlynn is 5-feet, 3-inches tall and weighs approximately 185 pounds. She has brown/gray hair and blue eyes. 

Darlynn may be driving a 2013 red Ford F-150 with Ohio license plate 049ZVH. 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Circleville Police Department at 740-474-8888 or the investigations bureau at 740-214-8071. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The City of Columbus is making 911 more accessible to every resident in the city. These advances make sure that accessing city emergency services is equitable and efficient.  

Residents can text 911 in their native language and the software will translate it for the dispatchers. Users can also show dispatchers real-time video of what’s happening around them.  

The new technology was launched this month and is now ready to use.  

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"We feel like now we belong, our community now belongs to the City of Columbus," Hassiba Makour, who helped test the system, said. 

Makour speaks many languages. She and a group of others helped test the system that translates texts to English for dispatchers to read.  

"It's going to help save lives because time is the key; like the mayor said, time is key," Makour said.  

Dispatchers can respond in English and the text is translated back to the language of the person in distress 

"The data will provide us with some direction on what communities are comfortable using it, which ones are not comfortable using it,” Public Safety Support Services Division Administrator Ken Coontz said. “Do we need to reach out to those communities and go, ‘Hey, is there something we can do to help you feel more secure?’” 

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The other new element is 911 video. Dispatchers can send a link to the user’s phone and, with permission, see through the front and back cameras. Once the call has ended, dispatchers will no longer have access to the user’s device. This can help to identify where the caller is or show emergency personnel the scene. 

"We think this is just going to be another great tool, a way for us to continuously improve,” Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said. “That's what we're focused on. How can we get better in serving the people of Columbus?" 

The translation service depends on the phone carrier the user has. Currently, AT&T is the only carrier that translates in all 55 languages available through the service. City officials said other carriers can only translate Latin-based characters.