Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A federal judge has reinstated the international student status of an Ohio State University Ph.D. student after it was revoked by the federal government. 

In a ruling filed late last week, U.S. District Court Judge Algenon L. Marbley temporarily reinstated the Student and Exchange Visitor Information Systems (SEVIS) status for the agricultural engineering student who is a citizen of India. Marbley set a preliminary injunction hearing for May 8. 

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SEVIS is a database used by the Department of Homeland Security to track F-1 students in the United States to attend school. An F-1 visa provides foreign students with valid immigration status for the duration of their time of study. 

The student was one of nearly a dozen Ohio State students, and hundreds nationwide, whose SEVIS records were removed from the database by the Trump administration earlier this month without any notice. 

According to the court filing, on April 8, the student received an email from Ohio State’s international affairs office telling her that her SEVIS record had been deleted from the database. The office said the reason was “Other -- Individual identified in criminal records check and/or has had their VISA revoked.” The email further states, “The U.S. government believes you have violated your F-1 status.” 

The student alleges that while her visa does remain valid, it is the “arbitrary and capricious” revocation of her SEVIS status that she is challenging in court. 

Criminal activity is one way an F-1 visa can be revoked. The student admits to a June 2020 conviction for a defective equipment charge – a misdemeanor traffic infraction -- in Missouri for which she paid her fine. 

Faster, stronger 911 system rolling out in Ohio

Another Ohio State graduate student, Ahwar Sultan, and the OSU chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration for revoking his visa after pro-Palestinian protests at the university in April 2024. 

On April 7, Ohio State President Ted Carter said the university was not formally notified of any of the visa revocations and is working to find solutions for impacted students. 

Carter was part of the Ohio State football team’s championship visit to the White House; a university spokesperson would not say if Carter discussed the student visa issue with President Trump or Vice President JD Vance, an Ohio State alumnus. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- New technology is providing Ohioans with advanced communication capabilities when calling 911.  

Next Generation 911 makes emergency services more efficient, especially in rural areas of Ohio, where it's critical to have a strong and reliable communication infrastructure.  

In Central Ohio, Union County is among 10 pilot counties in the state that are already utilizing Next Generation 911.

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"The delivery of the 911 calls will be more reliable because it is based on a broadband service system," Union County 911 Coordinator Pam Millhoan said. 

The new system modernizes how Ohioans interact with 911, reshaping how emergency calls are located, routed and handled to help save more. While voice calls are preferred, texting capabilities allow people who may be in distress or hard of hearing to get the help they need.  

"Governor DeWine, who's always been focused on public safety, took the initiative to request substantial increase in funding for the Next Gen 911 project, which was enacted in the last operating budget," Ohio Department of Administrative Services Director Kathleen Madden said. 

The Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is managing the state's long-term strategy for migration to Next Generation 911. DAS received $46 million in the state's last operating budget to create the infrastructure for the system.

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"It's really about saving lives and finding efficiency in emergency response times," Madden said.  

According to Madden, many central Ohioans, like her, live in townships, many of which rely on mutual aid agreements between those jurisdictions to respond in the event of an emergency.  

"Having the ability to pinpoint accurately, respond to an emergency, eliminates this call transfer so when you call 911, it's going right to the correct spot for that jurisdiction to respond to you," Madden said.  

Madden said early data is already showing the system increases the speed of accuracy and eliminates call transfers by close to 40%.  

"It's very much like how we operate today," Madden said. "Many of us don't have landlines anymore so having a mobile-friendly device that helps us respond and get our first responders to us in the case of an emergency is key."

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According to state leaders, Next Generation 911 was a necessary upgrade of the existing 911 system to adapt to how people communicate, which is largely through mobile and digital services.  

"This is just one other tool that we can use to help benefit our citizens and help our dispatchers get the information that they need to do their jobs better," Millhoan said. 

Starting July 1, once all 10 pilot counties are officially certified, the rest of Ohio’s counties will have five years to transition to the system. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- More than 150 colleges and universities signed a letter Tuesday condemning the Trump administration's attempts to control higher education institutions, including at least four in central Ohio.

The presidents of Capital University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Denison University, Otterbein University and Kenyon College signed alongside leaders of large public universities and small liberal arts schools alike. The letter, organized by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), condemns overreach and the use of public research funding as a means of coercion.

"We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight," the letter reads. "However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses."

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"American higher education is the envy of the world, and that's because there has been a long and productive partnership between higher education and the U.S. government," a spokesperson for Kenyon College said.

So far, the Trump administration has paused or threatened to pause billions of dollars in federal funding for universities in an effort to "root out" antisemitism and DEI on college campuses. The Trump administration has tried to get Harvard to shutter its diversity, equity and inclusion programs and successfully implemented a list of demands at Columbia last month.

"It's also because students across the nation have been free to explore their own academic and career interests and scholars have been free to pursue research that advances society," Kenyon's spokesperson said. "We believe both are worth preserving."

Ohio Wesleyan President Matt vandenBerg said challenges to higher education are threatening academic freedom and university missions. He said the letter emphasizes productive engagement between universities and government entities.

"The list of signatories is impressive and growing, and it reflects widespread concern from across the higher education landscape," vandenBerg said. "This is a rare and important moment of solidarity in higher education, and Ohio Wesleyan University has an important role to play in sharing this message."

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Ohio State, which did not sign the letter, was singled out by the Trump administration twice: once for alleged antisemitism and once for alleged discrimination for partnering with a nonprofit encouraging minority students to get their PhDs.

A White House spokesperson told NBC News that the Trump administration is "standing up for equality and fairness and will not be swayed by worthless letters by overpaid blowhards."

AAC&U said it will continue to accept signatures from current leaders of colleges, universities and scholarly societies. Denison University's president, for instance, signed after the letter's debut. The University of Dayton is the only public Ohio university to have signed the letter as of publication.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new safety initiative is putting more eyes on Downtown Columbus than ever before. 

A security command center is now fully operational in the heart of downtown. This is all a part public-private partnership and an initiative called ‘Safer Downtown,’ which is funded with grant money.

Leaders said with the city growing and more people moving to the downtown area, this is a crucial step.

“Having the safer downtown benefits everybody in central Ohio,” said Cmdr. Duane Mabry with the Columbus Division of Police. “Having those visitors come, having the people who work down here, having the people who live down here all feel safer and have this one more tool in the safety toolbox is good for everybody. It'll benefit everybody in the long run. And so I am really excited to see it come in. I'm really excited to see where in the future we go with it.” 

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The command center is located in the Lazarus building. Mabry said someone will be monitoring the command center 24/7.

He said there are cameras, radio feeds and phone lines. Mabry said they strategically picked the locations of the cameras.

“Our crime analysts looked at our crime patterns and we kind of looked at camera placement based on those crime patterns," he said. "Where are we seeing hotspots and where can we better address that? And what are those hotspots look like over the last two, three, four or five years?" Mabry said.

Mabry said this can also be beneficial for going back and getting the facts of a situation when working to solve crimes.

“That's a big help to law enforcement. You know, even if we might not be able to stop in real time what happened, we can circle back and see what happened,” said Greg Davies, the CEO of Downtown Columbus Inc. 

Davies said downtown is safe, but this adds another layer of security. He said there are currently 100 cameras around the area and, through grant money, they plan to add 100 more.  

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“This is the engine that makes the region go," Davies said. “Without a strong downtown, you can have great suburbs. But I would argue, you know, the city is not going to be as successful as it could be. And if people don't feel safe coming downtown, it's going to be a real struggle. So as we begin to get more people living here, working here, there's a lot more stuff to do. In the summer, we'll get a lot of festivals, people and just that knowledge that this word's getting out that you can feel comfortable.”

They said this has been about a year in the making and they did studies to ensure this was the right tactic. They said the launch timing is perfect with the downtown festival season approaching.

“It's going to be a great spot to come for red, white and blue and kind of see how the crowd is doing, make sure the crowd is safe,” Mabry said. “We'll find out as soon as this Saturday as the half marathon comes up, and we'll see how these cameras work and see make sure that, you know, our theory was correct."

They say they plan to use the cameras to identify areas downtown that need better lighting and update those areas. They say having good light to get a better picture all coincides with making the neighborhood safer.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus Police data shows the city’s homicide rate is the lowest it's been year-to-date in more than a decade.  

Police report 16 homicides in the city so far this year. The data shows this is the first time the city’s year-to-date homicide rate is below 20 since before 2013.  

Ralph Carter, the founder of the group We Are Linden, said he thinks what is helping slow the violence is collaboration with the community.

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“Sixteen is still a really big number, you know, we always say, you know, again, one life loss is still one life too many, but you can see that the work is being done and just continue to apply that work,” Carter said. “From collaboration, the city is pouring into organizations such as us, We Are Linden, and others just continue to do the work.” 

Carter said there is still work to be done and data shows youth violence historically picks up in the summer, which is why We Are Linden is Project Safe Summer in partnership with North Columbus Preparatory Academy in Linden.  

Carter said North Columbus Preparatory Academy will act as a hub for activities in the summer to keep kids productive and out of trouble. 

“We have 18 classrooms here, so we're trying to fill them all up with young people and just organizations that's willing to come work with our youth,” Carter said. 

North Columbus Preparatory Academy Principal Ernest White said he wanted to get involved with the program to have a positive impact on the kids; he hopes to mentor as well. 

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“Growth within our community, students, you know, having some positive things to do for the summer, work on reading, math, social, emotional learning and just to be around some people that's positive,” he said. “That can be mentorships, do some mentoring so that they can grow and help families as well.” 

White said this will also teach the kids accountability in the summer. So far, the students he has talked to about Project Safe Summer are excited.  

White used to work in criminal justice, and since switching to the education field, he said he has seen violence impact his students. 

“You see it and it's heartbreaking and even talking to those offenders, it's like, ‘What happened?’ And some of them say, ‘I had two great parents,’ and some said, ‘I didn't have that positive relationship with someone in the school, someone in the community,’” White said.  

Police data shows three out of the 16 homicide victims so far this year are juveniles.

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“We have to continue to push the needle to hold everyone accountable because it takes a village to help raise these children and do what's right and show it on the right path,” Carter said.  

Carter said enrollment for Project Safe Summer is now open. To register, contact Carter through We Are Linden or contact North Columbus Preparatory Academy. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- ATV riding has become a popular pastime in central Ohio and Nationwide has a new initiative to remind people about safety, especially for kids.  

Most people have probably heard of the spokesperson for Nationwide’s initiative: Dale Earnhardt Jr., who is well-known for his career in NASCAR and loves going on ATV rides.  

Earnhardt has two young daughters, and he said that safety is paramount for them. 

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“They’re really fun vehicles and I have several of my own,” Earnhardt said. “We just enjoyed a lot of four-wheeler riding over the past weekend with my family on Easter vacation.”  

Earnhardt said his daughters love riding on four-wheelers and side-by-sides. He said he always makes sure they have properly-fitting, full-coverage helmets. His kids also ride smaller ATVs that are slower and use less horsepower.  

“I like to take my girls out and show them, you know, that this is a vehicle that can get out of control,” he said. “Trying to help them understand that it's to be respected and it's to be operated under certain conditions.”  

Dr. Rajan Thakkar, a pediatric surgeon at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, said ATV riding is definitely on the rise in central Ohio and that the hospital sees at least one ATV-related injury a week.  

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“The teenagers and above tend to actually rollover on the vehicle and suffer injuries related to that, whereas younger children, 12 and younger, tend to actually get thrown from the vehicle,” Thakkar said. “The most thing we see are concussions as a result of these types of injuries, along with orthopedic injuries. So bony fractures, those kinds of things.”  

Thakkar echoed Earnhardt’s safety advice, saying helmets and protective gear are necessary. He also said parents should make sure their child is responsible enough to operate the vehicle.  

“Twenty-five thousand to 30,000 children are actually injured on these types of vehicles each year, and so, again, supervision is extremely important and having proper education on the use of these vehicles,” Thakkar said. 

Whether a rider is a beginner or a seasoned pro, Earnahrdt, Thakkar and the people behind the Nationwide initiative said everyone needs to know about safety before getting on an ATV.  

“I think everybody you talk to has a story about how they know somebody who is either injured or maybe even killed in an accident,” Nationwide’s chief Agriculture Officer Devin Fuhrman said.

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Earnhardt said he follows the exact same safety advice that he gives to his kids each time he heads out for a ride.  

“You just kind of always got to have your wits about you and be aware of your surroundings and be aware of what your plan is for the day and where you're going to ride,” he said. 

For more about the basics of ATV safety and the rules every rider should know, click here. For more information on the proper helmet and gear needed to ride safely, click here. 

POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) — Following the death of Pope Francis, a central Ohio family is reflecting on the special moment they shared with him about seven years ago. 

On a wall in the Lombardi's home are pictures from their visit to the Vatican in 2018. One of the pictures is of their son Peter, 12 at the time, in the popemobile with Pope Francis.  

“Peter just rode around with Pope Francis for about 20 minutes. We could see him on the jumbo screen, we’re like that’s where he is, it was absolutely incredible," said Brenda Lombardi, Peter's mother.

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In 2017, Peter was battling leukemia. While he was receiving treatment, Pope Francis was visiting Philadelphia. Brenda said she and Peter were watching coverage of that visit on television in the hospital. At the time, Peter said one of his wishes was to be kissed on the head by Pope Francis. That ended up happening during their visit in 2018.  

“We just held Peter up and yelled Papa Francis and his security team saw Peter, and Pope Francis kind of pointed to Peter. They came over and picked him up and placed him up to Pope Francis so he could bless him and kiss him which he did," Brenda said.  

Brenda said their tour guide helped get them near the front at the papal audience. Initially, they'd prayed they'd just be able to see the pope. After the kiss, Pope Francis took Peter into the popemobile and rode around with him through the crowd for about 20 minutes.  

“We never in our lives ever thought that was going to happen, going there on the trip and then having Pete ride around in the popemobile and so yeah definitely a special connection to him just because of what he did for Pete and for our family," said Matt Lombardi, Peter's father.  

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The Lombardis said part of Pope Francis' legacy will be how he reached out to those with disabilities. They said they are grateful they got to experience that firsthand.  

“It was extraordinary. He took our little prayer that was, we just want to see the pope to its, like, to something unimaginable. But that's the way God works, right?" Brenda said. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Ohio Attorney General is suing an Ohio retailer after hundreds of customers complained to his office.  

A few of those customers also called Better Call 4, saying they paid for merchandise that they never got. 

"Look, if you get ripped off, first of all, you feel a little stupid, like, 'Oh, stupid me. This must be my fault.' Well, first of all, no, it's not your fault," Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. "It's the fault of the crook. Number 2, you think, 'Nobody's going to ever take my side. I can't afford a lawyer. The cops aren't going to come. I just got to roll with it and move on.'" 

It appears Yost is on the side of hundreds of customers who claim they were wronged by a retailer specializing in luxury home decor. 

According to a release from Yost’s office, there were more than 350 complaints made against Burke Décor. The company operates two brick-and mortar locations -- including one in Boardman, Ohio -- as well as an outlet in Youngstown. The unhappy customers reported paying more than $380,000 for furnishings that never arrived. 

The Ohio Attorney General's Office launched an investigation into the business last year after consumer complaints grew regarding non-delivery, slow delivery, and difficulties with obtaining refunds. 

A handful of those customers also reached out to Better Call 4. Many of them placed orders worth hundreds, even thousands of dollars, but said they never received the products they purchased or even a response from the company regarding a refund. 

Although there were some cases in which Burke Décor responded and refunded, many others were left unresolved, including more than 250 of the complaints made to the Ohio Attorney General's Office. After hearing from them, Yost filed suit and said cases like this emphasize the importance of educating and empowering consumers. 

"And even if we're not able to make your situation right, the fact that you called in may give us enough power to be able to stop somebody else from getting ripped off the same way,” said Yost. "Let us know about it. We want to at least make them stop.” 

Better Call 4 has reached out to Burke Décor, but has not heard back. As of now, according to the company’s website, new orders are not being accepted. 
 
If you’ve been the victim of bad business practices, you’re encouraged to contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Election day is two weeks away and early voting is nearing the end of its third week. 

Despite a statewide issue on the ballot, turnout is low.  

“Just because it’s an off-year election, turnout’s going to be quite a bit less than it was in the general election for president,” Public Information Officer at the Franklin County Board of Elections Aaron Sellers said.

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Franklin County is the state’s largest, and so far, just about 1,200 Ohioans have cast their ballot in this May’s primary election. 

“Single-digit turnout for this cycle,” Sellers said. “Obviously, there’s some important things that are on the ballot and we would encourage folks to participate.” 

Sellers said it is difficult to compare last November’s presidential election, which saw thousands of people voting a day and several high-profile races, to this May’s primary election. 

Either way, he agreed with Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio Jen Miller, who said voter turnout is important. 

“There are over a hundred school levies across the state, dozens of fire, police, and library levies,” Miller said. “Local communities are voting on mayor, treasurer of city council, trustees that we have both partisan - nonpartisan races in those categories, and so, we want to make sure that Ohio voters are showing up.”

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What do you need to keep in mind this election? First, Miller said to have a voting plan. 

“Are you voting early? Are you voting by mail or absentee? Or are you voting at your neighborhood polling location on Election Day? Once you make that decision, then you need to check the logistics,” she said. 

Most logistics are the same from last election – including ID laws – that means making sure you have a valid photo ID.  

“Even though there are conversations at the federal and state level about voter ID and it could change, right now, they're the same rules that applied last year,” Miller said. 
“The address does not have to match the address on your voter registration, but these do need to be unexpired.” 

One of the most recent election law changes in Ohio has to do with ballot drop boxes. If you are dropping a ballot off for yourself, you can use a drop box. If you are dropping a ballot off for a family member, you must go inside your local board of elections and sign a form stating that you are doing so lawfully. 

In Franklin County, for example, the board of elections is requiring anyone who is using the drop box during the board's hours of operation to go inside, even if it is just their own ballot.  

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“During business hours, we lock that, we have folks come in to deposit their ballot,” Sellers said. “It hasn’t been too much of an issue just because of low turnout.” 

Miller said there is so much political energy right now at the federal level, but Ohioans should try to translate that to state and local politics, too. 

“These local elections impact our daily lives,” she said. “Whether it's who wins the primary for the mayor's race or city council race, or will the library, police or fire station have the money they need to stay open and serve folks?”  

Before heading to the polls, voters can check their ballots by clicking here.  

Sellers said about 5% of Franklin County voters will be notified, likely sometime this week, that their election day polling location has closed, so is asking residents to keep an eye out for that notice or to check online. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – To celebrate Earth Day, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) launched a new initiative called Choose to Reuse, which aims to make Columbus less dependent on the Franklin County landfill.

The goal of this initiative is to prioritize waste reduction and inform residents on how to engage in reuse activities that can further protect the environment.

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“The landfill only has about 42 years of life left, and so, we want to extend its life and make sure it is a valuable resource for residents and businesses in central Ohio for as many years as possible,” Hanna Greer-Brown of SWACO said. “One of the ways we can do that is by reducing our reliance on the landfill.”

According to SWACO, more than one million tons of material come to the landfill every single year. In Franklin County, 76% of what is thrown away could have been reused or recycled. With the new initiative, the hope is to bring those numbers down every year.

“There are so many environmental benefits: we reduce pollution, we reduce the amount of natural resources that we're consuming,” Greer-Brown said. “And so all of those things lead to a better quality of life for central Ohioans, a cleaner environment, and a healthy environment for all of us.”

The organization has several community events coming up tied to the initiative, meant to teach people in the community how to become less reliant on the landfill. SWACO also said making simple changes like learning the proper way to recycle, shopping second-hand, and more, can go a long way.

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“Maybe just commit to reusing one item around your house or even not buying a single-use plastic,” Greer-Brown said. “So just start small, one little action can really add up and really can make a difference for our planet, our environment, and our community.”

To learn more about the Choose to Reuse program, click here.

WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A large altercation at a Westerville school resulted in a lockdown, a BB gun being found, and multiple arrests. 

According to a letter sent to parents, an altercation at Westerville South High School on Tuesday morning involved several students as well as people not affiliated with the school. 

As a result of the fight, several of those not affiliated with the school were arrested, the district’s statement said. The students involved will face punishment at the school as well as possibly face criminal charges. 

Officials placed the school on a “hold” while officials took care of the altercation. During the investigation into the confrontation, a BB gun was found among the belongings of one of those involved, a violation of the district's weapons policy.

The district said there will be an increased police presence at the school on Wednesday. 

SUNBURY, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Big Walnut school board voted 4-0 Monday night to censure member Zach Duffey over alleged misconduct surrounding an online fundraising campaign and "inflammatory" social media posts regarding his son's alleged behavior.

Duffey was not in attendance at the meeting.

A censure is a formal reprimand, but does not remove him from the board.

The board took issue with Duffey's conduct relating to an "unauthorized online crowdfunding campaign to benefit a classroom," and a post he made on social media about disciplinary action taken against his son -- a post which has since been deleted.

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"The Board further censures and reprimands Board Member Duffey for operating a 'Zach Duffey, Big Walnut Local School Board Member' social media page that uses the District logo to make inflammatory, reckless, and untrue statements," the resolution reads. "This includes a recently created and recently deleted post about a personal matter that related to school processes and operations."

According to Action for Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization that advocates for education, it's believed to be the first time in the district's 75-year history that an official reprimand was issued for one of its members.

Duffey's social media post in question criticized the district for how it handled disciplinary action against his son, who was accused of "illicit recording and distribution of explicit content involving an unsuspecting student," according to Action for Tomorrow.

In his deleted post, which was screenshotted and shared by Action for Tomorrow, Duffey questioned why his son received the maximum punishment for what he described as a "silly" video. Action for Tomorrow said Duffey's son did not receive the maximum punishment.

Duffey said in the post that his son reached his phone over a bathroom stall and recorded a video of his friend using the restroom, which was then shared with others. He then criticized the school for making the situation "public."

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"The District has not commented on any specific student disciplinary matter, per Superintendent McLane. It was Duffey himself who made the situation public by referencing the incident on a social media page he represents as government-affiliated," Action for Tomorrow wrote in a Board Accountability Notice.

The censure resolution states that Duffey violated the board's code of ethics surrounding conflicts of interest and using his position to benefit certain individuals.

"The Board further denounces and repudiates such misconduct for being reckless in its language, which, if unaddressed, will erode public faith and confidence in the Board, the Administrators, and the District," the resolution reads.

Action for Tomorrow called Duffey a hypocrite for campaigning on claims that Big Walnut teachers were showing pornography to children and now defending his son who was accused of sharing explicit material.

In a statement, Duffey said that he is committed to working with the board to put students and families first.

"School board meetings are funded by taxpayers to advance academic achievement, ensure fiscal responsibility, and prioritize student safety," Duffey said. "Our agendas need to be laser-focused on actionable plans that drive success in these three areas. These are the responsibilities we were elected to uphold, and I remain committed to working with my fellow board members to put Big Walnut students and families first."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A dog that fatally attacked a toddler in Columbus earlier this month had a previous bite history, according to documents from the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.

On April 9, one of the family dogs ran out of a bedroom and latched onto the 7-month-old child's head, according to documents obtained by NBC4. The child and the dogs lived at the home along South Champion Avenue in South Side. Watch previous coverage in the video player above.

The document also lists that the dog has a previous bite history.

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Police previously said the child's death appeared to be accidental, and no charges have been filed. The dog was placed under a 10-day voluntary quarantine.

There were two other dogs in the home at the time, according to the documents. One of those dogs had previously attacked a small dog.

In 2021, a second family dog reportedly got loose and attacked another resident's small dog, according to documents obtained by NBC4. The owners said they were unaware the dog was loose.

The small dog was not injured and the owner did not wish to pursue the issue. The family was told that it was important to keep control of their dog at all times, the document shows. A security guard said the dog also chewed up his motorcycle helmet.

This story includes reporting from Isabel Cleary.

MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A retro camping-themed brewery is expanding with a second central Ohio taproom, taking over the former Walking Distance Brewing location in Marysville.

Camp Brewing will begin welcoming beer enthusiasts this May in Marysville at 222 E. Eighth St., the property home to Walking Distance before it permanently closed in February after more than three years of business. Owner Doug Olsen said the brewery is targeting a May 16 launch for the new location, in time for Marysville's first Friday Nights Uptown of the summer.

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"We've been pretty involved in Marysville for over a decade, so we're going to use the brewery as way to get more people engaged in the community and participate in a lot of events in the Uptown," said Olsen.

Camp Brewing will begin welcoming beer enthusiasts to the new location this May in Marysville at 222 E. Eighth St. (Courtesy Photo/Camp Brewing)

The opening will marks Camp's second outpost after the first opened in Huntsville at 3939 County Road 37 in spring 2024, coinciding with the total solar eclipse. The Huntsville taproom sits on a sprawling 29-acre campground and features 119 RV spots, rental cabins, an indoor salt water pool, volleyball and basketball courts, a dog park and a playground.

While the Marysville brewery won't be as expansive as the Huntsville complex, the new location will be called "Basecamp" and aims to offer the same nostalgic environment that customers have come to expect from Camp. Olsen said that effort includes expanding the brand's Camp Brew Fest, a biannual festival with various central Ohio breweries, to the Marysville location.

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Olsen has owned the Marysville building since 2016 and was an original partner of Walking Distance, which was known for hosting events like Columbus Crew watch parties and LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations. While the Pride events were meant to further inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community, the brewery faced targeted social media posts by a local conservative group.

The Camp founder parted from Walking Distance about two years ago to begin crafting his own brand. Now, he said the team is excited for the opportunity to get back into the Marysville building and reimagine it with his own brand.

"With Basecamp, maybe you're not doing a lot of camping adventures, but Marysville has a lot to offer," said Olsen. "We're in between Eljer Park, which has got sand volleyball courts and walking trails, and then we're right up in Uptown as well. So, we want to use it as a location to kick off a lot of events."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio State University police are investigating reports of hidden cameras in Morrill Tower, a university spokesperson confirmed to NBC4 on Monday.

The Ohio State University Police Department (OSUPD) said it is actively investigating reports of alleged voyeurism through hidden cameras in Morrill Tower. Morrill is a 23-story residence hall that primarily houses first- and second-year students at OSU.

OSUPD said there are no arrests so far, but there is currently one suspect, a known student.

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"Due to the ongoing police investigation, there are limited details we can share at this time," a university spokesperson said.

NBC4 has additional requests out to the university to confirm more details, and will update the story as more information becomes available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact OSUPD at 614-292-2121.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Drivers between Columbus and Indianapolis might notice a pair of tractor-trailers emblazoned with the motto “The future of transportation is now” moving along Interstate 70.

Beyond the visionary statement and other Ohio Department of Transportation markings on their outsides, the semi-trucks might not attract much attention. However, inside the pair of vehicles is equipment that might surprise other motorists. According to ODOT, the EASE Logistics shipping trucks are in wireless communication, using an automated driving system where one truck controls the other.

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In a news release, the Buckeye State agency explained that the technology, called “automated truck platooning,” is being used through a collaboration between ODOT’s DriveOhio initiative and the Indiana Department of Transportation. The state offices want to gather information on using the equipment in the ever-changing elements of the Midwest's climate.

“Operating along the I-70 corridor between Ohio and Indiana enables us to showcase performance in complex, all-weather conditions essential to Midwest freight operations and accelerates readiness for broad adoption,” said Maynard Factor, VP of Business Development at Kratos Defense, maker of the system.

The two trucks are electronically linked, allowing the driver of the front vehicle to control the rear vehicle “precisely.” Using the tools, the “lead” truck can regulate the steering, acceleration and braking of the “follower” truck. ODOT also noted that professional operators are in the driver's seat of both vehicles. Additionally, the automation can be turned off at any point, with the live person ready to take the wheel.

“Everything we do at ODOT is driven by safety,” said ODOT Director Pam Boratyn. “We’re committed to reducing deaths on our roadways, and vehicle automation technologies can be part of the solution. Many vehicles on the road today have some degree of automated driving systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic braking. All of these features are designed to improve safety and reduce driver stress.”

• Photo Courtesy/ ODOT
• Photo Courtesy/ ODOT
• Photo Courtesy/ ODOT
• Photo Courtesy/ ODOT
• Photo Courtesy/ ODOT

The $8.8 million project also accounts for the possibility of another automobile moving between the trucks. Cameras and sensors can detect objects, enabling the following vehicle to adjust its speed or stop. A special purple light is used as an indicator for law enforcement, letting officers know the pair is connected when it is lit.

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“This technology offers a complete safety system with redundancies that could make roadways safer,” said Ohio State Highway Patrol Captain Chris Kinn. “It is necessary that we continue to explore improving roadway safety. Unlike human drivers, automated vehicles do not drive impaired, text while driving, fall asleep at the wheel, or recklessly speed.”

A grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation funds the project.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Arbor Day is this Friday and there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate in central Ohio.

Arbor Day is recognized the last Friday in April in Ohio and celebrates tree planting. This year, the holiday falls just three days after Earth Day, which is celebrated each April 22.

The holiday began in 1872 Nebraska when J. Sterling Morgan suggested setting aside a day for tree planting to the state Board of Agriculture. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, an estimated one million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day. Now celebrated in all 50 states, central Ohio has many events honoring tree planting this week.

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Gahanna City Hall, April 21 through April 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To celebrate both Arbor and Earth Days, Gahanna's Parks and Recreation department is giving away free tree seedlings at City Hall all week and offering tips to help them grow. Residents can also sign up for a chance to win a "Scarlet Fire" Chinese dogwood or a Tuliptree while visiting.

Bexley's Earth and Arbor Month: Walkable City Talk

Keynote Event: Walkable City Talk, Wed. April 23 at 7 p.m.

Bexley is hosting three author talks Wednesday, with keynote speaker Jeff Speck leading a talk about building a pedestrian-friendly city. Speck, an internationally recognized urban planner and author of "The Walkable City," will also host a reception and book signing. The event is the 11th of 15 celebrations throughout April, and a full schedule of events can be found here.

Arbor Day tree tour

Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, Fri. April 25 at 8 a.m.

Hayes Presidential will offer an hour-long tour historic tree tour of accredited arboretum Spiegel Grove. Immediately after, long-time Building and Grounds Superintendent John Bell will be honored with a dedication of his favorite tree on the grounds, a large American Sycamore.

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Rose Run Park, Fri. April 25 at 9:30 a.m.

New Albany is celebrating the earth with an official Arbor Day proclamation, followed by a tree planting. Local students are set to help plant more than 300 trees to help grow the city's canopy.

Arbor Day Tree Planting

Southeast Village Green in Worthington, Fri. April 25 at noon

Worthington will celebrate with a tree planting on Arbor Day, which is open to community members and students alike. Attendees can help plant the ceremonial tree, and will be given tree saplings to take home.

Wildflower Pot Painting

Alum Creek State Park Nature Center, Fri. April 25 from 3-5 p.m.

Central Ohioans are invited to visit Alum Creek State Park for a celebration honoring Earth Day. Participants can paint a terracotta park and take home native wildflower seeds.

Reynoldsburg Arbor Day

Reynoldsburg City Hall, Fri. April 25 at 4 p.m.

Reynoldsburg's Park and Recreation team invites residents to an Arbor Day celebration, complete with games and tree plantings. Participants can also enjoy educational activities and a proclamation reading to commemorate the day.

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Dublin Cemetery and Monterey Park, Sat. April 26 from 9 a.m. to noon

Dublin is celebrating throughout April, but its combined Earth and Arbor Day event will be the largest. Attendees can receive free tree seedlings and learn how to plant them and other trees. Residents can help with a community planting in the park and attend an Arboretum Designation at the cemetery.

Arbor Day Festival

Franklin Park Conservatory, Sat. April 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Franklin Park Conservatory welcomes visitors for a full day of activities celebrating trees. The family-friendly event will include a tree scavenger hunt, educational booths, family karaoke, vendors, food and tree climbing.

Arbor Day Celebration 2025

OSU's Kottman Hall Patio, Sat. April 26 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Ohio State University invites the public to a free celebration of newly planted trees. The more than 40-year tradition also honors the 2025 recipients of three tree-related awards, and participants can enjoy coffee and cake while listening to educational and celebratory remarks.

Upper Arlington Arbor Day Celebration

Tremont Elementary School, Fri. May 2, 1:15-2 p.m.

Upper Arlington celebrates Arbor and Earth Days each year with a tree planting at a local school. The tradition continues this year with 120 elementary schoolers planting three Honeylocust trees behind the gym.

MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A man accused in a fatal stabbing on Monday in Marysville allegedly called police and admitted to killing his father.

Marysville police went to the 1400 block of Meadowlark Lane after 12:30 p.m. and found one man dead after being stabbed. The suspect, identified by police on Tuesday as 27-year-old Micaiah Swindler, was arrested and charged with murder.

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911 audio revealed that Swindler called police and admitted to killing his father.

"I'm not gonna lie, I just killed my father," he said in the call. After telling the dispatcher his name and saying he intended to cause his father harm, he was asked why he attacked his father.

"God told me to," he said.

Swindler was taken to Tri-County Regional Jail and on Tuesday he was issued a $1 million bond at an arraignment hearing in Marysville Municipal Court. He is next scheduled to appear in court on May 1 for a preliminary hearing.

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A slight earthquake occurred overnight Tuesday and was felt in three counties in the eastern portion of central Ohio, according to the United States Geological Survey.

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Reports said that the earthquake happened at 4:12 a.m. and registered as a 3.1 on the Richter scale, fitting the classification as a "slight" earthquake.

The epicenter was at the northern tip of Noble County about one mile and a quarter southeast of Pleasant City. It was also felt in Guernsey and Muskingum counties as reports coming in say it was felt as far away as Zanesville.

Courtesy Photo / United States Geological Survey

Over two dozen responses were collected by the USGS from residents who claimed to have felt the earthquake, which measured with a depth of five kilometers.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A teenager is in stable condition after what deputies are calling a drive-by shooting that occurred Monday night in the northeast side of Columbus.

According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, a 16-year-old was injured in a drive-by shooting at the intersection of Walford Street and Lamont Avenue in the North Linden area of Clinton Township. The victim reportedly ran to the 3600 block of Cleveland Avenue where the 911 call was made.

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The teenager was taken to an area hospital and listed in stable condition. The Sheriff’s Office said there are no suspects yet and investigators at the scene said they were talking with multiple witnesses.

Anyone with information about the shooting, which occurred at around 11:20 p.m. Monday, is asked to call 614-525-3333.