Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio's public universities have less than two months until Senate Bill 1 goes into effect, and they have a spectrum of responses underway.

Senate Bill 1, dubbed the Advance Higher Education Act, will go into effect at the end of June. The bill implements dramatic changes to higher education by banning diversity, equity and inclusion programming, restricting faculty union abilities and requiring universities to sunset majors with low degree conferral rates. Ohio's 14 public universities are now tasked with implementing major changes, and NBC4 is tracking how they are working to comply with SB 1.

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Ohio universities said they are collaborating among themselves and speaking with state legislators to ensure they understand all that SB 1 requires. The bill is lengthy but still somewhat ambiguous, especially as it does not define diversity, equity or inclusion. See previous coverage of SB 1 in the video player above.

Senate Bill 1 is state law, but federal orders from President Donald Trump, the Department of Education and various research-granting departments also complicate university operations. These directives are wide-ranging but typically target DEI efforts on campuses or alleged antisemitism.

To keep up with the wavering guidelines, many institutions have implemented a webpage keeping students informed about relevant legislative changes. Some institutions have also cancelled events promoting DEI, such as Ohio University's Black Alumni Reunion, or quietly removed references to DEI on university websites.

Universities have varied dramatically in their communication with students, faculty and staff regarding changes. Many universities have said DEI offices may need to be restructured, but have not formally announced a plan. With plenty of announcements revealing vague proposals, only a few universities have formally announced major changes.

NBC4 also reached out to each public university to ask them about SB 1 changes. Find your school below:

University of Akron

Akron's Senior Director of External Communications Cristine Boyd said the university's Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL) is hosting a faculty session to discuss how SB 1 may affect teaching. At the event, faculty will hear from university leadership, who will provide updates from the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Akron has not announced any major changes yet, although it did not renew its Rethinking Race series for this upcoming year.

"A faculty panel will then share their perspectives on teaching within the context of the new law, and ITL will offer suggestions for syllabus language, assignment design and classroom discussion framing," Boyd said.

Bowling Green State University

Last Friday, BSGU's Board of Trustees passed five resolutions to comply with Senate Bill 1. The resolutions affirmed commitment to intellectual autonomy, disbanding DEI programs, adjusted faculty workload policy, established a new set of questions for faculty evaluations, and created new evaluation policies.

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BGSU's president addressed students and staff after SB 1 passed, acknowledging that change may be coming and asking for campus feedback. BGSU has a Division of Inclusion and Belonging to support all students, which a spokesperson clarified is different than an Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. BGSU said it is still working to identify which identity-specific programming needs adjusted or removed.

Central State University

As Ohio's only public Historically Black College and University, Central State is in a unique position with S.B. 1. So far, the university has said it believes it is already in compliance with the law and has not announced changes.

“At this time, the university has no comment regarding this matter.” Alissa Paolella, Central State communications manager, said.

Cleveland State University

Cleveland State has not announced closure of its Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement, although that may not qualify as a DEI office under SB 1. The university did not respond to NBC4's inquiry and has not made information available online regarding SB 1. However, students at Cleveland State have hosted several protests against the bill, both before and after its passage.

University of Cincinnati

The university shared an update on April 24 thanking students and staff for their patience as plans for the four campus identity centers are being finalized. The update said the university hopes to restructure their student-centered spaces to promote connections between students. However, the update did not include any major changes or announcements.

"To be clear, these spaces may need to transition in terms of programming but will remain in use for and by our current and future students," the letter read.

Kent State University

Kent State President Todd Diacon has been involved in many discussions about SB 1, but the university is still determining how it will be implemented. Kent State hosted four discussions in April about the new bill, inviting dialogue in townhall-style meetings. Director of University Media Relations Emily Vincent said Diacon estimates SB 1 will cost Kent State $1.5 million-$2 million to implement each year.

"We will follow the law, but it won’t change our commitment to each member of our community," Diacon said.

Miami University

On April 18, Miami announced it is discontinuing its Office of Transformational and Inclusive Excellence, its Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion and Miami Regionals Center for Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Representatives said all impacted staff have been offered other opportunities elsewhere in the university.

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Miami said more information about specific changes will be shared once plans are finalized.

Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)

NEOMED President Dr. John Langell said the university is already in compliance with most of the bill. Although the university used to have a diversity office, that office quietly closed in the past few years. Spokespersons did not address NBC4's inquiry as to when that shuttered. In March, NEOMED announced it would no longer provide university support to student organizations with diverse missions, although they have since walked that decision back due to backlash.

"We are continuing to support all of our student organizations, while ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements. Above all, we remain dedicated to providing an Exceptional Student Experience, empowering students to realize their full potential as Ohio’s future healthcare leaders," Langell said.

Ohio State University

Ohio State was the first university to announce changes in compliance with Senate Bill 1. In February, before the bill's passage, OSU referenced SB 1 in its decision to sunset its diversity offices. OSU faculty and students have been outspoken against the bill, and the university said it advocated for changes to SB 1 to protect academic freedom.

The university established an implementation committee with representatives from across campuses to facilitate compliance with the bill. OSU said it will engage stakeholders while deciding how to best comply with the law.

Ohio University

Ohio University leadership has invited student and staff input while weighing SB 1's effects. On April 29, the university announced it would close its diversity offices, and women and pride centers to comply with the law. In the announcement, President Lori Gonzalez asked for student and staff feedback to create new spaces to advance equity while remaining in compliance with the law.

The university established six work groups to help implement different SB 1 requirements. Read previous coverage of Ohio University's response to SB 1 here.

Shawnee State University

Shawnee State has released limited information about its SB 1 compliance. It did have a DEI resources page, but clicking the link leads to a blocked webpage. It also used to have an Office of Diversity and Inclusion, but clicking that link leads to an Office of Student Engagement. Shawnee State did not respond to NBC4's inquiry about SB 1 or these online changes, and it has not announced updates publicly.

University of Toledo

Toledo announced it will stop accepting admissions to nine undergraduate majors to comply with low conferral rate requirements: Africana studies, Asian studies, data analytics, disability studies, Middle East studies, philosophy, religious studies, Spanish and Women's and Gender Studies. Toledo spokesperson Nicki Gorny said the changes were announced April 21 so faculty could be made aware before summer. All students in those programs will be able to finish their degrees, and the programs will be offered as minors.

"The University continues to evaluate our campus policies and procedures as it relates to SB1. UToledo, along with other colleges and universities in our state, is engaged with the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Inter-University Council of Ohio for guidance," Gorny said.

Wright State University

Wright State has an Office of Diversity Initiatives, but appears to have already adjusted its Office of Equity and Inclusion. A link listing the Office of Equity and Inclusion now leads to a page about the office of the vice president. Earlier this week, that same link went to an Office of Inclusive Excellence but has since been changed.

Wright State has not publicly announced any changes under SB 1 and did not respond to NBC4's inquiry. However, its culture and identity centers still appear intact.

Youngstown State University

Youngstown State also did not respond to NBC4's inquiry and has not announced any SB 1 changes. As listed in the 2024-2025 undergraduate student catalog, Youngstown State had an office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the start of the school year. However, the link now leads to a page that reads "you are not authorized to access this page."

Educators at Youngstown State are responding differently, however. Faculty members organized to take Senate Bill 1 to a referendum vote, allowing citizens to vote on whether to implement SB 1 with enough signatures. On Monday, faculty and other organizers were given state permission to begin collecting the more than 250,000 signatures needed to get SB 1 on the ballot. Organizers have until June 25 to collect and submit valid signatures.

NEWARK, Ohio (WCMH) – The trial for a semi truck driver charged in connection with a 2023 crash on Interstate 70 that left six people dead, including three high school students, entered its third day on Thursday after a day off on Wednesday.

Jacob McDonald, 61, of Zanesville, is facing 26 charges, including six third-degree felony counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, nine fourth-degree felony counts of vehicular assault and 11 first-degree misdemeanor counts of assault.

McDonald has opted for a bench trial in Licking County Common Pleas Court, meaning Judge David Branstool will decide his fate rather than a jury. Chief Felony Prosecutor Clifford Murphy will represent the state. Attorney Chris Brigdon will defend McDonald. Court is expected to resume at about 9 a.m. Watch live coverage in the video player above.

• Courtesy Photo/NBC4 Viewer
• Emergency crews respond to a fiery crash on I-70 West involving a charter bus and a semi. (NBC4)
• 
• A fiery crash on I-70 West involving a charter bus and a semi. (Courtesy photo/Adam Layton)
• Emergency crews respond to a fiery crash on I-70 West involving a charter bus and a semi. (NBC4)

Follow along below for live updates.

GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH) – A Grove City family has filed a lawsuit against Petland, claiming a puppy they bought from the Chillicothe-based retailer transmitted an ailment to them.

Nellie, the dog at the center of a lawsuit against Petland. (Photo courtesy/Brian Guerin)

The lawsuit, filed by Brian Guerin and Cara Gozzard on April 29 in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, states the couple bought a female mini Bernadoodle puppy from Petland’s Grove City location in January 2023. 

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The dog, who the family named Nellie, began to have diarrhea within 24 hours of bringing her home, the lawsuit claims. The couple originally thought this may be due to the stress of a new environment.

However, the lawsuit claims that within days, the couple’s five-year-old daughter came down with a stomach bug. Within a week of their daughter falling ill, their five-year-old son began experiencing the same symptoms, including “severe abdominal pain.” A short time later, Guerin also contracted the ailment. 

The couple took Nellie to the veterinarian, where she tested positive for Campylobacter, a bacterium that can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting and a fever. Guerin and his two children then also tested positive for the bacteria, which can spread between humans and animals.

Guerin contacted Petland to inform them of the diagnosis, to which the company suggested the family could have acquired the bacteria through another source like raw meat, the filing states. 

The lawsuit claims both parents had to take time off work to care for their sick children, resulting in lost income. Guerin missed out on a work bonus amounting to thousands of dollars due to his inability to travel, and Gozzard, who is paid hourly, missed nearly a full month of work. 

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Additionally, the filing states Guerin has experienced long-term complications of Campylobacter, including stomach pain that impacts his daily life.

The lawsuit argues the store knowingly sold the family an animal that was not healthy and violated the terms of a contract they signed with the retailer, which assured them the animal was kept in a clean and safe environment. The legal action is asking for damages of at least $25,000.

The lawsuit was filed by the Ohio-based law firm Holland & Muirden, with assistance from Humane World for Animals, an animal welfare nonprofit. Nellie is now a “happy” and “healthy” dog, according to the organization. 

“Taking weeks-old puppies away from their mothers and sticking them in a crowded store window is a recipe for spreading disease,” said Mark Finneran, state director of Humane World for Animals. “The Guerin’s case is a reminder that the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline harms all of us, humans and animals alike.” 

NBC4 reached out to Petland for comment, and communications director Maria Smith said the company has not seen the details of the case yet.

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The April filing is not the first time the pet store chain has been at the center of a legal battle. Several other lawsuits were brought against the company in 2024, accusing it of selling sick animals to customers. 

In response to the previous lawsuits, Petland’s CEO Joe Watson said Humane World for Animals is a “radical animal rights group” that is “burdening Ohio’s busy legal system” to generate publicity. 

Campylobacter has also previously been connected to Petland. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigated an outbreak of Campylobacter infection, stating many affected people “had contact with puppies or were employees at pet stores, including Petland.”

Most people recover from Campylobacter infections within a week; however, in rare cases, it can be fatal among young children, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems, according to the World Health Organization. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Columbus-area woman was among the thousands of Ohio locals cast as extras in the upcoming Superman movie that filmed in the state last year.

Bethany Zepp, a 29-year-old Westerville resident, typically works as a caregiver for a central Ohio senior couple. But when Zepp saw a social media post from Angela Boehm Casting in April 2024 that said DC Studios would hire locals for a Superman movie filming in Cincinnati and Cleveland, she had to give it a try.

"I just thought, 'Man, if I get that, that would be so exciting, I know it's a huge movie,'" Zepp said. "It's kind of a wishful hope, but if I get it, that would amazing, so I'm just gonna go for it."

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Angela Boehm's application required Zepp to submit headshots, measurements, availability, and various skills she could use on set. Soon after, Zepp was told she was among the few thousand selected to be a background actor out of the nearly 10,000 who applied. Watch a previous NBC4 report on 'Superman' in Ohio in the video player above.

• Bethany Zepp, a Westerville resident, was hired as an extra for "Superman" filming in Cleveland. (Courtesy Photo/James Godwin)
• Bethany Zepp, a Westerville resident, was hired as an extra for "Superman" filming in Cleveland. (Courtesy Photo/Shannon Ahlstrand) 

Simply titled "Superman," the movie took Zepp to downtown Cleveland, where she was on set for one 12-hour day in July. Throughout the several-week stint, cast and crew filmed at Cleveland's Public Square, Progressive Field, Headlands Beach State Park and in Sandusky. Actor David Corenswet, cast as Superman, was seen donning the character's iconic costume while walking down the steps of City Hall.

Zepp said the attention to detail on set demonstrated the tremendous work that went into making the movie. She recalled seeing artificial food props that looked photorealistic and the production's extensive costuming department. Zepp said she was given a sporty outfit for her role as a juice vendor.

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"The set was so in-depth, the tiny little details on the food stands, things that you would think would never make it into the movie," Zepp said. "They had a huge tent of wardrobe, just rows and rows and rack of clothes, all different sizes, styles. It was pretty remarkable."

Along with getting to see Corenswet, Zepp said she got to see director James Gunn, who previously helmed Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" trilogy and is relaunching DC's cinematic franchise with Corenswet as Clark Kent, replacing British actor Henry Cavill, who first starred as Superman in 2013's "Man of Steel."

• Corenswet seen donning the character's iconic costume while walking down the steps of Cleveland's City Hall. (FOX 8 Photo)
• The set on Cleveland's Public Square included signage for the "Daily Planet," the fictional newspaper in the "Superman" comic books. (FOX 8 Photo)
• The set on Cleveland's Public Square included signage for the "Daily Planet," the fictional newspaper in the "Superman" comic books. (FOX 8 Photo)
• The set on Cleveland's Public Square included signage for an appliance store with a retro aesthetic. (FOX 8 Photo)
• The set on Cleveland's Public Square included signage for an appliance store with a retro aesthetic. (FOX 8 Photo)
• The set on Cleveland's Public Square included signage for a generic book store with the letter "S" in the sign that appears to be an homage to the classic Superman font. (FOX 8 Photo)

Gunn's expansive project received $11,091,686 in tax credits from the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit program, which referred to the movie under the code name "Genesis." The tax credit application said the movie would hire 3,254 Ohio residents to take part in the production.

DC's Ohio-related expenses were projected to exceed $36 million, which makes up about 10% of the movie's total budget of more than $363 million. Gunn also briefly filmed in Cincinnati, where crews were spotted at Union Terminal, known to be the inspiration for the Justice League's headquarters in the 1970s animated "Super Friends" series.

Filming in Ohio had kicked off on June 17 last year, with the last possible production date in the state marked for Aug. 23, according to the tax credit application. Broken down, the application said the production in Ohio accounted for 133 days for preparation, 37 for shooting and 31 for wrap. That means 25% of Gunn's movie was filmed in Ohio.

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Zepp, who has also worked as an extra in other movies shot in Columbus like "Down to the Felt," said the experience gave her a newfound appreciation for film production. While she'd like to do other acting work in and out of Ohio, Zepp said she wants to remain part of the Columbus community.

"It's given me a big admiration for these huge movies, even small movies, everything's just a huge collaboration. They say there's no small role in theater, seems like there's no small role in film and TV," Zepp said. "It's just the amount of detail and work and hours and days spent on these big budget films is just unbelievable."

"Superman" is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 11.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As lawmakers in Ohio debate the state budget, public school advocates say proposed cuts and policy changes could harm children's education.

"What's at stake is education for not just every single student who lives in Columbus, but every single child who lives in the state of Ohio," Ohio Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D-District 4) said.

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Columbus City Schools held a town hall meeting Wednesday night to bring together educators, lawmakers, and members of the community for a vital conversation about the state of public education and the proposed biennial state budget, including its direct impact on Columbus City Schools. Leaders made it clear that the conversation was grounded in a simple but urgent truth: fair school funding is not just a policy issue, but a justice issue.

"It is incredibly important that our legislators do their constitutional duty to fund our public schools," Columbus Board of Education Vice-President Jennifer Adair said. "Without that, we are really, really devastated in what we can do for our students here in Columbus City schools, as well as across the state."

The Fair School Funding Plan was passed in 2021. It was a bipartisan overhaul of Ohio's K-12 funding system and was created to meet the actual cost of educating every student and have the state contribute more fairly. That formula, though, is now under threat.

"This is detrimental not only to CCS, but to be honest, all public education in this state," Adair said. "So, the budget, it includes issues around vouchers. It includes the ability not to fund. It makes us give away our cash balances, our cash reserves."

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In its new budget proposal, the Ohio House announced it would abandon the Fair School Funding model entirely.

"A lot of people focus on, well, this school district in this area or this school district in this area," resident Sonja Nelson said. "But if they all do not have the opportunity to thrive, then we are not competitive as a country and that's our fault and we need to fix that."

About 90% of Ohioans send their children to public schools and around 47,000 children attend Columbus City Schools. According to leaders, those students and future generations are at stake.

"It is incredibly detrimental," Adair said. "It is very difficult then to plan and budget for what it is our children need. And it's really an opportunity to continue to just push an agenda that devalues our children and public education."

The state budget has already passed the House and is now in the Senate's hands, but leaders said it's not too late to advocate for public education. They said it's not just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it's about making sure every student has the support and resources to thrive.

According to Adair, the district could lose $123 million in funding.

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"Just to put that into context, our voters did what they needed to do and pass our levy, which is only 35 million," she said. "I don't want to say only; it was a sacrifice, $35 million a year, which pays for various essential services."

Lawmakers and educators stressed there are severe consequences if the state doesn't invest on the front end of a life.

"If we don't do that, what that means is that we are going to pay more and it's going to be invested in things that we don't want to be invested in, things like incarceration and in Medicaid, because we are not investing in education so that children can have opportunity to become productive and contributing members of our communities," Piccolantonio, said.

Leaders are urging the community to take action in support of fair school funding by calling and writing to state lawmakers, even challenging residents to take it a step further and educate others around them on what's at stake.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person is dead and another injured after a shooting in northeast Columbus Wednesday night.

According to a Columbus police dispatcher, the shooting happened on the 2500 block of Mock Road at approximately 9:39 p.m. The shooting was reported in the Mock Park area.

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One person was taken to Grant Medical Center, where they were later pronounced dead at 10:05 p.m. The second victim was taken to a local hospital and is expected to survive their injuries.

There is no other information available at this time.

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) – A Powell man accused of killing a man, then kidnapping and raping his girlfriend was convicted by a jury Wednesday.

Brandon Toleque, 32, was convicted of two counts of murder with firearm specifications, one first-degree felony county of kidnapping, and one count of first-degree felony rape.

Toleque was convicted of killing Arazeia Richardson on Nov. 15, 2023, who was a guest in Toleque’s home at Thornbury Lane and Ascot Court in Powell. After that, Toleque forced another guest, a woman, to leave the area with him.

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According to court records, surveillance video obtained from a Ring camera showed Toleque, the female passenger, Richardson and two other individuals entering the home on Nov. 12. The two individuals, a couple according to the report, left later in the evening, followed by Toleque and the woman at 1:09 a.m. The video did not show Richardson leaving the home.

Toleque was arrested two days later in Marshall County, Indiana; when taken into custody, a woman in the car Toleque was driving told officers that Toleque “killed my boyfriend” and that he needed to “trust” her before raping her twice, court records state.

Toleque was convicted after a five-day trial. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Monday.

PATASKALA, Ohio (WCMH) -- Several school districts in central Ohio went to the voters on Tuesday asking them to pass levies or bond issues, including Southwest Licking School District.

District leaders said more space is needed to keep up with enrollment as the region grows. Despite this, more than 63 percent of people voted no on Southwest Licking’s bond issue.

The $115 million bond issue would have given the district money to build a new middle school, add on to the high school, and build an athletic facility called The Spear.

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“We’re continuing to grow,” Southwest Licking Board of Education member Kandee Engle said. “You can look around the district and see new apartments, new houses. We’re going to need to take care of the kids in our community. The kids are the future.”

Southwest Licking just built new schools with funding from the state, but district leaders said the state underestimated enrollment numbers, so there is still a lack of space.

“Times are tough for everybody, but no matter what, we just keep growing, so we got to find someplace to put them,” parent Jennifer Hickman said.

Had it passed, this bond issue would have cost homeowners $147 annually per $100,000 of their home’s assessed value.

Hickman said she understands that people don’t want to pay more in taxes, adding that people are moving to the Southwest Licking area and their children need to go to school.

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“I see the massive amounts of kids that we have in small spaces,” said Hickman, who is also a substitute teacher in the district. “It’s a reality that it's a now problem and by passing it now, we could have started to build and at least be able to address the problem sooner.”

Engle said the schools are already overcrowded, so another bond issue will go on the ballot in the future.

“More space is needed now, and a new school takes a couple of years to build, so we have to get moving,” Engle said. “We’re going to have to go back. We absolutely will have to have the space.”

Engle said the board members will need to come together to decide if changes need to be made to the bond issue and when the right time is to send the bond back to the voters.

WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH) -- Whitehall voters will have the chance to decide on controversial tax breaks for a housing development themselves.

Residents have voiced opposition to three tax break proposals for the Fairway Cliffs development since 2023. Despite a packed April 15 meeting, Whitehall City Council still approved the tax breaks for the high-end housing development. Unsatisfied, residents gathered signatures for a referendum petition to take the breaks to a citizen vote. On Wednesday, organizers received word their petitions were approved.

Referendum organizer and city council candidate Holly Stein shared the sufficient petition notifications with NBC4. All four petitions were approved -- one for each tax break approved by city council, and another enacting a zoning ordinance for Fairway Boulevard, the street the development plans to build on.

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Voters will decide whether to collect Fairway Cliffs’ taxes separately for 45 years to fund an HOA and pay for the development’s upkeep. The nearly 50-unit development could also be exempt from property taxes for 15 years if voters approve it.

Citizens will now be able to vote on the tax breaks and City Attorney Brad Nicodemus said its likely to be placed on the November election ballot. Nicodemus said city council could also set a special election date, but it would need two-thirds of council's approval.

A spokesperson for the mayor's office said "the city of Whitehall welcomes all public engagement in all forms and celebrates citizens exercising their civic rights."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A central Ohio priest was in Rome for the last several months of Pope Francis' life and is still there as the papal conclave takes place.

“I consider myself very blessed to be here during this time, and to be able to see him," said Fr. Adam Streitenberger, chaplain and executive director of the St. Thomas More Newman Center.

He has been in Rome this semester working on his doctorate. He arrived in mid-December. He was writing his dissertation when he found out Pope Francis had died.

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“I was really kind of stunned even though we knew his health was fragile, I did not really think that we would lose him. So I think that was very moving," Streitenberger said.

When Pope Francis was hospitalized earlier this year, Streitenberger prayed for him with others from St. Peter's Square. He was also in the square when the pope gave his Easter blessing the day before he died. Streitenberger went and viewed the pope's body and was at the funeral mass.

"I think Francis was uniquely able to be very comfortable around the poor and the marginalized. Not that, again, other popes haven't been, but I think he was very intentional about that," Streitenberger said.

Streitenberger remains in Rome as 133 cardinals elect the next pope at the Vatican.

“I also think the next pope has a huge task before him. I mean every pope it's a difficult task, but the church I think, is very divided, and so he’s going to have to be a man who everyone can get behind," Streitenberger said.

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He said Pope Francis will be remembered for how humble he was as well as his ability to reach out to younger generations and those less fortunate. He hopes to see some of those same qualities in the next pope.

“All popes should be of the people. I think Francis has taught future popes that it’s an essential part of the job description," he said.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- An 18-year-old man accused of being involved in a January shootout with police while he was 17, has been indicted in Franklin County court.

Tamari Stroughter is being charged as an adult in Common Pleas Court after he allegedly fired shots at Columbus police officers on Jan. 9 on the southeast side. He has been charged with four counts of felonious assault, one count of discharging a firearm on or near prohibited premises, one count of receiving stolen property, and one count of tampering with evidence.

Stroughter's arraignment hearing is scheduled for Thursday morning. He has a criminal history dating back to when he was 12, according to police and court documents. He had been arrested multiple times on charges including robbery, kidnapping, and having weapons under disability.

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Officers were called to the 1000 block of Lockbourne Road on Jan. 9 just before 11 a.m. after reports of a boy threatening to shoot his girlfriend. Moments after officers arrived, Stroughter allegedly fired a rifle at officers and then ran from the scene.

During the chase, officers allegedly found Stroughter in an alley, where he and officers exchanged gunfire. The chase continued, and officers were able to take Stroughter into custody near East Columbus Street.

Before being arrested, the suspect reportedly threw the rifle onto a roof; police said it was located by a helicopter a short time later. Stroughter was also allegedly carrying a handgun during the chase; police said that weapon was found on Studer Avenue.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A discussion about off-label drugs is back in the spotlight in Ohio after a similar effort failed last year.

House Bill 12 would generally allow a doctor to prescribe any drug, even if it is for off-label use, and require a pharmacist to dispense it. An off-label drug is when it is prescribed for a purpose that is not explicitly approved by the FDA. 

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“It stems from a lot of the criticisms we've heard surrounding COVID response,” Ohio Rep. DJ Swearingen (R-Huron), the bill’s sponsor, said. “Doctors who felt like they had an idea of how they wanted to handle that disease and wanted to go one way with it and were kind of outcasts in some sort of sense.”

Off-label drug prescriptions have been used in more cases than just COVID-19 and Ivermectin. Executive Director of the Ohio Pharmacist Association David Burke said it is most prevalent today, for example, in diabetes drugs, like Ozempic, being used for weight loss.

“Currently, today, off-label prescribing and dispensing occurs unencumbered,” Burke said.

Swearingen said that if an off-label prescription can work in the best interests of a patient, then physicians and prescribers should “have the freedom to pursue that option.” He said there is little “medical free speech” and this bill would protect that.

“So, if a doctor gives an opinion in a medical setting that they can do that without threat of retaliation from a regulatory board or a licensing board for something along those lines,” Swearingen said.

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Burke argued that there is a different standard of free speech when it comes to medical professionals.

“Physicians don't have free speech for personal opinion on how drugs are to be used, they use scientific background just like pharmacists do or nurses do, and they administer care to a patient,” Burke said.

Burke said he worries that under this legislation, pharmacists will have little ground to push back when they think a prescription will be harmful to a patient. He said often, pharmacists have information about certain drugs before a prescriber might.

“This returns us to the days of Dr. Smith's medicine wagon, where he has a liquid that will cure your rheumatism,” Burke said. “That's where we're going. That’s who this empowers.”

Burke said while he believes most prescribers do act with care, he worries about places like medical spas and the prescriptions that come from those establishments.

“We've got folks writing prescriptions for any valid reason to which they think a patient could use without scientific background,” Burke said. “That's going to cause a lot of harm to patients and bypasses the current system that just allows an individual opinion rather than a scientific opinion."

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Swearingen said the bill already has a liability portion, and does not leave the prescriber completely immune should the drug cause harm to the patient and not meet the standard of care. He said that at the heart of the bill is wanting “medical providers to seek the truth.”

“Also have a dialogue about what they believe to be best practices and what they believe to be in the patient's best interest without threat of retaliation,” he said.

The bill had its third hearing on Wednesday afternoon, which featured opponent testimony. Fifty-eight people against the bill either submitted written testimony or appeared in person. During the bill’s proponent testimony hearing, 42 people supported it.

The bill failed to pass the Ohio Statehouse last year, in a last-minute move, but Swearingen said he is hopeful it will get through this time.

CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- The body of a Circleville woman who had been reported missing for more than a month was recovered by authorities on Wednesday.

According to the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office, 58-year-old Darlynn Buehler was reported missing on April 3, leading to the sheriff's office and Circleville police to begin an investigation. A previous report can be seen in the video player above.

Roosters on Olentangy River Road near OSU expects to reopen in the fall

Law enforcement searched two ponds in Lockbourne with Columbus police's underwater search and rescue team finding Buehler's body and her missing vehicle, which was reportedly a 2013 red Ford F-150. The pond her body was found in was located on Intermodal Court East.

The PCSO is continuing to investigate this case.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Roosters restaurant on Olentangy River Road near Ohio State University expects to reopen in the fall.

"Our Olentangy River Road location is currently on track to open this fall, pending construction progress and permits," the restaurant said in a post on its Facebook page. "We want to take a moment to thank all of our amazing guests and team members for your patience during this time."

The restaurant's social media page indicated that work has been ongoing for the past few months.

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"Your support means the world to us and we want to open the store just as fast as everyone else does!"

The restaurant has been closed since a fire in July 2024. The fire caused more damage to the restaurant than initially expected.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A crash was blocking traffic Wednesday afternoon on Interstate 71 in north Columbus.

The crash happened in the area of 17th Avenue. The crash is blocking all lanes in the northbound lanes, and one southbound lane is also blocked.

One person had to be removed from a vehicle and was taken to a hospital, according to Columbus fire chief Jeffrey Geitter.

Police said a vehicle was traveling in the southbound lanes just before noon when the driver crossed the median into the northbound lanes.

No other details were immediately available.

GRANVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Licking County municipalities are at odds over control of resources as development shakes up small Ohio communities.

Johnstown, Alexandria and Granville united under the Municipal Utility Coalition of Licking County, a water and wastewater treatment coalition intended to give the local governments more control amid rapid development. On May 1, the coalition announced a services plan and submitted it to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for review. The same day, Jersey Township sued the coalition for allegedly developing the plan out of the public eye, and some residents worry the plan will raise taxes.

The coalition proposed short- and long-term solutions for centralized wastewater treatment in west and northwest Licking County. The plan accounts for the significant growth the area is projected to see and expands water treatment system capacity. If approved by the Ohio EPA, it would cost $108.3 million over the next five years, and $327.5 million over the next 20 years.

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Jersey Township and Township Administrator Rob Platte sued the coalition governments, alleging the utility proposal was discussed in violation of the Open Meetings Act by discussing the plan in executive sessions without public input. Jersey Township and Platte are asking for $500 per violation and for all decisions made in those meetings to be declared invalid.

According to the complaint, the governments discussed the utility plan without reflecting those discussions in official meeting minutes. Platte and Jersey Township allege the other governments entered executive session for "imminent court action" but instead discussed the utilities plan, violating public meeting law.

Granville, Johnstown and Alexandria mayors "vigorously" denied the lawsuit's allegations. The mayors also said a Jersey Township trustee threatened litigation against the city of Johnstown in July 2024, which city leaders said contradicted claims made in the lawsuit.

“If Mr. Platte and Jersey Township are serious about a sustainable future they could be part of the solution. Our door remains open,” Johnstown Mayor Donny Barnard said.

Major tech developments from companies like Google, Intel and Amazon are helping spur rapid growth in western Licking County. In November, Granville Village Manager Herb Koehler said the Coalition was formed to give local municipalities a seat at the table amid development. Koehler said the utility coalition prioritizes community needs in important discussions about growth.

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Jersey Township is not covered by the Municipal Utility Coalition and instead gets its water services from the Licking Regional Water District. This year, the Licking Regional Water District expanded its board of trustees, including a new representative from Jersey Township.

Jersey Township is not the only Licking County organization concerned with the utility expansion proposal. The Licking County Conservatives spoke out against the plan on Facebook, fearing it could invite even more development or drive municipalities to bankruptcy. The group also condemned the Coalition's delay in presenting the plan to the public.

The Coalition disagrees, saying the plan will allow affordable, locally controlled resources amid development. Koehler said the new water plan was based on the Licking County FRAMEWORK report, which was developed by local residents, businesses and governments to balance growth while maintaining local character.

"We want to encourage thoughtful, organic growth while ensuring that our local schools and other critical community needs are not neglected," Koehler said. "Our ‘inside-out’ approach will allow us to increase treatment capacity and construct centralized sewers as the need arises, allowing us to keep sewer rates affordable.”  

The lawsuit is pending in Licking County Common Pleas Court. The Coalition's plan awaits feedback from the Ohio EPA, after which the Coalition will submit a final plan the the agency. Once the final version is submitted, the Ohio EPA will make a recommendation to the Governor's office, which will then request approval from the national EPA.

WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Fox in the Snow, a central Ohio coffee shop and bakery home to an egg sandwich named "one of the best breakfasts" across the nation, has announced its fifth café is opening later this year.

The new location at 79 S State St. in Westerville will begin welcoming guests in late summer, the café said on Tuesday. The coffee shop is taking over the space most recently home to fast-casual sushi eatery Fusian, which abruptly closed last fall alongside a Dublin location as the brand shuttered "COVID-era stores."

Once open, Fox's new storefront will mark the brand's fifth central Ohio location. The coffee shop and bakery's first location opened in 2014 at 1031 N. 4th St., followed by expansion in German Village in 2018, New Albany in 2019 and historic Dublin in 2023.

"As we've expanded and opened new Fox in the Snow locations, we've been intentional to select neighborhoods that align with the energetic yet intimate atmosphere we’ve created in our cafes," said co-owner Lauren Culley when the Dublin café opened.

Fox's menu boasts a list of hot and iced beverages, including cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, drip coffee, pour-over coffee, hot chocolate, chai and more.

• Fox's new Westerville café will begin welcoming guests in late summer. (Courtesy Photo/David Powers)
• Fox's new Westerville café will begin welcoming guests in late summer. (Courtesy Photo/David Powers)
• Fox's new Westerville café will begin welcoming guests in late summer. (Courtesy Photo/David Powers)
• Fox's new Westerville café will begin welcoming guests in late summer. (Courtesy Photo/David Powers)
• Fox's new Westerville café will begin welcoming guests in late summer. (Courtesy Photo/David Powers)
• Fox's new Westerville café will begin welcoming guests in late summer. (Courtesy Photo/David Powers)

A series of baked goods are also available, like the souffled egg sandwich named by Food & Wine as one of the best breakfasts in the nation. Ham and white cheddar baguette sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, banana bread, blueberry scones, brownies and blondies round out the offerings.

All Fox locations are open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Two juveniles have been charged with murder after an alleged robbery turned into a shooting in east Columbus.

According to Columbus police, two boys, aged 12 and 15, were arrested on May 2 and charged with the murder of 34-year-old Jamal Jones, who was found shot at The Villages at Eden Crossing apartment complex in the Shady Lane neighborhood.

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Officers arrived at the residence in the 1300 block of Fountain Lane just before 4 a.m. on April 28 and Columbus Fire medics took Jones to a hospital. He was pronounced dead at 4:38 a.m.

Detectives interviewed four individuals in the suspected involvement in Jones’ murder and the robbery of Jones and another victim. Charges were filed against the two juveniles while two female juveniles were interviewed and released.

On Tuesday, the two female teenagers were arrested for their involvement, police said. They are being held at the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center. For a previous report on this story view the video player above.

CPD is asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call the Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Free splash pads are a great way for families to beat the summer heat in and around Columbus and cool off without the cost or competition of finding a spot at the local pool.

The options in central Ohio include splash pads with giant sculptures, seating, shaded play areas and interactive water features.

See the list below for some of the best free splash parks around Columbus and central Ohio that will open soon for summer.

Downtown Columbus

Scioto Mile
• 233 S. Civic Center Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43215
The spray ground's opening day will be announced in early summer 2025. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The splash area features five stainless steel halo structures with 1,100 fog nozzles. Jets shoot water 75 feet into the air from the fountain's core.

Dorrian Green
• 50 Belle St., Columbus, Ohio 43215
Opening day will be announced in early summer 2025. Open hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The spray ground is located outside COSI, with nearby shaded seating available.

North Bank Park
• 311 W. Long St., Columbus, Ohio 43215
The spray ground's opening date will be announced in early summer 2025. The area is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. There is a small fountain with nearby seating and a view over the Scioto River.

Delaware

Veterans Park
• 1121 South Houk Road, Delaware, OH 43015
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. A shaded area and seating are available, visitors are welcome to bring chairs.

Dublin

Ballantrae Community Park
• 6350 Woerner Temple Road, Dublin, Ohio 43016
The 2025 season begins May 24 and runs through Sept. 1. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The park features a sculpture of three giant bunnies. A grassy lawn and seating are available.

Easton

Town Square
• 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, Ohio, 43219
Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Grove City

Splash Pad in Fryer Park
• 3899 Orders Rd., Grove City, Ohio 43123
Open seasonally, the Grove City Splash Pad is free and open to the public during the summer.

Hilliard

Hilliard Station Park
• 4021 Main St., Hilliard, Ohio 43026
Opens mid-May through August from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. September hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The splash pad closes Oct. 1. The area includes outdoor tables, an amphitheater and public restrooms.

Marysville

Partners Park
• 125 E. Sixth St., Marysville, Ohio 43040
The splash pad operates seasonally from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The area includes a gazebo, green space, pavilion and public restrooms. A large shelter is available for rent.

Obetz

Splash Pad
• 4390 Lancaster Ave. Obetz, Ohio 43207
The splash pad opens on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and runs through late August. The hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The splash pad is open to residents and nonresidents. The Lancaster Park shelter house is available for all splash pad visitors.

Powell

Village Green Park
• 47 Hall St., Powell, Ohio 43065
The area will open for the season on Monday, May 26, at 2 p.m. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The park offers picnic tables and shaded areas.

Westerville

Hanby Park
• 115 E. Park St., Westerville, Ohio 43081
In addition to the spray ground, the area has a playground, train depot, restrooms and bike lockers among other features.

Whitehall

John Bishop Park
• 4815 Etna Road, Whitehall, Ohio 43213
The splash pad will operate May 24 through Aug. 31. The area is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The trial for a truck driver who was charged in connection with a 2023 crash on Interstate 70 that left six people dead will resume on Thursday.

There will be no court on Wednesday.

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Jacob McDonald, 61, of Zanesville, is facing 26 charges, including six third-degree felony counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, nine fourth-degree felony counts of vehicular assault and 11 first-degree misdemeanor counts of assault.

Chief Felony Prosecutor Clifford Murphy is representing the state. Attorney Chris Brigdon is representing McDonald.

On Tuesday, the state called several more witnesses to the stand, including Donald Wagler, the driver of the bus at the time of the crash. Wagler said the traffic conditions that day were not out of the ordinary.

The bus driver said that he was able to slow down when traffic began to pick up and did not have to brake hard. He estimated the bus was traveling at about 5 or 10 mph when it was hit. Brigdon questioned Wagler if the vehicle in front of him broke hard, to which he said he didn't know.

The state also called a crash reconstruction expert, Sgt. Trevor Jasper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, who testified that data from the charter bus did not show any hard braking. Data showed the bus was traveling 25 mph before an "external force" caused the speed to accelerate to 43 mph.

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Jasper said no data indicated that the SUV in front of McDonald's semi was tailgating the bus, and said there was no evidence that McDonald applied brakes in the crash, and agreed with Murphy's statement that the semi hit the SUV behind the bus "basically full speed."

Another witness called by the state was Jonathan Buffington, who has previous experience with the U.S. Secret Service and is currently an advanced security engineer with The Kroger Company, where he does insider risk and financial fraud investigations.

He said that there is “significant evidence” to suggest that the cellphone in question “was in active use” before the crash, which he noted doesn’t necessarily mean that a person was manipulating the phone, just that it was actively communicating with the network.

Buffington said that in a one-minute span at 8:37 a.m., there is about 40 megabytes of data being transmitted. He said that AT&T specified that streaming a high-definition video on the AT&T network is equivalent to about 41 megabytes.

The state showed two videos from unrelated crashes in which the drivers of those vehicles were looking up and down between the roadway and their phones. Buffington said it’s possible to look at the roadway long enough to stay in the lane and maintain a speed without looking at the road long enough to process it.

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He said that because the phone was in “active use,” it could have created an opportunity for McDonald to be distracted.

The defense began its questioning by focusing on Buffington’s definition of “active use,” making the argument that just because the phone was receiving data doesn't mean McDonald was using his phone.

The defense asked Buffington again about inattentional blindness, stating that the bus driver looking at a mirror inside the bus could also be inattentional blindness.

McDonald has opted for a bench trial in Licking County Common Pleas Court, meaning Judge David Branstool will decide his fate rather than a jury.