Ohio News

NEW LEXINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) -- Former Northern Local Schools treasurer Elizabeth McCarthy is facing an indictment of three felony charges after she allegedly used a district credit card for personal purchases.

A Perry County grand jury returned an indictment for two counts of felony theft in office and one count of felony telecommunications fraud, per an indictment filed Wednesday in Perry County Common Pleas Court.

McCarthy allegedly made purchases "in stores and online for clothing, event tickets, household goods, and other items that were not for district use," according to a news release from the Ohio Auditor of State.

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The Auditor of State's Special Investigations Unit opened its investigation in October 2024. An SIU attorney will serve as a special prosecutor for the case, as appointed by Perry County Prosecutor Terry Rugg.

McCarthy is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 5.

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (WCMH) — Opened in 2007, Waggoner Road Junior High School in Reynoldsburg is where meteorologist Bryan Still started the seventh grade the same year. Little did he know that many years later he would return back to that very building not as a student, but as a principal.

Reynoldsburg city schools held their “principal for a day” event where members all over the community were invited to join various school administrators and help carry out the day to day tasks that any normal principal would do. This is the second school year that the district organized this event.

After a busy morning of greeting kids at the door, classes were monitored as teachers demonstrated the different lessons that were on the day's schedule. 

Education has changed drastically over the last 18 years. Gone are the whiteboards and textbooks. Those tools have been replaced with touchscreen monitors and laptops. Some traditional tools like pencil and paper are timeless and still present.

Over the last few years, Waggoner Road has made strides in listening to the community and how its members wanted to see the school grow. School principal Jason Phillips says part of this feedback involved seeing an increase in classes involving the arts. The school responded. dropping in on choir class, there are many kids learning music theory and choreography. With music so catchy it was easy to join in on the learning.

With hard work and dedication, in no time, the kids felt more confident in their skills and seemed eager to showcase them when the time comes.

Once lunch time came, a group of hungry sixth graders made their way to grab food, catch up on some work, and meet up with their friends. Joining them at their tables shed light on another big change. Children moved from cliques to clicks.

Keyboards and laptop screens sat next to the food as they shared notes and discussed lessons. Even then they were still eager to share in conversation with their guest principal about what their favorite subjects were and what they were learning about.

There was one task that ended up being more daunting than anticipated. Getting the attention of a rambunctious cafeteria of sixth graders required a great big breath and a strong set of vocal cords. 

Ready to learn again, the kids made their way to the next class to finish another day of learning

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A recent study ranked three Ohio municipalities among the top 10 U.S. cities where residents are the most burdened by grocery costs.

The personal finance website WalletHub looked at 100 of the largest cities to discover where residents spend the highest percentage of their household income on common grocery items. Researchers collected data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the nonprofit Council for Community and Economic Research.

Multiple Ohio cities placed high on the list, including Cleveland, where the average cost of groceries accounts for about 3.77% of the median household income. While Cleveland experiences "reasonable" grocery prices, the city has the lowest household income of those included in the study, leading to food costs making up a larger portion of residents' paychecks, according to WalletHub.

Source: WalletHub

The other Ohio cities in the top 10 are Toledo at No. 5, where residents allocate around 3.09% of their income to groceries each month, and Cincinnati (2.90%). Columbus ranked the lowest of all Ohio cities included, but still placed relatively high on the list, at No. 26. On average, residents of Ohio's capital spend 2.28% of their monthly income on groceries, the study says. 

The analysis found that Detroit residents spend the highest percentage of their incomes on groceries, with a median cost of 3.78%. While grocery prices are somewhat average, the median household income is the second lowest, WalletHub said.

The full top 10 can be found below:

1. Detroit, Michigan 
2. Cleveland, Ohio 
3. Birmingham, Alabama 
4. Newark, New Jersey
5. Toledo, Ohio
6. Hialeah, Florida
7. Buffalo, New York
8. Cincinnati, Ohio
9. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
10. Memphis, Tennessee

In contrast, California cities San Francisco (1.22%), San Jose (1.16%) and Fremont (0.96%) spend the smallest percentage of income, on average, at the grocery store.

WalletHub’s full study can be found here. 

The Nexstar Media Wire contributed to this report. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- State records show Anduril considered three site plans for its Pickaway County weapons manufacturing facility before selecting its five-warehouse plan.

According to state records, Anduril considered three alternative project plans to minimize the effects on local wildlife, as is required by the EPA. Anduril ultimately went with the option requiring the largest effect on local ecosystems, determining it was the only site that would meet the "anticipated production demands" of the Department of Defense.

Anduril, a defense systems manufacturing company, announced plans to build aerial autonomous weapons in Pickaway County in January. Anduril selected Ohio for its Arsenal-1 project because the state offers economic support for major developments and is home to many universities. See previous coverage of Arsenal-1 in the video player above.

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Permit requests show five warehouses was the only way to meet the production and job creation demands required by JobsOhio. JobsOhio awarded Anduril a $310 million state grant to support drone and aerial weapons manufacturing near Rickenbacker Airport. Under the funding agreement, Anduril must create 4,008 jobs by 2035, and permits said ulterior site plans would not have accommodated enough workers.

Filings show Anduril's team chose the five warehouse option over off-site or four-building alternatives with smaller environmental impacts. The selected site will require 76 acres of trees to be cleared, and will affect 5.6 acres of wetlands.

Courtesy photo of selected site option / Ohio EPA

Under the approved plan, two streams will be permanently rerouted, with one feeding into the other and culverting under roadways. Both streams are unnamed tributaries to Walnut Creek. 

The project will also affect 11 wetlands. To supplement the effects on wetlands and wildlife, Anduril’s planning team proposed buying stream and wetland credits from mitigation banks. Mitigation banks allow developers to financially support wetlands or streams that have been restored or enhanced elsewhere to offset their own environmental impacts.

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The selection was the most expensive option, costing Anduril $1.4 billion to construct. However, state records show the two other options would have led to potential production delays, which could have resulted in the project "likely" moving out of state. 

Filings indicate Anduril has not begun construction in areas with identified environmental impacts. However, Anduril confirmed to NBC4 in late September that construction is quietly underway elsewhere on the site. Anduril previously said it hopes to begin weapons manufacturing in Pickaway County by July 2026.

As is required by Ohio law, Anduril will have to offer a chance for public feedback on the project. According to a letter from the Ohio EPA, Anduril must notify the public by Nov. 4.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Marathon Mile Champion from Gahanna adds her own sparkle to mile seven at the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon.

Thousands of people will take part in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday. Twenty-four of the 26.2 miles will be dedicated to children treated at the hospital, known as ‘marathon mile champions.’ When runners reach mile seven, it’s all about Hannah Daubenmire from Gahanna.

“I was super excited because, you know, I got diagnosed as a runner. So to see other people run for Nationwide Children's Hospital, it just means a lot to me,” she said.

In 2024, she was at run club when she felt knee pain. Hannah was taken to Nationwide Children’s, thinking it was a sprain, but imaging of her knee revealed something far worse than expected. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer.

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“Honestly, the first couple of weeks, I kept thinking somebody was going to call me and tell me it was all a big mistake,” said Hannah’s mother, Julie Daubenmire.

She said they spent almost sixty nights in the hospital, and there were numerous rounds of chemotherapy, but through it all, her daughter stood strong.

“You helped keep everybody's spirits high because you said I'm still going to be a kid and I'm still going to have fun and we're still going to laugh and do all the things that we still like to do,” Julie said to Hannah.

Hannah’s motto through treatment? Never lose your sparkle. That’s sticking with her and serving as the theme for her marathon mile.

“I’m just going to have a bunch of disco balls and pink and yellow stuff,” she said.

Hannah has since rung the bell, signifying that she’s done with treatment. She’s now in physical therapy. Her goal is to get back into running, but in the meantime, she’s picked up new hobbies like sled hockey.

“The hardest part is, I guess, just adapting to what I can’t do and can,” Hannah said.

She’s looking forward to sharing some of her strength with the thousands of marathon runners.

“I just like to stand there and see all the runners just run by and, like, cheer for a lot,” she said.

Funds from the race go towards the work done at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

“We want to do all that we can to help give back and help other kids who are, you know, fighting cancer now and in the future,” Julie said.

MARION, Ohio (WCMH) -- The mother of a 6-month-old baby mauled to death by a dog received the maximum sentence Friday.

Alyssa Smith was sentenced to three years in prison by the Marion County Court of Common Pleas for child endangering. In April 2024, Smith's child was fatally mauled by her boyfriend's Pitbull.

According to the Marion County Prosecutor's Office, Smith allegedly left the infant alone and unsupervised with another young child and the dog. Prosecutors said this allowed the aggressive dog to fatally attack the infant.

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"This sentence holds a mother accountable for failing her infant in the most tragic way," Marion County Prosecutor Raymond Grogan said in a statement. "Smith's actions in ignoring the dog's history showed a pattern of irresponsibility that cost baby Royal his life."

Smith's boyfriend, Blake Bates, recently pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for his involvement in the incident and is currently awaiting sentencing.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio is facing a veterinary care shortage, according to The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, but now the state is two weeks into a new law that is hoping to address the issue through virtual vet care.

Nearly one-third of Ohio’s counties are designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as rural veterinary shortage areas. One vet NBC4 spoke with sees this firsthand, and she’s excited for the opportunities expanded virtual vet care will provide to close the gaps in service. 

“This is very, very valuable,” Veterinarian Dr. Jodi Smith said. 

Smith is a veterinarian in Perry County, where she sees a high demand for pet care. 

“On any given day, we have to turn people away sometimes because we just can't facilitate all of the people that need to be seen,” Smith said. 

Now, she’s able to expand her services online. This new law in Ohio allows vets to prescribe up to 14 days of medicine through a virtual visit, as well as establish a patient-doctor relationship online. 

“Sometimes it's all about people not being able to physically get to the veterinarian, you know, but they still have these animals that are their emotional support animals and their pets that need care and they just can't get to the vet,” Smith said. 

Mark Bordo is a co-founder of a platform that helps connect pet parents with licensed vets online. 

“If your dog jumps off a couch and breaks their leg, that's not something we can treat on telemedicine. But anything to do with ear infections and gastro issues and obviously diet and nutrition and eye infections and ear infections really like thousands of different symptoms and conditions can be treated through telemedicine,” Vetster CEO Mark Bordo said. 

“I'll have the client either walk them around, like say their lame, I'll make sure that I can see where we're limping, how bad the limp is. We get up close in the dog's face or cat's face. And I also do exotics too. So sometimes will be a bird or an iguana or, you know, a gecko,” Smith said.  

While, of course, not everything can be treated online, this new law is making it easier for families to get routine care for their pets. 

“It is never a replacement for your primary veterinarian's care and expertise and knowledge, but it is a good backup and ancillary modality to use if you cannot get in to your primary care veterinarian,” Smith said. 

In a statement, Columbus Humane said:

“Columbus Humane is actively exploring options to bring virtual veterinary care to our community. We’re excited about the potential to expand access to essential services and are evaluating grants and other resources to support this addition. To accommodate telemedicine, we will be transitioning to new software capable of providing this service. We plan to introduce virtual veterinary care at the Essential Care Center in 2026–2027, further enhancing our ability to serve pets and families in need.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The final EMT class of the year graduated Friday from the Ohio Fire Academy.

NBC4 got an exclusive behind the scenes look at the work it takes to make it to graduation day.

The fire academy invited NBC4’s Anna Hoffman to experience some of the training scenarios cadets have to master during their six week program. They make it as real as can be from the practice setting, to the radio communication, to the medical emergencies they must handle. 

“This is about as real as we can make it for them,” said Sarah Settles, the EMS coordinator at the the Ohio Fire Academy.

The training starts as soon as the cadets step out of the ambulance. They must assess the situation and find out what is going on with the patient. In the scenario that NBC4 watched, the person was in cardiac arrest.  

The whole time the cadets must keep up communication with their team and also the hospital that Settles is acting as.

“We want to make sure that they are evaluating the patient quickly and efficiently, but also properly and recognizing any hazards right off the bat. But then we're looking at their performance,” Settles said.

Settles said this is one of 11 skills the cadets have to master throughout the six-week course. They will be tested on seven of the 11.

Caleb Hundley is one of 24 cadets in this class from Ohio and Indiana. NBC4 asked him why he wants to become an EMT.

“The reason why is because I want to give back to my community,” Hundley said.

Hundley said hands-on training is the only way to learn. 

“Everything on a piece of paper, it might say something, but if you can't do it, if you don't know how to do it, then you're not going to do it in the field,” Hundley said.

The cadets are hands on all the way to the end, calling for backup if they need help getting down the narrow stairs and then into the ambulance. 

The cadets also use new technology like the Anatomage table to study human cadavers and learn how to best treat certain injuries.

All of that training leading to graduation day.

“It makes me proud. It's kind of surreal to watch them go from basically, you know, baby EMT, to totally prepared to drop everything and save somebody if they need to. It makes me really proud because I get to watch throughout class. All of those light bulbs go off. Oh, that's what that means. And then they go across the stage and like, don't forget, come back and say hi,” Settles said.

Settles said many of these men and women go on to the fire academy or come from the fire academy before heading back home.

She said in addition to their skills she hopes they leave the academy with the desire to make a difference in people's lives.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- With just two weeks left in the regular season, the action is heating up with many teams looking to improve their playoff seedings while others try to keep postseason hopes alive.

Among the high-profile matchups include Hamilton Township hosting Bloom-Carroll in Football Friday Nite's Game of the Week. The Rangers have won three in a row since their only loss, at Buckeye Valley, and the Bulldogs are riding a five-game win streak. Elsewhere, Linden McKinley puts its 8-0 record on the line against Northland, which is 5-3.

Below is a list of games that will be featured on Football Friday Nite at 11:15 p.m. A complete list of games in the state is at the bottom. Check back all evening for updated scores and highlights.

Week 9 Schedule

• Gahanna (6-2) at Grove City (4-4)
• Bloom-Carroll (6-2) at Hamilton Township (7-1) - Game of the Week
• Africentric (7-1) at Walnut Ridge (5-3)
• Northland (5-3) at Linden McKinley (8-0)
• Upper Arlington (6-2) at Dublin Coffman (2-6)
• Olentangy Liberty (5-3) at Hilliard Davidson (4-4)
• Dublin Scioto (5-3) at Big Walnut (7-1)
• Marysville (4-4) at Olentangy Berlin (3-5)
• Olentangy (7-1) at Dublin Jerome (4-4)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Roosters location on Olentangy River Road has announced when it will be reopening after a fire last year forced its closure.

The restaurant will reopen on Thursday. Their website shows all of their locations open at 11 a.m.

The company bought the land next door to the restaurant to add more parking, Columbus Business First reported. Watch previous coverage in the player above.

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

The Olentangy River Road location opened in 2000 when there were just a handful of restaurants. The chain now operates more than 40 locations in four states, according to Columbus Business First.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A national chain known for its hot dogs and burgers served on King's Hawaiian rolls has picked a location in Columbus for its Ohio debut. 

Dog Haus is coming to 1574-1576 N. High St. in the Gateway development near Ohio State University, according to city permits. The space was previously occupied by two Irish pubs – a Kildare’s and a McFadden’s.

Central Ohioans can expect to see more of the franchise-based chain in the coming years, as the brand announced in March that it had signed a deal that will bring four eateries to the Columbus area. These locations are set to mark the Dog Haus’ first Ohio restaurants. 

Cherokee Rhoda, who has business experience as the founder and CEO of Brooks & Truitt Specialty Group and AirTek Global, will run the Columbus locations, according to Dog Haus. His wife, Michelle Rhoda, will also help with operations.

“Columbus is a thriving city with a diverse and exciting food culture,” Cherokee Rhoda previously said. “I’m confident that Dog Haus will resonate with locals, from busy professionals to college students looking for high-quality, flavorful dining options.”

Founded in 2010, California-based Dog Haus offers burgers, sausages, hot dogs and chicken sandwiches on Hawaiian rolls. A variety of toppings are available to customize these items, including crispy onions, cheese, avocado and pickled jalapenos. The restaurant features multiple vegetarian options, including bratwursts, burgers and chicken sandwiches made with Impossible products. 

• (Photo courtesy/Dog Haus)
• (Photo courtesy/Dog Haus)
• (Photo courtesy/Dog Haus)
• (Photo courtesy/Dog Haus)

The brand also serves sliders and breakfast burritos, along with sides such as fries and tater tots, with the option to top either with chili. Beer, cocktails and ice cream are on the menu as well. 

Dog Haus has more than 50 locations across the country, according to its website. A spokesperson with the company said it has not yet determined an opening date for the Gateway restaurant.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A fifth measles case was confirmed in northeast Franklin County, according to a public health spokesperson.

The fifth case is an unvaccinated 6-year-old who traveled internationally, and the case is not related to the other four previous cases, according to Franklin County Public Health. Watch previous coverage in the player above.

"We have worked closely with our health care partners to investigate and notify any potential waiting room exposures," the spokesperson said in a statement. "At this time, we have not identified any potential exposures outside of the health care setting."

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Earlier this month, a measles case was traced to two public locations in the New Albany area. Health officials urged parents of children older than 12 months to vaccinate their children.

Columbus Public Health offers the vaccines for anyone of eligible age with no appointments needed. Learn more on the CPH website. MMR vaccines are also available at health care providers.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new ramen restaurant has joined the culinary mix in German Village, filling a familiar space on South Fourth Street with a take on Japanese comfort food.

Mizu No Kaori, which loosely translates to "the scent of water," is in a soft opening phase at 495 S. Fourth St., the former home of Bistrolino. The restaurant is welcoming customers from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, offering a variety of ramen styles, from classic miso and shoyu to tonkotsu and Tiananmen.

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Vegan options and a brothless aburasoba round out the menu. Appetizers are limited for now, with edamame as a starter. Prices for ramen dishes range from $13.95 to $14.95.

• Mizu No Kaori is in a soft opening phase at 495 S. Fourth St. in German Village. (Courtesy Photo/Mizu No Kaori)
• Mizu No Kaori is in a soft opening phase at 495 S. Fourth St. in German Village. (Courtesy Photo/Mizu No Kaori)
• Mizu No Kaori is in a soft opening phase at 495 S. Fourth St. in German Village. (Courtesy Photo/Mizu No Kaori)

The space has a long history in the Columbus food scene. Before Mizu No Kaori, it was Bistrolino, a Lebanese and Italian inspired restaurant and bar that operated for five years before closing in summer 2024. The owners have since launched Capri, a sports lounge in Downtown on East Gay Street.

Going back further, the building housed the original Harvest Pizzeria and adjacent Curio cocktail bar. Harvest operated at the site from 2011 to 2019 before expanding to multiple locations across central Ohio.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus City Schools are considering closing four additional schools to save money and comply with impending legislation.

At a special board of education meeting Thursday night, school leaders discussed new possibilities for reducing the district's budget by $50 million annually. CCS may close four additional schools and reassign students to other facilities to better distribute class sizes across buildings.

Superintendent Angela Chapman said she knows changes will be difficult, but they are necessary to prioritize learning amid federal and state cuts to school funding.

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CCS would save more than $3 million each year by closing Como and Fairwood elementaries, Duxberry Arts Impact and Columbus Gifted Academy. These closures would be in addition to the five schools the school board voted to close in December.

District leaders said combining schools would also be good for students and instruction. CCS leaders said combining student bodies into one larger school will increase academic and extracurricular opportunities, and make support systems more accessible.

"None of our students come to school and say, 'Oh, I need to be sick on Tuesday, because that's when the counselor's there,'" Chapman said, referencing shared services.

The district also weighed transportation changes, especially as the district's school choice lottery system makes transportation costs much higher. The district currently transfers more students than legally required, and is considering placing the responsibility of transportation on families for non-1100% lottery K-8 schools.

If all the suggestions were approved, Fairwood Elementary would be folded into Ohio Avenue. Columbus Gifted Academy could be folded into Avondale. Como Elementary would transition into Oakland Park, making it a neighborhood school. The district wants Duxberry to become part of a K-12 arts program at the Fort Hayes complex, with students moved to South Mifflin until the new complex can be completed.

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The schools under consideration for closure are among 15 buildings at or below 60% enrollment. CCS leaders said they are concerned about their $97 million combined investment in the under-enrolled buildings, especially because of pending legislation at the Statehouse. If passed, school districts would be required to sell buildings that are under 60% utilized.

The district is also looking at the age of buildings when considering closures or consolidations. More than half of district buildings are more than 50 years old, and many require costly maintenance.

CCS said putting more students into newer school buildings will also help safeguard taxpayer dollars. Fewer buildings would allow the district to focus funding and invest in newer facilities instead of dividing dollars.

District leaders were also able to offer details about the five closures already approved by the school board. The district has already saved nearly $5 million in avoided costs, and preserved more than $31 million into newer buildings.

The district is also requesting community feedback before plans are finalized in November and December. CCS will hold three parent town hall meetings Oct. 27-29 at 6 p.m. to ensure parent voices are a part of the decision-making process.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- For the third time in four weeks, No. 1 Ohio State is on the road for a Big Ten matchup. The undefeated Buckeyes are set to travel to Madison to meet a struggling Wisconsin squad that's lost its last four games, including 37-0 to Iowa at home last weekend.

"The easy thing to do would be to look at their record or look at what happened last week and think otherwise, but that's not the case," coach Ryan Day said. "This is a team that has good players and is playing very hard. We have to focus on us and our process."

OSU is riding a 10-game winning streak after last week's 34-16 win over Illinois. Saturday marks the first meeting between the programs since 2023, which the Buckeyes won 24-10 at Camp Randall.

Here's what to know about Saturday's game, which kicks off at 3:30 p.m.

Ground game needs versatility

While the Fighting Illini produced more total yardage than the Buckeyes last weekend (295-272), OSU handily won the ground game, outrunning Illinois 106-47. Bo Jackson and CJ Donaldson combined for 23 carries and 93 yards, with the West Virginia transfer scoring two touchdowns on the ground and the true freshman catching a 17-yard TD pass.

"There's been some positive things across the board and then some things that we need to get better at, but I think the guys are playing physical," Day said.

Halfway through the regular season, Day said he needs his running backs to be versatile so that they don't become predictable to opposing defenses.

"If you're just putting people in to do specific jobs, then you know what happens. The defense says, 'he's only doing this.' So we don't want to do that at any position," Day said. "We want to maximize their strengths but also have got to build their weaknesses up and limitations so that they can get to that point."

Buckeyes becoming road warriors

Half of Ohio State's wins in its 10-game winning streak have been away from the Horseshoe. While last year's playoff run brought the Buckeyes to big stage venues like the Rose Bowl, AT&T Stadium and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this season's road wins have been impressive.

The Buckeyes began Big Ten play in the challenging confines of Husky Stadium in Seattle, where they ended Washington's 22-game home winning streak. Last weekend's win over No. 17 Illinois was in front of a sellout crowd at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign.

Now Ohio State gears up for the unique atmosphere at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, which should still draw large crowds despite Wisconsin's latest struggles. And Day embraces the challenge of being road warriors in October.

"I think there's a lot of positives when you go on the road. I think our guys enjoy being on the road. There's a little less distractions," Day said. "You kind of feel like you're on your own. And you've got to gain your identity when you're on your own."

Former Buckeye Luke Fickell at the helm in Madison

Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell played for Ohio State from 1993 to '96 and served on the Buckeyes coaching staff for 16 seasons from 2001 to '16, a tenure that included two national title runs. He redshirted in 1992 before making 50 consecutive starts at defensive tackle, which set a school record at the time.

But now the OSU alum, in his fourth season with the Badgers, is on the hot seat in Madison after four straight losses. And Fickell knows this weekend will be the toughest challenge yet this season.

"We've got a challenge in front of us, so it's really hard to dwell upon the things from last week," Fickell said. "That doesn't mean we didn't address them, doesn't mean we, obviously, haven't watched and gone about the corrections and the things that we have to be able to do, because we've got to continue to move forward. But with what sits in front of us in particular this week, it's really hard to to spend a whole lot of time dwell upon last week."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- After opening a second Columbus location last month, Blu Note Jazz Cafe owner Derrick Pannell is now eyeing preparations for a new live music venue in Franklinton.

Called Blu Note on Rich, the project is taking over a historic warehouse at 375 W. Rich St., a property Pannell and The Robert Weiler Company acquired in 2023. Plans for the 10,000-square-foot building include a partnership with Donatos, indoor dining with live jazz, various patios and an outdoor amphitheater called the Pannell Pavilion with 200 to 300 seats. The project is slated to open in 2026.

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"In our mind, it's almost operating two separate visions of an outdoor space for the daytime and then … reel it in with a jazz club in the evening," Pannell told NBC4 in 2024.

• Blu Note on Rich is taking over a historic warehouse at 375 W. Rich St. (Courtesy Photo/Blu Note Jazz Cafe)
• Blu Note on Rich is taking over a historic warehouse at 375 W. Rich St. (Courtesy Photo/Blu Note Jazz Cafe)
• Blu Note on Rich is taking over a historic warehouse at 375 W. Rich St. (Courtesy Photo/Blu Note Jazz Cafe)
• Blu Note on Rich is taking over a historic warehouse at 375 W. Rich St. (Courtesy Photo/Blu Note Jazz Cafe)
• Blu Note on Rich is taking over a historic warehouse at 375 W. Rich St. (Courtesy Photo/Blu Note Jazz Cafe)

The Rich Street development follows the recent launch of Pannell's second location, Blu Note on Town, which opened to the public on Sept. 28 at 530 E. Town St. in a historic Downtown-area building. In addition to live jazz performances on Sunday and Monday, that venue houses a private social space called Renaissance Club.

For Pannell, the expansion is about more than business, it's personal. Blu Note on Rich is rising just blocks from where he grew up and once played as a child, a press release said. The site's building, which withstood a catastrophic flood in 1920 that reshaped the area known as "The Bottoms," will be "a destination where history, music and community come together."

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The Rich Street property was purchased for $750,000 in 2023 through Pannell Music Center LLC, with Robert Weiler serving as minority partner. The site was previously owned by the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority.

The first Blu Note opened in 2020 on East Main Street near Bexley, and has built a following with its blend of daytime cafe service and live jazz. In the press release, the vision for the upcoming Franklinton location was described as preserving and celebrating jazz culture in Columbus while creating an inclusive, community-driven space.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The priciest home in Franklin County in September sold for $2.9 million, and Delaware County’s most expensive home sold for $1.1 million.

Columbus dominated the high end of the real estate market in Franklin County in September, with several homes selling for more than $1 million. Leading the pack was a property at 3130 S. Dorchester Rd. in Columbus, which sold for $1.95 million on Sept. 12. Other notable Columbus sales included 2841 Doncaster Rd. at $1.6 million and 3885 Woodbridge Rd. at $1.4 million.

Galena also saw significant real estate activity, with four of the top five Delaware County sales happening in the city. Westerville also appeared on the list, with one home selling for $799,900 in September.

NBC4 analyzed property sale records from the auditors’ offices of Franklin and Delaware counties, focusing on single-family dwellings to exclude sales of apartments, duplexes, or unrelated land purchases.

Franklin County September top sales

1. This house at 256 S. Columbia Ave. in Columbus sold for $2,900,036 on Sept. 29.

256 S. Columbia Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43209 (Photo Courtesy/ Franklin County Auditor)

2. This house at 6 S. Ealy Crossing in New Albany sold for $2,300,000 on Sept. 4.

6 S Ealy Crossing, New Albany, Ohio 43054 (Photo Courtesy/ Franklin County Auditor)

3. This house at 3130 S. Dorchester Rd. in Columbus sold for $1,950,000 on Sept. 12.

3130 S. Dorchester Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43221 (Photo Courtesy/ Franklin County Auditor)

4. This house at 2841 Doncaster Rd. in Columbus sold for $1,619,000 on Sept. 18.

2841 Doncaster Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43221 (Photo Courtesy/ Franklin County Auditor)

5. This house at 3885 Woodbridge Rd. in Columbus sold for $1,410,000 on Sept. 2.

3885 Woodbridge Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43220 (Photo Courtesy/ Franklin County Auditor) Delaware County September top sales

1. This house at 7946 Genova Ct. in Galena sold for $1,105,000 on Sept. 12

 7946 Genova Ct, Galena, Ohio 43021 (Photo Courtesy/ Delaware County Auditor)

2. This house at 5350 Red Bank Rd. in Galena sold for $1,050,000 on Sept. 30.

5350 Red Bank Rd, Galena, Ohio 43021 (Photo Courtesy/ Delaware County Auditor)

3. This house at 7894 Genova Ct. in Galena sold for $990,000 on Sept. 17.

7894 Genova Ct, Galena, Ohio 43021 (Photo Courtesy/ Delaware County Auditor)

4. This house at 12907 Woodtown Rd. in Galena sold for $895,000 on Sept. 5.

12907 Woodtown Rd, Galena, Ohio 43021 (Photo Courtesy/ Delaware County Auditor)

5. This house at 7240 Duncan's Glen Dr. in Westerville sold for $799,900 on Sept. 2.

7240 Duncan's Glen Dr, Westerville, Ohio 43082 (Photo Courtesy/ Delaware County Auditor)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – While a judge has blocked an Ohio law mandating a 24-hour waiting period for abortions, state lawmakers have introduced a bill to reinstate the requirement.

House Bill 347, sponsored by Reps. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township) and Mike Odioso (R-Green Township), would require medical professionals to provide patients seeking an abortion with information about any “physical or psychological” risks at least 24 hours before the procedure. 

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The lawmakers have named the legislation the “She Wins Act,” an acronym for “Share the Health and Empower With Informed Notices.”

“The goal is not to create obstacles, but to ensure that when a woman is facing one of the most difficult decisions of her life, she is empowered with clarity, time and honest medical information,” Williams said at the bill’s first hearing in late September. “She should not be rushed or pressured into a decision, and she will not be uninformed in the State of Ohio.”

Under the bill, a meeting with a physician could take place in person, over the phone, on a virtual call or over email. The medical provider would be required to disclose risks associated with both abortion and carrying a pregnancy to full term, as well as alternatives to abortion, such as adoption. The doctor would also have to answer any questions the patient may have. According to a news release, patients could sue if they do not receive such information.

The legislation’s rules would apply to both surgical and medical abortions, but not in cases of miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies or medical emergencies. 

Kellie Copeland, executive director of Abortion Forward, said the proposal conflicts with a Franklin County judge’s August 2024 decision to block an Ohio law that required a 24-hour waiting period for abortions. In that ruling, the court cited a reproductive rights amendment passed by Ohio voters in 2023 that bars the state from interfering with an individual’s right to abortion. If the bill were to pass, legal challenges would likely follow. 

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“Courts have already blocked Ohio’s current 24-hour waiting period because it is unconstitutional,” Copeland said. “These politicians want to ignore the will of Ohioans, reinstate this burdensome requirement, and force doctors to give potentially harmful information to patients seeking abortion care.”

Abortion rights groups argue waiting periods burden patients by forcing them to make multiple appointments with a physician, which may be difficult for those who lack time off work or reliable transportation. Waiting periods can also cause patients to miss the gestational window for a preferred abortion method.

“That is the core purpose of this legislation, not patient safety,” Copeland said. 

However, the bill’s sponsors maintain it is not intended to burden patients or healthcare providers. They argue the bill offers flexibility for patients by allowing the meeting to take place virtually. 

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“This legislation strikes the right balance,” Odioso said at the September meeting. “It upholds a woman’s constitutional right to seek treatment while ensuring that she is fully informed of the risks and outcomes, while empowering her to make the best decision that is right for her.”

HB 347 is awaiting additional hearings in the House’s Health Committee; it must pass the House and Senate before it could be sent to Gov. Mike DeWine for final approval. Four Republicans are cosponsoring the bill. 

ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Film professor Thomas Hayes returned from his detainment by the Israeli military to find Ohio University had removed him as the instructor of his only in-person class.

Hayes, a Columbus resident, was aboard a flotilla sailing toward Gaza that was intercepted by Israeli forces. Upon his return, he was informed he had been replaced as the instructor for a master's-level film core curriculum course titled "The Art of Editing." The university's decision has drawn scrutiny among students and community members.

University spokesperson Daniel Pittman said the university designated a new instructor after learning Hayes had independently informed students that he would be absent for an unknown period. Pittman said Hayes had left behind prerecorded lectures available online for the course, which was intended to be in-person.

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Hayes, 69, has been absent as one of 145 passengers sailing to Gaza in hopes of breaking Israel's naval blockade. On Oct. 8, all vessels of the nine-boat flotilla were intercepted by Israeli military forces, and all passengers were taken into custody. Social media posts showed Hayes' return to Columbus on Oct. 12, after processing and deportation from Israel.

"As an accredited public institution, Ohio University has an obligation to serve its students by delivering courses that offer regular interactions with faculty who are readily available to support their needs," Pittman said.

Hayes told NBC4 that the university made the decision on Oct. 10. He said it happened while he was held in Ketzi'ot prison without formal charges or a trial. Ketzi'ot is Israel's largest detention center, located in the Negev desert.

Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at Ohio University is among the 16 student and local organizations that condemned Hayes' removal in a letter to university leaders. Hayes is the group's faculty adviser and also a member of two other signatory groups: Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace.

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Letter writers argued Hayes' flotilla participation is relevant to his work. Hayes has filmed three documentaries on the conflict between Palestine and Israel, including his most recent film, released in 2015, which highlighted Israeli perspectives.

The letter alleges Hayes' removal is unjust and defies the university's free speech policy, which protects "uncensored academic inquiry" and freedom of expression. It also calls on the university to publicly condemn Hayes' detainment. SJP member Cody Polinski, a sophomore chemistry major, said he was angry that the university had not spoken out when Hayes was taken into custody.

"The university didn't make a statement at all when he was kidnapped," Polinski said. "That's disturbing to me, that a member of your staff is kidnapped and you don't say anything. And then he comes back, and instead of being, oh, I don't know, grateful, thankful that he's back, you try to remove him."

On the day of Hayes' detainment, Ohio University told NBC4 it was "aware of the rumors" and looking into things. Polinski and other club members did not think that was enough. They were similarly unimpressed by the university's explanation for removing Hayes from the course.

Polinski said he previously had a professor who missed a large portion of in-person classes due to a knee surgery that had not been disclosed to students ahead of time. He said it was unclear how the other professor coordinated with the university, but the experience stuck out to Polinski when considering Hayes' removal.

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"I'm just saying it's not completely abnormal for that to happen, and it seems to be motivated for other reasons than pure education," Polinski said.

NBC4 asked Ohio University about the process for professors who take time away during an in-person class, and was directed to the university's faculty handbook. The handbook said instructors can participate in political activities, but changing meeting times or locations often requires approval.

Hayes is still listed as the instructor for other courses, which are all hybrid or online and work with individuals or small groups.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered U.S. and Ohio flags to be flown at half-staff after the death of an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper on Thursday.

OSHP trooper Nicholas P. Cayton was struck and killed while responding to a disabled semi-truck on State Route 11 in Mahoning County.

U.S. and Ohio flags on all public buildings at grounds in Mahoning County, as well as at the Ohio Statehouse, the Verne Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower, will be flown at half-staff from Thursday through sunset on the day of Cayton's funeral.