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Ohio News

Suspect accused in Columbus carryout store owner’s death indicted on murder charges

News Channel 4 - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 10:49

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A suspect arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of an east Columbus business owner last month has been indicted on six charges, including murder.

According to court records, 21-year-old Joshua Norfleet, accused of fatally shooting Jehad Alzaben, owner of the Livingston Market in Driving Park, has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, aggravated robbery, and tampering with evidence.

Alzaben, who owned the East Livingston Road market for nearly 30 years, was found suffering from several gunshot wounds and taken to Grant Medical Center, where he died at around 12:30 a.m. on May 26. For a previous report on this story view the video player above.

Whit’s Frozen Custard to open in Grove City 

The investigation into Alzaben’s death included video surveillance footage from the market, where Norfleet was seen purchasing several items. The date and times of the purchases from the surveillance footage in which Norfleet was seen match the purchase history on Norfleet’s credit card.

At the time of the shooting, the suspect is seen again, but wearing a mask while inside the store and shooting Alzaben. The suspect then steals the victim’s firearm from his holster and fled the scene.

Witnesses’ descriptions of the suspect matched video evidence from the store, which shows the man running northbound on Fairwood Avenue. Additional cameras showed him running from the northeast

On May 28, Columbus police released photos from the incident and asked the public for help identifying and the following day Norfleet was named a suspect. A warrant was issued for his arrest on June 3.

Norfleet was placed in custody on June 18 and two days later he was issued a $2 million bond in Franklin County Municipal court. He is scheduled to appear in common pleas court Friday afternoon.

Categories: Ohio News

Ohio 'BMV cheat code' praised, agency says 10 million trips saved

News Channel 4 - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 09:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A trip to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles is often considered a brutal exercise in patience, with customers waiting in long lines clutching what they hope are the right documents, but the agency's reputation could be changing with technology.

According to Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel and BMV Registrar Charles Norman, online tools designed to reduce the number of times customers are required to visit are now alleviating some of the pain. In a recent joint news release, it was announced that Ohioans have been spared more than 10 million trips to the BMV due to upgrades that enable certain transactions without being physically present.

“We've put significant focus on using technology to save customers' valuable time and cut down on congestion at BMV deputy registrar locations across the state,” said DeWine. “This milestone demonstrates the importance of these upgrades, which have made BMV services more accessible and efficient.”

The changes began in 2019 and Ohio “now has one of the most expansive menus of online services of any motor vehicle agency in the country,” according to DeWine's administration.

“Ohio has definitely been ahead of the game in modernizing BMV services,” said Tressel. “No one enjoys waiting in long lines, and giving Ohioans the option to conduct more business online reduces wait times for those who do visit the BMV in person.”

Ohio BMV online services

Online renewal of driver’s licenses or identification cards — recently expanded to eligible commercial driver's license (CDL) holders. Once approved, the customer will receive a printable interim credential, and the renewed license or identification card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 days.

Online ordering of temporary tags and renewing vehicle registration via OPLATES.

Online driving knowledge test to receive a temporary driver's permit and online scheduling of driver exams. Ohio BMV is also expanding driver's exam locations by partnering with approved third parties.

Online transfer a title for person-to-person vehicle sale with the new Ohio Title Portal. The title transfer request will be electronically sent to the applicable county's title office for review and approval of the transaction.

Ohio BMV Express kiosk services

BMV Express self-service kiosks for renewing and printing vehicle registration documentation at grocery stores and e-check stations. The kiosks immediately print new vehicle registration cards and license plate stickers on-site, with the average transaction taking less than two minutes.

How to use the BMV's Get In Line, Online service

While drivers can still visit any of Ohio's deputy registrar locations to complete any BMV-related tasks, the agency recommends using its “Get In Line, Online” before leaving home. The service allows customers to advance in the queue without physically waiting in the office. After checking in online, customers have until close of business that day to arrive at the deputy registrar location, check in at a self-service kiosk, and claim their spot in line.

One customer lauded the offering on social media, calling it a “BMV cheat code.”

“If anyone's going to the BMV and doesn't want to wait forever, just use the online check-in like an hour before u go,” the Reddit user shared. “They send you a message saying text HERE when you arrive.”

I texted it right when I parked my car, walked in and there was around 30–40 people there waiting, sat down literally 2 mins, and they called my number … I'm doing this every time I go to the BMV from now on, hope they don't change it!”

“The BMV is always looking for convenient, innovative solutions to enhance the overall customer experience for Ohioans,” said Norman. “We are dedicated to finding opportunities that modernize and improve our processes so that we can provide more service options.”

A full list of online options can be found on the BMV's website.

Categories: Ohio News

Whit’s Frozen Custard to open in Grove City 

News Channel 4 - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 08:30

GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH) – An Ohio-based frozen custard chain will soon open a new location in Grove City.

Whit’s Frozen Custard is coming to 3968 Broadway, with its owner aiming to open in July, according to the City of Grove City. While an exact opening date has yet to be announced, updates can be found on the new shop's Facebook page.

The long-awaited Grove City location was first announced by Whit's in 2023, alongside four other planned spots. The other storefronts, located in Lewis Center, Lancaster, Newark and West Jefferson, have since opened. 

Whit’s serves vanilla and chocolate frozen custard, alongside a flavor that rotates daily or weekly. The custard can be made into milkshakes, floats, sundaes and “whitsers,” which are prepared by blending custard with toppings. The concept offers a variety of toppings, including cookie dough, fruit, candy and brownie bites. 

The custard company was founded in Granville in 2003. The chain has since grown to have 95 locations across 11 states, according to a news release. Whit’s website states it currently has 36 locations in the Buckeye State. 

Categories: Ohio News

Annual hot dog eating contest returns at local sports bar

News Channel 4 - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 06:00

GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio (WCMH) - If you love hot dogs and think you can eat several in a short amount of time, a local bar has an annual competition to do just that.

Bobcat Sports Bar, located at 1099 W. 1st Ave. in Grandview Heights, is holding its amateur hot dog eating contest named "Glizzies & Glory." The second annual contest returns July 2 at 6 p.m.

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The competition will feature three divisions for all to participate, according to the bar's social media post. The kid's contest is 5 minutes for those who are 14 to 17 years old. Anyone in this category must have a parent of guardian to compete.

There's also the Women's Wiener Showdown that will last 10 minutes and the Men's Top Dog Battle, also will be 10 minutes. Participants of both the men's and women's category must be at least 18 years old.

Glizzies & Glory hot dog eating contest is set for July 2 at 6 p.m. This is the second year Bobcat Sports Bar is holding the competition for local amateurs. (Courtesy: Bobcat Sports Bar)

Bobcat Sports Bar will give the top two finishers in each group cash prizes. There will also be a chance where the bar will crown the Fan Favorite in the competition. There isn't a fee to enter the competition and is for amateurs only.

To sign up for the hot dog eating contest, visit Bobcat Sports Bar's social media pages.

Categories: Ohio News

7 ways to cut back on home energy costs in Ohio this summer

News Channel 4 - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 05:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It was hot this week, and many Ohioans have to walk a fine line between higher energy bills and beating the heat.

This week saw the first major heat wave for central Ohio in 2025, and Storm Team 4 warns it will not be the last. Summer heat can drive up electric bills, and AEP Ohio customers are already facing a higher base rate this summer. See previous coverage of how the heat can affect you in the video player above.

Alpine HVAC, an Ohio-based HVAC company, explained older homes in Ohio often have plaster walls, single-pane windows and limited ductwork, all of which can drive energy costs up. Luckily, there are ways to limit energy use and keep costs down.

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The Ohio Consumers' Council (OCC) recommends blocking the sun from heating your home. Although the summer sunlight can be beautiful, it can also rack up air conditioning use. AEP Ohio recommends blocking sunshine out especially in east- and west-facing windows. A tree planted outside those windows also offers shade, even indoors.

Window's don't just let heat in, they also let cool air out. If possible, AEP Ohio recommends upgrading your windows, as up to 30% of cooling energy can be lost out of a window. AEP Ohio said energy-efficient window's are a great investment, but storm windows are a more cost-effective window replacement that still offers heat protection.

Seal cracks

AEP Ohio said "insulation is not just for winter," working to keep warm air out too. Better insulation leads to lower energy costs and less effort to cool a home. The OCC recommended sealing leaks around doors and windows, and "low-emissivity" window films can also minimize heat getting in.

Manage your humidity

The OCC said humidity in the home can make it feel warmer, and recommends keeping the relative humidity of a house between 30-50%. The OCC recommends avoiding added moisture to the home by only using exhaust fans after cooking or bathing for 20 minutes and keeping the basement door closed if windows are open.

The OCC said although dehumidifiers remove moisture, they also create heat. State workers recommend avoid using a dehumidifier in a room where air conditioning is operating.

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In summer, ceiling fans should run counter-clockwise to properly cool people down. AES Ohio, a reusable energy company with operations in the Miami Valley, said you should feel a cool breeze when standing below a fan. Using a ceiling fan also allows occupants to comfortably raise the thermostat a few degrees, reducing energy use.

The OCC said fans are most helpful when humidity is lower, and are only necessary when people are in a room. The state agency said fans are helpful because they cool people, not because they cool rooms, so leaving them on can create unnecessary energy costs.

Be smart with your system

Energy companies recommend staying on top of routine maintenance checks, especially air filters. Carrier Ohio, an HVAC company, recommended checking air filters once every month or two and replacing them whenever they get clogged with dust. Carrier Ohio said when filters get clogged, HVAC systems have to work harder to circulate air.

Limit appliance use

Appliances and electronics can produce heat and drive up costs, especially when they are near thermostats. The OCC recommends running the dishwasher or doing laundry after the sun goes down. It also suggested using a microwave, outside grill, slow cooker or air fryer instead of an oven.

Take advantage of state resources

The Ohio Department of Development said it's Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program will return July 1 to help income-eligible Ohioans stay cool. The program provides monetary assistance to Ohioans through Sept. 30, and the funds can be used to pay electric bills, purchase air conditioning or fans, or make AC repairs. Last year, 44,000 households in Ohio received assistance.

To qualify, Ohioans must be at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or $56,262.50 in annual income for a family of four. For families with nine or more members, they must be at or below 60% of Ohio's median income. Households with someone 60 or older who can provide documented proof of a relevant medical condition may also be eligible.

Categories: Ohio News

Residents rank Dublin as top place to live, but cite affordability issues

News Channel 4 - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 04:30

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- Dublin is among the nation's highest rated cities for quality of life, according to a new survey.

Results from a city-commissioned study conducted this spring show that 99% of residents rate Dublin as an excellent or good place to live. The city said overall quality of life, safety and local government performance all received top marks, with Dublin ranking higher or much higher than national benchmarks across multiple categories.

"Resident feedback is essential as we shape strategies and make decisions that reflect our community's needs and values," said city manager Megan O'Callaghan. "As we advance city council's vision to be the most sustainable, connected and resilient global city of choice, this survey helps ensure we're on the right track."

The survey was conducted by the National Research Center at Polco, a Wisconsin-based firm. Of the 3,000 randomly selected Dublin households, 565 residents completed the survey, resulting an overall response rate of 19%.

Of the 100 evaluative questions included on both 2018 and current survey iterations, 81 were statistically similar to previous results. Upward trends were seen in seven items, while 12 ratings decreased since 2018. Changes are considered statistically significant if the 2025 rating was +/- 6% from the previous survey effort.

Ohio could soon restrict how Ohioans spend SNAP benefits

Almost 9 in 10 residents would recommend Dublin to others and would likely stay in the city for the next five years, the survey found. Safety also remain a standout strength, with about 9 in 10 residents feeling secure in their neighborhoods and the city's downtown area during the day.

About 9 in 10 also rate Dublin as an excellent or good place to raise children and feel a strong sense of community. Sense of Dublin pride is also high, with 9 in 10 residents noting the city's strong community involvement. Eighty-three percent applauded opportunities to participate in social events and activities, with 88% reporting good volunteer opportunities.

While Dublin's overall mobility is rated positively, certain areas could benefit from additional focus, the study said. Only 36% ranked the bus and transit services as excellent or good, and ease of travel by public transportation only received support from 30%.

Though most items related to the economy scored above the national benchmark, some items saw a downward trend compared to 2018. Seventy-four percent rated Dublin's employment opportunities as excellent or good, while only 34% supported the city's cost of living and only 29% said the economy will positively impact their income in the next six months.

Several other aspects related to affordability also saw a significant decline, like availability of quality housing, food, health care, and childcare. View the entire report based on the survey below.

Dublin-The-National-Community-Survey-2025Download
Categories: Ohio News

Ohio bill would require faster notification of law enforcement in child abuse cases

News Channel 4 - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 03:30

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Legislation inspired by the story of an Ohio baby who was the victim of sexual assault would update mandatory reporting requirements for child abuse in the state. 

House Bill 346 would require mandatory reporters to alert both local law enforcement and children’s services of suspected child abuse cases. In Ohio, mandatory reporters, such as healthcare works, teachers and therapists, are currently required to notify either children's services or law enforcement, but not both.

The legislation, sponsored by Reps. Matthew Kishman (R-Minerva) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania), would also require children’s services to notify law enforcement within 48 hours of receiving a child abuse report. The current time period allowed by law is seven days. 

Under Ohio law, healthcare providers may be required to share certain reports or examinations with children's services. The bill would require those documents be made available to law enforcement as well.

Lawmakers have named the bill “V.J.’s Law,” after a Canton girl who suffered abuse at 4.5 months old that was not “adequately reported,” Kishman said. 

“We have a collective responsibility to protect our children,” Kishman said in a statement. “What happened in V.J.’s case is unacceptable, and I hope this legislation equips law enforcement and Children Services to better protect others in the future.”

In September 2022, V.J.’s mother took her to the Aultman Hospital in Canton on a Saturday. While the baby was there, medical staff discovered injuries consistent with sexual abuse, according to court records. 

Healthcare workers contacted Stark County Children Services multiple times, but no one from the agency came to the hospital that day. Instead, a case worker followed up on the report on Monday, leaving V.J. with her father, who was later convicted of her rape, over the weekend. Police were not notified until that Tuesday – four days after the rape is believed to have occurred.

V.J.’s father has since been sentenced to life in prison without parole. NBC4 is not naming him to protect V.J.’s identity. 

In Ohio, the charge for mandatory reporters who fail to properly report child abuse is generally a fourth-degree misdemeanor, which can rise to a first-degree misdemeanor in certain instances, such as if the child faces harm as a result of a lack of a timely report. While the bill expands reporting requirements, it maintains the existing penalties under the law.

V.J.’s Law was introduced on June 10 and has been assigned to the House’s Public Safety Committee, where it awaits its first hearing.

Categories: Ohio News

Columbus City School board says court ruling is a victory for Ohio public education

News Channel 4 - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 21:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- For the first time since a Franklin County judge ruled the EdChoice Voucher Program unconstitutional, the Columbus City School board is speaking out. 

EdChoice is one of Ohio’s major school voucher programs. The Columbus City School District is the lead plaintiff on this case. 

Board members NBC4 spoke with say they are celebrating this as a victory for all public education in the state, but they know they have a long road ahead of them. 

Ohio could soon restrict how Ohioans spend SNAP benefits

“It's not about school choice, I just want to make that clear. Parents can choose whatever options are out there. It's about the way it's funded,” Columbus School Board of Education Vice President Jennifer Adair said.

Public school districts, including Columbus, had sued, saying EdChoice takes millions of dollars away from public education and creates an unconstitutional ‘second system’ of private schools. 

“You have nearly one billion dollars that went to students that really didn't need that support,” CCS School Board President Michael Cole said. “This is so much bigger than urban education. This is urban and rural. This is a statewide coalition.”

The EdChoice program originally began as a way for low income students from poorly performing districts to attend private schools. However, in 2022, the state expanded the program and removed the income requirements, allowing all students to attend private schools on at least a partially funded scholarship. 

“It's just a complete siphoning off of public funds, taxpayer funds that are supposed to come back to that constitutional requirement. And that is what Judge Paige found, that constitutional requirement that we have a common education system that is funded in this state fully and efficiently,” Adair said. 

In the judge’s ruling, she writes, "EdChoice is not unconstitutional because the State has always funded private schools. Though this may be true, the State may not fund private schools at the expense of public schools or in a manner that undermines its obligation to public education." 

“We need all the resources that we can get in our classrooms. So that our students have what they need to succeed at the end of the day,” Cole said. 

Attorney General Dave Yost has already said that the state will appeal this ruling, telling parents enrolled in the program to not panic. 

Organizations that are proponents of the program believe that the Appellate Court or Supreme Court will find the program constitutional.

Categories: Ohio News

Ohio Statehouse looks to protect SNAP recipients from scammers

News Channel 4 - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 19:30

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Statehouse has taken a step forward to protect Ohioans who have fallen victim to scammers.

Thieves have stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars from food assistance program recipients and taxpayers. Now, the Statehouse is moving forward on one way to address this.

NBC4 Investigates exposed the issue and is closely following solutions. 

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In 2024, almost $14 million was stolen from Ohioans' SNAP benefit accounts. From April to May of this year, $16,000 was stolen.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) says the SNAP cards are outdated and an easy target for skimming.

Now, the Statehouse has put a line item in the budget that would require the ODJFS to create a more streamlined process that allows SNAP recipients to more easily lock an EBT card that has been lost or stolen.

People can do this now through the Connect EBT app or by calling their county's JFS. But calling now is a multi-step process as callers receive another number to call to lock their card.

This new piece of legislation would require ODJFS to create a more streamlined process.

"We're excited about this feature because it's just another added layer for the residents since we ourselves could not help in any way to lock or block their card. So we're excited to see what it holds," Franklin County JFS Director Michelle Lindeboom said. "And we're excited to see what exactly it will mean for the resident because currently we don't know exactly what the pass through will look like." 

The next step is for the governor to approve the budget in order for the ODJFS to move forward.

NBC4's previous reporting has shown that a chip feature in the SNAP cards would stop about 85% of these skimming thefts. It's something a few other states have implemented.

A piece of legislation to implement the chip feature in Ohio was introduced, but it has not moved forward.

Categories: Ohio News

Republicans say unclaimed funds used before without challenge amid Browns stadium debate

News Channel 4 - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 18:30

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- On Wednesday, state lawmakers passed the two-year state operating budget worth $60 billion, which included a way to give the state a little more money to play with, and the Cleveland Browns some financial help building a new stadium.

Lawmakers wanted some sort of consistent revenue fund for current and future requests from other teams. Gov. Mike DeWine first suggested doubling the state’s online sports gambling tax. Republicans quickly rejected that idea.

Instead, Ohio lawmakers are hoping to tap into the state’s unclaimed funds. An unclaimed fund is money that someone probably doesn't even know they have, being held by the state. It could be anything from a check never cashed to an account forgotten. People can claim their funds at any time through an official state website.

Right now, that fund houses $3.7 billion. Now, lawmakers want to capitalize on what they call idle money and use it for a new “Ohio Cultural and Sports Facility” fund. This all stemmed from the Cleveland Browns asking the state for $600 million to build a new stadium.

Under this budget, $1 billion will be put into the fund: $600 million for the Cleveland Browns and $400 million to be used on other projects.

“There are at least a dozen times in the past when the state has taken money from the unclaimed funds and in some cases emergency situations,” Ohio Senate Finance Chair Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland) said. “So, this is not the first time and we didn’t recall any challenges to those occasions when that money was used.”

“We pulled levers that we pulled in the Great Recession to keep our budget stable, to make sure we didn’t have massive layoffs, to make sure that our schools remained open and kids could get educated. That is how dire it was, that is the last time we raided unclaimed funds in this magnitude,” Ohio House Finance Ranking Member Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) said.

The proposal, if signed into law by DeWine, is already facing a lawsuit. DannLaw plans to file class action lawsuit challenging the provision if it does take effect.

“The Ohio Supreme Court has been crystal clear: unclaimed funds are not state property -- it’s private property,” attorney and former state representative Jeffrey Crossman said. “This case is about protecting Ohioans’ constitutional rights and stopping the legislature from liquidating private property and turning it into a billionaire’s building fund. Ohioans shouldn’t have to race the clock to reclaim what’s already theirs.”

The governor must enact the budget by July 1, but he does have the ability to line item veto any provision within the spending bill.

Categories: Ohio News

Heat related emergency calls increase as Central Ohio deals with high temperatures

News Channel 4 - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 17:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As high temperatures continue to affect Central Ohio residents this week, the number of heat related emergency calls the Columbus Division of Fire (CDF) has responded to has increased.

"It's been incredibly hot," Battalion Chief Jeffrey Geitter said.

Geitter shared heat related emergency run numbers with NBC4. From June 20 through the morning of June 26. CDF crews responded to 64 heat related calls with 41 of those involving a patient getting taken to the hospital.

Downtown law firm providing sensory friendly Red, White & BOOM! experience

"Definitely an uptick in those types of runs and not just the heat emergency. Some are dispatched as difficulty breathing. It has to do with the heat and so we’re seeing an increase overall in responses," Geitter said. 

He told NBC4 the division tracked numbers from Buckeye Country Superfest separately. There were at least 11 heat related emergency calls to that event, according to the report. With summer just getting underway, Geitter said it's important people follow the health advice.

“Drink a lot of water early and often. For those that are working outside, you’re going to have to take some breaks and get out of the heat for a little bit. Don't overdo it. Your health is more important than whatever you’re doing outside," Geitter said.

A local emergency room doctor told NBC4 that emergency departments have been busy as well.

"I can tell you anecdotally there are a lot of very busy emergency rooms," said Dr. Hussein Kashk, an emergency room physician with OhioHealth. "We have seen a lot patients coming to the emergency room for heat exhaustion and some of them actually ended up being pretty sick people."

He also encouraged people to hydrate, take breaks when outside, and listen to their bodies.

"Fatigue, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, double blurred vision, those are pretty serious and you have to take it seriously and go drink some fluids," Kashk said. "If you start having more persistent symptoms, get to the nearest emergency room."

Categories: Ohio News

Downtown law firm providing sensory friendly Red, White & BOOM! experience

News Channel 4 - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 16:30

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Red, White and BOOM! is happening in downtown Columbus on July 3rd. It’s always a fun event for people of all ages, but it can be overwhelming because of how loud and busy it is.

Some kids with sensory processing issues are going to be able to watch the fireworks from the 33rd floor of the Huntington Building downtown, where they’ll have a front row seat in a more controlled environment.

Downtown law firm Barnes and Thornburg is hosting the event in their office. There is a perfect view of Genoa Park where the fireworks are set off during BOOM!

The party is for families part of the Childhood League Center, an organization that works with kids five and younger who have developmental disabilities.

“Thanks to the building, they don't have the loud booms, but they still get that sense and they're able to be part of the community,” said Scott Solomon, the Chief Advancement Officer for Childhood League Center.

Katrina Thompson is chair of the board for Childhood League Center and a partner at Barnes and Thornburg. She was able to combine two of her passions for this event.

“We've got air conditioning, a little temperature control, there's restrooms, handicap accessible restrooms that people can use,” said Thompson, who also has a daughter with autism.

She said events like Red, White and BOOM! with large crowds, loud sounds and summer heat can cause families like hers to miss out on the fun.

“This is often a stressful time for families with autism or sensory issues,” Thompson said. “So I like to have this event to really bring the families together to experience and hopefully have a core memory around Red, White and BOOM!”

Latonya Fullem’s two kids have gone through the Childhood League Center. She is planning on coming to the party, called Red, White and (Not So Loud) BOOM!

It’s important for her kids, especially her young son, to have a safe and comfortable space.

“Both of my kids have real life disabilities, and it's very serious,” Fullem said. “When he has his outbursts is when we’re out in public and around large crowds and stuff like that, people look at him a certain way, but they don't understand that he has a disability.”

Besides having an amazing view of the fireworks, the party will have food, games, activities, a quiet room and control over the radio volume.

Although the Red, White and (Not So Loud) BOOM! event is only for Childhood League Center families, organizers said they hope this shows how people can find creative ways to make big Columbus events more inclusive.

To be at an event where it is not going to be so much and we're going to be on the inside, we feel pretty safe,” Fullem said.

Categories: Ohio News

Bill would lower price of weight loss prescription drugs for state employees

News Channel 4 - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 16:23

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new bill could make the price of prescription drugs known for weight loss cheaper for the state to buy for its employees.

The bill would eliminate pharmacy benefit managers' (PBM) usage when it comes to coverage for GLP-1s. GLP-1s are used by people who have diabetes but are more well-known for their brand names like Wegovy and Ozempic because of the reported weight loss benefits.

“This legislation ensures that state employees access FDA-approved, life-saving medications without being burdened by extreme out-of-pocket costs,” Representative Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) said. “We’re creating a pathway to better health outcomes while acknowledging the importance of preventative care in fighting chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.”

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According to representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania), 2,000 state employees are on a GLP-1 for weight loss and it costs the state $45 million dollars. He said by eliminating the use of PBMs for this drug and allowing state employees to buy the drug straight from the manufacturer and then get a rebate, it will cost the state a fraction of the price. He estimates the cost being anywhere from $6-12 million.

Reimbursements would cover up to $500 per month in the first year of treatment, and up to $250 per month in the second year. To qualify, the state employee has to prove that their body mass index (BMI) is 30 or greater, have a doctor’s diagnosis and documentation of payment. The reimbursement period would be capped at 24 consecutive months, with the possibility of reapplying after a waiting period and demonstrated need.

So why create this loophole for GLP-1s? For Williams, he has personal experience. After breaking his back, gaining weight, then trying to lose weight on diet plans, workout plans, and even surgery, his doctor prescribed him Wegovy.

Williams said it helped him lose 100 pounds in a year, and he has since not had back problems. While he notes that he would not personally benefit from this bill now, he said the state will in more than one way.

“We know that obesity is a serious issue in our community. We know that obesity leads to workforce shortages and people being reliant on government subsidies because they can’t go to work,” Williams said.

Williams said this is a first-of-its-kind bill that he hopes other states emulate and said this comes at the direction of President Donald Trump.

You can read the bill in its entirety below.

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Categories: Ohio News

Ohio could soon restrict how Ohioans spend SNAP benefits

News Channel 4 - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 15:30

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One of the provisions in Ohio's multi-billion dollar operating budget would restrict what people using SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, can buy at the grocery store.

In the budget, which passed with only Republican support, the state is directed to ask the federal government for a waiver to restrict the use of SNAP benefits on pop. If the waiver is declined, the state must re-apply every year until it is approved.

Supporters of this portion of the budget say taxpayer dollars should not be spent on "junk food," but a group of 15 organizations, including the Ohio Beverage Association, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and the Ohio Diary Producers Association are urging Gov. Mike DeWine to veto that part of the budget.

In a joint letter, those groups said they are confident Ohio can find better ways to promote wellness without sacrificing food access, business sustainability or personal dignity.

Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said moves like this will help lower Medicaid and health care costs in the state.

"One of the things that drive Medicaid costs are poor health results by the things people do," Huffman said. "That's not just a policy decision, it's also an economic decision. We want to encourage people not to do it, not just cause it's good for them, but also, the state doesn't end up having to pay as much money."

DeWine must decide what portions of the budget to into law by July 1.

Categories: Ohio News

Wounded Columbus officer sues Whitehall officers over failure to stop suspect who shot him

News Channel 4 - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 15:24

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Columbus police officer filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against five Whitehall police officers, claiming their failures led to him being shot by a suspect along Interstate 70 in 2023.

The officer, who filed the lawsuit as John Doe, said the Whitehall officers didn't properly notify Columbus police that the suspect who had entered their jurisdiction had robbed a dealership at gunpoint.

Because of their alleged negligence, the officer said he was severely injured when he was shot by the suspect. The lawsuit says the officer will never fully recover.

The officer claimed that the Whitehall officers knew the suspect was armed with a gun and an extended magazine, and had threatened to kill employees where the car was stolen from, according to the lawsuit.

The Whitehall officers failed to provide Columbus police with appropriate information so the officers could properly assess the danger, according to the lawsuit.

One of the Whitehall officers spotted the stolen vehicle at Target on Hilliard Rome Road, and did not notify Columbus police as the vehicle was leaving the location, the lawsuit alleges.

The vehicle was spotted again at a bank in the area. The Whitehall officers "planned to apprehend the suspects when the SUV driver came back out of the bank and positioned their vehicles to block the SUV," according to the lawsuit.

The Columbus officer in the lawsuit accused the Whitehall officers of not properly blocking the vehicle, knowing that the suspect was armed, in order to prevent an escape.

"Despite knowing that the suspects were armed and dangerous, none of the defendants contacted the Columbus Police Department or the Hilliard Police Department to advise (1) more likely than not an armed robbery of the bank was taking place; (2) to set up a perimeter in order to avoid the suspects from escaping; and/or (3) to take any other action(s) to protect the public and any fellow officers from these armed suspects," the lawsuit reads.

After the suspects escaped, other police agencies joined in tracking the vehicle, including the Columbus Police Department.

The Columbus officer spotted the vehicle along I-70 and stopped it. During the stop, one of the suspects shot the officer, according to the lawsuit. The suspect was shot and killed.

Brian Steel, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9 union, criticized leadership at the Whitehall Division of Police.

"This entire incident was preventable and stands as one of the most poorly executed and botched police operations I have witnessed in my career," Steel said in a statement.

Steel has long been a critic of Whitehall police leadership, and Whitehall Chief Mike Crispen is the only law enforcement leader with an active vote of no confidence from Capital City Lodge #9, with a former vote against Franklin County Sheriff leaders rescinded on June 16. Crispen is also no fan of Steel, and has publicly accused him of vandalizing a city employee vehicle.

"We stand unequivocally with our injured officer and will support him," Steel said. "We will also continue to speak out against leadership decisions that harm our officers due to ego, incompetence, and isolationist practices. Enough is enough. Accountability is overdue."

NBC4 has reached out to the Whitehall Police Department for comment and is awaiting a response.

Categories: Ohio News

Women's First Responder Wellness hosts inaugural event

News Channel 4 - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 15:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- First responders’ lives often revolve around keeping the community safe, but a new event aimed to remind them to take care of themselves, too.

“First responders see the worst of the worst on any given day and they continue to respond to people in the community who are having their worst day. Then they go to their next call a few minutes later and they don't ever get that time to kind of decompress or come down off of it,” said Kristen Slaper, Director of Law Enforcement Initiatives at the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

The Office of First Responder Wellness hosted its inaugural Women’s First Responder Wellness event on Thursday. More than 100 women came together from jobs like law enforcement, firefighting and emergency medical services to learn how to prioritize themselves while working a high stress job.

“They're such a niche group of people that we wanted to make sure that we focus on those needs, things like sleep, things like hormones, different challenges that women face,” Slaper said.

She said women make up 15% of first responders. A panel of leaders from different agencies talked about the stigmas they face and how to proactively address post-traumatic stress and other traumas from the job.

“We are oftentimes reactive when it comes to addressing first responder health and wellness,” she said, “The thing we are trying to do is give them the ability to develop and build the resilience that they need.”

Experts talked about how they could maintain their wellbeing through exercise, mindfulness and sleep.

“When you're a woman that's not getting normal sleep patterns and has hormones on top of that and how to deal with those issues, because we need the first responders to keep doing what they're doing and working the shifts that they're working,” Slaper said.

She said their goal is to address mental and physical wellbeing at most of their events moving forward, including the recruitment summit this fall.

Categories: Ohio News

West Nile Virus detected in Licking County

News Channel 4 - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 14:26

LICKING COUNTY, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is urging residents to take precautions after West Nile Virus was detected in the city of Newark.

The LCHD found the infected mosquitoes in a trap set in an area near Jefferson Road and Moull Street. The location will be sprayed Thursday night as part of the department's mosquito control program.

"While it’s not unexpected to find West Nile Virus in the county, it’s still important for residents to take simple precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones,” Licking County Health Commissioner Chad Brown said. “Be sure to eliminate standing water on your property to reduce mosquito breeding sites, apply EPA-approved insect repellant, wear pants and sleeves when appropriate, and avoid other outdoor activity after dark when mosquitos are most active.”

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In addition, Pataskala and areas in Granville Township, including McPeek Lodge, Wildwood park, Racoon Valley and Spring Valley Park, will be sprayed for mosquitoes on Tuesday, July 1.

West Nile Virus is a potentially deadly disease that has been in Ohio since 2001, according to the state health department. More than three-quarters of people infected with the virus — which spreads to humans through mosquito bites — are asymptomatic.

Symptoms of infection typically develop between two to 14 days from the mosquito bite, and can include fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting and a rash on the stomach or back.

The department says that the most effective way to prevent mosquito borne-illnesses is to prevent mosquito bites by taking the necessary precautions, including:

  • Applying EPA-registered repellents on exposed skins
  • Wearing clothing treated with permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent for extra protection
  • Don't spray repellents on the skin under your clothing
  • Taking extra care to use repellents from dusk to dawn
  • Wearing light-colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts or jackets and long pants to protect against mosquito bites

And to stop mosquitoes from breeding in and around your home, the LCHD recommends emptying standing water on a regular basis, discarding trash that includes water-holding containers, disposing discarded tires properly, cleaning clogged roof gutters at least twice a year, cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools and installing or repairing screens on windows and doors.

Categories: Ohio News

Petition to stop Ohio's anti-DEI higher education law lacks enough signatures

News Channel 4 - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 10:45

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The effort to stop Senate Bill 1 ended Thursday -- one day before the controversial law banning diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education goes into effect -- because the grassroots organizers said it did not collect enough signatures.

"The referendum, we knew that was a tough barrier to fight, and that's OK because there are other ways to ensure what this state stands for, what the people want," Cryshanna Jackson Leftwich, a professor of public affairs at Youngstown State University, said.

A state-wide coalition of volunteers led by Jackson Leftwich and two other professors at Youngstown State University worked hard to collect 250,000 valid signatures to pause Senate Bill 1. At a press conference Thursday, surrounded by more than 100 boxes full of signatures, the three organizers and regional captains said they just did not have enough time or support.

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The group of organizers were trying to pause the bill by collecting enough signatures to send it to the November ballot for a public vote. Thursday marked the final day of the 90-day window S.B. 1 was eligible to be challenged under this process, called a referendum. See previous coverage in the video player above.

Amanda Fehlbaum, sociology professor at Youngstown State, stressed just how difficult it was to organize this starting from nothing. She said they entered the process with no funding or knowledge of how to make this change.

Fehlbaum said they had hoped and even expected a larger group with existing infrastructure to step in and take over. However, Professor Mark Vopat said larger organizations said it would be too expensive to organize a referendum petition in such a short time, and groups told them they were seeking other avenues.

"I do think we could have pulled this off had we not wasted two weeks waiting on another group or groups to come forward," Fehlbaum said.

The trio said they could not overstate how volunteer-based the effort was, and repeated their gratitude for everyone who helped. Fehlbaum recalled sitting with her husband, who is battling cancer, in a hospital room trying to learn how to finalize paperwork, and leaving Easter Sunday dinner to collect petitions.

"I think Ohio makes it as difficult as possible," Vopat said.

Vopat said momentum was increasing and they were collecting around 4,000 signatures a day toward the end, but they just ran out of time. Fehlbaum said they collected 194,981 signatures across all 88 counties, and still have some petitions to count. The group said they were highly confident they could have done it with just a bit more time, pointing to 1,800 opponent testimonies before the bill was passed.

"The people were ignored. And that's the real crux of it isn't it, people being ignored," Jackson Leftwich. "I have 195,000 people whose signatures demonstrate that being ignored is unacceptable."

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Fehlbaum said the network of volunteers is planning next steps through various legal avenues, and that this is not the end of their challenging S.B. 1. She said it is the end of the petitions; despite other groups asking for signatory information, they felt it was important to protect supporters.

"While I would love to take these boxes of petitions and put them on Jerry Cirino's front door as a visible symbol of how detested this legislation is by the people, we're instead going to spend some of our remaining campaign funds on a shredding service so that information voters shared with us will not be mishandled," Fehlbaum said.

Without the petition, Senate Bill 1 goes into effect Friday. Under the law, diversity, equity and inclusion programming will be banned at universities, faculty unions will see limitations, and professors will have new stipulations for their faculty and tenure reviews.

Categories: Ohio News

Questions surround Ohio bill after Louisiana Ten Commandments ruling

News Channel 4 - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 10:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- On June 20, a federal court ruled Louisiana's mandate to display the Ten Commandments in public schools is unconstitutional, raising questions about a pending Ohio bill.

Sen. Terry Johnson (R-Portsmouth) introduced Senate Bill 34, the Historical Educational Displays Act, early this year. The bill would require public schools to display at least one historical document in every classroom, with districts able to pick between a list of nine, including the Ten Commandments. Supporters argue in favor of the Ten Commandments' historical significance, and opponents say it violates separation of church and state.

"Most of the stuff that winds up being controversial, I don't walk into it thinking it is -- I say 'How could this possibly be controversial?' because I have an understanding of the history of America," Johnson said.

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Johnson discussed the bill in a podcast with Senate Republican Communications Director John Fortney, who pointed NBC4 to the comments made there. Friday's ruling determined Louisiana's bill, which required all public schools to permanently display the Ten Commandments in every classroom, is "facially unconstitutional," but Fortney and Johnson said there are some key differences between Louisiana's law and S.B. 34.

Under S.B. 34, boards of education could erect monuments or markers to any of the historical documents listed, and each would be accompanied by an educational document explaining the historical significance. Schools could choose between posting the Ten Commandments, the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, the Northwest Ordinance, the Magna Carta, the Bill of Rights, the U.S. Constitution, the Articles of Confederation or the mottoes of the U.S. and Ohio.

"This isn't Bible class. There's many different documents that could be discussed," Fortney said.

The Historical Educational Displays Act has had several Senate Education committee hearings, the most recent occurring on April 8. In March, the ACLU of Ohio testified against the bill, alleging it is the first step toward ensuring the Ten Commandments are in every classroom. ACLU Chief Lobbyist Gary Daniels said although districts can pick among documents, the Ten Commandments would then still be in some schools.

"Many of the students who will be evangelized via S.B. 34 do not share these same sectarian beliefs mandated via the Ten Commandments," Daniels said.

In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted is unconstitutional, and individual instances displaying the Ten Commandments have been removed in similar legal challenges. As recently as 2019, a New Philadelphia, Ohio, school was made to remove a 92-year-old plaque displaying the Ten Commandments after the Freedom from Religion Foundation said it violated the First Amendment.

"They were dealing with only one thing, and that was the Ten Commandments, and this is a historical documents bill," Fortney said.

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Johnson said all of these documents mention God, and six of the nine do include "God" directly in their texts. Fortney said God is on the currency and in the Pledge of Allegiance. Johnson said even though "In God We Trust" was not officially adopted as the national motto until 1956, it represents a "foundational legacy."

Fortney and Johnson said the bill addresses a crucial education gap, saying these documents are no longer stressed in schools. Under Ohio law, public schools first introduce many of these documents in fourth grade, and all of the documents in the bill except for the Ten Commandments, Magna Carta and Mayflower Compact are required reading before graduating.

Daniels argued the Ten Commandments are largely unrelated to governance, saying just "two and a half" -- do not murder, do not steal and do not lie -- are relevant, as people can lie without breaking the law.

"Coveting someone else’s spouse or partner. Coveting their possessions. Disobeying or dishonoring one’s parent or parents. Committing adultery," Daniels said. "All these actions are forbidden by the Ten Commandments. But they all mean zero to the founding and ongoing governance of our country."

When the bill was first introduced, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio told NBC4 she was "very worried" about S.B. 34's constitutionality, pointing to the Louisiana case that was ruled on last week. Fortney and Johnson said the Ten Commandments are far from the point of the bill.

The bill is still in the Senate Education committee, and has not been scheduled for activity since April.

Categories: Ohio News

Heat alert: More pop-up storms, hot and sticky

News Channel 4 - Thu, 06/26/2025 - 09:23
Central Ohio Weather and Radar

HEAT ADVISORY UNTIL 8 P.M.

Another hot and sticky day, with fewer pop-up storms, but there is still the chance for catching a quick downpour. Temperatures will reach 90 for the fifth straight day.

A weak boundary will remain to the north, separating heat and humidity from cooler air, as disturbances ripples across the Great Lakes, triggering scattered showers and storms.

The front may say farther south later in the weekend to lower the chances for rain to isolated coverage on Sunday, before a stronger system moves east with showers and storms Monday. A trailing cold front will push through on Tuesday, bringing an end to the heat wave.

Slightly cooler and less humid conditions should prevail for Red, White & Boom! Temperatures will stay in the 80s next week.

Forecast
  • Today: Sunny, hot, humid, few pop-up storms. High 92
  • Tonight: Evening shower, muggy night. Low 74
  • Friday: Mostly sunny, hot, humid, few pop-ups. High 93
  • Saturday: Showers, storms, slightly cooler. High 87 (73)
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny, sticky. High 90 (71)
  • Monday: Showers, storms. High 90 (72)
  • Tuesday: Showers taper off. High 86 (72)
  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny, less humid. High 87 (67)
Categories: Ohio News

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