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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – This week on Columbus Business Beat, Digital Anchor Rachel Ramsey talks to Mark Somerson, Managing Editor of Columbus Business First, about business news across central Ohio.

To watch this week’s episode, view the video player above.

• Huntington Bank announces $7B acquisition in Texas
• Central Ohio’s home inventory is up 21% compared to last September
• Multiple residential projects could reshape Trabue Road corridor
• Honest Friend Brewing opens on Columbus' South Side

Digital reporter David Rees also discusses some business stories in this latest episode.

• Watershed’s Columbus restaurant to close after 8 years due to ‘economic challenges’
• Vacant Franklinton home to transform into Japanese restaurant with black, red design

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- NBC4 Investigates showed you how dozens of local families entered a lease option program: pay rent for 15 years, then have the option to buy your home.

However, when the 15 years were up, participants were met with silence. NBC4 Investigates dug into why, and now the CEO of the nonprofit behind the program here in Columbus is sitting down with investigative reporter Isabel Cleary.

Homeport has developed more than 500 homes through the lease option program since the late 1990s; 40 of those homes have sold. 

Watershed’s Columbus restaurant to close after 8 years due to ‘economic challenges’

Families said they feel misled and that did not change for many after the interview with Homeport’s CEO.

Homeport receives federal dollars, approved by the city of Columbus, for its lease option program. Low to moderate-income families can rent a home for 15 years and then get the option to buy.

“It's a program that, again, it's not done a lot,” Homeport President and CEO Leah Evans said. “It's a unique program in the fact that how the structuring with investors and lenders then transitions after that year 15. We sold 20 of 22 homes in our Framingham community, which is over off of Innis. It took six years to sell 20 of 22 homes as the residents got ready, went through counseling.”

NBC4 Investigates wanted to know why 14 families we’ve spoken with have all been waiting years longer than the original 15 years to buy their homes. 

“We still are the owner and developer, but just think about it, like you would anyone else that would have a mortgage behind them,” Evans said. “We have mortgages on these homes. We have to get those released. We have to take care of all that to then be able to sell it to the resident.”

State directs $7 million to regional food banks across Ohio

Residents across four different Homeport communities expressed their frustration as their calls and emails went unanswered. Instead of paying a mortgage, they are still paying rising rents. Two residents shared their rents are rising by $200 a month starting in 2026. 

“All of this is ridiculous,” Nichole Hardy, a Homeport resident living in Elim Estates, said. “You have us here 16 years later, 21 years later, 23 years later, and you still are not taking and doing your part.”

“Can you talk to me about what those delays and issues are for some of those homeowners who are reaching year 20 and 21?” NBC4 Investigates Isabel Cleary asked Evans. 

“Yes, and so, as I shared, unwinding these does take time,” Evans said. “It's taken longer than we anticipated. We're really focused on how do we help the residents now that we're sending this information out, giving them the letter so that they can buy help them to make that transition. So we're really, no one's been denied the opportunity.”

“Why has it taken longer than anticipated?” Cleary asked. 

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“We've had a lot of disruptions to overall, systemically, our housing market and what's going on in our community,” Evans said. “So, we've been very focused on housing stability. That's been a lot of work that we've done. Now we are able to really turn our attention to how do we help make that transition from that rental stability to that affordable homeownership that people are looking to do.”

Multiple times, NBC4 Investigates asked specifically what the delays and issues are that have led to some waiting five to six years to purchase their homes after completing the required 15-year program.

“There's multiple funders, multiple persons involved in, not persons individually, but multiple funding sources involved in how we put these deals together, and as we talked about earlier, it's unique, it's not common,” Evans said. “It's not something that everyone understands and that's going to be easily digestible to just say, okay, sign this paper and get this done.”

NBC4 Investigates showed these answers to Elim Estates resident Nichole Hardy. She has been in the program for 16 years, waiting a year to buy her home. 

“Realtors and lenders been calling you guys and they haven't got a response,” Hardy said. “Why would we be putting ourselves out here, getting on the news, putting our personal business out here to say, ‘This is what's happening to us. We wouldn't be doing this. We wouldn't be out here. We would have just been buying homes.’”

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Elim Estates residents received pricing letters this summer, with Homeport saying two or three are in contract.

“I think, you know, a lot of our residents are in that ‘Is buying right for me’ space and so we want to give them that time and energy to do that,” Evans said. 

Some said it’s been hard to get any response on next steps.

“That's one of the reasons we got together and we're doing this is because they haven't been talking to us,” Hardy said. 

Some program participants said that before this story came to light, they received some answers from the non-profit and have started to move forward in the process. However, others who have been waiting even longer to purchase their homes have not received a pricing letter.

Homeport said it is committed to making sure everyone who wants to buy their home can do so, adding the organization “can't wait to show you when these families finally close on their homes.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus fliers say they’re worried about potential turbulence with their travel plans, after the FAA announced they will cut 10% of flights at some major airports. 

As of now, CMH is not on the list of airports seeing cuts, but experts say that doesn’t mean fliers will not see impacts.

State directs $7 million to regional food banks across Ohio

“I'm very, very, very worried,” said Teresa McGinnis from Ironton.

McGinnis is taking off for a trip of a lifetime, Columbus to New York, then finally to Athens, Greece. She said the looming threat of flight cancellations due to the government shutdown is now an added stressor.

“I was afraid, you know. Are they going to cut us? Are we going to miss the ship? Are we going to, you know, all this time that we've planned this whole trip and is it going to be cut short?” McGinnis said.

Alex Eikenberry and Sam Shorr are headed to Charleston, South Carolina.

“Just kind of a weird time, a lot of uncertainty,” Shorr said.

They aren’t too concerned about their flight there, but rather their flight home.

“I'm a little bit nervous. I looked up how long it is to drive home because I'm ready for plan B," Eikenberry said.

Breann Gonzalez Almos, the Columbus Regional Airport Authority spokesperson sent us a statement about the impacts which said they are working on a plan.

“We understand that the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration are working with the airlines on a plan. We recommend that all passengers reach out directly to their airline to see if their flights will be impacted," the statement read.

Morgan Dean, a spokesperson for AAA Club Alliance, said passengers should prepare for potential hiccups, especially with connecting flights.

Dean said to stay in touch with their airlines and download their app for updates. Dean said if you booked through a travel agent, they may have insight or advice. 

With Thanksgiving approaching – one of the biggest travel periods of the year – he said he knows it's hard not to panic.

“Will this still be a factor at that point? We don't know that. So for those that are traveling for Thanksgiving, I would maybe play a wait-and-see game for a few more days and next week or the week after and then start to make some secondary plans or alternate plans if need be, for Thanksgiving,” Dean said.

Dean said AAA Thanksgiving travel numbers will be released next week, but they are anticipating record-breaking numbers, if not close to it.

“When we start to look at longer term impacts, if this continues on, it could have some big effects on travelers at that time period,” Dean said.

There have been a few delays here at CMH Thursday but nothing significant. Other advice from AAA is to fly on a less crowded day rather than peak days. They say this would lessen the chances of cancellation.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – If a car tells the story of the person driving it, Ohio State center Carson Hinzman's car tells you exactly who he is. 

Hinzman, a senior all-Big Ten candidate from Wisconsin, is a throwback. No flash or glitz.

"I drive an '01 Impala,” Hinzman said. The colors of the car are... varied. "Burnt sun and maroon,” he said.

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He nicknamed the car Brenda, which he bought for $1,500 from a woman in eastern Ohio. The car has limited features.

"There is no radio or AC," Carson's girlfriend Leah Zenk said. "I think it's great. I think it builds character. It shows character.”

Carson's father Jon has helped his son fix the car several times, including earlier this season on the morning of a game.

"Not flashy, just gets you from point A to point B,” Jon Hinzman said. "And people are like, ‘How do you drive that thing?’”

Hinzman's family in Wisconsin runs a farm in an unincorporated town. It's a place where less is more.

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"We have nice things, we have good things, but we get the things that get us by,” Jon Hinzman said.

From his small wardrobe to his throwback helmet facemask, Carson Hinzman has adopted a frugal nature in life. He's clearly not afraid of work or tough times. In 2023, he took over as the Buckeyes’ starting center, but for the Cotton Bowl vs. Missouri, Hinzman was benched. In that offseason, he considered several options, including transferring. 

But Hinzman did the unusual thing in modern college football. He stayed. 

"I took that as a learning opportunity at the time,” Carson Hinzman said. "I just want to be the best center I possibly can be. Yeah, it was hard, but I thought, you know, I became ten times player for it."

After Seth McLaughlin's season-ending injury last year, Hinzman returned to the center spot and anchored the Buckeyes' national championship offensive line. This year, he's among the most consistent players for a line aiming for another national crown.

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"I truly kind of understand, you know, what I'm doing now, to fully understand and, you know, play as fast as you can,” he said.

His play has elevated him to a potential NFL future. But for now, Carson Hinzman's thrifty lifestyle suits him best.

"I'm not really in it for, like, the glitz and glam, you know?” he said. “I don't need to be seen.  As long as I'm making Jewels (Julian Sayin) and J.J. (Jeremiah Smith) and all those guys look really, really good, I'm really happy. That's all I need."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — While the ongoing government shutdown has put a damper on federal food assistance, the state of Ohio is expected to get some relief.

Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered $7 million directed to foodbanks around Ohio due to uncertainty around food assistance benefits. DeWine's announcement comes in support of approximately 1.4 million low-income families who are caught in the crossfire by the suspension of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits amid the federal government shutdown, which began Saturday.

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According to the governor’s office, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) will provide the support to regional food banks, including over $1.4 million to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, the most among the listed food banks in Ohio. For a previous report on this story view the video player above.

In addition. DeWine said that the plan announced last week – providing up to $25 million in support of food assistance to help families impacted by the suspension of SNAP benefits – continues to move forward.

The state has transferred the following amounts to regional food banks listed below, with each amount based on the food bank’s percentage of customers in the SNAP caseload:

• Freestore Foodbank – $795,637.50
• Greater Cleveland Food Bank – $1,170,837.50
• Toledo Seagate Food Bank – $570,937.50
• Mid-Ohio Food Collective – $1,440,337.50
• Shared Harvest Foodbank – $1,431,937.50
• Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank – $887,337.50
• Second Harvest Foodbank of the Mahoning Valley – $427,437.50
• Second Harvest Foodbank of North Central Ohio – $275,537.50

Watershed’s Columbus restaurant to close due to ‘economic challenges’

The plan also directs ODJFS to provide up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits to more than 63,000 Ohioans who are at or below 50% of the federal poverty level. If the shutdown continues through November, the plan would double the monthly OWF benefit for OWF recipients.

DeWine said that this portion of the plan will also move forward and the ODJFS expects OWF recipients to receive their first installment of emergency relief benefits by Friday.

ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH) -- After delays, Ohio University's faculty union is finally in contract negotiations with school leadership.

United Academics of Ohio University (UAOU) has been trying to organize for years. After many delays in getting university approval, UAOU finally began contract negotiations in August. On Oct. 29, UAOU introduced the last of its financial proposals, beginning a fight to raise professor salaries to the levels of peer universities.

UAOU has faced an uphill climb, including a long string of delays from university leadership. Despite 70% of faculty voting in favor of unionization in March, Ohio University challenged the election through the state. The state ruled in UAOU's favor, but Ohio University appealed the vote once more, until negotiations finally began in August.

"We are pleased with the current state of negotiations, but are concerned about the time, money, and resources that university is devoting to its lawsuit and possible further appeals through the legal system, which will undoubtedly continue to result in expensive outlays for legal fees," UAOU President and associate history professor John O'Keefe said.

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Now bargaining, UAOU introduced a plan to increase faculty salaries last week. Union members said Ohio University faculty is paid less than peers at every other public Ohio research university. There are three levels of official designation for research universities, and Ohio University is one of five state universities that boasts the highest designation.

UAOU proposes increasing all union faculty members' base salaries by nearly $4,000, with additional increases of more than $4,000 in both 2026 and 2027. The union also proposes increased bonuses for promotions. Under the proposal, Ohio University faculty are estimated to be paid the same as faculty at the University of Cincinnati, the second-highest average pay.

Using data from the federal Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), NBC4 compared average salary data for the state's public research institutions. Universities have different salaries for lecturers, assistant and associate professors, and professors. NBC4 considered only professor data for its comparison, where UAOU estimations could have varied.

Ohio State is the only public research university that does not have a faculty union. However, it does have AAUP Ohio State, a faculty advocacy chapter.

On average, Ohio University professors make more than professors at Akron and Youngstown State. However, they make less than all other research institutions, including those with a lower research classification. O'Keefe said the pay gap between Ohio University faculty and their peers at other institutions is unproductive for education.

"Investments in faculty are the most direct way that university leadership can show how much they care about the quality of an OU education," O'Keefe said. "This is a test of university priorities, and we’re done grading on a curve."

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O'Keefe also pointed to Ohio University's U.S. News and World Report rankings, which he characterized as "plummeting." Ohio University tied for 198th-best U.S. university in its 2026 rankings, with 51 of 100 total points. In 2024, Ohio University was ranked 179th. In 2017, it was 149th. O'Keefe said the rankings include faculty salaries in its data.

The salary and benefit proposals introduced in late October brought UAOU's bargaining proposals to 23 in all. Only two proposals -- labor-management meetings and health, safety and security -- have reached a tentative agreement with the university.

On Wednesday, UAOU leadership met with Ohio University administrators for further negotiations. The meeting was scheduled to last four hours.

An Ohio University spokesperson said the university was keeping negotiations confidential to respect Ohio laws and keep negotiations in good faith.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Watershed Distillery, the producer of top-selling Ohio-made bourbon and gin, is permanently closing its Columbus restaurant and bar after eight years of business.

Watershed Kitchen + Bar at 1145 Chesapeake Ave. will host a final service on Saturday, the distillery announced late last month. The closure decision will allow the distillery to "focus its resources and energy on its core distilling business," the announcement said, with the restaurant being reimagined into a venue where Watershed can host special educational and entertainment events.

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"Watershed Kitchen + Bar has been part of the soul of Watershed since 2017, and the people who made it great have poured their hearts into every dish, cocktail and guest experience, we've made together," said Chuy Ostos, chief marketing officer for Marussia Beverages USA, Watershed's parent company.

"We're deeply proud of what this team has built, and it's with sadness that we must close this chapter," Ostos continued. "Our focus now is to grow the distillery and continue to share the Watershed story in new ways that connect people through our spirits and an exciting new approach to using this venue."

The closure announcement boasted the restaurant for "earning national attention and a loyal following in central Ohio," with an "innovative menu, award-winning cocktails, and welcoming atmosphere." The eatery long served as an extension of the Watershed brand, "embodying the same commitment to craft, community, and connection that defines its spirits."

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"Like many restaurants across the country, Watershed Kitchen + Bar has faced economic challenges that have left Watershed unable to continue operations -- despite the incredible efforts of the staff to consistently provide a top-tier dining experience to loyal guests," the announcement said.

While the restaurant is closing, Watershed said its distillery and on-site bottle shop will remain open and continue operating at regular hours. Through Saturday's closure, Watershed Kitchen + Bar is open 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, and 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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

Silas is a 2-year-old Pit Bull who came to the shelter last month. Right now, Silas is with a foster but is still looking for a permanent place to live. Shelter staff say he had several previous homes and is ready for a loving and stable home.

Silas (Franklin County Dog Shelter)

At first, Silas came into the shelter very scared and nervous, but the staff said he has come out of his shell in his foster home. He is described as a very sweet pup who is full of love. Silas is also said to be a big cuddle bug and will snuggle up at any time of the day.

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Along with his loving personality, Silas is making strides with potty training, sleeps well in his crate at night and gets along with small dogs. He also enjoys going on walks and playing a game of fetch.

If you are looking for an active and easygoing friend, Silas would be the perfect fit for your family. If you are interested in adopting him, email foster@franklincountyohio.gov to set up a meet and greet with him.

For the full list of adoptable dogs, visit the shelter's website.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The arts and entertainment scene dominates this weekend's list of things to do in central Ohio with music, film, theater and comedy.

On the big screen, the Wexner Center for the Arts hosts the Unorthodocs documentary festival, while the Columbus Symphony brings “Jaws” in concert to the Ohio Theatre.

Stage performances include the Abbey Theater of Dublin's “The Witch of November,” and comedian Karen Marie brings her stand-up show to The Attic Comedy Club.

Headlining the weekend's concert lineup is Paul McCartney’s stop at Nationwide Arena on his Got Back 2025 Tour. Music lovers also can enjoy a range of other performances, from ProMusica Columbus’s free family-friendly Once Upon a Tune concert at the Bexley Public Library to a candlelight tribute to Fleetwood Mac at the Columbus Museum of Art.

Other shopping and special events round out the weekend with the Bethel Holiday Market and Dick's House of Sport’s $5 Student Climb, where young people can get a discount rate to tackle the climbing wall.

Unorthodocs Shorts

Wexner Center for the Arts, Thursday, Nov. 6 through Monday, Nov. 10
• Unorthodocs 2025 film festival features documentaries, including true-crime “Predators,” “Baby Doe,” themes of civic courage and protest, “Teenage Wasteland,” “WTO/99,” and highlights of ecological issues, “Seeds,” “River of Grass.” Ohio connections and innovative uses of archival footage are prominent throughlines in this year’s festival. Passes are $45 for the public, $36 for members and adults 55 and older, $16 for students. Festival passes include admission to all Unorthodocs talks and screenings, the Unorthodocs passholders' lounge, plus one free drink ticket for the reception on Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. The festival screenings begin on Thursday at 5 p.m.

Dick's House of Sport, $5 Student Climb

Dick's House of Sport, every first Friday of the month, Friday, Nov. 7
• Dick's House of Sport is offering a special deal for middle school, high school, and college students. They can enjoy a 15-minute climb on the rock wall for just $5, which is $10 off the regular price. Students can sign up online to reserve their spots and list their school name in the questionnaire. A student ID is required upon check-in for the climb.

'The Witch of November: A Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald'

The Abbey Theater of Dublin, Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 7 through Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., Sundays, Nov. 9 and 16 at 2 p.m.
• Based on the mysterious sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, “The Witch of November” follows Captain Ernest McSorley as he and his crew sail to their ultimate demise. In this world premiere, McSorley relives key moments of his life, observing the consequences of his career and what became of him and his wife’s life together. Tickets are $25, recommended for ages 13 and up.

Doing the Most with Karen Marie

The Attic Comedy Club, Friday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.
• Stand-up artist Karen Marie is bringing a night of comedy, chaos, and catharsis, where laughter meets the real, the ridiculous and the revolutionary. No topic is off-limits, no moment is predictable, and no one leaves without feeling seen, stretched, or slightly snatched by the truth.
Admission is $24.62, including fees, when purchased online; tickets are an additional $5 at the door.

'Jaws' in Concert

Ohio Theatre, Friday, Nov. 7, 8 p.m.
• For the first time, audiences will have the chance to experience a live symphony orchestra performing composer John Williams' Academy Award-winning score in sync with Steven Spielberg's “Jaws” on the big screen. Conducted by Stuart Chafetz. Tickets start at $17.55, including fees.

Bethel Holiday Market

Bethel International United Methodist Church, Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Attendees can shop from more than 150 artisan vendors selling homemade items. Products range from Buckeye items, jewelry, holiday items, home decor, wood items, food and more. There will also be two lunch options and a Youth Bake Sale. Saturday is open to the public, with $2 admission fee. A special sale is available on Nov. 7 for teachers, seniors, and veterans with free admission.

Paul McCartney: Got Back 2025 Tour

Nationwide Arena, Saturday, Nov. 8, 8 p.m.
• Paul McCartney performs his music from The Beatles to Wings and solo hits. Audiences can experience the music that defined decades. Verified resale tickets start at $488.84, including fees.

Family Concert: Once Upon a Tune with ProMusica Columbus

Bexley Public Library, Sunday, Nov. 9, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• The community is invited to join musicians from ProMusica Columbus for a family-friendly concert that links classical music and children’s literature. All ages are welcome to this free concert.

Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

Columbus Museum of Art, Cardinal Health Auditorium, Sunday, Nov. 9, 8:45 p.m.
• The music of Fleetwood Mac under the gentle glow of candlelight. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multisensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations. Open to children 8 years and older; under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Doors open 45 minutes before the show. Tickets available for $58.50.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Police have made an arrest in connection with a fatal shooting on Halloween in south Columbus.

According to an update released by the Columbus Division of Police, detectives filed an arrest warrant for a suspect accused of fatally shooting 47-yaer-old Cecil Davison Jr., who was killed in the Karns Park neighborhood Oct. 31 at 8:13 p.m.

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Jason Muse, 40, was taken into custody Thursday morning and charged with murder. Muse allegedly shot and killed Davison after the two were reportedly involved in an argument before the shooting. For an earlier report on this story view the video player above.

Officers arrived at the intersection of South Ohio Avenue and Frebis Avenue to find Davison suffering from a gunshot wound. Medics took Davison to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8:45 p.m.

Muse remains in custody at Franklin County Jail and is scheduled for an arraignment hearing Friday morning.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Doctors and organizations opposed to abortion recently testified in support of an Ohio bill that would require public schools to show videos about fetal development annually, beginning in third grade. 

The Ohio House Education Committee on Oct. 28 heard proponent testimony on House Bill 485, dubbed the “Baby Olivia Act.” The legislation would mandate that schools show a video created by Live Action, an organization against abortion, called “Meet Baby Olivia,” which walks viewers through fetal development and narrates that life begins at conception. 

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In addition to “Meet Baby Olivia,” the legislation would require the annual screening of a high-definition ultrasound video showing fetal development that is at least three minutes long. Under the bill, schools that do not comply could face a lawsuit from the Ohio attorney general. 

The proposal states that a school must, upon request, make related instructional materials available to parents. Parents may choose to opt their children out, according to the bill’s sponsor Rep. Melanie Miller (R-Ashland). 

Eleven individuals submitted testimony in support of the bill for the hearing. One of those supporters was Dr. Alicia Thompson, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist in Westerville. She argued that the Baby Olivia film “accurately depicts what every obstetrician knows and sees daily: that human life begins at the moment of fertilization.”

“Measures like the Baby Olivia Act are necessary to counter the prevailing narrative that diminishes the embryo or fetus as merely a ‘clump of cells,’” she said. “The video uses medically accurate dating that begins at fertilization – the standard framework used in embryology – and it explains developmental milestones in plain language that adolescents and young adults can understand.”

Dr. Bill Lile, a Florida-based board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist who is known as the “ProLife Doc,” also testified in support of the bill.  

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“The Baby Olivia educational video provides clear, scientific and visually compelling evidence of fetal development and humanity,” Lile said. “These babies in the womb are not abstract ideas – they are living, growing human beings, and they are patients.”

Among the other supporters were representatives with Ohio Right to Life, the Center for Christian Virtue and Right to Life Action Coalition of Ohio.

“The right to life movement has long recognized that education and awareness are among the most powerful tools for change,” said Katie DeLand, director of policy and legislative affairs with Ohio Right to Life. “When individuals – especially young people – are given the opportunity to learn the truth about human development, it transforms how they view themselves and others, leading to lasting respect for the dignity of life at every stage.”

While lawmakers are expected to hear from opponents of the measure at a later hearing, some have already spoken out against the bill, including executive director of Abortion Forward Kellie Copeland. She argued that adopting state-mandated health education standards for K-12 would better serve students, as Ohio is the only state in the country lacking such guidelines.

“Students should learn the science around human reproduction, but those lessons should also include medically accurate and comprehensive information that is proven to encourage teens to delay the start of sexual activity until later in life and give them the tools to prevent unintended pregnancy and plan how to start a family when they are ready to do so,” Copeland said. “This propaganda video full of misinformation is the opposite of that.” 

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Planned Parenthood has also come out against the Baby Olivia video in general, calling it “manipulative” and stating that its up-close shots misrepresent fetal development. The reproductive healthcare provider argues there is “very little mention” of the mother in the video and that it “downplays the risks of pregnancy.” 

Ohio is among more than 20 states that have introduced legislation mandating schools show the Baby Olivia video or similar content. Six states – Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota and Tennessee – have passed such laws. 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Ohio Supreme Court ruled last month that a lawsuit can proceed against the city of Youngstown for a man who died after a city tree fell on him.

In a unanimous Oct. 16 opinion, the court upheld a Seventh District Court of Appeals ruling that said Youngstown waited too long to claim immunity in the case of Thomas Morar, a man who was driving his motorcycle when a tree owned by the city collapsed onto him in 2017. Court documents say Morar never recovered from his injuries and died in 2019.

A lawsuit by Cheryl Durig, the executor of Morar's estate, was filed later that year in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court against the city and five employees for wrongful death, negligence and other claims. Durig sought $5 million in damages.

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Youngstown initially denied all allegations in the case, also arguing the lawsuit failed "to state a cause of action upon which relief can be granted." After the COVID-19 pandemic delayed court proceedings, a trial judge instructed both sides to exchange evidence by September 2021, in advance of a trial set for 2022.

Morar's estate sought certain documents from the city itself and asked for partial summary judgment, a court decision made on the basis of statements and evidence without a trial. When the city didn't meet the deadline to respond to the estate's requests, the Mahoning County court gave Youngstown until December 2021 to respond.

By the deadline, Youngstown said it opposed the estate's request for partial summary judgment. However, the city then filed its own request for summary judgment and, for the first time, argued that as a political subdivision, it was immune from liability. The trial judge said the city waited too long to claim immunity and called for the case to continue.

The city retained a new law firm and, in March 2022, requested permission to amend its response to the estate's original 2019 lawsuit to raise the immunity defense. When the trial judge also denied that motion, Youngstown appealed to the Seventh District, arguing the court had abused its discretion by denying the chance to raise the immunity defense.

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The appeals court affirmed in 2023 the Mahoning County court's decision, noting the city waited until after the deadline for motions expired, and waited a total of two years and nine months to seek immunity. Youngstown then sought the opinion of the Ohio Supreme Court.

Justice Daniels Hawkins on Ohio's top court wrote in the October ruling that political subdivision immunity is an affirmative defense, which is waived if not raised in a timely manner.

"The city had an obligation to raise the affirmative defense of political-subdivision-immunity in a prompt manner to minimize the impact to the estate," Hawkins wrote.

Now, the case filed by Morar's estate against the city can proceed.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — One person is dead after a crash northeast of Columbus Wednesday night.

According to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, a white 2015 Chevrolet Malibu was traveling southbound on Reynoldsburg New Albany Road, near the intersection of Rovilla Road in Jefferson Township, when it veered off the west side of the road.

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The car drove through a ditch, struck a driveway embankment, and went airborne before rolling over onto its roof and resting in the front yard of a nearby home.

Deputies and medics from Jefferson Township arrived just after 10:30 p.m. and the driver was taken to a hospital while being listed in critical condition. That person, who has yet to be identified, was pronounced dead at 11:02 p.m.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash and asks that anyone with additional information to contact the sheriff’s office Crash Investigation Unit at 614-525-6113.

GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH) -- South Western City Schools voters elected three new board of education members Tuesday, marking an ideologic shift for the board.

Camille Peterson, Chelsea Alkire and Kelly Dillon won the school board race, defeating a trio of Republican-backed candidates that included current board president Chris Boso. Upon taking office in January, Peterson, Alkire and Dillon have promised to fire district attorney Omar Tarazi, who is on retainer for the school board.

Peterson was re-elected, but Alkire and Dillon are new to the board. According to unofficial results, each received more than 19% of the vote. Peterson is a social worker, Dillon is a professor and Alkire is an educator who was nominated for Ohio Teacher of the Year.

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Among its supporters, the elected trio was endorsed by the South Western Education Association, the district educators' union. See previous coverage of union negotiations with the current school board in the video player above.

"Under the leadership of Peterson, Alkire and Dillon, we will work together to expand opportunities for students, eliminate staffing shortages, provide students with the support and opportunities they need to succeed, and address morale among our education professionals," union spokesperson Emmalee Harding said.

Boso, who received nearly 15% of the vote, ran alongside Steve Feucht and Jason Gocha, who each received between 13% and 14%. The trio was endorsed by the Franklin County Republican Party and Sen. Bernie Moreno.

Parents who supported Boso, Feucht and Gocha told NBC4 they respected the election results but felt their candidates wanted the best for the district and would have helped it. Parents said they were hesitant to comment formally, citing concerns for their students because of the union's support for Peterson, Alkire and Dillon.

The SWCS board is formally nonpartisan, but political affiliations have been a major talking point regarding membership. The election results mark a shift on the school board, which has drawn criticism and support from parents for appearing to lean more conservatively under current leadership.

Major school levies and bond issues on the ballot

Among talking points was Tarazi's role on a conservative education panel that was not affiliated with the district. Promotional materials did refer to Tarazi's role with SWCS but did not receive district approval to do so.

Some parents considered leaving the district over the board's decision to join conservatively aligned education advisory groups, which promote English-only education and denounce "gender confusion." A smaller number of parents told NBC4 they thought the advisory groups would help combat distractions from learning. The district said it joined groups with an array of perspectives.

Along with endorsing Boso, Feucht and Gocha's opponents, the union filed a labor complaint with the state against Boso and fellow board member Julie Liskany in July. SWEA alleged Boso and Liskany's criticism of the union at a board meeting during contract negotiations was an attempt to inhibit union activity. Ohio law prohibits employers from interfering with union business.

SWEA said members are hopeful a new school board will help mediate the labor charge. According to the union, Tarazi declined state mediation of the labor concern on behalf of the board.

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Between January and March 31, 2024, Tarazi billed the district $166,885 in legal fees. In July 2024, the board of education contracted Tarazi formally to serve on retainer at $9,000 a month. The district said hiring Tarazi allowed them to save more than $190,000 in legal fees.

NBC4 obtained billing statements for Tarazi's work, but all services are redacted due to attorney-client privilege. Some parents have spoken out against Tarazi's employment, raising concerns about transparency and district spending. SWEA said they look forward to new leadership, including the promise to fire Tarazi.

The election marked the end of a contentious race. In the final weeks of the race, Boso, Feucht and Gocha drew public criticism for an AI-generated video they posted that depicted their opponents making fabricated statements. In a statement, Peterson, Alkire and Dillon denounced the use of AI disinformation.

After the election on Wednesday, current board members, including Liskany, allegedly received unkind emails from opposing community members, including one that said, "Boso is gone. You are next," and condemned a "far right agenda." A copy of the alleged email was posted to social media, but NBC4 was unable to verify the exchange.

MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WCMH) -- The future of the Mifflin Township Police Department is now uncertain after voters struck down a police levy for the second time this year.

"We felt confident putting it on yesterday and I'm just shocked," Mifflin Township Trustee Chair Kevin Cavener said. 

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The levy failed by a vote of 55% to 45%. According to Mifflin Township leaders, the impact could be devastating. The department relies entirely on levy funding and without it, leadership said they might not be able to keep officers on the streets. 

"I'm afraid to think what's going to happen," Cavener said.

The levy would have generated $400,000 a year. That money would have funded two full-time and two part-time officers, doubling the department's current working staff of four. 

"I was shocked and sad at the same time because in May, when the levy failed, we had neighbors come to the sub and say how sorry they were that they didn't vote for it and that they really want a police department," Cavener said. 

Cavener said the department was already struggling after two officers were shot and injured in May. The department continued paying their salaries while they recovered. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office helped with patrols but will now only respond to emergencies, which could mean longer response times.

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"With this levy failing, Mifflin Township police will not be there as fast as they used to be," Cavener said. "And the sheriff's department definitely won't be there as fast. All priority one calls, it will take the sheriff probably 20 to 30 minutes to get there."

Longtime resident Cherry Manns had passed out flyers in support of the levy. She said she's disappointed and worried about what comes next. 

"It was very shocking to see that individuals didn't step up, come out and support Mifflin Township in their time of need," Manns said. "And they are out here on a daily basis making sure that they support us and take care of the neighborhood."

In a statement to NBC4, Mifflin Township Police Chief David Briggs said: 

"The voters have spoken, while it is disappointing, I understand, they feel taxed out. The future of the police department is being discussed, the trustees and township legal counsel are going over the options."

"Look at all the levies that went on yesterday," Cavener said. "There are just levies everywhere. And so, I understand what the people said and we're listening to them."

Illegal after-hours club boarded up in case against Hilltop landlords

Township officials said the department may be forced to shut down and they worry crime will increase.

"If they aren't able to get money that they need, all I can say is that we just have to band together as a community and look out for each other a little bit better than we have in the past," Manns said. 

Mifflin Township's fiscal officer and trustees plan to meet Nov. 18 to look at their options and discuss next steps.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It was announced Wednesday that an illegal after-hours club will be boarded up following a lawsuit against two Hilltop landlords.

Located in the 1800 block of Sullivant Ave., the club operated without a liquor license, and often "sees large crowds, fights, alleged drug use, numerous noise complaints from neighbors, threatened gun violence, and a sexual assault," according to a release from City Attorney Zach Klein.

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Klein filed a lawsuit last week seeking to declare landlords Vikas Dadlani and Sadhna Hingorani as nuisance landlords. He said the living conditions their tenants are subject to are unacceptable.

"We will continue to pursue these slumlords to hold them accountable for the crime and deplorable living conditions that they let fester for too long," Klein said.

The property also failed fire code inspections and lacked the proper zoning clearance to operate as a club.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board of Franklin County, also known as ADAMH, is thanking voters after the passage of Issue One in Tuesday’s election.

Issue One is a ten-year levy for ADAMH, with the current levy expiring next year, which is when the new one will kick in.

Passed by a vote of 66 to 34, the levy will cost property owner approximately $74 for every $100,000 of their home valuation.

Earlier this year, ADAMH opened part of its new Franklin County Crisis Care Center. ADAMH CEO Erika Clark Jones said the funds will help the organization open the rest of it.

"The need for mental health in Franklin County is growing, and so is our county, so as more residents come, the demand on our services, we know, will be greater,” Clark Jones said. “This funding secures the safety net we have and allows us to bring the Franklin County crisis center on 100%."

Right now, there are 40 observation units open at the crisis care center. According to Clark Jones, 20 more will open in the coming months. She said the behavioral health urgent care will open next year, and the inpatient care unit will open in 2027.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new mobile lung cancer screening unit from Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - The James aims to meet patients where they are, bringing critical screenings to communities across Ohio.

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, yet many people who qualify for screenings never get them. Experts said that limited access and the cost of care are two of the biggest barriers keeping people from getting tested; now, the James team hopes the new mobile unit will change that and ultimately save lives.

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For Lourdes Castillo, a former smoker, the clinic provided peace of mind. She started smoking at 13 years old and continued for nearly four decades before quitting seven years ago. After losing a close friend to lung cancer, she decided to get screened through the mobile unit after learning about it in a work newsletter.

“Being free, I figured I better take advantage of it,” Castillo said. “But I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it ever since she was diagnosed.”

Dr. Jasleen Pannu, medical director of lung cancer early detection at The James, said that because lung cancer often doesn’t show symptoms until it has advanced, early detection is key.

“Cancer does not have any symptoms,” Pannu said. “If you wait for the cancer to progress, patients will have further progressed disease, and the survival is quite low.”

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer screenings are recommended for adults ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years and who have a history of smoking at least one pack a day for 20 years.

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Pannu said the mobile clinic offers the same level of care and accuracy as screenings performed in a hospital or doctor’s office. The mobility of the unit allows the team to bring services directly to communities that lack access, including rural regions.

“They can be timed and scheduled visits out in these communities,” Pannu said. “Everyone interested can get scheduled.”

The program’s first clinic offered free screenings, with additional low-cost events planned for the future. The goal, organizers said, is to make potentially life-saving care available to more Ohioans no matter where they live.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- With the 2026 midterms a year away, legislation is moving through the Ohio Statehouse that could change how Ohioans register to vote and cast their ballots.

One such measure under consideration is Senate Bill 293, passed by the Ohio Senate on Wednesday afternoon. 

S.B. 293 would require mail-in absentee ballots to be returned to county boards of elections on or before Election Day—eliminating the four-day period after Election Day when mail-in ballots can still be counted under current law.

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The bill’s sponsor, Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green), said this is not unusual in other states. 

“Two-thirds of the country require their ballots to be due on or before Election Day, and this puts Ohio in line with those,” said Gavarone. “We have 28 days of early voting, and we've been really encouraging people to get out and vote early. We want to make sure everyone is aware and certainly encourage people, if they're going to use the Postal Service, to get their ballots in as early as possible.”

Jen Miller, executive director for the League of Women Voters of Ohio, said the bill would prevent some Ohioans from having their ballots counted—particularly older voters, rural voters, and voters with disabilities.

“Early voting and absentee voting become more and more popular over the years and it’s especially needed for senior citizens, people with disabilities, active duty military, folks who work during the day who can’t get to the board of elections office during business hours,” said Miller. “A wide range of Ohioans are using these methods of voting.”

S.B. 293 is just one of many election integrity bills sponsored by Gavarone. She has also put forward S.B. 4, which would create an election integrity unit in the Secretary of State’s office, and S.B. 153, which would require verification of U.S. citizenship whenever someone registers, or reregisters, to vote in Ohio. 

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“When it comes to non-citizens registering to vote, we want to make sure that we're catching that on the front end,” said Gavarone. “What would happen is when you register to vote, it would be checked. When you update your registration, if you get married or for whatever other reason, change your name, everything would be verified then. But on top of that, everyone's citizenship is verified on a monthly basis.” 

Gavarone said most of the time, this verification would be done by cross-referencing voter registrations with government databases like those used by the BMV or Social Security. 

Election officials agree that voter fraud in Ohio is exceedingly rare. Miller argued that the legislature’s focus on election integrity is therefore unnecessary, and called the push against voter fraud “fear-mongering.” 

“The idea of fraud fear-mongering is that we need to do things differently to elections because fraud is a major problem. In fact, we know it's not,” said Miller. “So many of our leaders, Republican and Democrat, continue to tout the security and trustworthiness of our elections. And so this idea that we need to change elections because of fraud is nothing but fear-mongering.”

Miller also said the legislature’s rhetoric regarding voter fraud might contribute to public distrust, as well as a contentious climate around elections. 

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“Poll workers, election officials, voters, campaigners, candidates, we should be doing everything we can to protect them, and that actually starts by changing our rhetoric,” said Miller. “The more we talk about this nonexistent fraud, and the less we demystify all the ways that our elections are secure and run by public servants, we are raising the likelihood of threats or violence.” 

Gavarone acknowledged the increasing challenges faced by poll workers. She and Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) have co-sponsored a bill to clarify that poll workers are not public officials and therefore not subject to public records laws that might expose personal information. 

“We’ve certainly seen cases across the country of escalated violence in the political world,” said Gavarone. “I mean, these people are administering our elections, and we need to make sure we're doing what we can so that they can do their job without fear of violence. If we can do something like this, maybe shield their address from the public, make them a little safer, I think it's it's going to be a win all around.”

Gavarone argued, however, that election integrity bills like the ones she has sponsored serve to increase public trust in the electoral system. 

“Even one case of voter fraud is too many,” said Gavarone. “We've had a number of elections, one right in my hometown, Wood County, where a race came down to the exact same number of votes…So one case of voter fraud could have changed the outcome of that election. So we need to make sure that we're vigilant in always checking things out.” 

Having passed the Senate, S.B. 293 will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Senate passed S.B. 4 over the summer, and S.B. 153 remains in the House General Government Committee. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Rural communities across Ohio are facing a growing crisis, with the Ohio State Bar Association warning of a shortage of attorneys.

Not only does this make their jobs harder, but it also keeps the justice system further out of reach for many Ohioans.

“That means that people have to wait to talk to an attorney,” Ohio State Bar Association CEO Mary Amos Augsburger said. “They may not even be able to see one that is close in their community so they’ll have to travel.”

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According to the Ohio Bar, in 82 of Ohio’s 88 counties, there is fewer than one private practice attorney to serve every 700 residents. In 57 counties, there is less than one for every 1,500 residents.

“Our hope is a lot of those students will consider a rural practice when they graduate,” she said.

Augsburger said they’ve been trying to solve the shortage by doing outreach at Ohio’s law schools, including Ohio State.

“We have got to meet the people where they are,” Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy said. “People should have representation.”

She and two rural attorneys spoke with students about the opportunities provided when practicing outside of metropolitan areas.

“My biggest takeaway was the myths they addressed and sort of dispelled, like, that the work is boring or that there’s not enough work or there’s not enough money to be made practicing in rural Ohio,” Ohio State Moritz College of Law student Sophie Mitchell said.

Mitchell has lived in Columbus her entire life but said she now sees the potential of working in a rural area. Meanwhile, law student Isabelle Rammel is from a rural county and hopes to also be a part of solving this shortage.

“I know that agriculture is a big business, but hearing about how complex those legal problems can actually be in representation for rural community was really exciting to hear,” Rammel said.

While the shortage is concerning for students, it’s also reassuring to know their job is in such high demand.

“It’s really exciting because there is so many opportunities and it feels like there will be no shortage of ways that I can serve,” Rammel said.

The Ohio Bar also has a Rural Practice Incentive Program. It provides loan repayment assistance to attorneys who practice in underserved areas.