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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Friday is the first day air travelers are seeing flight cuts after the FAA announced a decrease to alleviate pressure from the government shutdown.

Local aviation experts say that, although this is inconvenient, it's a decision to ensure the airspace stays safe.

Travelers we spoke with on Friday at John Glenn International Airport say they had a pretty smooth day compared to the turbulence they were expecting.

Jeff Ruby and Sarah Abella say they arrived Friday morning at Chicago Midway Airport expecting a lot of issues.

Local Cantina to close its location in Clintonville

“Southwest had texted like every couple of hours yesterday to say if anything's changing, we'll let you know,” Abella said. 

They said their flight to Columbus was smooth as can be. However, they say they have more travel plans coming up.

“We're going to California for Thanksgiving. We're going on a bunch of other trips in the next couple of weeks. So my thought was, I'd like them to get their act together before Thanksgiving starts,” Abella said.

Friday, there was one canceled arriving flight and one canceled departure, both to and from Houston. There were long lines at TSA in the morning, but otherwise, passengers we spoke with say it's been pretty much business as usual.

Dr. Blake Stringer, the director of Ohio State’s Center for Aviation Studies, said this is unprecedented and coming at a time when the aviation industry is facing several stressors.

“There's an anxiety that comes up in the public when we start talking about aviation cuts, especially in a year that has seen a lot of aviation incidents already, especially just, you know, earlier this week,” Stringer said.

He said another stressor is the air traffic controller shortage. He said, though this is creating an inconvenience for many, it's a choice to keep the mess on the ground instead of the skies. 

“So when you begin to have shortages of personnel, but then you also have the added anxiety of not getting a paycheck, so how am I going to cover my bills and feed my family? That becomes a very problematic thing to deal with, and not only the stress of every day making split-second decisions to keep thousands of passengers safe in the air,” Stringer said.

No one has the crystal ball to tell us how long these impacts will last, but people we spoke with hope the upcoming holidays will be an incentive to get back to normal.

“A government shutdown feels kind of like, okay, that's just some distant abstract thing. But then, when it infringes on your own personal plans, then it feels slightly different,” Ruby said.

Columbus airport representatives have not been able to tell us what air traffic controller staffing levels have been like here, but have told us they have been running operations like normal.

Airport officials say the best thing for flyers to do to keep up with potential impacts is to download their airline's app for updates.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Two men were injured after a metal rod came into contact with power lines in Northeast Columbus.

The incident occurred just after 2 p.m. in the 2900 block of Stelzer Road when the two men were working.

Both men were hospitalized, with one in critical condition and the other in what was described as stable condition.

No other details were immediately available.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Wendy's, headquartered locally in Dublin, may end up closing hundreds of locations through the end of the year and into 2026.

Interim CEO Ken Cook said on an investor call Friday that the fast-food chain would be working with franchisees to improve profitability, which includes identifying underperforming stores and making changes at those locations, including possible closures.

Cook said he estimates a "mid-single-digit percentage" of U.S. locations would be impacted by closures. Wendy's has more than 5,800 locations nationwide, which means there could be between 150 and 300 store closures.

Zaxbys prepares to debut in Columbus market, open 10 Ohio locations

"When we look at the system today, we have some restaurants that do not elevate the brand and are a drag from a franchisee financial performance perspective," Cook said. "The goal is to address and fix those restaurants."

The company will, in some cases, consider implementing operational improvements or deploying additional technology and equipment at the underperforming stores.

"In other cases, it'll mean transferring those restaurants to a different operator who's better suited to be successful in that restaurant," Cook said. "In other cases, we ultimately will close that restaurant, which will put money back in franchisees' pockets and enable them to reinvest both capital and resources in their remaining restaurants."

He expects to have further updates on the next quarterly earnings call.

Cook said some stores could close before the end of this year. He said that company-owned stores are outperforming the system, but sales remain under pressure in the U.S.

"We do see more pressure on the lower income consumer," he said, adding that the $8 junior bacon cheeseburger combo has helped return customers, but hasn't attracted new customers as much as hoped.

However, Cook said that stores have seen lower employee turnover, and digital and delivery saw declines in cancellation rates, missing items and refunds. The company is testing additional changes in those spaces.

The company also introduced chicken tenders and six new sauces at the start of the fourth quarter, something Cook said has been successful. He noted that demand for the tenders has been strong and some locations quickly ran out.

Some customers, however, were not as sold on the new sauce options, with many fans taking to the internet to express disappointment that the chain discontinued its sweet and sour sauce. Watch related video in the player above.

The company opened more than 170 new restaurants globally through the first three quarters and plans to continue expanding internationally, including in Canada and the United Kingdom.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As we enter the second week of the postseason, it's time for the first-round winners to take on the top seeds of each region.

Friday marks the region quarterfinal round where the dominant schools from the regular season, including unbeaten programs like Watterson and Olentangy Orange, are back in action after a first-round bye. And they'll each be challenged by a team that's hoping to build off the momentum of last week's victories, including Olentangy Liberty, who takes on No. 4 seed Olentangy in the Football Friday Nite "Game of the Week".

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

Playoffs Week 2 Schedule

• No. 8 Granville (8-3) at No. 1 Watterson (9-0) at Ohio Dominican
• No. 6 Upper Arlington (9-2) at No. 3 Pickerington North (9-1)
• No. 8 Walnut Ridge (8-3) at No. 1 Big Walnut (9-1)
• No. 5 Olentangy Liberty (7-4) at No. 4 Olentangy (8-2) - Game of the Week
• No. 8 Olentangy Berlin (6-5) at No. 1 Olentangy Orange (10-0)
• No. 7 Ashland (10-1) at No. 2 DeSales (8-2)
• No. 10 Groveport Madison (6-5) at No. 2 Pickerington Central (9-1)
• No. 5 Westerville South (9-2) at No. 4 Canal Winchester (9-1)
• No. 6 Buckeye Valley (9-2) at No. 3 Steubenville (7-2)
• No. 7 Hilliard Bradley (6-5) at No. 2 Troy (8-2)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — This year, Tuesday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, and several central Ohio businesses will be offering special deals and discounts to honor and thank members of the U.S. military.

Most deals require a valid military ID or a dine-in purchase. Participation and details can vary by location. Readers are encouraged to check with their local restaurant or business to confirm availability.

Veterans Day food offers

Applebee’s
• Free special Veterans Day meal for veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11, dine-in only.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
• Receive a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie when dining in with a valid military ID on Nov. 11. In addition, guests will receive a coupon for a free appetizer to use on a future visit, valid Nov. 12 through Dec. 31.

Bob Evans
•  All veterans and active-duty military can receive a free dine-in meal from a special menu of farm-fresh favorites.

Buffalo Wild Wings
• Ten free boneless wings and fries for veterans and active-duty military with valid ID, available for dine-in or walk-in orders at GO locations on Nov. 11.

California Pizza Kitchen
• All veterans and active-duty service members in uniform or with a valid ID receive a free meal on Veterans Day. Dine in on Nov. 11 and choose one entrée from a special Veterans Day menu.

Chicken Salad Chick
• Free meal with one side and drink to all veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. This offer is valid in-restaurant or drive-thru only at all locations for service members with a valid military ID.

Chili's
• All veterans and active military members can get a free meal on Veterans Day, Nov. 11 at all participating Chili's Grill & Bar restaurants. The offer is available in-restaurant only for select items.

Denny’s
• Free Original Grand Slam breakfast for veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11 from 5 a.m. to noon at participating locations. To redeem this offer, veterans and active-duty military personnel must present a valid military ID or a DD-214.

Dunkin’
• Free donut for veterans and active military on Nov. 11, while supplies last.

El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant
• Dine-in meals are 20% off, available to all veterans and active-duty military members.

Golden Corral
• Free dine-in “thank you” meal on Military Appreciation Night, for any person who has served in the U.S. military (retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves) on Nov. 11 from 4 p.m. to close.

IHOP
• Free red, white and blue pancake combo for veterans and active military on Nov. 11, dine-in from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Logan’s Roadhouse
• On Nov. 11, active-duty military and veterans can receive a free meal from a Veterans Day menu with proof of service. The offer is valid from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for dine-in customers.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
• Menchie's is offering all veterans their first 6 ounces of frozen yogurt free on Veterans Day.

Red Robin
• Veterans and military members who dine in enjoy a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger served with bottomless steak fries on Veterans Day.

Sheetz
• On Nov. 11, Sheetz invites all veterans and active duty military personnel to enjoy a free half-turkey sub and a regular-size fountain drink at any of Sheetz’s 800-plus store locations. The offer includes extras and add-ons to the sub.  Sheetz will also offer a free car wash to veterans and active duty military. This offer applies to the $9 car wash option and is available at Sheetz stores with a car wash. Military ID or proof of service must be presented to qualify.

Starbucks
• Veterans, military servicemembers and military spouses can enjoy a free tall, 12-ounce brewed hot or iced coffee. The offer is valid on café and drive-thru orders on Nov. 11 at participating U.S. stores.

Torchy’s Tacos
• Torchy’s is offering a free taco and nonalcoholic beverage to all veterans and active U.S. military members at its locations nationwide. The offer is available on Nov. 11. Veterans and active military members must present a valid military ID or proof of service.

Twin Peaks 
• On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, all veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a free lunch from a select menu between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. A valid military ID is required for these discounts and promotions. Many Twin Peaks locations offer 20% food discounts every day to military veterans and first responders. Some locations also feature additional promotions, including Military Mondays with special offerings. 

White Castle
• White Castle is celebrating Veterans Day by offering a free individual combo meal or a breakfast combo meal to all veterans and active-duty service members with ID on Nov. 11. White Castle will also serve its Sliders in specially designed patriotic packaging.

Other Veterans Day offers

Connell’s Maple Lee Flowers & Gifts
• Veterans and current service members are invited to stop by on Nov. 11, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to receive a complimentary bouquet as a thank-you for their service. Guests are asked to show a valid military ID or veteran card to receive their bouquet.

Great Clips
• On Nov. 11, veterans and active service members can visit any Great Clips salon and get a free haircut or a free haircut card to use at a later date.  Non-military customers who get a haircut at Great Clips on Veterans Day will also receive a free haircut card to give to an active service member or veteran in their life as a token of thanks. The cards can be redeemed through Dec. 5. 

Home Depot
• Active service members, veterans and their spouses enjoy 10% off eligible purchases every day. Participants must register to verify their military status through Home Depot's third-party vendor.

Rack Room Shoes
• Military personnel can present their valid U.S. military ID to receive a 10% discount on in-store purchases every Tuesday and a 20% discount every Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.

Target
• With Target Circle Military Appreciation, customers can get 10% off two storewide purchases. Customers must verify as military personnel, a veteran, or a family member to begin.

Tractor Supply Co.
• Hometown Heroes receive a 10% discount on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. To enjoy Hometown Heroes benefits, participants can join Neighbor’s Club and verify their status through ID.me. Current and former military service members and first responders who have enrolled in Neighbor’s Club can verify their Hometown Hero status through ID.me by visiting Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes and clicking “verify.”

LEWIS CENTER, Ohio (WCMH) -- A central Ohio school district can't discipline students who refer to transgender classmates by their "biological pronouns," a federal appeals court ruled Thursday.

The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals said in a 10-7 decision that Olentangy Local School District's policy against misgendering -- the act of referring to another person by using pronouns that don't align with their identity -- "raises serious free-speech concerns" and discriminates "based on its students' viewpoints." The judges said the district failed to introduce evidence "that the use of biological pronouns would disrupt school functions or qualify as harassment." Watch a previous NBC4 report on the case in the video player above.

"Our society continues to debate whether biological pronouns are appropriate or offensive -- just as it continues to debate many other issues surrounding transgender rights," Thursday's ruling said. "The school district may not skew this debate by forcing one side to change the way it conveys its message or by compelling it to express a different view."

However, the judges noted that "the school district rightly responds that it has a duty to protect all students -- including transgender and nonbinary students -- from bullying and harassment," and said that "nothing we say here forecloses the district from enforcing its anti-harassment policies against the abuse of transgender students just as it enforces those policies against the abuse of all other students."

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Olentangy schools has yet to respond to NBC4's request for comment on the ruling. A national conservative organization called Parents Defending Education has long argued the district's policies violate the First Amendment rights of religious students who "don't want to be forced to affirm" trans classmates.

"Common sense says that Olentangy's policies aren't helping students by compelling their peers to parrot words they don't really believe," said Cam Norris, the organization's attorney, when the 16-judge court heard arguments in the case in March. "They are harming them by teaching them that different world views should be silenced and banned, not understood and rebutted."

Olentangy schools noted during the March hearing that the policies haven't been used to discipline a student, and argued they're meant to protect all, not just those who are trans, from experiencing harassment. The district argued the policies are part of their duty to foster "a secure environment conducive to learning" and that they do not impede student discussions on their views of identity.

"The only thing they can't do is repeatedly make comments about these issues that are directed to a particular student, including be repeatedly and intentionally misgendering," said Jamie Santos, Olentangy's attorney. "Just because a student should be able to say that the body positivity movement is harmful and encourages obesity, doesn't mean a school has to allow that student to call a classmate fat."

Santos pointed to studies that show misgendering is harmful to trans students. Research from The Trevor Project found 49% of LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S. experienced bullying in the last year, and trans youth that said their school is affirming also reported lower rates of attempting suicide.

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Ohio Solicitor General Elliot Gaiser also spoke during the hearing on behalf of 22 U.S. states who support Parents Defending Education, and reiterated concerns Olentangy could use the policies to punish students with opposing viewpoints. Gaiser said the district can't "treat one side of the debate as harassment or silence dissenters by labeling them bullies," and claimed students who use "biological pronouns" for trans classmates do so in the "most respectful way."

Parents Defending Education filed the complaint against the district in May 2023, which was initially rejected by a U.S. district court in August of that year. The group then appealed to the Sixth Circuit where a three-judge panel also rejected the suit in August 2024 and said the organization hadn't convincingly argued that the policies should be blocked, and noted students who don't want to use their classmates' preferred pronouns may refer to them using first names.

Shortly after, Parents Defending Education was joined by the 22 states in asking the Sixth Circuit to rehear the case. The Sixth Circuit then decided in early November 2024 it would revisit the suit with all 16 active judges on the court.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio also weighed in, filing an amicus brief last December that argued "neither the school nor the parent group got things entirely right," and said it agrees that the district cannot categorically ban or punish all instances of a student using a classmate's non-preferred pronouns. However, as a group committed to protecting LGBTQ students, the ACLU said some instances of misgendering are not immune from school discipline when they cause a disruption or create a hostile environment. 

View Thursday's full ruling below.

Defending Education v. Olentangy Local School DistrictDownload

CLINTONVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Tex-Mex chain Local Cantina is closing one of its central Ohio restaurants after more than a decade of business.

The brand's Clintonville location at 3126 N. High St. will welcome patrons for the last time on Dec. 31, Local Cantina's parent company, Orange Umbrella Restaurants, announced on Wednesday. The Clintonville restaurant had marked the chain's third central Ohio location when it opened in November 2014.

"This isn't a decision we made lightly: Our lease is coming to an end, and with it, the opportunity to thoughtfully close this chapter," Orange Umbrella's statement said. "While we're saying goodbye to this particular space, we still believe in Clintonville and may find a new home here again in the future."

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Orange Umbrella said the North High Street building will become home to Cove Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital.

"It warms our hearts to know this building will continue to support the community in a new and meaningful way," the statement continued. "This isn't goodbye forever, you can still get your taco fix at any of our other Columbus locations, including just around the corner in Upper Arlington, Grandview, Dublin, Hilliard and our upcoming location in Pickerington."

Local Cantina saw three other locations shutter in the past year and a half, including in Gahanna, the Short North and Dayton. Come 2026, the chain will operate nine Columbus-area locations, alongside a singular restaurant in Greenway Station, Florida.

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The Clintonville location is open 3 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

"Thank you, Clintonville. With every taco run, first date, 'just one more marg,' and 'meet you at Local Cantina,' you've filled our space with life, love, laughter, and the kind of community that can't be faked," the statement concluded. "We're not just your neighborhood taco joint: you've made us a part of your family."

Many amateur radio clubs and organizations are planning on-air commemorations and special events for Veterans Day 2025. Visit the ARRL Special Events Stations database, and contact the following stations on-the-air:

• In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Holmesburg Amateur Radio Club will honor the Continental Marines Birthday. Special event station WM3PEN will operate November 8 - 12 from 1300Z - 0...

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A man died Thursday night, days after he was stabbed in South Linden, authorities said.

Charles Haynes, 62, was found unresponsive Oct. 29 in the 900 block of East 20th Avenue with a stab wound to the chest, according to an affidavit.

Ohio bill would allow police to arrest drivers for refusing to provide identification

Haynes was taken to a hospital in critical condition. At the time, doctors said Haynes likely wouldn't survive his injuries, according to the affidavit.

Sasha I. Townsend, 35, was initially arrested and charged with felonious assault. Additional charges are now pending, according to police.

Townsend allegedly gave police different stories about what happened. She was heard on an audio recording from a nearby home saying "I asked you to stop," according to the affidavit. A search of the home reportedly found knives in a kitchen sink "as if they were just being cleaned" and blood.

A Franklin County Municipal Court judge issued Townsend a $350,000 bond on the felonious assault charge on Oct. 31. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday.

Six years ago, the Intrepid-DX Group, a international group of amateur radio operators, began their annual youth “Dream Rig” essay contest as a means to reach young people and interest them in amateur radio.

“This year, rather than our past essays, we are seeking well thought-out and clearly communicated project proposals for a public access amateur radio station,” said Paul S. Ewing, N6PSE, pre...

The Murgas Amateur Radio Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a special event that includes the University of Scranton, Kings College, and amateur radio station W3USR. The station is part of the University of Scranton Physics and Engineering Department, a university student club, and a flagship station for the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) project.

The event...

ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® has introduced a new, fully-interactive two-day online course for ham radio licensing. The ARRL Technician Class LIVE Video Course includes everything needed to prepare for the FCC Technician Class amateur radio license exam. Enrollment is open now for the inaugural course, which will take place December 20 - 21, 2025.

Join ARRL Education Special...

The countdown is on! Full members of ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® have until December 31, 2025, to earn up to six automatic entries for a chance to win the Icom Dream Station -- a complete ham radio station featuring a limited-edition IC-7760 HF/50 MHz transceiver, IC-PW2 amplifier, desktop microphone, and a special Icom 60th Anniversary Seiko watch -- all generously donated...

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- After a dominant 38-14 win over Penn State at home, No. 1 Ohio State heads back on the road for the penultimate time in the regular season with a trip to West Lafayette, Indiana, to take on Purdue. Kickoff is set for Saturday at 1 p.m.

While the Buckeyes are unbeaten this season and riding a 12-game win streak, the longest active streak in the country, the Boilermakers are on a seven-game losing skid and are still searching for their first Big Ten victory of the year.

Though Purdue has beaten the Buckeyes five times at Ross-Ade Stadium since the turn of the century, OSU leads the all-time series 42-15-2.

Sticking to the routine

This college football season has seen upsets happen on a weekly basis. From Miami's loss to Louisville to Penn State falling against UCLA and Northwestern, plenty of schools have been caught off guard.

Not Ohio State. And credit goes to the consistency that coach Ryan Day preaches in the Buckeyes' preparations.

"We can try to find ways to make it a bit fresh but at the end of the day we have to be okay with doing the same mundane, boring things, over and over again," Day said. "The minute we try to tempt fate, we're going to get it. And we can't do that. We have to continue to fight."

And that mindset is why Ohio State is treating this weekend's game against Purdue the same way it approached the season opener against Texas.

"We've got to keep getting better, and this is an important week for the Buckeyes," Day said.

Establishing a run game

If there's one area that the Buckeyes want to improve on, it's the team's ground game.

Through eight games, Ohio State is averaging 81.75 rushing yards, with freshman Bo Jackson leading the way in both total rushing yards and average yards a contest.

"I think he's been consistent. He practices, and he's been able to handle the workload mentally and emotionally. That's been great," Day said. "I think he's got a group of guys around him that's been able to take some of the workload off of him which is great, especially for a young player."

West Virginia transfer C.J. Donaldson has the most rushing touchdowns with seven. With OSU being successful with its passing game, there hasn't been a need for the offense to run as much. But that doesn't mean the running backs, especially Jackson, can take a break.

"We need him to play some of his best football down the stretch," Day said. "The whole room really. But he has shown consistency and the most important thing is taking care of the ball."

No attention to playoff rankings

Tuesday night saw the release of the first College Football Playoff rankings. And as expected, the Buckeyes were at the top, followed by Indiana, Texas A&M and Alabama. If the season ended now, those four teams would receive first-round byes in the 12-team playoff.

But Day isn't paying much attention to the rankings. And he hopes no one else on his team is wasting time looking at the list either.

"It doesn't matter," Day said. "Nothing matters if we don't continue to win."

Day said the only two times the rankings matter is before the playoff begins and at the end of the season.

"The TVs are always on, so I'm sure someone will be watching it," Day said. "But it won't be me."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A fast-casual fried chicken chain is preparing to expand into Ohio with 10 restaurants, including at least one location in the Columbus market.

Zaxbys has signed a development agreement to launch 10 eateries in Ohio, according to a news release. The company did not reveal locations but said the new restaurants will open throughout Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus. Zaxbys currently does not have any locations in the state.

The chain is known for its chicken, which comes in the form of tenders, sandwiches, tacos and wings. It also serves salads and sides such as crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, fried pickles and fried white cheddar bites. Desserts, including milkshakes, cookies and fried cheesecake bites, are on the menu as well. 

Founded in Georgia in 1990, Zaxbys has spread to more than 980 locations across 17 states, primarily in the Southeast. Chief Development Officer Mike Mettler said the planned Ohio restaurants mark a “pivotal step in accelerating Zaxbys’ footprint across the Midwest.” The chain also is preparing to debut in the Chicago market and continue expanding in Indiana. 

The 10 Ohio locations will be run by Charles Terry, a former NBA strength and conditioning coach. Terry is a “seasoned franchise operator” who has co-owned 14 Crumbl Cookie locations since 2021, including the brand’s top-performing store worldwide in Ontario, according to the news release. 

“Zaxbys’ commitment to community and its ability to bring people together over great food mirrors our own values,” Terry said in a statement. “We’re excited to bring proven systems and high standards to a new market while creating places where neighbors feel like family.”

NBC4 reached out to Zaxbys to see if it could share any specific plans for the Columbus area but did not receive an answer. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- OhioHealth plans to break ground next year on a $255 million expansion of Dublin Methodist Hospital, marking the latest in a series of investments by central Ohio's largest healthcare system.

Dublin's planning and zoning commission voted in October to approve OhioHealth's final development plan for a six-story, 207,000-square-foot inpatient tower on the hospital's north side. The decision clears the way for the health system to seek building permits and begin construction in early 2026. Watch a previous NBC4 report on OhioHealth's expansion plans in the video player above.

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Hospital President Cherie Smith told commissioners the expansion is needed to keep up with population growth and rising demand for inpatient care. "We were boarding or holding patients in the [emergency department] who actually needed to be inpatients," Smith said during the meeting. "We just knew we didn't have the capacity for the continued population growth."

• OhioHealth's plans calls for a six-story, 207,000-square-foot inpatient tower on the north side of Dublin Methodist Hospital. (Courtesy Photo/City of Dublin)
• OhioHealth's plans calls for a six-story, 207,000-square-foot inpatient tower on the north side of Dublin Methodist Hospital. (Courtesy Photo/City of Dublin)

The addition will open with 48 private rooms and include space for another 48 that can be used later, bringing the hospital's capacity from around 140 beds to nearly 240 when fully operational. The tower will also include a cardiac catheterization laboratory, pharmacy, emergency department, surgical and nutrition services.

Additionally, nearly 60,000 square feet of the main building will be renovated to modernize the existing facility's critical support and surgical services to recover patients and support a dedicated critical care unit. Completion is expected in 2028, coinciding with Dublin Methodist's 20th anniversary.

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The Dublin project is part of more than $1 billion in construction across OhioHealth's network. The healthcare system has also been steadily broadening its real estate footprint. In October, the system purchased urgent care centers and medical offices in Hilliard and Gahanna from its landlord. The $34 million deal included three buildings where OhioHealth has operated for about a decade.

Earlier this year, the company also bought the former Big Lots headquarters near New Albany for $36 million and applied to rezone the 24-acre property for future medical use.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A recently introduced Ohio bill would empower law enforcement officials to arrest drivers who refuse to provide identifying information during a traffic stop. 

Under House Bill 492, declining to provide a name, address or date of birth to police officers during a traffic stop would be classified as a fourth-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 30 days in jail. 

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State law already requires drivers to provide identification during a traffic stop at the request of law enforcement. However, refusing to do so is currently an unclassified misdemeanor, which is generally a nonarrestable offense that can only be punished with a fine or community service.

The bill was introduced by Reps. Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth) and Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) on Oct. 1. Abrams said the idea for the legislation was brought to Ohio representatives by law enforcement officials.  

“Our law enforcement face risk each day they put their uniform on and start their shift,” Abrams said at the bill’s first hearing on Oct. 14. “House Bill 492 provides our law enforcement with an extra tool in the toolbox as they work to keep our communities safe.”

Ray stated being charged with a fourth-degree misdemeanor gives jails the authority to fingerprint and identify an individual before they are let go. She said in some cases, those who refuse to provide officers with identifying information during traffic stops have warrants out for their arrests for dangerous crimes.

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“With the consequence for not identifying yourself to an officer being a minor misdemeanor, there is no real action that an officer can take,” Ray said at the introductory hearing. “Right now, our laws don’t fully reflect the reality of these encounters or give the officers a chance to identify a potentially dangerous individual, but with House Bill 492 they will.”

A hearing for proponent testimony was held on Oct. 28, with the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, and Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association showing their support for the proposal. 

Michael Weinman, director of government affairs with the FOP, said a growing number of drivers are turning to “social media lawyers,” who tell their followers they do not have to identify themselves to law enforcement. 

“These people, along with sovereign citizens, will turn on their cameras and escalate a rather mundane event by arguing with officers and challenging them until force is the only option left,” Weinman said. “Traffic stops are dangerous and, at times, lead to injury or death to law enforcement. This danger is exacerbated by these people who want to squabble with the officer and refuse to identify themselves.”

Another hearing was held on Tuesday for opponent testimony. Zachary Miller, legislative officer with the Office of the Ohio Public Defender, was the only person to speak out against the measure. 

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“The escalation of these penalties for minor, non-violent conduct at traffic stops is coercive and disproportionate to the conduct,” Miller said. 

HB 492 awaits additional hearings before the House and Senate could potentially vote on the proposal. If passed by the Statehouse, the bill would then head to Gov. Mike DeWine for final approval. 

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- One of Ohio's most esteemed fire departments is investigating fire hazards associated with new data centers.

Washington Township trustees Stuart Harris and Chuck Kranstuber said they formally asked their fire chief to review data center fire hazards. Officials will report back in the coming weeks after speaking with neighboring departments and will recommend whether the township should pause future data center projects.

According to Data Center Map, 121 of Ohio's 193 data centers are in central Ohio, including in and around Washington Township. Harris said appropriately responding to data center emergencies takes a lot of planning and coordination. The township wants to thoroughly consider how data centers would impact safety departments.

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"Inside is a vast maze and it's the size of several football fields," Harris said. "And so the firefighters have to know how to get in, help them get in quickly, what should they bring with them for fire suppression.”

Washington Township is the only township in Ohio to include parts of three counties, and it encompasses the entire city of Dublin. Officials' concerns are particularly noteworthy because Washington Township Fire Department is an elite agency.

Washington Township Fire has achieved the rare honor of being both ranked ISO-1 and accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. Washington Township is one of just 117 departments in the U.S. to have achieved the honor, and one of just four in Ohio. Comparably, there are nearly 30,000 fire departments nationwide.

"So the fact that Washington is coming out and saying this is an issue -- in my opinion, they're a leader for fire safety," Dublin resident and data center awareness activist Amy Swank said. "So, other jurisdictions should be listening and really interested in what they have to say."

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The International Association of Fire Fighters said agencies can't respond to data center fires like they would in other buildings. The buildings are massive with complex floor plans and feature expensive power infrastructure ripe for tricky chemical fires, like lithium ion batteries.

"You can have overheating equipment, electrical fires, if they're using lithium ion batteries for backup, that those are extraordinarily difficult to put out," Kranstuber said. "There might be diesel back up. And that raises a whole other set of problems, including air pollution."

Washington Township has a team of firefighters trained on lithium ion battery suppression and fire safety. Members are considered experts and train other departments on lithium ion fires across the country. The department recently responded to a lithium ion fire sparked by an electric scooter that hospitalized three, and the trustees said a data center fire would be much more intense.

"We're prepared, but the scale of these is unprecedented," Kranstuber said.

The township supplies mutual aid to neighboring Norwich and Jerome townships, meaning multiple departments will respond to a fire emergency and help one another. Washington's fire leadership is working with Norwich and Jerome Townships, as well as nearby Hilliard, to issue its recommendations to township trustees.

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Washington Township's neighbors are also familiar with data centers. In September, Jerome Township paused data centers for nine months, citing utility strains and public safety concerns.

In Hilliard, the city is considering legal action over a proposed data center power system. While Hilliard was reviewing the idea, the application was withdrawn because the state had already approved the power system. Hilliard residents are upset the proposal is slated to continue without local input. See previous coverage of Hilliard's dilemma in the video player above.

Data centers are needed to power the technology most Ohioans rely on every day, from cellphones to streaming services. However, Harris said the influx of data centers has already diverted firefighters from other emergencies across Jerome, Norwich and Washington townships. The trustees are also concerned by the longevity of a data center.

"Technology is changing so rapidly. When this technology changes and these are no longer needed or there's some new or more compact way to handle it, then these huge facilities are just going to be eyesores on the communities that they're in," Kranstuber said.