Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- About 1.4 million Ohioans receive federal SNAP benefits -- benefits that are expected to expire at the end of this week as the government shutdown grinds toward its second month.

One state lawmaker is encouraging the legislature and the governor to take immediate action as needy Ohioans agonize about what is to come. 

“Folks are constantly messaging me on TikTok, Instagram, wherever they can,” Rep. Latyna Humphrey (D-Columbus) said. “They want to know what's going to happen, what folks are saying, who's saying what in power. People want information because they want to know how to prepare, but they're also afraid.” 

On Monday, Humphrey released an open letter urging Gov. Mike DeWine to take certain administrative steps that she believes would relieve some of the burden on people and families who depend on SNAP. DeWine spokesperson Dan Tierney warned that since SNAP is a federal program, there is no mechanism in place for the state to pay out benefits. 

“Of course I would like to see direct payments to people, but I’m not oblivious to the fact that that might not be feasible right now,” Humphrey said. “So maybe we support the food banks that are doing the good work in our communities every day. I have multiple food banks in my community, they would love the support.”

In addition to supporting food banks, Humphrey argues the governor could use the Office of Budget and Management Controlling Board to redirect necessary funds in the event of an emergency. 

“All the Governor would need to do is say, ‘hey, I’m recognizing this may be an issue, let’s pull from X, Y, and Z, go to the Controlling Board and then make that happen, because there are funds available to do so,” Humphrey said. 

Humphrey has also introduced House Bill 502, which would provide interim relief for SNAP beneficiaries, to be reimbursed after the government shutdown ends. That bill has not yet received a hearing, and would also rely on tapping into the state’s “Rainy Day” fund -- something the Governor’s office has already rejected. 

“The ‘Rainy Day Fund’ is a colloquial name for the Budget Stabilization Fund,” Tierney said in an email. “The sole purpose of the Budget Stabilization Fund is to support a previously enacted budget if state revenue decreases in an economic downturn. The fund may be accessed only [if] the Ohio General Assembly enacts legislation to do so. It is very common for activists and special interests to take the nickname of the Budget Stabilization Fund literally and suggest it be used for spending during circumstances that they believe constitute a ‘Rainy Day.’ However, almost none of those ‘Rainy Days’ are in line with the statutorily established purpose of the fund.” 

Humphrey acknowledged there are constraints on how the "Rainy Day" fund can be used, saying, "Maybe House Bill 502 is not the vehicle that we need to drive right now but there are some things that can be done as it relates to the Controlling Board.” 

On Tuesday, Tierney said the Governor’s office was reviewing options, “but to be clear there is no avenue to backfill SNAP at a state level.” 

“Any state aid would simply be a bandage to the bigger problem,” Tierney said. “The solution needed is for Congress, especially the U.S. Senate, to pass a permanent budget or continuing resolution to fund SNAP. This should be everyone’s priority.” 

Humphrey said the Governor’s office is not wrong.

“This is a federal issue," Humphrey said. "Bottom line, full stop. But at the end of the day, the people we say we love are struggling. If we have the ability to do something right now for our people then we should do it. If we say we care about our constituents, if we say we love our constituents then we have got to understand that both of those words are action words.” 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Testimony continued Tuesday into allegations of misconduct concerning two leaders on the state's teacher pension board.

Tuesday primarily saw the chairman of the State Teachers Retirement System board Rudy Fichtenbaum on the stand, with a shorter testimony by former STRS consultant firm Cliffwater's CEO, Stephen Nesbitt.

The state alleges Fichtenbaum -- along former STRS board member Wade Steen, who took the stand Monday -- improperly conspired to transfer control of the $90 million pension fund to private investment firm QED.

The investigation questions Fichtenbaum and Steen's ethics and their compliance with board members' codes of conduct. The state alleges the pair did not act in the best interests of the more than 500,000 active and retired teachers who rely on the pension fund. Fichtenbaum and Steen agree that they met with QED, but deny that there was any wrongdoing. See previous coverage of the STRS trial in the video player above.

The heart of the issue stems from a divide among board members over how best to manage the pension fund, which was doing poorly. Retired teachers told NBC4's Colleen Marshall they felt mismanagement of the fund led to the discontinuation of annual cost of living adjustments.

Reform-minded members like Steen and Fichtenbaum advocated for outsourcing management of the pension fund to generate better performance. Others wanted to continue managing the fund internally. Some members and Cliffwater consultants also raised concerns about selecting QED as an outside management, arguing it was a startup with limited experience and credentials.

On behalf of the state, assistant attorney general Chad Kholer cross-examined Fichtenbaum for several hours. Kholer pointed to public and private essays, texts and emails penned by Fichtenbaum as proof he had acted inappropriately in a "backroom deal."

A good number of the messages were dated from before Fichtenbaum officially began his role in September 2021, and instead reflected his time as a board member-elect. Many were messages between Fichtenbaum and two QED representatives.

Kholer and Fichtenbaum disagreed over the meaning of words like "scam" and "conspiring," with Kholer considering them as an indication of legal wrongdoing. Fichtenbaum said he was not using them in the legal sense. He similarly denied Kholer's interpretation of a presentation titled "Cliffwatergate," referring to the Watergate scandal and consulting firm Cliffwater.

"I’m not suggesting any kind of criminal activity because I’m not a lawyer, but I am suggesting that this was giving misinformation to the board,” Fichtenbaum said.  

Kholer also pointed to posts made by Fichtenbaum on the STRS Ohio Watchdog Facebook page. Fichtenbaum criticized the board and STRS staff, alleging staff members were "manipulating" benchmarks to give themselves bonuses, rather than prioritizing the pension fund. Kholer insinuated that his criticism could have violated Fichtenbaum's duty to foster public confidence in the board.

The state also called Cliffwater CEO Stephen Nesbitt to the stand, who testified that he had recommended against using QED. Cliffwater had worked in an advisory role for STRS since around 2008, but chose not to renew its contract with the board. Nesbitt blamed the split on fallout from the QED proposal.

“In my opinion, after I made a firm recommendation for good reason not to do QED, I think I knew who the players were who were working with QED and their Plan B was to attack me, personally, and my integrity,” Nesbitt said.

Nesbitt testified that he thought QED's proposal was "98% fiction" and not feasible. Steen's lawyer, Norman Abood, and Fichtenbaum's lawyer, Richard Kerger, challenged his assertions during cross-examination.

The state hopes the judge will bar Steen and Fichtenbaum from serving on future pension boards, and remove Fichtenbaum from his current position. Steen is already off of the board, and Fichtenbaum testified he will not run for re-election in 2029.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A crash along Interstate 270 in Columbus is serving as a reminder to drivers to pay attention while on the roads.

In a video posted to Facebook by the Ohio Department of Transportation this week, a Freeway Safety Patrol truck was parked along the shoulder of I-270 near Sawmill Road. A vehicle driving in the left lane then drifts into the shoulder, rear-ending the safety truck, which had just aided in clearing a separate accident.

The post reports there were no life-threatening injuries.

"This is yet another reminder to move over, slow down, and pay attention while on the road," ODOT posted.

There is no word on what, if any, charges the driver of the car will face.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A man was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty in connection with a 2023 fatal shooting in southwest Columbus.

Judge Michael Holbrook sentenced Gabriel C. Hosings to 11 to 16.5 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in each of two separate cases. The sentences will be served concurrently.

The plea agreement saw the remaining charges dropped. Watch previous coverage in the player above.

Man accused in Licking County karaoke bar murder to change plea

Hosings was given credit for 671 days served, and he will also be subject to pre-release control for two to five years upon the end of his prison term.

Shawn Overly was fatally shot on Dec. 10, 2023, in the 3000 block of Briggs Road in the Southwest Hilltop neighborhood. Hosings was arrested weeks later in Ghent, West Virginia.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Do you think you have what it takes to become an Ohio State Trooper? The Highway patrol is on the hunt for their next class of cadets who will start the academy in January. 

The highway patrol said they are looking for motivated people ready to serve their community. 

They said so far this year they have received more than 2,700 applications for the next cadet class.

“There's a sense of accomplishment and pride in what we do,” said Trooper Ravonne Lawrence with the Ohio State Highway Patrol

2 firefighters hurt in south Columbus house fire

Trooper Lawrence has been on the highway patrol for seven years, but says he remembers being on the fence about applying too.

“My wrestling coach when I was 19 years old, actually came to me and said, hey, have you thought about being a state trooper,” Lawrence said.

He said being a trooper helped him grow.

“I've experienced a lot more things being a state trooper than I probably would have working somewhere else out of this career,” Lawrence said.

The next class of cadets will be 50 to 60 people. Lawrence said the academy is a challenge.

“Day one is tough. The academy is tough, but it's designed that way for a reason," Lawrence said.

It's a six-month, live-in, paid academy. Cadets will have weekends and holidays off. Cadet Keaton Syverson is in the academy now.

“We learn everything from traffic law, criminal law. You learn evasive driving. We learn just about everything, everything from how to talk to people. And not everything has to be aggressive. You can talk down the situation if you can,” Syverson said.

Syverson will graduate from the academy in a few weeks.

“I would say just take that leap of faith. You don't grow as a person unless you're uncomfortable. So you're going to have to step out of that comfort zone in order to grow. And just be motivated. Keep an open mind and just stay disciplined,” Syverson said.

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The patrol's application numbers have steadily increased over the last several years.

Lawrence said those chosen will test before the academy. They say they will come to you to take those tests and are the only agency who does that. 

Lawrence said there are also hands-on opportunities to make sure this is the right place for them.

“I would say just come experience the ohio state patrol, whether that's a ride along and riding with the veteran officer just so we can show you how we do things or looking at our ride, the wide variety of jobs we have such as k-9 units or criminal patrol or aviation sector, where you could possibly be a pilot or mobile field force,” Lawrence said.

The application for the January class is open. Just search "join OSHP." Click here for more details.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Two firefighters were injured Tuesday in a south Columbus house fire.

The fire happened at a home along West Markison Avenue. Much of the home's front porch was burned.

Fire crews respond to a home on West Markison Avenue on Oct. 28, 2025. (NBC4)

Both firefighters were hospitalized in what fire officials said was stable condition.

Firefighters also rescued a dog that was tied up on the front porch, according to a Columbus Fire Department spokesperson. No one was in the house at the time of the fire.

It wasn't immediately known what caused the fire.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Between a rainy forecast later this week and high school sports games, some central Ohio municipalities are adjusting their trick-or-treat schedules.

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission recommends specific trick-or-treat dates, but municipalities can set their own dates. See a full list of trick-or-treat times as originally planned here. See coverage of last year's Halloween, also rainy, in the video player above.

Rain during trick-or-treat? See our detailed forecast Trick-or-treat time changes in central Ohio Hardin County

• Forest: Saturday, 5-6:30 p.m., rescheduled due to forecasted rain

Licking County

• Alexandria: Friday, 6-7:30 p.m., rescheduled due to forecasted rain
• Hebron: Halloween Bash moved to Tuesday, 7:15 p.m. start

Perry County

• Corning: Friday, 5-7 p.m., rescheduled due to forecasted rain
• New Lexington: Friday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., rescheduled due to volleyball regionals

Richland County

• Lexington: Friday, 5:30-7 p.m., rescheduled due to forecasted rain
• Mansfield: Saturday, 4-6 p.m., rescheduled due to forecasted rain
• Ontario: Saturday, 4-6 p.m., rescheduled due to forecasted rain

Several other municipalities have announced they will not be rescheduling, explaining they are unable to reschedule and trick-or-treat will continue rain or shine. These cities have confirmed there will not be a new date:

• Carroll: Will remain on Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to avoid trick-or-treat during Friday football playoff game between Bloom-Carroll and Linden.
• Hamilton Township: Will remain on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Heath: Will remain on Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
• Hilliard: Will remain on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
• London: The mayor said there is no makeup date, and it will remain on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Marion: Per city law, trick-or-treat will remain on Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Ostrander: The Ostrander Civic Association said despite the first Buckeye Valley home playoff football game overlapping, trick-or-treat will remain on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Plain City: Will remain on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Reynoldsburg: Will remain Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Worthington: Will remain on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.

This article will continue to be updated as municipalities announce adjustments.

NEWARK, Ohio (WCMH) — A Licking County man indicted on murder charges after he shot and killed a man while singing at a karaoke bar will reportedly change his plea.

According to court records, a notice of intent to enter a plea of guilty was entered on behalf of Richard Lindgren, who is accused of fatally shooting 42-year-old Benjamin Hawk on July 11 at Buckeye Lake's Louie's Corner House.

Lindgren, 59, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, felonious assault, and tampering with evidence. Prosecuting attorneys submitted a motion to amend the charges to one count of aggravated murder and a joint sentencing recommendation was agreed upon.

Columbus Dollar General boards up windows in anticipation of loss of SNAP benefits

The agreement comes with a one-year firearm specification, which brings the prison term to a life sentence, with the possibility of parole after 21 years.

Court documents stated Hawk was with Lindgren’s ex-wife on the outdoor patio and the bar’s owners said when it was his turn to sing, Lindgren followed him to the stage and shot him.

Hawk was pronounced dead shortly after medics arrived and Lindgren fled the scene.

Lindgren was found in Orangeburg, South Carolina on July 12 and was arrested by sheriff’s deputies. Lindgren was extradited back to Licking County four days later. Lindgren was issued a $5 million bond.

Lindgren was previously charged with violating a protection order in January 2025 and was issued a bench warrant in February.

After pleading not guilty, Lindgren changed his plea to guilty in April and on July 9 he was granted an extension to pay $100, which remained from his $400 fine. The extension was set to expire on Sept. 12 with no further extensions granted.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A large fire at a southeast Columbus junkyard that was also the scene of a major fire in 2024 had residents seeing a huge plume of smoke from miles away.

A Columbus fire spokesperson said the two-alarm fire was reported at 12:17 p.m. when a pile of recycled material began to burn at 2181 Alum Creek Drive. Numerous Columbus fire crews went at the scene. Traffic cameras around the city show the thick smoke from miles away.

Columbus Dollar General boards up windows in anticipation of loss of SNAP benefits Gallery: Large fire in southeast Columbus

• NBC4 Photo / Michael Klug
• Courtesy Photo / Ohio Department of Transportation traffic camera
• Courtesy Photo / City of Columbus traffic camera
• NBC4 Photo / Michael Klug
• Courtesy Photo / City of Columbus traffic camera
• NBC4 Photo / Michael Klug
• NBC4 Photo / Michael Klug

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Lt. Nicholas Davis of the Columbus fire division said the facility was inspected last week, with no concerns noted.

The fire was under control as of 2:15 p.m., Davis said.

This same site had a similar fire in September of 2024 that took more than one day to extinguish fully. The facility is home to recycled metals and where old cars get shredded.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A Columbus Division of Police officer who was fired after downloading body-worn camera footage for personal uses has been reinstated.

According to the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9, CPD officer Spencer Badger has been reinstated, with full back pay and benefits, after an independent arbitrator ruled in favor of reversing the decision to let Badger go earlier this year.

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In March 2025, Badger was fired, a decision upheld by Columbus Public Safety Director Kate McSweeney-Pishotti, for reportedly downloading body-worn camera footage, without filling out proper public records requests, and then uploading that footage to his personal YouTube account.

In a prior statement, McSweeney-Pishotti, who noted that Badger’s actions constituted, “critical misconduct” said, “Officer Badger admits to violating division policy on multiple occasions. He admits to improperly and repeatedly downloading law enforcement materials to a personal device. As he told investigators, ‘I went back and looked at the policy again and I realized that sure, it’s written in black and white, pretty hard to miss.’”

Badger addressed the firing in March by stating, “It’s not something that people get fired for and I’m 100 percent positive I will get my job back.” For a previous report on this story view the video player above.

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Badger further explained that he started the channel in the summer of 2020 during the Black Lives Matter protests in the city, saying the city’s politicians used those protests to “take over” the police department. 

A 14-year veteran with the Division, Badger was originally placed on administrative duty in February before his dismissal. His reinstatement is effective immediately.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The full Sonic Temple music festival lineup was revealed on Tuesday.

More than 140 bands will take the stage over the four-day festival, which runs from May 14-17 at Historic Crew Stadium. Watch previous coverage in the player above.

Shinedown and Tool were added as the final two headliners, joining Bring Me The Horizon and My Chemical Romance, which were previously announced.

Tickets and packages are on sale now.

Full Sonic Temple lineup

Headliners in bold.

Thursday

• My Chemical Romance
• Pierce the Veil
• All Time Low
• Coheed and Cambria
• L.S. Dunes
• Hawthorne Heights
• Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

• Breaking Benjamin
• Rise Against
• The Used
• Flyleaf w/ Lacey Sturm
• Fozzy
• Egypt Central

• Slaughter to Prevail
• Whitechapel
• Thy Art is Murder
• Attila
• Bodysnatcher
• Carnifex
• Disembodied Tyrant

• Dayseeker
• Magnolia Park
• Catch Your Breath
• Holding Absence
• Wind Walkers
• Nerv
• The Pretty Wild
• Windwaker

• Behemoth
• Cradle of Filth
• Dying Fetus
• Cattle Decapitation
• Napalm Death
• Fleshgod Apolalypse
• Suffocation
• Nekrogoblikon

Friday

• Shinedown
• Staind
• Halestorm
• Stone Temple Pilots
• Daughtry
• Hinder
• Buckcherry

• The Offspring
• Sublime
• Yellowcard
• New Found Glory
• Everclear
• LIT

• Simple Plan
• Story of the Year
• Atreyu
• Blessthefall
• Crown the Empire
• The Word Alive
• Woe, Is Me

• Lorna Shore
• Kublai Khan TX
• Paleface Swiss
• Chelsea Grin
• Brand of Sacrifice
• Signs of the Swarm
• Jiluka
• Not Enough Space
• Left on Red

• Zakk Sabbath
• Sevendust
• Static-X
• Dope
• Powerman 5000
• Mushroomhead
• Soil
• Flaw

Saturday

• Bring Me The Horizon
• Good Charlotte
• Motionless in White
• Black Veil Brides
• The Plot In You
• Palaye Royale
• Amira Elfeky

• Marilyn Manson
• Bush
• Alter Bridge
• Tom Morello
• Coal Chamber
• All That Remains

• The Story So Far
• Mayday Parade
• Motion City Soundtrack
• The Wonder Years
• State Champs
• Citizen
• Knuckle Puck

• Architects
• The Amity Affliction
• August Burns Red
• The Ghost Inside
• Make Them Suffer
• Alpha Wolf
• Allt
• Novelists

• Body Count ft. Ice-T
• Sepultura
• Kreator
• Carcass
• Biohazard
• Snot
• CKY
• Butcher Babies

Sunday

• Tool
• Godsmack
• Lamb of God
• Black Label Society
• Avatar
• POD
• Saliva

• Megadeth
• Public Enemy
• Amon Amarth
• Anthrax
• In Flames
• Demon Hunter

• Electric Callboy
• We Came as Romans
• Polaris
• Bloodywood
• Thrown
• Thornhill
• Conquer Divide

• Dance Gavin Dance
• Chiodos
• Thrice
• Sense Fail
• Anberlin
• From First to Last
• Attack Attack!
• Drop Dead, Gorgeous

• Dethklok
• Dragonforce
• Apocalyptica
• Devildriver
• Alestorm
• Wind Rose
• Spiritworld
• Castle Rat

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Delaware County will soon get a taste of Longhorn's signature steaks and cowboy-themed flair.

The national restaurant chain has filed plans for its first Delaware County location -- a 5,710-square-foot steakhouse to be built in the Coughlin Crossing development. The restaurant will sit on a 2.36-acre lot at 32 Coughlin Lane, tucked between the recently opened Bojangles and the Chesrown Chevrolet dealership.

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According to the plans, the one-story restaurant will be 27 feet tall with a 127-space parking lot. The property will be accessed from an extension of Coughlin Lane, the plans show, from the south into a private access drive that will be shared between Longhorn and Bojangles. Delaware City Council reviewed the proposal on Monday, after it was previously approved by the city's planning commission.

• A rendering of Longhorn's planned Delaware County steakhouse. (Courtesy Photo/City of Delaware)
• A rendering of Longhorn's planned Delaware County steakhouse. (Courtesy Photo/City of Delaware)
• A rendering of Longhorn's planned Delaware County steakhouse. (Courtesy Photo/City of Delaware)

Founded in Atlanta in 1981, Longhorn has grown to more than 500 locations nationwide, with about seven in central Ohio, including in Gahanna, Pickerington, Dublin and Grove City. The Delaware site would mark the chain's first expansion into Delaware County.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A Dollar General store on South High Street in downtown Columbus has removed boards that it put up as central Ohioans prepare to lose food assistance.

With approximately 180,000 central Ohioans slated to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the store initially boarded up its windows as a measure of safety. As of 5:15 p.m., the boards were removed.

The South High Street location, near the intersection of West Town Street, is open, according to employees at the store.  Though they could not elaborate further, employees confirmed that the windows were initially boarded up as a measure to prevent looting once the government shutdown of SNAP benefits take effect on Nov. 1.

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All windows are now completely uncovered at the store.

According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) benefits will remain unchanged. But ODJFS has not issued any further guidance or said whether the state will pay out SNAP benefits once the government shutdown begins.

• The Downtown, Columbus Dollar General remains open, despite boarding up its windows ahead of the government shutdown. (NBC4/Andrea Robinson)
• The Downtown, Columbus Dollar General remains open, despite boarding up its windows ahead of the government shutdown. (NBC4/Andrea Robinson)
• The Downtown, Columbus Dollar General remains open, despite boarding up its windows ahead of the government shutdown. (NBC4/Andrea Robinson)
• The Downtown, Columbus Dollar General after board were removed from windows on Tuesday, Oct. 28. The boards were initially put up ahead of the loss of SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. (NBC4)

Those seeking additional assistance can reach out to a local food pantry like the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.

For all SNAP beneficiaries in any state, EBT cards will still work in November. Any unused benefits from prior months will roll over and the balance will still be accessible after Nov. 1.

SNAP, formerly called the Food Stamp Program, is funded by the federal government but administered by states. The USDA’s shutdown contingency plan allows the agency to tap into reserve funding to keep SNAP operating if the federal government remains shut for longer than a month. However, the Trump administration said it would not do that.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio (WCMH) – A restaurant serving up “Columbus’ most iconic smashburgers” is preparing to launch a new location near Grandview Heights. 

Preston’s: A Burger Joint will join The Little Grand food hall, the brands announced on social media last week. An opening date was not provided. The Little Grand, which opened in August 2024, sits at 710 Grandview Xing Way in Columbus, just south of Grandview Heights. 

“Led by Chef Matthew Heaggans, Preston’s is a midwestern burger joint known for sourcing locally and serving up one of Columbus’ most iconic smashburgers,” The Little Grand wrote in an Oct. 23 Instagram post.  

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Founded in 2017, Preston’s got its start serving burgers at pop-up events in central Ohio before opening in the North Market Downtown in 2020. About three years later, the concept relocated to 2973 N. High St. in South Clintonville, where it will continue operating after its opening at The Little Grand. 

Preston’s is known for its smashburgers made from locally sourced beef. The burgers come in three variations, including its classic option, which includes a special sauce, American cheese, red onion, lettuce and pickles. Also on the menu is a “Spicy Boi” burger, featuring Sambal jam and pimento cheese, and a mushroom Swiss burger.

Additionally, the restaurant serves chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, biscuits and French fries, as well as desserts such as banana pudding. The eatery offers vegetarian options too, including a veggie burger and fried mushroom sandwich. 

Preston’s is set to take over the spot that was previously occupied by Taesty’s Southern Style, a Circleville-based restaurant and food truck that departed the food hall in August. The burger joint will join a variety of tenants at the market, including Los Agavez Taqueria, Seoul Food On The Go, Just Chicken and Gants Pizza. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- We are just a few days away from all the little ones getting out for trick-or-treating. Although we can't change the day of the week, or the costume, we can prepare for the weather.

Depending on which day your community holds trick or treat this year, it could make a big impact on how the little ones will have to dress for the evening. We have a listing of trick-or-treat times and dates for central Ohio here.

What we are watching for

An area of low pressure will move up toward our area on Thursday and will bring up rain showers, winds, and drive down cooler temperatures. The low will shift off to the northeast on Friday and move away from our area. It will likely keep winds up both days, but the drier night will be on Friday.

• 
• 

For Thursday trick-or-treaters

Expect chilly temperatures as the low moves through our area and keeps winds up and rain showers around, especially during the day, and tapering down toward the evening. The likely outcome is that temperatures will struggle to get to near 50 on Thursday, and drop into the middle 40s during the evening, with at least showers to start the trick-or-treat hours.

For Friday trick-or-treaters

Expect the better of the two trick-or-treating evenings. Temperatures will not be significantly warmer, due to the fact that Friday is still going to be a fairly cloudy day. Plus, starting the day off with a northwest to westerly flow, we will keep temperatures down in the lower to near mid-50s on Friday. By the time we get to the evening, temperatures will be in the lower 50s and will drop into the upper 40s during the evening. It does appear to be a drier night, with maybe a light sprinkle or two possible in the far northeast counties.

What Oct. 30-31 historically look like

Looking at the almanac data for the last two days of October for Columbus, it's a lock that this year will be cooler than normal. Historically speaking, Halloween has been wetter than the day before Halloween, which will be flipped this year. And yes, it has snowed some around this time of the year, too!

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Election Day is a week away, and central Ohio school districts are hoping voters will help them address increasing enrollment.

Many levies and bonds express cost in millage, the rate property is taxed in Ohio, rather than a dollar value. That rate is used to calculate property taxes, a hot topic in the Buckeye State. See previous coverage of upcoming ballot issues in the video player above.

As legislators attempt tax reform and educators say Ohio continues to underfund public schools, school levies may look different in the coming years. For now, here are the levy and bond issues you can expect to see on your Nov. 4 ballot.

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Olentangy Schools hope to raise $235 million through a new bond issue the district said will not raise the tax rate. After Olentangy's last voter request failed two years ago, district leadership slowly reduced tax rates to ensure this request would keep the tax rate consistent.

Olentangy leaders said its elementary and high schools will exceed capacity next school year. The district also expects to enroll 2,000 more students by 2028. Olentangy said building new facilities now address the most pressing crowding concerns.

If approved, Olentangy said there will likely be redistricting, but new school buildings will simplify the process. The district offered more information on the bond issue at community information sessions. The final sessions will take place Wednesday.

If the issue passes, construction could begin next year. The district hopes the elementary school would be built by 2027, and the high school would be completed by 2028.

Westerville City Schools

Westerville's income tax levy is facing community push back, but the district said it may have to cut $20 million if the measure fails.

This is the second year in a row Westerville is asking for taxpayer support, and the district has already cut costs and eliminated 33 staff positions. The district said it needs the funding to maintain its current services, staffing and academics.

Some residents are opposed to the levy, saying there are too many questions about Westerville's budget. The district has clashed with residents who presented their own fiscal data, which Westerville said does not match district reports.

As an income levy, it would not raise property taxes. Instead, it would cost district residents 75 cents per every $100 they make. The levy would not apply to retirement income or social security.

Senate race: Brown raises $8M, Husted sets GOP record Southwest Licking Schools

Southwest Licking hopes its 3.48-mills bond issue will fund a new fifth- and sixth-grade building, and add a new wing and parking at Watkins Memorial High School. If approved, the bond issue would generate $95.3 million for the district.

Southwest Licking said the bond issue is needed to address growing enrollment. District buildings have a capacity of 5,200, which enrollment projections will pass by the 2032-2033 school year. Some voters asked why the district needs new buildings after construction in 2017, but Southwest Licking said that project was limited because it was done in partnership with the state, which had its own requirements.

Unlike the bond issue that failed in May, November's attempt does not include funding for an athletic center. If approved, the November issue would cost taxpayers $121.92 per $100,000 of their home value annually.

Delaware City Schools

Delaware is hoping to pass a 2.85-mill permanent improvement levy that will generate about $4.5 million annually. The district said if it does not pass, the district will fall behind on building maintenance and necessary updates.

Delaware said the district is currently operating on the same permanent improvement funds as it was in 1989, and costs have risen. If approved, the district said it would use funds to maintain district facilities, repair and replace school buses, and update curriculum materials. The funds would also help repair and replace aging computer systems. Permanent improvement levies cannot be used for day-to-day operations or salaries.

If approved by voters, the permanent improvement levy would cost taxpayers about $100 per $100,000 of their home's value annually.

Jonathan Alder Local Schools

Jonathan Alder is trying again for the 5.12-mills bond issue that failed by just 0.5% in May. If approved, the bond issue would generate $70.6 million for the district to create a new 6-12 grade campus.

The district said it expects student enrollment to increase by more than 20% over the next 10 years, and all of its school buildings are at or near capacity. Jonathan Alder hopes the bond issue will pay for a new junior high school, attached to the high school, to serve as a 6-12 hub. The high school and Canaan Middle School would both get classroom additions to serve more students, and the district would reorganize grade levels and facilities to maximize use.

If approved, the bond issue would cost taxpayers $179 per $100,000 of a taxpayers’ county appraised property value. However, residents on land that qualifies for current agricultural use valuation (CAUV) pay differently, and will owe $5.22 per acre.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – An Ohio-based corporation known for its peanut butter and jelly sandwiches has filed a lawsuit against Trader Joe’s, accusing the grocery chain of launching an “obvious copycat” of Uncrustables. 

On Oct. 13, The J.M. Smucker Company – which produces Jif peanut butter, Smucker’s jam and Uncrustables – filed a federal lawsuit against Trader Joe’s in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

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The company alleges that a crustless peanut butter and jelly product created by Trader Joe’s infringes on Smucker’s trademarks for a “round pie-like shape with distinct peripheral undulated crimping” and imagery of the sandwich “with a bite taken out of it showing filling on the inside.” 

“Smucker does not take issue with others in the marketplace selling prepackaged, frozen, thaw-and-eat crustless sandwiches,” the filing says. “But it cannot allow others to use Smucker’s valuable intellectual property to make such sales.”

• Trader Joe's crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
• A box of Smucker's Uncrustables sandwiches are seen in a freezer of a supermarket in New York on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison)

Trader Joe’s did not respond to NBC4’s request for comment. The grocery chain released its crustless sandwiches in August. Its website states, “while a ready-to-eat sandwich sans crust is not a new culinary invention,” Trader Joe’s version serves as an alternative to those that contain “less than desirable ingredients and artificial preservatives.” 

In the suit, Smucker called the product “an obvious attempt to trade off of the fame and recognition” of Uncrustables. The company also claimed the similar visuals have already led consumers to falsely believe the product is in some way affiliated with Smucker. The filing cites a social media comment from a person claiming Trader Joe’s is contracting with Smucker to make the sandwiches under its private label.

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Smucker, headquartered in Orrville in northeastern Ohio, launched Uncrustables in grocery stores in 2000. The company produces about 1.5 billion Uncrustables each year, and the products are “fast on their way to being a $1 billion brand,” according to the filing. 

The lawsuit seeks to stop Trader Joe’s from using branding that is “confusingly similar” to Uncrustables. It asks a judge to require Trader Joe’s to deliver all crustless sandwiches and related materials to Smucker for destruction. Smucker also wants Trader Joe’s to pay for its attorney fees and hand over profits it made off the similar product. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The senator behind a bill to name the buckeye Ohio's official candy hopes it passes before Ohio State's football season ends, "that way we can celebrate making the buckeye our official state candy and then give That Team Up North their just desserts," he said.

Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) introduced Senate Bill 247 in August to officially designate the buckeye confection as Ohio's state candy. During the bill's first hearing on Oct. 22 in the Ohio Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee, DeMora said the peanut butter and chocolate treat "has become a long-lasting beloved tradition for generations of families all over Ohio."

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"Go anywhere and you’ll find them in bakeries, grocery stores, candy shops, and even kitchens made from scratch. Families pass down their favorite recipes. Parents teach their kids how to roll the peanut butter balls right before dipping in chocolate," DeMora said during the hearing. "And of course, no Ohio State tailgate is complete without a plate of buckeyes on the table. It's something we all share, from Cincinnati to Columbus to Cleveland, and everywhere in between."

(Adobe Stock)

"As someone who represents the Ohio State University, I'd sure love to see this bill pass before the end of football season," the senator continued.

Ohio State is undefeated and the top-ranked team in the country this season. It ends the regular season with its traditional game against Michigan on Nov. 29.

When S.B. 247 was introduced this summer, DeMora argued that the candy's enduring popularity and cultural relevance make it a fitting addition to Ohio's collection of state symbols, which includes the Ohio buckeye tree, the cardinal, and the scarlet carnation. While Ohio also lacks an official fish, lawmakers have put forward a bill to name the walleye the state fish.

DeMora's bill came shortly after state Rep. Sean Brennan (D-Parma) also put forward House Bill 418 to correct a long-standing error in the official record concerning the buckeye tree's scientific name. Since 1953, Ohio law has listed the Latin name as Aesculus globra, a misspelling of the correct term, Aesculus glabra.

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"As a proud Buckeye, I believe our state's official symbols deserve to be represented with accuracy and respect," Brennan said in a press release. "This isn't just a matter of spelling -- it's about honoring the natural heritage of Ohio and ensuring the revised code reflects the same excellence we expect in every part of state government."

H.B. 418, assigned to the Ohio House General Government Committee where it has yet to receive a hearing, makes no substantive change to the tree's designation, the legislator noted. Instead, it aims to reflect attention to detail and pride in Ohio's identity, he said.

"Whether you’re a botanist, a student, or just a proud Ohioan, you deserve a state law that gets the buckeye right," Brennan added.

S.B. 247 may receive additional Ohio Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee hearing open for public testimony.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus City Schools hosted the first of three town halls Monday night, asking residents for feedback on where to cut $50 million from the budget for next school year.

The school board will vote this December on what cuts will be made.

Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman and board members have been calling for feedback from parents and community members for months. Monday at South High School, people got that opportunity.

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“We do have to cut $50 million from the general fund for next school year, and so we can't say we have to protect everything and nothing is on the table,” Chapman said. “We have to make a decision.”

District leaders have discussed cuts to high school transportation and more school closures. Parents and students said they are most concerned about busing.

“I’ve been really agitated, especially about the transportation, because not many people are going to want their kids on a bus, especially around this area,” Columbus parent Melissa Ritz said.

“My grandmother just told me while she was riding the bus that there was a fight that happened,” South High School student Kyleana Howard said. “You don’t want your child to see that, be around that.”

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The town hall also provided clarification for people overwhelmed by the size of the budget cut.

“It was definitely helpful,” Howard said. “It gave me more to think about.”

“I’m glad I came because like I said, I was really more upset with the district itself as far as the schools, but now that I'm here and I got to see, you know, what they're trying to accomplish, I feel bad for them,” Ritz said.

Chapman and Columbus City School Board President Michael Cole said big decisions are coming. Not everyone will be happy with the outcome, but everyone will have a voice in the process.

“We believe that by giving our community some choices to consider, it's not all or nothing; they have choices and so we welcome their feedback,” Chapman said.

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A special board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 13, where cuts to staff and programs will be discussed. It’s set to be one of the final public conversations before the board votes on where to make the $50 million in cuts.

“As of December, it's about making the best decision that we have been equipped to make for the children of Columbus City Schools,” Cole said.

Two more town halls are scheduled for this week. People can attend events at West High School on Tuesday at 6 p.m. or at Mifflin High School on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Anyone can view the town hall materials or share feedback with the district on its website by clicking here.

HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) -- Hilliard City Council and residents are opposing an energy project linked to the Amazon data center. The company plans to install over 200 fuel cells at its facility off Scioto Darby Creek Road. 

"I think if people sit back and don't say anything, that's not going to change anything," resident Chris Ighnat said. "So, we're looking to change what's happening over there."

Chris Ighnat is behind a petition that's already received over 600 signatures urging council to appoint special counsel and file an appeal to stop construction.

At Monday night's city council meeting they approved a motion to hire an outside law firm that specializes in environmental impact issues. They have until Nov. 8 to file their appeal. 

"We were pleased with the level of support from city council today but it's a big fight," resident Ted Cannelongo said.

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The city of Hilliard originally opposed the natural gas fuel cell power plant that Amazon Web Services and AEP Ohio plan to use to power multiple data centers in Hilliard near homes and schools but the state ultimately has the final say and approved it anyway. 

"The way that this got approved, the approvals did not follow suit, the notifications, the communication, and overall, the transparency was not there," Ighnat said. 

Several residents spoke during public comment Monday night. They raised concerns surrounding long-term health impacts because the fuel cells will be powered by a large gas pipelines. Residents say there are too many unanswered questions about how this project could affect families living nearby.

"The CO2 is probably the biggest one," Ighnat said. "Fire safety. Right. Norwich Township has not received any plan from AEP or Amazon about how they're going to handle whatever may happen over there. There's health and respiratory concerns, diminishing home values."

In a statement, AEP Ohio said:

"AEP Ohio appreciates the relationship we have with the Hilliard community. We remain committed to maintaining those relationships as we deliver innovative solutions for our customers that are safe and comply with all laws and regulations applicable to their operation — in this case, an onsite fuel cell system at a customer’s site. Fuel cells have proven to be a safe, clean solution for customers' energy needs. Per regulatory approvals for this project, AEP Ohio will ensure that local first responders are trained on potential fuel cell emergencies. Fuel cells have low emissions characteristics, since they do not provide energy through combustion, and any emissions will be within the limits set by the Ohio EPA."

In a statement, Amazon said:

“We work with local utilities to access the energy needed to meet the needs of our customers. This includes collaborating with a diverse set of stakeholders to deliver highly reliable electricity from local power grids along with enabling new carbon-free generation sources like solar and wind. In some instances, such as in Franklin County, the local utility will deploy fuel cells as an interim solution to power a small portion of our overall data center operations while we await completion of larger scale transmission and distribution upgrades in Ohio.”

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"While this technology is touted as a green technology, it hasn't really been deployed at this scale in North America and there also really aren't requirements in place right now to perform the kind of impact studies, run the dispersion modeling, to understand exactly what the health impacts are," Cannelongo said. 

Those same fears were shared by councilmembers who said they felt blindsided by the state's decision to move the project forward without local approval.

"We all understand the need for energy in the United States and across the world, actually," Hilliard City Councilmember Les Carrier said. "But you can't just be throwing up 1.5 million pounds of CO2 a day into the air next to a neighborhood to school without some kind of measurement of what that means."

AEP Ohio and AWS plan to begin construction on the fuel cell system in January, to be completed around September 2027. The project is slated to be temporary until AEP Ohio can catch up with demands on the grid.

"This fight's just warming up," Carrier said. "We need to reach out, get to other communities and make sure that there's some balance in this approach."