Feed aggregator

September is National Preparedness Month, which is a good time to look at your personal, family, and community resilience levels. For 2025, the National Preparedness Month theme is “Preparedness Starts at Home.” 

Amateur radio is a valuable resource for communication and community service before and during times of crisis, and can be a significant factor in your home’s level of preparedness.

“Now...

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The wife of the late Johnny Gaudreau shared a heartfelt message on the one year anniversary of his death.

"I have the best husband," Meredith Gaudreau wrote in an Instagram story. "One year closer to seeing you again and being with you forever. Forever for real."

In the post, Gaudreau shared a video tribute that was posted by the Blue Jackets and the NHL.

Beloved small businesses face closure amid redevelopment plans on Kenny Road

"8/29/2020 we got engaged. 8/29 is a reminder of what forever means to me," she wrote under the video. "I love you."

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were both killed last Aug. 29 when they were hit by a suspected drunken driver while in New Jersey for their sister's wedding.

The alleged driver, Sean Higgins, was indicted on Dec. 11 after a grand jury submitted charges of two counts of reckless vehicular homicide, two counts of aggravated manslaughter, tampering with physical evidence, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Higgins, who was driving with a reported blood alcohol level of 0.087, struck the Gaudreau brothers last August as they were cycling after sunset on a road near Salem, New Jersey

Johnny Gaudreau, known as “Johnny Hockey,” amassed 243 goals and 500 assists over 11 seasons in the NHL. He signed with the Blue Jackets as a free agent two seasons ago and led the team in points with 74 and 60, respectively, including 101 assists. He chose the Blue Jackets over bigger contract offers, saying he wanted to be able to raise his family in central Ohio.

Johnny Gaudreau was named to the NHL's All-Quarter-Century team as part of the group of skaters who made their debuts after 2010. Watch previous coverage in the player above.

Ohio University cancels 11 degree programs, may change 25 more due to Senate Bill 1

Matthew Gaudreau also played hockey professionally for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League, and the Worcester Railers and the Reading Royals of the ECHL. He and Johnny played together at Boston College in 2013 and as a senior, Matthew led the Eagles in assists and points.

Matthew Gaudreau turned to coaching and became coach of Gloucester (New Jersey) Catholic High School hockey team in 2022.

The Gaudreau brothers were born in Salem, New Jersey, and grew up in Carneys Point Township. They were scheduled to be groomsmen in their sister’s wedding.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As fans in central Ohio prepare to cheer on The Ohio State Buckeyes during the home opener against the Texas Longhorns, alumni all over the world are making sure they are loud and proud.

The OSU Alumni Club of Greater London is just one of several groups hosting a watch party for this highly anticipated matchup. The club has approximately 100 members and they will be gathering at 5 p.m. (GMT) on Saturday. The theme is “High Noon at the Shoe.”

The club often hosts watch parties throughout the year. In January, dozens of Ohio State alumni and fans got together for a 12:30 a.m. kick off in London to watch the National Championship game.

Fourth-down conversions help Rutgers escape Ohio in Big Ten, MAC season opener

“It’s just always such a good atmosphere,” said alumni club board member, Dave Thomas. “We’re so privileged to bring all of these people together, just to show the Buckeye and Ohio spirit.”

Thomas is from England and studied abroad at Ohio State. He knows what it’s like to be inside Ohio Stadium for an important game. The club tries to keep that spirit and sense of community alive.

“It’s not quite like being at the Shoe, but it’s as close as we can get, so especially during those big games like That Team Up North, Penn State, the game we got Saturday, it’s going to be a very intense, loud and passionate atmosphere. It’s just good to be able to experience that 4,000 miles away from Columbus.” 

While the experience in London lacks the live sounds of The Ohio State University Marching Band, Brutus and hundreds of thousands of people in the streets of Columbus, board member Reed Flynt said it’s still exciting to see everyone come together to root on the Scarlet and Gray. 

“Once the game starts up and you see a Buckeye touchdown and you get the Ohio State music on the speaker, there’s still plenty of energy in there,” said Flynt. 

Both Flynt and Thomas are ready for a win to start the season. They know what’s at stake and will be representing Ohio State no matter what. 

Meet the ‘Coach’ behind Ohio State’s winning culture

“It’s going to be a real test for the Buckeyes, but I know we can do it, especially in the Shoe,” said Thomas. “I’m kind of jealous I’m not out there, but we’ll do our best to replicate it over here in London.”

If you are traveling to London during the season and want to attend an OSU watch party, message the club on Facebook, Instagram or X. 

Thomas also said if you want to join the Alumni Club of Greater London Facebook group, mention in one of the answers to their questionnaire that you saw this story on NBC4. He said it will help them deter spam accounts.

ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® Headquarters will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of the Labor Day federal holiday.

There will be no W1AW bulletin or code practice transmissions. ARRL Headquarters will reopen on Tuesday, September 2, at 8 AM EDT (1200 UTC).

Visit the ARRL Special Events Stations database to find on-the-air events and commemorations this we...

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Labor Day weekend has arrived, and central Ohio celebrations are already getting underway with several traditional events loaded with all types of entertainment, food and live music.

From arts festivals to parades and family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. See the list below for top Labor Day happenings across the region for a weekend of fun and festivities.

Bexley Labor Day Block Party
Date: Sunday, Aug. 31, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: East Main Street and Drexel Avenue, Bexley
Highlights:
• Block party with live music, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and more.
• Bexley BrewFest featuring craft brews, seltzers, and ciders from Ohio breweries (ticket required for BrewFest).

Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30 and 31, noon to 11 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, noon to 6 p.m.
Location: East Waterloo Street and North High Street, Canal Winchester
Highlights:
• Tailgate Party for the OSU football game with on a giant screen.
• Ohio musical acts.
• Mini golf in Stradley Park.
• More than 40 craft vendors along East Waterloo Street.

Newark Labor Day Parade
Date: Monday, Sept. 1, from noon to 1 p.m. The parade will form at 10 a.m.
Location: Newark, starting at 3rd St. and Walnut, going north on 3rd St. to 350 Hudson Ave.
Highlights:
• Celebrate workers with floats, walking, or riding in the parade.
• Parade ends at USW Hall at 350 Hudson Ave., Newark.
• Food provided at USW 244 Union Hall around 12:30 p.m., rain or shine.

Worthington — St. Michael Church Labor Day Weekend Festival
Dates: Friday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30 and 31, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Location: 5750 N. High St., Worthington
Highlights:
• Music, rides, food, bake sale, raffle, casino and silent auction.

Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival
Date: Monday, Sept. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Northam Park, 2850 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington
Highlights:
• Celebrating the arts since 1966 with more than 120 artists.
• Fine art and fine craft work, including paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, and sculptures.
• Hands-on art activities, live music, food trucks.

West Jefferson Ox Roast
Dates: Saturday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 1
Location: Garrette Park, West Jefferson
Highlights:
• Traditional ox roast festivities.
• Food, games and community activities.

West Liberty Labor Day Festival
Dates: Friday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sept. 1.
Location: Lions Club Park, West Liberty
Highlights:
• 60th annual festival with free admission.
• Exhibitors, food trucks, live music, petting zoo, antique equipment show, and vendors.
• Parade on Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom is going after Ohio for its homicide rate as part of his push to point out what he calls hypocrisy from the Trump administration over crime.

"Ohio's homicide rate is 160% higher than California's, but you wouldn't know that by watching FOX NEWS," Newsom's team posted on his official press office account, citing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Are Newsom's claims about Ohio's homicide rate true?

While Newsom is correct that Ohio's homicide rate is higher than California's based on data from 2023 -- the most recent year available -- he is incorrectly applying percentages, making his number inflated. He has made the same error in claims about other states as well.

‘No sympathy:’ Ohio bill aims to stiffen penalties for human traffickers

CDC data shows that in 2023, California had a homicide rate of 5.1 per 100,000 residents. Ohio had a homicide rate of 8 per 100,000 residents. That would make Ohio's homicide rate about 56% higher than California's, not 160%.

The debate over crime

Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, has spent the last several days posting about the homicide rates in Republican-led states in response to President Donald Trump deploying the National Guard in Washington, D.C. to address crime. Trump has also suggested targeting other Democratic-controlled cities in blue states like Chicago and Baltimore.

"If the president is sincere about the issue of crime and violence, there's no question in my mind that he will likely be sending the troops into Louisiana and Mississippi to address the unconscionable wave of violence that continues to plague those states," Newsom said at a Thursday news conference.

In response, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) said Newsom will do anything for attention and should focus on governing his state.

"We have crime in cities all across America, and we're against that everywhere," Johnson said in an interview on Fox News. "We've got to address it everywhere that it rears its ugly head. I think every major city in the country, the residents of those cities, are open to that."

Columbus parents, teachers concerned by frequent school violence

Newsom accused Trump of not being focused on the issue of crime and violence, but instead "expression of authoritarianism."

"Alabama is top three," he said. "Where's the President of the United States? I thought he cared. These are his states that voted for him."

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday criticized cities run by Democrats.

"This is President Trump's message to Americans in Democrat-run cities nationwide: Decline is a choice," she said. "You don't have to live in constant fear of being robbed, raped, or murdered. Your leaders are lying to you, and they have been failing you for decades."

Leavitt singled out Chicago for having the most murders of any U.S. city. A study from the Rochester Institute of Technology found that Chicago had 21.7 homicides per 100,000 people in 2024. Because the city has the third largest population, its homicide rate was the 8th highest in the nation.

Marion councilmember reindicted on rape charges after dismissal

St. Louis, New Orleans, Detroit, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Indianapolis, and Richmond, Virginia, all had higher homicide rates than Chicago, according to the study.

"The Trump approach of upholding law and order and allowing our brave men and women in blue to actually do their jobs to aggressively stomp out crime works," Leavitt said.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Texas-based taco joint has closed one of its central Ohio locations after three years of business.

Torchy's Tacos at 1478 Gemini Place near Polaris Fashion Place welcomed customers for the last time on Tuesday. The brand entered Columbus as a ghost kitchen in 2021 then opened the Polaris restaurant in 2022, marking the brand's first Ohio location followed by Dublin and New Albany eateries in 2023.

Ohio State campus-area bar Bier Stube returns with new location

"Closing a restaurant is never easy, especially in a community that's shown us so much love," said Torchy's CEO Paul Macaluso in a statement. "This decision reflects a broader shift in how we grow and where we can make the biggest long-term impact."

• Torchy's Tacos at 1478 Gemini Place near Polaris Fashion Place welcomed customers for the last time on Tuesday. (Courtesy Photo/Torchy's Tacos)
• The menu boasts a series of "damn good" tacos, including the "Trailer Park" fried chicken taco with poblano sauce. (Courtesy Photo/Torchy's Tacos)

Torchy's menu boasts a series of "damn good" tacos, including the "Trailer Park" fried chicken taco with poblano sauce and the "Mr. Orange" blackened salmon taco with black bean relish and cotija cheese. Torchy's is also home to the "Democrat" barbacoa taco and the "Republican" smoked beef brisket taco.

Founded in Austin, Texas, in 2006, Torchy's has grown to more than 130 restaurants in 16 states. The brand also operates a Cincinnati eatery in Liberty Township that opened in 2024. The Dublin and New Albany locations remain open with varying hours.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The parent company of Bravo Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille – chains with multiple locations in central Ohio – has filed for bankruptcy. 

Bravo Brio Restaurants filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida on Aug. 18 in an effort to “improve its financial position as it brings on a new investor,” according to a news release. 

The company said it hopes to “quickly and efficiently reorganize its business” by restructuring debt, reducing expenses and closing underperforming locations. 

The move marks the second time the restaurant chains have filed for bankruptcy in the past five years. In June 2020, the brands' previous owner, FoodFirst Global Restaurants, filed for bankruptcy primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently closed a total of 48 Brio and Bravo locations. The hospitality company Earl Enterprises acquired the Italian chains a short time later.

In a news release addressing the 2025 filing, the corporation stated the casual dining restaurant sector has faced declining customer demand and increased competition, particularly from fast-casual eateries. 

“In addition, ongoing inflationary pressure, rising food and labor costs, and a softening in discretionary consumer spending have contributed to underperformance, especially in shopping centers with high vacancies and declining foot traffic,” the company said. 

The Columbus area is home to two Brio locations, both of which are in shopping centers. One is located at Easton Town Center, and the other at Polaris Fashion Place. Central Ohio also has Bravo locations at 3000 Hayden Road in northwest Columbus and 1803 Olentangy River Road in the University View neighborhood. 

The Brio at Easton Town Center. (Photo courtesy/Franklin County Auditor's Office)

Multiple of the chains' locations closed in the U.S. leading up to and concurrently with the filing, including a Brio at a Cleveland-area shopping center and another at Dayton mall, as well as a Bravo in a Canton mall. News reports indicate locations of the Italian restaurants also recently shuttered in Virginia, Missouri and Delaware. 

Whether Columbus-area eateries will meet the same fate is unclear. NBC4 reached out to Bravo Brio Restaurants to ask whether there were any plans to close its central Ohio restaurants, but did not receive a response. Spokespeople with Easton and Polaris both declined to comment. 

However, the company told NBC’s Today.com that there are no current plans to close any locations, according to an article posted on Aug. 21. It also said in a news release that the bankruptcy process is “generally expected to be seamless for Bravo and Brio’s guests, employees and vendors, and result in minimal disruption to operations.”

Bravo Brio Restaurants’ filing comes after multiple casual dining chains also declared bankruptcy over the past two years, including Hooters, TGI Fridays, Red Lobster and Buca di Beppo. 

Currently, the Florida-based company operates 25 Brio locations and 23 Bravo locations. The first Bravo and Brio restaurants were opened in Columbus by the Doody family, who own Lindey’s Restaurant & Bar in German Village.

The family launched the first Bravo in 1992, which still operates on Hayden Road, and the first Brio in 1999, which also still operates at Easton Town Center. They sold the chains to GP Investments in 2018, which then formed FoodFirst Global Restaurants.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- After months of talk and preparation, the season opener between No. 1 Texas and No. 3 Ohio State has finally arrived.

The Buckeyes, the defending College Football Playoff national champions, will play the Longhorns at noon Saturday at Ohio Stadium, marking the first meeting between the programs in Columbus in 20 years.

"The number one goal is to win the game. Win the game. Win the game," coach Ryan Day said. "You don't know which way the game is going to go. It could be close. We find ourselves out ahead. We find ourselves behind. We have to have a gameplan to be able to respond to those things."

Here are three things to know.

Dealing with the unknown

In both teams' eyes, they're coming in with clean slates. Although there are familiar faces on both teams, there are new players as well as veterans stepping up in new positions.

Arch Manning will make his first road start for Texas. Meanwhile, Matt Patricia makes his debut as Ohio State's defensive coordinator.

"You take what you see in practice and you try to project the best you can," Day said. "That's the thing about first games is that you make a lot of assumptions, you're assuming it's going to look a certain way in the game. Certain assumptions are going to be right. Other assumptions are going to be wrong," Day said. "They got to go play the game now. We're ready to go play. We can't wait to get on this field and get the season started."

The one thing that Day does know is that his team needs to avoid the distractions that come with a season opener of this magnitude.

Expectations of Julian Sayin

One of the unknowns that will unfold on Saturday is how quarterback Julian Sayin will fare in his first game as a starter. The sophomore beat out junior Lincoln Keinholz in preseason camp.

Although Sayin will have big shoes to fill after the departure of Will Howard, Day wants to make sure he doesn't put too much pressure on himself in his debut.

"I think for every quarterback, they have to find their own voice and lead," Day said. "I think he has high character. His connection, I think he connects well. He's found his voice, I believe, in the preseason."

Day said the coaching staff challenged Sayin to have command of the huddle and the game plan and to make great decisions.

"Now it's time to put it out on the field. But you're definitely seeing a lot of changes with him and a lot of growth," Day said.

Farewell to Lee Corso

It is only fitting that one of the great voices in college football broadcasting will say farewell at one of the sport's legendary venues ahead of a heavyweight matchup like Texas-Ohio State.

On Saturday, Lee Corso will appear on ESPN's College GameDay for the final time, ending a run of nearly 40 years filled with passionate analysis and headgear picks, a tradition that started when he donned the Brutus Buckeye mascot back in 1996.

"Another great ambassador to the game. Just someone who's been positive and builds people up," Day said. "So many years of putting on the mascot heads and making Saturdays so enjoyable for so many people."

Corso will have a full circle moment on Saturday. The question is: Which headgear will he pick?

NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) -- A private retreat in the heart of New Albany is seeking a new owner for $2,999,000.

Located on a wooded cul-de-sac just off Morse Road, the 6,258-square-foot home has all new interior paint, new white oak flooring and a sound system throughout the home. The home at 7747 Sutton Place offers six bedrooms, six bathrooms, an inground pool, outdoor grill station and newly constructed entertainment barn complete with an indoor basketball court.

The stately brick entrance downplays the home's size, opening into an expansive entry level. The ground floor offers plenty of space for lounging with open family rooms, dining rooms and bonus rooms. The first floor also includes a four-seasons room and laundry.

Report: The best high schools in Ohio and nationally

The large kitchen includes granite countertops and abundant cabinetry. It features professional-grade appliances and an oversized central island, complete with a second sink, seating and a warming drawer. A walk-in pantry offers extra storage nearby.

Upstairs, the house has five bedrooms and four full bathrooms. The primary bedroom includes a spacious walk-in closet and dual vanities in the adjoining bathroom. A separate carriage suite offers a private residence with its own kitchen and family room.

• Courtesy photo / Drew Lehman and Thomas Riddle Real Estate Group
• Courtesy photo / Drew Lehman and Thomas Riddle Real Estate Group
• Courtesy photo / Drew Lehman and Thomas Riddle Real Estate Group
• Courtesy photo / Drew Lehman and Thomas Riddle Real Estate Group
• Courtesy photo / Drew Lehman and Thomas Riddle Real Estate Group
• Courtesy photo / Drew Lehman and Thomas Riddle Real Estate Group
• Courtesy photo / Drew Lehman and Thomas Riddle Real Estate Group

If homeowners want to put a little more space between themselves and their guests, the basement also boasts and full bath and bedroom. The basement is also outfitted for a full rec room and space for a home gym.

How much daylight Columbus will lose in September

The jewel of the home is a newly built entertainment barn. The barn includes a full basketball and pickleball court with its own scoreboard. On one side, the barn also offers a small kitchen and living room. Upstairs, the barn has a lofted lounge area for guests or relaxation.

Between the barn and home spans a full pool with an automatic cover. The patio offers covered and uncovered lounge areas, including space to sit around a built-in table fire place and a projector screen. Residents can also enjoy a full outdoor grill station and brick pizza oven.

Along with a hot tub and plenty of outdoor space, kids will enjoy the home's turf play space and in-ground trampoline. The three-car garage is also heated.

The home is having an open house this Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- Dublin City Schools is preparing to unveil new high school boundaries as construction continues on an expansion at Scioto High School.

The redistricting comes in response to uneven enrollment across Dublin's three high schools, with Jerome High School seeing disproportionate growth. To guide the process, the district is again partnering with Cropper GIS, a school planning consultant that helped redraw Dublin's elementary and middle school boundaries last year.

"This is both exciting and very challenging. We are blessed to be a destination district where we are part of increasing enrollment," said John Marschhausen, Dublin schools superintendent, during a virtual meeting on Tuesday. "This will cause some discomfort and this is gonna be difficult for some of our families, and we're gonna have to make some difficult decisions."

Scioto expansion underway

Dublin schools is undertaking high school redistricting in tandem with a major expansion at Scioto. The 60,000-square-foot expansion is set to open by the 2026-27 school year and includes a two-story academic wing and a larger dining commons. Watch a previous NBC4 report on Scioto's expansion in the video player above.

OhioHealth eyes approval for $250 million Dublin Methodist expansion

Matthew Cropper, president of Cropper GIS, said during Tuesday's meeting they are leveraging Scioto's expansion to "fully utilize the space that's available." Once redistricting is complete, about 600 students will be shifted from Jerome, half to Coffman and the other half to Scioto, bringing each school's enrollment to about 2,000 students. This marks the first redistricting of Dublin's high schools since 2006.

"Balance utilization, address overcrowding, but also be mindful of the future potential growth so that these boundaries can hold as long as possible," said Cropper.

Timeline and community input

The district will present draft boundary maps on Sept. 29, alongside public input sessions at both Coffman and Jerome high schools. Final maps will be released on Nov. 10 before the district begins planning in late December for the following school year.

The new boundaries will take effect in fall 2026. However, students currently in grades 9 through 11 -- the classes of 2027, 2028 and 2029 -- will be allowed to remain at their current high school. Those who wish to stay at their current school must complete a determination form by Dec. 5. The superintendent said more details about this form will be shared later.

All students currently in eighth grade, the class of 2030, and younger will attend the high school assigned to their residence from redistricting. This includes siblings of high school students who are impacted by the new maps but choose to remain at their current school.

Dublin-based nonprofit lays off 80 central Ohio workers, cites AI and federal cuts

Marschhausen said the district aims to minimize situations where students live closer to one high school but are zoned for another. Still, "there are going to be some students who travel further to a high school, and there might be another high school closer," the superintendent said Tuesday.

"Where our three high schools are, it's not possible to have students all at the high school that's closest to their home," he said. "Right now, where we're experiencing the most rapid growth, it's in one specific area, so it means we're gonna have to move students kind of out of that area, or in that area, so that we can balance."

Why not build a fourth high school?

"There are probably about 200 million reason why [not to build a fourth high school], and that's what it would cost to build it and operate it," said Marschhausen, noting that the $145 million bond issue and 7.9 mill operating levy passed in 2023 allows the district to construct the Scioto expansion without asking for additional taxpayer resources.

In 2024, the district abandoned a nonbonding agreement to purchase Cardinal Health's west campus, which had been considered as a possible fourth high school. That decision followed zoning pushback from Dublin's planning commission.

Bridge Park expansion with condos, offices approved by Dublin zoning officials

"When you look at our enrollment projections 10 years and out ... I'm not sure we'd need a fourth high school if redistricting now gets the district right-sized for the future," he said. "I know that redistricting is hard for everyone involved, but doing redistricting because of growth is so much better than trying to redistrict because of condensing schools and consolidating areas."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Between practices and preparing for a game Saturday against No. 1 Texas, Ohio State football coach Ryan Day and his wife, Nina, are helping adults uplift children's mental health.

The Days are partnering with The Kids Mental Health Foundation through Nationwide Children's Hospital to encourage adults to help kids develop mental wellness skills. To do this, they are expanding their free Day Time Break program to help middle and high schoolers boost their mental health. See previous coverage of the Days discussing mental health in schools.

Ryan and Nina get an up-close view of the stress college athletics can put on students. The couple has also been affected by the long-term effects of losing a family member to suicide. The Day Time Break program has already reached more than 200,000 students. In partnering with The Kids Mental Health Foundation, the program will expand to also include resources geared toward high school.

Avoiding predatory parking scams at Ohio State football games

"In today's day and age now, they're processing so much information on a daily basis through their phones and just the way the world comes at young people nowadays," Ryan Day said. "So we need to help them understand where they are in all this."

In 2023, the Center for Disease Control found 40% of high school students had persistent sad or hopeless feelings. The CDC reported 20% of students had seriously considered attempting suicide, and 9% had attempted suicide. According to the CDC, suicide is the third-leading cause of death among 15-19-year-olds and the second-leading cause of death among 10-14-year-olds.

The Foundation said kids are not born with the tools to fight mental health concerns, so parents and adults need to be proactive. The Foundation asked more than 1,000 parents nationwide about how their kids react to setbacks, and only about half reported immediately bouncing back or trying again.

“I think a lot of our children know how to take care of themselves physically,” Nina Day said. “They drink water, get sleep and sometimes eat their broccoli, but they don’t know how to help their mental wellness. Ryan and I are trying to help out with the Day Time Break program.”

Ohio State marching band getting a uniform upgrade

Day Time Break offers mental health activities and lesson plans for teachers for free online. The program recommends taking quick breaks to build up students' mental health, like complimenting a classmate, stretching or creating a gratitude list. The Days also offer resources for parents to help them talk with their kids about their thoughts and feelings.

“Once you get the conversation going about mental health, it’s just amazing where it can go,” said Ryan Day. “It’s been humbling to realize how many people we’ve reached, but also when you realize how many more we can reach.”

The Days have long been involved with mental health advocacy in central Ohio, donating $1 million to OSU's mental health research in 2022 and starting the Christina and Ryan Day Fund for Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Wellness at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Franklin County deputies are investigating a head-on collision that claimed the life of one driver Thursday night in the northeast side of the city.

According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, a black 2017 Buick Lacrosse was traveling southbound on State Route 3 in Mifflin Township, near Champions Golf Club. For reasons unknown it veered left of center and into the northbound lane, and then struck a silver 2009 Honda Pilot that was heading north on SR-3, near the intersection of Ferris Road.

Ohio schools ban phone use under new law to ensure distraction-free learning

Hospitalized in critical condition was the driver of the Honda. The driver of the Buick was pronounced dead at 10:44 p.m. by hospital staff. Both drivers were the only two individuals involved in the crash.

FCSO deputies and medics from Mifflin Township, Clinton Township and Columbus Fire arrived at the scene, and the crash remains under investigation.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio lawmakers are working on a proposal that aims to stiffen penalties for human trafficking.

House Bill 47, sponsored by Reps. Nick Santucci (R-Niles) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township), would increase prison sentences for human trafficking, abduction and kidnapping. Abduction refers to forcibly restraining someone under circumstances that create a risk of harm or fear, while kidnapping is a more severe offense involving intent to engage in unlawful activity.

The bill, named the Human Trafficking Prevention Act, was introduced in February and passed the House unanimously in June. It awaits consideration in the Senate. 

“Trafficking destroys individuals, families and communities alike,” Williams said at an April hearing. “Those who facilitate this heinous crime deserve no sympathy and will receive none if the Human Trafficking Prevention Act becomes law.”

The legislation would raise the penalty for kidnapping a victim who is younger than 13 or who has a developmental disability from a minimum sentence of 15 years to a minimum sentence of 25 years. An earlier version of the bill would have extended these enhanced penalties to crimes involving all victims under the age of 18, but that provision was ultimately removed. 

Offenders charged with abduction involving involuntary servitude or a sexual motivation would also face a minimum of 25 years in prison, while the current minimum is 15 years. Additionally, the minimum sentence for human trafficking would jump from 10 years to 15 years. 

Under existing law, the offense of human trafficking prohibits people from knowingly recruiting or transporting victims. The bill would lower this standard, specifying that offenders only need to have “reason to believe” a victim is being trafficked. 

“In practice, human traffickers often purposefully leave their facilitators in the dark about their activities so as to protect themselves and to give the facilitators culpable deniability,” Williams testified. “This lower standard recognizes that those who facilitate human trafficking are just as culpable as the traffickers themselves and makes it easier to bring them to justice.”

Nine people testified in support of the bill at House hearings, including Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, as well as representatives from the Ohio Domestic Violence Network and Collaborative to End Human Trafficking. No one testified against the legislation. 

“Too often traffickers have faced menial prison sentences for their crimes,” Yost said at an April hearing. “Law enforcement and prosecutors are forced to bring different charges, such as weapons offenses, in an attempt to keep these evildoers off the street for as long as possible.”

Santucci cited data that showed Ohio ranked sixth in the nation for the number of cases reported to the Human Trafficking Hotline in 2021. He said Ohio’s large number of truck stops, expansive highway system and proximity to the Canadian border make the state a “hot spot” for human trafficking. 

“This legislation will contribute to greater safety in our communities and send a clear message to traffickers that their crimes will not be tolerated in Ohio,” he said. 

HB 47 has strong bipartisan support, with 68 cosponsors consisting of both Republicans and Democrats. The bill will face additional hearings in the Senate, where lawmakers will have the chance to make changes before potentially sending it to Gov. Mike DeWine for final approval.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- This school year, districts around Ohio have completely banned the use of phones during school hours following a new law from the latest state budget.

Districts don’t have to enforce the law until the new year, but schools across Ohio already have the ban in place.

It’s an effort to keep every student engaged and free of distractions.

“Kids can’t go to lunch or be in the hallways on their phones. We want to make sure that from the time they enter, they silence those phones, put those phones away, and they won't be using those phones again until the school day is over,” said Dr. Corey Grubbs, who leads the ‘No Phone Zone’ effort at Columbus City Schools.

He said the ban will help students stay focused.

Meet the 'Coach' behind Ohio State's winning culture

“Our goal was really to create those learning environments where every student is fully engaged and they’re distraction-free,” said Dr. Grubbs.

Students we spoke with said that as of this year, phones must be tucked away in a bag or locker.

“To an extent, it should be banned just so that way students actually focus,” said one student.

Parents around central Ohio seem to be in favor of the new law.

“There’s less distractions. I think he's learning things more. He's turning in his homework quicker because he's not being distracted with the phone,” said Hilliard parent Steven Friend.

“The kids have become a little hypersensitive to the ideas of needing these phones, being very codependent on these devices, where it builds up an anxiety within them,” said Danielle Tolkendorf, a Reynoldsburg mom.

There are exceptions to the phone ban, like in emergencies or for medical reasons.

Friend’s son has diabetes and is allowed to keep his phone on his desk.

Without his phone, Friend says his son wouldn’t be able to keep his insulin levels in check.

“He likes it because he can adjust all of his numbers from school without having to go to the nurse,” said Friend. “The whole cell phone thing is really what's able for us to keep him in public school and not have to homeschool him or anything like that.”

Both Friend and Tolkendorf said they are on edge after the deadly school shooting in Minnesota on Wednesday. It’s something that concerns them about the ban.

“That is the absolute only thing that I struggle with as far as this ban is concerned, is yesterday, something like yesterday happening and not being able to reach out to your kid,” said Friend.

Tolkendorf said she wants to know that her children have access to their phones in emergencies.

“As a mother, you sit in fear because how would you get contact with your child in that moment of unfortunate crisis?” said Tolkendorf.

Her daughter agreed, saying, “I feel like if that happened to any of the other schools, like, we wouldn't be able to, like, tell our mom or any other parent if we're okay or not.”

Dr. Grubbs said he understands that parents are used to constant communication with their children.

But he said phones are tucked away in a backpack, not completely locked up or confiscated. He said he wants parents to know that their kids will have access to phones if needed.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus Zoo on Thursday launched a levy renewal campaign, "Yes to Issue 2," aimed at supporting the cost toward animal care and keeping ticket prices low.

The zoo is asking for a renewal levy that will last for 10 years and will not raise taxes. If passed, the money would account for about 20% of the zoo's annual budget.

President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo, Tom Schmid, said it's imperative that this levy passes -- explaining the animal diets are over $2 million per year.

Report: Columbus metro among areas with highest rate of apartment permits issued

He also mentioned paying the salaries for the keepers that care for the wildlife.

"I think the voters understand that this is their zoo, you know, by having levy support," he said. "That allows us to keep the ticket pricing relatively modest as well as membership pricing. It allows us to do a lot of community accessibility programming. It helps support our education programming. I think those are all things that are important for people that live in Franklin County, live in the City of Columbus."

The levy would collect about $11 per $100,000 of a property's taxable value every year.