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WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH) -- Whitehall City Council has passed a sweeping ordinance strengthening nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ residents, including a citywide ban on the widely discredited practices of conversion therapy.

With the vote on Aug. 19, Whitehall becomes the 14th Ohio city to outlaw conversion therapy, stepping in where the Ohio Statehouse has yet to act. The ordinance specifically prohibits licensed mental health professionals from subjecting minors to the practices, which aim to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Watch a NBC4 Out in Ohio episode on conversion therapy in the video player above.

In addition to the ban, the ordinance expands Whitehall's civil rights protections to explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity, ensuring safeguards in housing, employment, and public accommodations.

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Conversion therapy encompasses a range of pseudoscientific techniques including talk therapy, behavioral conditioning, and in some extreme cases, physical interventions. While often framed by some proponents as a religious or moral intervention, conversion therapy has been condemned by every leading medical and mental health organization in the United States.

The American Psychological Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Medical Association have all stated that conversion therapy is not only ineffective but also deeply harmful. Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth subjected to conversion therapy face significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicidal ideation.

Advocate pushes for change amid 'patchwork' protections

The ordinance passed without public comment from council members. However, Joseph Soza, a local organizer with Equality Ohio and a neighboring Whitehall resident, addressed the council. Soza has long advocated for Whitehall to ban conversion therapy since city council passed a separate resolution in April declaring the city a "safe haven" for the LGBTQ+ community. Soza highlighted the impact of local protections in the absence of statewide legislation.

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"I have been living in this very awkward situation of knowing that I have explicit legal protections in my home, but not in a lot of the businesses that I frequent outside of the Columbus line," Soza said. "If the ordinance passes, at least between Columbus and Whitehall, no longer will I have this bizarre patchwork of having rights there, but not having rights here."

The April "safe haven" resolution also discredited conversion therapy and rebuked House Bill 68, a contested Ohio law banning gender-affirming care for minors. The resolution said Whitehall would not criminally prosecute individuals seeking, receiving, or providing such care. It also reiterated support for marriage equality and recognized "the right of the trans/nonbinary community to use the bathroom that matches their gender expression" in municipal buildings.

A local movement amid statewide inaction

Despite years of advocacy, the Ohio Statehouse has failed to pass a statewide ban on conversion therapy or comprehensive LGBTQ+ non-discrimination laws. As a result, local governments have taken it upon themselves to pass protections. With the passage of Whitehall's ordinance, the number of Ohio cities with local bans on conversion therapy grows to 14 -- including Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, and, most recently, Westerville.

"Whether it's at the federal level or at the state level, I think anytime a community has the power to protect the most vulnerable amongst them, that they should do it," Jen Kuhn from Kaleidoscope Youth Center, Ohio's longest-serving LGBTQ+ youth organization, said. "I always applaud any city, township that is able to go in and do that and say, 'Hey, you're safe here with us,' and that's really what Kaleidoscope is all about, so very excited to see that trend happening all over."

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Additional conversion therapy bans are on the way in Ohio through the activism of Brandon West, a 23-year-old who championed his home city of Lorain to ban the practices last year and is now advocating for Cuyahoga County to do the same. Earlier this year, he also rallied the mayors of cities that have already banned the practices to sign onto a letter urging others to follow suit.

NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) -- President Donald Trump's administration is taking ownership of $8.9 billion of Intel stock in part to help the chipmaker's New Albany investment stay afloat.

Intel's $28 billion manufacturing project in western Licking County has been hindered by delays and financial issues. On Friday, Trump and Intel announced they were closing a deal for the U.S. government to take a 10% stake in the company in exchange for the release of promised federal funds. The move received mixed results, with some Republicans fearing federalizing a private company is anti-capitalist and local Republicans wishing for stability.

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"Rather than looking at it from the perspective of ideology or party politics, I think Licking County Republicans view the project through the lens of the local impact, measuring the positive versus the negative, and how it might affect our way of life here," Licking County Republican Party Chairman Matt Dole said, speaking personally rather than on behalf of the party.

Intel was promised $7.8 billion in CHIPS Act funding in November 2024, bipartisan legislation signed by Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, that provides funding for domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Intel was also guaranteed $3 billion through another federal program, the Secure Enclave fund. Intel's declining profits mean these federal funds are crucial, but the company had not received payments since Trump took office in January.

With the deal, the government will invest a total of $11.1 billion in Intel. Although Intel did not include Ohio's project in its announcement, sources familiar with the deal believe the funding is intended in part to prop up the major investment into Ohio, the home state of Vice President JD Vance.

Intel confirmed the government will have passive ownership, with no governance or information rights. The government will not have board representation and promises to vote alongside Intel's Board of Directors on issues that require shareholder approval, with limited exceptions.

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"This is a great Deal for America, and, also, a great Deal for INTEL. Building leading edge Semiconductors and Chips, which is what INTEL does, is fundamental to the future of our Nation," Trump announced on Friday via social media.

Not all Republicans agree, although many have backed the plan or refrained from commenting. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) criticized the move in a post on X, saying: "If socialism is government owning the means of production, wouldn't the government owning part of Intel be a step toward socialism? Terrible idea."

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) also condemned the move, as did Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina). Both raised concerns about what a government stake in a private company means for the U.S. Tillis said he needed an explanation for how the move contends with free market capitalism.

Ohio Republicans are more hesitant to comment. Before the announcement, Sen. Jon Husted, who was lieutenant governor when Intel selected Ohio for its megaproject, said the goal is American semiconductor manufacturing to better compete with the Asian companies that dominate the industry. Husted did not outright endorse or condemn the agreement, saying a stake "might make sense for taxpayers," but he is most focused on growing U.S. chip production.

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Dole said Licking County Republicans have not discussed or taken a stand on the issue, but he personally believes the Intel project has been a "seesaw" for cities, villages and townships near the plant. Dole said personally, he feels like Licking County residents care most about how the deal will disrupt their daily life.

From the announcement of the Silicon Heartland to the hurried countywide economic development and zoning planning to Intel’s continued delays to Trump's criticism of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan and now to this announcement about the government receiving a stake in the company, it’s been a whirlwind, Dole said. "I think Licking County residents are trying to figure out how they can participate in the developments rather than being tossed around by the tumult."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Ohio Supreme Court has clarified the state’s stalking law, ruling that explicit threats are not required for a conviction. 

Last week, the state’s highest court unanimously ruled that someone can be convicted of menacing by stalking under Ohio law without threatening their victim, having a prior relationship with them, or being directly told to stop.

The ruling stems from a case where a Montgomery County man, Dorian Crawl, was convicted of menacing by stalking for his conduct toward a woman he had gone to elementary school with, although the pair had never spoken in school, according to court records.

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In May 2022, the woman posted a photo on Instagram for her 29th birthday, and Crawl commented, “Happy Birthday, baby girl. I love you. Hope we can see each other sometime soon,” the legal filing states. The woman did not respond. 

Six days later, the woman posted a video on her Instagram account, and Crawl commented, “Where is this? Is this your house, boo?” 

Less than one month later, Crawl appeared at the front door of her Dayton-area apartment. He knocked on her door, and when she asked who he was, he said he was her friend. He then tried to open the door by turning the knob, prompting the woman to quickly lock the door and hide her 9-year-old daughter in a closet before calling the police, court records say. 

By the time police got to the scene, Crawl had left. An officer testified that when he arrived, the woman was visibly upset and crying. Crawl told the officer that he believed there was potential for a relationship with the woman and had found her address online.

“The officer noted that Crawl wanted to find out why [the woman] had not asked him to prom and why they had not been in a relationship,” the filing said.

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While the officer warned Crawl against showing up at the woman’s residence uninvited again, Crawl continued to send her messages on social media. 

The woman stated that the incident caused her anxiety and prompted her to install cameras around her apartment, ensure she was on the phone with someone when arriving home at night, have her boyfriend sleep over more, and look into moving, court records indicate. 

In August 2022, Crawl was charged and found guilty of menacing by stalking, a first-degree misdemeanor. The offense is defined as engaging in a pattern of conduct that knowingly causes another person mental distress, or to believe the offender will cause physical harm to them or another household or family member. He was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to pay $650 in fines.

Crawl fought the conviction in 2024, with a court of appeals agreeing with the lower court. He then took the case to the Ohio Supreme Court the same year, arguing that the state failed to prove that his actions were knowingly taken to cause the victim to feel threatened or to cause mental distress. 

He asserted that the act of making nonthreatening comments on someone’s public social media, when there is no relationship between the two and the poster does not alert the commenter that she finds the comments threatening or unwanted, does not support a stalking conviction. 

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The Ohio Supreme Court disagreed, unanimously upholding Crawl’s conviction. The court said the woman was not required to block Crawl on social media or “affirmatively reject his advances.” Requiring this for a conviction would force victims to engage with their stalkers, who may be dangerous, according to the court. 

The opinion states Crawl knew the woman did not want to be contacted by him after his conversation with the officer, yet he continued messaging her on social media. The justices ruled that the combination of Crawl’s inappropriate social media messages, uninvited visit and attempt to enter the woman's home supported a conviction for menacing by stalking.

The justices determined that his actions formed a “pattern of conduct” that caused mental distress, “even if some of them, when viewed in isolation, do not seem threatening.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Central Ohio gas prices got a second consecutive jolt, and then some, after prices climbed twice as much as they did the previous week due to an offline refinery in the Midwest.

According to GasBuddy’s survey of 500 stations in and around Columbus, Ohio, gas prices jumped 28 cents in the last week, double that of the 14-cent hike one week ago, to average out at $3.42 per gallon. The current price is 23.1 cents higher than four weeks ago as well as 14.5 cents higher than this time one year ago.

Columbus Gas Prices Tracker

The cheapest gas station in the Columbus area was priced at $2.67 a gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $3.65, a difference of 98 cents per gallon. In Ohio, the average price of gas also jumped by 29.4 cents from $3.05 per gallon to $3.34 per gallon.

Nationally, gas prices rose slightly by 3.4 cents per gallon to average out at $3.12. The price of diesel dropped by 2 cents, settling in at $3.65 per gallon.

What is price cycling?

GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis Patrick De Haan says that while most of the country saw a modest increase in prices, the impact in the Midwest was felt the strongest after storms in Indiana knocked the largest refinery in the region offline. That issue, which affected Ohio, Wisconsin, and Michigan the hardest, has since been resolved and prices are expected to stabilize.

“With no major hurricanes threatening the U.S. at the moment, the biggest wildcard remains any shifts in Russia’s war on Ukraine,” De Haan said. “For now, expect only moderate gas price fluctuations, with the potential for lower prices arriving later this fall.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As students return Monday, Columbus City Schools Superintendent Angela Chapman has a big assignment: cut $50 million annually from district spending.

“Thinking about a $50 million reduction is shocking, but it’s not unexpected," Chapman said. "The Ohio legislature continues to unconstitutionally underfund public education, and the federal government threatens holding back grants and diminished future public education funding."

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Columbus' board of education will cut $50 million from the budget starting with the 2027 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Chapman and District Treasurer Ryan Cook said they will have to make difficult decisions to reduce costs, including reexamining school consolidations and transportation.

For context, Chapman said cuts are much more than CCS' most recent levy, which provides $36.8 million annually for the district. With that money, CCS funded student programming and 200 staff positions, so cuts will be substantial. No reductions are finalized, and Chapman has until November to make her suggestions.

Why does CCS need to make cuts?

Cook said CCS is already in deficit spending, meaning the district is spending more than it is taking in. This forces the district to deplete its savings; if nothing changes, the district will run out of money by 2029.

CCS is also concerned after Ohio passed its two-year budget on June 30, which lays out public school funding through 2028. Despite being the largest dollar investment in education in state history, the Ohio Education Association said the state is underfunding public school districts by $2 billion.

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Cook explained Ohio's budget will fund schools using data from fiscal year 2022, meaning the data used to calculate how much districts should get is four years behind what districts need today. CCS will work with $15 million-$20 million less than anticipated each year.

“Are we given the funding that we need to educate today’s students? No,” Chapman said. “Are we given the funding that we need to educate students who have additional needs or require more support? Absolutely not.”

What's on the chopping block?

Already, Chapman said they are not backfilling nonessential positions and are decreasing the budget by more than $15 million. But as costs rise, she said there’s little left to reduce outside of personnel, which the board is trying to avoid. She said they are reorganizing the central office to cut wherever they can, but the district cannot find $50 million in administrative reductions.

CCS spends more on operational costs than peer districts locally and nationally, an expense Chapman attributed to facility and transportation costs. Although reducing transportation and school buildings is unpopular, Chapman recommended looking at those cuts first to preserve staff and academics.

School closures

CCS already underwent school closure considerations, which raised concerns among families who did not want their neighborhood schools to shut down. However, more than half of CCS schools are underenrolled, and another half are more than 50 years old and have not been modernized. Chapman said taking a hard look at school reconfigurations is "long overdue" and recommended closures as a possible cost reduction.

Transportation cuts

Ohio public schools are required to provide transportation for students who live within district boundaries and go to charter schools. Rodney Stufflebean, executive director of transportation, said that although the district gets a reimbursement for all nonpublic students it transports, the cost to transport nonpublic students exceeds state funding allotments.

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Chapman said many Ohio districts have shifted to the state minimum of who they need to transport, something she said CCS has not done but should consider. She said CCS continues to operate transportation as it had before COVID-19, despite having 200 fewer bus drivers.

Compounding costs, the state implemented a penalty in 2022 for districts that receive transportation complaints from nonpublic schools. After the fifth complaint, CCS is charged $161,000 per day for violations. Stufflebean said the district spends $77 million each year on transportation, and state fines push total transportation costs over $100 million.

Although districts can address concerns to avoid the fines, the state has no required timeline for when nonpublic schools must report issues. Stufflebean said the district was saddled with complaints in April from the previous August. He alleged nonpublic schools did so knowing the district would not be able to fix concerns in time.

Alternative revenue sources

Cook said there are ways to bring in other income, but it is difficult to generate alternative revenue. Cook said federal grants are one of the biggest alternative revenue sources. However, he said there is a lot of uncertainty with federal funding, which was withheld for part of the summer.

For instance, Cook said he expects a downward trend in funding for English as second language learners. Chapman said one-third of CCS students are English as a second language learners, and the funding they receive now is already not enough.

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The board is considering all options. Board member Steven Miller said moving forward, he thinks CCS has to engage with corporate partners, who would help fund programs and access future workforce. Regardless of what's formally recommended in November, Cook said cuts will be hard.

“Those have real and devastating risks in the classroom for our students. Those are dollars that I’m recommending we need to take out of the system," Cook said. "I take no joy in that. I loathe it. I’m frustrated by it, but it’s the situation we face as a district.”

HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) – Volleyball has become the second most popular sport in the country for high school girls, gaining more participants every year for more than 40 years; the only girls' sport with more athletes is track and field.

At Hilliard Darby High School, they’re taking the court outside for a one-of-a-kind experience for the athletes and spectators.

The Stadium Series put hockey in Ohio Stadium, and Monday will be the first time in central Ohio for an outdoor volleyball game, a special night for Hillard Darby’s seniors, but not without some hard work to make it happen.

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"We were all here at 1 o’clock yesterday; we didn't finish until like 6:30 p.m.,” Hilliard Darby senior Kameryn Durbin said.

"We had to start by putting all this black part down and that took us a really long time, like two hours,” Hilliard Darby senior Cami Ludban added.

Volleyball is played outdoors all the time, typically on sand and not a hard court. But the fastest growing high school sport in the country is pushing the boundaries.

"It's a big talk around the town and everything that they're going to come out and support us and watch the game because we're playing Hilliard Bradley," Hilliard Darby head girls’ volleyball coach Herb Sharfenaker said. "We're just having fun with it and, you know, it just grows and grows. I mean, we have open practice and we have people here."

Hilliard Darby Athletic Director Chris Ludban watched Nebraska University play volleyball in front of more than 90,000 fans and decided he wanted to bring that atmosphere, albeit on a smaller scale, to their school, and first-year coach Sharfenaker was all for it.

“It's going to be like a Friday night football game, but watching Monday night volleyball,” Sharfenaker said.

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The game of volleyball has steadily become one of the most played youth sports in the country. The National Federation of State High School Associations estimated more than 470,000 student-athletes played high school volleyball in the United States during the 2022-2023 school year. Meanwhile, USA Volleyball, an organization of club volleyball teams around the country, had a membership of more than 330,000 athletes ages 11-18 in 2024, a 40% increase from ten years ago.

"The points go so fast, there's long rallies,” Ludban said. “I think it's just everyone is, like, starting to watch it, and it's growing so fast. It's just taught me so much. I think leadership is a really big one."

"I wanted a team, I wanted a family, so from there on, I've had one and it's been great,” Hilliard Darby senior Jillian Fisher said.

"I've learned to be a hard worker,” Durbin said. “You don't just get it. You have to work hard for what you want. That has helped me a lot. It helps you with time management in school, just helps through all aspects."

Sharfenaker sees that growth and points to the team’s comeback win last week after falling down 2-0.

"You're going to get knocked down and whatever you do, get back up and swing and do it,” he said.

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Monday’s senior night will be different for many reasons – the setting is the most obvious.

“In the gym, there's no sun and then the ceiling, you can pass as high as you want here, and then I think the wind is going to play a big factor in that for serving and passing,” Fisher said.

"You might serve different,” Durbin said. “So, like, the wind is coming at you, you it might blow out of bounds, or it might not make it as far."

All of Hilliard Darby’s girls’ volleyball teams – middle school, freshman, junior varsity, and varsity – had a chance to practice on the outdoor court, and all the teams will play Monday with games starting at 5 p.m. and the varsity squad scheduled to take the court at 8 p.m.

BEXLEY, Ohio (WCMH) – Every Sunday, a group gathers for the Run For Their Lives walk, drawing attention to the hostages still being held during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

A group of community members participated in the silent 18-minute walk through Bexley, most of them holding signs that read “Home Now,” while others carried pictures of the hostages.

“We stand strong, not only with the Jewish people, but the hostages were taken from all different countries,” walk organizer Yehudit Wittert said. “So that's why it's important that we continue until every last one is home and that we stand strong with each other and for each other.”

Young artist from central Ohio takes top prize in America’s Field Trip contest

Another organizer, Daniel Newman, shared that it's imperative to continue showing their support to those in the midst of the war; it also signifies standing in solidarity with those group members in Boulder, Colorado, who were attacked during a similar walk in June, injuring 15 people, including an 82-year-old woman who later died from her injuries.

“We're hoping for the return of them all as soon as possible,” Newman said. “And we're just, that's what, that's what one, whenever possible, we're going to speak out just to make sure that everybody knows there are still hostages in there and that they should be home.”

There are more than 200 Run for Their Lives groups around the world continuing to hold the walks weekly.

MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- One man is dead after a car crashed into a home in Marysville Sunday afternoon.

According to Marysville police, the crash happened at approximately 2:43 p.m. on the 600 block of North Main Street.

According to the Marysville Police Divison, the driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no injuries reported from anyone inside the house. Police identified the driver as 54-year-old Robert Oliver.

North Main Street between Elwood Avenue and Holly Drive was closed until approximately 6:20 p.m., according to Marysville police, which is still investigating the crash along with the Union County Sheriff's Office.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – An East Side traffic stop Wednesday for an alleged equipment violation turned into a significant drug bust.

According to Franklin County court records, the Ohio State Highway Patrol was conducting a traffic stop east of the intersection of East Livingston and College avenues in the Berwick area.

The OSHP called in the DEA to investigate when Kemar Campbell was found in possession of over 100 grams of cocaine and an undetermined amount of fentanyl inside his pants. Campbell was detained and charged with possession and trafficking in drugs, both first-degree felonies.

Search warrants were later issued for multiple residences and storage facilities reportedly associated with Campbell. Police said the first search, at a storage unit on Gender Road near Canal Winchester, turned up over 100 grams of fentanyl, which were separated into multiple bags as if they were being prepared for distribution.

“Numerous” firearms were discovered at the Gender Road location, as well as a storage unit on Evanswood Drive in Columbus’ Woodward Park neighborhood. Additionally, large amounts of cash and a pistol were found at his residence in the Arena District.

Campbell, who admitted to the charges during an interview with police, has two prior drug charges from 1998 and 2004. He is facing two counts each of drug possession and drug trafficking, as well as one count of having weapons under disability.

He is due in court on Sept. 2.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Two scooter riders were injured, including one seriously, after a car allegedly hit them and left the scene in an early Sunday morning north Columbus hit-skip crash.

Columbus police said two people were riding an electric scooter at 12:13 a.m. on North 4th Street. The scooter was in the bicycle lane on the left side of the road at the same time a grey SUV was driving on North 4th Street.

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Police said the driver of the vehicle was turning left onto East 3rd Avenue and hit the scooter, causing the driver and passenger to be ejected. The driver of the vehicle is alleged to have left the scene after the crash, per CPD.

Both scooter riders went to the hospital on their own with the passenger sustaining serious injuries.

Anyone with information on the vehicle or driver in this crash is asked to contact CPD's accident investigation unit at 614-645-4767.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A trio of suspects, along with a dozen co-conspirators, have been indicted in a pandemic unemployment assistance fraud scheme that resulted in the theft of $7.3 million.

According to the Ohio Office of the Inspector General, a Franklin County grand jury returned an indictment against Markeya Smith, Brandi Smith and Shirkara Reggins, plus 12 others, for crimes related to fraudulent claims involving the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. Charges include engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, theft, tampering with records, telecommunication fraud, and money laundering.

In October 2022, the state Department of Jobs and Family Services referred an allegation of suspicious activity to the PUA program. Markeya Smith, who worked for temp agency Randstad as an ODJFS contractor, allegedly cleared issues and inflated claimant incomes on PUA claims to fraudulently increase the weekly benefit amounts paid out. Additionally, the ODJFS alleged that Brandi Smith improperly accessed or authorized payments on PUA claims.

Three central Ohio women accused of $7.3 million in pandemic assistance fraud

Investigators learned the two Columbus women were related and found a significant overlap on PUA claims accessed. It was discovered they were acquaintances with Reggins, who was also accused of improperly accessing and authorizing payments on PUA claims to which claimants were not entitled. Reggins, of Canal Winchester, also allegedly was using the identity “Cherita Reggins” for her employment at Insight Global and later at ODJFS.

The investigation found that the three received cash or electronic payments from the claimants and that they used “recruiters,” who also received fees, to find additional PUA claimants who desired to have their claims inflated.

In total, it was determined that the three released over $7 million in improper PUA benefit payments, including $3.5 million by Reggins, over $3 million by Markeya Smith, and $600,000 by Brandi Smith.

The additional suspects and their charges are as follows:

• Jahlil Suber-Richardson (Columbus), engaging in corrupt activity, theft, telecommunications fraud, money laundering, theft
• Carolyn Slaughter (Lewis Center), engaging in corrupt activity, theft, money laundering
• Tarik Chukes (Columbus), engaging in corrupt activity, theft, money laundering
• Alice Cowans (Columbus), engaging in corrupt activity, theft, money laundering
• Artania Gordon (Columbus), engaging in corrupt activity, theft, money laundering
• Natasha Davis (Reynoldsburg), engaging in corrupt activity, theft, money laundering
• Danielle Johnson (Canal Winchester), engaging in corrupt activity, theft, money laundering
• China Hester (Columbus), engaging in corrupt activity, theft, money laundering
• Eboni Goods (Columbus), engaging in corrupt activity, theft, money laundering
• Amber White (Reynoldsburg), engaging in corrupt activity, theft, money laundering
• Ashley Boyce (Houston), engaging in corrupt activity, theft, money laundering
• Tereka Daniels (Huntington, West Virginia), engaging in corrupt activity, theft, money laundering

PATASKALA, Ohio (WCMH) — A central Ohio 11-year-old won first place in America250's America's Field Trip contest, receiving national recognition and the trip of a lifetime this summer.

Eva Haylett of Pataskala used her art skills to respond to the competition's question, “What does America mean to you?” Her vibrant image captured the attention of the judges from America250 and America 250-Ohio and the panel of current and former educators selected her drawing as a winner in the third to fifth grade category.

“I think of myself as a cartoonist,” said Haylett. “I love to draw on notebooks everywhere and anything that I can find. So I, I had a list of patriotic things and monuments that I come to think of [as] America. And from there, I just started doodling and it all came together.”

Launched in 2024, America's Field Trip contest invited students from third grade to high school seniors to submit artwork, videos, or essays that expressed their patriotism. Thousands of entries were accepted from all 50 states, five U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. A total of 150 winners were selected from 41 states and four U.S. territories.

“America’s Field Trip is a transformative opportunity for students across the country to engage with our nation’s history in meaningful, lasting ways,” said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. “Our tentpole programs are intentionally designed to be hands-on, educational and engaging.”

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Haylett, one of 75 first-place prize winners, said she was stunned to learn of her success.

“My mom was picking me up from choir and … got the email, and she showed me her phone, and I practically exploded,” said Haylett. “I was so excited and my mind was just racing.”

As a winner, she received her choice of a specialized field trip to American historical and cultural sites this summer. Out of more than a dozen excursions across the United States, Haylett chose a private guided tour of Yellowstone National Park. She said the four-day trip was a “bucket list” experience for her and her father.

“I was immediately down for Yellowstone,” said Haylett. “Ever since fifth grade, you're learning about the states … I saw all the pictures, and it just seemed beautiful. I've always wanted to go see Montana and Wyoming, and I feel like Yellowstone was the perfect opportunity.”

• Photo Courtesy/ James Haylett
• Photo Courtesy/ James Haylett
• Photo Courtesy/ James Haylett
• Photo Courtesy/ James Haylett
• Photo Courtesy/ James Haylett
• Photo Courtesy/ James Haylett
• Photo Courtesy/ James Haylett
• Photo Courtesy/ James Haylett
• Photo Courtesy/ James Haylett
• Photo Courtesy/ James Haylett

Highlights of her trip included whitewater rafting and fly fishing.

“I caught five fish,” said Haylett. “It was just awesome. I caught brook trout and rainbow trout.”

Haylett's entry was a colorful illustration that “captured the spirit of America.” It depicts a young girl holding an American flag, surrounded by U.S. landmarks and a map of the states with iconic symbols. Included in the image are the Golden Gate Bridge, the Space Needle, the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, the Liberty Bell and a scroll of the U.S. Constitution, among others.

Eva Haylett's artwork, America's Field Trip contest (Courtesy/ America250 and America 250-Ohio)

ODNR's Director's Choice: Ohio Proud (Courtesy/ODNR)

After entering a similar contest organized by America 250-Ohio and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Haylett discovered she had won a second time.

“It once again was very surprising and just an honor to be … a part of that contest,” said Haylett.

That competition asked for art pieces or short essays about how Ohio’s natural resources played a role in the applicant’s life. Haylett received the ODNR Director’s Choice award and will go on an exclusive Ohio field trip put together by ODNR staff.

In addition to Haylett's first-place win in America250's America's Field Trip contest, another Ohio fifth grader was honored as one of the 75 second-place winners. Aria Hous, from Springboro near Dayton, entered a “powerful written reflection.” She received a $500 cash prize.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person is in critical condition early Sunday morning after they were one of two that got shot in a north Columbus neighborhood.

Four injured in Newark house fire

According to a police dispatcher, officers were sent to the 300 block of East 1st Avenue in the Italian Village neighborhood just before 4:45 a.m. Two people were found suffering from gunshot wounds.

Each victim was taken to a hospital with one of them listed in critical condition. The other victim was released from the hospital later in the morning.

No suspect information is available at this time.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One of the most highly anticipated openers in college football is just one week away when No. 3 Ohio State plays host to No. 1 Texas.

Buckeye Nation is already buzzing, and for freshmen on Ohio State University’s campus, it'll be their first taste of gameday as students inside The Shoe. 

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"It’s been my dream school since I was a kid," Ohio State freshman Mouhamed Gueye said. "I'm so excited for this first game."

Thousands of Ohio State freshmen just moved onto campus. For many of them, the top two showdown between the Buckeyes and the Longhorns is more than just a football game. 

"I come from a really small high school," Ohio State freshman Payton Hopkinson said. "My graduating class was like 50 kids, so I'm just really excited to be a part of a super big student section."

Stepping onto campus this fall means finally stepping into a tradition they've only seen from afar. 

"I really love listening to the band," Ohio State freshman Meagan Sharp said. "Their halftime shows, their preseason, their walkout. I love the band live. I adore it."

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As the anticipation around the first game of the season builds, so does the confidence.

"Our offense is really strong this year, so I expect to see a great offensive performance," Ohio State freshman Kais Alwawi said.

According to students, the Buckeyes are built to win. 

"We have probably the best wide receiver [Jeremiah Smith] in all of college football history," Ohio State freshman Matt Kotara said. "He's nasty, so it's going to be great to see him throw it. And we got [quarterback Julian] Sayin throwing the football. He's going to be slinging a pigskin right down the field. Touchdown's automatic."

Win or lose next weekend, the freshmen said their first gameday inside The Shoe as students will be unforgettable. 

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"It's just a hell of a game opener," Ohio State freshman Eric Leonard said. "The first ever game of being the number one seed versus the number two seed, and I'm just expecting energy, a lot of people in the student section to bring it together and really cheer on our fellow football players."

The students expect Saturday's matchup to set the tone for the season and they have faith in their Buckeyes that it'll work out in their favor.

"I think we're running the natty champ back," Kotara said. "I'm calling it right now. I mean, easily. Michigan? They got nothing."

Ohio State is set to take on Texas at Ohio Stadium Aug. 30 at 12 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio State football returns to Ohio Stadium in one week, marking the realization of a childhood dream for one central Ohio native.

On Saturday, the Buckeyes will open up the season against the Texas Longhorns. First to take the field will be The Best Damn Band in the Land. For Gahanna native Joshua Ford, the season marks the realization of a childhood dream: being a drum major for Ohio State University.

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“Throughout my entire childhood, I was just surrounded by Buckeye music, you know, going to games, and it really just shaped who I am today, just the Ohio State-loving guy that I am,” Ford said.

The honor runs in the family. He said the goal stemmed from his uncle, Brian Berendts, who was a drum major during the 1992-93 season.

“Then there was a drum major here, Konner Barr, in 2018-19. Just seeing them coming from the same high school I went to and family members that I was like, 'I really want to do this,' and that kind of sparked the whole idea,” Ford said.

Ford is a senior at Ohio State, but said the work toward drum major started well before enrolling as a Buckeye. He started attending Ohio State clinics in high school.

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“You can always try and get your high tosses a little bit higher and a little bit more accurate. You can always try and twirl a little bit faster,” he said.

Now he’s gearing up to lead the marching band. That means Script Ohio, the strut down the field, and the famous back bend.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — After more than 15 years, NBC4's weekly political program, “The Spectrum,” hosted by Colleen Marshall, is getting a new look and a new name.

Starting Aug. 24, Marshall will host the inaugural episode of “Sunday Briefing.” Viewers can expect the same in-depth reporting, hard-hitting interviews and expert analysis they have come to trust, with more voices from across Ohio. NBC4 is expanding to include voters beyond central Ohio on our Nexstar sister stations' streaming and broadcast platforms.

In the first episode, Marshall will go one-on-one with Democrat Sherrod Brown in his first television interview since launching his comeback bid for U.S. Senate. 

She also talks to former Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo, who is vying for Ohio Secretary of State in her first statewide election. 

“Sunday Briefing” will examine how the election season could unfold as the pieces of the democratic ticket begin to fall into place. Detailed analysis of exclusive poll results from Emerson College will break down voter sentiments about the likely candidates on both sides of the aisle. 

Democratic strategist David Pepper and Republican strategist Mike Gonidakis weigh in on those polls and discuss whether Gov. Mike DeWine was right to send Ohio National Guard troops to support the federal takeover of Washington, D.C. 

Watch “Sunday Briefing” with Colleen Marshall, Sundays at 10 a.m. on NBC4.

GALENA, Ohio (WCMH) -- The incident is cleared, but residents of the Village of Galena in Delaware County were asked to stay inside or avoid the village square due to an investigation Saturday morning.

Delaware Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jamie Hopps said officials responded to a domestic incident in the square Saturday morning. Hopps said there was no threat to the public, but residents should avoid the area.

Around 10:15, Hopps said the male suspect was peacefully apprehended and is now in custody, with charges pending. On social media, the Village confirmed there were no injuries.

Residents already in the area were asked to stay inside. The square is home to several shops, and the spokesperson said the one nearest to the incident had not yet opened for the day when the investigation began.

Deputies were still actively investigating as of 9:30 a.m.

NEWARK, Ohio (WCMH) -- Four residents were hospitalized after a house fire in Newark early Saturday morning.

Licking County dispatchers said they responded to the 400 block of Tuscarawas Street around 7:20 a.m. Saturday on reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, they found two people suffering from burn wounds in the front lawn.

Madison Township Fire Department, which assisted with the scene, confirmed the first two people were transported to a nearby hospital. Madison Township Fire said two others were transported shortly after.

The fire was contained as of 9 a.m. Fire crews are still investigating the cause.

Both victims were transported to an area hospital in unknown condition.

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) – A Columbus man will serve at least 12 years in prison for responding to a breakup by setting her ex-girlfriend's family house on fire and running her car off the road.  

According to the Delaware County prosecutor, Alfredo Salinas-Rosas, 25, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to five of nine charges, including three counts of felonious assault, one count of aggravated arson and one count of trespassing in a habitation.

On Dec. 28, 2024, after his girlfriend broke up with him, Salinas-Rosas drove to her family’s residence, doused the front door in gasoline and set it on fire. The family extinguished the fire before it spread inside.

Alfredo Salinas-Rosas (Courtesy/Delaware County Jail)

The prosecutor’s office said that Salinas-Rosas then drove to another former residence of his ex-girlfriend and entered it in the middle of the night.

The following day, he drove to her place of employment and waited outside for her to leave. He followed her and rammed his car into hers several times, causing her to drive off the road, where her vehicle became disabled, court records noted.

Salinas-Rosas was arrested on Dec. 30 and indicted on nine charges the following month. He pleaded guilty in July, with one count each of aggravated arson, burglary, menacing by stalking, and criminal damaging dropped in the plea agreement.

A judge sentenced Salinas-Rosas to 12 to 14½ years in prison. The sentence includes 5 to 7½ years for the arson charge, two years each for the three felonious assault charges and one year for trespassing, all to be served consecutively.

Salinas-Rosas, who will receive 197 days of jail time credit, will then be subject to 2-5 years of post-release control.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – An American restaurant and steakhouse with a location in Polaris will soon launch an eatery near New Albany. 

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill will begin welcoming customers at 6036 N. Hamilton Road on Monday. The 6,000-square-foot restaurant, which was constructed on a previously undeveloped lot in the Hamilton Quarter retail center, will mark the national chain’s second central Ohio location. The first opened at 8760 Sancus Blvd. in 2014. 

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The chain describes itself as “polished casual,” sitting between a traditional casual restaurant and fine dining. The brand is known for its hand-cut, aged steaks and fresh seafood, which are seared on a wood-fired grill fueled by locally sourced lumber.

Firebirds also offers a variety of appetizers, including bacon deviled eggs, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls and seared ahi tuna. An assortment of burgers, tacos, sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes is also on the menu. 

The new location will feature the brand’s signature “FIREBAR,” which is a full-service bar that features a special menu from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The special menu includes small dishes such as fried cauliflower, prime rib sliders and chicken nachos. 

As with all Firebirds locations, the new Hamilton Quarter restaurant will feature an open flame visible from the dining room, where customers can watch chefs cook. 

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Firebirds has five other locations in Ohio, with three in the southwest part of the state and two in the northeast portion. Founded in 2000, the chain has spread to 67 locations across 20 states.

Firebirds near New Albany will offer dine-in, takeout and catering, and will be available on delivery platforms such as DoorDash. The restaurant additionally features a private dining room available for booking.

The new eatery will be open from Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

Hamilton Quarter is also preparing to welcome the fast-food chain Culver’s as another dining option this fall.