Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Ohio Department of Transportation is studying the feasibility of constructing a new highway that would span from Toledo to Chesapeake, Ohio, and pass through Columbus. 

The agency is conducting a $1.5 million analysis to examine the creation of a corridor called Interstate 73. The highway would primarily run along U.S. 23 – existing portions of the route could be converted into I-73 lanes, depending on ODOT’s findings.

The study is looking into the proposed project’s potential routes and allocation of funding, along with economic and environmental impacts. The department will complete the analysis by the end of 2026. 

“It’s important to remember that this is not a commitment to build the interstate – but strictly informational,” an overview of the study states. “It arms the state’s decision makers with data so they can execute accordingly.”

I-73 is part of a proposed interstate highway project that would connect Michigan and South Carolina, using existing roadways and planned construction. The highway would run nearly 1,000 miles from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Myrtle Beach while passing through Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. 

• The National I-73/I-74/I-75 Corridor Association's proposed highway spanning six states. (Photo courtesy/i73.com)
• The National I-73/I-74/I-75 Corridor Association's proposed highway in Ohio. (Photo courtesy/i73.com)

A group called the National I-73/I-74/I-75 Corridor Association has been pushing for the development of the interstate for decades. The association claims the highway would relieve traffic congestion, create tens of thousands of jobs during its construction and provide coastal regions with a hurricane evacuation route. 

Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio) introduced a congressional resolution expressing his support for I-73 in July. Taylor said southern Ohio needs infrastructure to support businesses such as the American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon. The site, which began operations in 2023, enriches uranium for use in nuclear reactors.

“An interstate through southern Ohio would not just help connect rural communities to the modern economy but would enhance our national security because of multiple key facilities and defense-related companies along the route,” Taylor said in a statement. 

Parallel to the I-73 study, the department is also working on a $2 billion plan to improve U.S. 23 from Worthington to Waldo by reducing traffic lights, adding interchanges and building overpasses. ODOT has not yet revealed a timeline for construction on these projects.

The I-73 study was funded through House Bill 54, Ohio’s transportation budget for 2026 and 2027 that took effect in June. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Around fifty vehicles were broken into in a Columbus neighborhood on Thursday night.

Columbus police say approximately fifty cars were broken into on Thursday night near an apartment complex. The break-ins were centered in close neighborhoods in the area of Holt Road and Alkire Road.

According to video obtained by police, four unknown suspects wearing gloves and masks were seen driving a dark colored SUV in the targeted areas. Around forty-six residents were affected by the break-ins, police say.

Anyone with information on the break-ins or identification of the suspects is encouraged to contact the investigating detective at 614-645-1439.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Franklin Heights High School football game was evacuated after reports of shots being fired in the area.

According to a spokesperson from the South-Western City Schools District, Friday night's football game at Franklin Heights High School was evacuated out of an abundance of caution following reports of shots being fired.

The spokesperson said the incident was reported in the area of McCarley Drive, located on the south side of campus.

"Event attendees are safe. The game has since been postponed as a result of the incident, while law enforcement remains in the area to investigate. We would like to thank our FHHS administration, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, and guests for conducting a swift evacuation as part of our district-wide safety protocols," said the district in a statement.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) responded to the incident. According to a dispatcher for FCSO, no injuries have been reported.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A group of adults is ready to fill some of the most in-demand jobs in Franklin County.

Friday, the first cohort graduated from the Columbus Urban League’s Franklin County Trades Academy. The participants were learning trades like carpentry, welding, plumbing, and more.

“Graduating today is a very proud moment for me,” Jamir Coleman said. “I knew that this was something I really wanted to do and that I was going to put a lot of dedication in and that it was going to pay off. But I didn't think that the payout was going to be, you know, speaking for my class, being the representation for the future, and things like that.”

This was a seven-week program. Leaders say this is key to economic development in Franklin County. Coleman is one of the graduates. He said he wants to become a carpenter.

“A lot of math, a lot of soft skills. But we went over financial literacy. We also did a couple of dexterity tests, things like that. So a lot of preparation for the future,” Coleman said. “I decided I want to do long-term work. Maybe become a foreman.”

He said they learned more than just trades.

“Before this, I was kind of more of the quiet guy in the back, that I had my opinions and I spoke up when I needed to. But now I have the confidence to stand in front of a crowd and, you know, tell how I feel and really stand up for this program and be a mentor,” Coleman said.

Stephanie Hightower, the President and CEO of the Columbus Urban League, said the program captures the heart of the urban league.

“Our north star is how do we close the wealth gap? And we know that the trades industry is one of those opportunities where we can help close the wealth gap by getting those jobs that can get people into the middle class,” Hightower said.

She says they, in partnership with Columbus State, went to employers and said what jobs and skills are needed now. She said that's how they picked which trade skills to offer. She said the participants showed up every day, eager to learn, and everyone who started the program finished the program.

“They came, they understood the assignment. They're going to have opportunities for employment within the next 30 days,” Hightower said.

The program is supported by the Franklin County Commissioners. They will have three more cohorts by the end of their fiscal year and are accepting applications for the future.

GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH) -- As the war drags on between Russia and Ukraine, local Ukrainians are sharing their thoughts on a future peace deal.   

Today, Russia's foreign minister told 'Meet the Press' anchor Kristen Welker, there is no Putin-Zelenskyy summit scheduled. That's despite President Trump’s push for peace in the region.

The President of the Ukrainian Cultural Association of Ohio, Natalia Lebedin, shared that she has a more optimistic outlook following President Trump’s meeting with President Zelenskyy this week. That’s in stark contrast to her opinion of the summit with Vladimir Putin one week ago. She hopes this war can finally come to an end.   

“I am a lot more hopeful,” Lebedin said. “It was to me, it signaled something new, seeing all of those European leaders' support Zelenskyy as one of their own, acknowledging the importance of Ukraine. I think that was important for Americans to see.” 

Natalia Lebedin is Ukrainian-American and has seen the destruction the three-year-long war has caused. In an effort to end the war, President Trump hosted a meeting in Alaska with President Putin and a bilateral meeting in Washington, D.C. with President Zelenskyy, along with European allies. Lebedin expressed what her idea of a peace deal would be.   

“A peace deal for Ukraine for me, it means security guarantees for Ukraine, sanctions and making Russia pay, taking frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine,” Lebedin said. “So much damage, civilian infrastructure, ecological damage.” 

One of the main topics discussed in the meeting with President Zelenskyy was what will happen to 20 percent of Ukrainian territory that Russian troops control. Russia has pressed for Ukraine not to become a member of NATO. 

“They are on the forefront of modern warfare,” Lebedin said. “And we are a proven ally not only to Europe, but of course to America. But, yeah, the personal toll it has taken, I, I'm not sure I can describe the horrors of war.” 

All these meetings and discussions come as Ukrainian Independence Day approaches, on August 24. Lebedin noted there are plans to celebrate this weekend even though no deal has been reached.    

“We're so proud,” Lebedin said. “It's been 34 years of independence, and since 2014, hard-fought independence and freedom. Ukraine's history is one of great struggle, but we are proud and resilient.” 

That celebration will take place Saturday at "Today's church" in Grove City. 

MARION, Ohio (WCMH) -- Over a week after being stolen, a Yorkie puppy is back in his owner's arms and has been reunited with his mother.

The five-week-old puppy named Zeus was taken from his home in Union County, sparking a community-wide search. Now, thanks to a search warrant and a lot of helping hands, the tiny victim of crime is back home where he belongs. 

"It really breaks my heart because, you know, you have to be a pretty cold person to do such a thing," Zeus' owner Julie Cardone said. "And I don't understand the reasoning."

Cardone said she got up one morning and Zeus was gone. Because he's so young, Cardone said she feared the worst.

"The first thing you think of is it dead," Cardone said. "I mean, that's just reality because it was so little and you're like, it needs its mom. So, we knew time was of the essence because every time that went by, he wasn't with his mother getting the nutrients he needed, being a puppy."

That's when Union County Juvenile Chief Assistant Prosecutor Melissa Chase stepped in, working quickly to secure a search warrant after numerous tips and a social media post pointed them in the right direction. 

"We had help from citizens, private citizens," Chase said. "We had help from two different law enforcement agencies. We had help from the juvenile court here in Union County. So all of us working together supplied different pieces of information."

Investigators with the Union County Sheriff's Office and Marion City Police tracked Zeus to a home in Marion. 

"We will investigate these," Chase said. "You know, this is a theft, and it is a crime, and it is a crime that matters." 

Now, the little pup is safe and sound with his family. 

"Everybody just pulled together," Cardone said. "I have people that I don't even know reaching out to me saying, I'm glad you got him back, we've been praying."

This remains an ongoing investigation. The juvenile suspect is now facing burglary and theft charges in Union County Juvenile Court. 

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (WCMH) -- Sailors spent the day lending a hand at a local food pantry in celebration of Navy Week.

Sailors arrived bright and early at the Heart Food Market in Reynoldsburg on Friday to help unload and bag produce before doors opened. Today's volunteering is a part of the week-long Columbus Navy Week. Around fifty to sixty sailors arrived in Columbus to engage with the community through educational outreach and community service projects.

The food pantry serves around 1100 to 1300 meals each week. NBC4 had a chance to speak with a local sailor from Logan County, Ohio, who was volunteering at today's event. Yeoman Submarine Petty Officer Second Class Brandon Jones described how Navy Week is the perfect time to show his home state what the Navy has to offer, while also giving back to the community.

"We're really excited to be here in the city of Columbus. The last one was back in 2009, so it's great to be back. I'm from Ohio, so it's kind of wholesome at the same time as well, so it's a very good honor to be here," said Jones.

Workers for the food market expressed how the extra hands helped this morning's opening.

"They came in with a lot of enthusiasm and muscle. We said at our team meeting that our collective volunteer age is probably about fifty, and so having some young ones on site with some muscle and willingness to serve has been amazing," said Operations Manager Amy Cooley.

Navy week officially ends on Sunday, August 24, after the airshow at Rickenbacker International Airport.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new business is set to open its doors in downtown Columbus, and it’s part of the city’s initiative to bring minority-owned, local businesses downtown.

Not only does the initiative offer more options for those who live and work downtown, but it’s also filling vacant ground-floor space.

Saturday, August 23, the fifth and final business in phase one of the Ground Floor Growth Initiative will open. The owner says he is excited to be a part of the growth downtown.

"It's one of them things that you hope to get, something like this one day," Restalgic Owner Nathan Johnson said. 

Nathan Johnson and his family are putting the final touches on Restalgic at 83 N. High St.

"For entrepreneurs like me and people who may not see how big the dream can grow, give it your all. Be optimistic," Johnson said. 

It’s a space that will sell beauty products, plants, art, and offer creative workshops.

"It marks the fifth ground-floor business to open over the course of the past 12 months and the last in phase one. So we're very excited to celebrate this milestone," Downtown Columbus Inc. Director of Communications Madison Cole said. 

The Ground Floor Growth initiative was formed from community input that asked for more local, diverse retail downtown. Businesses in this program get rent support for the first three years, as well as advising services as they navigate operating downtown.

"The goal of this program was really to bring the best of Columbus to this downtown corridor. And it's really added to the vibrancy of this area and complemented a really growing residential district," Cole said. 

At Restalgic’s grand opening, they will have prizes, drinks, and snacks for customers who are among the first to stop by.

"The idea of having a brick and mortar was all about community originally. Right. But then we realized that more community is not just people that is local. Community is anyone who is willing to support, speak, and bring life into the business," Johnson said. 

Phase two of the growth initiative is already underway, with the city announcing two businesses that will open in the fall on Gay and High streets. 

Columbus City Councilmember Nick Bankston is leading this initiative and sent a statement saying: "The success of the Ground Floor Growth program is what happens when intentionality meets purpose. This program set out to pump life back into the heart of our city after a difficult time for our small business community. As phase 1 of this program concludes, we now have five brand new businesses providing unique services, goods, and experiences to our ever-growing downtown community. This was always meant to be step one of many to revitalize commercial corridors throughout the city, so I am excited to see what the future holds.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Columbus police officer was relieved of duty after an altercation last weekend.

Columbus police said Officer Daimon Scales was relieved of duty after the altercation with other officers at a bar last weekend. Body camera footage showed a large group outside a Short North bar when a group of men got into an argument with what appeared to be a bar security officer.

According to the body camera timestamp, the altercation began just before 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 17. A verbal altercation led to an officer ]escorting the group of men across the street. Forty-five seconds later, the argument turned physical.

The footage showed a man in a white shirt and red hat, identified as Scales, coming back to the front of the club before shoving an on-duty officer in the face.

"Officer Daimon Scales has been relieved of duty pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation into conduct that occurred while he was off-duty in the early morning hours of August 17," a statement from Columbus police read.

NBC4 has asked for clarification on whether Scales is still employed with the department and receiving pay during the investigation process.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Students are heading back to the classroom, and the Center for Disease Control said one in five high school students reported being bullied in school last year.

A central Ohio woman started the Empower Our Youth Foundation to combat this problem. Tonya Kelly knows the impact of bullying well, both from being a fourth grade teacher and having to watch her daughter go through it.

“It was gut wrenching ... My daughter was a senior in high school. She was vibrant, she had great grades, she was a cheerleader and then all of a sudden you start seeing that anxiousness. You start seeing grades fall. You start seeing that hesitation to go to school,” Kelly said.

She was inspired to start her foundation after she spoke out about her daughter’s situation.

“It was very hard, but I think once I spoke out there was this community of families and people and kids who have been bullied,” she said.

After getting her daughter help, Kelly began a mission to help other families who are navigating similar situations. She works with students all over the area teaching them self-empowerment and to stick up for each other.

“Stand up for your friends. Do not let them suffer in silence,” Kelly said.

She said it typically takes around 90 days for bullying to be uncovered. She encouraged parents to have daily check-ins with their children and be on the lookout for signs of bullying: a drop in grades, a change in mood or a hesitation to go to school.

She also helps parents get their children help including getting involved with the school or if it escalates even law enforcement.

“When the community is involved we have less problems. We know difficulties are going to arise but it allows us to share those experiences,” she said.

Kelly said her foundation also talks with children about not being the bully, and she urged parents to do the same.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- President Donald Trump spoke out Friday about a potential deal between the federal government and Intel, the chipmaker behind a massive project under construction in New Albany.

Trump said the government would take a stake in the business, which has been trying to right itself under the leadership of CEO Lip-Bu Tan, as it tries to balance both developing computer chips and manufacturing them. The twin facilities under construction in western Licking County, called fabs, were part of Intel's efforts under its previous boss to increase chip manufacturing in the U.S.

“I said, I think it would be good having the United States as your partner,” Trump said. “He agreed, and they’ve agreed to do it.”

"The City of New Albany congratulates Intel on the landmark agreement with the U.S. government, underscoring its vital role in advancing American technology and national security. This federal investment strengthens Intel’s commitment to expanding domestic chipmaking capacity while creating opportunities for jobs, education, and innovation here in our community. We are proud to support Intel’s success and the transformative impact it brings to New Albany and beyond," said New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding in a statement.

Although Trump said the stake would be 10%, in a separate announcement, Intel said it would 8.9%, funded through the remaining $5.7 billion in grants awarded but not paid under the CHIPS Act and $3.2 billion awarded to the company as part of the Secure Enclave program.

“President Trump’s focus on U.S. chip manufacturing is driving historic investments in a vital industry that is integral to the country’s economic and national security," Tan said. "We are grateful for the confidence the President and the Administration have placed in Intel."

The Ohio One project was not directly referenced in Intel's news release. It was a cornerstone of the CHIPS Act passed by Congress under Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, who attended the facility's groundbreaking event. Since then, however, plans to open have been delayed repeatedly, with a target date now sometime in the next decade.

NBC4 digital reporter Katie Millard and the Associated Press contributed to this report.