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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio's Property Tax Reform Work Group has generally agreed on relief proposals to recommend.

The governor-appointed group of superintendents, county auditors and other tax-aware leaders held their second-to-last meeting on Thursday and largely finalized their suggestions. The committee has until Sept. 30 to compile a report of solutions to Ohio's rising property tax issues. The work group is interested in nearly two dozen recommendations, including changes to school levy options, reduced bureaucracy and cracking down on tax loopholes.

Property taxes are high for many Ohioans, but they are the primary source of revenue for schools and many public safety departments. The work group is aware that they must not only present solutions, they must present solutions state legislators agree with to enough to codify.

Co-chair and president and CEO of the Ohio Business Roundtable Pat Tiberi said it was important to acknowledge the work -- and $2 billion invested -- that state legislators have already done brainstorming tax relief. However, few, if any, of those measures have passed.

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Tiberi said acknowledgement would help legislators consider their suggestions. He similarly said the group should consider some changes that emphasize local responsibility in the tax crisis. However, some worried about over-appeasing legislators.

“With all due respect to the state, some of the problems we have with property taxes are due to legislative changes," said Denise Driehaus, Hamilton County commissioner and group member. "I don’t want to be overly generous to the state when some of the problems are a result of the state.” 

Members were also cognizant of their limited time, leaving some ideas as recommendations that legislators or new work groups look more closely at. Tiberi also said Ohio is the most challenging state in the country to build new housing, limiting the tax base to its current population, which is dwindling. Those who are in Ohio, Tiberi said, are getting older and more poor on average.

The group agreed on several ideas to relieve burdens for seniors and others on fixed incomes, who are hit hardest by rising taxes. Hilliard resident Phillip Leffel told NBC4 he spends almost a third of his fixed income retirement check on school taxes, and many older residents are being taxed out of their homes.

The work group recommended freezing tax rates, waiving delinquent payments or removing late payment penalties for up to 10 days for qualifying residents. The group also decided to remind county treasurers that they can offer citizens exemptions, and considered requiring, rather than allowing, counties to offer prepayment tax plans.

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Another suggestion is to allow cities, counties and some townships to create residential stability zones. These zones would offer a 50% reduction in assessment value for seniors who make less than 80% of the median area income, own their own homes and have lived there for at least 20 years. To mitigate revenue losses, school boards would also get veto power on these zones.

The group plans on offering several changes to which type of levies school districts can introduce, such as adjusting ballot language to be clearer for voters. Among them is the removal of emergency and replacement levies, to be replaced with a new fixed-sum levy.

A similar idea was vetoed by Gov. Mike DeWine this summer but overturned by the House. If the Senate also overrides the veto, it would become law. Group members strongly recommended immediate amendments to the contested provision to protect against a 2013 legislative change that could increase taxes by millions.

The group also recommends adding levies to the 20-mill floor, a complicated tax program that ensures school districts get a minimum amount of property tax revenue each year. Current law uses the 20-mill floor to protect revenue for schools by increasing taxes. The work group also recommended including inside millage -- property taxes approved without taxpayers voting -- in the 20-mill floor.

Group members also want to close the "LLC Loophole," which allows property transfers made within an LLC to not be disclosed to county auditors. This gives business owners a chance to avoid certain taxes, so the group is recommending ending this loophole for residential properties. The group is also likely to recommend minimizing certain tax credits for businesses.

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Several suggestions may be too costly to be implemented, but the group decided to still include them in the report for possible consideration. They plan to ask the governor to create another work group dedicated to condensing and simplifying layers of government to cut down on unnecessary taxation.

Co-chair and former state Rep. Bill Seitz said for time purposes, the group did not dive into the "hornets' nest" of property tax expenditures within Ohio laws, but called for more frequent and rigorous reviews. If the legislature does review expenditures, the work group will ask them to repurpose savings as property tax relief.

Warren County Auditor Matt Nolan said he asked ChatGPT for recommendations, which provided a similar list to the work group's. The only change was that AI suggested farmers were not contributing their fair share. The group also said short-term rental owners, like VRBO or Airbnb, could be contributing more.

The group hopes to have a draft report ready before its final meeting Sept. 25.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- An Ohio historical marker will be unveiled at Stonewall Columbus next month, debuting only the fourth such sign in the state honoring LGBTQ+ history.

A dedication ceremony is set for noon on Oct. 3 at Stonewall's North High Street community center, commemorating the organization's contributions since its founding in 1981. Stonewall said the marker celebrates its early efforts in organizing the city's first Pride march, its advocacy for legislative reform, and its commitment to uplifting central Ohio's LGBTQ+ community.

"This marker is more than a symbol of our past; it's a beacon for the future," said Densil Porteous, executive director of Stonewall. "It honors the generations who built this movement and reminds us of the ongoing work to ensure equity, affirmation and belonging for all LGBTQ+ people in our community."

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Ohio's historical marker program, administered by Ohio History Connection, has recognized only a handful of LGBTQ+ sites. Other LGBTQ+ landmarks memorialized by the program include Summit Station, Ohio's first lesbian bar that got a marker in 2023, alongside a marker placed near the Dayton Metro Library in 2009 for Ohio-born Natalie Clifford Barney and a marker installed in 2017 in Cleveland near the first Lesbian-Gay Community Service Center. 

• The Stonewall Columbus Community Center at 1160 N. High St. in the Short North. (Adobe Stock)
• The Stonewall Columbus Community Center at 1160 N. High St. in the Short North. (Adobe Stock)

"This recognition stands as a testament to the strength of our community," said K Terry Smith, president of Stonewall's board of trustees. "Stonewall Columbus has been -- and will continue to be -- a catalyst for inclusion."

Despite Stonewall's recognition, documentation of LGBTQ+ history in Ohio has faced significant challenges. In April, a federal grant funding the installation of 10 other LGBTQ+ historical markers in Ohio was canceled by DOGE. While the cuts didn't impact Stonewall's marker, the organization said it was disappointed in the loss of nearly $250,000 in federal funds.

"These markers are not just plaques in the ground -- they are vital pieces of public memory that affirm LGBTQ+ lives, struggles, and contributions to Ohio's civic and cultural fabric," said Porteous at the time. "We are saddened by the realization that we may not see the full 10 markers originally envisioned become a reality."

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The 10 other LGBTQ+ markers were to honor a former Columbus hospice and care center for HIV patients, a Cincinnati bookstore that housed the Ohio Lesbian Archives, Kent State University's first professor of gay and lesbian studies, a historic Akron LGBTQ+ district, Toledo City Council's first LGBTQ+ member, and more.

"These losses are not merely symbolic -- they represent a conscious erasure of history and a setback in our collective progress," Porteous said. "At a time when LGBTQ+ people, especially trans and nonbinary individuals, are facing renewed political and cultural attacks, we must double down on our efforts to ensure our stories are preserved."

Stonewall's Oct. 3 ceremony will feature speeches from local leaders, reflections on the organization's history, and opportunities for the public to engage with the community center. The event is free and open to all.

NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) -- Despite minimal immediate local effects, Ohio leaders were excited Thursday after the world's leading chipmaker announced it will invest $5 billion in Intel.

"Ohio will be the beneficiary in the long run of this," Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) said. "It takes time, but these are great, great steps forward."

On Thursday, Nvidia announced it will partner with Intel to jointly develop datacenter and PC products, and Nvidia will invest $5 billion in Intel through an equity share. Although the investment is unlikely to directly affect Intel's $28 billion Licking County project, it does provide much-needed funding for the financially uncertain company.

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Originally scheduled to open this year, Intel's Ohio One project was delayed into 2031 as Intel balanced declining revenue and demand. In July, Intel announced it would "further slow construction" at Ohio's plant, and indicated the future of the plant is reliant on securing new customers. At least eight Ohio One leaders have also departed their positions since July.

Nvidia, the most profitable company in the world, is partnering with Intel's products division. Intel is primarily split into two functions: Products and Foundry, the manufacturing division responsible for Ohio's plant. However, the two former rivals did not rule out a future Foundry collaboration.

Nvidia currently uses TSMC for its chips manufacturing, a Taiwanese company that dominates the chipmaking market. However, the new partnership is expected to use Intel packaging for the partnership, a part of chip manufacturing that occurs near the end of the process.

Currently, there is no indication that the Ohio plant would manufacture the new products, although nothing has been ruled out. An Intel representative confirmed they do not anticipate the partnership initiating a change in their plans for Ohio.

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"Intel has said all along that for them to move forward with the fabs in Ohio, that they're going to need a customer," Husted, who was lieutenant governor when Intel invested in Ohio and worked on Ohio One, said. "And this is the perfect customer, this is the partnership I was, frankly, rooting for."

Gov. Mike DeWine's office said it did not have a comment. President and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Steve Stivers said this is a big win for Intel, but there is still work needed for Ohio's foundry project. Stivers said Intel will still need to recruit key customers for the Foundry business, although Nvidia's partnership "creates strong momentum."

Stivers' comments on the need to recruit more customers reflect Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan's assessment of the company's future. In July, Tan said the Foundry's success is reliant on attracting external customers for its new manufacturing technique, set to debut in 2027. Intel said without those customers, the company would have to make tough decisions, including a possible cancelation of Intel Ohio One.

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Although the Nvidia partnership is good for Intel, it does not fix the need for new external customers. Intel has made it clear that its Products division cannot be the only customer for Intel Foundry or Ohio One, and although Nvidia brings outside revenue, the project is still half internal.

Husted said it is important to contextualize concerns about the future of Ohio's plant with recent upswings. He linked Intel's Ohio One delays and concerns to Intel's overall financial health. Husted credited recent Intel market successes to President Donald Trump acquiring 10% of Intel stock in exchange for the release of promised federal funding.

"This is complicated," Husted said. "You can't just flip a switch and re-shore an industry with a company that is struggling, but this is great news."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A pair of Ohio lawmakers are attempting to increase the penalties for politically motivated violence following the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. 

On Wednesday, Reps. Jack Daniels (R-New Franklin) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township) introduced House Bill 457, which would classify murder motivated by a victim or offender’s political beliefs as aggravated murder – the most serious homicide charge in Ohio. The proposal would also mandate a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole and leave the door open for the death penalty, according to a news release.

“We must honor Charlie’s memory not with silence, but with action,” Williams said in a statement. “Violence based on political beliefs is a direct threat to our democracy, and this legislation ensures that such violence is punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

Currently, Ohio does not have a law specifically addressing politically motivated murder. Those who commit such a crime in the state would likely already face an aggravated murder charge, which is punishable by the death penalty or life in prison; however, an offender can be granted parole after at least 20 years depending on the crime’s circumstances and a judge's sentence.

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The bill would also establish a political motivation specification that can be tacked onto any violent felony, which would require the maximum sentence for the original offense and an additional 10 years of imprisonment. 

The legislation comes in response to multiple recent politically-motivated attacks, including the assassination of Kirk, who was shot in front of a large crowd while speaking at Utah Valley University earlier this month. It was also prompted by the June killings of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, who was a Democrat, and her husband.

“Political violence is unacceptable in all circumstances – whether directed at elected officials, staff, journalists or activists peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights," Daniels said in a statement. "This bill sends a clear message: Violence has no place in our politics."

HB 457 awaits a committee assignment and its first hearing. Nine Republicans are cosponsoring the bill.

Williams, alongside Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus), also introduced a bill earlier this year that would classify a crime motivated by a victim’s political affiliation as a hate crime.

LEWIS CENTER, Ohio (WCMH) -- Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel was in Lewis Center Thursday night talking to Olentangy Schools students, parents and staff about the current workforce landscape in Ohio.

Central Ohio is growing every year, as major companies move to the area and create local job opportunities.

“We’re blessed here in Ohio. Central Ohio, in particular," Tressel said. "The job growth in central Ohio today. But yet, if you look 5 to 8 years down the road, it's going to be extraordinary."

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But Tressel stressed the need for people here to be ready and trained for those careers.

Awareness begins as early as high school. At Olentangy, there is the BridgED program, which connects students with local companies in the career fields they are interested in.

“A lot of the larger companies are choosing this area to build and to make this their corporate headquarters space," said Molly Preston, the assistant director of strategic partnerships at Olentangy Schools. "And we just want to make sure that our students are ready to fill that, you know, to fill what's happening and what's coming."

Some of the fastest growing careers in Ohio are IT, manufacturing and health care.

Members of OhioHealth’s Workforce Development and Academic Partnerships team say they are constantly hiring. There are opportunities for people with all levels of education at OhioHealth.

“I think a lot of the health care careers that we look for now is a lot of the professional skills. We see less and less people being able to have face to face conversations because that's not the way of the world now,” said Mindy Sanford, the senior advisor of workforce development and academic partnerships at OhioHealth.

Tressel acknowledged that the current job landscape is tough for some new college graduates right now. But in Ohio, he said there are a lot of opportunities. People just need to be willing to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.

“Information, techniques, technology, that's all going to change," Tressel said. "But it's not going to eliminate jobs. It's going to just change what jobs are out there and available."

Preston said she and the BridgED instructors are aware of the difficult job market. She said they are talking with students early about adaptability in careers.

“It’s just about awareness and flexibility of how still to be able to do what you're passionate about and what you love, but maybe just in a different way,” Preston said.

With the vast array of career opportunities in central Ohio, Olentangy Schools recognized that an early start can help students in their future job hunts.

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- After initially giving customers a recommended outdoor watering schedule to follow due to increased demand on their system, Del-Co Water Company has made the every other day schedule mandatory. 

“What has happened is the demand on our system is even greater than it was three days ago," said Jeffrey Kauffman, communications director for Del-Co Water Company.

The company recently asked customers to follow what they called a recommended outdoor watering schedule with the hopes water use would decrease and there'd be less demand on the system, but usage increased. Twenty-three million gallons were used on Monday and 24 million gallons were used the next day, according to Kauffman.

“What’s changed is the amount of water that continues to be used for irrigation," Kauffman said. 

Del-Co Water Company, which has about 56,000 customers, said the schedule is now mandatory. 

"The urgency is that we need customers to follow these recommendations and if our customers aren't able to do this then we run the risk of depressurizing certain parts of our system," Kauffman said. “We were hoping the voluntary measures were enough and they were not. And so there’s more sense of urgency now.”

Kauffman said customers' decisions to follow the schedule can make a significant difference.

“If you figure 12 million gallons of water that Del-Co produces is being put on the lawns if we can just reduce that number by two or three million gallons it is going to go a long way for us to lessen the strain on the system," he said.

Under the schedule, odd numbered homes are to water on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays while even numbered homes are supposed to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Kauffman said while this is difficult to enforce, the company hopes neighbors will remind neighbors of the schedules. It is in effect until Oct. 1.

"If our customers follow this schedule then we will be in great shape and we will not be at risk at all of depressurizing our system," he said.

BEXLEY, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Bexley-based nonprofit that's been going strong for three years is helping children build emotional resilience and wellness.

Each session begins with a lesson of the day, focused on character development.

Then, it's off to the kitchen, where students roll up their sleeves and get hands-on with baking.

"We teach thousands of students throughout the central Ohio area social-emotional life skills through a culinary cooking experience," Shea Kaltmann said. "One student will have a role to gather the ingredients, one will be the mixer, one will be the measurer, one will be the pourer.

"Here, the students are the headers and really imparting that message to them that you can lead, you can speak up for yourself," Kaltmann said.

"We're just making zucchini muffins," seventh grader Gideon Harris said. "It mostly helps with my social skills because I'm meeting new people and I get to communicate with them better."

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A data breach at a company designed to keep credit safe is impacting millions of people across the United States and in central Ohio.

It’s becoming a more common story and is another example of why everyone needs to know how to keep their data safe. 

A spokesperson for TransUnion told NBC4 they identified and contained the breach within hours, but still, sensitive information was stolen. We also heard from a viewer who said she was impacted. 

A letter came in the mail for one NBC4 viewer showing that her Social Security number and date of birth were stolen. Anyone who was impacted should have received one too. 

“The most important thing to know about this particular incident is it doesn't affect, at least from what's been published, it didn't affect the actual credit score database,” SecureCyber CEO Shawn Waldman said. 

The breach impacted a third-party system. Waldman said many companies, such as Google, have fallen victim to similar breaches that impacted customer relations databases. 

“It's becoming more the norm. I mean, the threat actors, bad guys, are finding new and ingenious ways to get access to sensitive information,” Waldman said. 

In a statement, a TransUnion spokesperson wrote: “TransUnion recently experienced a cyber incident that affected a third-party application serving our U.S. consumer support operations. Upon discovery, we quickly contained the issue, which did not involve our core credit database or include credit reports. The incident involved unauthorized access to limited personal information for a very small percentage of U.S. consumers. We are working with law enforcement and engaged third party cyber security experts for an independent forensics review. Additionally, we are notifying affected consumers and providing credit monitoring services” and “We identified and contained this event within hours.”

“They got social security numbers. That's all the threat actors want because they're out there now trying to get credit cards, trying to build fake identities with these,” National Technology Management CEO and Founder Kelly Siegel said. 

Siegel is the CEO of a cybersecurity firm that uses AI to protect people against AI. 

“I've been in this business for 27 years. Nothing surprises me anymore,” Siegel said. “The challenge becomes as long as we have humans, we're going to have this issue.”

Now those impacted, along with everyone, should be taking steps to lock up their data. 

“Practice, you know, good cyber hygiene. We've got to enter into a part of our world where the general public becomes a little more attentive to what that means in order to protect themselves, because these bad guys, these incidents are just going to continue and they'll just continue to escalate,” Waldman said. 

There are a few ways to protect yourself, whether you are a victim of this data breach or not. Set up multi-factor authentication, freeze your credit and set up alerts if there are any changes to your credit or bank account. 

TransUnion is also offering two years of free credit monitoring to those impacted.

Central Ohio Weather and Radar

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- An air quality alert has been issued by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission for all of Friday in Columbus and other central Ohio cities.

All of central Ohio will be under this alert due to ozone levels that may reach unhealthy standards. The expected air quality levels will meet the conditions making going outside unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Temperatures are expected to reach near 90 on Friday with very little cloud cover. The AQI forecast is projected to reach 101, which will be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The national AQI scale monitors ozone and particle pollution levels to note air safety. The scale runs from 0-500, with higher values indicating higher risks.

MORPC said sensitive groups include active children, the elderly and people with asthma and COPD. To avoid possible health issues, these groups are encouraged to limit outdoor activity, particularly over longer periods of time. If anyone experiences breathing difficulties, MORCP encourages them to call their doctor.

All central Ohioans are encouraged to take action to help improve air quality. MORCP recommends avoiding refueling your vehicle or getting gas, as both contribute to pollution, especially during the daytime heat. Residents are also encouraged to avoid using gas-powered lawn equipment and hold off mowing until another day. People are encouraged to carpool or seek alternate transportation when possible.

ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® headquarters will close at 12 PM Eastern time on Friday, September 19, 2025, for a staff event.

The ARRL Headquarters lobby and store, as well as W1AW, will be open to visitors from 8 AM to 12 PM EDT. Members are reminded that many transactions may be completed on our website at www.arrl.org.

There won’t be any interruptions to the W1AW bulletin o...

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new experimental museum for adults under construction in Columbus is readying to welcome its first visitors by the end of this year.

Located at 540 Maier Place on Whittier Peninsula, Prototype is nearing completion and promises to offer a unique, ever-changing experience for visitors. A 30,000-square-foot museum from Columbus-based design firm Roto, it's expected to open its doors in late 2025.

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"Prototype is where edgy meets experimental," said Dana Russell, Roto's vice president of brand and culture, in a statement. "It is designed for adults seeking something bold and provocative, making Prototype a prime destination for date nights, group outings, or anyone craving an unexpected adventure."

• A rendering of Prototype, under construction at 540 Maier Place on Whittier Peninsula. (Courtesy Photo/Roto)
• A rendering of Prototype, under construction at 540 Maier Place on Whittier Peninsula. (Courtesy Photo/Roto)

The museum is still under construction, but work is well underway, with exhibits and spaces being installed for the first test groups later this fall. Prototype will feature six large staging rooms, a full-service bar, and flexible spaces that can be adapted for different types of experiences.

The museum is designed to be a constantly evolving space where visitors can engage with new ideas and exhibits. Rather than adhering to a single theme or focus, Prototype will function as a "sandbox" for experimentation, allowing artists, designers, and technologists to test ideas and collaborate on new experiences.

Prototype marks Roto's collaboration with several local and international partners, including BalletMet, Champaign Aviation Museum and Meimage Dance from Taiwan. These partnerships will form part of the museum's first set of exhibits, which will continue to evolve based on audience feedback. This approach means that every visit to Prototype will offer something different from the last.

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The museum's leadership team, which includes experienced local professionals from Ohio History Connection and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, aims to provide a space where visitors can play an active role in shaping the museum's offerings.

"We are developing applications with advanced software tools and environments that people haven’t yet seen in museums anywhere," said Nick Braun, Roto's vice president of creative technology.

For more information on Prototype's opening and ticket sales, visit the museum's website, prototype.org.

CANAL WINCHESTER, Ohio (WCMH) –  Kroger is working toward opening a new marketplace and gas station in Canal Winchester, and will soon unveil renovations made to another local store.

On Aug. 18, Canal Winchester City Council unanimously approved Kroger’s plan to build a grocery store on an undeveloped 17.9-acre lot on the east side of Diley Road and north of Dove Parkway, just west of the Canal Winchester Redwood Apartments. 

Kroger is currently planning to open the new store, at 8200 Diley Road, in mid-September of 2026, a spokesperson told NBC4.

The 122,910-square-foot marketplace will feature a drive-thru pharmacy and grocery pick-up area. The project also includes a fuel center with seven pumps and a canopy, according to plans Kroger submitted to the city. 

In a Wednesday news release, Kroger said the company will put $35 million toward launching the new store, bringing its Columbus division’s investments in Ohio to more than $250 million over the past five years. The grocer stated the new market, which sits on the edge of Pickerington and Canal Winchester, is “a perfect location” for shoppers in both cities.

“Kroger is proud to be Ohio’s grocer of choice, and we are committed to serving our customers in one of the fastest growing regions in the United States,” said Mark Bruce, head of communications for Kroger’s Columbus division.

The new store will join an existing Kroger in Canal Winchester, at 6095 Gender Road. That location has been undergoing renovations for nearly four months while remaining open, and will unveil its completed $1.8 million remodel on Friday.

The 64,532-square-foot store has undergone updates to its floral, bakery and dairy departments, among other areas, according to a news release. It also boasts new interior decor and updated exterior signage. 

To celebrate the “grand reopening,” Kroger will also offer special deals, including an extra 20 cents off per gallon of gas purchased for those who use their Kroger Plus card from Sept. 19-21. 

“We can’t wait for the Canal Winchester community to see their refreshed grocery store on Sept. 19,” said store leader John White. “Shoppers will find many updates to their favorite store with each one aimed at making the shopping experience the best it can be.”

Kroger is an American grocery retailer that was founded in 1883 in Cincinnati. The chain has since spread to more than 1,200 locations across 16 states, including about 200 stores in Ohio. The Kroger Company also owns multiple other brands, including Dillons, Ralphs and Gerbes.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked portions of Ohio's budget that would have removed some elected educators from the State Teachers Retirement System Board.

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Andy Miller blocked those portions of the budget from taking effect until there can be a hearing for a preliminary injunction, according to the Ohio Federation of Teachers.

Provisions in the state budget reduce the number of elected teachers on the STRS board from seven to three and adding four new political appointees. Critics said the provision in the budget, which was added at the last minute, was an effort to silence teachers.

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The Ohio Federation of Teachers celebrated Wednesday's ruling.

"Ohio's educators have dedicated their lives and careers to serving students; they deserve to retire with dignity and financial security, and to have a meaningful voice in their retirement system," a spokesperson said in a statement.

The Ohio Education Association, the Ohio Federation of Teachers, and the Ohio Conference of the American Association of University Professors filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, calling the provisions unconstitutional. Those groups are the three largest education unions in Ohio.

The group argues that educators' rights were violated because the law only targets STRS, and not the other four public pension systems in Ohio, which get to keep their elected members as the majority.

There have been several years of chaos at the massive pension system, with retired teachers denied cost-of-living increases and the Ohio attorney general filing a civil complaint against two board members.

NBC4 reached out to a STRS spokesperson for comment and has not received a response.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person is dead and two others were injured in a shooting Thursday morning in east Columbus.

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A police dispatcher said the shooting occurred at 9:24 a.m. at the 3200 block of Sterling Lane. Three victims were found at the scene with a gunshot with each going to a different area hospital.

Two were transported in stable condition but one was hospitalized in critical condition and was pronounced dead. A CPD spokesperson said a person believed to be the shooter was taken into custody.

No further information is known at this time.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - Meet Gri! She is up for adoption at the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.

Gri is 8 years old and has been with the shelter for a couple of months. Staff say she is your typical senior dog who will have some spurts of energy to play, but loves to relax and snuggle up.

Staff say Gri recently went on a couple of sleepovers and was described as a "cuddle bug." She is looking for a family where she can go on walks with you and be adventurous, but will be a couch potato at the end of the day.

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Shelter staff say she can be a little selective with her dog friends, so a meet and greet with your residential dog is recommended before moving forward in adopting her. Staff say she would do well with adults or even families with older children.

Gri's adoption fee is waived and is available for $18. If you are interested in Gri, you can meet with her at the shelter, located at 4340 Tamarack Blvd. in Columbus. For a full list of other adoptable dogs, visit the shelter's website.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — With the Buckeyes off this weekend, it is the perfect chance for people to hit the road and explore central Ohio’s festivals and outdoor fun.

The Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival in Laurelville features thousands of hand-blown pumpkins and live glassblowing, while the Mohican Bigfoot Festival in Loudonville offers everything from river trips to Bigfoot speakers and photo ops. Runners and hikers can head to Hocking Hills State Park for the 47th annual Trail Run through caves, waterfalls, and scenic gorges.

For sports fans staying in town, the Columbus Clippers wrap up a series against the Omaha Storm Chasers at Huntington Park, and the Columbus Crew takes on Toronto FC at Lower.com Field.

Live entertainment lovers can catch MadLab’s surreal play “Clowntime is Over,” or laugh along at Comedy Night at Nostalgia Brewing in Gahanna. Meanwhile, music fans have two chances to see Cody Johnson at Nationwide Arena.

Rounding out the weekend are events for every interest, from the North Market Wine Fest at Bridge Park to the Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens and DogFest North Central, a family- and dog-friendly fundraiser featuring service dog demonstrations. Additionally, the citywide Cartoon Crossroads Columbus festival showcases comics and animation through films and discussions. Families can enjoy free activities and entertainment at the Maloney Park Cap City Festival.

Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC) 2025

Various locations around Columbus, through Sept. 22
• Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC) is an annual comics art and animation festival across the city of Columbus. The event brings internationally renowned cartoonists and animators to give talks, presentations and sell their work. This year's show features Jhonen Vasquez, John Musker, Charles Burns and more, as well as a new international manga programming track.

Columbus Clippers vs. Omaha Storm Chasers

Huntington Park, through Sept. 22
• Columbus Clippers, Triple-A Affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, will play the Omaha Storm Chasers at Huntington Park. Admission is $6 to $21.
• Game Times:
September 18: 6:15 p.m.
September 19: 7:05 p.m.
September 20: 7:05 p.m.
September 21: 1:05 p.m.

NBC4 File photo Comedy Night at Nostalgia Brewing

Nostalgia Brewing Co., 81 Mill St., Gahanna, Friday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m.
• Next Stop Comedy is back with a night of high-energy performances featuring new comedians and nonstop good vibes. Each show has a new lineup with no drink minimum. Performances may contain adult content. Refunds are available until showtime. Admission is $25.

Cody Johnson

Nationwide Arena, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 and 20, 7:30 p.m.
• Cody Johnson will perform his Leather Deluxe Tour at Nationwide Arena. Friday special guests Clint Black and Drew Baldridge. Saturday special guests Ian Munsick and Walker Montgomery. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $80 and up.

Cody Johnson performs "Til You Can't" during the 56th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) MadLab 'Clowntime is Over'

MadLab, 227 N. 3rd. St., Columbus, Thursday, Sept. 18 through Saturday, Oct. 4
• A surreal comedy suffused with dread, “Clowntime” is one of MadLab’s best-received shows. “Clowntime” tells the tale of Max P. Twinkle, a television clown who lives to entertain — because he is too exhausted by life to do anything else. Today, however, is different, as he finds himself trapped in a room with a bitter llama, a loveless bunny rabbit and a fitfully hungry serpent that may destroy them all. All shows start at 8 p.m. Admission is $15 to $20.

Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival

Laurelville, Friday through Sunday, Sept. 19 to 21
• This nationally ranked festival showcases thousands of hand-blown glass pumpkins, live glassblowing, regional artists, food trucks, music, and family-friendly activities. Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Festivalgoers are encouraged to carpool and reserve VIP Advance Discount Parking for $5 at GlassPumpkinFestival.com. Guests who reserve parking receive a $5 coupon towards their Jack Pine pumpkin purchase. Plenty of day-of parking is available for $10 per car. Admission is free.

Photo Courtesy/ Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival Maloney Park Cap City Festival

Maloney Park, 1701 Joyce Ave, Columbus, Friday, Sept. 19, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• An afternoon of free fun and entertainment for the whole family. With activities, resources and food in a safe and enjoyable environment. Admission is free.

North Market Wine Fest at Bridge Park

North Market Bridge Park, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 and 20
• The wine festival will take place at North Market Bridge Park in Dublin, Ohio. This two-day event brings distributors and wineries from around the world. Hours are Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $60 to $85, which includes taste tickets and food vouchers.

Mohican Bigfoot Festival

Lost Horizons Campground Friday, Sept. 19 & Downtown Loudonville, Saturday, Sept. 20
• Friday's activities feature a river trip, thermal drone demo, community campfire, Bigfoot shows, and activities for kids. On Saturday, there will be downtown sidewalk sales, food and merchandise vendors, speakers at the Ohio Theatre, photo ops with a nine-foot Bigfoot, a Walk Like a Bigfoot contest, a Bigfoot sighting board, and DJ Wolf Rock Radio, Brian Wolf.

• Speakers at the Ohio Theatre include Larry Sidwell of BFRO West Virginia, Rod Rodabaugh an Ohio Bigfoot investigator, Bea Mills of the Hocking Hills Bigfoot Festival, Shane Grove, “From the Shadows” podcaster and keynote speaker, Matt Pruitt, author of “The Phenomenal Sasquatch” and producer and editor of “Bigfoot and Beyond Podcast with Cliff and Bobo.”

A dark, scary concept of a mysterious Bigfoot figure walking through a forest, silhouetted against trees. Adobe Stock. Hocking Hills Trail Run

Hocking Hills State Park, Saturday, Sept. 20
• The 47th annual trail run offers distances from 5K to 60K on scenic courses winding past waterfalls, caves, and gorges. All runners will be equipped with chip timing devices. Races meet and finish at the Hocking Hills State Park Naturalist Cabin, 19852 S.R. 664 S in Hocking County.  Refreshments will be available for runners after their races. All races must start before 11 a.m. and end by 3 p.m. to be considered for timing and awards. The event also welcomes walkers and leashed pets. Each participant receives a medallion handcrafted by local high school art students and a t-shirt. Cost is $25 for the 5K run, $35 for the 10K, and $45 for 20K, 40K and 60K routes, with day-of signup offered for an additional $10.

Columbus Crew vs. Toronto FC

Lower.com Field, Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m.
• Columbus Crew is set to host Toronto FC. Tickets are $41 and up

Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens

Short North, Sunday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• From Queen Anne mansion to fashionable farmhouse, this year’s tour showcases the unique, eclectic character that is the Short North. A self-guided exploration through the Short North’s Victorian Village and Italian Village neighborhoods, highlighting exceptional restoration, innovative renovation and use of outdoor spaces. The tour starts at the Goodale Park Gazebo, 120 W. Goodale St., Columbus. There are free shuttles to all nine tour stops. Tickets are $25 each.

• Photo Courtesy/ Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens
• Photo Courtesy/ Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens
• Photo Courtesy/ Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens
• Photo Courtesy/ Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens
• Photo Courtesy/ Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens
• Photo Courtesy/ Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens
• Photo Courtesy/ Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens
• Photo Courtesy/ Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens
• Photo Courtesy/ Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens
• Photo Courtesy/ Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens

DogFest

Canine Companions North Central Training Center, Sunday, Sept. 21, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• DogFest North Central is a community festival benefiting Canine Companions, the nation’s leading nonprofit provider of expertly trained service dogs. DogFest is a family-friendly and dog-friendly event featuring amazing service dog skill demonstrations, music, local vendors, food trucks, activities for kids and the ribbon cutting of Canine Companions North Central’s new, fully accessible playground. Every dollar raised helps provide service dogs — free of charge — to adults, children and veterans with disabilities. NBC4 anchor Andrea Robinson as she emcees the event.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As Columbus City Schools works to cut $50 million annually from its budget, the district is weighing major transportation changes.

“I think we would all agree that the state’s not coming to save us,” Treasurer Ryan Cook said. “And now the feds aren’t helping. I think we have to begin to attack it with urgency."

At Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, Cook offered an updated financial forecast, which now projects positive cash balances into fiscal year 2030, one year later than previously projected. However, Cook said the district still needs to cut $50 million annually from the budget, and should brace for additional cuts in the future.

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Although Superintendent Angela Chapman won't present her recommendations until November, the district is already considering major changes to transportation. On Sept. 11, the district mulled giving all high school students Central Ohio Transit Authority passes or doing away with high school transportation entirely. The state only requires public districts to transport students through eighth grade.

Giving COTA passes to high schoolers would allow them to take public transportation instead of relying on school busing. The district said it would save an estimated $4.7 million annually and remove the need for 50 buses. Cutting high school transportation entirely would save the district $7.2 million annually but would place the burden of transportation onto families.

The district said either option would also help Columbus City Schools save money in noncompliance fines. 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, explained to school board members in August that the state fines public districts that receive transportation complaints from nonpublic schools.

After a fifth complaint from nonpublic schools, CCS must pay $161,000 per day for violations. However, there is no timeline for when nonpublic schools have to file complaints. Stufflebean said in April, nonpublic schools filed numerous complaints from the previous August, so CCS was unable to address the issues and avoid the fines.

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Stufflebean said the district spends $77 million each year on transportation, but noncompliance fines raise costs over $100 million. He said the district had successfully reduced its fees from $22 million to $1.4 million before it was hit with new fines in April, driving the fees back up to $15 million.

Shufflebean said although the district gets a reimbursement for all nonpublic students it transports, the cost to transport nonpublic students exceeds state funding allotments. Chapman said many Ohio districts have shifted to the state minimum of who they need to transport, something she said CCS has not done. She said after the pandemic, CCS continued to operate transportation as it had before COVID-19, despite having 200 fewer bus drivers.

Cook said providing COTA transportation to high schoolers would reduce the chance for fines, and removing high school transportation would eliminate 9-12 noncompliance fines entirely. Cook said the district does not budget for fines, so they always represent a direct revenue loss.

Although removing transportation would save the most money, board members recognized the responsibility that placed on families. As part of the Tuesday meeting the board discussed their recent state report card and areas for improvement. The report card placed the district's chronic absentee rate at 52.6%, which is unlikely to be bettered by placing the responsibility of getting to school on families.