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Articles by Thomas Cobb
Ohio appeals court rules state’s EdChoice school voucher program unconstitutional
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — An Ohio appeals court unanimously ruled Thursday that the state’s EdChoice private-school voucher program violates the Ohio Constitution, affirming a lower court decision in a lawsuit backed by hundreds of public school districts. The three-judge 10th District Court of Appeals panel concluded that EdChoice uses public money to support a competing system of private schools while weakening the “common schools” the state constitution requires Ohio to maintain.
Ohio appeals court rules state’s EdChoice school voucher program unconstitutional
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — An Ohio appeals court unanimously ruled Thursday that the state’s EdChoice private-school voucher program violates the Ohio Constitution, affirming a lower court decision in a lawsuit backed by hundreds of public school districts. The three-judge 10th District Court of Appeals panel concluded that EdChoice uses public money to support a competing system of private schools while weakening the “common schools” the state constitution requires Ohio to maintain.
Ohio appeals court rules state’s EdChoice school voucher program unconstitutional
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — An Ohio appeals court unanimously ruled Thursday that the state’s EdChoice private-school voucher program violates the Ohio Constitution, affirming a lower court decision in a lawsuit backed by hundreds of public school districts. The three-judge 10th District Court of Appeals panel concluded that EdChoice uses public money to support a competing system of private schools while weakening the “common schools” the state constitution requires Ohio to maintain.
Ohio appeals court rules state’s EdChoice school voucher program unconstitutional
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — An Ohio appeals court unanimously ruled Thursday that the state’s EdChoice private-school voucher program violates the Ohio Constitution, affirming a lower court decision in a lawsuit backed by hundreds of public school districts. The three-judge 10th District Court of Appeals panel concluded that EdChoice uses public money to support a competing system of private schools while weakening the “common schools” the state constitution requires Ohio to maintain.
Ohio appeals court rules state’s EdChoice school voucher program unconstitutional
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- An Ohio appeals court unanimously ruled Thursday that the state's EdChoice private-school voucher program violates the Ohio Constitution, affirming a lower court decision in a lawsuit backed by hundreds of public school districts. The three-judge 10th District Court of Appeals panel concluded that EdChoice uses public money to support a competing system of private schools while weakening the "common schools" the state constitution requires Ohio to maintain.
Ohio socialist Senate candidate disavows mail campaign with GOP vendor ties
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A super PAC formed in late September spent nearly $400,000 to promote socialist Greg Levy and oppose Democrat Sherrod Brown in Ohio’s closely contested U.S. Senate race, according to federal campaign finance records. Levy’s campaign said it had no connection to the mailers, which began reaching Ohio voters less than a month before the Nov. 3 election. The campaign called them an attempt to deceive voters and said it was considering legal action.
How Mount Vernon schools would use proposed 1% income tax on November ballot
MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (WCMH) — Mount Vernon City School District voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve a 1% earned income tax that would pay for new and renovated schools while supporting daily district operations. The tax would remain in place for 30 years and begin in January. It would apply to income earned by district residents through wages, salaries and self-employment, rather than property values.
How Mount Vernon schools would use proposed 1% income tax on November ballot
Mount Vernon City School District voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve a 1% earned income tax that would pay for new and renovated schools while supporting daily district operations. MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (WCMH) -- Mount Vernon City School District voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve a 1% earned income tax that would pay for new and renovated schools while supporting daily district operations. The tax would remain in place for 30 years and begin in January.
Ohio bill would give taxpayers clearer path to property tax refunds Original
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Instead of waiting for a credit on a future bill, Ohioans who pay more in property taxes than they legally owe could request their money back under legislation that would create a uniform refund process statewide. House Bill 1022, introduced this month, would change how county auditors and treasurers handle overpayments, including those caused by clerical errors, such as typos, missed digits and data entry mistakes.
Upper Arlington’s Issue 34: What the police and fire pension tax would cost
UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) — Upper Arlington is asking voters to renew and increase a property tax levy that helps pay for retirement and disability benefits for its police officers and firefighters. State law requires the city to contribute to their pension fund, regardless of whether voters approve the levy. Issue 34, on the Nov. 3 ballot, would renew the existing 0.89-mill levy and add 0.24 mills, bringing the total to 1.13 mills. The current levy expires after the 2026 tax year.
Upper Arlington’s Issue 34: What the police and fire pension tax would cost
Upper Arlington is asking voters to renew and increase a property tax levy that helps pay for retirement and disability benefits for its police officers and firefighters. UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) -- Upper Arlington is asking voters to renew and increase a property tax levy that helps pay for retirement and disability benefits for its police officers and firefighters. State law requires the city to contribute to their pension fund, regardless of whether voters approve the levy.
What Southwest Licking’s two school tax proposals would mean for residents
PATASKALA, Ohio (WCMH) — Southwest Licking Local Schools is returning to the ballot Nov. 3 to request two tax proposals: a replacement income tax for daily operations and an $80.7 million bond to build a school for grades 5 and 6. The proposed 2% earned income tax would replace the existing 0.75% income tax and exclude retirement and investment income. The construction bonds would be repaid over up to 35 years through a new property-tax levy. Residents would vote on each measure separately.
National Trail Raceway up for sale as owner exits racing business
HEBRON, Ohio (WCMH) — The central Ohio drag strip that brought some of the sport’s biggest names to the area for decades is up for sale as its owner leaves the racing business. National Trail Raceway, a roughly 230-acre property near Hebron in Licking County, is among 12 motorsports facilities being sold nationwide by Darana Motorsports Holdings. National Trails Raceway is among 12 motorsport facilities being sold nationwide by Daran Motorsports Holdings.
What Southwest Licking’s two school tax proposals would mean for residents
PATASKALA, Ohio (WCMH) -- Southwest Licking Local Schools is returning to the ballot Nov. 3 to request two tax proposals: a replacement income tax for daily operations and an $80.7 million bond to build a school for grades 5 and 6. The proposed 2% earned income tax would replace the existing 0.75% income tax and exclude retirement and investment income. The construction bonds would be repaid over up to 35 years through a new property-tax levy. Residents would vote on each measure separately.
National Trail Raceway up for sale as owner exits racing business
The central Ohio drag strip that brought some of the sport’s biggest names to the area for decades is up for sale as its owner leaves the racing business. HEBRON, Ohio (WCMH) -- The central Ohio drag strip that brought some of the sport’s biggest names to the area for decades is up for sale as its owner leaves the racing business.
Driver seriously injured after stopped car struck on I-270
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A driver was critically injured after a tractor-trailer struck a stationary car early Saturday on Interstate 270 in Obetz, according to police. The crash happened just before 3:45 a.m. on westbound I-270, west of Lockbourne Road in Hamilton Township, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. A 2002 Volvo VNM tractor-trailer was traveling in the right lane when it struck a 2016 Kia Optima stopped in the lane.
Driver seriously injured after stopped car struck on I-270
Driver seriously injured after stopped car struck on I-270 Sat, October 10, 2026 at 7:46 AM EDT COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A driver was critically injured after a tractor-trailer struck a stationary car early Saturday on Interstate 270 in Obetz, according to police. The crash happened just before 3:45 a.m. on westbound I-270, west of Lockbourne Road in Hamilton Township, according to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.
Space-themed Roswell’s opening inside Woodland’s Backyard Original
GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio (WCMH) — The team behind Blackbird Kitchen is opening a space-themed restaurant concept inside Woodland’s Backyard, the sports and recreation bar on Grandview Avenue, just south of Dublin Road. Roswell’s menu is built around burgers, chicken tenders and wings. Its team will host a launch party Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. at 668 Grandview Ave. The concept will replace Blackbird Burrito Company in the venue’s kitchen.
Teen motorcyclist seriously injured in head-on Union County crash Original
UNION COUNTY, Ohio (WCMH) — A 17-year-old motorcyclist was seriously injured Friday night in a head-on crash on State Route 4 in Union County. The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. near milepost 18. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 67-year-old Earl McDaniel of Marion was driving a 1999 Jaguar two-door sports car north when he attempted to pass multiple vehicles at a high rate of speed. The Jaguar struck a southbound 2006 Suzuki SV650 motorcycle driven by Donovin Yawnk, 17, of Marysville.
President Donald Trump calls for Christopher Columbus statue’s return to Ohio’s capital Original
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — President Donald Trump called Friday for Columbus to put its namesake statue back on display, more than six years after the city removed it from outside City Hall. Speaking at a White House Columbus Day event, Trump singled out Ohio’s capital while defending monuments to the explorer and celebrating statues installed on the White House grounds. “We demand that Christopher Columbus be put back into the heart of Columbus, Ohio,” Trump said.
Olentangy Trail sections closing for repairs this month
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Walkers, runners and cyclists will need to plan around two temporary closures on the Olentangy Trail this month as the city of Columbus repairs aging pavement. A roughly half-mile section near the OSU wetlands, officially The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park, is scheduled to close Oct. 12-16, followed by a section near Tuttle Park from Oct. 26-30, according to Columbus Recreation and Parks. All dates are subject to change because of weather.
Olentangy Trail sections closing for repairs this month
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Walkers, runners and cyclists will need to plan around two temporary closures on the Olentangy Trail this month as the city of Columbus repairs aging pavement. A roughly half-mile section near the OSU wetlands, officially The Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park, is scheduled to close Oct. 12-16, followed by a section near Tuttle Park from Oct. 26-30, according to Columbus Recreation and Parks. All dates are subject to change because of weather.
What would Worthington’s four charter amendments on November ballot change?
WORTHINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) — Worthington voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to change how residents challenge City Council decisions, shorten the time to petition for a public vote on zoning changes and combine three development review boards. Issues 35 through 38 would amend the city charter, which governs Worthington’s local government. Three of the issues came from an 11-member Charter Review Commission appointed by council. Issue 38 reached the ballot through a resident petition.
What would Worthington’s four charter amendments on November ballot change?
WORTHINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) -- Worthington voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to change how residents challenge City Council decisions, shorten the time to petition for a public vote on zoning changes and combine three development review boards. Issues 35 through 38 would amend the city charter, which governs Worthington's local government. Three of the issues came from an 11-member Charter Review Commission appointed by council. Issue 38 reached the ballot through a resident petition.
Historic Downtown Columbus building sold for $8.9 million
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Mercantile building in Downtown Columbus has been sold to a Washington, D.C.-based investment firm for $8.9 million, marking the company’s first acquisition in central Ohio. Rampart Capital purchased the apartment building at 309 S. Fourth St. and the nearby lots used for tenant parking. Franklin County property records show the sale at $8.4 million.
Historic Downtown Columbus building sold for $8.9 million
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Mercantile building in Downtown Columbus has been sold to a Washington, D.C.-based investment firm for $8.9 million, marking the company's first acquisition in central Ohio. Rampart Capital purchased the apartment building at 309 S. Fourth St. and the nearby lots used for tenant parking. Franklin County property records show the sale at $8.4 million.
Historic Downtown Columbus building sold for $8.9 million
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Mercantile building in Downtown Columbus has been sold to a Washington, D.C.-based investment firm for $8.9 million, marking the company’s first acquisition in central Ohio. Rampart Capital purchased the apartment building at 309 S. Fourth St. and the nearby lots used for tenant parking. Franklin County property records show the sale at $8.4 million.
Longtime Short North bar Bodega sold, with rebrand planned
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Bodega, a longtime Short North craft beer bar, has new owners: the family behind a Latin American restaurant in northwest Columbus and a Colombian and Venezuelan bakery near Polaris Fashion Place. The Muñoz family has purchased Bodega at 1044 N. High St. and its adjoining cocktail bar, Apt B. The sale closed in early September, owner Hector Muñoz told NBC4. The family operates Cilantro Latin Fusion on Sawmill Road and the newly opened Valencia Bakery near Polaris.
Longtime Short North bar Bodega sold, with rebrand planned
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Bodega, a longtime Short North craft beer bar, has new owners: the family behind a Latin American restaurant in northwest Columbus and a Colombian and Venezuelan bakery near Polaris Fashion Place. The Muñoz family has purchased Bodega at 1044 N. High St. and its adjoining cocktail bar, Apt B. The sale closed in early September, owner Hector Muñoz told NBC4. The family operates Cilantro Latin Fusion on Sawmill Road and the newly opened Valencia Bakery near Polaris.
Longtime Short North bar Bodega sold, with rebrand planned
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Bodega, a longtime Short North craft beer bar, has new owners: the family behind a Latin American restaurant in northwest Columbus and a Colombian and Venezuelan bakery near Polaris Fashion Place. The Muñoz family has purchased Bodega at 1044 N. High St. and its adjoining cocktail bar, Apt B. The sale closed in early September, owner Hector Muñoz told NBC4. The family operates Cilantro Latin Fusion on Sawmill Road and the newly opened Valencia Bakery near Polaris.
Inside Upper Arlington schools’ proposed $273.5 million bond, 4.9-mill levy
UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) — Upper Arlington voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve Issue 7, a combined property tax request that would fund daily school operations and the next phase of the district’s facilities plan. Issue 7 includes a 4.9-mill operating levy and a $273.5 million bond issue. The operating money would maintain the district’s current academic programs, staffing and services.
Inside Upper Arlington schools’ proposed $273.5 million bond, 4.9-mill levy
UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) -- Upper Arlington voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve Issue 7, a combined property tax request that would fund daily school operations and the next phase of the district's facilities plan. Issue 7 includes a 4.9-mill operating levy and a $273.5 million bond issue. The operating money would maintain the district's current academic programs, staffing and services.
Japanese-inspired cafe now open in Bethel Center Mall Original
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A Japanese-inspired cafe has opened in the Bethel Center Mall in northwest Columbus, serving matcha, coffee, tea and desserts during its soft opening. Sora Cafe now occupies the former Cha Sha & Coffee space, located at 1462 Bethel Road, between Hokkaido Revolving Sushi Bar and Fiery Sky Asian Kitchen.
Fronteras Mexican Cuisine plans location at Grandview Crossing Original
GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio (WCMH) — The restaurant group behind Mexican cuisine in east Columbus and Italian Village appears to be planning a location in Grandview Heights. Macias G Group LLC has applied for a liquor permit for a Fronteras Mexican Cuisine restaurant at Grandview Crossing. Fronteras has operated its restaurant at 6608 E. Broad St., in the Blacklick neighborhood, since early 2018. Grandview Heights City Council took no action on the permit request in its Sept. 28 meeting.
What to know about South Western schools’ no-new-millage bond issue on November ballot
GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH) — South Western City Schools voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve a 2.26-mill bond issue that would replace Grove City and Westland high schools without raising the property tax rate, according to the district. The measure, named Issue 6, is a no-new-millage bond, meaning it would not raise the district’s millage rate — the rate at which property is taxed. See the latest NBC4 headlines in the video player above.
What to know about South Western schools’ no-new-millage bond issue on November ballot
GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH) -- South Western City Schools voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve a 2.26-mill bond issue that would replace Grove City and Westland high schools without raising the property tax rate, according to the district. The measure, named Issue 6, is a no-new-millage bond, meaning it would not raise the district’s millage rate -- the rate at which property is taxed. See the latest NBC4 headlines in the video player above.
Juvenile seriously injured after falling from roof of moving car Original
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A juvenile suffered a serious head injury after falling from the roof of a moving car Friday night in northeast Columbus, according to police. The crash happened just before 10:30 p.m. in a parking lot east of 3599 Chiller Lane, near Sunbury Road. Columbus police said an adult was driving a Toyota Avalon while the juvenile was voluntarily riding on its roof. For reasons police say are still under investigation, the juvenile fell from the car and struck the asphalt.
Dave Portnoy blames Ohio State, Ryan Day for ‘Big Noon Kickoff’ exit Original
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy said Friday night he has been removed from Fox Sports’ “Big Noon Kickoff,” and he is blaming Ohio State and football coach Ryan Day. Portnoy wrote on X that he was “put on ice” from the college football pregame show. He accused Ohio State and Day of repeatedly complaining about him to the Big Ten and pressuring Fox Sports until the network decided to remove him.
Bexley schools explores grass practice fields at Cassady site
BEXLEY, Ohio (WCMH) — Nearly two years after Bexley City Schools purchased more than 28 acres at 935 North Cassady Avenue, the district is considering an initial development for the property: up to two grass practice fields that could open for the fall 2027 sports season. The district told families Sept. 24 that it was working with a local contractor to estimate the cost of grading and seeding part of the property, along with possible fencing.
Bexley schools explores grass practice fields at Cassady site
BEXLEY, Ohio (WCMH) -- Nearly two years after Bexley City Schools purchased more than 28 acres at 935 North Cassady Avenue, the district is considering an initial development for the property: up to two grass practice fields that could open for the fall 2027 sports season. The district told families Sept. 24 that it was working with a local contractor to estimate the cost of grading and seeding part of the property, along with possible fencing.
Bexley schools explores grass practice fields at Cassady site
BEXLEY, Ohio (WCMH) -- Nearly two years after Bexley City Schools purchased more than 28 acres at 935 North Cassady Avenue, the district is considering an initial development for the property: up to two grass practice fields that could open for the fall 2027 sports season. The district told families Sept. 24 that it was working with a local contractor to estimate the cost of grading and seeding part of the property, along with possible fencing.
Pickerington schools face growing financial strain: What happens next hinges on levy
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) — Pickerington Local Schools cut roughly $3.25 million from its annual budget this school year while trying to limit the effect on classrooms, the first step in a three-phase plan intended to keep the district financially stable. Whether the later phases become necessary depends largely on a 10-year, 0.75% income tax proposal appearing on the Nov. 3 ballot. The measure would generate an estimated $21.9 million annually, beginning Jan.
Pickerington schools face growing financial strain: What happens next hinges on levy
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) -- Pickerington Local Schools cut roughly $3.25 million from its annual budget this school year while trying to limit the effect on classrooms, the first step in a three-phase plan intended to keep the district financially stable. Whether the later phases become necessary depends largely on a 10-year, 0.75% income tax proposal appearing on the Nov. 3 ballot. The measure would generate an estimated $21.9 million annually, beginning Jan.
Who will be Ohio’s next treasurer? What to know about the 2026 candidates
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohio’s next treasurer will manage the state’s investments, debt and daily cash flow, and voters will choose Nov. 3 between a former state legislator who helped write Ohio’s state budget and a Cincinnati official with a background in community development and local administration. Democrat Seth Walsh is a Cincinnati City Council member with a background in community development.
Who will be Ohio’s next treasurer? What to know about the 2026 candidates
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio's next treasurer will manage the state's investments, debt and daily cash flow, and voters will choose Nov. 3 between a former state legislator who helped write Ohio's state budget and a Cincinnati official with a background in community development and local administration. Democrat Seth Walsh is a Cincinnati City Council member with a background in community development.
Two Ohio polls show Sherrod Brown leading Jon Husted in U.S. Senate race
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Two new polls conducted over nearly identical periods show Democrat Sherrod Brown leading Republican Sen. Jon Husted in Ohio’s special U.S. Senate election. A poll conducted by Suffolk University and USA Today found Brown with roughly 47% support among likely voters, compared with 44% for Husted. Brown’s edge falls within the poll’s margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points. Six percent were undecided. Among Independents, 58% favored Brown and 33% favored Husted.
Two Ohio polls show Sherrod Brown leading Jon Husted in U.S. Senate race
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Two new polls conducted over nearly identical periods show Democrat Sherrod Brown leading Republican Sen. Jon Husted in Ohio's special U.S. Senate election. A poll conducted by Suffolk University and USA Today found Brown with roughly 47% support among likely voters, compared with 44% for Husted. Brown's edge falls within the poll's margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points. Six percent were undecided. Among Independents, 58% favored Brown and 33% favored Husted.
Avina Women’s Care reaches deal to stay in UnitedHealthcare network
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Avina Women’s Care will remain in UnitedHealthcare’s network after the sides reached an agreement shortly before their existing contract was scheduled to expire. The multiyear agreement preserves in-network access to Avina providers for patients enrolled in UnitedHealthcare employer-provided health plans, the insurer said. Avina notified patients Tuesday that an agreement had been reached.
Century-old Franklinton school building could be demolished
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A former Catholic school that sheltered Franklinton residents during the Great Flood of 1913 could be demolished under an application submitted to the city of Columbus. Demolition company S.G. Loewendick & Sons applied Sept. 21 to demolish the two-story building at 57 S. Grubb St., according to city records. The former Holy Family School spans more than 45,000 square feet and is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Columbus, Franklin County property records show.
Century-old Franklinton school building could be demolished
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A former Catholic school that sheltered Franklinton residents during the Great Flood of 1913 could be demolished under an application submitted to the city of Columbus. Demolition company S.G. Loewendick & Sons applied Sept. 21 to demolish the two-story building at 57 S. Grubb St., according to city records. The former Holy Family School spans more than 45,000 square feet and is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Columbus, Franklin County property records show.
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