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ICE to open office in Westerville

Stella Muigai
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ICE to open office in Westerville
ICE to open office in Westerville
ICE to open office in Westerville

ICE to open office in Westerville

Federal immigration authorities appear to be expanding their footprint in central Ohio, with a new office lease in Westerville linked to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

According to federal leasing records, the General Services Administration began leasing space at 774 Park Meadow Road in Westerville on Oct. 30. The lease runs through Oct. 29, 2030, at an annual cost of $257,758.

The General Services Administration, which handles federal property and leasing agreements, had previously sought proposals for new office space in Columbus and 18 other cities to support law enforcement operations.

Reporting by Wired indicates the new Westerville lease will house the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), the largest legal division within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Online listings also show the address as an OPLA office location.

OPLA attorneys represent ICE and the Department of Homeland Security in immigration court proceedings, including deportation hearings.

The new office is located on the same street as ICE’s existing Westerville field office at 675 Brooksedge Blvd., which functions as a regional operations hub. If OPLA relocates to the Park Meadow Road site, the two offices would serve separate roles — one focused on enforcement operations and the other on legal proceedings.

County property records show the Park Meadow Road building underwent federally contracted improvements around the start of the lease. The property is owned by Nationwide Realty Investors and also houses private business offices.

ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment.

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Stella Muigai

Ohio House Bill 662: Ohio Lawmakers Propose Felony Charge for Disrupting Religious Services

Stella Muigai
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Ohio House Bill 662: Ohio Lawmakers Propose Felony Charge for Disrupting Religious Services
Ohio House Bill 662 Ohio Lawmakers Propose Felony Charge for Disrupting Religious Services

Ohio House Bill 662: Ohio Lawmakers Propose Felony Charge for Disrupting Religious Services

Ohio lawmakers have introduced legislation that would increase penalties for disrupting religious services, elevating the offense from a misdemeanor to a felony.

State Reps. Johnathan Newman (R-Troy) and Tex Fischer (R-Boardman) introduced House Bill 662. The proposal would raise the charge for intentionally obstructing or interfering with in-person or online religious services from a first-degree misdemeanor to a fifth-degree felony.

Under current Ohio law, a first-degree misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. A fifth-degree felony is punishable by up to 12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine.

Newman said the bill is aimed at protecting the constitutional right to freely practice religion. “I will do everything possible to ensure Ohioans’ First Amendment right to free exercise of religion is protected, along with houses of worship and worshippers,” he said in a statement.

The legislation follows a Jan. 18 protest in St. Paul, Minnesota, where demonstrators interrupted a church service during an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement rally. Lawmakers cited the incident as an example of what they view as interference with religious freedom.

Fischer said while Americans have the right to protest government policies, that right does not extend to disrupting religious services. “Our state should not tolerate this behavior and must stand strong in protecting the rights of Ohioans of all faiths,” he said.

In 2023, lawmakers previously increased the penalty for disturbing religious worship from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor under House Bill 504. That measure received broad bipartisan support.

House Bill 662 has been assigned to the Ohio House Judiciary Committee, where it is awaiting its first hearing. The bill currently has 21 Republican co-sponsors.

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Stella Muigai

Columbus Firefighter Injured in Early Morning House Fire in Franklinton

Stella Muigai
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Columbus Firefighter Injured in Early Morning House Fire in Franklinton

A Columbus firefighter has been hospitalized and a family displaced after an attic fire at a Franklinton home on Dakota Avenue early Thursday morning.

Columbus Firefighter Injured in Early Morning House Fire in Franklinton
Columbus Firefighter Injured in Early Morning House Fire in Franklinton

Columbus Firefighter Injured in Early Morning House Fire in Franklinton

A Columbus firefighter has been injured and a family of three was displaced following an early morning house fire in west Columbus on Thursday.

Somalia Elected to African Union Peace and Security Council for 2026–2028 Term

According to the Columbus Division of Fire, crews responded just before 4 a.m. to a home in the 300 block of Dakota Avenue in the Franklinton neighborhood. Fire officials said the blaze was primarily located in the attic area of the residence.

Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control, and the family inside the home escaped safely.

One firefighter was hurt while battling the blaze and was taken to a hospital. Officials have not released details about the firefighter’s condition. No other injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire has not yet been announced. Authorities said additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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Stella Muigai

Somalia Elected to African Union Peace and Security Council for 2026–2028 Term

Stella Muigai
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Somalia Elected to African Union Peace and Security Council for 2026–2028 Term

Somalia has been elected to the African Union Peace and Security Council for 2026–2028, reflecting confidence in its role in promoting peace, stability, and regional cooperation.

Somalia Elected to African Union Peace and Security Council for 2026–2028 Term
Somalia Elected to African Union Peace and Security Council for 2026–2028 Term

Somalia Elected to African Union Peace and Security Council for 2026–2028 Term

Somalia has been elected to serve on the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council for the 2026–2028 term, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for the country. The announcement was made Wednesday, with Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing the election as a sign of growing trust in the nation’s role in promoting peace and stability across Africa.

Vivek Ramaswamy Outpaces Amy Acton in Ohio Fundraising as Governor’s Race Heats Up

In a statement, the ministry said the vote reflects renewed confidence from AU member states in Somalia’s contributions to conflict prevention, crisis response, and peacebuilding. Officials thanked supporting nations, particularly from the Eastern Africa region, whose backing helped secure the seat.

The 15-member Peace and Security Council is the AU’s main body responsible for maintaining peace on the continent. Somalia will now participate in shaping decisions on conflict prevention, peacebuilding, counterterrorism cooperation, and post-conflict recovery. The government plans to draw on its own experiences of state rebuilding, security reform, and counter-extremism operations to inform council discussions.

“Membership on the council is a major responsibility,” the ministry said, “and we are committed to working closely with fellow AU member states to promote stability, peace, and sustainable development across Africa.”

Somalia’s election comes as the country continues to strengthen its governance and security institutions while expanding its diplomatic engagement. Officials said the seat signals recognition of the progress Somalia has made and its readiness to play a more active role in continental affairs.

As the country prepares to begin its term in 2026, Somalia has pledged to approach its role with responsibility, transparency, and a commitment to the AU’s principles. The government emphasized that lasting peace and security require collective action and shared responsibility among African nations.

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Stella Muigai

Vivek Ramaswamy Outpaces Amy Acton in Ohio Fundraising as Governor’s Race Heats Up

Stella Muigai
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Vivek Ramaswamy Outpaces Amy Acton in Ohio Fundraising as Governor’s Race Heats Up
Vivek Ramaswamy Outpaces Amy Acton in Ohio Fundraising as Governor’s Race Heats Up
Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton are leading fundraising in Ohio’s gubernatorial race.

Vivek Ramaswamy Outpaces Amy Acton in Ohio Fundraising as Governor’s Race Heats Up

Republican Vivek Ramaswamy has raised more total money from Ohio donors, while Democrat Amy Acton has attracted more individual contributors from within the state, according to the latest campaign finance filings.

The two are considered front-runners in Ohio’s November gubernatorial race and both reported record-breaking fundraising totals in their first year of campaigning.

By Dec. 31, Ramaswamy had raised $19.8 million — the highest amount ever reported by a gubernatorial candidate in Ohio at this stage of the race. Acton raised $5.3 million by the end of 2025, the largest total for a Democratic challenger during the same timeframe.

Campaign records show Ramaswamy received more than 250,000 individual contributions, compared to about 110,000 for Acton. However, Acton reported more individual donors from Ohio, with 78,694 in-state contributors compared to Ramaswamy’s 39,260.

In total dollars from Ohio residents, Ramaswamy received approximately $11.3 million, representing about 57% of his total fundraising. Acton reported roughly $4.48 million from Ohio donors, with her campaign stating that 70% of her overall donations came from within the state.

Both campaigns emphasized grassroots support. Acton’s team said more than 96% of her contributions were $100 or less. Her average grassroots donation was $28, with an overall average donation of $48.22, according to filings.

Ramaswamy’s campaign reported an average donation of about $76. His largest contributions came from individuals and an Ohio Republican political action committee, along with donors affiliated with private education groups and industry PACs, including the Ohio Credit Union and Ohio Trucking Association.

Acton’s largest single donor was the Ohio Democratic Party, which contributed $125,000. She also received significant support from labor unions and industry PACs, including the Ohio Federation of Teachers and Ohio State UAW.

Ohio voters will choose their next governor on Nov. 3.

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Stella Muigai

Maumee Mother Charged After Allegedly Injecting Child’s IV with Feces at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Stella Muigai
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Maumee Mother Charged After Allegedly Injecting Child’s IV with Feces at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Tiffany Lesueur of Maumee faces charges after allegedly injecting a substance into her child’s IV at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.

Maumee Mother Charged After Allegedly Injecting Child’s IV with Feces at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, where a Maumee woman was accused of injecting a foreign substance into her child’s IV.

Maumee Mother Charged After Allegedly Injecting Child’s IV with Feces at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

A Maumee mother has been charged after allegedly injecting feces substance into her child’s IV at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, according to Franklin County Municipal Court documents.

Tiffany Lesueur, 35, was accused of the act last week. Hospital staff notified Columbus police on Feb. 6 after raising concerns about possible child abuse. Staff said all future visits involving Lesueur would be closely monitored.

Court records indicate that on Feb. 8, hospital staff observed Lesueur through surveillance video using a syringe to inject what was believed to be human feces into the child’s IV line on the left hand. Hospital personnel reported seeing Lesueur collect the substance from a bathroom and administer it to the child.

The child received immediate medical treatment, and Lesueur was detained by police. She has been charged with endangering children and her bond was set at $250,000. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 19.

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YMCA of Central Ohio to Close Canal Winchester Location After 30 Years

Stella Muigai
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YMCA of Central Ohio to Close Canal Winchester Location After 30 Years

YMCA of Central Ohio announced it will close the Jerry L. Garver YMCA in Canal Winchester on May 30, with plans for affordable housing at the site.

YMCA of Central Ohio to Close Canal Winchester Location After 30 Years
YMCA of Central Ohio to Close Canal Winchester Location After 30 Years

YMCA of Central Ohio to Close Canal Winchester Location After 30 Years

The YMCA of Central Ohio has announced it will permanently close its Canal Winchester location later this spring to make way for a future housing development.

The Jerry L. Garver YMCA, located at 6767 Refugee Road, will close on May 30 after serving the community for more than 30 years. YMCA officials said the decision followed an internal review that found the facility could no longer be operated sustainably due to building limitations, declining participation and ongoing operational challenges.

“We understand how meaningful this YMCA has been to members, families and staff,” said Tony Collins, CEO of the YMCA of Central Ohio. “At the same time, we must make decisions that allow us to serve our community effectively not just today, but well into the future.”

The YMCA said it has agreed to sell the property to the Columbus Metropolitan Authority. While plans are still being developed, the authority intends to use the site for affordable housing.

Staff members affected by the closure are being offered opportunities to transfer to other YMCA of Central Ohio locations, according to the organization.

Members will be asked to select one of 12 other YMCA locations in the region, including the Reynolds Community Center YMCA on Davidson Drive, about five miles away. The Canal Winchester facility, along with its Head Start and preschool programs, will remain open through May.

YMCA leaders said they are exploring alternative locations to continue day camp and preschool programs after the building closes. Additional information is being shared directly with members, staff and program participants.

The YMCA of Central Ohio serves more than 240,000 people each year and is reviewing its facilities as part of a long-term plan to expand access. The organization aims to serve more than 500,000 people by 2035 and is planning several new projects, including a $38 million YMCA facility at Columbus State Community College’s downtown campus.

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Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Opening Over U.S.–Canada Dispute

Stella Muigai
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Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Opening Over U.S.–Canada Dispute

President Donald Trump says the Gordie Howe International Bridge will not open unless the U.S. is compensated, drawing criticism from Michigan leaders.

Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Opening Over U.S.–Canada Dispute
Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Opening Over U.S.–Canada Dispute

Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Opening Over U.S.–Canada Dispute

President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of a major U.S.–Canada bridge unless the United States is “fully compensated” for money he says Washington has already paid Canada.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which spans the Detroit River and connects Michigan with Ontario, will not open until Canada “treats the United States fairly and with the respect we deserve,” Trump wrote on social media.

According to the project’s website, construction of the bridge is being funded by the Canadian government, while ownership is shared between Canada and the state of Michigan. The bridge is expected to open once final testing and regulatory approvals are completed.

Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, criticized Trump’s comments, calling the potential blockage of the project harmful to Michigan’s economy. She warned it could increase costs for businesses, disrupt supply chains and result in job losses.

“This is a very important project for our state,” Slotkin said, adding that any delay could have serious economic consequences.

It remains unclear how Trump would legally block the bridge from opening. He said negotiations with Canada would begin soon but did not provide details.

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Stella Muigai

Somalia Reopens Constitution Talks, Iran Sentencing, New Zealand Court Case

Stella Muigai
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Somalia Reopens Constitution Talks, Iran Sentencing, New Zealand Court Case

Key global developments include Somalia’s constitutional debate, Iran sentencing a human rights advocate, a New Zealand court appearance, and regional tensions in Africa and the Middle East.

Somalia Reopens Constitution Talks, Iran Sentencing, New Zealand Court Case
Somalia Reopens Constitution Talks, Iran Sentencing, New Zealand Court Case

Somalia Reopens Constitution Talks, Iran Sentencing, New Zealand Court Case

Lawmakers in Somalia have resumed discussions on reviewing the country’s provisional constitution, reopening debate on governance and political reforms as leaders seek to finalize a permanent legal framework.

Meanwhile, Eritrea has issued a response to accusations made by Ethiopia, adding to ongoing tensions between the two neighboring countries. Officials did not provide extensive details but rejected claims made by Ethiopian authorities.

In New Zealand, a man responsible for killing worshippers at a mosque appeared in court, marking another step in ongoing legal proceedings connected to the attack. The case continues to draw international attention.

In Iran, authorities have handed down an additional prison sentence to a woman known for advocating human rights, according to reports. The move has raised concerns among international observers about freedom of expression and the treatment of activists.

Separately, Israel’s president has faced criticism following a controversial visit to Bondi Beach in December, where people were gathered for celebrations. The visit sparked debate, with differing views emerging over the appropriateness of the appearance and the public response to it.

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Ohio United Methodist Church Sued Over Abuse Allegations

Stella Muigai
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Ohio United Methodist Church Sued Over Abuse Allegations

Two women have filed a lawsuit against Ohio United Methodist Church, alleging it ignored warnings about a music director who later was convicted of abusing minors.

Ohio United Methodist Church Sued Over Abuse Allegation
Ohio United Methodist Church Sued Over Abuse Allegation

Ohio United Methodist Church Sued Over Abuse Allegations

Two women have filed a lawsuit against the Ohio United Methodist Church, alleging the church hired a former cult member as a music director and failed to act on warnings that he was sexually abusing minors.

The lawsuit was filed Jan. 29 on behalf of two women identified as Jane Doe and Mary Doe. The plaintiffs allege they were sexually abused as minors by John Slate, now 56, while he was serving as a music director at Ohio United Methodist Church congregations.

According to the filing, Slate worked at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Beavercreek, now known as Christ United Methodist Church, and later at Parkview United Methodist Church in Miamisburg. The alleged abuse began in 2013. The lawsuit states that Slate had previously been a member of an unnamed cult in Venezuela at the time he was hired.

In 2017, Slate was convicted of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor involving Jane Doe and was sentenced to probation. In 2019, he was convicted again for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor involving Mary Doe and was sentenced to 36 months in prison. He was also classified as a sex offender.

The lawsuit claims church leaders had prior knowledge of Slate’s behavior but failed to investigate the allegations, report them to law enforcement as required under Ohio law, or take steps to protect minors. Instead, the filing alleges Slate was allowed to continue working and was transferred between churches.

“This case is about accountability and child safety,” said Dustin Herman, an attorney representing the plaintiffs. “When institutions receive credible warnings of abuse, they have a responsibility to act.”

Court documents state that Jane Doe’s parents raised concerns with a pastor in 2014, alleging grooming and abuse. The lawsuit claims the concerns were not reported to police and that Slate remained employed. The filing further alleges that similar behavior later occurred with Mary Doe at a different church location.

The lawsuit states that both women suffered long-term psychological trauma as a result of the alleged abuse and are seeking unspecified damages and a jury trial.

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