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

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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.

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

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 Collegeโ€™s downtown campus.


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Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Opening Over U.S.โ€“Canada Dispute

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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.โ€“Canada Dispute
Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Opening Over U.S.โ€“Canada Dispute

Trump Threatens to Block Gordie Howe Bridge Opening Over U.S.โ€“Canada Dispute

President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of a major U.S.โ€“Canada bridge unless the United States is โ€œfully compensatedโ€ 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 โ€œtreats the United States fairly and with the respect we deserve,โ€ Trump wrote on social media.

According to the projectโ€™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 Trumpโ€™s comments, calling the potential blockage of the project harmful to Michiganโ€™s economy. She warned it could increase costs for businesses, disrupt supply chains and result in job losses.

โ€œThis is a very important project for our state,โ€ 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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Somalia Reopens Constitution Talks, Iran Sentencing, New Zealand Court Case

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Key global developments include Somaliaโ€™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 countryโ€™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, Israelโ€™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

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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 Slateโ€™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.

โ€œThis case is about accountability and child safety,โ€ said Dustin Herman, an attorney representing the plaintiffs. โ€œWhen institutions receive credible warnings of abuse, they have a responsibility to act.โ€

Court documents state that Jane Doeโ€™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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Grove City Mobile Home Residents Report Weeks Without Reliable Water

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Residents at a Grove City mobile home community say about 40 homes have lacked reliable water for nearly two weeks, raising safety concerns.

Grove City Mobile Home Residents Report Weeks Without Reliable Water
Grove City Mobile Home Residents Report Weeks Without Reliable Water

Grove City Mobile Home Residents Report Weeks Without Reliable Water

Dozens of residents at a Grove City mobile home community say they have been without reliable running water for nearly two weeks, raising concerns about health and safety.

Residents at Carterโ€™s Mobile Home Community, located along Harrisburg Pike, said the issue began after a snowstorm last month. According to residents, about 40 homes have been affected, with only small amounts of cold water coming from faucets.

Residents said park management has attributed the problem to a water main break and frozen pipes but has not provided a timeline for repairs.

Several residents said management recently distributed one gallon of water per household, which they described as insufficient for daily needs. Some residents said they have been melting snow or heating water on stoves in order to bathe.

โ€œCanโ€™t take a shower, canโ€™t do laundry, canโ€™t flush commodes. Itโ€™s unsanitary,โ€ resident Charles Storts said. โ€œWe are going to truck stops multiple times a week just to shower and to laundromats for laundry. They are not reimbursing us for anything.โ€

Residents say they are calling for immediate repairs and clearer communication from management as the situation continues.


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Pataskala House Fire: Pataskala House Fire Leaves Resident, Firefighter Hospitalized

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Pataskala house fire Saturday evening resulted in one resident and a firefighter being hospitalized, according to the West Licking Joint Fire District.

Pataskala House Fire: Pataskala House Fire Leaves Resident, Firefighter Hospitalized
Pataskala House Fire Leaves Resident, Firefighter Hospitalized

Pataskala House Fire: Pataskala House Fire Leaves Resident, Firefighter Hospitalized

1 person and a firefighter were hospitalized Saturday evening after a house fire in Pataskala, according to the West Licking Joint Fire District.

Fire crews were called just after 5 p.m. to a home in the 4800 block of Columbia Road SW for what was initially reported as a structure fire. Assistant Fire Chief Joe Krouse said about 60 firefighters from multiple departments ultimately responded after the incident was upgraded to a two-alarm working fire.

Crews arrived to find a basement fire that had spread to the first floor of the home. About 25 firefighters were on scene during the initial response, with additional units requested as the fire intensified.

Firefighters were able to remove one person who was trapped inside the house. Fire Chief Jack Treinish said the resident was transported to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. The individualโ€™s condition was not immediately known.

A firefighter who was part of the first responding crew was taken to Mount Carmel East Hospital for treatment and was later released. Officials said another occupant was already outside the home when crews arrived.

Fire officials said the house was a total loss, with parts of the structure collapsing after the resident was rescued. Krouse noted that severe winter weather made firefighting efforts more difficult.

โ€œThe cold is definitely an impact,โ€ Krouse said. โ€œHoses begin to freeze, firefighters are exposed to ice as water flows, and deep snow slows movement and increases the risk of slipping.โ€

Several departments assisted at the scene, including Jefferson Township, Violet Township, and Columbus Fire crews. The Ohio State Fire Marshalโ€™s Office was also notified.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.


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Minneapolis Protesters Arrested at ICE Rally on One-Month Anniversary of Renee Goodโ€™s Death

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Dozens of demonstrators were arrested outside a federal building in Minneapolis during a protest marking the one-month anniversary of Renee Goodโ€™s death involving an ICE agent.

Minneapolis Protesters Arrested at ICE Rally on One-Month Anniversary of Renee Goodโ€™s Death
Police gear to clear demonstrators outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis during a protest linked to the anniversary of Renee Goodโ€™s death.

Minneapolis Protesters Arrested at ICE Rally on One-Month Anniversary of Renee Goodโ€™s Death

On Saturday, law enforcement declared an unlawful assembly outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, leading to dozens of arrests after clashes during a protest marking the one-month anniversary of the death of Renee Nicole Good.

Officials said more than 40 demonstrators were taken into custody as tensions escalated when some participants threw ice and other objects at law enforcement officers and damaged property during the gathering. Authorities ordered the crowd to disperse and cleared the area using riot gear.

The protest marked the anniversary of Goodโ€™s fatal shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on Jan. 7, an incident that sparked widespread demonstrations and national debate over federal immigration enforcement policies. Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident and mother of three, was killed during an immigration enforcement operation that also drew criticism from local officials who disputed the federal account of the shooting.

The anniversary rally brought together anti-ICE demonstrators, while counter-protest activity was also present, including appearances by controversial figures opposed to anti-immigration enforcement messages. Amid the unrest, tranquil calls for justice mixed with clashes involving bottles and ice being thrown at police lines.

Local leaders and business groups expressed concern about the ongoing protests, with some urging calm and de-escalation. Minnesota-based CEOs from major companies released a joint statement calling for peace and community dialogue in the aftermath of repeated demonstrations and two fatal encounters involving federal agents.

The protests come as part of broader demonstrations against federal immigration tactics, drawing attention from across the country and contributing to national conversations about enforcement practices and public safety.


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African Central Banks Warn Against Cash Bouquets and Money Cakes

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Central banks in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Namibia are warning against cash bouquets and money cakes, citing currency damage and higher replacement costs.

African Central Banks Warn Against Cash Bouquets and Money Cakes
African Central Banks Warn Against Cash Bouquets and Money Cakes

African Central Banks Warn Against Cash Bouquets and Money Cakes

Several African central banks have issued public warnings against folding, gluing, or pinning new banknotes into decorative bouquets and money cakes, saying the practice damages currency and increases replacement costs for taxpayers.

This week, central banks in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Namibia cautioned the public that altering banknotes for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, and graduations amounts to currency defacement. Officials said damaged notes often clog automated teller machines (ATMs) and must be removed from circulation earlier than intended.

Ugandaโ€™s central bank spokesperson, Kenneth Egessa, said banknotes are designed to last for years when handled properly. Namibiaโ€™s central bank official, Kazembira Zemburuka, echoed the message, emphasizing that currency is a national symbol that should be treated with respect.

While enforcement varies by country, authorities noted that penalties for deliberate currency damage can be severe in some jurisdictions, with potential prison sentences of up to seven years. However, officials stressed that the current focus is on public awareness rather than punishment.

The warnings have prompted some florists and gift vendors to adjust their offerings. Instead of cash bouquets, many are now using envelope-style boxes that hold money without damaging the notes.

Central banks say the goal is not to limit celebrations, but to protect national currency and reduce unnecessary public costs.


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Jim Schwartz Resigns as Cleveland Browns Defensive Coordinator

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Jim Schwartz has resigned as defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns after three seasons leading one of the NFLโ€™s top defenses.

Jim Schwartz Resigns as Cleveland Browns Defensive Coordinator
Jim Schwartz Resigns as Cleveland Browns Defensive Coordinator

Jim Schwartz Resigns as Cleveland Browns Defensive Coordinator

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has resigned from his position with the Cleveland Browns, the team confirmed Friday.

In a statement, the Browns thanked Schwartz for his time with the organization and said the search for a new defensive coordinator is underway.

โ€œWe would like to thank Jim for his contributions to our organization over the last three seasons,โ€ the team said. โ€œOur search for a new defensive coordinator will begin immediately.โ€

Schwartz, who joined the Browns in 2023, is widely regarded as one of the top defensive coordinators in the NFL. During his tenure, Cleveland consistently ranked among the leagueโ€™s best defensive units, allowing the fewest total yards per game and the fewest passing yards per game over his three seasons with the team.

He was named NFL Assistant Coach of the Year in his first season with the Browns.

The resignation comes shortly after a strong year for Clevelandโ€™s defense. On Thursday night, defensive end Myles Garrett was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year after setting a franchise sack record. Linebacker Carson Schwesinger was also honored as Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Schwartz had interviewed twice for the Brownsโ€™ head coaching vacancy but was reportedly frustrated after the team selected Todd Monken for the role. Although Schwartz remains under contract with Cleveland for one more season, reports suggest it is unlikely he will coach elsewhere during the upcoming season.


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Leave Iran Now: U.S. Issues Urgent Security Alert for Americans in Iran

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The U.S. Embassy in Iran warned Americans of unrest, possible travel disruptions, and communication shutdowns ahead of expected nuclear talks.

Leave Iran Now: U.S. Issues Urgent Security Alert for Americans in Iran
U.S. Issues Urgent Security Alert for Americans in Iran

Leave Iran Now: U.S. Issues Urgent Security Alert for Americans in Iran

The U.S. Embassy in Iran has issued an urgent security alert, warning Americans of growing instability that could disrupt travel and communications across the country.

Leave Iran Now: U.S. Issues Urgent Security Alert for Americans in Iran

In the alert, U.S. officials cautioned that road closures, flight cancellations, and communication shutdowns are possible amid ongoing unrest. American citizens currently in Iran were advised to leave the country if it can be done safely, using open land borders such as Armenia or Turkey.

For those unable to depart, the embassy urged individuals to shelter in place and maintain adequate supplies, including food, water, and essential medications.

The alert also emphasized that dual U.S.-Iranian nationals face heightened risks. Iranian authorities do not recognize U.S. citizenship for dual nationals, which officials said could limit consular assistance and increase the risk of detention or questioning.

The warning comes as high-level U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are expected to begin in Oman as early as Feb. 6. The negotiations are taking place against a backdrop of heightened regional tension and longstanding security concerns.

The U.S. State Department currently maintains a Level 4 โ€œDo Not Travelโ€ advisory for Iran, citing risks that include terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary detention, and civil unrest.


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