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Ohio Lawmaker Pushes Bill to Eliminate State Taxes on Tips for Service Workers

Ohio Lawmaker Pushes Bill to Eliminate State Taxes on Tips for Service Workers
Columbus barista Isabella Chalfant shares her support for the “No Tax on Tips” bill introduced by Rep. Brian Lorenz.

Ohio Lawmaker Pushes Bill to Eliminate State Taxes on Tips for Service Workers

Columbus, OH โ€“ An Ohio lawmaker is taking steps to increase take-home pay for service workers. State Rep. Brian Lorenz (R-Powell) has introduced House Bill 209, legislation that would eliminate state, municipal, and school district income taxes on tips earned by tipped employees.

The bill is gaining attention across Ohio, especially in Columbus, where workers like Isabella Chalfant, a barista at Little Cat Coffee and a former college server in Cincinnati, say tips are vital.

โ€œTips were my main source of income during school. I relied on them to afford essentials,โ€ Chalfant shared.

Rep. Lorenz, who once worked in the restaurant industry, says the bill reflects the financial reality of tipped workers. โ€œThey are paid below minimum wage. They live off their tips,โ€ he said after testifying to the Ohio House Ways and Means Committee.

In Ohio, the tipped minimum wage is currently $5.35 per hour, while the standard minimum wage is $10.70.

Not everyone is on board. Rep. Derrick Hall (D-Akron) questioned how accurately tips are reported. Governor Mike DeWine raised concerns about lost tax revenue and its effect on public services and schools.

Still, many in the service industry hope the bill passes.

โ€œIf we could keep all the tips we earn, it would make a huge difference,โ€ Chalfant added.

The debate continues as House Bill 209 gains tractionโ€”raising broader questions about tax reform, worker compensation, and economic equity in Ohio.


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Dublin, Ohio Ranked Among Top U.S. Cities for Quality of Life and Local Government Performance

Downtown Dublin, Ohio featuring green parks, shops, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Dublin, Ohio โ€” Voted one of the top U.S. cities in 2025 for its quality of life and local governance.

Dublin, Ohio Ranked Among Top U.S. Cities for Quality of Life and Local Government Performance

Dublin, Ohio has been ranked among the top U.S. cities in a comprehensive 2025 community survey measuring resident satisfaction, safety, and government performance. The survey, conducted by Polco, engaged 565 randomly selected residents between February and March, revealing overwhelmingly positive feedback about life in this Central Ohio suburb.

City Manager Megan Oโ€™Callaghan emphasized the importance of public input in shaping Dublin’s strategic vision to become the most sustainable, connected, and resilient city of choice.

Survey highlights include:

  • Increased satisfaction with downtown vibrancy and public parking.
  • Improved perceptions of Dublin as a tourist destination.
  • Strong neighborly spirit and ease of car travel.

Despite some concerns about affordable housing and cost of living, the survey showed that 99% of residents still rate Dublin as a good or excellent place to live, and 92% commend the quality of city services โ€” significantly outperforming national benchmarks.

These results underscore why Dublin, Ohio is ranked among the top U.S. cities for livability, making it a model community in the Columbus metro area.


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Venezuelan Man Arrested in Perrysburg, Ohio for Posing as Teen to Enroll in High School

Venezuelan man arrested in Ohio for impersonating high school student
Anthony Sierra, a 24-year-old Venezuelan, allegedly posed as a teenager to enroll at Perrysburg High School in Ohio.

Venezuelan Man Arrested in Perrysburg, Ohio for Posing as Teen to Enroll in High School

Ohio โ€“ A Venezuelan national has been arrested after allegedly using a false identity to enroll as a high school student in northwest Ohio.

Anthony Emmanuel Labrad Sierra, 24, reportedly posed as a 16-year-old named “Anthony Labrador” to gain admission to Perrysburg High School, located just outside Toledo. He is facing a felony forgery charge and is currently held at Wood County Jail on a $50,000 bond. Authorities have restricted him from leaving Wood County upon release.

According to a public statement from Perrysburg Schools Superintendent Thomas Hosler, Sierra claimed to be an unaccompanied minor and submitted documentation under a false identity. While enrolled, he received several official documents, including a driver’s license, Social Security number, and Temporary Protected Status from U.S. immigration authorities.

The fraud came to light on May 14, when the guardianship family informed the school district about inconsistencies. Perrysburg police began an investigation, and on May 19 at 4:15 p.m., Sierra was located in a vehicle and arrested without incident.

Superintendent Hosler stated, โ€œThis case involves highly unusual and deceptive circumstances that impacted multiple local, state, and federal agencies.โ€

This developing case raises serious questions about school enrollment protocols and immigration documentation processes across Ohio.


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Columbus Woman Dies in Licking County Crash, Father and Brother Hospitalized

Columbus Woman Dies in Licking County Crash, Father and Brother Hospitalized
Tragic car crash in Licking County claims life of Columbus woman, leaves father and brother hospitalized.

Columbus Woman Dies in Licking County Crash, Father and Brother Hospitalized

Columbus, Ohio – A tragic car accident on Tuesday, May 20, in Licking County claimed the life of a Columbus woman and left her father and brother hospitalized with injuries. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that 19-year-old Anthony Jared of Columbus was driving a 2013 Ford Expedition northbound on Route 37 near Refugee Road. He was accompanied by his father, Michael Jared, 42, and sister, Rachel Jared, 21.

At the same time, a 2019 Hino box truck driven southbound by 35-year-old Columbus resident Cory Bealer collided with the SUV after Anthony Jared crossed left of the center lane, causing the two vehicles to crash.

Emergency responders rushed Anthony and Michael Jared to Mount Carmel East Hospital with injuries, while Rachel Jared was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Fortunately, the truck driver, Cory Bealer, was not injured.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of this fatal collision. Assistance was provided by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, Licking County Coroner, West Licking and Granville Fire Departments, as well as the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Residents are reminded to exercise caution when driving in Licking County as investigations continue.


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City of Columbus and Property Owners Held in Contempt Over Eastland Mall Property

City of Columbus and Property Owners Held in Contempt Over Eastland Mall Property
City of Columbus and property owners face court action for violating orders on Eastland Mall property.

City of Columbus and Property Owners Held in Contempt Over Eastland Mall Property

Columbus, Ohio – A Franklin County judge has found the City of Columbus and the property owners of the abandoned Eastland Mall in contempt of court. This ruling follows the approval and hosting of an unauthorized event on the Eastland Mall site, which was explicitly prohibited by a prior court order.

Judge Stephanie Mingo confirmed that despite a ban on any events at the property, the City of Columbus Building and Zoning Department approved a permit for a carnival held on the Hamilton Road site last week. The mall property, currently undergoing demolition, was observed with carnival equipment and attractions being set up.

The court has also held the property owners, IGWT and Eastland Mall Holdings, responsible for violating the court order. An environmental specialist appointed by the court discovered at least eight unsecured entry points, raising serious safety concerns for the community.

Local residents, including Mary Ellen Crutcher, have expressed worry over the safety of children and community members, especially as multiple children were seen attempting to enter the partially demolished property illegally.

Judge Mingo emphasized the seriousness of the violation, stating that the actions of the city and property owners have deeply shaken the court. She plans to issue further rulings on sanctions and penalties soon.

In response, Scott Messer, assistant director of the Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services, issued a statement assuring the public that the department values its collaboration with the Environmental Court and will take internal measures to prevent such errors in the future.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and security of the Eastland Mall property and the responsibilities of city officials and property owners in protecting the community.


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Memorial Day 2025 โ€“ Honoring U.S. Heroes and Marking the Start of Summer in Columbus, Ohio

Memorial Day 2025 โ€“ Honoring U.S. Heroes and Marking the Start of Summer in Columbus, Ohio
Honoring U.S. Heroes and Marking the Start of Summer in Columbus, Ohio

Memorial Day 2025 โ€“ Honoring U.S. Heroes and Marking the Start of Summer in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio – Memorial Day 2025 is just around the corner, bringing with it a deep sense of remembrance and the unofficial kickoff to summer. While itโ€™s often associated with BBQs, family time, and the reopening of pools, itโ€™s important to take a moment to reflect on the holidayโ€™s true meaning.

When Is Memorial Day in 2025?

Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 26, 2025. Since the passing of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1971, itโ€™s been held on the last Monday of May, allowing for a three-day weekend of both reflection and recreation.

Why Do We Observe Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women of the U.S. military who died in service. Originally called Decoration Day, this tradition began in 1868 when the Grand Army of the Republic organized tributes to fallen Civil War soldiers by adorning their graves with spring flowers.

Over time, the holiday evolved to recognize all military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice. It officially became a national holiday in 1971.

What Will Be Closed on Memorial Day 2025?

As a federal holiday, the following will be closed on May 26, 2025:

  • U.S. post offices and federal buildings
  • Ohio state offices, including the BMV
  • Most banks
    Some private businesses and retail stores may operate on adjusted hours. It’s best to check with individual establishments in Columbus for their Memorial Day schedule.

Full List of 2025 Federal Holidays:

Christmas โ€“ December 25

New Yearโ€™s Day โ€“ January 1

Martin Luther King Jr. Day โ€“ January 20

Presidentsโ€™ Day (Washingtonโ€™s Birthday) โ€“ February 17

Memorial Day โ€“ May 26

Juneteenth โ€“ June 19

Independence Day โ€“ July 4

Labor Day โ€“ September 1

Columbus Day โ€“ October 13

Veterans Day โ€“ November 11

Thanksgiving โ€“ November 27


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New Albany Church Leaderโ€™s Son Indicted on Additional Sexual Abuse Charges in Knox County, Ohio

New Albany Church Leaderโ€™s Son Indicted on Additional Sexual Abuse Charges
Tom Keesee Jr. now faces 32 felony charges related to alleged sexual abuse in Knox County, Ohio.

New Albany Church Leaderโ€™s Son Indicted on Additional Sexual Abuse Charges in Knox County, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio โ€“ Tom Keesee Jr., 36, the son of prominent New Albany church leaders Gary and Drenda Keesee, faces new sexual abuse charges after a Knox County grand jury issued a superseding indictment on May 19. The latest indictment includes two additional counts of rape and three additional counts of gross sexual imposition, increasing the total number of felony charges against Keesee to 32.

Back in April 2025, Keesee was first indicted on 27 felony charges involving rape, gross sexual imposition, and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Multiple women have since come forward, alleging Keesee groomed and abused them during their childhoods, with one accuser โ€” a family member โ€” publicly sharing her experience on social media.

According to court filings, some of the alleged abuse began as early as 2001, when one victim was just five years old, and continued over 50 instances through 2023 at a Mount Vernon, Ohio residence.

Keesee is being held at Licking County Jail on a $2 million bond, with his trial anticipated to draw significant public and media interest due to his high-profile connections to the New Albany megachurch.


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Two Injured in Southeast Columbus Stabbing Incident Sunday Evening

Two Injured in Southeast Columbus Stabbing Incident Sunday Evening
Police at the scene of a stabbing in Southeast Columbus on Sunday evening.

Two Injured in Southeast Columbus Stabbing Incident Sunday Evening

Columbus, Ohio – Two individuals were injured following a stabbing in Southeast Columbus on Sunday evening, according to the Columbus Division of Police. Officers responded to the scene at approximately 5:30 p.m. on the 1800 block of Marlyn Lane after receiving reports of a violent altercation.

Emergency medical services transported both victims to Grant Medical Center. One person remains in critical condition, while the second is reported to be in stable condition.

At this time, authorities have not released information regarding any suspects or what may have led to the incident. The investigation is ongoing.

Stay tuned for any updates on this case .


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Columbus Drops to 15th Largest U.S. City as Charlotte Surpasses in Latest Census Update

Columbus Drops to 15th Largest U.S. City | 2024 Population Report
Columbus Drops to 15th Largest U.S. City | 2024 Population Report

Columbus Drops to 15th Largest U.S. City as Charlotte Surges Ahead

Columbus, Ohio – After holding the 14th spot for eight years, Columbus drops to 15th largest U.S. city, according to the latest 2024 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. The shift comes as Charlotte, North Carolina, experiences a faster growth rate and surpasses Columbus in total population.

As of July 1, 2024, Columbus had an estimated 933,263 residents, reflecting a 1.4% increase (12,694 new residents) over the previous year. Meanwhile, Charlotte saw a more substantial growth of 23,423 residents, bringing its total to 943,476.



Central Ohio Growth Still Strong

Despite the drop in national ranking, Columbus and the broader Central Ohio region continue to grow steadily:

  • Franklin County reached 1,356,303 residents, up by 17,400 people.
  • The Columbus metropolitan areaโ€”which spans 10 countiesโ€”added 30,348 residents, totaling 2,225,377 people.

Why Columbus Remains a Population Leader

Columbus’ surprisingly high population ranking is due in part to its historical annexation policies, which allowed it to incorporate large portions of suburban Franklin County. As a result, it remains the second-largest city in the Midwest, trailing only Chicago, and ahead of cities like Detroit and Minneapolis.

While the rest of Ohio may be facing long-term population decline, Columbus is growing. The Ohio Department of Development predicts a statewide population drop of 675,000 by 2050. However, projections from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) show that the Columbus region could gain up to 726,000 people by 2050โ€”with possibilities ranging from 1.6 million new residents to a slight population decline, depending on future trends.

Columbus may have slipped one place in national rankings, but its growth trajectory, economic strength, and regional development tell a story of continued momentum.


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Ohio Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Cleveland Fire Cadet Symeon Williams

Ohio Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Cleveland Fire Cadet Symeon Williams
Ohio flags lowered to half-staff to honor Cleveland Fire Cadet Symeon Williams

Ohio Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Cleveland Fire Cadet Symeon Williams

Columbus, Ohio – In a solemn gesture of respect, Governor Mike DeWine ordered that all U.S. and Ohio state flags be flown at half-staff to honor Cleveland Fire Cadet Symeon Williams, who tragically passed away following a medical emergency during training.

The directive, announced on May 17, applies specifically to Cuyahoga County, the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower. However, other public buildings across Ohio may lower their flags at their own discretion.

This tribute will remain in effect until sunset on the day of Cadet Williams’ funeral, the date of which is yet to be announced.



Who Can Order Flags at Half-Staff?

Only the Governor of a state or the Mayor of Washington, D.C. has the authority to lower flags to half-staff for official periods of mourning.

Why Are Flags Lowered to Half-Staff?

Flags are flown at half-staff to honor the death of public servants, including military personnel, firefighters, and government officials, or during periods of national grief, such as Memorial Day, Patriot Day, or Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Half-Staff vs. Half-Mast: Whatโ€™s the Difference?

โ€œHalf-staffโ€ is used for flags on land, while โ€œhalf-mastโ€ refers to those on naval vessels. While terminology differs, both honor fallen heroes and national tragedies.


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