Most clicked stories on NBC4i.com for 2024
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - From crime and local elections, to the best places to live, work and eat, NBC4 has told you what's happening in your neighborhood on-air, and we've also kept you connected with the latest news on NBC4i.com.
Out of several top trending stories, many of the most clicked on our website was when the FBI found a most wanted suspect in Columbus. In May, agents arrested 18-year-old Brayden Grace after accusing him of being involved in several swatting calls across the country. According to those documents, Grace was also accused of local threats as well.
Those documents show Grace called the Hollywood Casino in west Columbus using a nickname, threatening casino staff over the phone. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Grace has been transported to Maryland to face charges there.
Another top story online is state officials addressing the surge of immigrants in Springfield after claims made by residents grabbed the attention of the internet including President-elect Donald Trump. During his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris in September, Trump referenced allegations that immigrants were eating pets in Springfield.
Gov. Mike DeWine acknowledged Springfield recently received a surge of around 15,000 Haitian immigrants, who are in this country legally but are straining healthcare providers, translators and rental availability. He and city officials in Springfield deny claims of animal abductions or cruelty, saying they didn't receive any credible reports of pets being harmed within the immigrant community.
In September, many people clicked into our story on the concerns of an insect called the spotted lanternfly taking over parts of Ohio. 12 counties in the state, including Franklin, under quarantine for the non-native invasive species.
Another popular story on NBC4i.com was all over social media after a local woman posted on TikTok in October that she may have discovered a body buried in her yard. Katie Santry shared a video, which racked up millions of views, showing her and her family finding a rug buried in the yard of their east Columbus home.
Police responded to her claims and wrapped up their investigation, which included K9 units and an excavation. Officers collected pieces of the rug from the site and all of them tested negative for human or animal remains.
Along with those stories, many people took interest in our series of unsolved cold cases in Ohio, along with the top luxury homes for sale and weekend things to do in the area.