Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Downtown Columbus was full of flavor Sunday as local chefs and wine lovers came together for one big toast to the city.

Saucebox, formerly known as the Columbus Natural Wine Festival, was reimagined this year with a new name, more vendors, and an even bigger footprint.

On Sunday afternoon, 20 of Columbus’ top restaurants joined forces with more than 100 wines from around the world, creating a street festival that was part tasting tour, part celebration.

The event was hosted by the Columbus Wine Alliance, serving as a love letter to the city’s culinary scene. Winemakers from as far as Milan, Croatia, and Spain joined the event.

"Restaurants are a community,” Saucebox founder Gregory Stokes said. “Wine is supposed to be shared. So, we created this with the idea that bring people from all over the city, Pickerington, New Albany, Powell. Bring them all downtown to celebrate Columbus."

The event’s new name was inspired by a Victorian term meaning “the mouth,” capturing the festival’s passion for bold flavors and exciting sips.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Sunday was the annual central Ohio Walk to End Alzheimer's, which NBC4 was a proud sponsor of once again.

This walk is aimed at driving awareness and raising money to fight and end the disease while also bringing people together..   

“It's like a huge support group. People come together who need support,” said Vince McGrail, executive director of the Alzheimer's Association of Central Ohio. “People in the middle of this journey that they're givers. Those who've lost someone to this disease, there's too many of them.” 

About 3,000 people came together for the walk. Out of 625 walks in the country, Columbus has the 11th largest fundraising walk in the country – leading to support for education, caregiver support and more.   

$2.1 billion Vantage data center announced for Fairfield County

“We are driving and research is going to help with treatment, diagnosis, understanding how to reduce your risk in the future and helping one another,” McGrail said.  

NBC4 evening anchor Colleen Marshall shared details about the impact these walks, and research has had over the past two decades.   

“When my mother was diagnosed in 2004, what we were told is there's really nothing you can do for her but keep her comfortable and watch her go through this,” Marshall said. “Now, they say early intervention, we have drugs that can remove the amyloid proteins from the brain. We can slow it down. They can't cure it yet, but they can have so much progress in treatments.” 

The goal is to raise $1 million this year in the hopes of eventually finding a cure for the over six million Americans facing this disease.   

“It's hard to describe it until you're going through it, but the allies' supporters, you'll see people with Alzheimer's walking,” Marshall said. “That's why that flower garden is so important. You can tell where everybody is in this disease. I carry purple in memory of someone and it'd be great someday to see white in honor of somebody who's cured.” 

For more information on how you can support the Alzheimer's Association of Central Ohio, click here.

Central Ohio Weather and Radar

A storm system developing along the Mid-Atlantic Coast will remain far east enough to have no real impact on our weather, except for some patchy clouds that will dissipate this evening.

An expansive area of high pressure will take control and provide sunshine to start the week, with temperatures in the low to mid-70s.

The weather next week will be pleasant early next week, with plenty of sunshine and a gradual warmup, as temperatures rebound well into the 70s, nearly 10 degrees above normal. A cold front will cross the state early Wednesday, bringing seasonably cool weather, with a slight cooldown beginning on Wednesday beneath an area of high pressure building across the region from the north.

A chance for showers will arrive next weekend.

Forecast

• Sunday: Partly cloudy. High 71 
• Tonight: Partly cloudy. Low 50
• Monday: Mostly sunny. High 74
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High 76 (49)
• Wednesday: Partly cloudy, cooler. High 67 (51)
• Thursday: Mostly sunny. High 64 (47)
• Friday: Partly cloudy. High 67  (41)
• Saturday: Showers p.m. High 73 (52)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – This week on the Sunday Briefing:

• Ohio party leaders on both sides of the aisle are sharpening their messages ahead of next year’s midterm elections

"Democrats barely have any organization in this state. They really don't have strong candidates on their side,” Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou said.

“We are working hard to recruit candidates for all of the positions, up and down the ballot,” Ohio Democratic Party Chairwoman Kathleen Clyde said.

What influence could their strategies have on the state’s top races?

• The president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland is out meeting with business leaders and talking to families across the state.

“What I see right now is a two-speed economy at the top end of the wealth spectrum,” Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Beth Hammack said.

Hear how she is working to keep the Central Bank’s policy decisions independent from government pressure.

• Behavioral health is a growing concern in Ohio and there aren’t enough professionals to help.

“One in five Ohioans struggles with some kind of mental illness, and nearly 2 million Ohioans are struggling with a substance use disorder,” Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director LeeAnne Cornyn said.

Learn what the state is doing to try to alleviate the workforce shortage.

• Democratic strategist Morgan Harper and Republican strategist Ryan Stubenrauch join the roundtable to weigh in on the government shutdown. Will either side come to the bargaining table any time soon? Plus, do Ohio Democrats need a new strategi to connect with voters?

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Buckeyes' 34-16 win over former No. 17 Illinois kept the Illibuck trophy in Columbus and kept the team No. 1 in the nation.

Ohio State (6-0, 3-0) is now bowl eligible and maintains its status as the No. 1 ranked team in college football's coaches rankings. The 18-point victory over the Fighting Illini, which extends OSU's winning streak over ranked opponents to eight, keeps the Buckeyes as one of 11 remaining undefeated teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

The other undefeated teams are Navy, Memphis, Georgia Tech, Miami, BYU, Texas Tech, UNLV, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and one other from the Big Ten.

What we learned about Ohio State’s 34-16 win over Illinois

The No. 3 Indiana Hoosiers handed now No. 9 Oregon its first Big Ten loss since the Ducks joined the conference in 2024 to stay unbeaten. The Buckeyes and Hoosiers do not play each other this season but are on a crash course towards the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game in December.

Thanks to other upsets around the Big Ten, Ohio State and Indiana do not have any ranked opponents in their schedules for the remainder of the season. Towards the bottom of the rankings is No. 24 Cincinnati of the Big 12, who has won five straight and is in the running for the conference's title.

2025 USA Today coaches rankings (Oct. 12, 2025) 1Ohio State (63)2Miami (2)3Indiana (1)4Texas A&M5Ole Miss6Alabama7Georgia8Texas Tech9Oregon10LSU11Tennessee12Georgia Tech13Oklahoma14BYU15Notre Dame16Missouri17Texas18Vanderbilt19Virginia20Memphis21USC22Utah23South Florida24Cincinnati25Illinois

The Buckeyes' new projected opponent for the College Football Playoff using this week's rankings is the winner of a first round game between No. 8 Texas Tech and No. 9 Oregon in a quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl.

Ohio State looks to move to 7-0 on Saturday when it travels to play Wisconsin at 3:30 p.m. That game will be the last for the Buckeyes in the month of October. After a bye week to conclude October, Ohio State will host struggling Penn State on Nov. 1. A kickoff time has yet to be announced.

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Hank's Texas BBQ has expanded its central Ohio footprint with the opening of a second location, bringing its Texas-style smoked meats and Southern-inspired sides to Delaware.

The new restaurant, located at 5200 U.S. 42 South, launched in September and spans 6,000 square feet -- three times the size of its original Clintonville location at 2941 N. High St., which opened in 2020.

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The expanded space allows for a broader menu that includes a variety of starters, handhelds and meat platters. Diners can choose from appetizers dubbed "hankerings," such a fried pickle chips, chicken wings and fried green tomatoes. The menu also features tacos with house-made chips and salsa, salads, and sandwiches served on brioche buns and house-cut fries.

The new restaurant, located at 5200 US Highway 42 S., launched in September. (Courtesy Photo/Hank's Texas BBQ)

Meat platters include a quarter-pound portion of protection per selection, with options such a prime brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage and turkey. Sides range from mac and cheese and potato salad to burnt ends baked beans and corn spoon bread.

Hank's specializes in central Texas barbeque, a style that emphasizes simple rubs, quality cuts and slow smoking. On the company's website, owner Brad Harkrider explains the restaurant's origin and namesake.

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"I was born in Texas and have worked in the Columbus restaurant scene for the last 20 years. I have always felt drawn to BBQ throughout my career," Harkrider said. "While doing my externship in culinary school, chef coats were ordered with my name on them. Instead of reading Brad Harkrider they read Hank Rider. The name just stuck."

Both the Clintonville and Delaware locations are open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Kirill Marchenko had his fourth career hat trick and Elvis Merzlikins made 48 saves in his season debut, carrying the Columbus Blue Jackets past Minnesota 7-4 to spoil the Wild's home opener on Saturday night.

Zach Werenski and Boone Jenner each had a goal and two assists and Adam Fantilli scored for the Blue Jackets, who took the lead on Miles Wood's wrist shot just 2:29 into the game and never trailed.

Kirill Kaprizov had his first two goals of the season on a career-high 11 shots plus an assist for the Wild, just 11 days after signing the richest contract in NHL history with his eight-year, $136 million extension.

Matt Boldy had a goal and an assist and Zeev Buium got his first career goal for the Wild, who had a franchise-record 52 shots on goal but lost 62% of the faceoffs and blew several prime scoring chances early with sloppy stickwork and off-target shooting.

Ohio State defeats Illinois 34-16 in top 25 matchup to stay unbeaten

Including their 5-0 win at St. Louis to open the season on Thursday, linemates Kaprizov and Boldy already have six points apiece.

Marchenko stole the show from his fellow Russian with the same first name, after managing eight shots on goal without scoring in the season-opening 2-1 loss at Nashville on Thursday. The fourth-year right wing broke out last season with 31 goals and 43 assists, bettering his previous career high for points by 32.

The Wild fell to 17-3-4 in their 25-year history in home openers at newly renamed Grand Casino Arena, which superseded Xcel Energy Center after the original naming rights expired.

This was the first regulation win for the Blue Jackets in their last 12 matchups with the Wild, who lead the all-time series against their 2000-01 season expansion brethren 35-23-11.

Up next

Columbus plays its home opener against New Jersey on Monday, when Minnesota hosts Los Angeles.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Another year has passed since the 2021 shooting of a man found dead while sitting in a vehicle in northeast Columbus.

Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is asking for assistance in solving a South Linden homicide in which a man was found suffering from a gunshot wound while sitting in a gold Monte Carlo. Officers found Yahieness Jamaal Dixon on April 18, 2021, in the vehicle parked in an alley behind East 25th Avenue.

Jamaal Dixon

Police believe the shooting took place on the south side of the 1300 block of East 25th Avenue, between Medina and Cleveland avenues.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person is dead and multiple others are in custody after a shooting involving officers responding to an attempted robbery in a north Columbus neighborhood.

9-year-old boy dies after Lancaster shooting

A police dispatcher said officers responded to a robbery call at the intersection of North High Street and East 9th Avenue in the University District at 3:26 a.m. Sunday. Columbus police said officers found a suspect and then shots were fired, although police has not confirmed if the suspect or officers fired first.

The suspect was shot and taken to a hospital in critical condition. Police said the suspect was pronounced dead at 3:56 a.m.

The officers involved in the shooting were not seriously injured and multiple suspects were taken into a custody, per a Columbus police spokesperson.

MILLERSPORT, Ohio (WCMH) -- After months of speculation, the state confirmed that Vantage Data Centers is behind a $2.1 billion data center project in Fairfield County.

Originally estimated at $1 billion, Gov. Mike DeWine said the project will be an investment twice that size and plans to create 37 full-time positions at a site off State Routes 204 and 37. Residents of the village of Millersport knew a data center was coming, but some told NBC4 they were worried the investment would harm the community's way of life.

“I’ll be honest, this whole data center deal feels like a hoodwink,” Millersport resident Zack Gorsuch told NBC4 in June. “Millersport is a small, beautiful village with deep roots and real community. A massive industrial box dropped on farmland doesn’t add value — it takes away the quiet, the charm, and the natural character that makes this place special.”

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On Tuesday, Fairfield County commissioners considered a development agreement between the county, Millersport and Vantage Data Centers, indicating county support for construction. The state will also provide support for the project; DeWine said Vantage received a 50% tax exemption for 10 years on certain purchases related to the Millersport project.

State agencies would not confirm that Vantage was behind the data center plans this summer, but the Denver-based data center company was the most widely expected customer. Wednesday's announcement appears to be the first confirmation from the state that Vantage is behind the Millersport project.

Although no name was given, Fairfield County commissioners said a data center company was planned for Millersport in their meetings. An application filed with the Ohio Power Siting Board offered more details, requesting state authorization to build the Millersport Energy Center, a power-generating facility to provide energy for a data center.

However, the energy center application was withdrawn in September with little explanation. It is not clear what will be used in its place to power the Vantage data center. Although the scope of the Millersport data center is not yet public, even small data centers require major amounts of energy.

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Residents wrote to the state objecting the data center. Millersport resident Jessica Palmer wrote the Ohio Power Siting Board asking them to deny the request, saying the data center will put families out of their homes.

"It will cause an increase in traffic that the Village of Millersport is not equipped to handle, an increase in the population that the Village of Millersport is not equipped to handle, and most importantly, destroy the hometown feel that we, the residents of the Village of Millersport, have worked so hard to achieve and secure," Palmer wrote.

The state did not provide a timeline for Vantage's project. The now-withdrawn power station had planned to begin construction in 2026.

This marks the second central Ohio investment for Vantage Data Centers, which broke ground in New Albany in October 2024. New Albany's project was a $2 billion investment that is still under construction.

LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH) -- A 9-year-old boy has died after he was shot in Lancaster on Monday, according to police.

Lancaster police told NBC4 on Saturday the 9-year-old has died after an "unintentional shooting," which occurred at a home on Summitview Drive at about 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Police said there was a second juvenile who witnessed the shooting.

The two were playing with a gun, when one said "he would show him what a drunk person acted like," according to a police report. The boy with the gun fired it, hitting himself. The juvenile witness then moved the gun before going to tell an adult, police said. Medics airlifted the 9-year-old to a Columbus hospital in critical condition.

Lancaster police are investigating and called the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation to assist.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The 7th annual Columbus HBCU college fair was in full effect Saturday, working to inspire high school students to attend historically black colleges and universities.  

Attendees participated in workshops and heard from over 20 HBCU alumni. Students and parents had the chance to learn about scholarships, get essay tips, and explore internship opportunities.

“This is an opportunity for all of our students to be able to meet people who look like them and experience representation and black excellence that exists within our city” said Lauren Lopez, director of attendance climate and culture at Columbus City Schools.  

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There were also booths with application information from several schools like Howard and Spelman. Organizers said this event is important for young people to see this as an option in their life they might not have thought of otherwise.  

“This is an opportunity to find mentors that can help them prepare and inspire them,” said Lopez. 

Several central Ohio HBCU alumni were also honored at the event and attendees enjoyed games and prizes.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus Humane held its 19th annual “Defend Your Friend 5K,” on Saturday morning. The event is aimed at protecting and supporting animals throughout the city.  

“This is one of our biggest programs and our biggest fundraiser of the year to raise money for the investigations we do right here in our neighborhood,” said Brittany Williams, chief advancement officer with Columbus Humane.  

The 5K kicked off at 9 a.m. at Prairie Oaks Metro Park. All of the money that was raised goes to the animal cruelty investigation department with Columbus Humane. The non-profit has an average of 6,000 investigations each year.  

Columbus Humane has 92% conviction rate in Franklin County environmental court due to their efforts. Williams noted that seeing all the support from the community over the years has been meaningful to their cause.  

“This is the 19th year, and this is the most people that we’ve seen in attendance, and that means a lot to the organization,” Williams said. “To continue to see the support grow for animal cruelty investigations is inspiring and hopeful. 

Columbus Humane is known as the only law enforcement agency in Franklin County fighting animal cruelty each day of each year.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Local bike shops are feeling the impacts of tariffs on steel and aluminum tariffs. Many have had to push the cost onto consumers.

"We priced some bicycles online and in other shops and there is a kind of sticker shock," said cyclist Michael Thomson.

Local cyclists are dealing with higher bike, repair and accessory costs.

"We've certainly noticed increases everywhere," said Karen Thomson, another cyclist.

John Robinson, the owner of Johnny Velo Bikes, said some producers have increased the cost of bikes by $100 since tariffs set in.

"We sell a certain lock," he said, "I was originally selling for about $79 and because of tariffs, now they're up to $98.99."

Robinson said his shop has been feeling the effects since spring. Now, the U.S. Department of Commerce submitted new requests for additional tariffs on steel and aluminum imports which would subject bikes to another 50% tariff.

"You're looking at a 100% tariff, and that's really hard to plan out. So you're going to cut back on your forecasts, which means next year we're even going to have less inventory available," said Robinson.

Karen and Michael came into his shop to buy an e-bike. They told NBC4 that the price increases aren't deterring them from shopping but are driving up fears of theft.

"We have to be very concerned about safety, where we put the bike, where the bike is," said Michael.

The increased cost is also weighing on accessibility.

"I have four major bike manufacturers that I carry in my shop. All but one are not carrying kids' bikes. They are not importing kids bikes this year because of the tariffs," Robinson said.

The proposed tariffs are under a comment period until Oct. 21.

"What our industry is actually proposing is that they allow us to import the shifting mechanisms and the braking systems tariff free right now, as long as those companies have agreed to build factories here in the U.S., that would help mitigate some of it and it would help bring jobs back into the U.S.," said Robinson. "We're actually lobbying right now in D.C. to try and see if we can get that done."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A cyclist is in critical condition after a west Columbus crash on Saturday.

A Dodge Ram truck was driving on South Warren Avenue at about 2:04 p.m. on Saturday when a bicycle turned from an alley and the two collided, according to the Columbus Division of Police. The cyclist was seriously injured in the crash and was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

The driver of the truck and a passenger were uninjured in the collision, police said.

CHAMPAIGN, Illinois (WCMH) -- For the first time in a decade, No. 1 Ohio State visits No. 17 Illinois as the Buckeyes look to string together ten straight wins for the fourth time under the direction of coach Ryan Day.

The OSU defense looks to continue to suffocate opposing teams, allowing just two touchdowns this year and none in the first half. The Buckeyes haven't allowed a team to get into the endzone since Big Ten play began.

Ohio State injury report: Who is out in Week 7 against Illinois?

The last time Ohio State played the Fighting Illini was in 2017, which the Buckeyes won at the Horseshoe, 52-14. The last meeting in Champaign was in 2015, which OSU won 28-3. The winner will claim the Illibuck trophy, which Ohio State has won in every meeting since 2007.

Scroll below for updates.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio State's injury list has grown heading into its top 20 matchup Saturday afternoon against No. 17 Illinois in Champaign at noon.

The top ranked Buckeyes, who had nine players listed out for last week's 42-3 win over Minnesota, have 11 players out for the first clash for the Illibuck trophy since 2017. Among those on the injured list is defensive back Lorenzo Styles Jr.

The senior from Pickerington did leave the Sept. 13 matchup against Ohio early but played in the last two weeks. Styles Jr. has 17 total tackles this season and one pass defended. Also added to the injured list is sophomore defensive end Eddrick Houston, who has played in three games this season.

Things to know about No. 1 Ohio State’s game at No. 17 Illinois Ohio State injury report (Week 7 at No. 17 Illinois)

OUT

• Eddrick Houston (DE)
• Max LeBlanc (TE)
• Mason Maggs (QB)
• Eric Mensah (DL)
• Bryson Rodgers (WR)
• Anthony Rogers (RB)
• Max Roy (DL)
• Deshawn Stewart (S)
• Lorenzo Styles Jr. (DB)
• Ahmed Tounkara (DL)
• Preston Wolfe (WR)

The Buckeyes are playing at Gies Memorial Stadium for the first time in decade as they look to retain the Illibuck trophy. Ohio State has not lost to the Illini since 2007 and have not suffered a defeat in Champaign since 1991.

Despite being on the road, oddsmakers have Ohio State favored to win by 14 1/2 points. The Buckeyes have covered the spread in each of its five victories this season and have yet to concede double-digit points.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A Columbus police officer responding to a reported shooting was bitten while trying to handcuff the suspect, court documents show.

Officers were sent Wednesday to reports of shots fired at the Windmiller Pointe apartment complex on the South Side. Police said a man was shooting a gun in the rear of the complex, by the Scioto River, and then was seen leaving on a four-wheeler.

The suspect, later identified as 25-year-old Kaden Adams, was found on the vehicle and detained. While making their way to the police cruiser, the officer called a Columbus Division of Fire medic to treat Adams for a suspected drug overdose.

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Court documents say Adams was given naloxone, commonly used as a life-saving measure for an opioid overdose, and taken to a hospital for treatment.

But on the way to the hospital, Adams reportedly became agitated and swung his hand at a medic in the transport vehicle. As the officer was handcuffing Adams to the cot, Adams allegedly bit the officer, breaking through a glove and injuring their finger.

Currently charged with assault on a peace officer and harassment by an inmate, Adams was taken to Franklin County Jail and issued a $2,500 bond in municipal court on Friday morning. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 17.

Adams has prior convictions in common pleas court after pleading guilty to theft, receiving stolen property, breaking and entering, and having weapons under disability in 2020, receiving stolen property in 2021, and domestic violence in 2023. As well, he has been previously charged out of municipal court for drug possession, domestic violence, theft, and fleeing/eluding an officer.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Culver’s will hold its grand opening in the Hamilton Quarter shopping center near Gahanna and New Albany in November, offering free food in the process. 

The fast food joint, located at 6000 N. Hamilton Road, will begin welcoming customers on Nov. 10, according to its operator. The first 200 guests in line who purchase a regular value basket (which includes an entree, fries and a drink) will receive free value baskets once a month for a year.

Indiana-based Meyer Foods Management will run the Culver’s. The franchise management company operates more than 30 Culver’s restaurants across Indiana, Ohio and Georgia, according to its website. 

While the company has branded the new spot as its New Albany location, the restaurant technically sits in northeast Columbus. Culver’s will join a variety of other food options in Hamilton Quarter, including Chick-fil-A, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Chili’s, Chicken Salad Chick and Cafe Zupas. 

Culver’s has 27 locations in Ohio, with four in the Columbus area, according to its website. Central Ohio locations include eateries in Marysville, Reynoldsburg, Powell and the Hilliard Green neighborhood. 

Meyer Foods Management has also proposed a Culver’s in north Columbus near Worthington, and is preparing to launch a restaurant in Canal Winchester for which an opening date has not yet been announced. 

Culver’s is the home of the “ButterBurger,” which features buns brushed with butter and seared beef patties. The chain also offers frozen custard with a variety of customizable toppings, such as cookie dough, strawberries and hot fudge. 

The chain’s menu also features chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, cod sandwiches, jumbo shrimp, corn dogs, veggie burgers, grilled cheese, salads, soups and more. Sides such as French fries, onion rings and cheese curds are available as well.

Culver’s was founded in Sauk City, Wisconsin, in 1984. The chain has since spread to over 1,000 eateries across 26 states, the majority of which are franchises. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Some Ohio lawmakers want to enshrine educators' ability to teach about the "positive influence of religion" on American history, specifically Christianity.

Dubbed the "Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act," House Bill 486 was introduced by Reps. Gary Click (R-Vickery) and Michael Dovilla (R-Berea). The bill allows public school teachers to incorporate positive impacts of Christianity in American history lessons, and establishes that teaching those topics is not a violation of the First Amendment.

"An accurate and historical account of the influence of Christianity on the freedom and liberties ingrained in our culture is imperative to reducing ignorance of American history, hate and violence within our society," the bill reads.

Click said the bill does not establish anything new but rather codifies teachers' rights to include positive Christian influences in their American history courses. The Supreme Court has long upheld the right to teach about the Bible as long as it is "presented objectively as a part of a secular program of education."

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“The Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act is designed specifically to 'clarify' law for those who are uncertain. This provides an additional layer of assurance to our educators that they are indeed able to enjoy the academic freedom to teach on these issues," Click said. "The responses to this bill alone demonstrate the need for such clarification."

As Click pointed out, some have not received the bill positively. The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) Action Fund strongly condemned the bill, calling its historical examples "cherry picked" to offer a "deceptive" interpretation of American history.

“This bill is not history. It’s propaganda,” FFRF Senior Policy Counsel Ryan Jayne said. “Ohio legislators are trying to pressure schools to present Christianity as the foundation of American freedom — when, in reality, our Constitution was revolutionary precisely because it separated religion from government.”

The influence of religion on American history is already taught in schools. For instance, Ohio's learning standards require all eighth graders to understand that Europeans colonized North American "for economic and religious reasons." The state's model curriculum dives further into the influence of Christianity in its standards for history courses.

Ohio's learning standards do not place positive or negative affiliation on the impact of religion. The Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act changes this by emphasizing positive interpretations, suggesting instruction on the influence of the Ten Commandments in the U.S. or the "In God We Trust" national motto.

Many of the several dozen suggested topics are highly specific. The bill suggests teaching about "The influence of religious leaders like Reverend John Witherspoon who signed the Declaration of Independence." Witherspoon was the only clergyman to sign the document. The bill also suggests teaching about George Washington's directions about chaplains in the army, or the impact of evangelist minister Billy Graham in the mid and late 20th century.

As written, the bill assumes teaching about Christianity positively is not a First Amendment violation, which protects teachers and schools from possible lawsuits. However, it could limit Ohioans' ability to challenge religious concerns in the classroom. When asked about this provision, Click reiterated his bill does not conflict with federal law.

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Click said the act honors conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed while speaking at a Utah university in September. He said Kirk's beliefs were rooted in his Christian faith, adding that Kirk's understanding of the connection between American history and Christianity is "what he was killed for."

The bill does not require public schools to teach these topics, but it is still raising concerns about Christian influence in government-funded spaces.

“This is state-sponsored religious indoctrination dressed up as history,” Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF Action Fund president, said. “Lawmakers should be ensuring Ohio students receive an honest education about the diverse influences on American democracy — not mandating they be spoon-fed a Christian nationalist fairy tale.”

Click said FFRF is a "hate group" that seeks to intimidate teachers who want to teach subjects like those included in the bill.

"Headlines implying that the intent is to add Christianity or teach religion in the classroom reveal just how blurred the lines are between teaching the historical context of religion rather than teaching doctrine or proselytizing in the classroom," Click said.

The bill had its first House Education Committee hearing on Oct. 7, but does not have other hearings scheduled as of publication.