News Channel 4

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.”

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However, the energy center application was withdrawn in September with little explanation.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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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."

“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.

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.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Ohio State University is investing $14 million into expanding one of its programs.

The university plans to nearly double undergraduate enrollment within the College of Nursing amid a nationwide nursing shortage.

“We need to answer that call, answer the calling to care and help people in the healthcare community,” said Dr. Wendy Bowles, Associate Dean for Baccalaureate Programs at Ohio State’s College of Nursing.

The university plans to increase the number of traditional undergraduate students from 176 to 320. Dr. Bowles said part of this investment needs to go towards hiring to accommodate more students.

“There are so many things that go into educating nursing students, and the faculty ratios we have an eight-to-one ratio when we send them to the hospital,” she said.

The program recently adopted virtual reality training to supplement clinical experience.

“They can experiment and learn how to actually engage with patients through this virtual kind of experience,” Dr. Bowles said.

The university plans to add another lab, including a simulation of the ICU.

“We put on the goggles and we enter a simulation where we can interact, the patients, various situations could be applied to this VR situation. It's actually been so incredible actually. I bought my own VR Oculus headsets,” said Christian Ruvalcaba, a senior at Ohio State’s College of Nursing.

Just in time for this expansion, OSU’s Wexner Medical Center is opening up a new medical tower next year with plans to hire more than a thousand people.

“We're very close partners with the Wexner Medical Center, and part of that expansion is also helping our students create a pathway for our students to have jobs in the future,” Dr. Bowles said.

WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Two people were injured following a multi-car accident Friday evening.

Blendon Township police say two people were injured after a vehicle accident on E Dublin Granville Rd. and Buenos Aires Blvd. Officers were called to the scene of the crash around 7:19 p.m. Friday.

Police say multiple cars were involved in the collision, and one person was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Another victim was transported from the scene but was described as stable.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) — The Hilliard Division of Police (HPD) is now offering Ohio's Blue Envelope Program, a program aimed at making traffic stops and emergency situations less stressful.

"It’s just another tool in our tool belt and a way to improve communication," said HPD Detective Brandon Long.

The envelopes are meant for individuals living with disabilities or conditions that might affect how they communicate. Things like traffic stops and crashes can be stressful for anyone, especially for those who may have challenges communicating. 

“If this is something where somebody is nonverbal, somebody gets anxiety just at the idea of a traffic stop, if they can hand us this and reduce their anxiety and we figure out what's going on a minute or two sooner, then everybody gets to the same place less stressed and probably happier," Long said. 

The envelopes are at the Hilliard Division of Police and the Norwich Township Safety Services building. Folks can stop by to pick them up, fill out some information on the front, then put a copy of their license, registration, insurance, and other medical information inside. Then, if there's a situation involving first responders, it's all in one place to give to them.

"We want people we’re dealing with to have less anxiety about that traffic stop, about dealing with a firefighter, a police officer, whatever the case may be, so if we can lower those levels of anxiety and get more people understanding each other in the midst of crisis, that's a huge win," Long said.

Aidan White lives in Hilliard, recently got his license, and has autism. He said he's glad this program is now available.

“It’s something that's easy to let the police know this is what I have, and I don't have to sit there for five minutes explaining what I have to him before," White said. "It’ll help a lot of disabled people that either cannot speak or have certain disabilities or just not want to communicate about their disabilities kind of express it in a different way."

The envelopes are free, and people do not need to be from Hilliard to pick one up.

“It’s a bridge. It’s a bridge to help communicate what is important without having to put it into words and feeling embarrassed about it," said Katja White, Aidan's mother.

Blue stickers also come in the envelope, which can be put on cars as another sign for officers.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The FBI announced the results of a three-month-long operation in Southern and Central Ohio.

Operation Summer Heat is a nationwide effort to crush violent crime, dismantle gangs, and rescue child victims. Adam Lawson, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Cincinnati Field Office, said all 55 field offices participated in this operation. 

“The point of it was to really surge as many resources as we could without taking away from other FBI investigations and try to have some significant impact with our partners on the violent crime program that we've seen across the U.S,” Lawson said.

From June 24 through September 20, in southern and central Ohio, their agents made 309 arrests, recovered 212 weapons, 57 drug seizures, and located 8 child exploitation victims.

“You can imagine the larger offices in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus had more operations just because we, as a field office, have more agents there and our federal partners, and then you've got larger police departments. So we were able to kind of surge more effectively there,” Lawson said.

The FBI said a notable investigation during this operation involves the indictments of two people from Dayton, along with several Chinese companies, on drug trafficking and money laundering charges, which we first reported on in early September.

Lawson said the new FBI director's number one goal is crushing violent crime, and they have certainly been doing that in Ohio. 

“We've been able to add additional agents to this problem set. I've been able to embed agents out with some of our state and local partners to bring some of our resource forces to help some of our, you know, more technical resources are some areas of expertise that the FBI has, but others may not have," Lawson said.

Nationally, summer heat led to 8,629 arrests. The FBI said that half of those fall under its violent crime and gang program. 

Agents and intelligence programs investigating violent crimes against children located more than 1,000 child victims. This operation also led to the seizure of more than 44,000 kilograms of cocaine, 421 kilograms of fentanyl, and 2,281 weapons seized. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Homeowners in one Central Ohio community are finally receiving the financial break they expected years ago, in an update to an NBC4 investigation we first reported in August.

Dozens of families relocated to a development in southeast Columbus that advertised a 15-year tax break, but it never materialized. So they reached out to NBC4 Investigates for help.

Following our investigation, people in this southeast Columbus housing development are finally being approved for the tax abatement and receiving refunds of thousands of dollars.

"A refund always kind of puts a little cherry on the top," Maronda Homes resident Shana Cone said. 

Shana Cone moved to the Maronda Homes Meadows at Shannon Lake development in 2022; a driving factor was the 15-year tax break that came with this area, but three years later, she and many others were still paying full taxes. She first spoke with NBC4 in August. 

"Things happen, but at least communicate about what's happening and what's going on. Three years, I think, is just unacceptable," Cone told NBC4 in August. 

One way Columbus is addressing the affordable housing crisis is through tax breaks called abatements. If developers designate a certain number of homes as affordable, then the property owners get a tax abatement, but city documents showed that the developer in this case expressed confusion about the process and submitted some properties in the Meadows at Shannon Lakes development, but not all, with no explanation why.

When I spoke with neighbors in August, they were frustrated, but now they’re in a much different place.  

"Super excited, not just for me, but also for others that may not have been aware of the tax abatement, but just definitely relief," Cone said. 

Documents obtained by NBC4 Investigates show the abatements have been approved, with a backdate of 2023 and going until 2037.

"I'm really grateful and excited about it and just thankful," Cone said. 

That backdate means many are getting refunds in the thousands of dollars. Some are in the works, other checks have already arrived, ending a year-long battle for something this community didn’t expect to have to fight for.

"Don't be afraid to speak up. And that it's not just about you is bigger than you. And when you do choose to speak up, you help a lot of people that may not have been willing to speak up," Cone said. 

NBC4 reached out to the developer again for this story for comment, but did not hear back. You can read the full investigation here. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A new exhibit is coming to COSI this weekend called The Science Behind Pixar, which will showcase how your favorite animated movies are made. 

This exhibit merges the science and artistry of what makes a Pixar film, and visitors will be able to explore the entire process from start to finish.   

“It really dives into the science behind all the beloved Pixar animation, all the Pixar films that we love,” said Kelli Kinzig, senior project manager at COSI. "It really goes to show the Pixar production pipeline. So, there's eight different steps, and the exhibit is broken down into eight different sections.”

This new exhibit is filled with over 50 interactive elements and life-size creations of famous Pixar characters. Guests can walk through the eight-step production pipeline learning about how to create renderings, animations, and lighting designs and even test it out.

“We love to have hands-on experiences here at COSI, and The Science Behind Pixar is absolutely one of those,’ Kinzig said. “As you move throughout this exhibit, there are so many parts and pieces where you get to become the creator. You get to take a dive into that process.” 

The exhibit also dives into career exploration highlighting the steam concepts used to make these films, and the hope is to inspire a new generation of creators.   

“Hopefully all the guests that come through so young and old and hopefully can inspire them to want to also try their hand at science, technology, engineering, because it is behind everything that we do and it is behind these the magic that is made in the Pixar movies.” 

The exhibit opens October 11th and runs until May 25th, 2026. If you would like to buy tickets, click here. COSI Tickets.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Gov. Mike DeWine has issued reprieves for two death row inmates who were scheduled to be executed early next year.

The governor has ordered that Antonio Franklin and James Trimble's execution dates will each be pushed back three years. Franklin's date of execution is now set for Feb. 15, 2029, from Feb. 11, 2026, and Trimble's new date of execution is now March 14, 2029, from March 12, 2026.

This is the second time DeWine has given a reprieve for Franklin, who was sentenced to death in Montgomery County in 1998 on aggravated murder. Trimble was admitted into the Ross County Correctional Institution in 2005 and sentenced to death for three counts of aggravated murder, according to Ohio's Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC).

As of August 2025, there were 113 death row inmates in the state, according to the DRC. No executions have taken place in this calendar year.

Elected officials in the Ohio Statehouse made renewed calls to abolish the death penalty in January. A previous report on that can be seen in the video player above.

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) will be in Chillicothe Friday afternoon and is expected to announce new owners for the city's paper mill.

A source told NBC4 on Thursday that U.S. Medical Glove, a medical device production company, is set to buy the mill that has been facing mass layoffs and even closure over the past six months.

Moreno will be joined by local officials and community members to make the announcement at 4:30 p.m. You can watch the full news conference live in the video player above.

Pixelle Specialty Solutions announced in April its intentions to shut down the paper mill and layoff over 800 workers. One day after Moreno sent a scathing letter to the CEOs of Pixelle Specialty Solutions, a subsidiary of HIG Capital, the closure of the mill was paused until the end of 2025.

U.S. Medical Glove is reportedly going to hire approximately 200 people initially, which may include some former Pixelle workers. More people are expected to be hired if the machinery and production go as planned.

Paper mills have been a part of Chillicothe since at least the 19th century, with some locals having ties to the mill for generations. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The drive for perfection continues for several central Ohio programs as the high school football season enters week 8.

Undefeated Olentangy Orange travels to face a determined Upper Arlington squad that is looking to bounce back from its first loss of the year last week at Liberty. Meanwhile, Jonathan Alder and London meet in a matchup of 7-0 teams, and West Jefferson puts its undefeated record on the line against Mechanicsburg.

Below is a list of games that will be featured on Football Friday Nite at 11:15 p.m. A complete list of games in the state is at the bottom. Check back all evening for updated scores and highlights.

• Orange (7-0) at Upper Arlington (6-1) - Game of the Week
• East (6-1) at Centennial (3-4)
• Jonathan Alder (7-0) at London (7-0)
• Mechanicsburg (6-1) at West Jefferson (7-0)
• DeSales (5-2) at St. Charles (3-4)
• Grove City (4-3) at Pickerington North (6-1)
• Grove City Christian (6-1) at Grandview Heights (5-2)
• Liberty (4-3) at Bradley (4-3)
• Columbus Academy (5-2) at Buckeye Valley (6-1)
• Jerome (4-3) at Berlin (2-5)
• Licking Valley (7-0) at Granville (5-2)