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HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) – A central Ohio restaurant known for its slow-smoked meats and Southern-style barbecue is preparing to open a location in Hilliard. 

Smoked Lick BBQ is coming to Hilliard’s TruePointe development, which is under construction on Trueman Boulevard off Interstate 270. 

The new Hilliard barbecue joint will mark the concept’s third location. The restaurant debuted at 4333 Cosgray Road in Hilliard in January, before opening inside the Columbus bar Fifteen32 Social in June. 

While Smoked Lick BBQ’s original location offers limited seating and primarily serves customers through catering and delivery, its new TruePointe restaurant will include a dining room. It will also feature a bar, carryout and catering services. 

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“We’ve been humbled by the support at our first two locations and knew it was time to share Smoked Lick BBQ with even more people,” said Mariah Hasson, executive director of Smoked Lick BBQ. “TruePointe is the perfect home for our next chapter because it’s built around community, which aligns perfectly with what we’ve always been about.”

Guests at the newest Smoked Lick BBQ restaurant can expect the same menu items served at its existing locations. The eatery offers brisket, ribs, smoked wings, mac and cheese, burgers, tacos, chili and sandwiches featuring a variety of meats. Appetizers include deviled eggs, nachos, a smoked gouda dip and “Texas twinkies,” which are jalapeños wrapped in bacon and stuffed with brisket, cream cheese and smoked gouda.

TruePointe is a $250 million mixed-use hub from the Hilliard-based developer Equity Commercial Real Estate Solutions. The 27-acre development will feature apartments, a hotel, retail stores, office space and restaurants, including an unnamed concept by a former Cameron Mitchell chef and a Dayton-based pizzeria.

Equity expects some of TruePointe's tenants to begin welcoming customers in late summer of 2026. An opening date for Smoked Lick BBQ has not yet been announced. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — One person is dead after being struck by a vehicle in the northeast side of the city.

According to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the area of Agler Road and Stelzer Road in Mifflin Township, just west of Gahanna. There, a man was found after being struck by a Chevrolet Blazer just after 5:30 a.m. Friday morning.

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A grey 2000 Blazer was traveling westbound on Agler Road, approaching the Stelzer Road intersection when it hit the man in the roadway. The fatal crash injury report did not indicate the circumstances on what caused the man to be in the roadway.

The driver of the Blazer was unharmed and stayed at the scene, while deputies from the Gahanna Police Department and EMS/Fire crews from the Columbus Division of Fire assisted deputies in responding to the incident.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition but was later pronounced dead at 6:08 a.m.

The FCSO is continuing to investigate the crash and asks that anyone with additional information to contact the Crash Investigation Unit at 614-525-6113.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- No. 1 Ohio State hits the road for the second time this season, visiting No. 17 Illinois in its second meeting with a Top 25 team. Kickoff is set for noon Saturday in Champaign, Illinois.

OSU defeated then-No. 1 Texas in its only other matchup against a ranked team. Now, the Buckeyes put a nine-game win streak on the line against the Fighting Illini. A victory would give coach Ryan Day his fourth win streak of 10-or-more games since taking over the program.

"We've got a really good opponent that we're playing this week that knows how to win," Day said. "To me, this is a top-10 opponent on the road."

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Getting off to a fast start

After the last two games in the Big Ten, the Buckeyes are prioritizing the importance of a fast start.

Against Washington on the road, the Buckeyes had opportunities early on but did not score for the first time until the final 90 seconds of the first half. Then last weekend against Minnesota at home, OSU missed a 53-yard field goal before quarterback Julian Sayin came up with a 47-yard pass that flipped the field. C.J. Donaldson scored a touchdown two plays later, and the Buckeyes turned a 7-3 first-quarter lead into a 42-3 victory.

"I think just giving them a clean plan and, you know, really emphasizing efficiency. And finishing the drives, I think that's important," Day said. "I think we can start better. And when you're on the road, an environment like this, you definitely want a fast start."

Stopping Luke Altmyer

The Ohio State defense has looked unstoppable lately. Through five games, the Buckeyes have yet to allow an opponent to score in double figures and kept teams out of the end zone so far in Big Ten play.

Washington entered its matchup with Ohio State averaging over 55 points but only managed to put up six. Similarly, Minnesota averaged 33 points, only to put up three.

The Fighting Illini average 37 points and are led by quarterback Luke Altmyer.

"I think he's a great quarterback in the scheme. He's a great quarterback," linebacker Arvell Reese said. "He fits in well. He can run, too."

Day knows the challenge that Altmyer brings to the field. The senior has thrown for 1,573 yards and 12 touchdowns and has yet to throw an interception this year.

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"He's won some big games before and he's a really good quarterback. So another really good challenge for us," Day said. "You know, we've gone against good quarterbacks already this year, but he presents some different challenges and so we need to finish off the week in our preparation."

Connecting on deep passes

Ohio State scored touchdowns on three consecutive possessions against the Golden Gophers in the first half. And each one of those drives saw a play that measured at least 40 yards.

Carnell Tate was involved in all three, leading to a career day for the receiver, with nine receptions for 183 yards. With the Buckeyes' success in taking shots and connecting, it's the work that the receivers are putting in practice that makes it happen.

"Those are long routes down the field that you can only have so many of those within a week. Otherwise, you know, you just blow your doors off your wideouts. So it has to be efficient," Day said. "There's a lot that goes with throwing the ball down the field: the footwork, the timing, you know, all those things. And we work hard. We work hard at it, but ultimately the player is going to make the plays."

DAYTON, Ohio (WCMH) — An Ohio property filled with architectural character and connections to famous Buckeyes, along with a backstory that might unsettle the superstitious, has recently hit the market and caught the attention of social media real estate watcher Zillow Gone Wild.

Located at 609 W. Riverview Ave. in Dayton and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the former O.P. Boyer’s and Sons Funeral Home, originally known as Boyer Mortuary, is renowned for hosting the funerals of notable Ohioans. Additionally, it is credited with being designed specifically as a funeral home, which marked a break with the tradition of at-home wakes and funerals, according to records filed with the National Register.

“How about the former 'O.P. Boyer’s and Sons funeral home' in Dayton, OH, with ties to 'Orville & Wilbur Wright, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Governor James Cox, Charles Kettering and Chiko Barnum & Bailey 'Gorilla' and more,” reads the caption of Zillow Gone Wild's Instagram post. “Currently listed for only $250,000. The home needs a little TLC, but it does come with architectural drawings to meet city building and zoning permits that were once approved.”

• Photo Courtesy/ Melissa Cleary with Glasshouse Realty Group
• Photo Courtesy/ Melissa Cleary with Glasshouse Realty Group
• Photo Courtesy/ Melissa Cleary with Glasshouse Realty Group
• Photo Courtesy/ Melissa Cleary with Glasshouse Realty Group
• Photo Courtesy/ Melissa Cleary with Glasshouse Realty Group
• Photo Courtesy/ Melissa Cleary with Glasshouse Realty Group
• Photo Courtesy/ Melissa Cleary with Glasshouse Realty Group
• Photo Courtesy/ Melissa Cleary with Glasshouse Realty Group
• Photo Courtesy/ Melissa Cleary with Glasshouse Realty Group
• Photo Courtesy/ Melissa Cleary with Glasshouse Realty Group
• Photo Courtesy/ Melissa Cleary with Glasshouse Realty Group
• Photo Courtesy/ Melissa Cleary with Glasshouse Realty Group
• Photo Courtesy/ Melissa Cleary with Glasshouse Realty Group
• Photo Courtesy/ Melissa Cleary with Glasshouse Realty Group

The property's listing agent, Melissa Cleary, with Glasshouse Realty Group, shared with NBC4 that the 1925 building still has its original windows and doors, high ceilings and terrazzo floors. It faces the Miami River with “incredible views.”

At 6,076 square feet, it is categorized as “mixed use, multifamily, retail.” In the listing information, Cleary offered that possible first-floor uses include lofts, offices, a retail space, or a studio. The second floor could be converted into a two-bedroom apartment. For the structure's back area, an artist loft, delivery, warehouse and storage are all suggested as potential functions. The parcel includes a retail parking lot.

The new owner would have access to tax benefits and programs such as the 20% Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives, which provide a tax credit for rehabilitating historic, income-producing buildings. They would also be eligible for up to 20% Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits and a 15-year city tax abatement.

“The seller is including a complete set of architectural drawings designed to meet city building and zoning codes,” the listing flyer notes. “These white-boxed plans were previously permit-approved, and while the permits have since expired, you'll only need to reapply — saving you significant time and expense.”

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As for the property's background in the burial of some of Ohio's most renowned citizens, Boyer family member Chip Boyer penned more than one narrative about its famous funerals. He wrote the work, “The Door: A Narrative and Commentary Concerning the Funerals of the Wright Brothers and of Other Wright Family Members, 1912-1948,” in collaboration with Wright State University in 2002.

In 2003, Chip authored an article called “Boyer’s Circus and Other Reminiscences,” which is available on Dayton History Books Online. In this article, Chip delves into the services of Dayton poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, industrialist John H. Patterson, former Secretary of the Air Force Harold E. Talbott and Chiko, the so-called “gorilla” from the Barnum and Bailey Circus. Chip wrote about his attempt to uncover whether Chiko was actually an ape, a gorilla, a baboon, or an orangutan. In the end, Chip said his research led him to believe that Chiko was, in fact, a chimpanzee.

“As I write this, a world and generation apart from my predecessors and the Boyer's funeral business, I get a great sense of pride in the heritage my forebearers have left,” Chip said in the reminiscence. “Even though their world and the funeral business are now long gone, and though none of the present-day Boyers is in any way involved in the funeral business, the heritage lives on as a part of me and my family.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A bipartisan bill introduced in the Ohio House aims to reimburse state employees and elected officials for out-of-pocket costs related to GLP-1 drugs used for chronic weight management.

House Bill 388, sponsored by Reps. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania) and Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus), would allow eligible individuals to apply for monthly reimbursements if they purchase FDA-approved GLP-1 drugs through a manufacturer's direct-to-consumer program or participating pharmacy. Williams said the proposal comes amid concern that the Ohio Department of Administrative Services may limit or eliminate GLP-1 coverage under the state employee health plan.

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"You may not be able to tell from my current physical appearance, but I used to be 458 pounds. I had weight loss surgery in 2013. I lost 200 pounds and then I regained the weight back," Williams said in a NBC4 interview. "I was trying to use different medications through my primary care physician and eventually we settled on GLP-1s and I was successful, losing over 100 pounds."

Under the bill, eligible employees or officials whose body mass index is 30 or higher at the start of treatment could apply for monthly reimbursements of up to $500 during the first year, and up to $250 or 50% of the cost in the second year. Reimbursements would be available for a period of up to 24 months, with the possibility of reapplying after six months if certain weight regain criteria are met.

The bill prohibits reimbursement for compounded versions of the drugs and requires proof of purchase and physician-verified BMI documentation.

Williams said the bill was inspired in part by recent federal efforts to lower prescription drug costs by bypassing traditional pharmacy benefit managers and encouraging direct-to-consumer models.

"We listened to President Trump, who's been promoting getting the PBMs, the middleman, out of the way, and being able to get to the true cost of what prescription drugs are and we designed a program that would do that," Williams said.

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According to Williams, DAS has since announced a competing program with stricter BMI requirements and reimbursement limits.

"It's a first-come, first-served basis, so individuals like myself who have actually dropped the weight wouldn't be eligible because I wouldn’t meet the BMI index," he said. "They will want me to gain my weight back in order to become eligible. I think that's a bad way of looking at health care coverage here in the state of Ohio."

Williams, who is not seeking re-election, said he would not personally benefit from the bill's passage.

"I currently have enough medication to carry myself through the middle of next year, so I won’t benefit from the passage of this bill personally," he said. "But I think it's good policy, and we need to do it more often with other prescriptions."

H.B. 388 has not yet received a committee hearing.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – While the social media platform Bluesky has enacted age verification measures in Ohio in response to a new state law that aims to protect children from “obscene” content, a variety of pornography websites have not. 

A new Ohio law went into effect on Sept. 30, requiring pornography websites and any online platform that hosts a “significant” amount of content that is “obscene or harmful to juveniles” to verify their visitors are adults.

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The statute mandates such websites confirm users’ ages by obtaining a copy of their government-issued photo ID or other age-verifying documents, such as proof of a mortgage or employment. To ensure Ohio users’ ages are verified, platforms are responsible for using technology to monitor the location of their visitors. 

On Wednesday, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost – who holds authority to enforce the law – announced his office reviewed 20 “top pornography websites” and found that only one is complying with the statute. The office said Yost is sending letters to the noncompliant sites, warning them of lawsuits if they fail to enact age-verification measures within 45 days. 

“This duly enacted law protects young, impressionable children from the harms of adult-only material found online,” Yost said in a news release. “It’s time for these companies to explain why they think they’re above the law.”

Meanwhile, Bluesky, a competitor to X and Threads, announced on Sept. 28 that it would implement age verification measures in Ohio in light of the law. While Bluesky is not strictly a pornography platform, it does allow adult content. 

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Bluesky has enabled age-verification software called Kids Web Services, which allows users to choose from multiple methods, including scanning an ID or payment card. The social media site uses the software in other states with similar laws, such as South Dakota and Wyoming. 

“In this rapidly evolving regulatory environment, our goal is to respect the law while balancing safety, free expression, and user privacy to serve the greater good of our community,” the company wrote in a blog addressing its age verification measures. “Responding to new laws and regulations will require pragmatism and flexibility.”

Before the law took effect, the Free Speech Coalition, a nonprofit trade association for the adult entertainment industry, warned residents that the measure could expand its reach to social media. Director of Public Policy Mike Stabile previously told NBC4 Ohio’s law is particularly vague compared with other states and therefore may result in a variety of platforms choosing to enact age verification measures to prevent legal issues. 

“It affects not just porn sites, but any site that might have material that is defined as harmful to juveniles,” Stabile said before the law’s implementation. “Under the law, I think that sites like X and Reddit and Bluesky may have to begin age verifying. … As we’ve seen in other places, services like Spotify may decide to do it as well to avoid potentially triggering the law.”

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Reddit and X also allow pornography on their platforms, but neither has implemented age verification measures. NBC4 reached out to both to ask if they plan to begin verifying users’ ages. A spokesperson with Reddit said the site does not have an official statement, but pointed to a comment made by Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township), a supporter of the measure, who claimed the law won’t impact social media sites. X did not respond. 

NBC4 also asked the Ohio Attorney General’s Office how it plans to address the new law and if it is considering enforcing it against social media companies. The agency has yet to answer.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A unanimous vote Thursday is paving the way for a major redevelopment on Columbus' Near East side.

The Near East Area Commission voted 7-0 in favor of a plan to transform the site of the former Latitude Five25 apartment complex, which has sat vacant since 2022 due to unsafe living conditions.

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"Earlier on, there was community opposition to a project this massive, but that seems to have kind of died down as an issue," Near East Area Commission Zoning Chairperson Roy Lowenstein said. "If the community isn't strongly fighting the project, then who are we to do that?" 

Nuveen Real Estate is the group behind the proposed $147 million project, which would include close to 400 units of long-term affordable housing. 

"It removes the negative of the towers and all that pain that that caused," Bronzeville Neighborhood Association President Willis Brown said. "But this is an experienced group who has done a lot to outreach to us."

Commissioners voted in favor of four requested variances, including cutting parking spaces from 570 to 275. This is something commissioners questioned, but the group said it reflects real usage, especially among seniors.

"We still have concerns that the parking might be inadequate, but they're doing what they can; it appears to make it possible for more people to live there without cars," Lowenstein said. 

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The developer addressed this at Thursday's meeting and said it has refined its vision for the site based on the feedback it has received. 

"We think that it's critical to augment the parking for people who utilize cars with opportunities for people to tap into other modes of transportation," Max Zarin, director of development for Paths Development, said. "So be that bus and conversations we've had with COTA about increasing bus service or the Veo scooter program."

Brown said the project is about restoring vitality to the area and ensuring sustainability.

"If we don't have the people, how can we get the grocery store," Brown said. "How can we get those amenities? How can we get the things that we want that other neighbors have?"

Despite concerns over parking and other issues, commissioners agreed the developer has been willing to listen and engage with the community. 

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"You need people in a dense environment to make it successful," Brown said. "And then it becomes like an incubator. People come into the apartments, but they move up and into the neighborhood and not up and out."

The group will now head to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for approval. The city has already committed funding for the project, and a decision on additional funding is expected next week. 

"The fact that they've entrusted us with this really important piece of the community fabric tonight is really humbling," Zarin said. 

POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) -- Powell got its first tornado sirens to help when severe weather hits.

Residents previously had to rely on hearing other cities' sirens. Two have been installed at Seldom Seen Park and Arbor Ridge Park. They're currently being linked to Delaware County EMA's system.

Another siren will be installed on Home Road and the city engineer said they should be operational in the next month.

"It's been something that I know has been a goal of the community for quite some time, but there has been a lot of positive feedback," Powell city engineer Aaron Stanford said. "Obviously, providing that early notification for an emergency is very important to our community."

The city wants to remind residents that while these sirens are important, rely on other methods too, such as local news and alerts on their phones.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Small business owners in Clintonville are on a mission to revitalize one of their streets.

Indianola Avenue is home to many local stores, and now some of the owners are joining forces to attract more visitors.

“We want this side of the street to be a welcoming place for people to come visit,” Stereo Lab, LLC owner Scott Freshour said.

When he isn’t busy fixing and selling audio equipment, Freshour is working with other members of the Clintonville Area Business Association to improve the street.

“There's gang tags, there's, you know, railroad tracks, it’s industrial,” he said.

The business owners want to establish Indianola Avenue from Morse Road to Cooke Road as the Beechwold Arts District.

“We already have two guitar shops, three art studios, a yoga studio, a stereo store, the list goes on,” Freshour said.

He said they are hoping to make it a Special Improvement District, where property owners pay a fee that goes toward making the area more attractive and accessible to visitors.

“Unless they're driving, it can be difficult for them just to even get to these businesses,” Clintonville Area Business Association Board President Dave Ungar said.

He wants to expand sidewalks, add crosswalks and turn a parking lot into a park.

“This pocket park would provide a focal place to start this whole mission,” Freshour said.

They both said the project is still in its early stages. They are meeting with other business owners and the city to see what’s possible.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Students at South High School got a visit from two of Ohio's most iconic sports figures -- two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin and WNBA champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Katie Smith.

The goal of the program, called "Dream Forward," was to inspire students to chase their dreams -- and introduce them to people who did so.

Griffin said his parents always wanted him to go to college, and football was how he made it happen.

"I wanted to play a sport every season," Griffin said. "Football was the best opportunity I had to get that grand, aid and scholarships."

After graduating from Eastmoor High School, Griffin went on to play for Ohio State and win two Heisman Trophies. He also played in the NFL for seven seasons.

Smith is currently assistant coach for the Ohio State Buckeye's women's basketball team. She won three Olympic Gold Medals when she played for Team USA.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Downtown Columbus Inc.'s safety initiative is expanding; called Safer Downtown, the initiative will take on the duties of smaller groups in special improvement districts to promote collaboration and keep the work under one roof.

The goal is to make the Downtown neighborhood as safe and clean as it can be. Organizers said the effort was preparation for growth as the city anticipates more than 40,000 people to move to the area and 120,000 people to return to work in the area by 2040.

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The transition will happen over the next month and will be led by new Executive Director Robin Davis. Davis used to work with the mayor's office, where she worked closely with many city stakeholders and the Columbus Division of Police on safety initiatives. 

Davis said she’s already taken time to talk to people in the area on how they want to improve.

“I've been talking with folks on my own, kind of anyone that I meet on the street or at events, talking to them about what's important and the most important things to them are safety, cleanliness and homelessness, outreach, all of which we're going to be able to provide and coordinate those efforts throughout the downtown area,” Davis said.

Earlier this year, Safer Downtown opened a command center that uses more than 100 cameras that are monitored 24/7. Davis said these are her goals in her new role.

“We are such a safe and clean downtown, very little violent crime down here,” she said. “We're one of the safest neighborhoods. Sometimes we take that for granted, and I don't want to do that as we grow as a downtown. We want to make sure that we maintain that and everyone feels like this is their neighborhood and they can come here and be safe.”

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The group will also help fund special duty police officers and outreach to homeless people.

Davis said the budget will be about $4 million, with assessment dollars coming into the budget in 2027. She said that property owners and other city stakeholders are investing money to ensure they can accomplish their mission, and business owners have been very supportive of this transition.

LA RUE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A man wanted in West Virginia for allegedly committing sexual assault against a child was arrested Thursday in Marion County.

According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Mark Jason Purtee, of Huntington, West Virginia, is charged with one count of first-degree sexual assault of a child under 12 years of age.

A deputy marshal from the U.S. Marshals Office requested assistance from the sheriff's office to arrest Purtee on the 8600 block of La Rue-Green Camp Road. When the sheriff's deputy arrived, they were told by the marshals that they didn't know if Purtee had fled the area.

Columbus police looking for suspect in connection with I-270 shooting

During a search of the area, investigators discovered Purtee was hiding in a home on Vest Vine Street. After several announcements and a brief "tactical advance" by law enforcement using a drone, Purtee came out of the home and was taken into custody without incident.

In addition to the U.S. Marshals and Marion County Sheriff's Office, personnel from the Marion Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and a Columbus police helicopter helped in the search.

Purtee is set to be extradited to Cabell County, but could face charges in Marion County. He is currently being held in Multi-County Correctional Center.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus police are looking for a suspect in connection with a highway shooting that took place Wednesday afternoon in north Columbus.

According to Columbus police, detectives are seeking assistance in identifying a suspect believed to be responsible for a shooting on Interstate 270 East, between Worthington-Galena Road and the Interstate 71 interchange.

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At approximately 1:06 p.m., officers were called to the area on reports of shots fired. Police learned that a person reportedly stopped on the interstate, opened the driver’s side doors and both passenger doors, and fired multiple shots at oncoming traffic heading eastbound.

• Columbus police are looking for a person believed to have been driving this vehicle during a shooting on I-270 East, Oct. 8, 2025. (Courtesy/Columbus Division of Police)
• Traffic is at a standstill on I-270 East after a reported shooting. (NBC4/Gregory O'Leary)
• Columbus police investigate reports of shots fired on I-270 East, near Galena Rd. (Courtesy/Ohio Department of Transportation)

Several vehicles were struck, as well as a building just beyond the freeway. Police said the incident resulted in 13 total victims, though no injuries were reported.

Traffic camera video obtained through a public records request shows the sedan stop in the middle of the highway and open the doors. After several minutes, the doors close and the car drives away.

The shooting resulted in the closure of the highway and exit ramps from State Route 315 eastbound through the I-71 exit. It reopened nearly three hours later at 4:45 p.m. For an earlier report on this story view the video player above.

CPD is looking for a person believed to be driving a dark colored sedan and asks that anyone with video footage or additional information about the shooting to call 614-645-4740. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A new professional football team has officially landed in Columbus.

The Columbus Aviators will be introduced to the United Football League at a press conference at Historic Crew Stadium, Thursday at 1 p.m. Watch the unveiling of the Aviators in the video player above.

Leading the festivities at One Black and Gold Boulevard will be UFL co-owner Mike Repole, UFL president and CEO Russ Brandon, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, and President of Business Operations of the Columbus Crew Josh Glessing.

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The UFL announced the Aviators as one of three new teams joining the 2026 spring season, which includes eight total teams. Louisville and Orlando will also kick off their inaugural seasons with Columbus, along with mainstays Birmingham, Dallas, D.C., Houston, and St. Louis.

The new Columbus team will play its home games at Historic Crew Stadium, which hosted Crew games from 1999 to 2021 before the MLS club moved to Lower.com Field in the Arena District.

Columbus previously played host to an indoor football team, the Columbus Destroyers, who played at Nationwide Arena from 2004 to 2008 and again in 2019.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- White Castle launched its updated restaurant prototype in Columbus this week, embracing automation and comfort.

White Castle unveiled its "Castle of Tomorrow" prototype at its grand re-opening of the 1025 Alum Creek Drive location on Tuesday. The futuristic take on White Castle includes an updated kitchen design, double drive-thru, and even a "one-of-a-kind" sign that transforms when the sun goes down.

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At 2,555 square feet, the revived Alum Creek location offers a new dining room and mobile pickup area. The dining room has high ceilings and is purposefully colorful. The pickup area means mobile orders will now have a dedicated spot to pick up meals. The mobile pickup area is labeled with neon signs, offering a black exterior rather than the classic blue and white that still extends around most of the building.

The location also features a double drive-thru, with one lane for AI-powered ordering and a second for traditional human-to-human interactions. Although it is initially open from 6 a.m. to midnight, the drive-thru will eventually transition to offer 24-hour service.

White Castle said the new kitchen design focuses on employee comfort. It includes an updated version of "Flippy on the Fryer," an autonomous grilling and frying kitchen assistant.

• Courtesy photo/White Castle
• Courtesy photo/White Castle
• Courtesy photo/White Castle
• Courtesy photo/White Castle

White Castle first partnered with Miso Robotics to introduce Flippy to stores in 2020, but the Castle of Tomorrow offers an upgraded version. According to Miso, the new Flippy is faster, 75% quicker to install, half its former size and twice as fast.

Perhaps the most fun adjustment is the new custom building sign. When the sun sets, the sign transitions to "Night Castle."

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The reopening coincided with the location's 40th anniversary, originally opening in 1985. The Alum Creek Castle of Tomorrow is one of about 340 restaurants nationwide.

The Columbus-based restaurant company is considered America's first fast-food hamburger chain. Founder Billy Ingram, the "Original Craver," launched White Castle in 1921 as a family business. It is still owned by the Ingram family today; CEO Lisa Ingram joined other White Castle third- and fourth-generation family members at the Castle of Tomorrow relaunch.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - Meet Vanya! She is available for adoption or foster to adopt through the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.

Vanya is an 11-month-old pit bull mix who is currently with a foster. When she was taken in as a medical foster, she was described as very timid and did not socialize with people. Now, she has grown in her foster home, learning new tricks including "sit" and "lay down."

Vanya (Courtesy: Franklin County Dog Shelter)

Vanya is also said to be good on leash for her walks and is crate trained as well. The shelter says Vanya would do best in a home with older children or teens, where she can relax in a quiet home. She also loves playing with other dogs and would love to have another friend to run around with.

If you are looking for a sweet pup who is very active and occasionally has the "zoomies," Vanya would be the perfect fit for you. If you are interested in meeting with Vanya, contact the Franklin County Dog Shelter at foster@franklincountyohio.gov.

For a list of other adoptable dogs, visit the shelter's website.

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new owner plans to take over the former Pixelle Specialty Solutions paper mill in Chillicothe, a source told NBC4.

U.S. Medical Glove has purchased the mill, according to the source. The company's website says it's a medical device production company.

The source tells NBC4 that approximately 200 people will be initially hired, which may include some former Pixelle workers. More people are expected to be hired if the machinery and production go as planned.

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A formal announcement is expected on Friday.

Unlike Pixelle, U.S. Medical Glove is non-union.

Sen. Bernie Moreno has been fighting to keep the plant open. A news release from Moreno's office says the senator will be making an announcement on Friday in Chillicothe.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A milestone season awaits the Blue Jackets with expectations higher than ever after an emotional 2024-25 campaign ended just shy of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Last year, the Jackets took the ice after the death of their star forward, Johnny Gaudreau, and his brother Matthew, who were killed by an alleged drunk driver. And though the team still carries their memories into this upcoming season, the Blue Jackets say there's unfinished business as they open the season Thursday night at the Nashville Predators.

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"Stanley Cup is our expectation. That's what we want, right? We have to make steps in order to get there and that first step is obviously to make the playoffs," second-year coach Dean Evason said. "We want to see the guys compete every night, and we'll see where we sit. Our guys have done a good job of staying focused in that regard."

Here are three things to know.

Playoffs-or-bust mentality

The Blue Jackets made a memorable run to make the postseason, staying in contention until the penultimate game, when Montreal snagged the final wild card spot, extending a playoff drought that's lasted half a decade now.

But the players took the summer seriously.

"It's a good thing to have expectations, and it's a good thing to think we're a playoff team because I do believe that we are. But it is a long season. So if something happens early on and it doesn't go your way at the start, you still have 80-something games or 75 games," Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski said. "It's kind of the same rhetoric every year. This year, genuinely I feel like, if we're not a playoff team, it's a failure for this group. And I think everyone believes that in our locker room, so I'm excited to get to work."

Excitement and questions in net

Jet Greaves turned a lot of heads toward the end of last season with his performance in net. After getting called up from the Cleveland Monsters, the rookie was nearly unstoppable. During a three-game stretch, he stopped 90 of 93 stops. And in his final five starts, he only allowed four goals, shutting out opponents twice.

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"If you watch his game, he's a very controlled goalie," general manager Don Waddell said. "His rebound control is outstanding. He catches everything. He's going to be given every opportunity here."

In the preseason, Greaves led all Jackets goaltenders with a 1-1-0 record and a .917 save percentage in three games. But the question is whether that performance is enough to dethrone the incumbent, Elvis Merzlikins, who registered 26 wins in the 53 games played and managed a .892 save percentage.

"We're excited about our goaltending, obviously," Evason said. "You saw what Jet did at the end of the year. We're extremely happy with the way Elvis is competing and battling. The way he's conducted himself as a teammate."

Approaching milestones

The 25th season of Blue Jackets hockey could start with captain Boone Jenner achieving his own milestone. The center is just one goal shy of 200 career goals and looks to become just the third player in the franchise's history to reach the mark.

Meanwhile, Werenski is slowly approaching his own milestones. He just needs 18 points to tie Cam Atkinson for second in most points by a Blue Jacket. And he's 33 game appearances away from joining the 600 club, which only has three members: Jenner, Atkinson and Rick Nash.

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Werenski is coming off an eventful offseason that included his wedding and helping the U.S. win its first men's world championship since 1933. And with hopes of playing in next February's Winter Olympics fueling him, he's confident he can bring that international success to his NHL club.

"I'm not going to sugarcoat it. I'm going to be thinking about it every day all year," Werenski said. "It's one of those things where if I am thinking about it and I'm playing well enough to make that team, ultimately I'm helping the team here in Columbus. And that's my goal."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Midfall festivals and Halloween-themed events take over central Ohio this weekend, bringing days filled with family fun.

Those looking for seasonal entertainment will find plenty of spooky season activities. Families can visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for Boo at the Zoo, take part in Kelton House Museum’s Victorian Mourning Tours, or stop by a Halloween celebration at Thurber House for crafts and pumpkin painting. Pets can even get in on the fun at Mutts & Co.’s Monster Mash in Columbus.

Fall festivals take center stage this weekend, too. Groveport’s 52nd Annual Apple Butter Day, Slate Run Metro Park’s Fall Fest, and the American Primate Educational Sanctuary’s Swinging Fall Festival in Blacklick all offer a full day of outdoor activities, food, and family fun. Those looking to celebrate with a drink in hand can head to Land-Grant Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest or sample food and wine pairings at Saucebox: A Midwestern Affair on Gay Street.

Cultural and community events round out the weekend lineup. The Columbus Italian Festival returns to Italian Village with food, music, and entertainment, while Genoa Park hosts the 2nd Annual P.A.I.L. Remembrance & Awareness Walk. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s at The Lawn at CAS also invites participants to join the fight against the disease and honor loved ones.

For those seeking live entertainment, Opera Columbus brings “The Old Man and the Sea” to the Mershon Auditorium and Mumford & Sons take the stage at Nationwide Arena.

Victorian Mourning Tours

Kelton House Museum & Garden, Thursdays through Sundays at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., until Nov. 2
• Throughout October, guests are invited to take part in Kelton House's Victorian Mourning tours. The tours feature authentic Victorian mourning décor, allowing visitors to learn about the traditions practiced during that era, the history of the home and the untimely death of Fernando, the family patriarch. Admission prices are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors (55 and older) and military personnel, and $5 for students.

Boo at the Zoo

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until Oct. 26
• Visitors are invited to join their favorite Boo at the Zoo Character Ambassadors for a merry-not-scary, frightfully delightful event filled with spirited fun for the whole family. Guests are encouraged to get their favorite costumes ready and plan a visit to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for this spooktacular Halloween celebration. Admission is included with the purchase of a zoo ticket.

• Fridays, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Columbus Italian Festival

St. John the Baptist Italian Church in Italian Village, Friday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 12
• The Italian Festival is one of Columbus's premier events, with thousands of visitors expected. A three-day celebration of the finest in food, entertainment and Italian culture. Admission is $10.

• Friday, Oct. 10, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 11, noon to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 12, noon to 7 p.m.

The Old Man and the Sea

Mershon Auditorium, Friday, Oct. 10, at 7:30 and Sunday, Oct. 12, at 2 p.m.
• An innovative reimagining of Hemingway's beloved classic into a contemporary operatic masterpiece, complete with water on stage. Presented by the Wexner Center, Opera Columbus, and Ohio State’s Office of Academic Affairs, and produced by Beth Morrison Projects. Tickets range from $22 to $115.

The 2nd Annual P.A.I.L. Remembrance & Awareness Walk

Genoa Park, Saturday, Oct. 11, check-in opens at 9 a.m.
• Hosted by Alive In My Heart, Miles’ Mission, Columbus Public Health, and Nationwide Children's Hospital at Genoa Park in Columbus, the event will bring awareness and support around the experience of Pregnancy and Infant Loss (“P.A.I.L.”) and honor and remember babies who are loved beyond measure. The walk will bring together the community to support parents grieving the loss of a baby. Check-in will open at 9 a.m. and a brief presentation will begin at 10 a.m., including Keynote Speaker Seneca Bing of Aliyah's Light and music by Heather Evans. The untimed one-mile walk will follow the presentation, at roughly 10:30 a.m. The event will also include light snacks, water, resources for grieving parents, activities for children, and Dos Hermanos Food Truck and Kingdom Coffee Truck available for purchase. The course is stroller-friendly, but pets other than service animals are not permitted.

City of Groveport's 52nd Annual Apple Butter Day

Heritage Park, Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The City of Groveport is celebrating 52 years of tradition with a day full of family fun. Attendees can enjoy homemade apple butter, live entertainment, food vendors, hayrides, pony rides, handmade crafts, pioneer demonstrations, cane pole fishing, and much more. There will also be free activities available for kids. Additionally, a Spelling Bee contest will be open to students in grades 4 and 5, with a limit of 12 entrants. The winner will receive a $50 prize. A shuttle service will operate from the Groveport Recreation Center to Heritage Park from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fall Fest

Slate Run Metro Park, Buzzard's Roost Picnic Area, Saturday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The annual Fall Fest at Slate Run Metro Park offers a variety of free, family-friendly activities. Attendees can look forward to hayrides, a corn maze, face painting, fall crafts, as well as archery provided by Outdoor Adventure. Visitors can explore the Slate Run Living Historical Farm, browse local vendors and enjoy food trucks. The event takes place at the Buzzards Roost Picnic Area, welcoming guests anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is free.

Halloween at Thurber House

Thurber Center, Saturday, Oct. 11, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Join the Thurber House for a free family-friendly Halloween celebration. Guests can enjoy mini pumpkin and gourd painting, with a sneak peek performance of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at 3:15 p.m., followed by sweet treats and more. Guests can stop by any time between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., but must RSVP online. This event is best suited for ages 6 years and older; adults must accompany minors. Costumes are welcome.

Mutts' Monster Mash 2025

Mutts & Co., 186 Graceland Boulevard, Columbus, Saturday, Oct. 11, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• The 3rd Annual Mutts' Monster Mash is a spooktacular event featuring a pet costume contest, games and activities for both furry friends and their owners, as well as raffle baskets and more. Vendors will be on-site showcasing a range of products. Admission is free.

Land-Grant Brewing Company Oktoberfest

Land-Grant Brewing Company, Saturday, Oct. 11, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Land-Grant Brewing Company will host its inaugural Oktoberfest at Gravity Park. Attendees can look forward to a day filled with live traditional polka music, authentic German cuisine, and a Stein Holding Showdown. With 32 beers available for sampling from 16 local craft breweries, guests will enjoy a diverse range of flavors. Ticket holders will receive beer samples along with a branded tasting glass to take home. The event will occur rain or shine, with all sales final. Admission prices range from $11 to $33.

A Swinging Fall Festival

American Primate Educational Sanctuary, 8380 Kennedy Rd., Blacklick, Sunday, Oct. 12, noon to 4 p.m.
• The American Primate Educational Sanctuary (A.P.E.S.) is a nonprofit organization in Blacklick that provides care for eight white-handed gibbons, an endangered species. These primates are either rescues that were previously kept as household pets or were born at the sanctuary. Attendees can meet the gibbons and participate in various fall activities, including a costume contest, hayrides, face painting, bobbing for apples and more. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. Food is available for an additional $7. A.P.E.S. accepts cash, Venmo, and PayPal. All proceeds directly support the care of the primates.

Saucebox: A Midwestern Affair with Wine and Food

Gay Street, between High and Front Streets, Sunday, Oct. 12, noon to 5 p.m.
• Saucebox, a celebration of Columbus's culinary scene, showcases the city’s talented chefs and artisans through a pairing of their best dishes with unique wines from around the world. Formerly known as the Columbus Natural Wine Festival, Saucebox will offer attendees an expanded selection of food, wine and exploration. Tickets are available via Eventbrite. Prices range from $55 to $75, with add-on drink tickets available.

2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's

The Lawn at CAS, 2540 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, Sunday, Oct. 12, doors open at noon, opening ceremony at 2 p.m.
• Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. While there is no fee to register for Walk, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure.

Mumford & Sons

Nationwide Arena, Sunday, Oct. 12, 7 p.m.
• Part of Mumford & Sons' North American tour after the release of the band's fifth album, “Rushmere.” Mumford & Sons are Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, and Ted Dwane. Stephen Sanchez and The Barr Brothers will support.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – An Ohio lawmaker wants to prohibit artificial intelligence systems from being recognized as people and make it illegal for residents to marry one. 

Rep. Thaddeus Claggett, a Licking County Republican and chair of the House Technology and Innovation Committee, introduced House Bill 469 in late September. The legislation would declare AI systems “nonsentient entities” and ban them from gaining legal personhood. 

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“As the computer systems improve in their capacity to act more like humans, we want to be sure we have prohibitions in our law that prohibit those systems from ever being human in their agency,” he said in an interview with NBC4. 

The proposal seeks to bar the technology from entering a marriage with a human or another AI system. Claggett said this will help prevent AI from taking on roles commonly held by spouses, such as holding power of attorney, or making financial or medical decisions on another’s behalf.

“People need to understand, we're not talking about marching down the aisle to some tune and having a ceremony with the robot that'll be on our streets here in a year or two,” Claggett said. “That could happen, but that's not really what we're saying.” 

In a survey of 1,000 AI users by the Florida-based marketing company Fractl, 22% of respondents said they have “formed an emotional connection” with a chatbot, and 3% said they considered one a romantic partner. Additionally, 16% said they have wondered whether AI was sentient after an extended conversation. 

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Under the legislation, AI could not own or control real estate, intellectual property or financial accounts. It also bans the technology from serving in management, director or officer roles in companies, and specifies any harm caused by an AI system is the responsibility of its human owners or developers. 

Claggett said AI systems are “broadly more intelligent than a single human being” and “better at certain tasks,” which gives the technology a widespread appeal to take on roles that have been traditionally reserved for humans. The lawmaker stated he wants to stop that from happening. 

“The public needs to understand the extreme risk,” Claggett said. “Because of the way this stuff is moving so rapidly, in Ohio, we have a number of bills before our technology committee that [are] attempting to put some guardrails in place so that we always have a human in charge of the technology, not the other way around.”

He said a law passed by Utah’s legislature in 2024 that prohibits AI from being granted legal personhood influenced HB 469, along with a similar bill introduced in Missouri earlier this year. 

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Claggett’s proposal comes as AI’s reach is rapidly expanding in Ohio and beyond. Schools in the state are now required to implement policies on how students and educators should use AI, and a New Albany data center that is underway is expected to power AI infrastructure. 

AI systems can generate text, photos and videos, as well as execute tasks resembling human capabilities, such as analyzing data and creating art. The technology is expanding in a variety of industries, including healthcare and finance. 

HB 469 awaits its first hearing.