Ohio News

LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH) -- A 9-year-old boy is fighting for his life after being shot in the head Monday afternoon.

The shooting happened Monday evening inside a home on Summitview Drive.

According to Lancaster police, officers found the boy on the floor in the home’s basement; they also found a semi-automatic handgun in the same room.

According to police, there is a second juvenile who witnessed the shooting.

According to a police report, the two juveniles were playing with a gun, with one of the children saying "he would show him what a drunk person acted like." The boy with the gun then fired it, hitting himself.

According to police, the juvenile witness then moved the gun before going to tell an adult.

Medics airlifted the boy to a Columbus hospital in critical condition.

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

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – There’s a home warranty scam targeting homeowners across central Ohio, and the Better Business Bureau says it’s popping up again, and we’re hearing from those who have fallen victim. 

What makes this scam tricky is that sometimes it’s a scam, but sometimes it’s a legitimate business using deceptive practices to get you into a contract that is difficult to cancel. 

A home warranty covers the repair and replacement of major household appliances and systems, but it doesn’t cover everything, and it’s not something everyone has. So scammers try to get homeowners to sign up for a home warranty that doesn’t exist or that they don’t want.

“I got sucked into it,” resident Allan South, said. 

South and his wife received a card in the mail, with the phrase “registration required” written on it. That made them think it was real. 

“It's that high-pressure sales environment, you know,” BBB Central Ohio President Judy Dollison said. “They want you to think that if you don't respond, you're going to have these massive expenses that are going to cost you a lot of money.”

It’s actually the opposite. 

“Many people don't even have a home warranty. They don't necessarily know that you have one. They're just really trying to trick you into paying some money,” Dollison said. 

South responded to the card, thinking it was information he had asked for about protecting his water pipes. It wasn’t and then another packet came in the mail. 

“It talks about what they cover and so forth, much, much more than just our water pipes that I thought we were getting,” South said. 

This warranty had a cost of $4,000. 

“We were both pretty shocked. Like, wow, yeah, it was, it's much, much more than we had thought we were getting into and we were a little bit concerned,” South said. 

They were able to cancel the plan, but not everyone catches it in time. 

“They may be out money when they give that credit card information or some other type of payment method, but even worse than that, they can provide information that's much more critical that could lead to further identity theft and financial losses in many ways,” Dollison said.

In cases of a scam, your private information is at risk. Sometimes legitimate businesses use this method to get more customers. 

“If you have a warranty, call that warranty on the paperwork that you were originally provided. Look up the number on an independent source like bbb.org and call that warranty company directly. Don't rely on the information that's provided,” Dollison said. 

The BBB said that unsolicited communications, whether that’s a phone call, text, or in the mail, are the primary way people fall victim to this scam. So if you get an odd text from an unknown number, block it or report it as junk and don’t respond to those letters you get in the mail unless you confirm it’s from a company that you want to do business with.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A project that has been in the works for more than two years is starting to show visible changes on the east side of Columbus.

The Eastland Prosperity Center is giving new life to an old building and will soon help that side of town have access to food and other needs.

Workers began demolition on the former Kroger building on Refugee Road on Monday morning. The Kroger closed in 2022 and has been vacant since. 

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While most of the structure will remain standing, crews are tearing down the entrance of the building. 

"Soon that's going to turn into this welcoming entrance where our community is going to come to get the help they need," Mid-Ohio Food Collective Senior Vice President of Communication and Public Affairs Mike Hochron said.

He said the building will be turned into a multi-use facility serving the Eastland area. 

"All summer long, our team's been hard at work clearing out the inside, turning it from bones of an old grocery store into an open space," he said. 

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The Eastland Prosperity Center's purpose is to address what Hochron called an undeserved part of Columbus.

"We not only know where people go to get food, but we know where hunger lives," he said. "And what our data tells us very clearly is that greatest unmet need all across central Ohio is right here in the 43232 zip code."

Hochron said it's only fitting that the building was a grocery store in its past life, since that's similar to the way MOFC markets work.

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"You go in, you shop, you put it in your shopping cart,” he said. “The only difference when you check out is that it's free and we do this so we're reducing the stigma of asking for help.” 

The need on the East Side stretches beyond just food. The center will also bring access to healthcare, benefit resources and workforce development.

Once open, MOFC expects the center to serve 100,000 people each year.

"This is really going to be a hub for the community and it's surely in a place where it's much needed," Hochron said. 

The Eastland Prosperity Center is set open and serve the community in the fall of 2026.

If you are in need, you can visit MOFC’s website by clicking here and using the food finder for help. 

Sponsor: Harrison on 5th by Senior Star

We've heard the phrase, it's the little things that matter. For many seniors who've mastered the art of appreciating simple pleasures, they know that sometimes the little things are the most important. Seniors are so often referred to as the forgotten generation but they're top of mind 24/7, when they are in a supportive environment. Harrison on 5th by Senior Star offers a people first culture that translates into exceptional independent living.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A national travel magazine has named Columbus as one of the best big cities in the country, placing it ahead of popular destinations including New York City and Seattle. 

Condé Nast Traveler – a magazine owned by the company that also publishes Vogue, The New Yorker and Vanity Fair – on Tuesday released its 38th annual Readers’ Choice Awards, in which 757,109 people voted for what they believed to be the best big cities in the country. 

Columbus ranked at No. 8, with the magazine highlighting how the city’s food scene “draws visitors from far and wide.” Condé Nast Traveler pointed to Columbus’ international food options – such as Himalayan cuisine – and its burgers.

“Columbus has long been lauded for its burgers – it was here, after all, that Wendy’s first got its start,” the magazine wrote. “That claim to fame has never diminished, and there are travel-worthy burgers all around town, from the gooey, overloaded sandwiches at The Thurman Cafe to the surprisingly dazzling beet-and-bean veggie burgers at Northstar Cafe.”

Ohio’s capital also made the list last year, when it was ranked one spot lower at No. 9. 

For the ninth year in a row, Chicago took the No. 1 spot. The magazine applauded the city for its “impressive architecture, first-rate museums, brilliant chefs and massive brewing scene.”

“Most people start downtown – from the Magnificent Mile to the ritzy Gold Coast to funky Old Town – but there are 77 neighborhoods to explore, where you'll find cutting-edge restaurants, chilled-out corner bars, and, no matter where you go, some of the most pleasant people you'll find anywhere,” the magazine said. 

The full top 10 included:

1. Chicago
2. San Francisco
3. Milwaukee
4. Portland, Oregon
5. New Orleans
6. Washington, D.C.
7. San Diego
8. Columbus
9. New York City
10. Seattle

Condé Nast Traveler’s full 38th annual Readers’ Choice Awards can be found here. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- After more than a decade, Milo's Deli has reopened in Franklinton, returning to the Columbus neighborhood where the Pappas family has deep roots in the local food scene.

The deli opened its doors on Oct. 2 at 401 W. Town St., taking over the space formerly occupied by Strongwater Food & Spirits, which closed in 2023. Owner Louie Pappas, who also runs Milo's Catering, purchased the property last year and announced plans in May to revive the longtime Columbus eatery.

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"We're making deli dreams come true today," the business wrote on social media. "Our doors are officially open and the crew is at the counter, ready to take you order."

• (Courtesy Photo/Milo's Deli)
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Milo's Deli originally opened in 1998 at 980 W. Broad St. and operated for 16 years before closing in 2014 to focus on the catering side of the business. The original West Broad Street location now serves as the headquarters for Milo's Catering.

The new deli is not too far from another Pappas family business: Tommy's Diner at 914 W. Broad St., owned by Louie's brother, Michael Pappas. Their father, Athanasios "Tommy" Pappas, founded the diner more than 30 years ago and was a fixture in the local dining scene until his death in December 2024.

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Milo's reopening marks a return to the neighborhood for the Pappas family, whose businesses have served Franklinton for decades. The new deli space has been updated with a reimagined menu. Milo's Catering continues to operate Strongwater's former event venue on the same property.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person was killed Tuesday morning in a shooting in east Columbus.

The shooting happened at about 11 a.m. in the Eastmoor area near Templeton Road and South James Road, according to a police dispatcher. A victim was taken to an area hospital in critical condition and was later pronounced dead.

The shooting occurred near the Mason Run Career Prep charter school.

A male suspect has not been named but police said he remains at large.

No other details were immediately available.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The remains of a central Ohio man found dead in Franklin County over 35 years ago has been identified thanks to forensic genealogy.

According to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, skeletal remains of a man found dead in 1989 have been identified as belonging to Ernest Emerson Carter.

Whitehall mayor lays out agenda for community improvement A digitally enhanced photo of Ernest Carter from June 1948 when he was 25 years old. (Courtesy: Ohio Attorney General's Office)

Carter's remains were discovered on Nov. 3, 1989 on Walcutt Road, south of Trabue Road, in the far west side of Columbus. It is believed he was 66 years old, though the attorney general’s office said little is known about his life or the manner in which he died.

A deep dive investigation into Carter’s identity began in 2000 after the Franklin County Coroner’s Office submitted his remains to BCI investigators, who used Project Link, an initiative that collects DNA samples from unidentified human remains and from people with missing loved ones in hopes of finding a match.

Zero leads were generated for over 20 years, but in 2024, Porchlight Project, a nonprofit organization which funds forensic genealogy for families of the missing and murdered, assisted in the investigation. A family tree was built to help locate a close relative and a DNA match was used to confirm Carter’s identity.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- No. 1 Ohio State is getting ready for its second game against a ranked opponent, but this time it'll be on the road.

The Buckeyes (5-0) will play Saturday at No. 17 Illinois, with kickoff set for noon. Coach Ryan Day will address the media about the game at noon on Tuesday. You can watch Day's comments live in the video player above.

Ohio State opened its season as the preseason No. 3 team and played preseason No. 1 Texas, and what followed was a 14-7 win at Ohio Stadium.

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Looking ahead on the schedule, after Illinois, only one ranked team remains, in the season-ending game on Nov. 29 at No. 15 Michigan. The Buckeyes still have a home game Nov. 1 against Penn State, but the Nittany Lions, along with the Longhorns, dropped out of the Top 25 this week.

The Buckeyes enter this week's game off a 42-3 win over Minnesota. Illinois (5-1) is coming off a 43-27 win over Purdue.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A Dublin-based development firm will soon break ground on an $28.2 million apartment complex that is taking over the former Movies 11 at Mill Run. 

Dune Companies will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its Reserve at Mill Run project on Thursday. The 120-unit complex will be constructed at 3755-3799 Ridge Mill Drive, which was home to Movies 11 until it closed in July 2023 and was demolished last year.  

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“By transforming the former Mill Run movie theater site, Dune Companies is revitalizing one of Hilliard’s aging properties into a vibrant residential community,” the company said in a news release. “The redevelopment replaces an outdated use with something the city truly needs: high-quality housing designed for today’s lifestyles.”

The complex at Mill Run, a large development spanning portions of Hilliard and Columbus, will include four three-story apartment buildings. Each building will have an adjacent surface lot, and three parking garages will be located throughout the property.

Two of the buildings will have 36 units each, while the other two will have 24 units each. Plans call for 40 one-bedroom units, each ranging from 730 square feet to 818 square feet; 74 two-bedroom units from 955 square feet to 1,043 square feet; and six three-bedroom units that are 1,480 square feet. Rent will range from $1,550 to $2,950 per month. 

• A rending of Reserve at Mill Run apartments. (Photo courtesy/Sean Hinds)
• A rending of the clubhouse for Reserve at Mill Run. (Photo courtesy/Sean Hinds)

“The Reserve at Mill Run will feature spacious floor plans, contemporary interiors and a thoughtfully curated mix of amenities,” the company stated. “Highlights include a fully upgraded clubhouse, a resort-style pool, fitness center, garages, EV charging stations, trash valet and more – all crafted to support a refined and connected lifestyle.”

Site work began in August to prepare for the construction of the apartments. The framing of the first two buildings are scheduled to start within the next month, according to Dune Companies.

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The firm expects the clubhouse and first 36-unit building to be constructed by May or June of 2026. The second 36-unit building is scheduled to be completed in July or August of 2026, and the two 24-unit buildings in September or October of 2026.

Mill Run is undergoing a variety of changes, including redevelopment of the former Steak ‘n Shake at 3635 Data Point Court, which will host two tenants that have yet to be announced. It is also preparing to welcome a luxury pet hotel and research and development facility. 

CENTRAL OHIO TRICK OR TREAT TIMES

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As central Ohio prepares to host the premiere event of the Halloween season, otherwise known as trick-or-treating, an age-old question has arisen on social media.

Just days ago, a poster on the Nextdoor app asked the community, “Is 13 too old to trick or treat?” Nearly 200 comments poured in response to the familiar query about the top age to participate in the fall tradition.

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Many people felt Halloween fun should not have an age limit.

“Absolutely not. Let kids be kids as long as they can be,” said one commenter.

“No, never care their age if they are having fun and polite,” added another.

Other parents advised those handing out candy against quickly judging the age of trick-or-treaters, noting that appearances can be deceiving. One mother recalled the story of how her 12-year-old daughter, who stood 5 feet 8, was questioned about her age, despite wearing a costume and traveling with her young friends.

“I have a special needs daughter who is 27 but has the mind of a 12-year-old,” said one parent. “I DARE someone to say something.”

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“My 18-year-old with special abilities is excited to get a costume,” echoed another mom. “I dare anyone to turn her away!”

Another common theme was that having kids participate in the night's organized candy-grab was better than letting them get into mischief.

“I would rather see a 13-year-old trick-or-treating than out causing trouble on the street,” said one neighbor. “Actually, it’s kind of fun when they come to your door to talk to them for a minute about their costumes. It always seems like they’re having a lot of fun.”

“The way I see it, no matter the age, better to trick-or-treat than be out here causing problems or using drugs,” agreed another resident.

Some people felt that trick-or-treaters, regardless of their age, should adhere to a minimum standard of wearing a costume when asking for sweets.

“Not at all, but they definitely need to put some effort in and be dressed up in a costume,” suggested one person.

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“All I would like to see is they put a bit of effort into a costume or makeup,” said another neighbor. “My pet peeve is these kids showing up in street clothes with a pillow case.”

Out of all the comments, not one person said 13 is too old to trick-or-treat. Currently, Ohio does not have a statewide age restriction for trick-or-treaters. Some Ohio municipalities, such as Sandusky and Broadview Heights, limit trick-or-treating to those 14 or younger and those 12 and under, respectively.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Legislators are trying to bring property tax relief, but recent changes bring growing pains for school districts and possible tax increases in the millions.

In June, Ohio legislators attempted to incorporate property tax relief into the biennial budget, but Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed several provisions, concerned that relief would not be worth the cost to local schools that rely on tax revenue. Last Wednesday, the Ohio Senate successfully voted to override one of DeWine's property tax vetoes, banning new emergency, substitute and replacement levies starting Jan. 1. See previous coverage of the veto in the video player above.

Legislators in favor of the override said words like "replacement" and "emergency" can be misleading, so the change will offer transparency to voters. The change does not affect current levies or levies on the November ballot, so any relief would be delayed. This decision removes options for school districts, although fewer options may not equate to fewer levy requests. 

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Experts fear the change could still raise taxes. Before 2014, the state automatically paid 12.5% of local school levy property tax bills before they hit taxpayers. The state legislature removed that credit for any levies enacted in or after 2014. However, it retained the credit for renewals and extensions of pre-2014 levies. Now, emergency and replacement levies that have carried that credit will expire, and will need to be replaced with new levies that don't experience the credit.

Without the credit, districts will likely have to ask for a larger levy in order to make the same revenue as the expiring levy. Ohio Tax Group co-chair Bill Seitz said the legislature's veto override likely accidentally raised taxes by more than $90 million by not accounting for the credit. He said Ohio will need to pass new legislation protecting the credit, or tax bills will increase.

Senate Republican spokesperson John Fortney said another expected override would address this issue, allowing county budget commissioners to adjust levy rates. That override would need to start in the House, and indirectly address concerns rather than directly protecting the credit.

School districts rely heavily on local property taxes because Ohio funds schools by a combination of state and local funding. The state uses a complex formula to determine how much funding each district should receive, and most remaining costs are covered at the local level. 

This summer, the state continued using the formula but did not fully update it, which the Ohio Education Association argues is underfunding public schools by nearly $3 billion. When districts receive less state funding, they must cut costs or ask for more local funding, typically through property tax levies. 

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"We believe it is critical for the state to increase investment in education, which creates the workforce, by making sure education formulas are fully funded," Columbus City Schools spokesperson Michael Brown said.

According to Ohio Education Policy Institute researcher and expert Howard Fleeter, now-banned levies made up 10% of all school property tax revenue in 2024. Not all school districts use these levy types, but substitute and emergency levies contributed more than $122 million to central Ohio districts last year.

Replacement levies are rarer; the Ohio Education Policy Institute found fewer than 1% of school levies place on the ballot between 2014 and 2023 were replacements.

In the immediate future, the change has limited effects on most local districts. In a message to families, Bexley City Schools said it does not use those levy types, but is watching carefully as the legislature has indicated it may override other vetoes in the coming weeks. Brown agreed that the override won't bring any immediate impact to Columbus schools.

"We will monitor how the recommendations translate into bills at the legislature," Brown said.

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Removing levy types is likely the first of several property tax changes. DeWine, upon issuing his vetoes, appointed a work group tasked with recommending changes to provide tax relief. That group issued its report on Sept. 30, offering 20 suggestions for change, many of which pertain to schools.

Legislators have also indicated they may try to override other property tax vetoes, which districts say could be even more influential in cutting funding for schools.

This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24/7. To reach the 24/7 Crisis Text Helpline, text 4HOPE to 741741.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new study from Ohio State University could dramatically shift how suicide is detected and prevented across the country. 

"In the state of Ohio, we lose five people every day to suicide," Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation CEO Tony Coder said. "We lose a child every 34 hours. The highest rates of suicide are actually individuals over the age of 65. So those folks are going to the doctor more regularly."

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In an effort to enhance suicide risk and prediction nationwide, researchers at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine are launching the ARTEMIS (Analyses to Reveal Trajectories and Early Markers of Imminent Shifts in Suicidal States) study funded by a $19.5 million award from the National Institutes of Health.

"We have this kind of challenge in clinical care about how to identify which patients need treatment and when," researcher and professor in the Ohio State Department of Psychiatry Dr. Melanie Bozzay said. "And we really think that this project is going to be so important in helping us to be able to answer that question in a way that allows providers to make decisions over very quick time periods."

Research shows that nearly half of individuals who die by suicide had visited a health care provider in the weeks prior to their death. Yet, existing suicide screening approaches in healthcare settings fail to identify most patients who go on to engage in suicidal behavior or die by suicide.

"What we're actually trying to do is create a monitoring tool kind of like you might see when someone is monitoring their insulin for diabetes or monitoring their blood pressure for a heart condition, to basically be able to say, ‘How are you kind of doing throughout the day,’" Bozzay said.

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The study will use cognitive tasks to understand how participants think and approach problems. It will measure their activity through their smartphone sensors and will ask key questions about sleep patterns and mental health symptoms.

"That gives us a sense of how people are coping with stressors that are coming up," Bozzay said. "What's kind of working? What's not? And what might be some indicators that somebody is really having a really difficult time."

The idea is simple: to help providers know who needs help and when. 

"We need folks to have the best tools to be able to meet those mental health needs and not just the physical health needs that people go to their doctors for," Coder said. 

The study will begin recruiting about 13,500 participants nationwide in January, including about 4,000 people from Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana who have recently visited a healthcare provider. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 will be recruited, representing varying levels of risk for suicide.

"Having the ability to have better outcomes, better ability to help folks coming into the primary care physician's office, really could be literally lifesaving," Coder said.

For more on the study, click here.

LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH) – Lancaster police said a 9-year-old suffered a life-threatening injury after being shot Monday night.

According to police, it happened at a home on Summitview Drive at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Police said that when officers arrived at the home, they found the victim, a second, uninjured juvenile witness, and a gun.

The victim was airlifted to a Columbus hospital for treatment.

Police did not state the nature of the shooting and the investigation is continuing.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Darlington Nagbe, a midfielder and captain for the Columbus Crew, will retire at the end of this season, according to reports.

The 35-year-old Liberian-born Nagbe joined the Crew in the COVID-shortened 2020 season after being acquired from Atlanta United. Nagbe started his MLS career with the Portland Timbers in 2011.

For his six-season Crew career, Nagbe has nine goals in 174 appearances for the club, with his best seasons coming in 2022 and 2023, when he scored three goals each. In total, Nagbe scored 44 goals for his career across league, playoff, and U.S. Open Cup appearances.

• CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 27: Darlington Nagbe #6 of the Columbus Crew controls the ball during the MLS match between Chicago Fire FC and Columbus Crew at Soldier Field on September 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Drew Horton - Columbus Crew/MLS via Getty Images)
• CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 14: Gerardo Valenzuela #22 of FC Cincinnati and Darlington Nagbe #6 of Columbus Crew compete for the ball during the second half of a game at TQL Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
• Courtesy Photo / Columbus Crew
• CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 14: Pavel Bucha #20 of FC Cincinnati controls the ball against Darlington Nagbe #6 of Columbus Crew during the first half of a game at TQL Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
• COLUMBUS, OHIO - AUGUST 09: Darlington Nagbe #6 of the Columbus Crew battles Daniel Salloi #10 of Sporting Kansas City for the ball during the first half of the Leagues Cup 2024 match at Lower.com Field on August 09, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
• Columbus Crew midfielder Darlington Nagbe (6) celebrates his goal against CF Montreal with teammates forward Cucho Hernandez, top, and defender Steven Moreira (31) during the second half of an MLS soccer match in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. The Crew won 2-1. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
• COLUMBUS, OHIO - AUGUST 20: Darlington Nagbe #6 of Columbus Crew runs past Ignacio Aliseda #7 of Chicago Fire during their game at MAPFRE Stadium on August 20, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
• COLUMBUS, OHIO - JULY 03: Gyasi Zardes #11 of Columbus Crew celebrates his goal with Lucas Zelarayan #10 and Darlington Nagbe #6 in the first half during their game against the New England Revolution at Lower.com Field on July 03, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
• Columbus Crew midfielder Darlington Nagbe (6) kicks the ball during an MLS soccer match against the Vancouver Whitecaps, Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)

Nagbe was also a member of the Crew’s two MLS Cup teams in 2020 and 2023, as well as a member of the CONCACAF Champions Cup runner-up in 2024 and the Campeones Cup in 2021. He was also an MLS all-star in the 2016, 2022, and 2024 seasons.

Nagbe is one of 10 players in the league to win four MLS Cup championships, but the only one to do so with three different teams.

The Columbus Crew has yet to officially comment on Nagbe’s retirement, which was first reported by MLS Insider Tom Bogert.

His family fled Liberia when Nagbe was five months old, eventually settling in the Cleveland area in 2001 when Nagbe was 11.

Nagbe attended Lakewood High School and St. Edward High School, scoring 18 goals with 10 assists as a senior. He continued his soccer career at the University of Akron, where he scored 19 goals in 73 games. He skipped his senior year of college to be drafted second overall in 2011 by the Timbers.

The MLS regular season is set to end with Decision Day on Oct. 18; the Crew has already made the playoffs.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Ohio State University has opened its doors to its new intellectual diversity center.

The Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society was established by Ohio lawmakers in an effort to reduce groupthink and encourage free speech. Despite the center sparking some controversy in the beginning, it is now open to students.

“If you have ideas, they will become stronger if they confront opposing ideas. So the process of considering and answering counter arguments is absolutely essential to the health of a university and Ohio State,” said Christopher Green, Associate Director of the Salmon P. Chase Center.

NBC4 sat in on one of two inaugural classes; The American Civic Tradition: Creeds, Conflicts and Cooperation which is focused on the Declaration of Independence.

“We're thinking about, okay, what were the founders thinking when they wrote this document? And what does that mean for us as citizens today to we, you know, kind of agree with these traditions that they were developing and building upon? Or do we have critiques as well?” said Assistant Professor Robert Siscoe.

The class is mostly discussion-based with students sharing how they interpret the document.

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“Everybody comes from such a different background and there are so many different opinions, but everybody is just able to come together in a unified manner just to talk about these principles that the Declaration lays out,” said Freshman Chara Rimback.

She said the conversational format allows everyone to share their viewpoints. “It's crucial to an intellectual pursuit because if you don't have any opposing arguments, then how are you going to clearly establish what you think?” Rimback said.

The center was established in 2023 and sparked concerns from some faculty about the center’s purpose and potential ideological motives.

“We're not coming at this from a you know, what's a conservative position on these issues? What's the liberal position on these issues? Instead, we're just asking, what did the founders think about some of these kind of like central, you know, political debates and what do we think in light of that kind of tradition? And so there's a sense in which we're kind of raising the debates,” Siscoe said.

The university also did not ask for the $10 million allocated to create the center which brought up questions of enrollment but Green said both courses have filled up and there are 300 members of the Salmon P. Chase Society.

“So we are very encouraged that we are doing good for the university and making it a better version of itself, a healthier, scholarly community,” he said.

The Chase Center will launch another course in the Spring 2026 semester called Profiles in American Leadership.

WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH) -- Whitehall Mayor Michael Bivens hosted the first of eight town hall meetings for residents on Monday.

The City of Whitehall sent out a statement from a private public relations firm that read, "The City of Whitehall invites the community to join Mayor Bivens and Whitehall leadership for its first in a series of moderated town hall sessions, to engage residents and discuss public safety, public service and construction, development in Whitehall and the proposed Department of Neighborhoods."

Whitehall resident Patricia Balser attended Monday's meeting and has attended many city council meetings in the past. She questioned what would come of the series of town hall meetings.

"I think a lot of citizens in Whitehall are worn down. They don't feel like they're going to get answers from the mayor again. It's his agenda," Balser said.

Balser is one of a group of Whitehall residents who collected signatures in an effort to get four measures on the ballot for November's election regarding a housing development in Fairway Cliffs.

Holly Stein, who was ruled ineligible to run for City Council, has also been advocating for changes to the proposed Fairway Cliffs development.

"I appreciate Mayor Bivens for going ahead and having these town meetings, because it's important that every single person understands who and what the issues are going to be on the ballot," Stein said.

However, when NBC4 requested an interview with Bivens ahead of Monday's town hall meeting, a private PR firm representing the city stated that "ballot initiatives are not the purpose of the town hall" and that the mayor would not answer questions about it.

NBC4's Kyle Beachy did speak with Bivens briefly before the town hall meeting started.

"It's always important to engage constituents, especially the residents that are concerned about the city," Bivens said. "With the end of the year, budgeting, we're already going into that season I thought it was important to start engaging the residents one so that we get a bead on where we're going to go economically in 2026, get their engagement, get their incite, just like we've given to council and we've given them questions so we're going to take it to the community."

When asked about developments in the city of Whitehall, Bivens said, "Housing developments are moving forward and we're in a positive trajectory in bringing affordable housing, attainable housing, and we are in a positive, have a positive outlook as it relates to economic development in this city."

The city council recently voted to move forward with Bivens' proposal to create a Department of Neighborhoods within Whitehall to encourage residents from different areas of the city to get involved with the city government.

"The goal is simple: one, to increase the strategic trajectory of everyone in the city, making sure that they get equity, making sure that they get prosperity, and making sure that they get opportunities for everyone," he said.

"He's very focused on his agenda. The council is really focused on his agenda. We're not seeing much into thoughts. We're not seeing a lot of questions asked. And it's really frustrating the citizens. We've had a lot of problems with our council fighting, talking, not so nice to each other, very not professional, throwing out citizens from council meetings. So, I really want my biggest thing from this election is to see turnover, not people who are just there for the mayor's agenda," Balser said.

"Development in Whitehall" was one of the main issues listed on the news release from the city. One of the main developments is the Fairway Cliffs development on Fairway Blvd. 

"He pushes it a lot. He says if we don't develop, we're not progressive enough. But I think to this, as I talk to a lot of citizens, they feel that we haven't finished the business. We started with, with wood Cliff, the one on Hamilton and Broad Street is not finished," Balser said.

Stein lives directly adjacent to the proposed development. She has several issues with the plan as it stands.

"What they'll tell you is, oh, we're building 50 homes on eight acres. It's not true if you're building 50 homes on three and a half acres, that is available to build on. And the reason why is because it's literally a five-hundred-year flood plain, and it's a sheer drop off of about 16 to 20 feet," Stein said.

The plot of land butts up against the Big Walnut River and is surrounded by dense trees and vegetation. The neighborhood is made up of older custom homes that are all set back from the road, in accordance with the city code.

"There's a required setback from the road, and there's a required footage frontage requirement so that it matches the rest of the neighborhood. If you drive down Fairway Boulevard, you recognize that these lots are large, right? And the idea behind it is in order to support "like neighborhood" construction," said Stein. She's concerned that the housing development as it stands will go against both the frontage and setback requirements while creating density that isn't seen in that part of Whitehall.

"We understand development is going to come. You can't stop it. But it also has to be in agreement with the existing neighborhood. We believe that this development, where they're trying to do a rack 'em stack 'em development, is against our planning and zoning code for those reasons," Stein said.

All of the initiatives on November's ballot are directly tied to the Fairway Cliffs development and the organization of a Fairway Cliffs association. 

"Giving a for-profit developer tax abatements is always at the expense of services to your people. And Whitehall is a city of about 19,700. And we have one of the highest rates of poverty in the cities that make up Franklin County. They're a for-profit developer. If they want to develop it, they should take on the burden, especially in this case, this particular development is bringing zero economics to Whitehall. There is not a single long-term job associated with this," Stein said.

The Fairway Cliffs development includes a 100% tax abatement for a future developer. Stein and Balser helped get a ballot initiative to eliminate that tax abatement.

"When we give away tax abatements, 15-year, 100% property tax abatements, and then on top of that, another 30-year tiff, those are dollars that are coming out of the general fund supporting fire police, roads, water, infrastructure, and other things. So, what happens? And this is now a known fact that when you give away tax abatements and tiffs, property taxes go up. You're giving up services to the elderly, to children's services, the library, the park systems and others. And so, when you think about giving something in a way, it's always at the expense of somebody else," Stein said.

The city of Whitehall has four major issues on the ballot in November, and four City Council seats up for grabs. You can check out your ballot here. 

Stein, a former city council candidate, is looking forward to the push for new representation on the council.

"We now have choices where in the past only one person would win or run, and therefore they would become the sitting council member without a single person essentially voting for them," Stein said.

Whitehall's next town hall meeting with Mayor Bivens is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio (WCMH) — Recently confirmed measles cases in central Ohio have health leaders once again reminding the community of the importance of getting vaccinated against the highly contagious disease.

New Albany Plain Local Schools' Early Learning Center (ELC) was closed Monday because of a measles case in a student. Kindergarten students who are fully vaccinated can return Tuesday. Pre-school classes are closed through this week. Pre-school families have been told to prepare for the possibility of those classes being closed through Oct. 16.

“It’s a huge inconvenience to many of these families," said Dr. Mysheika Roberts, health commissioner with Columbus Public Health (CPH).

CPH, Franklin County Public Health, and the school district are all working together on this. Roberts said an unvaccinated person traveled internationally, gave the infection to their sibling, and that sibling was at the ELC as part of their enrollment process while infected.

"Given their age, not all of them are fully vaccinated. Now for the ones who had one dose, we can give them that second dose and then they can go back to school. But for those kids who’ve had no doses, even if we give them their first dose today, they can't go back to school for another 21 days," Roberts said.

Roberts told NBC4, including the child, there are now four confirmed cases, all in a family which lives in the same household, and all unvaccinated. The family lives in the part of Columbus which is part of the New Albany Plain Local Schools district, according to Roberts.

“I want to remind people that measles is not a mild disease. One of our cases was hospitalized," Roberts said.

Even though the current cases are in the same household, Roberts said it's still considered an outbreak. The area's last outbreak was in 2022 when there were 85 cases -- 84 unvaccinated.

“I think the one comparison that's obvious is that the first few cases were all unvaccinated. And it really shows the value of having your children vaccinated so that you don't have to go through this as a family but also you don't have to put others who you could be exposing through this," she said. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- About a dozen families are one step closer to owning a home.

Columbus City Council started the process of approving $1.1 million for Habitat for Humanity-Mid-Ohio, which will be used to build family homes across the city for families who are struggling to afford the cost of living.

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The majority of this funding comes from the federal level in the form of grants specifically for state and local governments to create affordable housing for low-income households.

Columbus is planning in advance with the goal to start building 11 to 12 more homes in the next year and a half.

"For a lot of folks, affordable housing immediately means rental, but it's equally important in the City of Columbus that we invest in affordable homeownership as well," Columbus Housing Strategies Deputy Director Erin Prosser said. 

That’s what the partnership between Columbus and Habitat for Humanity focuses on, using city and federal dollars to support families trying to buy homes.

"These dollars that come through the city of Columbus help fund that gap between what it costs to build a home or what it appraises for and what we sell it for to make it affordable. These dollars are critical," Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio President and CEO Brandi Al-Issa said. 

While the federal government is shut down right now, this $1.1 million is from previous years and is not affected.

"These are dollars from both our 2022 and 2023 allocations. So we're continuing to deploy those dollars into projects as we have those resources available. It does make the affordable housing bond dollars that we have to support these projects all the more important as we understand what that future landscape looks like with our federal funding," Prosser said.

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This money will be used to build 11-12 homes, with construction expected to start in about a year and a half as Habitat works to expand how many families it helps.

"Last year, we received almost 300 applications for Habitat homes. To give you perspective, last year we built 15 homes. So there is a big gap between what the demand is to be a homeowner at an affordable price and what we're able to actually build. We want to grow that number," Al-Issa said. 

In a statement, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said, "Every family should have the chance to build a future in Columbus. My proposed investment of $1.1 million in federal HOME funds will build 12 homes in multiple neighborhoods, bringing opportunity and stability to areas that have historically seen underinvestment. I’m grateful to Habitat for Humanity—MidOhio for partnering to provide this opportunity to working families."

This funding was on a first reading on Monday, which means it will come before city council one more time before a vote is taken.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus nonprofit Make A Day launched a new initiative Monday to help more people in Franklin County get their criminal records expunged, making it easier for them to access housing and employment.

Expungement clinics are common in central Ohio, but the Move the Box initiative makes expungement even more accessible to people who may not have a mailing address or reliable contact information.

Monday’s pop-up event was all about finding solutions.

Make A Day Executive Director Christy Hayes said expunging a criminal record can provide many opportunities for people, but sometimes they can’t even start the process.

“Things like lost IDs, inability to get an ID, not having a mailing address, not having a phone, not having an email. We're crossing off all the barriers so they can actually complete an expungement application here in the community today,” Hayes said.

Make A Day has a P.O. box that community members can send their mail to, ensuring that when their expungement hearing is scheduled, the court has somewhere to send the notice.

Attendees who didn’t have good contact information were set up with a library card so they could use the internet to create an email address and receive messages.

“Not having contact information is what we heard from the Self-help Center is one of the biggest barriers to getting our unhoused population through the expungement process,” Hayes said.

Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Jim O’Grady said many previous crimes can be expunged. He said he sees a lot of theft, disorderly conduct and trespassing expunges in his courtroom.

“For me, it's a very informal process. As long as there isn't anything that legally prevents me from expunging someone's record, then I almost always do. I would say probably 99% of the time I expunge it,” O’Grady said.

But people do need to show up to the court hearing to finish the process. Those without a mailing address could miss this information and people without reliable transportation may not make it downtown. Make a Day helps with these barriers and more.

“We pair them with a case manager and then give them their mail so that we make sure that they are actually able to get to their appointments. That includes transportation, it includes a meal, it includes getting them a shower if they need to,” Hayes said.

One woman at Monday’s event was able to start the expungement process and she said she doesn’t want a mistake from her past to impact her future. She’ll have a hearing within 90 days.

“I started the process and can now have that taken off my record now. I’m just really excited that they're able to do things like this for people to help them,” she said. “So I’m just happy for the second chances, pretty much.”

Make A Day’s expungement initiative will now be included in the pop-up events they organize every other month.

The next one is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 8, at Standard Live in the Short North.

Learn more about Make A Day and its new initiative at clicking here.