Ohio News

UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) – A coffee and ice cream shop is underway in Upper Arlington, led by a local mom who hopes it will cater to both parents and children.

Alyssa Litzinger is preparing to open Mallway Market Coffee + Cone at 1966 N. Mallway Drive. The shop is taking over a former real estate office and has been under construction since June, according to Litzinger. 

Alyssa Litzinger telling her kids that she is opening Mallway Market. (Photo courtesy/Alyssa Litzinger)

“We live nearby and there's a lot of great spots in Upper Arlington, but nothing quite like this,” Litzinger said. “As a mom, I really wanted somewhere with great coffee, but also something for the kids.”

The business will serve coffee from One Line, a Columbus-based roaster that also runs cafés in central Ohio. The menu will feature espresso, drip coffee and seasonal lattes, Litzinger said. 

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The shop will also offer soft serve ice cream in vanilla and either chocolate or a seasonal flavor, with the option to swirl the flavors together. The shop will serve snacks and pastries provided by local bakeries as well, according to Litzinger. 

Mallway Market is designed primarily as a grab-and-go space, with limited seating available, Litzinger said. It is located in the Mallway at Old Arlington, a walkable retail and dining district that features a nearby park. 

“It's a very walkable and bike-friendly neighborhood for the kids, and families are always out and about,” Litzinger said. “It's kind of right in the heart of the neighborhood and near a couple schools and a public pool as well.”

Litzinger has not yet determined an opening date but hopes to begin training employees as soon as construction ends within the “next few weeks.” Once open, the shop will welcome customers daily, she said.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As changes ramp up at Mill Run shopping center, customers of one recently shuttered shop are expressing heartbreak after the retail chain abruptly announced it would end its two-and-a-half-decade run at the northwest marketplace.

In a recent Facebook post, Hilliard United Art and Education, formerly located at 3622 Fishinger Blvd. in Hilliard, confirmed the store's permanent closing on Oct. 4.

“We have appreciated your business for the past 25 years!” the post read. “We can still be your source for educational and art supplies at UnitedNow.com. Rest assured that gift cards never expire and can be used as payment on our website.”

Additionally, the company explained in the post's comments how its unexpected end came about.

“We're very sorry to have to go!” the comment stated. “Unfortunately, our landlord intends to open a new pickleball business at our location and informed us early last month that our lease would not be renewed. We did not have enough time to find a suitable location nearby.”

In the Nextdoor app, several community members voiced their opinions upon learning the news from a neighbor's post.

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“Shame on the owner … for forcing the teacher store (United Arts and Education) to close!” the original post read. “What a great resource that supports education in our community! Note: They were given 30 days' notice to evacuate because the Landlord wants to start his own pickleball business there.”

The post garnered dozens of reactions and nearly 100 comments.

“My heart is literally breaking [because] of the closing of that store,” one person said.

“Sad, so, so sad,” another neighbor wrote. “We as a family went there often.”

Many people were concerned that local teachers would lose access to a valuable resource for materials.

“It was the only teacher store I knew of,” one comment read. “Let me know if you find another.”

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“Are there any teacher stores left in Columbus?” echoed another person.

Other Nextdoor users hoped that the educational supply seller would relocate somewhere nearby.

“What a shame! I hope they can find another reasonably priced place,” offered one commenter.

“There are plenty of places they can relocate with a good leasing agent,” another person said.

Despite this optimism, the education chain's website suggests that there are no plans to reopen in central Ohio. The site's locations page displays the business's four stores, including Hilliard and Dayton, which are both marked as permanently closed. Two other Indiana storefronts in Fort Wayne and Mishawaka remain open.

Online, the company notes that it was founded in 1960 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

“We are committed to serving schools, organizations and individuals with quality products, competitive prices and friendly customer service,” the company information page states. “Our goal is to make shopping fun for every customer, whether you're an art instructor, elementary teacher, school supply buyer, fine artist or parent.

Both Hilliard United Art and Education and the building owner were contacted for this story, but did not respond.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus voters will return to the polls on Nov. 4 to decide who will represent District 7 on Columbus City Council, with attorney Jesse Vogel and assistant city attorney Tiara Ross as the two finalists in the race.

The two candidates advanced from a three-person field in the May 6 primary, defeating nonprofit director Kate Curry-Da-Souza. The winner in November will fill the seat vacated by Shayla Favor, who was elected Franklin County prosecutor. Council appointed Otto Beatty to serve temporarily, but he is not seeking the seat.

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While District 7 is made up of Downtown and most of the city's central neighborhoods, all Columbus residents are eligible to vote in the nonpartisan race. Watch a previous NBC4 report on this year's Columbus City Council race in the video player above.

Vogel, 32, is an attorney with Community Refugee and Immigration Services, where he represents low-income residents. A Columbus native, he holds a bachelor's degree in politics from Oberlin College and a Juris Doctorate from Ohio State University. He has made affordability a central issue in his campaign, especially housing and transportation.

Jesse Vogel. (Courtesy Photo/Jesse Vogel for Columbus City Council)

"I've been an attorney representing renters struggling to stay housed, and I think our city needs a stronger strategy to make sure that our public dollars being invested to build housing that people can actually afford," Vogel previously told NBC4. He has also expressed interest in a property tax relief program for low-income seniors and in making COTA buses free to use.

Vogel said he "would be an advocate for people," and although he is a Democrat, he said he wants "to hold others accountable, including other Democrats, to see how collectively we can do better at making our city work for working people," and that he's "ready to be able to get on council and ask some hard questions."

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Ross, 37, has served as an assistant city attorney for the past seven years. She previously worked in financial crimes compliance at JPMorgan and holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and strategic communication, along with a Juris Doctorate, both from Ohio State. A lifelong Columbus resident, Ross has also prioritized housing and public safety in her campaign.

Tiara Ross. (Courtesy Photo/Tiara Ross for Columbus City Council)

"As we are thinking about development looks like, making sure we are prioritizing affordable housing for people, making sure that when we are looking to develop, we are planful about the areas in which development occurs to maker sure that there is appropriate infrastructure that walks alongside development," she told NBC4.

Ross has also called for more comprehensive approaches to public safety, including alternative responses for nonviolent mental health emergencies, and has emphasized the importance of representation on city council.

"Having been the one candidate that has worked inside city government for the better half of the last decade offers me the unique opportunity to have already created and established very good relationships with the administration," Ross said. "I think representation matters here; who is at the table and what voices are represented at the table. There is a gaping hole right now where there are no Black women that are serving on city council."

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Polls on Nov. 4 will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. More information about ballots and polling locations is available through the Franklin County board of elections.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio is digitizing its education scholarships, relying on a third-party company to help manage funding for programs like EdChoice.

EdChoice is one of five state-sponsored scholarships allowing families to attend private and charter schools using public money. On Monday, the state announced it will switch from a paper-based system to a digital one, selecting Florida-based ClassWallet to manage the more than 175,000 students enrolled in a state scholarship program. The change also introduces a universal scholarship application, streamlining enrollment.

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The switch will require all scholarship students to create accounts through ClassWallet and log in online to manage their funding. Students can attach multiple funds and pay directly from the app. Families are also able to switch between users and manage programs for different kids in the same app.

The change will also streamline scholarship applications, making it easier to apply, proponents said. In partnership with education technology services solution FACTS, ClassWallet is offering the ability to apply for scholarships online. A spokesperson said the transition allows families to apply for all five programs in minutes with reduced paperwork and delays.

Ohio offers five scholarship programs, including EdChoice and EdChoice-Exp, the latter of which removed income requirements and allows any child regardless of financial need to receive at least a partial scholarship to attend nonpublic school. EdChoice and EdChoice-Exp make up 86% of all scholarship participation. See previous coverage of EdChoice in the video player above.

Ohio's Cleveland scholarship offers low-income students in Cleveland schools funding to attend private schools. Ohio also offers the John Peterson Special Needs Scholarship and the Autism Scholarship, which provide funding for students to attend special education programs.

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ClassWallet is used in 37 states to manage public funds, including 12 states' education savings accounts and microgrants. ClassWallet said it offers real-time spending tracking to ensure accountability, and it cuts down processing time by 98%.

ClassWallet was once used to manage Oklahoma's pandemic relief funding for students. However, the state auditor found at least $1.7 million in questionable purchases under the program, and sued ClassWallet for a lack of oversight.

Oklahoma's attorney general dismissed lawsuits against the vendor, saying ClassWallet was not responsible for individual misuse and was operating under the direction of state officials. A ClassWallet spokesperson said its technology allows state agencies to set their own spending rules within the digital wallet.

"We’re really proud of our strong track record helping states minimize both fraud and unintentional misuse of funds," a spokesperson said.

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In a statement, School Choice Ohio applauded ClassWallet's experience and entry into the scholarship program. School Choice Ohio has advocated for programs like EdChoice for 20 years, and said the transition is a "positive step forward for Ohio families."

"Its technology will help create a more efficient, user-friendly experience for families and schools alike," School Choice Ohio said in a statement. "This change not only saves the state money and leverages innovation but also ensures better support for the more than 175,000 students who rely on Ohio’s scholarship programs."

The scholarships have also received criticism, with opponents alleging they take money from public schools. In June, a Franklin County judge ruled that the EdChoice program is unconstitutional. Expecting an appeal, she stayed her own order, which allowed EdChoice and EdChoice-Exp to continue until it is determined by a higher court. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has since appealed the ruling, and legal proceedings continue.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – An Ohio bill named after a corrections officer who was killed by an inmate on Christmas morning seeks to increase the penalties for incarcerated people who harm prison employees. 

House Bill 338, sponsored by Reps. Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe) and Phil Plummer (R-Dayton), would “reform Ohio’s prisons” and make them safer places to work, according to the lawmakers.

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The legislation was named Andy’s Law in honor of Andrew Lansing, a 62-year-old corrections officer at the Ross County Correctional Institution who died after being assaulted by an inmate in 2024. Authorities identified the inmate as Rashawn Cannon, 28, who pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder in connection with the killing and awaits trial.

The measure would create a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole for incarcerated individuals who murder Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections or Department of Youth Services employees, while leaving the door open for the death penalty.

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Under current state law, individuals convicted of aggravated murder – the charge typically brought in such cases – could already face life in prison without parole or the death penalty. However, judges have the ability to grant parole eligibility after 20 years. 

“These sweeping changes are necessary to show DRC and DYS employees that their safety is valued by the state,” Johnson and Plummer wrote in testimony for an Oct. 15 hearing. “It’s shameful that it took the death of a husband and father for us to realize there needs to be changes made to our prison system, but, as Legislators, we need to do everything in our power to prevent another death.”

The proposal would also create a mandatory seven-year prison sentence for inmates who commit felonious assault against correctional employees, along with a mandatory three-year sentence for assault, according to the lawmakers. 

Andrew Lansing

The bill seeks to ensure all level three and level four prisons – which house medium- to high-risk offenders – use a drug-sniffing dog that is exclusively assigned to their institution within two years of the bill taking effect. It would require all lower-level prisons to deploy K-9s within five years. 

HB 338 would also would increase the penalty for smuggling drugs into a government facility from a third-degree felony to a first-degree felony in relation to correctional institutions. 

“Inmates that are bringing drugs in and assaulting officers are not facing serious enough repercussions to deter them from [committing] these violations in the future,” the lawmakers wrote. “As a result, the staff vacancy rate at many prisons, especially level 3 prisons, is approaching a critical level.”

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Under the legislation, the DRC would be required to hire a consultant to help address the staffing crisis. The bill also would ban physical contact between inmates and visitors in all level three and level four prisons. 

Gabe Davis, CEO of the Ohio Justice and Policy Center, a nonprofit law firm that works to reduce mass incarceration, said his organization is reviewing the “complicated” and “nuanced” bill thoroughly. 

HB 338, introduced in June, awaits further hearings and public testimony. The bill has six Republican cosponsors. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Fans of the former alternative radio station WWCD have a chance to own a piece of local music history as the Brewery District building long associated with the station prepares for demolition.

An online auction of nearly 500 items from the former station and the Big Room Bar, which operated above it, is underway ahead of the building's razing at 1036 S. Front St. The auction, hosted by Paul Delphia of AuctionByDelphia, began Oct. 9 and will close Oct. 30.

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"Big Room Bar and radio station at site have ceased business," the listing reads. "Building to be razed so some of the items are of an architectural nature." Watch a previous NBC4 report on WWCD's closure in the video player above.

The Brewery District site at 1036 S. Front St. will make way for a six-story apartment complex. (Courtesy Photos/Franklin County Auditor's Office)

Items up for bid range from practical kitchen equipment, including griddles, deep fryers, refrigerators and dishwashers, to more unique memorabilia such as neon beer signs, a piano, disco balls, flat-screen TVs, a Big Room Bar-branded chalkboard, and a large WWCD sign. Also listed are desks, office chairs, storage units, a ping pong table and even bathroom stall dividers.

The building served as home base for WWCD -- known to listeners over the decades as CD101, CD102.5, and, most recently, CD92.9FM -- before the station shut down in April 2024. The locally owned alternative station had already transitioned to an online-only format earlier after losing its frequency.

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"The time has come that we must announce with heavy hearts that WWCD Radio has played its last song," the closure announcement read. "It has been an incredible journey, one that legend can be told with memoires and cherished moments shared with you that will never be forgotten. Thank you to each and every one of you."

The Brewery District site at 1036 S. Front St. will make way for a six-story apartment complex. (Courtesy Photo/City of Columbus)

The building is set to be demolished to make way for a six-story apartment complex by real estate firm Arcadia development. The project, approved in September by the city's Historic Resources Commission, will include 106 residential units, a second-floor pool deck and a parking garage.

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The commission approved the demolition in a 5-2 vote.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus Board of Education is still weighing a major change that could impact how thousands get to school. After voting earlier this month to amend its transportation policy, the district is facing concerns from the community about what this could mean for students.

"I thought I better get out here and say something because a lot of these children are going to be affected and their families, sadly, because they just don't know how hard it's going to be," Sherri Smith said.

Sherri Smith spoke during public comment at Tuesday night's meeting. She shared her own experience as a working parent and said eliminating busing for high schoolers could put them at risk of falling behind. 

"The truancy rate is already high, and I just can't stand to see children not graduate and not having a chance of a successful life," Smith said. 

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According to Smith, for many families, busing isn't a convenience; it's a necessity.

"A lot of them, the children, are on the reduced or free lunch program," Smith said. "That tells me they're having a hard time right there. You telling me that your income is at a certain level, that if even if they gave them COTA bus passes, that's not going to last forever."

Columbus Board of Education President Michael Cole said the recent policy change simply allows the district to consider cuts as it works to close a $50 million deficit.

"I appreciate the common sensibility that she brings to it," Cole said. "There are a lot of nuances to consider, and I think the important thing for her to understand, like many folks, is that we haven't made a decision yet. We merely amended a policy."

The policy change is just one word from "shall" to "may." This means the district would not be required to transport students in grades 9-12. 

"I just don't want the kids to be in harm's way," Smith said. "When they get on a school bus, they're safe. Most of the time, they're safe. You know, point A, point B."

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Cole said the pressure to balance costs while putting students first is incredibly trying. 

"I'm encouraged by the resolve of my colleagues who serve alongside me courageously," Cole said. "And, you know, curiously and engage in a way to make sure that we're making the best choices we can for children, given our circumstances. This is not taken lightly at all."

For now, bussing will continue as is. If passed, the bus schedule would not change until next school year. Cole encourages the community to continue sharing where they stand on the issue.

The Board of Education is expected to discuss the human capital side of the transportation policy, including staff impacts, at its next meeting on Nov. 13. 

If you have any recommendations on transportation, you can find contact information for CCS board members by clicking here.

MOUNT GILEAD, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Morrow County grand jury returned an indictment for one count of murder last month for a cold case from 1979, prosecutors announced Tuesday.

After being reported missing on June 1, 1979, Catherine Conley's body was found on June 15, 1979.

Morrow and Marion County law enforcement conducted the initial investigation, which eventually became a cold case.

According to a media release, Detective Brandon Newsome of the Morrow County Sheriff's Office reopened and investigated the case after developing a theory "based upon a prison letter that was discovered to have been sent to a friend of the defendant's."

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In the letter, the defendant, who was not identified by prosecutors, comments on the murder and that "law enforcement knew he killed the victim, but that they could not find the evidence to prove it," the release said.

The defendant's medical history also supported the defendant's involvement.

The recipient of the letter testified that the defendant "confided in" them upon the recipient's release from prison. The witness also provided links to the victim that may have pointed to a motive.

The defendant passed away in 2019, and the case was dismissed by the court shortly after the indictment.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Community advocates and organizations in the Linden area held their final Stop The Violence Walk of 2025 this week, but said the work is far from over.

“The walks are, I believe, extremely important," Pastor Timothy Liggins with the Bethel AME Church said.

During the warmer months, multiple groups take part in Stop The Violence Walks in Linden every other week. Community members who take part try and connect others in the area with resources which could help them. Liggins has participated in many of the walks which started several years ago.

“The community, they hear the gunshots, they hear the reports, but when they see others out here trying to make a difference, it brings them hope," he said.

The final Stop The Violence Walk of 2025 took place on Monday evening. Organizers said they still help the community in different ways through the rest of the year.

There have been 64 homicides in Columbus so far this year, according to data from the Columbus Division of Police; there were 96 through the same time last year.

"It just says that we can't ever take our foot off the pedal, off the gas pedal," Linden Community Columbus Stop the Violence founder Derrick Russell said. "We've got to keep going. But it still gives you a sense of hope that we can do it collectively."

Russell has helped organize the walks since the beginning. He said work in his neighborhood and citywide is making a difference, but more needs to be done. Liggins agreed.

“Every life is precious, and so, when we see a murder or an assault, some that is a victim, yes that lets us know we still have work to do," he said.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - "The NBA on NBC" ran for 12 seasons from 1990 to 2002, highlighted by two separate three-peats for the Chicago Bulls dynasty led by Michael Jordan.

It was also an era notably remembered for the theme song “Roundball Rock” composed by John Tesh.

"The NBA on NBC" makes a return to prime time Tuesday night when the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder host the Houston Rockets.

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Ohio native Jordan Cornette joins the broadcast crew for the next iteration of the show.

"It's going to feel like the prodigal son coming back to NBC and Peacock and when that song blares, man, I'm going to be juiced and to be a part of the coverage," Cornette said.

"We're going to approach the sideline portion of the broadcast in a different way than you've seen before,” Cornette added. “It's going to be a little bit more progressive and thorough, the sideline role has always played an integral role in coverage, and I think we're going to elevate that in a unique way this year,”

Cornette played high school basketball at St. Xavier before playing four years at Notre Dame. He understands how big basketball, and sports in general, are to the Buckeye state.

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"I got to the GCL (Greater Catholic League title) playing in high school at Saint Xavier High School, and it's so huge,” he said. “We went on to win a State Championship there at The Schott in Columbus. And so, it's sports. Everybody says football, but sports are deeply ingrained in Ohio sports fans. They love it all.”

Another Ohio native, Bill Hosket, was a high school player of the year in the 1960s when he played at Dayton Belmont. He went on to play in college for Ohio State, leading them to a Final Four appearance and third place finish in 1968.

Hosket played for legendary OSU basketball coach Fred Taylor before he was drafted by the New York Knicks. Hosket won an NBA title with the Knicks in 1970 and played five years in the NBA with the Knicks and Buffalo Braves.

He said, “Football was always first," but Taylor brought the Buckeyes to the national level. Hosket's son Brad was on the 1999 Ohio State team that made the Final Four.

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"There's an interest in the state of Ohio right now because Cleveland may be the best team in the East,” Cornette said. “I think Ohio's locked in like, ‘Hey, this could be the Cavs year,’ you know? They were knocked on the doorstep last year. Some injuries hurt that group. They now know what it takes to get there and I think there's now a deep rooted interest because there's a team within the state that's got a real shot to win the Larry O'Brien this year.”

Fans who watched basketball in the 1990s will feel peak nostalgia every Tuesday and Sunday throughout the season as "The NBA on NBC" returns. Cornette said he can't wait to be a part of it.

"If that doesn't give you goosebumps, you're not a sports fan, brother,” he said. “I mean, that is, that is, of all the theme songs for sports, that one, to me, is the ultimate, and so when you hear ‘Roundball Rock,’ John Tesh on the keys, getting everything going, you're going to feel like, ‘OK, basketball is back.’”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Ohio Redistricting Commission convened Tuesday morning at the Statehouse, tasked with passing a new congressional district map by Oct. 31.

Democrats and Republicans have been working to come up with new boundaries for Ohio’s 15 districts, and both parties have different ideas of what a fair map means for the state.

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During the hearing, the Commission was officially established.

The Ohio Redistricting Commission is made up of seven state leaders, including Democrat and Republican lawmakers, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Auditor Keith Faber and Secretary of State Frank LaRose.

Democrats had another chance Tuesday to share their map proposal, which would create eight Republican-leaning and seven Democrat-leaning congressional districts. Republicans have called this gerrymandering but have not yet proposed a map.

Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) said discussions are ongoing.

“We’re not going to just, you know, show all of our notes in public while you're trying to have discussions between legislative leaders about what they would and wouldn't support,” Stewart said.

Democratic leaders said they were disappointed by the lack of deliberation from Republicans during the meeting.

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“We're not doing our job right now to work together to come up with a bipartisan congressional map for the people of Ohio,” Ohio Sen. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) said.

This is the second phase of the redistricting process after the General Assembly did not pass a map with bipartisan support by their Sept. 30 deadline.

Democrats said Ohio is about 45% blue, while Republicans argued that recent elections show this is a very red state.

“We’d like to see a map that reflects the fact that Republicans have won 19 of the last 20 statewide elections, that we have been increasing our vote total in every presidential election over the last 10 years, and that is certainly a factor in deciding how this goes,” Stewart said.

“The majority party has gone for broke,” Rep. Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) said. “In Ohio, what that would look like is a 13-2 map in a state that is much closer to 55-45 than anything else. Republican, Democrat.”

If the Commission can’t come up with a map both parties support by Oct. 31, then the process moves to phase three, where only a simple majority of state representatives and senators is needed to pass a new congressional map.

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Democrats argue that the state Constitution says a map with support from both sides should be passed before the deadline, but GOP leaders said the process has three phases for a reason.

“If I give you a menu and I say you have the option, you know, you shall choose fish, you shall choose chicken, or you shall choose steak. Choosing steak is not a failure to choose fish,” Stewart said.

“Folks who came from all over the state to be here today expected to see more,” Antonio said. “They expected more deliberation. They expected more consideration of the fact that the clock is ticking, and yet, here we are.”

Lawmakers said there will be another Commission meeting before the Oct. 31 deadline.

Both parties have said they are optimistic they can come to an agreement, but it may be unlikely at this point.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced Tuesday it will stage an emergency vote of its member schools on adopting a formal policy on name, image and likeness rules.

That vote is expected to happen in mid-November with the OHSAA board of directors set to hold a meeting on Thursday to decide the voting date. Each member high school's principal will cast a vote.  

That action follows Monday's temporary restraining order from a Franklin County judge for a 45-day allowance of NIL in Ohio.

"Right now, we're just in the temporary period where we have this 45-day window to go out to our member schools again and ask them for their vote on this issue," OSHAA Director of Communications Tim Stried said. "We really need to wait and see what our schools vote on first, and that will then shape the end of the TRO period when it would be in court." 

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Ohio is one of six states in the nation that does not permit NIL for high school athletes. The OHSAA previously voted on an NIL proposal in 2022 but rejected it, and no formal proposal has been offered since then.

The lawsuit against the OHSAA was brought by Huber Heights Wayne football standout Jamier Brown and his mother, Jasmine. Brown is among the top-rated players in the nation for the class of 2027 and is already committed to Ohio State. His attorney said Brown could be receiving significant financial benefit from NIL, but accepting those deals in Ohio is currently against OHSAA rules and would therefore make him ineligible to play. 

At this moment, due to the lack of any NIL policy in the state, Ohio high school athletes are free to negotiate endorsements with few restrictions.

"In Ohio, they would not be able to endorse a product in their school uniform or on school grounds, but they would be able to make appearances, they'd be able to sign autographs, they'd be able to essentially receive revenue from a company or business," Stried said. 

Students can use third parties to negotiate deals, and the OHSAA said it plans to partner with a company that guides athletes through the endorsement process if NIL rules are eventually approved by member schools. 

NIL rules vary significantly from state to state, but generally athletes are not permitted to appear in advertisements in their school uniforms or on school grounds. In addition, students are responsible for taxes and other employment issues that would apply to most other jobs.

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"The student athletes that are in that category to potentially sign an NIL deal have some homework to do," Stried said. "Just like if you had a job at a local restaurant, there are taxes that go with that. There are a lot of regulations that your employer may have. Some of that's the same... and that would not fall on the OHSAA. That would fall on the student athletes if they're going to engage in NIL." 

The OHSAA said it has been patient in monitoring NIL across the country, and also as it has taken hold in major college athletics. 

"At the Division I level, things like collectives where universities pay athletes directly, we've seen that that's been a pitfall," Stried said. "Their recruiting based on NIL, that's something we don't want to see at the high school level. The transfer portal is a huge part of college athletics now and obviously we don't want that, any shape of that, at the high school level. So those are some of the things we've seen at the college level that has made us really reluctant to put this up in Ohio for high schools. The courts have always ruled in favor of the student athletes. We've seen that over and over again. That's what we're dealing with right now. So our bylaw is going to shape a lot of that language that we think will have some controls on it." 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Franklin County Coroner's Office has identified the two people who were killed Saturday night in a west Columbus motorcycle crash.

Officers responded to the intersection of Hilliard Rome Road and Roberts Road just south of Hilliard at 7:02 p.m., after two victims who were riding a motorcycle were found lying in the road after a collision.

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According to Columbus police, a Yamaha motorcycle was traveling south on Hilliard Rome Road. At the same time a Honda Civic was waiting for traffic to clear before turning west onto Roberts Road, though for unknown reasons, it proceeded to make the turn and collided with the motorcycle.

The motorcycle's passenger, identified as 36-year-old Taryn Vangundy, was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:17 p.m. The driver of the Yamaha, 37-year-old Phillip Baker, was taken to Grant Medical Center with life-threatening injuries and pronounced dead at 7:33 p.m. The driver of the Honda was uninjured in the crash.

Columbus police's accident investigation unit is asking anyone with knowledge about this incident to contact the Columbus Division of Police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A man found dead while lying in bushes outside of a Bexley apartment complex has been identified.

According to the Bexley Police Department, a positive identification has been made of a homicide victim found Monday night near the intersection of North Cassaday Avenue and Delmar Drive.

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The city’s website stated that 18-year-old Demetrese Norvett, of Columbus, was the victim, who was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers were flagged down by a resident just after 5 p.m. Monday when the body was discovered.

Though police have not yet named a suspect, or what may have led to the shooting, it is believed that Norvett’s death could be connected to other incidents outside of Bexley.

Police said that updates will be released as it becomes available and ask that anyone with additional information to call the Bexley Police Department at (614) 599-4444.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new boutique hotel inspired by the Titanic is hoping to dock in Columbus.

Unsinkable Hotels, a brand of Historical Hospitality Group, is advancing plans to replicate the iconic ship on land in central Ohio, featuring period-inspired guest suites, fine dining and luxury amenities. While developers have yet decide where the hotel will be built in the Columbus area, the project is expected to cost $30 million and open in 2028.

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"Have you ever wondered what it was like to stroll the Grand Staircase of the RMS Titanic, dine in its opulent first-class dining saloon, or relax in its Turkish Bath? Soon, you won't have to imagine," the company's website states. "This isn't a museum; it's a fully immersive boutique hotel, restaurant and spa designed to transport you to the turn of the century."

• While developers have yet decide where the hotel will be built in the Columbus area, the project is expected to cost about $30 million. (Courtesy Photo/Unsinkable Hotels)
• While developers have yet decide where the hotel will be built in the Columbus area, the project is expected to cost about $30 million. (Courtesy Photo/Unsinkable Hotels)

Unsinkable's plans call for the Columbus hotel to feature 50 to 55 staterooms alongside recreations of Titanic-era dining spaces, including a restaurant modeled after the ship's First Class Dining Saloon, as well as more casual options such as the Café Parisien and a rooftop venue.

Other planned amenities include a Turkish bath spa, a reception room with a live orchestra, a period-style gym, and event spaces for weddings and other private gatherings. The company's site states that, "while the atmosphere is pure 1912, the experience is thoroughly modern, featuring passenger-focused service and all the comforts you'd expect from an upscale hotel."

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The project is the vision of Andrew Messing, founder and CEO of Unsinkable Hotels, whose interest in the Titanic began when he was young and evolved into a lifelong passion.

"The Gilded Age is calling. After years of planning and preparation, we're thrilled to officially soft launch Unsinkable Hotels," Messing wrote on social media this month. "This isn't just a boutique hotel; it's an immersive experience that will transport passengers back to an era of unparalleled luxury and architectural grandeur, inspired by the legendary RMS Titanic."

"Get ready for the opulence, the dining, and the service of a bygone era," Messing continued. "Our 'home port' is Columbus, Ohio, where we're committed to more than just an unforgettable upscale stay."

Unsinkable's website states it will be releasing further updates and concept art in the coming months.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus was awarded $50 million by a jury in a defamation lawsuit against his former company and other executives, according to multiple reports.

Nicklaus, a Columbus native and the founder of the Memorial Tournament held annually in Dublin, filed the lawsuit in 2023 in Palm Beach County, Florida, accusing his former company, Andrew O'Brien, and Howard Milstein of damaging his reputation with false statements tied to a previous lawsuit in a New York court.

While Nicklaus wanted to privately resolve that matter through arbitration, "Milstein, however, wanted a public forum which he could use as a vehicle to tarnish Mr. Nicklaus' reputation and hinder his ability to compete with the Company once his five-year post-termination non-compete period expired," according to the lawsuit.

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Milstein falsely linked Nicklaus to the Saudi-backed league now known as LIV Golf by claiming that Nicklaus wanted a leadership role with the organization.

The lawsuit claimed that Milstein openly admitted that the allegations would tarnish Nicklaus's reputation.

Nicklaus was asked to attend a meeting where he did receive an offer to have a leadership role with the Saudi-backed league, but he turned it down "on the spot," according to the lawsuit, because the PGA Tour was an important part of his legacy and he could not support the Saudi-backed league if the PGA Tour was against it.

O'Brien shared copies of the lawsuit to the media outlets, drawing attention to the false statements about Nicklaus's ties to the Saudi-backed league. O'Brien also made comments claiming that Nicklaus had dementia and compared him to someone who needed to have his car keys taken away.

In 2007, Nicklaus was paid $145 million by Nicklaus Companies -- run by Milstein -- to design golf courses and provide other marketing services. In 2017, Nicklaus ended his employment with the company.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Seven games down and five to go for Ohio State, which enters its second bye week of the season undefeated and as the undisputed No. 1 team in the country.

Coach Ryan Day will address the media in his weekly news conference at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. You can watch his comments as they unfold in the player above.

Ohio State is coming off a 34-0 win over Wisconsin, earning its second shutout win of the season and its first on the road since a 56-0 victory at Rutgers in 2017. It's also the eighth time the Buckeyes didn't allow a single point since Day took over as head coach.

Quarterback Julian Sayin was named the Big Ten's player and freshman of the week after a career day against the Badgers, throwing for a career-best 393 yards and tying a career-high four touchdowns.

"I think each week (Julian) has grown more and more, he's built confidence, and I think his teammates believe in him now and you can see he probably had his best game to date at Wisconsin," Day said. "So now he's got to grow from that, continue to build... it's good to see him get some of these games under his belt as we make this run."

The Buckeyes will return to action on Nov. 1 when they play Penn State at noon at Ohio Stadium.

"The first half of the season is just prep for the rest of the run," Day said. "We all have to look back and figure out the things that we've done well, and figure out where we may have tendencies.... We've got to make sure we're ahead of it and not get nailed down."

"Some guys need to heal, some guys need reps, some guys need more fundamental work, everyone is a little bit different," Day said of the bye week. "This is a good time to take a step back and realize we need to address some things, and then take a picture at the run we're about to make. Because once Sunday hits, it's right on to Penn State."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A Tex-Mex chain offering customizable burritos and bowls is preparing to launch a location in Whitehall next month, as it plans to open more eateries in Delaware and Sunbury. 

Barrio Burrito Bar will begin welcoming customers at 3747 E. Broad St. in Whitehall at some point in November, according to a spokesperson with the company. The location was most recently occupied by a Wendy’s. 

The brand debuted its first Ohio location on Morse Road near Easton Town Center in July, before opening another eatery in Cincinnati this month. The fast-casual chain, established in 2005, has partnered with Sarang Franchising to bring 115 restaurants to Ohio, according to a news release. 

The company told NBC4 that it has additional Ohio locations slated for 66 Hyatts Road and 50 Coughlin Lane in Delaware, and another in the Sunbury Mills Plaza, which houses a variety of tenants including a Kroger, Goodwill and Dairy Queen. 

Barrio Burrito Bar serves customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas and sides. The restaurant offers a variety of protein options such as jerk chicken, fish, barbacoa, bang bang shrimp and veggie ground. Other ingredients available include vegetables, beans, Mexican rice, cheese, crushed chips and salsa, as well as sauces such as chipotle barbeque and “jalapeno eclipse.”

• (Photo courtesy/Jeff Young)
• (Photo courtesy/Jeff Young)
• (Photo courtesy/Jeff Young)
• (Photo courtesy/Jeff Young)
• (Photo courtesy/Jeff Young)

Barrio Burrito Bar currently has 12 locations open in the United States, with the first opening in Michigan in 2020. While the concept is relatively new to the U.S., it has over 385 restaurants in Canada, where it operates under the name BarBurrito.

The company has more U.S. locations on the way. It has awarded 25 master territories in the country, representing commitments for 1,592 franchised units, a spokesperson said. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A bill in the Ohio House would require applicants for marriage licenses to present photo identification, aiming to close a gap in the state's current process for verifying identity.

Under Ohio law, marriage license applicants must prove their age, but this requirement can be met with documents such as birth certificates or baptismal records, which do not include photos. House Bill 386, introduced by Reps. Mike Odioso (R-Green Twp.) and Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison), would amend this law by requiring each applicant to provide current photo identification -- like a passport, driver's license, state-issued ID or school-issued ID -- when applying for a marriage license.

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"This is a commonsense update to the law," Odioso testified before the Ohio House Judiciary Committee on Oct. 1. "Requiring a valid photo identification ensures that probate courts have a reliable way to verify the identity of applicants, reduce the potential for fraud, and maintain the integrity of the marriage license process."

Abrams echoed these sentiments, noting that the legislation was driven by input from probate judges who handle marriage licenses daily. "Under the current law, applicants are only required to prove their age," she said, arguing there is "no statutory requirement that an applicant provide proof of identity."

The bill has received support from legal professionals, including Judge Ralph Winkler of the Hamilton County Probate Court. Winkler, who submitted written testimony in support of the bill, emphasized the importance of identity verification to ensure the integrity of the marriage licensing process.

"Notably absent in the current statute is any requirement that a marriage license applicant provide documentary evidence of their identity. This omission could lead to a situation where the court could issue a marriage license to someone posing as the applicant," he said. "Given the duty placed upon the Probate Court to accurately record marriages, preventing such an incident from occurring is of great importance and in the public's strong interest."

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"H.B. 386 resolves this problem," Winkler continued. "This addition would enable court staff to verify the identity of applicants and improve the integrity and security of the process."

Shawn Welch, deputy legislative counsel for the Ohio Judicial Conference, also voiced support for the bill. In his written testimony, Welch explained that the change would bring Ohio's marriage license process in line with common practices in other legal and civic procedures.

"The OJC's Probate Law and Procedure Committee has reviewed and discussed H.B. 386. We support the bill's simple but important change to the application process for an Ohio marriage license," Welch wrote. "Although the age verification and proof of identification requirements are new in statute, they mirror the current practice in the probate courts."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Two proposals addressing age verification for app stores are working their way through the Ohio Statehouse, with Meta and Google backing different approaches.

One effort aims to require parental approval for all app store downloads for minors. Lawmakers introduced this proposal in both chambers of the Statehouse, as House Bill 226 and Senate Bill 167. 

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In contrast, companion legislation House Bill 302 and Senate Bill 175 would mandate age verification for certain apps that may contain age-sensitive content, such as social media sites. 

In April, a federal judge struck down a state law that would have required social media companies to verify their users’ ages and seek parental consent before granting access to children under 16. See NBC4's previous coverage in the video player above. In response, lawmakers are focusing on regulating app stores – such as the Apple App Store and Google Play – rather than individual platforms. 

Under HB 226 and SB 167, when parents give their children smartphones, they could go into their own app store account and add their child’s profile, confirming their identity as the parent by uploading an ID or credit card. When a child tries to download an app, the parent would get a notification allowing them to either approve or deny the request. 

Meta is supporting this approach, along with the Center for Christian Virtue, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation and Fraternal Order of Police Ohio. Jennifer Hanley, Meta’s head of North American Safety Policy, argued at an Oct. 14 hearing that singling out some apps is likely to present constitutional issues, as shown by the previous state law being successfully challenged in court. 

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“This approach is built on a simple but powerful idea: protecting teens online is a shared responsibility, and no one gets a free pass,” Hanley said. “If the goal is to keep teens safer online – no matter the proposal – selective age verification on some services, and not others, will fail. This is because teens will simply flock to different or new services that are out-of-scope, have less friction and likely don’t offer protections.”

Meanwhile, HB 302 and SB 175 would mandate app stores request a user's age at the time of account creation, giving adults the opportunity to verify their age and prohibiting minors from accessing age-sensitive content. The legislation requires apps with such content that choose to allow minors to declare which features are for adults and which are for children. It also requires them to build parental controls into their apps.

Proponents of this proposal, such as Google managing director Matthew Bye, argue it helps protect privacy and does not burden apps that offer the same experience for adults and kids, such as PDF viewer or calculator apps. 

“SB 175 allows app stores to signal to relevant apps that a particular user is a minor, without sharing their specific age or identity,” Bye said. “We don't believe that app stores should broadcast sensitive age data of the state's children to millions of developers globally that don’t need it. It's a privacy and child safety nightmare.”

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This approach has also drawn support from the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Columbus and Vicinity, and The App Association, a group representing small technology companies.

All four bills await additional hearings and a vote before lawmakers could send them to Gov. Mike DeWine for final approval.