Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — When thousands of runners take to the starting line for the Columbus Marathon, some will be running the 26.2 miles for the first time. Others, maybe their second or third time.

But Columbus's own Steve Salopek stands alone, as he will lace it up for his 100th career marathon.

"I just want to go out and enjoy it and have fun," Salopek said. "I mean, they're all the same, you know? They all hurt, but you know what you figure out as you go on? You know what's coming. You always know what's coming and, you know, it's a little bit of pain for a lot of pleasure. So, I'm really looking forward to it."

Salopek ran his first marathon when he was 24 years old in 1987. Never did he imagine he would be running his 100th marathon 38 years later.

"Oh, absolutely not," Salopek said. "After the first one, I went home and laid down, took a shower, which is exactly what you shouldn't do, is get into hot water. And I thought, 'I'm never doing that again,' and about a week later, I started to think, 'You know what? That was actually that was kind of fun.'”

This 100th race is actually one year delayed. While on a training run, Salopek was attacked by three dogs off their leash, just five weeks before the 2024 race.

"You take something like 30,000 steps in a marathon and with the damage to my leg, it was tough," Salopek said. "The damage that it did, it impacted my leg strength, and it was hard to get back both the strength and the flexibility.

“It's one thing to go for a walk,” he said. “It's another thing to pound your body for 30,000 steps. And it was just a matter of whether my body was going to be able to take it or not. And so far, so good."

So, the man who has raced across the country, from Hawaii to New York to Boston, is back pounding the pavement. But there's no place like home for this milestone marathon.

"My wife and I were talking about where I wanted to do my hundredth," Salopek said. "You know, we gave some consideration to a destination, and we just decided, you know what? This is where we're from. It's where we're from. It's where we live. And there's no other place that I'd rather do this."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus police and the Franklin County Coroner's Office have identified the man who was fatally shot by an officer Sunday in north Columbus after an alleged robbery attempt.

Officers patrolling at North High Street and East 8th Avenue in the University District responded to a robbery call at 3:26 a.m. Two people told officers that a man approached them with a firearm.

Police saw a man, who was identified Tuesday as 18-year-old TaShawn Davis, on North High Street and as they attempted to stop him, he began to run away, per police.

An officer fired at Davis several times during the brief chase and hit him. A Columbus police spokesperson said that during the chase, the officer who fired gunshots was told the suspect was carrying a firearm.

Davis was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Police said he was pronounced dead at 3:56 a.m. CPD said a gun was recovered from the suspect at the scene, and preliminary investigations state there is no indication the suspect discharged his firearm.

The sergeant involved is a 14-year veteran with the Columbus police, and his identity will not be released due to Marsy's Law. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation, with body-camera video expected to be released.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — This weekend in Columbus, the city will close dozens of streets in preparation for the thousands of runners and volunteers who will be participating in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Marathon & Half Marathon.

Beginning on Friday, various roads in the North Bank Park area will be closed to road traffic in advance of the race. On Sunday, 26.2 miles of the marathon course will be subject to rolling closures, based upon the expected time the first and last athlete passes each mile of the course.

Below is the schedule for the annual event and accompanying road closures, according to a spokesperson in association with the marathon.

Friday and Saturday, Noon-7 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. respectively: Heath & Fitness EXPO, Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Saturday, Oct. 18: 5K and 1 mile start race at North Bank Park, 9 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 18: Kids Run 2025 at McFerson Commons, 11 a.m.

Sunday, Oct. 19: Columbus Marathon. Corrals open, 6 a.m.; Wheelchair Division start, 7:25 a.m.; Marathon & ½ Marathon run and walk start, 7:30 a.m.

Friday, October 17

9 a.m.: Long St. closes, Hocking St. to Neil Ave., remains closed until 6 p.m. Sunday. (except 5-7 p.m. Saturday for Blue Jackets and Columbus Crew fan arrivals)

11:59 p.m.: Spring St. between West St. and Neil Ave. closes until 6 p.m. Sunday 

11:59 p.m.: Hanover and Cozzins Streets closed except to local traffic until 6 p.m. Sunday

11:59 p.m.: West St. from Nationwide to Marconi and John McConnell from New Public Way to Spring St. close until Sunday at 6 p.m.

Saturday, October 18

11:59 p.m.: Spring St. from Neil Avenue to Hocking St. closes until 6 p.m. Sunday

11:59 p.m.: Neil Ave. south from Nationwide Blvd. goes down to one lane for condo traffic only until 6 p.m. Sunday 

Sunday, Oct. 19

7:30 a.m.: Starting at the start line on Long Street and for the 26.2 miles of the marathon course and the 13.1 miles of the 1/2 marathon course, roads will be subject to partial or full closure based upon the expected arrival times of the first and last athlete.

6 p.m.: Spring Street, Long Street and Neil Ave. will open back up to traffic 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked Gov. Mike DeWine from banning intoxicating hemp products while a lawsuit plays out in court.

Last week, DeWine signed an executive order requiring businesses to remove intoxicating hemp products from shelves by Tuesday, citing harm to children.

Three businesses sued DeWine and the Ohio Department of Agriculture, saying the order was unlawful and would put them out of business.

The judge heard arguments on the request for a restraining order on Tuesday, the same day the ban went into effect. The restraining order lasts for 14 days.

When making his ruling, Judge Carl Aveni said he feels DeWine is adding new definitions that do not exist in the Ohio Revised Code and that he agrees the plaintiffs would face irreparable harm.

"Every decision is different, said Kevin Shimp, an attorney representing the businesses. "It stands on its own two feet, but at the end of the day, the legislature has spoken. It's created a definition of hemp and hemp product. This intoxicating hemp term does not exist in the Ohio Revised Code."

DeWine's team argued that because they are seeing an increase in children being poisoned from hemp products, they need to take action.

"Ohio voters approved a highly-regulated market; they did not approve sales in these other venues," DeWine said in a statement. "Ohio voters also mandated that products not target children and be tested for safety. While we continue to fight in court, today's developments underscore our continued desire to work with the General Assembly to pass permanent legislation regarding intoxicating hemp."

Lawmakers have been considering changes to intoxicating hemp for some time, but efforts have repeatedly stalled.

These cannabinoid products are not controlled by the FDA and are considered less intoxicating than other cannabis-derived products. Intoxicating hemp can be sold to any age, raising concerns about minors using the products to get a high similar to marijuana.

It is often found for sale at places like convenience stores and can come in packaging that looks similar to candy.

A preliminary hearing in the lawsuit is scheduled for Oct. 28.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Charlie Kirk would have turned 32 on Tuesday, and Ohio supporters of the conservative activist are planning events in his honor.

Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at a Utah university on Sept. 10. He was known for appearing on college campuses and debating political topics, and for his prominent conservative youth organization, Turning Point USA. From local coffee shops to President Donald Trump, supporters are marking Kirk's birthday as a day to honor him.

There are two nationwide movements to honor Kirk in small ways, with supporters encouraged to wear red on Tuesday and purchase Kirk's favorite Starbucks order. In July, Kirk said he ordered "Mint Majesty tea with two honey" from Starbucks, and supporters have ordered the drink since his death in his honor.

In recognition of his birthday, Coffeology in Delaware is offering "Charlie's Tea," a mint and lemon verbena green tea with two honeys. The coffee shop posted a photo of the drink, which included a quote from Kirk and two Bible verses, honoring Kirk's faith.

Trump, who was the first to announce Kirk's death, is expected to posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom Tuesday at 4 p.m. Turning Point USA chapters at Ohio University and the University of Cincinnati are hosting viewing parties for the award ceremony. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the U.S. and has been awarded 673 times since 1963.

Turning Point chapters at Ohio State and Otterbein are collaborating to host a prayer vigil in Kirk's honor in Alum Creek Park North at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Delaware County residents organized a similar event in Sunbury, also at 6 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- With school funding concerns and high property taxes, viewers asked NBC4 to look into Ohio Lottery payments for schools.

Voters amended the Ohio Constitution in 1987 to ensure all lottery profits go to funding Ohio schools, a guarantee that is still in place today. From 2016 to 2025, the lottery has provided more than $1 billion annually to education funding. However, higher lottery profits do not inherently mean more money for school districts. See previous coverage of school funding in the video player above.

The Ohio Lottery transfers 100% of its profits to a state education fund, but Ohio legislators and the Department of Education and Workforce are responsible for distributing the funding. The state uses a few other revenue sources, pulling most heavily from the General Reserve Fund, to pay for schools. Lottery revenue supplies about 12% of total state funding for schools.

In June, the General Assembly allocated just under $3 billion in lottery funding to schools over the next two years through the biennial state budget. If the lottery provides more revenue than anticipated, it could help schools. The state could also use it to keep school funding the same, freeing up some general fund dollars for other uses.

"Lottery funds are also touted as benefiting schools directly," Olentangy Schools said on its website. "While this is accurate, the Ohio General Assembly generally uses Lottery profits to offset other general funding that would be provided to Ohio school districts."

Lottery profits are also not guaranteed to help public schools. For fiscal year 2026, which began on July 1, Ohio's Lottery Profits Education Fund has already given more than $205 million to schools, 16% of which went directly to charter schools.

Charter schools -- called community schools in Ohio -- are public, nonprofit, nonreligious schools that receive public funding but are independent from public school districts. Charter schools are authorized by approved educational sponsors and adhere to fewer state standards than traditional districts.

So far in FY26, 83% of lottery funds have gone to general state support for public and charter schools. Lottery profits also supported literacy coaches at four educational service centers, which cost the state $1.5 million. More than $33 million went to grants for facility improvements at various charter schools.

No public schools received individualized payments from lottery funds, but many Ohio charter schools did. KIPP Columbus, a charter school that serves about 2,200 students, has received a lottery fund payment from the state each of the past four months. In all, KIPP Columbus has been paid more than $735,000 this fiscal year for facility improvements.

Ohio casinos also provide some funding for schools, but it is minimal. According to the Department of Taxation, 34% of casino tax dollars go to a state fund and are distributed among districts based on student population size. Remaining casino revenue is used to support counties, law enforcement and other state projects.

Sports betting works similarly to lottery funds, where money may go to schools but does not guarantee increased funding from the state. Olentangy schools said casino money only supplied about $66 per student in Fiscal Year 2024. Educational policy expert Howard Fleeter said sports betting would bring a statewide average of $75 per pupil, using FY 2024 numbers.

"Unless the legislature chooses to explicitly allocate this funding to school districts on top of the foundation funding formula amounts that each district is already slated to receive, sports betting will not provide a single additional cent to Ohio school district coffers," Fleeter said.

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A central Ohio chef who is set lead a new Columbus restaurant replacing Milestone 229 has closed two of his Delaware restaurants as he shifts focus to the upcoming concept.

Chef Josh Dalton announced earlier this month that both 1808 American Bistro and Rosebud's, which sit just steps apart on East Winter Street, would permanently close Oct. 11. In separate social media posts, Dalton expressed gratitude to patrons, staff and the Delaware community, calling the closures a "bittersweet" decision tied to the next chapter in his restaurant career.

"After 17 wonderful years … I am writing with a heavy but grateful heart," Dalton wrote about 1808, which opened in 2008. Known for its bistro fare and community-focused atmosphere, the restaurant became a downtown Delaware staple.

• Chef Josh Dalton announced earlier this month that both 1808 American Bistro and Rosebud's would permanently close Oct. 11. (Courtesy Photo/1808 American Bistro)
• Chef Josh Dalton announced earlier this month that both 1808 American Bistro and Rosebud's would permanently close Oct. 11. (Courtesy Photo/Rosebud's)

Rosebud, which opened in 2023 in a space previously home to several of Dalton's other ventures -- including Veritas Tavern and Speck Italian Eatery -- was described by the chef as "a home for ideas" and "an incubator for dreams."

"I carry nothing but gratitude," he wrote of the Delaware community. "Whether you came in once for dinner, worked a shift on the line, or followed along as we tried something new, you've been part of the story."

The closures come as Dalton prepares to open a new Mediterranean restaurant in the former Milestone 229 space at 229 S. Civic Center Drive in Columbus' Bicentennial Park.

Set to open in spring 2026, the yet-to-be-named concept will focus on cuisine inspired by coastal regions from Barcelona to Lebanon. The menu is expected to feature small plates, handhelds, dips, spreads, reimagined entrees and a curated beverage program, according to a press release.

The restaurant will seat around 100 guests indoors, with lounge and patio seating available during warmer months. It will also offer drinks designed for the City Center's designated outdoor refreshment area.

Milestone 229 operated in the same riverfront location for 14 years before closing at the end of 2024, after lease negotiations with the city ended without a new agreement.

"Thank you for letting us feed you, host you, laugh with you, and -- sometimes -- cry with you," Dalton wrote. "Thank you for trusting us with your evenings, your special moments, your quiet Sundays, and for being patient when kitchens were busy or changes were made."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Top-ranked and on a roll, Ohio State next plays an opponent that is anything but that.

The Buckeyes play at Wisconsin at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Coach Ryan Day will address the media at noon Tuesday. You can watch Day live in the video player above.

The Badgers (2-4) have lost four straight games under Luke Fickell, a Columbus native who coached Ohio State for one season between Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer in 2011. Their latest loss came Saturday, 37-0 to Iowa.

Ohio State (6-0) is coming off a 34-16 win that knocked Illinois out of the Top 25.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio is one of the best states in the country for trick-or-treating, according to a recent study. 

Kuru Footwear analyzed five factors – walkability, child population, Google search interest in trick-or-treating, pedestrian safety and average Halloween temperatures – across all 50 states to determine which offer the ideal conditions for trick-or-treating. 

The shoe company named Ohio as the second-best state for trick-or-treaters, thanks to “its strong mix of Halloween spirit and family presence.” The Buckeye State boasts a high search interest in trick-or-treating and a relatively low pedestrian fatality rate of 1.08 deaths per 100,000 people, according to the study.

Ohio also experiences “comfortable” temperatures of around 50 degrees on All Hallows' Eve, and an average population of residents under 18 (21.7%), who keep “neighborhoods lively on Halloween night.” However, Ohio could improve in its walkability, the company noted. 

The best state to be in on Beggars’ Night is Illinois, according to the analysis. Illinois leads the states in walkability and sees a “steady” search interest in trick-or-treating. Residents can also expect “crisp” Halloween evenings, with average temperatures around 51 degrees.

The full top 10 included:

1. Illinois
2. Ohio
3. Wisconsin
4. Indiana
5. Utah
6. Pennsylvania
7. Iowa
8. New Hampshire
9. Michigan 
10. Minnesota 

Kuru Footwear’s full study can be found on its website, and trick-or-treat times in central Ohio can be viewed here. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Three people have been hospitalized after a multi-vehicle crash on a north Columbus interstate.

According to Columbus police, two vehicles and a semi-truck were involved in a vehicle on Interstate 71, near the East 5th Avenue exit. The crash caused three injuries, with two victims hospitalized in stable condition, and one in serious condition.

Details of the crash are not yet known, but the interstate is closed from the East 5th Ave. exit on I-71 South through Interstate 670, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.

NBC4 will have more details as they become available.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Concerns about artificial intelligence overtaking humanity have been around since the dawn of computers, but with the launch of easy-to-use apps, anxiety over AI's potential to change society is running higher than ever.

Recently, an Ohio lawmaker introduced a bill to prohibit artificial intelligence systems from being recognized as people. While a need for this potential law might seem alarming, an Ohio State University researcher has written a book explaining why, in his view, machines are no match for individuals.

In a news release from OSU, the concepts in Angus Fletcher's new book, “Primal Intelligence: You Are Smarter than You Know,” are highlighted as having a real-world impact, with the U.S. Army Special Operations unit employing the ideas for training. In the nonfiction work, Fletcher, an English professor at Ohio State’s Project Narrative, explains that four “primal powers,” including intuition, imagination, emotion and “commonsense,” give people an advantage over the primary “logic” of computers.

“AI takes one feature of intelligence – logic – and accelerates it,” Fletcher explains in “Primal Intelligence.” “As long as life calls for math, AI crushes humans. … It’s the king of big-data choices. The moment, though, that life requires commonsense or imagination, AI tumbles off its throne. This is how you know that AI is never going to run the world – or anything.”

Beyond writing the book, Fletcher, who has an undergraduate degree in neuroscience and a PhD in literature, created a program to help people identify and use their innate primal intelligence. The project led to Fletcher earning the Army's Commendation Medal for enabling soldiers to “see the future faster, heal quicker from trauma and act wiser in life-and-death situations.”

The key to Fletcher's concept is “narrative cognition,” or how humans think in storytelling. This allows for problem-solving that is simply unavailable to a computer system. Even with vast amounts of data, a computer can only work out “probable patterns.” Primal intelligence is about “the brain’s ancient ability to act smart with limited information,” according to Fletcher.

“What makes humans successful is the ability to think of and develop new behaviors and new plans,” Fletcher said. “It allowed our ancestors to escape the predator. It allows us to plan, to plot our actions, to put together a story of how we might succeed.”

Pointing to the English playwright William Shakespeare as the ultimate example of story thinking, Fletcher believes that the Elizabethan author's work has had a profound effect on many people's ability to overcome unique challenges.

“But what do you do in a totally new situation?” Fletcher said. “Well, in a new situation, you need to make a new plan. And that’s what story thinking can do that AI cannot.

“Humans are able to say, this could work, but it hasn’t been tried before. That’s what primal intelligence is all about. … Computers and AI are only able to repeat things that have worked in the past or engage in magical thinking. That’s not going to work in many situations we face.”

Other books by Fletcher include “Wonderworks: The 25 Most Powerful Inventions in the History of Literature,” “Storythinking: The New Science of Narrative Intelligence,” “Creative Thinking: A Field Guide to Building Your Strategic Core” and “Comic Democracies: From Ancient Athens to the American Republic.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Ohio House has passed a resolution honoring Pope Leo XIV, marking the historic election of the first American-born pontiff and recognizing his Midwestern roots.

House Resolution 139, introduced by Reps. Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) and Mike Odioso (R-Green Twp.), received approval from the chamber on Oct. 1. The measure celebrates the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, as the 267th pope in the Catholic Church's apostolic succession. Watch a previous NBC4 report on Pope Leo XIV in the video player above.

"The Ohio House joined us in recognizing this historic moment for Catholics in Ohio and across the world," Mathews said in a statement. "Pope Leo XIV's journey from the Midwest to the papacy is one of faith, service and leadership, and we are grateful that our state has formally honored him in his role of Vicar of Christ."

Prevost, 70, was elected in May 2025, succeeding Pope Francis. Before his election, he served as a missionary, bishop and cardinal, most notably in Peru. He is a member of the Augustinian order and studied at Villanova University and the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

"I am proud and humbled to have joint-sponsored this important resolution with Rep. Adam Mathews honoring Pope Leo XIV's election to help forward the pride, congratulations and best wishes for the first American Pope from my fellow parishioners, friends, neighbors, classmates, constituents and Ohio citizens in the Catholic community and beyond," Odioso said.

Supporters of the resolution said the moment carries special meaning for Ohio's Catholic population, which numbers nearly two million.

During a Sept. 15 committee hearing, Marsha Forson, associate director for the Catholic Conference of Ohio, testified in favor of the measure. She highlighted the growth of the Catholic Church in the state and its ongoing role in education, health care and social services.

"Two hundred seven years ago, the oldest running Catholic parish in Ohio, St. Joseph's in Somerset, was established to minister to a nascent Catholic community of just 10 European immigrant families," Forson told the House General Government Committee. "Today, Ohio is home to 2 million Catholics, the descendants of earlier generations of countless backgrounds."

Forson noted the unusual nature of the Catholic Conference offering testimony on a resolution, stating, "While the Catholic Conference of Ohio typically does not engage on resolutions, the Church also has never had an American pontiff."

She called Pope Leo XIV "a leader committed to promoting peace and to respecting the dignity of life without exception," and quoted a recent message in which the pope urged lawmakers to "work for a world where power is tamed by conscience … law is at the service of human dignity … [and] the dangerous and self-defeating mind-set that says nothing will ever change" is rejected.

The resolution will be formally sent to the Vatican as a symbolic gesture. View the resolution below.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The federal government is looking for office space in Columbus to support unspecified "law enforcement operations."

The General Services Administration (GSA), which handles government needs like real estate and technology, posted a leasing solicitation in September seeking office space in Columbus and 18 other cities. The solicitation indicated urgency, although information is limited about the request. It did specify that the office would be used to support law enforcement.

"Columbus is the safest it’s ever been, with homicides at a more than 20-year low even as the city has grown," said Jennifer Fening, deputy chief of staff for Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther. "The city works consistently with state and federal law enforcement to take dangerous criminals off our streets."

Although government solicitations are usually open for at least 30 days, the office space request was open for fewer than seven days. The GSA used an expedited federal process to move faster.

According to the listing, the government is looking for furnished office space to house about 70 people, mostly in private offices. The listing said space should offer “adequate sound privacy for confidential discussions.” It also said the government will not collaborate with agencies whose "primary clientele or operations" could conflict with law enforcement operations.

Government security ranges from Level I, small operations with fewer protections, to Level V, which is reserved for highly sensitive offices. The solicitation asks for Security Level II accommodations, which is considered minimum security. According to leasing documents, Level II requires various security and cybersecurity protections, but is typically used for routine activities.

The solicitation was referenced by NPR and The Washington Post, which both claim that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is looking for additional office space in cities across the country to support deportation efforts.

Fening said city leadership has met with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to discuss collaborative efforts to reduce crime, but said Columbus has not been contacted by federal agencies about expanding law enforcement. DeWine's office did not confirm or deny the possibility of ICE expanding in Columbus, but did offer a statement. See previous comments from Ginther on immigration in the video player above.

"Ohio has many federal workers who work here in Ohio, including numerous federal law enforcement officials," DeWine's office said. "Of course, we welcome more employers, including the federal government, locating more jobs here to Ohio."

NBC4 tried to independently verify the NPR and Washington Post reports, but neither the GSA nor ICE responded to requests for comment. ICE already operates a field office in Westerville.

Columbus joins 18 other cities on the list:

• Birmingham, Alabama
• Boise, Idaho
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Columbia, South Carolina
• Des Moines, Iowa
• Fort Lauderdale/Sunrise, Florida
• Fort Meyers/Naples, Florida
• Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Jacksonville, Florida

• Louisville, Kentucky
• Milwaukee
• Oklahoma City
• Pittsburgh
• Raleigh, North Carolina
• Richmond, Virginia
• Spokane, Washington
• St. Louis
• Tampa, Florida

The lease request is for 10 years, and despite its urgent messaging, it has not announced any contracts under the solicitation. Federal data reporting is delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown. The Department of Homeland Security said ICE is still operating without pay, but Fening cautioned Columbus residents from reading too heavily into the solicitation.

“It’s not a productive exercise to speculate at future actions of the federal government," Fening said. "Mayor Ginther will continue to lead and protect the residents of Columbus.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Ohio Supreme Court recently heard arguments in a case that is poised to decide whether people can carry guns while drinking in bars. 

At the center of the case is a longstanding state law that prohibits residents from carrying firearms in establishments with on-premises liquor permits, unless they have a valid concealed handgun license, are not intoxicated and do not consume drugs or alcohol while there. The panel agreed to take on the case just over a year ago, after a man named Elijah Striblin argued the law is unconstitutional.

In 2022, Striblin visited a Muskingum County bar called the Lazy River Lounge and had a concealed pistol in his possession. Throughout the evening, he ordered five alcoholic drinks and took a sip of at least one, according to court records. 

Striblin got into a fight in the men’s restroom just after 2 a.m., in which he shot a man in the neck. Although the man survived, Striblin faced felony charges in relation to the shooting, including one related to the law regulating firearms in bars.

The trial court sentenced Striblin to 30 days in jail and three years of probation. Striblin ultimately appealed the firearms charge to the Fifth District Court of Appeals, arguing the law violated his Second Amendment rights.

The appeals court agreed, finding the law conflicts with the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen. In that ruling, SCOTUS found that state firearms restrictions are unconstitutional unless they are consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. The Muskingum County prosecutor then appealed the decision to the Ohio Supreme Court.

On Oct. 8, attorneys presented their cases to the state’s highest court. John Dever, an assistant prosecutor with the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office, asked the court to reverse the Fifth District’s ruling. 

“Is it a good idea to allow people to carry firearms into bars? Ohioans in the Ohio General Assembly do not think so,” Dever said. “But we are talking about a fundamental right here – the right to carry firearms for self-defense – and while the Second Amendment says ‘shall not be infringed,’ a fundamental precept is that firearm rights are not unlimited in scope. Their scope was determined by the people who enshrined them into law.”

Dever established a historical context for firearms regulations in bars, pointing to laws dating to the mid-to-late 1800s in New Mexico and Oklahoma that allowed places that sold alcohol to prohibit guns. He argued that 1791, when the Second Amendment was ratified, should not be the only point in time considered.

“There are many things that you can see refined over time that were within the tradition, that the people who enshrined the right to bear arms understood that they could do, that they could regulate,” he said. 

Attorney Elizabeth Gaba represented Striblin, arguing that the types of establishments that hold on-premises liquor permits would not have faced firearms prohibitions around the time the Second Amendment was ratified. 

“This court respectfully should decline to consider enactments that occurred well after the 1791 ratification of the Second Amendment,” she said. 

Gaba also noted that in Bruen, the court found that there were historically relatively few places in the 18th and 19th centuries where firearms were altogether prohibited. 

After hearing arguments, it generally takes the Ohio Supreme Court “several months” to announce its decision, according to its website. 

Striblin’s case is accompanied by a variety of legal challenges to gun regulations that have popped up across the country after Bruen. The Trace, a nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to gun violence, reported federal courts have ruled on more than 2,000 Bruen-based challenges to gun laws since the 2022 decision. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus Blue Jackets took the ice for the team’s 25th season and highly anticipated home opener Monday. Off the ice, the team has been scoring big for decades, especially when it comes to supporting children and families in central Ohio. 

"We're up to over a thousand organizations we're working with each year now," Columbus Blue Jackets Senior Vice President Kathryn Dobbs said. "That's incredible. We really show up in a lot of different ways, a lot of different programs."

For a quarter century, the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation has quietly been transforming lives across central Ohio. 

"When the McConnells brought a professional sports team to Columbus, one of the reasons why they wanted a team here is because they understood the value that a sports franchise could do for a community to make it a better place to live, work and play," Dobbs said.

The foundation was established at the same time as the team in 2000. Since then, it’s been skating alongside Columbus as a force for good. 

"We know the incredible work of our health partners in this community," Dobbs said. "We know the importance of making sure that children have a safe place to play, to grow up, that we are providing the support, like addressing things like third grade reading scores and making kids ready for school and prepared."

The foundation focuses on four main areas: pediatric cancer, education, health and safety, and growing the game of hockey. Longtime fan April Vanest sees the work firsthand at Nationwide Children's Hospital. 

"They come in the hospitals, and they work with the kids and they're present," Vanest said. "They are so vital to our city."

Since its creation, the foundation has granted more than $15 million back into the community, impacting more than 100,000 youth every single year.

"Our captain Boone Jenner is collaborating with Ronald McDonald House to bring families to 20 games, do a meet and greet, give them an experience," Dobbs said. "And so those partnerships can come to life in so many different ways. Sometimes we're investing time, sometimes we're investing money."

That support shows up in big ways, from 14 new playgrounds around central Ohio to new street hockey rinks. 

"Mayor Ginther had said, you know, we'd like to make sure that there's a safe place to play within a half mile of every home in Columbus," Dobbs said. "And the Blue Jackets said we feel like we can show up there."

As the foundation looks ahead to the next 25 years, it plans to continue showing up where it matters most. 

"I'm really excited about some of the projects that we're looking at," Dobbs said. "I think you'll see some fun announcements coming up from the foundation as we move forward and consider, you know, what do we do to make sure that we're delivering on our promise to this community."

Anyone who would like to support the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation can do so by clicking here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Fans were out on Nationwide Plaza all day Monday getting hyped up for the Columbus Blue Jackets home opener. 

Fans said the Blue Jackets' traditions have a feeling like no other team: the blue carpet, the part on the plaza, the sound of the cannon.

“We do that every year, too,” Columbus Blue Jackets fan Kellen Fasce said. “We go to Boston’s before, then we head up to the blue carpet, just the whole atmosphere. Opening night is just like magical, just a different feeling for it.”

Hundreds were there to enjoy the festivities and get a chance to meet their favorite players.

“So we drove down from Ann Arbor this morning to get here early so we could get a good spot,” fan Maggie Meredith said. “We wanted to meet the players, see them, see if they'll sign anything for us before we enjoy the block party. Go in, see the arena. She's never been here before. Go to the game and just like, enjoy the opening night feel.”

Fans said they have a good feeling about this season and that it was a letdown not making it to the playoffs last year, but believe this year will be different.

“I think the momentum will carry over, especially if you see that wild game that we just had the other night,” Meredith said. “Like I think that momentum will carry over into today and especially being back in front of the fans like it'll be high energy and I think that will carry through the whole season.”

This season marks the Jackets’ 25th anniversary, and Monday’s game will feature a special opening ceremony to mark the anniversary.

While fans took in the festivities, others shopped at the Blue Line store as soon as it opened Monday, snagging some exclusive merchandise and making sure they got the perfect spot for the blue carpet.

“I got the pin and puck, I collect them every year,” Fasce said. “I’ve been to the last 14 or so home openers, and I always buy the pin and the puck every year.”

For others, Monday marked their first in-person Blue Jackets game.

“It's my first Columbus game, but I'm really excited,” fan Emma Camp said. “I'm really set for the cannon. I think that's such a fun tradition.”

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- The first Black woman city attorney for Delaware has resigned amid allegations she was bullied.

In her resignation letter to Delaware City Manager Paul J. Brake, former Delaware City Attorney Natalia S. Harris said she would "no longer subject myself to your workplace bullying and discriminatory conduct." The letter is dated Sept. 24, and Harris' resignation was effective Oct. 3.

In a statement, the city said it did not receive any "complaints, reports, or documentation to support these claims prior to the employee's resignation."

Harris, who took office in July 2019, said she was proud of the work she did for the city, particularly handling cases personally during the COVID-19 pandemic, avoiding a case backlog once the pandemic subsided.

"I am a career public servant and am grateful for the opportunity to have served the citizens of
Delaware," wrote in her letter.

There is no word on the nature of Harris' bullying allegations.

Harris was one of three Democratic candidates in the 2024 Franklin County Prosecutor primary election; she finished third with 23.95% of the vote.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A man who allegedly attempted to rape a woman on a walking trail in Gahanna last November will spend more than nine years in prison.

Franklin County court records show Johnathan M. Steele, 27, pleaded guilty last week to one count each of kidnapping and attempted rape, as well as a firearm specification on the kidnapping charge. Steele was sentenced to two concurrent seven-year prison terms as well as an additional three years for the firearm charge; he had 339 days of jail time credit at the time of his sentencing

According to police, in early November of 2024, the victim was walking along a path near James Road and Big Walnut Creek when a shirtless man in a ski mask pointed a gun at her, saying “come with me or I’ll shoot you.” The man, later identified as Steele, began dragging the woman into the woods.

Gahanna police said the woman ran away from the man, who chased her down, grabbing her. The victim said she offered the man her purse, an offer he rejected before dragging her towards a tree line by the path. The woman managed to fight Steele off a second time, managing to get away and call 911.

A short time later, police found Steele riding a bicycle on Price Road near the trail. Police said Steele had a loaded firearm in a holster, something he was prohibited from carrying due to a conviction in Virginia.

After being detained, Steele allegedly told police he had thoughts of wanting to commit rape and saw the victim near Creekside Park. Police said comments Steele made included admissions that he intended of having sex with the victim and specifically mentioned “rape” and “it was me with the girl.”

Once his prison sentence is over, Steele will have five years of probation and must register as a Tier 3 sex offender, meaning he will need to register with his local sheriff’s office every 90 days for the rest of his life.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus organizations are celebrating the end of the conflict between Hamas and Israel in the Middle East after 20 hostages were released from Gaza and thousands of Palestinian prisoners were set free on Monday.

The war may have been thousands of miles away, but some central Ohioans have family and friends in Gaza or Israel.

Religious leaders in Columbus said they are relieved the fighting is over.

JewishColumbus has been outspoken about the conflict for the past two years, and board chair Dr. Jonathan Feibel said the ceasefire and release of the hostages is good news.

“The feeling really is hope, joy, but still a little sadness,” Feibel said. “We’re also going to remember those who weren't fortunate enough to get out and really show our hope and resilience for the future, both for people here in central Ohio and the people of Israel.”

Feibel said it’s been a tough two years for Jewish people in central Ohio and he’s hoping the ceasefire brings the temperature down in our area. He said it’s been tense since the fighting began.

“I really hope it's a reset because that's all Israel wants is to be able to live in peace and so if we can reset so that everyone in the Middle East can live in peace, it'll be a really historic day and a really great day for everyone around the world,” Feibel said.

The local chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations, or CAIR-Ohio, has also spoken out about the death and destruction in Gaza.

CAIR Executive Director Khalid Turaani said the bombings have finally stopped and central Ohioans with loved ones in Gaza are feeling a weight lifted off their shoulders.

“We’ve had no other conversation literally other than this. And everyone that I've spoken with is relieved and is glad that this killing field is coming to an end,” Turaani said.

He said the ceasefire is a good thing and he hopes it sticks.

Turaani said the atrocities in Gaza are unimaginable and that no one else on either side needs to be killed or injured.

“For the last two years, we've been really heavy hearted with the with the genocide that has been going on and about over 60,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed, more than 20,000 children,” Turaani said. “What we are praying for is that this cease fire is going to hold.”

Both JewishColumbus and CAIR-Ohio are hoping Gaza is rebuilt swiftly and that this peace agreement between Israel and Hamas lasts for a long time.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost voiced support for executions by nitrogen hypoxia and criticized Gov. Mike DeWine's capital punishment delays.

Yost testified in the Ohio House in favor of a House Bill 36, which would permit nitrogen hypoxia executions. Nitrogen hypoxia refers to executions where inmates are killed by inhaling nitrogen instead of oxygen, leading to suffocation. The move is in opposition with fellow Republican DeWine, who has delayed executions for death row prisoners throughout his time in office.

On Friday, DeWine pushed back two more death row inmates' execution dates by three years. DeWine said the delays were "due to ongoing problems involving the willingness of pharmaceutical suppliers to provide drugs."

Yost said private drug companies are refusing to provide execution drugs, which he hopes to fix by authorizing a secondary form of execution. Lethal injection is currently the only legal execution method in Ohio. See previous coverage of nitrogen hypoxia in the video player above.

The nation's first nitrogen hypoxia execution took place in Alabama in 2024. The United Nations strongly opposed the use. U.N. experts asked the U.S. to ban the "experimental" practice, as it has not been widely tested.

Opponents of nitrogen hypoxia executions point to prolonged, possibly painful deaths. Although experts said the practice would be quick and painless, witnesses to Alabama's executions using nitrogen said inmates "writhed" in supposed pain for up to 20 minutes. Ohio banned gaseous executions for animals in 2023.

In his testimony, Yost called DeWine's 57 reprieves for death row inmates "dishonorable." He said Ohio jurors made the difficult decision to condemn offenders to death, and the state should fulfill its promises to jurors and to victims' families.

Ohio has not seen an execution since DeWine took office in 2018, and DeWine said that will continue until the end of his term in 2026. According to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio currently has 113 inmates on death row.