News Channel 4

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The estate of a Pickerington man shot and killed by a "trigger happy" security guard at a South Carolina hotel has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

According to the lawsuit filed last week, Aaron Timeaus Holston Jr., 23, of Pickerington, was a guest of the Sea Mist Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Feb. 4. Holston was in his car in the hotel's parking lot when security guard Steven Richard Ingate Jr. approached the car under suspicion that Holston was smoking marijuana.

Small 2.5 magnitude earthquake recorded in southwest Ohio

According to the lawsuit, Ingate attempted to get Holston out of the car, pointing a Taser at Holston before Ingate switched to a handgun. Holston then tried to drive off, hitting at least two parked cars in the process.

As Hoslton tried to drive forward off the property, he hit a curb and a speed bump; Ingate chased after him on foot, the lawsuit states. Ingate then got into the median near the parking lot, shooting his gun repeatedly into the driver's side of the car, according to court records.

The lawsuit states that 12 bullets were shot into the driver's side door; as many as 25 shell casing markers were documented at the crime scene. In total, investigators determined between 15 and 23 shots were fired.

"Surveillance video evidence established that several shots were fired after Mr. Holston's vehicle had already collided with another vehicle and ceased forward motion, during which time Mr. Holston's body was visibly reacting to gunfire," the lawsuit states.

Orphaned black bear cubs to make debut at Columbus Zoo

Witnesses at the scene described Ingate as "trigger happy" and "not friendly," and that it was known he carried two weapons. The lawsuit alleges that Ingate did not comply with his security company's policy of contacting law enforcement when confronted with "security concerns."

In addition to Ingate and the Sea Mist Resort, the defendants named in the lawsuit include Ingate's employer, Global Investigative Services, Inc.; Sea Mist owner Carolinas Holding Company, LLC.; and Tides/Driftwood/Oasis HOA, Hajra Real Estate, LLC, and Inlet HOA Management, LLC.

Holston's estate is seeking compensation to be determined by the court.

The full lawsuit filing can be read below.

Myrtle Beach Hotel Wrongful Death SuitDownload

POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) -- A pair of orphaned black bear cubs is set to make their debut on Tuesday at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Orphaned because their mother was deemed a public safety threat and euthanized, the bear cubs named Ursula and Yzma (pronounced EEZ-muh) will be sharing the bear exhibit in the zoo's North America Trek region with longtime resident black bear Stevie.

Small 2.5 magnitude earthquake recorded in southwest Ohio

The cubs were rescued in Montana earlier this summer and have been cared for behind the scenes at the zoo; now, both weigh close to 60 pounds each.

Starting Tuesday, Urusla and Yzma will be on public display in the habitat on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The zoo expects to introduce the cubs to Stevie sometime in the spring.

• Black bear cub Ursula (PHOTO BY GRAHM S. JONES/COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM)
• Black bear cub Yzma (PHOTO BY GRAHM S. JONES/COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM)
• Black bear cub Ursula (PHOTO BY GRAHM S. JONES/COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM)
• Black bear cub Yzma (PHOTO BY GRAHM S. JONES/COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM)
• Black bear cub Ursula (PHOTO BY GRAHM S. JONES/COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM)
• Black bear cub Yzma (PHOTO BY GRAHM S. JONES/COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM)
• Black bear cub Ursula (PHOTO BY GRAHM S. JONES/COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM)
• Black bear cub Yzma (PHOTO BY GRAHM S. JONES/COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM)
• Black bear cub Ursula (PHOTO BY GRAHM S. JONES/COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM)

Explaining the cubs' names, the zoo said the cubs share names with Disney villains (Ursula from "The Little Mermaid" and Yzma from "The Emperor's New Groove), but oftentimes, a villain's character is shaped by hardship, misunderstanding, or how others react to them.

"These cubs’ own mother had been deemed a 'nuisance' bear—a label that came from her interactions with people, not from her nature," the zoo wrote. "In the same way, many so-called 'nuisance' wildlife situations arise because of human impact. Animals aren’t villains — they’re simply trying to survive."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A motorcyclist is dead after a crash in east Columbus Monday morning.

Georgia man dies in southern Ohio paragliding crash

A police dispatcher said that a motorcycle and another vehicle crashed at the 1800 block of East Livingston Avenue just after 11:45 a.m. The motorcyclist was taken to Grant Medical Center and was pronounced dead at 12:16 p.m.

The driver of the other vehicle remained at the scene after the crash, per a police dispatcher. Columbus police is continuing to investigate.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A fast-casual stir-fry chain is preparing to open its first central Ohio location near Gahanna, as it plans to launch more eateries in the Columbus area. 

Honeygrow is coming to 4782 Morse Road, located just north of Gahanna, according to a news release. The eatery will take over the building that formerly housed Mod Pizza, which closed last year amid financial troubles for the chain. 

Rainbow crosswalk near Ohio State restored after vandalism incident

“Expanding into Columbus represents an exciting step for us as we expand throughout Ohio,” Justin Rosenberg, the founder and CEO of Honeygrow, said in a statement. “We’re actively looking at other sites within the market, and we’re thrilled to start our launch within the Gahanna community.” 

Honeygrow debuted in Ohio in 2024, with a restaurant in Strongsville. The brand has since spread across the northeast portion of the state, adding eateries in Canton, Akron, Mentor and Avon to bring its total number of Ohio locations to five. The brand said it has built a “strong following” at its “thriving” restaurants in the Buckeye State. 

A Honeygrow location in Philadelphia. (Photo courtesy/Honeygrow)

The chain plans to open its Morse Road location in mid-October but does not have an exact opening date yet, a spokesperson told NBC4. 

Honeygrow allows guests to customize Asian-inspired stir-fry bowls with a variety of protein options including steak, chicken, tofu and egg, paired with noodles or a vegetable base such as kale. An assortment of toppings including vegetables, fruit, cheese and roasted garlic are available. The chain also offers pre-made dishes, like its garlic butter shrimp and red coconut curry stir-fries. 

The eatery also serves desserts, such as customizable fruit cups with sweet toppings called "honeybars," and brownies. Honeygrow offers dine-in and take-out at its restaurants, along with catering services. 

Founded in 2012, the Pennsylvania-based chain has more than 60 locations across the northeast United States, according to the company. 

GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH) -- Amid growth, Grove City is investing in a new community center.

The idea has been in the works for some time, and Grove City assigned two committees to investigate locations and funding for a new rec center. On Aug. 18, Columbus-based real estate developer Pizzuti Solutions presented the committees' recommendations to the city council.

In the 2020 census, Grove City had 41,336 residents. The city expects to have 48,433 by 2038, with an increasing percentage of residents aged 55 and older. When considering a new community center, the city said it was important to plan for its growing population.

Texas-based taco joint closes 3-year-old Columbus location

According to the presentation, Grove City is considering a 188,500-square-foot facility. The community center could house a senior center, community and conference rooms, aquatic facilities and a teaching and demonstration kitchen indoors. Outside, the facility could also have 12 fields, two of which will be for championships, 270 parking spaces, concessions and restrooms.

The committees projected the project will cost between $93.9 million and $102.2 million. Council has the opportunity to decide between various amenities and where the center should be located.

Pizzuti Solutions and the committees considered almost 60 factors and evaluated sites on a weighted scale to ensure it best reflected the needs. In total, 18 sites were considered and whittled down based on scores to the top six most suitable locations:

• Hirth property, 1636 Holton Road
• MW Hoover LLC, Hoover Road
• Murfin Memorial Fields, 4620 Haughn Road
• Pinnacle Park
• Henceroth Park
• Grove City YMCA

The finance committee expects the center to cost $5 million annually in operating costs. However, the committee estimated that about 75% of the cost could be covered by the revenue generated by the community center. For the remaining $1.25 million, the committee suggested increasing the city income tax by 0.05%. Currently, the city has a 2% income tax on anyone who works in the city.

Dublin redrawing first high school maps since 2006

"I think it's important for the community to understand that that is not a legislative action, that that is a decision that gets taken to our voters, and the entire community has the opportunity to weigh in," councilmember Christine Houk said of a possible tax increase.

If the city is interested in funding the center with tax dollars, the committee recommended fast-tracking the process for site acquisition and design so it is done before the November 2026 election. They said this would allow the project to build momentum and offer residents a more tangible look at what they are voting on. The committee said doing this could even allow the center to open a year earlier than projected, and warned delays could increase costs as much as 3% per year.

The committee also recommended that the city's park foundation should fundraise with a goal of $1.5 million. Committee members also suggested renting out parts of the building to cover costs, although that would require further expansion of the space.

Grove City City Council's next meeting is Sept. 2.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio lawmakers are looking to eliminate an extra registration fee that is charged to those registering a hybrid vehicle in the state.

House Bill 389 was introduced by Rep. Joseph Miller (D-Amherst) and Rep. David Thomas (R-Jefferson). More than a dozen other lawmakers also signed on to the bill, including Rep. Anita Somani (D-Dublin), Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus), Rep. Meredith Lawson-Rowe (D-Reynoldsburg), and Rep. Ismail Mohamed (D-Columbus).

Schools no longer able to stop groups like LifeWise from sending items back with kids

Currently, drivers who register a hybrid vehicle in Ohio must pay an additional $100 registration fee on top of the standard registration fees.

"This is a taxpayer fairness idea," Thomas said in a statement to NBC4. "We should be treating folks as fairly as possible, just because you have a hybrid or plug-in doesn't mean you use less gas and I don't think you should pay much higher fees for it."

The bill does not eliminate the additional fees for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, with fees of $150 and $200, respectively.

Most states have implemented additional registration fees for hybrid and electric vehicles since drivers of those cars require less fuel -- or none at all -- and therefore don't pay as much, if anything, in fuel taxes to fund road maintenance.

Rainbow crosswalk near Ohio State restored after vandalism incident

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, as of July, at least 41 states charge additional fees for electric vehicles and more than two dozen states also charge additional fees for hybrids.

Critics argue that the fees often charged for hybrid and electric vehicles are disproportionately high compared to what drivers would pay in fuel tax for driving the same amount of miles in a gas car.

"This is an excessive tax, making Ohio taxes among the highest in the nation and offers little benefit to Ohio," Clean Fuels Ohio Board President Tom Bullock said in a statement. "Clean Fuels Ohio agrees that electric vehicle owners should pay their fair share of road taxes, but $200 isn't fair: it's excessive, collected up-front, and one-size-fits all, meaning vehicles that drive lower mileage are charged as if they've driven much further. And no credit is given for taxes already paid on electricity.  A sticker fee of $50 would be much closer to a fair amount."

Ohio's fuel tax (excluding the federal fuel tax) is 38.5 cents per gallon. Someone driving 12,000 miles in a year at 30 miles per gallon would pay about $154 in state fuel tax. An EV driver traveling that same 12,000 miles in a year would pay the $200 additional registration fee.

The flat $200 annual registration fee for electric vehicles can be cheaper than the fuel tax for high-mileage drivers or when compared to drivers in older, less efficient gas cars. A less efficient car traveling 18,000 miles at 25 miles per gallon would pay about $277 in fuel tax, where an EV driver traveling that same distance would still only pay $200.

Adam Coy, ex-officer convicted of killing Andre Hill, appeals verdict

That has prompted states to consider adding mileage-based fees so drivers who use the roads more will pay more, according to the NCSL.

The additional registration fees for hybrid vehicles are generally viewed as more unfair than the fees charged to electric vehicles. Because hybrid vehicles still primarily use fuel and the smaller battery is not charged from an external source, drivers still end up paying a fuel tax on top of the additional registration fee.

"The current fee structure is inequitable and unfair," Miller said in a statement to NBC4. "Maintaining Ohio's roads is a top priority for all, but the mechanism in which we do it places an undue burden on those with a non-plug-in hybrid vehicle."

Someone with a hybrid vehicle getting 40 miles per gallon would pay about $115 in fuel tax for 12,000 miles, plus the additional $100 fee lawmakers are trying to eliminate, for a total of $215. A plug-in hybrid with similar efficiency would cost the same $115 in fuel tax plus the $150 additional registration fee -- which HB 389, as written, does not eliminate -- costing a total of $265.

"Although they may improve fuel economy, the gas tax combined with the elevated registration fee puts an undue and unfair burden on the owners of these vehicles," Miller said. "This bill is about leveling the playing field and ensuring an equitable fee structure."

Judge denies Columbus Zoo request to temporarily block township from taxing admissions

Clean Fuels Ohio has previously called on the state to charge fees of $25 for plug-in hybrids and $50 for electric vehicles.

"This would represent an important symbolic precedent of ensuring EV owners paid road taxes," Clean Fuels Ohio wrote in an undated two-page fact sheet shared with NBC4. "In our view, this level would not unduly harm the fledgling EV market, important to encourage for Ohio’s consumers and economy."

Miller was a co-sponsor of House Bill 546 in 2020 that would have cut the additional registration fee in half, but that bill never made it out of committee.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A rainbow-painted crosswalk near Ohio State University was recently vandalized, according to city officials, but has since been cleaned and restored.

The crosswalk, located at the intersection of East Lane and Waldeck avenues, is one of five throughout Columbus installed as part of a traffic safety study led by the Federal Highway Administration. The crosswalks were designed with various patterns and colors to evaluate how different surface markings may influence pedestrian safety.

‘No sympathy:’ Ohio bill aims to stiffen penalties for human traffickers

Randy Borntrager, deputy director of the Columbus Department of Public Service, confirmed to NBC4 that the crosswalk had been defaced.

The crosswalk at the intersection of East Lane and Waldeck avenues is one of five throughout Columbus installed as part of a Federal Highway Administration study. (NBC4 Photo/David Rees)

"The Department of Public Service agreed to install five crosswalks with different pavement markings as part of an FHWA safety study to determine if various conditions affected public safety," Borntrager said. "They included two painted crosswalks, one with a painted lattice brick design, and two with other linear bar designs. The one mentioned appears to have been defaced. Department crews worked to remove the graffiti and have restored the crosswalk to working condition."

City officials were made aware of the vandalism through multiple 311 service reports last week. Though the crosswalk features rainbow-colored stripes, it was not created as a LGBTQ+ Pride symbol, but rather as part of the federal study. Similar test sites have also been implemented in Texas, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina.

Columbus LGBTQ+ nonprofit takes next steps in northwest Ohio expansion

The incident in Columbus comes shortly after controversy in Florida, where state officials painted over a rainbow crosswalk near the Pulse nightclub memorial in Orlando. That crosswalk had been installed to commemorate the 49 lives lost in the 2016 mass shooting at the LGBTQ+ venue.

Columbus officials have not indicated who may have been responsible for the vandalism.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Some students returning to school are also heading back to religious education programs, and organizations like LifeWise will soon be able to take advantage of greater rights than last year.

Starting next month, Ohio's public school districts will no longer be allowed to place certain limitations on released time for religious instruction programs. Now, public schools must allow organizations to send trinkets, candy and other materials back with students. Districts must also allow students to attend off-campus religious instruction classes for at least one period per week, although no more than twice. 

Columbus parents, teachers concerned by school violence

Hilliard-based LifeWise is among the nation's most prolific RTRI organizations. RTRI refers to religious instruction during the school day, which is legal so long as it occurs off school property and with parental permission.

Ohio law initially gave districts a lot of freedom over how they permit religious release time, but the legislature removed some flexibility this summer. This will require many public districts, including Columbus City Schools, the state’s largest district, to update their policies. See previous coverage of Columbus' policy in the video player above.

Several central Ohio schools have prohibited organizations from sending materials back with students. A Columbus City Schools spokesperson said the Board of Education will need to revise its policy, which will be a topic at the board's policy and governance committee meeting on Sept. 9.

The right to send materials back with students is often associated with LifeWise, which has programs in more than 1,000 schools across the country. LifeWise often sends reading materials, as well as candy or other small items, back to school with students who participate in the midday program. LifeWise said the materials are not why students attend, but these trinkets are often associated with the program.

‘Exciting and challenging:’ Dublin redrawing high school maps for first time since 2006

Critics of the biblical education group say LifeWise uses candy and trinkets to incentivize students to attend, and students who do not go to LifeWise feel left out. Schools that banned RTRI groups from sending materials back said these small gifts are often a distraction.

LifeWise sent a legal warning about banning groups from sharing materials earlier this year. The warning went to Neola, an Ohio educational policy institution that advises more than 500 of Ohio’s 611 public school districts. Neola had included wording in its sample RTRI policies dictating an optional ban on distributing materials. 

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued similar warnings in April, cautioning school districts from being too experimental with their RTRI policies. Yost said severely limiting when students can attend RTRI programs could be seen as not adequately complying with the law. He also said banning materials could constitute a First Amendment violation, infringing on the right to spread the gospel.

Districts must update their policies by Sept. 25.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - Prior to the start of Labor Day weekend, the Ohio Traffic Safety Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol warned drivers of the deadly history this weekend brings.

"The holiday period with the most serious injury and fatal crashes is Labor Day weekend," Ohio Traffic Safety Office public information officer Judy Converse said.

That dangerous warning has already come to fruition across central and northern Ohio communities.

Data: Labor Day weekend crashes have increased over past three years

Two people are dead after a crash following a police chase Saturday evening. The chase ended when the driver allegedly sped down Greenlawn Avenue and into Greenlawn Cemetery. Randel Rogers, executive director of the cemetery, said he reviewed the surveillance footage from the incident and saw the vehicle drive at a high rate of speed the wrong way around a roundabout at the old entrance to the cemetery, crashing into a stone wall that has been in place for nearly a century.

Rogers said he routinely sees cars drive 50 or 60 miles per hour down that road and this vehicle could have been going 80 mph. Rogers said the stone wall will cost between $40,000-$60,000 to fix.

Elsewhere this weekend, Ohio State Highway Patrol said a man was killed in the City of Wellston, Jackson County, when a juvenile driver collided with a golf cart. Another person was killed in Mifflin Township when a driver crossed over the center line and hit another vehicle head on. The driver was killed. A single vehicle crash in Erie County killed the driver when they lost control of the vehicle due to speed. Three more people were killed after a vehicle crashed into a tow truck on the side of the road Sunday morning in Erie County. That crash caused a traffic backup that led to another crash less than an hour later when a vehicle slammed into the back of a truck and killed both the driver and passenger.

Man charged in beating of man with cerebral palsy in Columbus’ Short North

OSHP is putting an emphasis on sober driving for the weekend, but speed and distracted driving are killers, too.

Sgt. Brice Nihiser with the Ohio State Highway Patrol said drivers can help law enforcement if they notice an erratic or dangerous driver on the road.

"Dial #677 and that will get you to your local post,” Nihiser said. “We'll put troopers on the road and we'll make sure that we intercept that driver before they cause a tragedy.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – This week on Sunday Briefing:

• Ohio National Guard troops are on the ground in Washington D.C. at President Donald Trump’s request.

“Crime is an issue,” Rep. Mike Carey (R-Ohio) said. “I think the governor (Mike DeWine) did the right thing.”

Ohio governor race: Contextualizing Ramaswamy, Acton fundraising records

“This is another one of his control factors, to be able to take over D.C.,” Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) said.

What are DeWine’s protocols for sending in the guard, and why are members of Congress split over the move?

• Longshot candidates hoping to offer alternatives to voters are finding themselves facing an uphill battle.

"Whether you're Democrat, Republican, Independent, whoever, people are screaming from the rooftops for new young voices,” Democratic Senate candidate Chris Volpe said.

“We have a distrust for our politicians,” gubernatorial candidate Heather Hill said. “We have a distrust for each other.”

Man charged in beating of man with cerebral palsy in Columbus’ Short North

Do party leaders on both sides of the aisle cut voters out of the process by throwing their support behind established candidates?

• There’s an update to the Women in Law exhibit at the Ohio Supreme Court as it opens to the public. Find out where we found the first female chief justice’s portrait after it spend months in the courthouse basement.

• Republican strategist Katie Eagan and Democratic strategist Brian Rothenberg weigh in on what’s happening on Capitol Hill and why candidates with no name recognition can’t get a break.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A Galloway man has been arrested and accused of assaulting a man with cerebral palsy in the Shorth North.

According to a criminal complaint, Columbus police were called to the intersection of North High Street and East Third Avenue, where they found a man walking on the sidewalk and bleeding from an alleged assault.

Police said the man, cut in the face multiple times, was attacked by Nicholas Meadows, 34. Video surveillance footage showed Meadows was in the area, and witnesses helped police identify him as a suspect.

California Gov. criticizes Ohio for homicide rate, but are his numbers accurate?

The victim, who has cerebral palsy, could not protect himself when he was attacked and suffered multiple injuries, also including a broken orbital bone, skull fracture, broken hand and brain bleed. He was in the hospital for several days, where he underwent surgery.

Meadows, who is also facing charges of aggravated menacing, assault and criminal endangerment from an incident four days prior, was arrested Wednesday. A Franklin County Municipal Court judge issued Meadows $500,000 in total bonds for both incidents.

He is next scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A man who police say “ambushed” his wife in a fatal shooting at their home remains at large two years after her death.

According to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, Jose Antonio Gomez-Santana is considered to be armed and dangerous and is wanted in the death of his wife, Angel Rena Gomez. Police said Gomez was gunned down at a home on Pepperwood Court in west Columbus.

Look inside: New Albany estate with indoor basketball court under $3M

Officers arrived at the Westland home near Galloway Road on Sept. 25, 2023, where Gomez, 44, was found suffering from gunshot wounds. Police said the couple had been having marital problems and had separated.

Gomez-Santana allegedly convinced Gomez to return to the home so he could return some property to her but “ambushed” her after reportedly hiding inside of a car parked in the driveway.

That’s when police say Gomez-Santana got out of the car and shot Gomez several times before fleeing about 3:35 p.m. Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene.

• A mugshot of Jose Antonio Gomez-Santana from an October 2021 arrest. (Courtesy Photo/Columbus Division of Police)
• Columbus police investigate a fatal shooting on Pepperwood Court in west Columbus, Aug. 25, 2023. (NBC4 Photo/Caleb Michael)
• Angel Gomez. (Courtesy Photo/Columbus Division of Police)

Columbus police and Crime Stoppers note that Gomez-Santana has ties to the west side of Columbus, as well as New York and Puerto Rico, with friends willing to harbor and hide him.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of Gomez-Santana. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call 614-461- 8477 or visit www.stopcrime.org to submit your tip.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The defending national champions knew that last year was firmly in the past and that 2025 a whole new ballgame. The only nod Saturday to Ohio State's ninth national title came before its game against Texas, when the 2024 championship banner was unveiled before kickoff.

But with a season opening 14-7 victory over the top-ranked Longhorns, this year's team took a big step in establishing its own identity.

System outage affecting care at Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center

Julian Sayin showed that he can hold his own in running the Buckeyes offense, and the defense, under new leadership, can still be one of the best in the country.

Here are three things we learned Saturday.

Defense shines in top three showdown

Ohio State kept Texas scoreless from most of the game thanks to multiple playmakers. From Arvell Reese and Davison Igbinosun combining for 19 tackles, including four solo stops each, to a goal-line stand that changed the momentum, coordinator Matt Patricia proved to be the right hire for coach Ryan Day after Jim Knowles' departure for Penn State.

"I know what kind of coach he is. I see him every day – you guys don't," Day said. "All the work that you put in the dark doesn't come to light until this first game."

The Buckeyes frustrated the Longhorns in the third quarter, denying quarterback Arch Manning at the goal line of a score-tying touchdown before Jermaine Mathews intercepted him later. The Longhorns went for it on fourth down five times but only converted once.

Patricia credited the success of the secondary to cornerback Caleb Downs' leadership.

"I think everyone back there played really fast and really aggressive," Patricia said. "I mean the communication between the players, Caleb's [Downs] unbelievable back there as a field general, just making sure he's calling out the coverages and adjustments or even some of the alerts that we have in those situations."

Crowd plays a role with 'evolved' traditions

A lot of effort was made in revamping the game day experience for fans, and that included getting the crowd involved in the outcome of the game. Playing into the success of how crowd noise affected opponents last season, fans are awarded "Buckeye Leaves" every time the noise leads visitors to commit a false start or burn a timeout.

Against the Longhorns, the sold out crowd of 107,524 fans earned four leaves. And they made a big difference on Texas' final drive in the fourth quarter, when the Longhorns looked to tie the score.

"I want to thank the fans. What an unbelievable atmosphere. I think it made a huge difference in the fourth quarter," Day said. "I say all the time that it takes everybody, and the fans certainly brought it."

A strong start but a long way to go

There was tremendous hype going into the season opening matchup between two of the top teams in the country. Although the game lacked the high octane offense that many expected, the win did snap the Longhorns' 11-game winning streak in true road games. And it should put the Buckeyes in the top spot of the national polls heading into Week 2.

Although beating the preseason No. 1 does provide a boost of confidence, there's plenty for the Buckeyes to improve on. Day expects his team will look much different by the halfway point of the season.

"I think it's only going to build from here," offensive lineman Luke Montgomery said. "I mean, the number-one team in the country just came in, and obviously, I think we're the best team in the country by far. But we still have a long way to go and this is just going to build confidence every week."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Labor Day, a federal holiday in appreciation of the contributions and accomplishments of American workers, is observed annually on the first Monday of September.

In 2025, Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 1. Many stores and restaurants in central Ohio will be open, though some businesses may have adjusted hours or be closed. Additionally, various services will be affected, including mail and package delivery, trash collection, public transportation, library services, and government offices.

Find out what to expect on Labor Day with the list below.

Will mail and packages be delivered on Labor Day?

FedEx
U.S. and international package and air freight services will not be operating on Labor Day, except for FedEx Custom Critical. FedEx Office will have modified hours.

United States Postal Service
The USPS observes Labor Day as a federal holiday and will be closed. There will be no mail delivery, caller service, or Post Office Box service available. All services will resume on Tuesday.

UPS
There will be no UPS  pickup or delivery service on Labor Day. Customers should check with their local UPS Store location for hours of operation. UPS Express Critical  service will be available.

Is the library open on Labor Day?

Columbus Metropolitan Library branches
All locations across Columbus are closed the day before Labor Day, Sunday, Aug. 31, and on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1.

Does Columbus’s trash collection day change after Labor Day?

Yes, starting the first week of September, weekly garbage collection for approximately half of the city will have a new day for pickup as well as a new route color, beginning Sept. 2.

• On Sept. 1, residents will be able to check the city's website tool at https://www.columbus.gov/trash to see if they have a new collection day and color.
• People can also call their color to get automated information about their pickup day. For example, people with the collection day color Gold should call 614-645-GOLD (4653).
• The free PickUp CBUS smartphone app in the App Store or Google Play Store also provides trash collection day and color, recycling, and yard waste collection schedules and convenient reminder notifications.

The changes only apply to trash pickup; except for Labor Day week, recycling pickup routes will remain the same. During Labor Day week, all pickups will be pushed one day – for example, Monday pickups will be done on Tuesday, Tuesday pickups will be done on Wednesday, etc.; Friday pickups will be done on Saturday, with regular schedules resuming the morning of Monday, Sept. 8.

There will be no trash or recycling pickup on Labor Day, Sept. 1.

Is COTA running on Labor Day?

In observance of Labor Day, Central Ohio Transit Authority will operate Holiday Service on Monday, Sept. 1. When COTA operates Holiday Service, transit lines operate on Sunday schedules. Customers can plan their trip or view Sunday timetables at COTA.com or use the Transit app to view Sunday service.

COTA//Plus will only operate in the South Columbus zone on Labor Day. Service resumes
Tuesday morning in all zones. COTA Mainstream will also operate holiday/Sunday hours.

COTA observes Sunday schedules on holidays, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

COTA’s September Service Change also begins. Improvements include additional trips on several express lines, improved frequency on Saturdays, and adjustments to improve on-time performance.

Zoo Bus has also been extended past Labor Day and will run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Halloween.

Is parking free on Labor Day?

Labor Day is listed as one of the 11 holidays with free parking, meaning meters will not be operating in Columbus. Parking at city kiosks and meters will not be enforced on Labor Day. 

Parking restriction signage at some meters will be enforced, including but not limited to morning and evening rush hours and zones marked for valets, taxis, loading, handicapped-only and residential parking permit areas.

Will banks and government offices be closed on Labor Day?

Because Labor Day is a federal holiday, banks will be closed. However, ATMs and online services should still be accessible. The New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ will be paused.

Federal employees will have a paid day off on Sept. 1, per the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Federal, state, county and city offices, including courthouses, will be closed.

What grocery stores are open on Labor Day?

Aldi
• Aldi stores will close at 6 p.m. on Labor Day.
BJ's Wholesale
• The wholesale retailer is open for regular hours on Labor Day.
Costco
• Stores are closed on Labor Day.
Giant Eagle
• Giant Eagle and Market District locations are open for normal hours on Labor Day.
Kroger
• Kroger stores will be open for Labor Day, though hours may vary by location.
Meijer
• Stores are open on Labor Day.
Sam's Club
• Locations are open with shortened hours on Labor Day, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Plus members and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Club members.
Trader Joe's
• Stores are open regular hours on Labor Day.
Walmart
• Walmart stores are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Labor Day.
Whole Foods Market
• Most stores are open on Labor Day.

What stores are open on Labor Day?

Best Buy
• Best Buy will be open regular hours on Labor Day.
Big Lots
• Locations are open for regular hours on Labor Day.
Dollar General
• Locations are open on Labor Day.
Dollar Tree
• Stores are open on Labor Day.
Family Dollar
• Locations are open on Labor Day.
Home Depot
• Home Depot is open on Labor Day.
Kohl's
• Kohl's is open for normal hours on Labor Day.
Lowe's
• Stores are open on Labor Day.
Macy's
• Stores are open with regular hours on Sept. 1.
Target
• Locations are open on Labor Day.

What drug stores are open on Labor Day?

CVS
• Locations are open on Labor Day. Pharmacy hours may be updated for Labor Day; please check local store listings for the most up-to-date information.
Walgreens
• Stores are open with varying hours. Pharmacies are closed on Labor Day.

What pet stores are open on Labor Day?

Petco
• Petco locations are open on Labor Day.
PetSmart
• PetSmart locations are open on Labor Day.

What fast food restaurants are open on Labor Day?

Chick-fil-A
• Chick-fil-A restaurants are open on Labor Day. Hours of operation vary by location.
Dunkin'
• Locations are open on Labor Day.
McDonald's
• Most McDonald's are open on Labor Day, but hours might vary by location. 
Starbucks
• Stores are open on Labor Day with varying hours.
Taco Bell
• Taco Bell is open on Labor Day.

What malls are open on Labor Day?

Easton Town Center
• Easton is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Labor Day.
Polaris Fashion Place
• Polaris Fashion Place is open 7 days a week. Individual retailer, restaurant, department store and holiday hours may vary. Guests are encouraged to call their favorite destination before visiting.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person is in critical condition after a shooting early Sunday morning in east Columbus near John Glenn International Airport.

System outage affecting care at OSU Wexner Medical Center

A police dispatcher said officers were sent to the 700 block of Stelzer Road right before 3:30 a.m. on reports of a gunfire. One person was found at the scene suffering from a gunshot wound.

The victim was taken to a hospital in critical condition, per police dispatcher.

Police is continuing to investigate.

LEWIS CENTER, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new Graeter's shop will soon be scooping French Pot ice cream in central Ohio.

The Cincinnati-based ice cream brand is moving forward with plans to open a location in Lewis Center at 541 Preakness Way, down the street from the Belmont Place neighborhood and the Goddard School of Delaware. Graeter's development plan for the Lewis Center scoop shop was approved this month by Delaware's planning commission.

Chick-fil-A plans 25 to 30 new Ohio locations by 2027, including six in Columbus area

"We couldn't be more excited to bring Graeter's to this area," said Jason Hudson, Graeter's district manager, during the planning commission meeting. "It provides a place for families to go and hang out and build memories, it provides a place for our high school students to come start a career, learn how to be a leader, move on to future jobs."

(Courtesy Photo/Graeter's Ice Cream)

Once completed, the Graeter's will span 2,649 square feet and include an outdoor patio, a drive-through lane and 38 parking spaces.

Founded in Cincinnati in 1870, Graeter's is known for its French Pot ice cream, a traditional process that includes freezing a high-butterfat mix in small batches yielding a dense product with no added air. The brand has expanded to more than 50 scoop shops across Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.

More than a nut: Ohio bills crown Buckeye as state candy, correct tree’s scientific name

The new Lewis Center location will add to Graeter's more than a dozen Columbus-area locations, including in Bexley, Dublin, Easton Town Center, Gahanna, Hilliard, Pickerington, Polaris Fashion Place, Powell and Upper Arlington. Hours vary by location.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The billion-dollar numbers for Powerball were drawn on Saturday night.

A $1 billion jackpot is on the line, the sixth-highest in the history of the game. The winning numbers are 3, 18, 22, 27 and 33, with a Powerball of 17 and a Power Play of 3x.

If there is a winner and they opt for a cash payout, they could expect $453.1 million. If there is no winner, the next drawing is Monday night. See a recent Powerball report from NBC4 in the video player above.

Attorney accused of disguising his voice to fool clients sent to prison

Although nobody won the big prize at Wednesday's drawing, somebody is holding onto a $2 million winning ticket sold in Ohio.

It was sold at a Circle K in Akron, with the person getting their numbers using the auto-pick method. They matched all five regular numbers and the Power Play number, but missed on the Powerball.

That ticket-holder has 180 days to notify the Ohio Lottery.

GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH) -- An accused thief and a passenger died Saturday night in a car crash moments after the driver rammed a Grove City police cruiser and sped away.

According to Grove City police, at about 6:45 p.m., a series of thefts took place in Parkway Centre, a shopping area off Stringtown Road anchored by a Walmart. Confronted by officers and facing potential felony theft charges, the suspect rammed the vehicle into a police cruiser before driving away.

The vehicle was spotted traveling the wrong way down White and Hoover roads at high speeds. Grove City police could not catch up before the vehicle crashed near Greenlawn Avenue.

Online reports put the crash close to the entrance of Green Lawn Cemetery, on Columbus' Southwest Side.

Grove City police did not immediately release the identities of those who died.

No other injuries were reported.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A 19-year-old allegedly shot a woman and later got into a shootout with Columbus police officers Saturday afternoon on the South Side.

According to Columbus police, officers were sent about 2:30 p.m. to the 800 block of Gilbert Street, in the Southern Orchards neighborhood, after receiving a 911 call from a woman who said she had been choked. While en route, a second 911 call came in saying that the woman had been shot. In the background of the first call, a male voice was heard saying, "Come get me. I got something for you all."

Upon arrival, officers entered the residence not knowing that the shooting victim had already been taken by family to a hospital. The suspect was found upstairs, and he refused to leave. He later shot at officers, with at least one officer returning fire. See an early report on the shooting in the video player above.

System outage affecting care at Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center

Columbus police's SWAT unit and a negotiator were called to the scene, but the shooter surrendered before they arrived, at about 3:30 p.m.

The shooter was uninjured. He is expected to be charged with felonious assault. NBC4 does not typically name those who have yet to be criminally charged.

The shooting victim underwent surgery and is expected to recover. A police officer suffered an undisclosed minor injury and was treated at a hospital.

The incident is being investigated by Columbus police's major crimes team.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Although Arch Manning may have underperformed for Texas at quarterback, Julian Sayin was a quiet and steady presence Saturday for Ohio State, doing just enough for the Buckeyes to take down the top-ranked Longhorns 14-7.

The sophomore, who beat out Lincoln Keinholz for the starting job, directed the offense to 203 total yards, highlighted by his 40-yard touchdown pass to Carnell Tate in the fourth quarter that ended up being the difference-maker for No. 3 Ohio State.

"I thought he handled himself well, I thought he took care of the ball," coach Ryan Day said. "Made some throws when he needed to. A couple of times when it wasn't there, he did not force it."

Sayin completed 13 of his 20 pass attempts for 126 yards and a touchdown. And perhaps more importantly for OSU, he did not throw any interceptions. Though Tate had the most receiving yards, Jeremiah Smith was Sayin's top target, making six receptions for 43 yards.

"The whole saying this week, was, you know, the only thing we expect is go out there and just win. That's the focus. You know we're not expecting to do this, this, and this on offense," Sayin said. "Just go out there and win. And a big credit to our defense putting up a great performance and just going out there and operating."

By comparison, Manning went 17-of-30 passing for 170 yards and a touchdown but also threw an interception in the third quarter.