Ohio News

PATASKALA, Ohio (WCMH) — The West Licking Fire District is without one of its fire engines after it was hit by a semi truck.

“Fortunately, we’re just speaking about a truck and not a person, and fortunately, the other vehicle didn't get struck either," West Licking Fire Department Lt. Nick Rhodes said. 

The crash happened Saturday night on I-70 East as the fire engine was responding to the scene of a car that had hit a deer, according to Rhodes. The fire truck was being set up at an angle to protect everyone at that initial scene. Rhodes said firefighters hadn't exited the truck when the semi sideswiped the fire engine. The semi then drove into the median, narrowly missing the initial car.

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“You can see his tracks, almost hit the car we were stopping for," said a member of fire department in video from the district taken at the scene that night.

There is damage along most of the driver's side of the fire engine. The grab bars, which help firefighters get in and out, were torn off, as were the mirrors. Part of the windshield was also broken and a front tire needed to be replaced. The truck was drained before it was taken to the shop to check on possible axle and frame damage.

“They were checking their mirrors and the unfortunate happened, but that is the side they would have been exiting the truck out of. So that's why I say we’re a couple seconds away from a significant tragedy," Rhodes said.

Rhodes said he and the rest of the West Licking Fire team are grateful no one was hurt and hopes this can be a reminder for other drivers.

Judge admits all comments made by defendant in Gaudreau trial as evidence

“We were seconds away from a significant tragedy that evening, not only for us, but also for civilians, so we just ask if you see flashing lights, whether it's fire department, law enforcement, road crews, please slow down, and pay attention," he said.

The department's backup engine is already being used, so the department is borrowing an engine from another department, according to Rhodes.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the driver of the semi truck has been cited for not allowing enough space between themselves and the vehicle in front of them.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Cyber fraud is costing local governments across Ohio hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

Here in Columbus, a 2024 ransomware attack cost the city millions, and it's happening all across the state. 

The Ohio Auditor of State said there isn’t a week that goes by that his office doesn't receive an alert that a local government somewhere in Ohio has suffered a loss due to cyber fraud, and those losses are almost always more than $10,000 and usually closer to $100,000.

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Now, the state has a new law that aims to fight back against the cyber criminals. 

“The criminals needed to get a message that don't target Ohioans, don't target Ohio government,” Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber said. 

Any entity receiving government money has to adopt a cybersecurity program that falls in line with widely used cybersecurity standards. That plan will need to be in place by Jan. 1, or they’ll risk getting flagged in a state audit. 

“It actually requires governmental entities, when they're subject to a cyber fraud event, to report it immediately,” Faber said. “A lot of governmental entities wanted to bury their head in the sand and, you know, public officials don't like bad press. And so we said we don't care about the bad press, if we find out what's going on, we can alert other entities to avoid similar losses.”

The auditor’s special investigations unit tracks all types of fraud, from theft of public funds to conflicts of interest in choosing vendors, but there is an added focus on cyber threats. 

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“Almost everything has pivoted to computers and electronics, and that has really changed the dynamic of how we have to maintain security,” Faber said. 

There are still many investigations into other types of fraud and Faber is pointing out some of the red flags to be aware of, including abnormal purchases, missing documents and altered records. 

Faber said a lot of the investigations start with a tip from someone in the community. 

The special investigations unit is made up of forensic accounting experts, fraud detectives and attorneys with experience prosecuting white-collar crime.

The fraud can look like false billing, personal use of government resources, and theft of government property. 

Judge admits all comments made by defendant in Gaudreau trial as evidence

In 2023, one case that got a lot of attention involved a fiscal officer in Vinton Township who used township funds to buy a wildebeest and hot tubs for his roadside zoo.

“I always tell people, I said, you know the auditor's office, everybody thinks is this sleepy backwater state government office,” Faber said. “We do a lot of really cool stuff, whether it's performance audits of government to make government work better, faster, cheaper.”

Since 2019, the auditor’s investigation unit has recovered almost $30 million in fraud. 

“When individuals see something that doesn't look right in government, let us know, we will investigate 100% of them,” Faber said. 

Faber said that more than 80% of their criminal investigations come from a tip. If you see something you suspect to be government fraud, you can report it here. Red flags to look out for can be found here.

LEBANON, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Columbus man is charged with shooting at a car while driving on Interstate 71 in Warren County Monday morning.

According to the Lebanon post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a 911 call was placed to the OSHP at approximately 10:50 a.m., reporting that his vehicle had been shot while he was driving south on I-71.

Based on the description the alleged victim gave to police, officers found and stopped the suspect's car on I-71 near Kings Mills Road.

The driver, Faizon Quartez White, 22, allegedly shot at the victim's car while they were both driving on I-71 South, OSHP said. The victim's car was hit once and the driver was not injured.

White is charged with second-degree felonious assault and third-degree felony discharge of a firearm on a highway. He is being held in the Warren County Jail.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A New Jersey judge ruled Monday that roadside comments made by the man accused of fatally hitting the Gaudreau brothers can be admitted as evidence in court.

Attorneys for Sean Higgins, the man accused of striking and killing Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, argued the comments Higgins first made to officers should not be allowed as evidence because Higgins' Miranda rights were violated.

Judge Michael Silvanio returned a quick ruling in favor of the state, deciding that Higgins' roadside comments can be used as evidence. Silvanio also said all statements made after his arrest are admissible. See an earlier report on the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in the video player above.

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The statements in question happened down the road from where the Gaudreaus were killed, where Higgins spoke with police outside his car. In part, the statements Higgins' team hoped to suppress included him telling police that he had seen bikers, then felt an impact. Higgins also said he had been drinking previously.

Attorneys argued that Higgins' Miranda rights were violated because they were not read during an initial traffic stop. Although traffic stops do not typically require Miranda rights to be read, the defense said officers were already aware that there was an investigation about a fatal crash, so it was not a typical stop.

The state argued there was no undue pressure that Higgins couldn't leave or had to be questioned, saying Higgins was allowed to walk around freely and even smoke a cigarette. The state said the reading of Miranda rights applies only to situations where someone is being held in custody, which they said had not happened in Higgins' case.

Higgins' attorneys also argued that questioning continued after he had asked for a lawyer. They said any indication of a desire for a lawyer should trigger the right to counsel, and questioning has to stop.

The state argued Higgins had asked for a lawyer specifically because officers had asked to see his phone. Higgins had said he was uncomfortable about them seeing the phone, asking if he might need a lawyer for that. The state said officers stopped asking about the phone and later asked if Higgins was comfortable continuing without the phone. He said yes.

This is the second time Silvanio has ruled to include evidence challenged by Higgins' team. In August, he determined evidence from the search warrant of Higgins' vehicle was admissible in court. Silvanio also refused to dismiss any of the counts against Higgins in April.

Higgins was driving with a reported blood alcohol level of 0.087 when he allegedly struck and killed the Gaudreau brothers in August 2024. The brothers were in New Jersey for their sister's wedding and were buried on Sept. 9, when Johnny's wife, Meredith, shared that she was pregnant. Matthew's wife was also pregnant, and both women have since given birth.

Higgins worked at a drug and alcohol treatment center. He was indicted on Dec. 11, 2024, on two counts of reckless vehicular homicide, two counts of aggravated manslaughter, tampering with physical evidence and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) -- A woman is dead and a man was injured Sunday in what police suspect was a domestic violence-related murder-suicide attempt.

According to Upper Arlington police, officers were sent about 2:30 p.m. to a house in the 1500 block of Fishinger Road after a reported 911 hang-up call. Inside, they found the body of a 64-year-old woman and a 76-year-old man who had been injured.

Police said it was being investigated as a stabbing. Medics took the man to a hospital, and he was expected to recover.

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A social media post from the city did not identify either person or their relationship. It did say that the case would be presented to grand jury and that charges were pending.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It's going to take a little longer until we learn the final unannounced kickoff time of Ohio State's football season.

The Buckeyes said Monday morning that the Big Ten will use a six-day window to determine the starting time for their home game Nov. 22 against Rutgers. That means the kickoff will likely be set on Saturday night. The Big Ten did say that it wouldn't be a night game at Ohio Stadium, limiting the kickoff windows to noon, 3:30 or 4 p.m.

The last time the Buckeyes will play under the lights at home during the regular season will be this Saturday, when they take on UCLA at 7:30 p.m. in a game on NBC4.

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The Buckeyes are 9-0 and the top-ranked team in the country, with their last win 34-10 over Purdue on Saturday. The Bruins are 3-6, but 3-3 since they fired coach DeShaun Foster and replaced him on an interim basis with Tim Skipper. Last week, they lost 28-21 to Nebraska.

Coming up this week, coach Ryan Day will discuss the Buckeyes' progress during his weekly news conference, but he will start earlier, at 11 a.m. Tuesday instead of noon. That news conference will be livestreamed on nbc4i.com. Then on Tuesday night, the Buckeyes will learn whether they kept their position atop the College Football Playoff rankings. Those will be unveiled starting at 7 p.m.

The regular season will conclude Nov. 29 with a game whose kickoff time has long been known. Ohio State will play in Ann Arbor against Michigan starting at noon.

POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) — The birth of a baby elephant in October at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium made history as the first time that two calves have been born at the zoo in one year.

Now, this new male calf needs a name and the zoo is asking the public for help. In a new release, the organization shared that it is currently requesting name suggestions through Nov. 16. Once submissions are in, the elephant care team will select their four favorites. Then, from Nov. 24 to noon on Dec. 1, people can vote for their preferred name. The baby's official name will be announced Dec. 2.

In an update, the zoo said that the newest member of the herd is “thriving and continuing to hit all of his early developmental milestones.” Born to 38-year-old Asian elephant Phoebe, he weighed 222 pounds at birth. Additionally, his mother is watching him closely and he is taking his place within the herd. He has been venturing outside in good weather and has made a few appearances, delighting visitors. See the video of his public debut in the player above.

Union demands action after nurse allegedly strangled by hospital visitor at OSU Courtesy Photo / Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Previously, the zoo said staff members have been using various nicknames for him, like Nugget and Junior.

The zoo's other baby elephant was born in July to mother Sunny. In September, the female calf was given the moniker Rita Jean in honor of the late Rita Jean Wolfe, whose family was instrumental in establishing the zoo in the 1920s.

“Rita Jean Wolfe embodied the same qualities we see in our elephants — strength, resilience and boundless compassion,” the zoo wrote in a social media post.

According to the zoo, Asian elephants are endangered, with fewer than 50,000 in the wild.

“It’s always exciting when we have babies, especially two babies at the same time,” said elephant keeper Laura Garcia just after the latest birth. “It’s special because this is the first time the zoo has ever had two babies together and they’re almost exactly three months apart, so that’s very exciting to see that.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Veterans Day, a federal holiday honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces, occurs annually on Nov. 11.

In 2025, Veterans Day falls on Tuesday. Most stores in central Ohio will be open. Several local restaurants and retailers will offer discounts to those who have served or are currently serving in the military. However, various services could be affected, including mail and package delivery, trash collection, public transportation, library services, and government offices.

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

Will mail and packages be delivered on Veterans Day?

FedEx
FedEx will operate with modified service. FedEx Freight, FedEx Office, FedEx Custom Critical and FedEx Logistics will all be open on Veterans Day.

United States Postal Service
The USPS observes Veterans 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 Wednesday.

UPS
UPS pickup and delivery services are available. UPS Ground Saver  and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries will require one additional business day for transit due to the Federal (USPS) holiday. The UPS Store  locations are open.

Is the library open on Veterans Day?

Columbus Metropolitan Library branches
All locations across Columbus will be open on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

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

There will be no trash collection for City of Columbus residents on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. For people assigned a collection color, pickup will rotate forward by one day the week of the holiday:

Tuesday, Nov. 11NO COLLECTIONWednesday, Nov. 12NavyThursday, Nov. 13PinkFriday, Nov. 14RubyMonday, Nov. 17GoldTuesday, Nov. 18Gray

The color-coded collection schedule will rotate forward again on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 27.

For residents not assigned a collection color: If the collection day falls on or after the holiday, your trash pickup will be delayed by one day during the week of the holiday.

Recycling and yard waste collection:  The Veterans Day holiday will not change the schedule for weekly recycling and biweekly yard waste collection. Please set out recycling and yard waste for collection on Nov. 11, if it is scheduled for pickup that day.

Is COTA running on Veterans Day?

Central Ohio Transit Authority will operate its Sunday schedule on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in recognition of Veterans Day. To view Sunday schedules, visit https://ride.cota.com/#/route. Customers can plan their trip at COTA.com or use the Transit app.

COTA//Plus will only be available in the South Side zone. The Customer Experience Center will be closed and the Customer Care Center will have limited hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All self-identified Veterans and active-duty service members may ride on COTA vehicles at no cost on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11. For customers to receive this benefit, they can provide military-issued identification to the transit operator when boarding, wear a veteran hat or article of clothing, or they can verbally identify as a veteran or member of the military.

Veterans are also eligible for a 50% discount on all fares every day. Veterans can apply for this benefit at the COTA Customer Experience Center, 33 North High Street, during business hours. The benefit can be added to their Transit app account, or they can be provided with a COTA Smartcard. Proof of veteran or active military status is required when applying for the benefit. For more information, visit cota.com/riding-cota/discount-fares/

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

Is parking free on Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is one of the city's 11 holidays with free parking. Parking at city kiosks and meters will not be enforced on Tuesday, Nov. 11. 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 Veterans Day?

Because Veterans 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 Nov. 11, per the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Federal, state, county and city offices, including courthouses, will be closed.

Will schools be open on Veterans Day?

Columbus City Schools will be open on Nov. 11. Parents should check with their local school district, as some may be closed on Veterans Day.

2025-2026 CCS Traditional CalendarDownload

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- The developer behind Dublin's Bridge Park has started building a more than five-acre expansion that will include condominiums, offices and public green space.

Crawford Hoying, the owner and developer of Bridge Park, announced on Nov. 4 construction is underway on the expansion along Dale Drive and Bridge Park Avenue, a five-acre block formerly occupied by parking lots and a preschool. The development company received approval for the plan from Dublin zoning officials in July, and expects the addition to be completed by late 2027.

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Crawford Hoying's plan calls for the 5.37-acre site to include two phases of condos, the first of which is a five-story building called "The Ellis" featuring 89 units alongside a connected parking garage and resident amenities, including a pool deck and a fitness center. The second condo building will be built at a later date, the plan said, given COTA currently operates a "Park-and-Ride" lot on the site.

• A rendering of The Ellis condo building planned for Dublin's Bridge Park. (Courtesy Photo/City of Dublin)
• A rendering of the interior of a condo planned for The Ellis at Dublin's Bridge Park. (Courtesy Photo/City of Dublin)
• A rendering of The Ellis condo building planned for Dublin's Bridge Park. (Courtesy Photo/City of Dublin)
• Crawford Hoying announced on Nov. 4 construction is underway on the expansion along Dale Drive and Bridge Park Avenue. (Courtesy Photo/City of Dublin)

"The Ellis represents an exciting next chapter for Bridge Park," said Brent Crawford, founder and principal of Crawford Hoying, in the Nov. 4 announcement. "With its distinctive design, modern finishes and prime location, The Ellis complements the vibrant energy that defines Bridge Park."

The Ellis will feature of variety of finish styles with open layout floor plans. The condos "will showcase high-quality finishes including Rev wood flooring, quartz countertops, stainless appliances, and glass-enclosed showers with built-in benches -- all set in a prime location at Bridge Park Avenue and Dale Drive," the announcement said.

"We've intentionally designed The Ellis based on feedback from potential buyers, offering excellent floor plans with a variety of one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts and sizes," said Tom Goecke, principal broker for Address, a Crawford Hoying sales agency. "Parking on each level will be a significant advantage for buyers transitioning from larger homes, along with the numerous onsite amenities found in the building."

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Condos at The Ellis start around $400,000 and are available for reservation now.

In addition to condos, this new block of development at Bridge Park will include an outdoor green space, a public art piece, nature trails, and a four-story building with about 7,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space alongside more than 100,000 square feet of office space. Oil and gas producer Cenovus Energy will serve as the anchor tenant, occupying the third and fourth floors.

A rendering of the four-story office building planned for Dublin's Bridge Park. (Courtesy Photo/City of Dublin)

This block is one of several upcoming Bridge Park expansions, including Crawford Hoying's plan to build Cameron Mitchell's first boutique hotel. Renderings recently submitted to the city of Dublin shows that the hotel will be home to about 130 guestrooms within a seven-story tower. The complex will be located southeast of the State Route 161 roundabout at Riverside Drive and West Granville Road, and will also feature about 24 condos in an eight-story tower.

The development company is also working on a plan to build more townhomes in Bridge Park at the intersection of John Shields Parkway and Mooney Street.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A central Ohio-based ramen chain recently opened its newest location in north Columbus. 

Kyushu Ramen began welcoming customers at 784 Bethel Road in the Olentangy Square retail center on Nov. 3, according to its social media. The new restaurant marks the chain’s third location. 

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The ramen concept debuted in Grandview Heights at 1280 W. Fifth Ave. in 2022, and opened a second restaurant in Lewis Center at 6418 Pullman Drive in 2023. 

Kyushu Ramen aims to provide the “most authentic and flavorful ramen noodle to central Ohio,” according to its website. The brand also states the noodles are prepared under a chef who was “specially trained” in Osaka, Japan. 

• (Courtesy Photo/Kyushu Ramen Bar)
• (Courtesy Photo/Kyushu Ramen Bar)
• (Courtesy Photo/Kyushu Ramen Bar)
• (Courtesy Photo/Kyushu Ramen Bar)

The chain offers a variety of ramen dishes, including the Kyushu Classic Tonkatsu with pork or chicken, soft-boiled egg, mushroom and bamboo shoot. A spicy miso ramen and vegetarian ramen are among the other options on the menu. 

In addition to ramen, the restaurant serves rice and stir-fried noodle bowls featuring a variety of meat and vegetable combinations, as well as sushi. Starters, like honey walnut shrimp, pan-fried gyoza and edamame, are also available. 

Central Ohio Weather and Radar

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Central Ohioans woke up Monday to snow-covered lawns and wet roads, marking the first snow of the season for 2025-26.

A few outlying counties from central Ohio had their first snow emergencies and issued school delays. Pike and Ross counties were among those at a Level 1 snow emergency during the morning, indicating that roads may be icy or hazardous because of blowing and drifting snow.

As for Nov. 10 being the first snow of the season, that's a little early compared with the past 10 years of data at John Glenn International Airport. That said, it's not uncommon for central Ohio to see snow before Thanksgiving, with meteorologist Bryan Still of Storm Team 4 reporting the average first date as Nov. 21.

Live central Ohio road conditions

Here is when the first snows were recorded at the airport for every winter season since 2015-16, with how much snow was measured:

2015-2016Jan. 10 (2016) 1"2016-2017Dec. 9 (2016) 0.4"2017-2018Dec. 9 (2017) 1.5"2018-2019Nov. 15 (2018) 1.3"2019-2020Nov. 11 (2019) 2.1"2020-2021Nov. 30 (2020) 1.9"2021-2022Nov. 14 (2021) 0.4"2022-2023Nov. 12 (2022) 0.2"2023-2024Dec. 11 (2023) 0.1"2024-2025Nov. 29 (2024) Trace

Although snow accumulations will taper off Monday, Still said that the cold will stick around for another day or two. Temperatures on Monday night will drop in the 20s, with wind chills in the teens. Highs on Tuesday for Veterans Day are not expected to reach 40 degrees.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohioans have limited access to affordable childcare, and experts say it's costing the state billions.

"It's just as important for them as food and housing and all of the other supports that they need," Gina Ginn, CEO of Columbus Early Learning Centers, said. "Childcare is really a part of what they need if both parents are going to work.”

A 2025 report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation found childcare issues cost Ohio an estimated $5.48 billion annually in costs to employers and loss of state tax revenue. Ginn said central Ohio does not view childcare as a necessary part of boosting employment and the economy. She said just like roads and transportation are necessary for workers, childcare is crucial for parents’ ability to be employed.

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According to the Chamber of Commerce report, gaps in childcare affect employment, household stress and the state's economy. Groundwork Ohio, which also contributed to the report, said childcare can cost between $10,000 and $13,000 annually for just one child.

"If those couples had that money back, I mean, the idea that they could potentially buy a home or have the money that they needed for other areas of their life as a family -- it would, it would impact the economy in other ways," Ginn said. "They would have more money to spend."

Ginn said of Ohio's major metro areas, Columbus and Franklin County have the least support for affordable childcare. She said families on the "benefits cliff" are hit especially hard, referring to households that make too much to qualify for federal childcare programs, but do not make enough to afford private childcare. See previous coverage in the video player above.

Franklin County does offer the RISE program, which provides scholarships to families and teachers to help increase access to childcare. However, RISE is supported by short-term COVID-19 assistance funding. RISE is expected to sunset in November 2026 once funding expires.

RISE is administered by Future Ready Five, a central Ohio program working to better prepare kids for kindergarten. In September, experts spoke with the city of Columbus about the need to boost learning access and outcomes between ages 0-5. Future Ready Five CEO Mario Basora said 60% of central Ohio children are unprepared when they start kindergarten.

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“And then when their scores come out in third grade and fourth grade, we blame the school districts because the scores aren’t quite what we need them to be,” Basora said.

Basora said 90% of a child's brain is developed by age 5, so improving test scores and student outcomes starts before kids go to school. Future Ready Five collaborates with childcare centers, teachers and parents to improve early literacy. However, kids can't benefit from the program if they cannot afford to attend the centers in the first place.

Federal and state changes compound childcare access issues in central Ohio. Starting this month, parents must work at least 33 hours per week to qualify for full-time Publicly Funded Child Care benefits. Ginn said the change, which effects reimbursement rates, would be "very damaging to a lot of childcare programs." The change is also expected to hit families hard.

"I don't even know that we know what is possible if people had access to the care that they really, truly need for their child," Ginn said.

In September, Gov. Mike DeWine announced a $10 million Child Care Cred affordability program. Families whose incomes are between 200%-400% of the federal poverty level are eligible. If approved, families share childcare costs with their employers and the state. Employees and employers cover 40% each, and the state will cover the remaining 20% through June 2026.

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The state is also implementing a voucher program for families to attend childcare services of their choice, similar to the state's scholarship program for students to attend nonpublic schools. Ginn recommended a similar system as a possible solution. First, she said there needs to be a culture shift.

“It really would have to be first valued in our community and in our state as something that is a part of what it takes for people to be in the workforce and to be productive in the workforce is that they have to have reliable, high quality care for their children,” Ginn said.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Prosecuting attorneys are expected to begin calling witnesses on Monday in the murder trial of Connor Grubb, the Blendon Township police officer who fatally shot Ta’Kiya Young. 

Grubb, 31, is charged with four counts of murder, four counts of felonious assault and two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the deaths of Young, 21, and her unborn baby. NBC4 will livestream court proceedings in the video player above, with viewer discretion advised. Written live updates can be found below.

If convicted of murder, Grubb could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. The trial, which began on Nov. 3, is expected to last 2-3 weeks. 

Use of force trials for police officers follow a different standard than the typical murder trial. Jurors will not have to determine if Grubb killed Young, but rather whether Grubb’s use of force was “objectively reasonable” based on what he knew at the time, without the use of hindsight. 

Attorneys Mark Collins and Kaitlyn Stephens are defending Grubb, and Montgomery County prosecutors Erin Claypoole, Daniel Brandt and Richard Glennon are tasked with convincing the jury Grubb’s use of force was unreasonable. Judge David Young, who is not related to Ta’Kiya Young, is presiding over the case.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person is in "extremely critical condition" after a piece of equipment fell, entrapping them.

According to the Columbus Division of Fire, a person was loading a piece of equipment at the 1200 block of W. Mound Street when it fell on them. Fire officials said it trapped them for nearly 20 minutes.

NBC4i/Ronald Clark

Rescue officials responded around 5:54 a.m. Columbus Fire said the person was transferred to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.

According to Google Maps, the location of the emergency is the same as Sunbelt Rentals, an equipment rental agency near Old Cooper Stadium in west Columbus.

This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.

NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) -- Intel has offered new details about the future of its business in a federal tax filing.

Intel released its third-quarter results on Oct. 28 but only filed a second, more detailed quarterly report last week. Intel said it has questions about its deal with the U.S. government but has been unable to connect with SEC staff for answers due to the government shutdown. See previous coverage of Intel's government deal in the video player above.

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The report offered more insight into several big decisions Intel has made this year, including the federal deal. In August, Intel agreed to give President Donald Trump's administration a 10% stake in the company in exchange for promised federal funding. Intel was awarded a $8.9 billion federal deal in November 2024 but had received none of its promised CHIPS Act funding since Trump took office.

Ohio plant delays

Ohio was only mentioned once by name in Intel's filings, referring to long-term plans to expand existing operations and invest in Ohio's manufacturing plant. However, the filing reiterated that manufacturing expansion projects, like Intel Ohio One in New Albany, might have to be paused or discontinued if the company cannot find significant external customers and meet milestones for a technology called 14A.

Ohio's plant falls under the Intel Foundry division of the company. Foundry figures out the best methods or "recipes" for manufacturing semiconductors, which are small and difficult to make. These "recipes" are called process nodes, and 14A is Intel's newest node. The company has high hopes for 14A but said it will need to attract external customers to make its development worthwhile. 14A is still under development, but the Ohio plant's success largely hinges on 14A's marketability.

Ohio's plant also saw the departure of a number of leaders in a short period of time. Although Intel initially did not appear to be hiring to replace departed Ohio leaders, the company is now advertising new Ohio One positions, a good sign that Ohio's plant is still in motion. When announced in 2022, Ohio One was the largest private investment in the state's history.

Questions about government deal

Intel said it has questions about its deal with the government, as there is limited precedent to follow. Intel said in its filings that it has received $5.7 billion so far, but has lingering questions amid the government shutdown. Intel said the deal eliminated its contractual rights to receive future CHIPS Act funding as a grant, and could limit future grant opportunities.

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Intel said it did not immediately release all shares to the government. Instead, it put some shares in escrow, meaning a third party holds funds until all agreed-upon conditions are met. Intel said it will release the remaining shares when the government releases funding.

According to the filing's risk factor segment, which details possible challenges in the future, Intel acknowledges the funding agreement could be threatened in several ways. Intel said future branches of government could find the agreement to be void. The company said foreign business, which accounted for 76% of Intel's revenue in 2024, could also be affected now that the U.S. government is a significant stakeholder.

Layoffs

Intel also offered insight into its layoffs, confirming that the company will reduce its workforce by about 15% by the end of the year. Most of the layoffs have already occurred, as the company laid off more than 13,000 employees over the past three months. The company plans to end 2025 with just 75,000 employees.

Intel recently sued a former employee, Jinfeng Luo, who was told on July 7 that he would no longer be employed, effective July 31. The federal lawsuit does not specify if Luo was let go due to company-wide reductions. It does allege Luo took nearly 18,000 company files with him when he left, many of which were top secret documents.

Musk deal

In a positive swing for Intel outside of its tax filing, Elon Musk announced that he is considering the company for a possible partnership. At Tesla's annual shareholders meeting on Thursday, Musk, who serves as the automaker's CEO, said he needed a "gigantic chip fab" to meet his AI and robotics needs.

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"You know, maybe we'll do something with Intel," Musk said. "We haven't signed any deal, but it's probably worth having discussions with Intel."

Tesla currently works with two other semiconductor manufacturing companies, TSMC and Samsung. Musk said he thinks building a big chip fab is the only way to meet demands, and a stockholder mentioned Intel 14A as a possible collaborator. Musk seemed to be considering building a new fab from scratch, but with Intel Ohio One underway and in need of a customer, possible collaboration with Tesla is worth Ohio keeping an eye on.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Work is set to begin next month on the first phase of the Capital Line, a two-mile pedestrian and bicycle pathway that city officials said will transform the way people move through Downtown.

The $100 million project, led by Downtown Columbus Inc. in partnership with the city's department of public service, will create a continuous, pedestrian-focused route. Construction will start on phase one, a reimagining of East Gay Street, in December and is expected to continue through 2027, according to an update shared during an Oct. 28 Downtown Columbus meeting. Watch a previous NBC4 report on the Capital Line in the video player above.

Construction will start on phase one, a reimagining of East Gay Street, in December and is expected to continue through 2027. (Courtesy Photo/MKSK)

The first stage of phase one, running from December to July, will focus on stabilizing underground vaults beneath East Gay Street. This work will largely occur below street level and is not expected to cause major disruptions for pedestrians or traffic.

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The second stage, scheduled from February to June, will involve relocating and replacing underground utilities in coordination with two dozen service providers. Partial East Gay Street closures and temporary water shutoffs are expected, but traffic will remain open in one eastbound lane. Pedestrian access to all buildings will be maintained.

The final "block-to-block" stage, from June 2026 through October 2027, will transform the surface of East Gay Street, including paving and the installation of new pedestrian amenities. Each block along East Gay Street will close to cars for about three to four months during this stage, though sidewalks and entrances will remain open.

Once complete, the Capital Line will include landscaping, benches, and other features aimed at creating a safer, more walkable corridor through the city's center.

• Work is set to begin in December on the Capital Line, a two-mile pathway that city officials say will transform the way people move through Downtown. (Courtesy Photo/MKSK)
• Work is set to begin in December on the Capital Line, a two-mile pathway that city officials say will transform the way people move through Downtown. (Courtesy Photo/MKSK)

City leaders have said the Capital Line is modeled after successful urban pathways in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Indianapolis, both of which saw substantial returns on investment. Downtown Columbus Inc. President Amy Taylor previously cited data showing that for every dollar spent on similar projects, cities have seen an average $27 in economic return.

More than 13,000 people live in Downtown today, a number projected to triple by 2040. Officials said the Capital Line will be an essential part of managing that growth while improving the quality of life for residents and visitors.

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"This ensures that people have a path that’s not just on our roadways that is dedicated to them to move around Downtown in the place that we know everybody wants to be, because Downtown is everyone's neighborhood," Columbus City Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla said earlier this year.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As temperatures continue to drop, Sunday’s rain turned into a wintry mix, which means some slick spots could be waiting for you on your way into work Monday morning.

"We would remind people, just be careful out there because in inclement weather, there are a lot of what ifs," AAA Club Alliance spokesperson Morgan Dean said. "Other drivers are driving by. They may be slipping and sliding, too."

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According to AAA, the first winter weather of the season is the time to get back into the winter driving mindset, and it starts with slowing down and checking your car before you hit the road.

"It’s been a while since we've had snow on the roads," Dean said. "We've gotten used to having clear roadways. We need to get back into that mindset that we could be doing some slipping and sliding."

Experts say one of the biggest mistakes drivers make when those first snowflakes fall is going too fast.

"Please don't speed and don't rush," Faith Driving School owner Sam Alqaraen said. "Try to drive slowly. You know, as you speed, you taking a high risk, and always keep a good distance between you and the other cars."

If you do start to slide, don't panic and don't slam on the brakes.

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"Don't do the fast turn," Dean said. "Don't do the hard braking. Those are some of those times when you can start the car to spinning. And that is not what you want to have happen on the snow and ice."

This is also a good time to give your car a quick check. Experts recommend starting with your wiper blades, tires, and lights, all of which can make a big difference when conditions get rough.

"Pump all your tires up to that right pressure," Dean said. "That'll give you the best traction out there. Speaking of traction, is there enough tread on that tire? If it looks like it's getting bald, that is not going to stop on a slick roadway. You need to start thinking about getting new tires."

Drivers are also encouraged to keep a winter emergency kit handy with items like jumper cables, blankets and even kitty litter or sand in case your car gets stuck.

"But using some of those items in your emergency kit, you may able may be able to rescue yourself," Dean said. "It could be that sand or kitty litter down under the tires to get to the traction and get you moving."

And if you're driving along a bridge or overpass, be mindful that those freeze first.

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"Your brain should see, ‘Oh, I'm coming up on this overpass,’" Dean said. "’I'm coming up on this bridge. Let me back off on the accelerator a little bit.’ Sometimes when you're coasting versus using the accelerator, it'll keep your wheels from spinning."

If you find your car sliding a lot, experts recommend driving in the tire tracks of the vehicle in front of you, which could give you more traction.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Sunday marked the 2025 Veterans Day Rally, hosted by the Military Veterans' Educational Foundation at the National Veterans Memorial Museum.

Carrie Killingsworth, president of Ohio MILVETS, said the event creates a space to honor veterans and celebrate their contributions to the nation. 

“A lot of people expect to see a guy wearing a hat in Kroger and recognize that he’s a veteran and that's great, but there's really no way for the community to connect with that guy,” Killingsworth said. “It's really hard and God love people who say thank you for your service. That's a lovely gesture, but it doesn't give you this, that person-to-person connection that you can get here at the rally.” 

This was the second annual Veterans Day Rally. The event had everything from historical displays, guest speakers, entertainment and food, all for free. Ohio MILVETS also gave out educational scholarships to the families of central Ohio service members who died during service.   

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“I hope that everyone here today sees that its multigenerational, that we are coming together to support our veterans and what it means to be a veteran, and all the things veterans have done for the country and the community,” Airforce veteran SMSgt Mike Dedousis said.  

Organizers said another highlight from the event was seeing young cadets and ROTC members from various schools throughout Columbus connecting with veterans. They hope it will help guide them on their journey towards the future.   

“Our veterans fought for what they knew was right and it's very good to honor them because some of them died and they couldn't come back to see their families,” Kamiya Smith of Arts Impact Middle School said. “So its a good to honor them and appreciate everybody who did that.” 

Organizers said they hope the event can continue to be a bridge to connects and support veterans in the future. 

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

• “We got our a**** handed to us,” Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said.

Democrats are celebrating wins in key states in this week’s election, and now attention turns to 2026.

How it could shift focus in the race for Ohio governor as Republicans fear a blue wave.

• In less than six months, two Democrats will face off for the nomination for Ohio attorney general. Hear from each candidate and why they believe it’s time to step away from business as usual.

• Devastating images of famine and destruction out of Gaza as a fragile peace continues. The Israeli consulate shares his message for Ohioans and the world.

• Will Democrats’ victories this past week carry over to next year’s elections? Democratic strategist Morgan Harper and Republican strategist Mark Weaver join the roundtable to debate.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio's top nursing union is demanding action after a nurse was allegedly strangled by a patient at the Ohio State University Hospital.

Rick Lucas, president of Ohio Nurses Association and former president of the OSU nursing union, wrote leadership at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center after a postpartum nurse was injured on the job and did not receive support from management or administration. Marti Leitch, chief spokesperson for Wexner Medical Center, said steps in the post-event notification process was missed, delaying support services until the next day.

Lucas said a postpartum nurse intervened during an altercation between a female patient and male family member around 6:50 p.m. on Nov. 6. The man was allegedly holding an infant in his arms, possibly endangering the baby.

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The nurse stepped in to help, and Lucas said she was strangled by the man. Leitch said the nurse was pulled into the hall by her shirt collar.

Leitch said the baby was unharmed, and the man was taken to the emergency department for evaluation because of his behavior. Leitch said medical center security and Ohio State University police both responded to de-escalate and protect the baby. Lucas said OSU police were only called once they confirmed the name of the man involved, and officers said they had received a call about the same person the day before.

Lucas said the nurse was not seen in the emergency department, and no hospital officials checked on her well-being.

"When she called me, she broke down again -- not just because of the attack itself, but because no one asked her if she was okay," Lucas said. "Not one person. That is an institutional failure of compassion."

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Leitch said the hospital's support services were delayed, but was delivered the next morning to the nurse and other involved staff. She also said the hospital is correcting its process to ensure a similar delay does not happen in the future.

Lucas said the nurses' union is demanding the hospital preserve and provide all camera footage, hold a debriefing with hospital administration, ban the man from the hospital unless he needs medical care, and that the hospital give the nurse paid leave. Leitch said in cases like this, employees are told they have the right to press charges. NBC4 reached out to Ohio State police to see if any charges are being filed.

Lucas said learning of the event was one of the hardest phone calls of his life. He said he and the nurses union will continue to push for accountability.

"This altercation is a troubling example of a persisting national problem. No one should face the threat of harm at work," Leitch said. "We remain firmly committed to providing a safe and secure environment for everyone who comes to our facilities to work, learn or receive care."