Ohio News

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- More than a thousand girls laced up their shoes and hit the streets of downtown Columbus on Sunday morning for the Girls on the Run 5K.

“It’s kind of about helping and inspiring little younger girls and it’s about having fun,” said Aisha Bashi, a third grader.

Girls on the Run is a national nonprofit that offers programs for girls between third and eighth grades. For the past 10 weeks, these girls have met with their team and coaches but it wasn’t just exercise they were learning about.

“We learned about our bodies and how our emotions can affect our actions,” said sixth grader Nellie Connolly.

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The girls learned about confidence, conflict resolution and other social skills. They also said it gave them all the tools they needed to finish strong.

“They have prepared me really well by making sure that I stretch always before I run,” said fourth grader Jai Clancy. “I want to do student council next year and I think that you should have teamwork as a skill for that and Girls on the Run has taught me a lot of teamwork."

The Central Ohio Chapter is celebrated a milestone this season with their largest team ever as the Etna Road Elementary team had 40 girls.

“It's been amazing to see us grow back since 2020. This is our largest season in the last five years and it's only possible because of our volunteer coaches,” said Sarah Hider, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Central Ohio.

Organizers said there will be another session this fall. You can learn more here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – This week on The Spectrum:

• Democratic ex-Congressman Tim Ryan said his party's brand is toxic. Hear what he says needs to happen in order to win back Ohio voters.

• All eyes are on who Vivek Ramaswamy might choose as his gubernatorial running mate. We'll tell you which names are being floated to join the ticket.

Attorney General Dave Yost drops out of Ohio’s 2026 race for governor

• Columbus is part of a growing list of governments suing the Trump administration. Hear what Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein hopes to accomplish with the three lawsuits he's filed.

• An effort to amend the state's constitution and abolish property taxes is a step closer to getting on the ballot. Will it put pressure on lawmakers at the statehouse to deliver smaller relief? Republican strategist Katie Eagan and Democratic strategist Joe Rettof weigh in.

MARION, Ohio (WCMH) -- A 27-year-old man died early Sunday morning after crashing his motorcycle into a field in Marion County.

Truck driver found guilty of six counts of vehicular homicide in I-70 crash

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Seth Reece was driving a Suzuki motorcycle north on Caledonia-Northern Road early in the morning. As he approached the intersection of Emahiser Road, Reece traveled off the right side of the road and into field after OSHP said he "failed to negotiate the curve."

He overturned after crashing into the field and was pronounced did by an investigator of the Marion County Coroner's Office. OSHP said he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Authorities will continue to investigate.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A San Francisco man who was a co-conspirator with a Columbus man for an online car sales scam received his prison sentence in federal court.

Leo Shimizu, 39, was sentenced last week to 64 months in prison and was ordered to pay $10.6 million in restitution after pleading guilty in November to conspiring to commit money laundering.

Nicknamed "Lil Droppy," Shimizu directed individuals to post car sale ads on multiple websites despite not having the vehicles. Conspirators of the scam pretended to be eBay employees when contacting victims and told them to wire money to third-party bank accounts.

More than 850 people were victims of the scam which totaled more than $10 million in fraudulent funds for the defendants. Terry J. Boutwell, 38, of Columbus, was sentenced to more than 14 years in prison back in 2021 as one of the leaders of the conspiracy.

Another co-conspirator was 41-year-old Tiffany A. Strobl of Columbus, who received a five-month prison sentence and was ordered to pay restitution of more than $2 million.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Columbus police are on the lookout for the driver of a minivan believed to have left the scene of an eastside crash about two months ago.

According to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, police were called to the Mount Vernon neighborhood near Saunders Park, where a person riding a minibike was struck by a 2012 Nissan Quest Minivan on the evening of March 13.

Columbus ranks among top 10 cities in downtown apartment construction

Police said the Nissan was traveling west on Mount Vernon Avenue, turned north onto Graham Street and approached the intersection of Graham Street and Hildreth Avenue. There, a person operating a minibike failed to yield to the minivan’s right of way. The minivan struck the minibike, throwing the driver from the minibike.

The operator of the minibike, a juvenile, and an adult passenger suffered serious injuries from the crash, which occurred at 7:40 p.m.

The driver of the minivan reportedly stopped after the crash, walked around the area for a short time, then drove away in the minivan, which police said was reported stolen.

A neighborhood safety camera at Mt. Vernon Avenue and Graham Street recorded the minivan as it turned, and police are looking for any additional videos or witnesses to this crash.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest or indictment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip.

When pilot Kenneth Arnold took off from Chehalis, Washington, in his single-engine airplane one afternoon in June 1947, he was looking for a lost military aircraft that had crashed. But what he found was something completely different—something that would set off a cultural obsession in the U.S. that persists today.

While flying around Mount Rainier, Arnold reportedly encountered nine curious, wingless objects speeding through the sky at 1,200 mph, faster than any plane at the time could. Arnold spent years afterward trying to describe what he had seen, reportedly using a term that has been ingrained in the American lexicon ever since: "flying saucer."

Since then, Americans have been uniquely fixated on the idea that aliens are somewhere in the sky above us, and the number who believe that to be true is growing. In 2019, a Gallup survey found that 33% of Americans believed some UFOs were alien spacecrafts, while 60% felt they could all be explained by human activity or some natural phenomenon. Just two years later, in 2021, 41% of respondents said they believed at least some UFOs were alien-related compared to 50% who were confident any sightings could be explained by human behavior or scientific events.

There are two main reasons that belief in aliens has become so prevalent in the United States: government hearings and pop culture.

America's film industry has always been one of the most influential in the world, and a wave of science fiction films in the 1950s, like "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," perpetuated the idea that there are other life-forms out there. This continues today with alien-centric sci-fi staples like the "Avatar" franchise and the "Quiet Place" movies dominating the box office.

Rather than leave flying saucers to the domain of Hollywood, the U.S. government has addressed the question of UFOs, only adding further speculation. In April 2020, the Department of Defense released multiple videos filmed by military pilots that were thought to possibly capture UFOs. In July 2023, an Air Force veteran came forward to the House of Representatives claiming that the U.S. military has been keeping important information on "nonhuman" sightings secret since the 1930s.

Just like it did in the 1950s amid Cold War paranoia, the lore of UFOs is also currently experiencing a resurgence as many Americans grow concerned about national security. The infamous Chinese spy balloon panic in 2023 and fears over being infiltrated by the Russian government have led to many reporting seeing UFOs in the sky. People are also mistaking the spike in Starlink satellites for extraterrestrial activity. In November 2024, the Pentagon announced that most reported sightings of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs, as they're now known) can be attributed to balloons, drones, and other regular objects, while still noting that many objects lack a sufficient explanation.

UAP and UFO sightings in the U.S. are particularly concentrated in the West, partially because of the abundance of dark sky locations, where it's easier to spot objects with less light pollution. Those who believe they've seen something otherworldly can report it to the National UFO Reporting Center, which relies on volunteers to separate fact from fiction.

While New Mexico and Nevada are perhaps best known for UFO sightings, the National UFO Reporting Center data shows that the state with the most sightings is California, with more than 16,500 reports as of April 25, 2025. But what do the numbers look like in your metro area?

Stacker compiled a ranking of cities with the most UFO sightings in Ohio using data from the National UFO Reporting Center. Data encompasses all reports of UFO sightings dating back to 1995. Sightings with locations listed across multiple cities were not included in this analysis.

For now, the U.S. government's official stance is that extraterrestrial life does not exist. But if the last century is any indicator, that will do little to curb America's alien obsession.

Note: The images in this article are stock photos and do not necessarily depict the specific cities or events described listed.

#10. Garrettsville

- UFO sightings: 44

#9. Cambridge

- UFO sightings: 45

#8. Youngstown

- UFO sightings: 48

#7. Canton

- UFO sightings: 55

#6. Akron

- UFO sightings: 68

#5. Dayton

- UFO sightings: 98

#4. Toledo

- UFO sightings: 104

#3. Cleveland

- UFO sightings: 122

#2. Cincinnati

- UFO sightings: 168

#1. Columbus

- UFO sightings: 280

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A chunk of a Columbus apartment complex is now under new ownership and has rebranded after a $78 million sale.

The buildings making up the second phase of the Gravity development in Franklinton, built by Kaufman Development, sold on May 2 to three limited liability companies that each share a New York address. Franklin County auditor's office records show the combined $78 million acquisition included the following properties:

• A 12-story apartment building and 889-space parking garage at 433 to 435 W. Broad St. sold for $53.4 million.
• A five-story apartment building at 440 to 470 W. State St. sold for $19.2 million.
• A five-story townhome building at 34 to 56 McDowell St. sold for $5.4 million.

Since then, these former Gravity properties have been rebranded to "Horizon West" and are now under the management of a Columbus-based investment firm named Coastal Ridge Real Estate. In a May 12 social media post, Coastal Ridge said it's "proud to welcome Horizon West into our multifamily housing portfolio of managed assets."

"Horizon West is a dynamic mixed-use community comprising multiple buildings and a total of 382 units," the investment firm's post reads. "Located in Columbus, Ohio, Horizon West offers studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments. Residents enjoy a variety of luxury amenities."

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The complex's change in management and rebranding comes just two years after Kaufman began welcoming residents. The $120 million second Gravity phase started construction in February 2020 and opened to tenants in summer 2023, and is home to an on-site sauna, cold plunge and spa, yoga and meditation studio, art studio, resort-style pool, and more.

Another property part of Gravity's second phase, a six-story office building at 455 W. Broad St., sold earlier this year for $6.9 million to a Columbus investment group. Kaufman also sold the Gravity Experience Park, a former community space with a rotating pickleball court and ice rink, for $2.5 million in December as part of city plans to redevelop the neighboring Idea Foundry.

The complex's original apartment building at 500 W. Broad St. now stands as the only property under the Gravity branding. Kaufman is currently constructing a nearby third Gravity phase that will be known as the Greenhouse.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered flags to fly at half-staff in honor of a Cuyahoga County fire cadet who lost their life.

DeWine issued the order Saturday, one day after Cleveland Fire Cadet Symeon Williams, 39, died from a medical emergency during fitness training on Friday afternoon, according to WCMH's sister station WJW.

Starting Sunday, the half-staff order is in effect for the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus and all public buildings and grounds in Cuyahoga County. The order will stay in effect until sunset on the day of Williams' funeral.

Other public buildings and grounds across the state may fly flags at half-staff at their discretion.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Two people were injured after a shooting at a north Columbus shopping center Saturday evening.

According to a Columbus police dispatcher, the shooting happened at approximately 7:30 p.m. at a shopping center on the 4600 block of Morse Centre Road.

One dead following shooting at south Columbus mobile home park

One victim was listed in critical condition while the second was listed in a stable condition, according to police dispatchers.

It is not known at this time if the shooting happened inside one of the center's businesses or in the parking lot.

There is no further information available at this time.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Thousands of people came out for the 33rd annual Susan G. Komen Columbus Race for the Cure on Saturday morning at North Bank Park, dedicated to the mission to put an end to breast cancer, but along the way, also celebrate all the strength patients and survivors display.

“Now I’m out here with all my sisters sharing in our journey,” breast cancer survivor Kyra Pruitt White said.

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She is 15 years cancer-free and now wants to raise awareness for the need of early detection. Survival rates are higher the earlier the disease is diagnosed.

“I was so busy taking care of my kids, working, that I allowed my lump to go on, to progress, to stage 3C,” White said.

Some attended the event just to show support. That’s what Carole Morbitzer has done since 1999. As the head volleyball coach at Reynoldsburg High School, she found out there were more people in her life affected by breast cancer than she realized.

“It was then that I realized that I had five of 28 players whose moms are at different stages and I need to get involved,” Morbitzer said.

Since then, she has been gathering players and students each year to volunteer at Komen. The cause became even more personal to her when she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in August 2023.

“Every single year, I cry at the race,” Morbitzer said. “It was different. There were different tears because these tears were about me.”

Local man living with stage four breast cancer shares story ahead of Komen Race for the Cure

Through the race, millions of dollars has been raised in Columbus to go toward care and research.

“My doctor told me that my treatment down the road may not be something that’s even being used right now, it’s still in the research stages,” Morbitzer said.

There were around 800 breast cancer survivors and patients who crossed the finish line; in total, there were approximately 8,000 participants. NBC4 is a proud sponsor and our Matt Barnes and Monica Day were there to cheer each one of them on, including Daytime Columbus host Robyn Haines, who is celebrating 15 years cancer-free.

In total, the organization reports raising more than $803,000 so far, with the effort ongoing. If you didn’t make it out this year, it’s not too late to make a difference. The Columbus Race for the Cure is fundraising through June 16. You can learn more here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Fans are gathering for the biggest home game of the Columbus Crew’s season as the Hell is Real rivalry returns to Lower.com Field.

Fans are excited for the match-up as both the Crew and FC Cincinnati sport decorative “Hell is Real” jerseys for the game.

The rivalry is named after a religious sign located on Interstate 71, the roadway connecting the two cities, and now a symbol of the intense rivalry.

Fans said nothing compares to being in the stands for a rivalry game. Even after losing some key players from last year, they’re confident Columbus will pull out a win Saturday.

The rivalry has long been one of Major League Soccer’s most heated, and fans said they’re ready to bring the energy.

Both teams have regularly been among the best in the league over the last few years, but Crew fans are confident in the team’s coaching staff.

“We are expecting to be loud, massive, and being the 12th man on that field for the team today, so we don’t expect anything less,” Nordecke member Ravi Panduy said. “We want it to be great and it’s going to be wonderful, so for those fans watching, I hope you’re going to hear us even through the TV.”

Cincinnati and Columbus are only separated by two points so far this season – Cincinnati with 28, Columbus with 26.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One person is dead after a reported shooting at a South Columbus mobile home park Saturday afternoon.

According to a Columbus police dispatcher, officers responded to the 3400 block of Engle Drive just off of South High Street at approximately 3:50 p.m. to investigate a reported shooting.

The victim was taken to Grant Medical Center in critical condition, but pronounced dead at 4:26 p.m.

Columbus police remain on the scene investigating the incident.

There is no further information available at this time.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A truck driver from Ohio died after he hit a cement pillar in a median on Thursday morning on I-90 in Westfield, New York State Police said Friday.

Police responded to the crash around 10:15 a.m. Thursday. A Freightliner box truck, driven by 41-year-old Larry Littlejohn, went onto the left shoulder of I-90 eastbound and hit a cement pillar of the Hawley Street overpass.

Littlejohn, of Columbus, Ohio, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was the only person in the truck.

An autopsy is scheduled to be performed at ECMC.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Seven people were arrested in a major drug sting operation, including a man from Columbus who faces trafficking charges.

According to the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, deputies in collaboration with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Joint Drug Task Force executed four search warrants as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. Six of seven suspects were arrested, with authorities recovering an abundance of evidence from Columbus, McConnelsville, Crooksville and Malta.

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Among the items seized were multiple firearms, including four rifles and three handguns, an unknown amount of cash estimated to be in the thousands, drug paraphernalia, and a large quantity of drugs, including methamphetamine, eutylone, fentanyl, and cocaine.

• Large amounts of drugs, weapons and cash were seized in a Morgan County drug raid, which resulted in the arrest of six of seven suspects, including one from Columbus, May 9, 2025. (Courtesy/Morgan County Sheriff's Office)
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• Large amounts of drugs, weapons and cash were seized in a Morgan County drug raid, which resulted in the arrest of six of seven suspects, including one from Columbus, May 9, 2025. (Courtesy/Morgan County Sheriff's Office)
• Large amounts of drugs, weapons and cash were seized in a Morgan County drug raid, which resulted in the arrest of six of seven suspects, including one from Columbus, May 9, 2025. (Courtesy/Morgan County Sheriff's Office)

One of those arrested was Elijah McCants, of Columbus, who is charged with aggravated trafficking in drugs and engaging in a pattern of corrupt behavior. McCants was issued a $100,000 bond and his case is to be presented to a grand jury for a possible indictment.

Facing identical charges and bond hearings are Lindsay Pierce-Parsons, Lindsey Parsons and Chelsea Duncan, all from McConnelsville, and Sierra Schultz of Malta. Andrea Dzierwa of Crooksville is also charged with one count of drug possession.

The sheriff’s office said that one suspect remains at large after a significant quantity of drugs and weapons were seized after a search warrant. Mark Bumgardner, of Crooskville, is wanted for two counts of aggravated drug trafficking, aggravated possession of drugs, having weapons under disability, and receiving stolen property.

Anyone with additional information regarding Bumgardner’s whereabouts or this case is asked to call 740-962-1369.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Yelp recently released a ranking of the 50 best donut shops in the United States and a Columbus business placed near the top of the list. 

To find the best donut shops in the country, the platform analyzed reviews and ratings from Yelp Elite members, who are users recognized by the site for being active, sharing well-written reviews and having a detailed personal profile. 

In the list of the 50 best donut shops nationwide, the Columbus shop Donna's Delicious Dozen, located at 5322 N. Hamilton Road in the Preserve North neighborhood, placed at No. 8. Established in 2019, the shop serves made-to-order cake donuts, featuring a variety of flavors including cinnamon swirl, fruity pebbles, maple bacon and pineapple upside down cake. 

While Donna’s Delicious Dozen was the only central Ohio business to make the list, other donut shops in the state that were featured include Bill’s Donut Shop in Centerville (No. 33) and The Vegan Doughnut Company in Lakewood (No. 39). 

Novel Ice Cream in Phoenix took the No. 1 spot. The shop is known for its “dough melts,” which are glazed donuts stuffed with a variety of ice cream flavors. 

The full list, released on Tuesday, can be found below. 

1. Novel Ice Cream - Phoenix, Arizona
2. HOLE - Hot Doughnuts and Fresh Coffee - Asheville, North Carolina
3. Munchkins Donuts Shop - Covina, California
4. Kin Bakeshop - Santa Barbara, California
5. BJ Cinnamon - Folsom, California
6. Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai - Portland, Oregon
7. Nord’s Bakery - Louisville, Kentucky
8. Donna’s Delicious Dozen - Columbus, Ohio
9. Beiler’s Bakery - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
10. Purvé Donut Stop - Honolulu, Hawaii
11. Ani’s Bake Shop - Aiea, Hawaii
12. Round Rock Donuts - Round Rock, Texas
13. Beacon Doughnuts - Chicago, Illinois
14. Peaceful Provisions - Beacon, New York
15. Golden Crown Cookies & Mochi Donuts - North Richland Hills, Texas
16. DG Doughnuts - Ocoee, Florida
17. Glazed Over Donuts - Beacon, New York
18. Donut Run - Washington, D.C.
19. Sweet Coloradough - Glenwood Springs, Colorado
20. Leonard’s Bakery - Honolulu, Hawaii
21. Oakmont Bakery - Oakmont, Pennsylvania
22. Oram’s Donut Shop - Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania
23. Detour Doughnuts And Coffee - Frisco, Texas
24. Greenbush Bakery - Madison, Wisconsin
25. Country Donuts - Crystal Lake, Illinois
26. Carl’s Donuts - Las Vegas, Nevada
27. Glaze Doughnuts - Las Vegas, Nevada
28. Fresh Donut & Deli - Salt Lake City, Utah
29. Long’s Bakery - Indianapolis, Indiana
30. Gibson’s Donuts - Memphis, Tennessee
31. Sedonuts And Coffee - Sedona, Arizona
32. La Estrella Bakery - Tucson, Arizona
33. Bill’s Donut Shop - Centerville, Ohio
34. Donut King - Minneola, Florida
35. Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery - New York, New York
36. Dough Joe’s - Winston-Salem, North Carolina
37. Hell Yeah Gluten Free - Atlanta, Georgia
38. Rise + Roast - Albuquerque, New Mexico
39. The Vegan Doughnut Company - Lakewood, Ohio
40. Mr D’s Donuts - Shawnee, Kansas
41. The Local Donut - Scottsdale, Arizona
42. Hole In One Donut - Tampa, Florida
43. Friendly Donut House - Henderson, Nevada
44. Spalding’s Bakery - Lexington, Kentucky
45. OMG Donuts & Bakery - Concord, North Carolina
46. Avon Donuts Inc - Pontiac, Michigan
47. Sluys Poulsbo Bakery - Poulsbo, Washington
48. Cranky Al’s - Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
49. Old Fashioned Donuts - Chicago, Illinois
50. Doe Donuts - Portland, Oregon

Yelp stated all businesses on the list were marked open and had a passing health score as of March 20.

Stacker compiled a list of the best public high schools in the Columbus metro area using data from the Niche. Niche uses seven weighted factors for its rankings. A majority of the score is based on academics, but other factors include culture and diversity; sports; clubs and activities; resources; and surveys of parents, teachers, and students.

#25. Westerville North High School

- Location: Westerville City School District, OH
- Enrollment: 1,524 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-

#24. Hilliard Bradley High School

- Location: Hilliard City School District, OH
- Enrollment: 1,623 (19:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-

#23. Lincoln High School

- Location: Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools, OH
- Enrollment: 2,363 (20:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-

#22. Hilliard Davidson High School

- Location: Hilliard City School District, OH
- Enrollment: 1,891 (19:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-

#21. Pickerington High School North

- Location: Pickerington Local School District, OH
- Enrollment: 1,628 (20:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-

#20. Westerville Central High School

- Location: Westerville City School District, OH
- Enrollment: 1,558 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-

#19. Westerville South High School

- Location: Westerville City School District, OH
- Enrollment: 1,512 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-

#18. Thomas Worthington High School

- Location: Worthington City School District, OH
- Enrollment: 1,826 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-

#17. Hilliard Darby High School

- Location: Hilliard City School District, OH
- Enrollment: 1,577 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-

#16. Dublin Scioto High School

- Location: Dublin City Schools, OH
- Enrollment: 1,403 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-

#15. Arts & College Preparatory Academy

- Location: Columbus, OH
- Enrollment: 483 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-

#14. Reynoldsburg High School 9X Impact

- Location: Reynoldsburg City School District, OH
- Enrollment: 612 (not available student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A-

#13. Worthington Kilbourne High School

- Location: Worthington City School District, OH
- Enrollment: 1,505 (19:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A

#12. Grandview Heights High School

- Location: Grandview Heights City School District, OH
- Enrollment: 344 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A

#11. Orange High School

- Location: Olentangy Local School District, OH
- Enrollment: 1,977 (22:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A

#10. Columbus Preparatory Academy

- Location: Columbus, OH
- Enrollment: 819 (13:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A

#9. Upper Arlington High School

- Location: Upper Arlington Schools, OH
- Enrollment: 1,867 (22:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A

#8. Olentangy Berlin High School

- Location: Olentangy Local School District, OH
- Enrollment: 1,656 (25:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A

#7. Olentangy Liberty High School

- Location: Olentangy Local School District, OH
- Enrollment: 1,877 (20:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A

#6. Metro Early College High School

- Location: Columbus, OH
- Enrollment: 876 (19:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A

#5. Olentangy High School

- Location: Olentangy Local School District, OH
- Enrollment: 1,688 (21:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A

#4. Dublin Coffman High School

- Location: Dublin City Schools, OH
- Enrollment: 1,868 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

#3. New Albany High School

- Location: New Albany-Plain Local School District, OH
- Enrollment: 1,630 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

#2. Bexley High School

- Location: Bexley City School District, OH
- Enrollment: 736 (16:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

#1. Dublin Jerome High School

- Location: Dublin City Schools, OH
- Enrollment: 1,953 (21:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: A+

This story features data reporting by Rob Powell and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 97 metros.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio State University's board of trustees will vote next week on whether to replace the Schottenstein Center scoreboard.

The Board of Trustees will meet on Wednesday, and a new Schottenstein Center scoreboard is on the agenda for approval. If approved, the $5.2 million project would replace the existing scoreboard, 360-degree ribbon board and any outdated LED boards or signs.

According to the project data plans, the new scoreboard would be designed between June and September and built between April and September 2026. Project plans said the replacement was planned separately from a plan to modernize athletics' technology to accommodate event schedules at the arena.

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The six-month gap between the design process and construction phase will provide time to order materials in advance to ensure installation can be done around scheduled events. The Schottenstein Center's event calendar only lists performances through Dec. 13, but the space will host the Jonas Brothers, John Legend and Lorde this year.

It also bypasses the basketball season, as Ohio State men's basketball has called the Schottenstein Center home since it opened in 1998. The Big Ten announced Ohio State will play 10 home games next year, hosting Purdue, UCLA and USC. Although dates have yet to be announced -- with nonconference schedules coming this summer and conference games announced in September -- it is known the 2025-2026 season begins in late fall and concludes the first week of April.

Project plans said the new scoreboard will fit within the existing scoreboard's footprint and reuse the same hoist. It would use auxiliary funds, budgeting $600,000 for professional services and $4.6 million for the construction.

The replacement schedule plans to debut the new board in October 2026 debut.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A pedestrian is dead after being struck by multiple vehicles on Interstate 670 westbound near downtown Columbus on Friday night.

At about 11:50 p.m., an adult pedestrian entered the roadway of I-670 westbound from the north side, east of North Fourth Street. 

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The pedestrian was then struck by a minivan containing two adults and thrown into the roadway, before being struck by “at least” two other vehicles, according to the Columbus Division of Police.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at 11:59 p.m. At least one vehicle fled the scene, the department said.

Columbus police have initiated an investigation into the incident and asked anyone with any information to contact the department at 614-645-4545 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Thousands of runners and walkers supporting breast cancer patients and research will gather in downtown Columbus Saturday for the 2025 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

The Columbus race is one of the largest in the country. It supports breast cancer research, patients, and others impacted by the disease.

Breast cancer is often thought of as a disease that only strikes women, but Joseph Wilson is proof that's not always the case. He's been living with stage four metastatic breast cancer for the last five years. He already beat his initial prognosis, and his current treatment plan is working, but he'll never be in remission.

"I had found a lump in 2018 and went to my primary care physician," Wilson said. "At the time, I was a 33-year-old male, he didn't really think anything of it."

Attorney general drops out of Ohio's 2026 race for governor

According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, only about 1% of breast cancer cases occur in men. 

While it has been five years since Wilson received the news no one wants to hear, he's no stranger to the disease. His father's sister passed away from breast cancer, and his mother beat it twice.

"But her youngest sister was diagnosed about fifteen years ago with breast cancer, and she passed away two years ago," Wilson said. "So, the Komen Race for the Cure has been in our family for many years."

Wilson said if you feel something or notice a change in your body, get a second opinion.

"You really know your body the best," Wilson said. "You have to self-advocate for yourself. I tell my students that all the time. I teach math and science, and say if you don't understand what's going on, you better raise your hand. Speak up."

Wilson's family has been walking in the race for over ten years, and this year is no exception. They'll join thousands across central Ohio as they make their way to the starting line for the 33rd Komen Columbus Race for the Cure.

"Everybody knows someone that's been impacted by breast cancer, whether it's their own journey or someone in their life that had the disease," Lindsay Grubaugh, executive director of Columbus at Susan G. Komen, said. "So, the need is there. Over 3,800 people are calling Komen every single week here in the state of Ohio that are needing our services."

Ronda Faulk is a breast cancer survivor. She's been a volunteer since 2012. Faulk lives in Florida now, but flew back to Columbus specifically for the race.

"I had a lady today who was a survivor for two years, and I told her I'm fourteen years out, and she just like high-fived me because she doesn't know if she'll make it to that point," Faulk said. "So you always have people who are going to you're going to look up to them and you're going to be motivated by that success that they have."

According to leaders, the race, which is now a global movement, is all about uniting the community to prioritize health and raising money for breast cancer research and treatment.

"It takes a village to end breast cancer, so anybody that wants to come and join us, we'd love to have them," Lindsay Grubaugh, executive director of Columbus at Susan G. Komen, said.

The race kicks off at 8:45 a.m. Saturday. If you still haven't registered for the race, you can register online here. Anyone interested in donating to the Susan G. Komen Foundation can visit this link. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus traffic saw a different type of honking Friday morning.

A family of geese infiltrated a Columbus highway, but two officers with the Columbus Division of Police (CPD) helped them safely cross the busy interstate. Video footage shows two officers stopping in the middle of Interstate 70 near West Broad Street to help the geese waddle safely.

The video footage of an officer with the CPD officer helping escort a family of geese across the interstate was widely circulated Friday, posted to multiple law enforcement Facebook pages.

Ohioans who have hosted 'Saturday Night Live'

"Just another day on the job for the CPD Goose Patr- we mean Freeway Patrol!" CPD posted.

Although a leaf blower was used to escort the gaggle of geese, CPD clarified no geese were harmed, and officers just used the machine to create noise.

One of the officers was 35-year CPD veteran Don Paden, whose brother -- Guernsey County Sheriff Jeffrey Paden -- congratulated him on Facebook.