A 17‑year‑old faces juvenile charges after the Aug. 30 crash that killed off‑duty Wellston officer Matt Juniper, prosecutors allege intoxication and multiple felony counts.

Showers and thunderstorms likely in Columbus Wednesday with heavy downpours possible in spots. A warm, breezy surge returns Thursday.

Court documents say Hunter Knotts, 20, was indicted in Clark County after investigators say messages on Snapchat and TikTok led to alleged sexual contact with a 14-year-old.

An 11-year-old boy was critically injured after being struck by a car while crossing Lincoln Avenue in Lancaster. Lancaster police say the driver remained at the scene and investigators are working the case.

A man claiming he was stabbed walked into the Crate & Barrel at Easton Town Center on March 30. Columbus police described the scene as active and the victim stable.

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther says Columbus’ American Dream Downpayment Initiative can provide up to $14,999 in forgivable assistance for eligible first‑time buyers. The city outlines steps, income limits and contacts for applicants.

Two more Chick‑fil‑A restaurants are opening in the Columbus area this week as part of the chain’s Ohio expansion. Expect busy opening days and donation events.

NWS survey teams confirmed three tornado touchdowns across central Ohio during Thursday night storms, including an EF1 in Morrow County. No injuries were reported.

UMI Hotpot opens April 1 in Upper Arlington, offering snow crab legs, stone crab claws, butter-baked whole crabs, ramen and more than 200 daily dishes.

DNA from a sexual‑assault exam tied 39‑year‑old Marquese Hobson to the alleged rape of a juvenile in east Columbus. He is being held on $750,000 bond with a preliminary hearing set for April 3.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose was activated for National Guard duty as the Iran conflict intensifies. His office says the assistant secretary will cover duties while he serves.

City attorneys asked a judge to close the Baymont Inn on Morse Road, saying years of shootings, overdoses and code violations make the motel a public nuisance.

New estimates show the Columbus metro added about 30,000 residents and continues to outpace state and national growth, driven largely by international migration.