Lancaster police say a 9-year-old boy has died after an accidental shooting at a home on Summitview Drive.
9 Year Old Boy Dies After Lancaster Shooting
LANCASTER, Ohio — Authorities in Lancaster have confirmed the death of a 9-year-old boy after an accidental shooting that took place Monday evening on Summitview Drive.
According to the Lancaster Police Department, officers responded to the scene around 5:30 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting involving two juveniles. Investigators say the children were playing with a gun when one of them reportedly tried to imitate “how a drunk person acted.” Moments later, the firearm discharged, striking the 9-year-old.
The second child who witnessed the shooting reportedly moved the weapon before alerting an adult in the home. Paramedics quickly arrived and airlifted the injured child to a Columbus hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. Police confirmed on Saturday that the boy later died from his injuries.
The Lancaster Police Department has launched an active investigation into the incident, with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Officials have not yet released the identities of those involved.
Authorities continue to urge residents to secure firearms safely and ensure children are educated about gun safety, emphasizing the importance of preventing similar tragedies.
Columbus residents gathered at Hilliard Station Park to honor over 20,000 Palestinian children lost in the Israel-Hamas war.
Over 20 000 Palestinian Children Killed Remembered in Hilliard
Columbus, Ohio — At Hilliard Station Park, thousands of names echoed through the air as local residents gathered in a solemn ceremony to honor over 20,000 Palestinian children who lost their lives since October 7, 2023, in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Beginning at 8 a.m. on October 11, community members took turns reading each child’s name every 15 minutes — a symbolic gesture to humanize the devastating loss. “Each name represents a child who had dreams, hopes, and a future,” said event organizer Nesha Usmani, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and empathy.
Fellow organizer Sharay Syed spoke on the emotional weight of the event, noting the painful imagery shared online by families in Gaza. “There’s no political explanation for a child’s life being taken by war,” she said.
The vigil followed a ceasefire declaration by the Israel Defense Forces on October 8, marking a significant pause in the two-year conflict. However, despite the ceasefire, community leaders acknowledged that thousands more victims remain unaccounted for under rubble and destruction, bringing the total death toll to over 67,000.
This was not the first remembrance of its kind. The organizers first held a public name-reading event on September 20 at Bridge Park in Dublin, Ohio. After 11 hours, only a quarter of the names had been read, reflecting the magnitude of the tragedy.
The October 11 vigil concluded with an interfaith prayer organized by Baladna: Palestine Society of Columbus, where approximately 100 participants gathered to express solidarity and call for global awareness.
Board member Noura Dabdoub shared her personal connection to Palestine and urged continued attention: “Even if the ceasefire holds, families will still be recovering — pulling remains from the rubble for years.”
Dr. Luma Ghalib, a physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, reminded attendees of the broader human lesson: “We must not forget. History has shown us too many tragedies. This should be the moment we choose compassion over conflict.”
The event closed with a shared vow among attendees that while the world may move on, Columbus will never forget the children lost to war.
Gov. Mike DeWine grants reprieves to death row inmates Antonio Franklin and James Trimble, delaying their executions until 2029.
Governor Mike DeWine Reprieves Execution Dates for Two Death Row Inmates
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has granted reprieves to two death row inmates, postponing their scheduled executions by three years.
Antonio Franklin and James Trimble, both convicted of aggravated murder, were originally slated for execution in early 2026. Under the new orders, Franklin’s execution has been rescheduled from February 11, 2026, to February 15, 2029, while Trimble’s date has been moved from March 12, 2026, to March 14, 2029.
This marks the second reprieve granted to Franklin, who received a death sentence in Montgomery County in 1998. Trimble, imprisoned at the Ross County Correctional Institution since 2005, was sentenced to death for three counts of aggravated murder, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC).
As of August 2025, Ohio houses 113 inmates on death row, with no executions carried out so far this year. Meanwhile, state lawmakers have renewed discussions on abolishing the death penalty, reflecting a growing movement within the Ohio Statehouse to reconsider capital punishment.
Three Ohio-based companies sue Gov. Mike DeWine over a new hemp product ban.
Gov Mike DeWine Sued by Ohio Companies for removing intoxicating hemp products from Ohio stores
Court records from Franklin County show that three Ohio-based companies, Fumee Smoke and Vape, Invicta Nutraceuticals, and Titan Logistics Group have filed a lawsuit against Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
The suit challenges DeWine’s recent executive order banning certain hemp products from store shelves across Ohio. Retailers were instructed to remove the products by Tuesday. The order will remain in place for 90 days, giving the Ohio General Assembly time to decide whether to extend it.
The companies involved argue that the governor’s action is unlawful and will hurt their businesses, stating there is no evidence that these hemp products pose a threat to public health. They have also asked the court for a temporary restraining order to prevent the ban from taking effect, warning that it could cause major financial losses and even force them to close.
Governor DeWine defended the move, explaining that Ohio’s marijuana law, approved by voters, created a regulated and tested market with strict packaging standards — safeguards not currently applied to hemp products.
Currently, hemp-derived items can be sold to any age group and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), leading to ongoing debates about how the state should manage the growing hemp industry.
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, Loyola’s beloved basketball chaplain Dies at 106
Sister Jean Dolores, Loyola Chaplain Dies at 106
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the cherished chaplain of Loyola University Chicago’s men’s basketball team and a beloved figure in the university community, passed away on Thursday at the age of 106, Loyola University confirmed.
Sister Jean rose to national fame during Loyola’s unforgettable 2018 NCAA Tournament run, when the Ramblers made it to the Final Four for the first time since winning the 1963 national championship. Her positivity and deep faith captured hearts across the country.
“For more than six decades, Sister Jean was an extraordinary source of wisdom, kindness, and faith for our Loyola family,” said Loyola University President Mark C. Reed. “Her legacy brings both sorrow and joy — sorrow for our loss, and joy for the countless lives she touched.”
Born Dolores Bertha Schmidt on August 21, 1919, in San Francisco, she joined the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) in 1937, adopting the name Sister Jean Dolores. She began teaching at Catholic schools in Chicago and California before joining Mundelein College in 1961. After the college affiliated with Loyola University Chicago in 1991, she continued her mission of mentorship and service.
In 1994, Sister Jean became an academic advisor and later chaplain for the Loyola men’s basketball team — a role that made her a national inspiration for students, athletes, and fans alike.
BVM President LaDonna Manternach described her as “a woman of prayer, a beacon of hope, and a teacher who saw God’s presence in everything around her.”
Beyond basketball, Sister Jean founded SMILE (Students Moving Into the Lives of the Elderly), a program connecting Loyola students with residents at The Clare, a senior living community near Loyola’s Water Tower Campus.
Her remarkable contributions earned her induction into the Loyola Athletics Hall of Fame (2017) and the Sword of Loyola (2018). She received countless honors — including an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis for her 100th birthday and a proclamation from President Joe Biden on her 105th birthday recognizing her lifetime of service.
In 2022, Chicago honored her by renaming the Loyola CTA Red Line plaza in her name. She also published her memoir, “Wake Up with Purpose!: What I have Learned in My First Hundred Years,” in February 2023.
Even at 106, Sister Jean continued to embody purpose, love, and faith — leaving behind a timeless legacy that continues to inspire generations.
ICE agents conducted an unexpected raid at Panchos Tacos in Mount Vernon, Ohio, on October 9, 2025.
Federal Immigration Agents Raid Mount Vernon Taco Shop, Ohio
Federal immigration officers carried out a surprise raid at Panchos Tacos, a popular Mexican restaurant in Mount Vernon, Ohio, October 9. According to a statement released by the City of Mount Vernon, the operation took place around 12:30 p.m. at the restaurant located at 110 Mt. Vernon Avenue.
The city reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not inform local officials about the details or timing of the enforcement action. It remains unclear how many employees were taken into custody during the incident.
In an official statement, city leaders emphasized their dedication to supporting residents, maintaining the rule of law, and protecting the constitutional right to due process for all individuals.
“The City remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting our citizens, upholding the rule of law, and defending the Constitution of the United States,” the statement read.
Mount Vernon authorities said they are still gathering information as ICE has not disclosed how many individuals were detained. Attempts to reach the Knox County Sheriff’s Office for comment were unsuccessful.
Panchos Tacos, which opened in 2024, temporarily closed following the raid. A post on the restaurant’s Facebook page confirmed its closure for the day without providing further explanation. Calls to the restaurant went unanswered, and the listed phone number appeared disconnected at the time of reporting.
Florida lawmaker proposes renaming campus roads statewide in memory of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Florida Bill Proposes Renaming College Roads in Honor of Charlie Kirk
A new bill introduced in the Florida House seeks to rename certain roads on state college and university campuses after conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed at Utah Valley University after being shot while addressing attendees.
Republican Representative Kevin Steele filed House Bill 113 (HB 113), which requires multiple Florida public colleges and universities to rename designated campus roadways for Kirk. Institutions that fail to comply within 90 days after the bill is signed by Governor Ron DeSantis would risk losing access to state funds.
Steele explained his motivation on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “My goal with this bill is to continue Charlie Kirk’s legacy through generations of students who will encounter diverse perspectives during their college years.”
The bill includes a list of campuses and specific roads that would be renamed to carry Kirk’s name, symbolizing his influence as a conservative voice in American political discourse.
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was known for his outspoken conservative activism and work in student political engagement. He was killed during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University after being shot while addressing attendees. Video footage showed the 31-year-old reaching for his neck moments after a gunshot rang out. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where officials confirmed his death and described the incident as a targeted attack.
If passed, HB 113 would ensure Kirk’s name remains visible across Florida’s educational landscape — a symbolic move reflecting ongoing debates about free speech and political identity on college campuses.
Vantage Data Centers plans $2B development in Millersport, Ohio
Ohio Announces Major Economic Development Projects in New Albany and Fairfield County
Two major economic development projects in central Ohio — one in New Albany and another in Fairfield County are set to create more than 100 new jobs combined, with an estimated $7 million in annual payroll. Both projects will be eligible for tax credits if they achieve their economic objectives, according to agreements from the Ohio Tax Credit Authority. Some local officials, however, have expressed concerns about the Fairfield County project’s feasibility.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel, and Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, announced these projects. Together, these projects are expected to create 218 new jobs, retain nearly 1,165 positions statewide, generate $14 million in new payroll, and drive $2.1 billion in investments throughout Ohio.
Billion-Dollar Data Center Planned for Millersport In Millersport, a small Fairfield County village known for its Sweet Corn Festival, Denver-based Vantage Data Centers is planning a massive data center on 500 acres, representing an estimated $2 billion in development. Vince Topo, village administrator, expressed caution, noting that the property has not officially changed hands and that tangible progress on the site has yet to begin.
Vantage, which already operates three data centers in New Albany, is projected to create 37 full-time-equivalent positions at the Millersport site, with $3.7 million in new annual payroll. The project includes a $2.1 billion fixed-asset investment in construction, and the Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a 50% tax exemption over ten years for data center equipment. Operations must be maintained at the site through the duration of the agreement, from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2035.
Axium Packaging Expansion in New Albany and Jersey Township Axium Packaging, a North American manufacturer of rigid and extruded plastic products for industries including healthcare, personal care, food, beverage, and automotive, is expanding its operations in New Albany and Jersey Township, Licking County.
Ohio estimates that if Axium meets all requirements, the company could receive tax credits valued at $344,300 and retain 1,096 jobs. The expansion will create up to 70 new full-time-equivalent positions with $3.6 million in additional annual payroll, and will include a new facility for tube manufacturing and specialized warehouse operations. The project’s tax credit, approved for eight years, requires Axium to maintain operations at the site for at least eleven years.
These projects highlight Ohio’s commitment to attracting major investments, creating jobs, and strengthening the state’s economy while remaining competitive with neighboring states such as Illinois, Georgia, and Missouri.
9 Year Old Critically Injured in Lancaster Shooting
9 Year Old Critically Injured in Lancaster Shooting
A 9-year-old boy is in critical condition after being accidentally shot in Lancaster, Ohio, on Monday evening. The incident occurred inside a home on Summitview Drive.
Lancaster police reported that officers discovered the boy lying in the basement, along with a semi-automatic handgun. A second juvenile witnessed the event.
According to police, the children were reportedly playing with the firearm when one said he wanted to imitate the behavior of a drunk person. The boy then accidentally discharged the gun, injuring himself.
The juvenile witness moved the gun before alerting an adult. Emergency medical personnel airlifted the boy to a Columbus hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Lancaster police are actively investigating the shooting and have requested assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation to support the case.
Columbus City Schools Considers Ending High School Bus Service Amid Budget Cuts
Columbus City Schools Considers Ending High School Bus Service Amid Budget Cuts
In a significant policy shift, the Columbus Board of Education has proposed eliminating the requirement to bus high school students, potentially saving the district millions of dollars amid a projected $50 million budget shortfall.
Previously, the district’s transportation policy mandated busing for students in grades 9 through 12. The new proposal changes the wording from “shall” to “may,” granting the district discretion in providing transportation for high school students.
Board President Michael Cole emphasized that the change allows for discussions on transportation cuts but does not immediately alter current services. He acknowledged the decision’s significance, stating, “We’re trying to find out not just how to deal with something in terms of economics or finance, but how to deal with something in terms of the safest, most appropriate way to transport students to and from school.”
The district faces financial challenges, including fines for missed pickups and a shortage of bus drivers. Eliminating high school busing could save approximately $17 million annually, contributing to the broader goal of addressing the budget deficit.
While no final decision has been made, the board is exploring alternative transportation options, such as partnerships with local transit authorities, to ensure students have access to education without compromising safety.
