A 62-year-old man died in a fiery head-on crash on East Cooke Road
62 year old Columbus Man Dies in Fiery Head-On Collision on East Cooke Road
A tragic accident occurred Sunday night in north Columbus when a 62-year-old man lost his life in a fiery head-on crash.
Around 10 p.m., Martin Smith was driving a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis eastbound on East Cooke Road near Overbrook Drive. A westbound 2025 Toyota Camry reportedly crossed the centerline, colliding head-on with Smith’s vehicle. The Camry immediately caught fire.
Emergency responders confirmed that both the driver and front-seat passenger of the Camry were able to escape the vehicle before it was fully engulfed in flames. Unfortunately, Smith was trapped in his car. Fire crews used mechanical equipment to reach him, but he was pronounced dead at 10:13 p.m.
The Camry occupants were transported to Riverside Methodist Hospital, where their conditions are stable. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Police responded to an Olde Towne East apartment building following an incident involving a prospective tenant.
Columbus Man Arrested After Allegedly Sexually Assaulting a Real Estate Agent
A man has been taken into custody after allegedly assaulting a woman during a walkthrough of vacant apartments on the east side of Downtown Columbus.
According to a criminal complaint, police responded on Nov. 20 to an apartment building on South 18th Street in the Olde Towne East neighborhood. Officers spoke with a woman who explained that she had been assisting a man who came in asking to view available units.
After showing him a first-floor apartment and then a second-floor unit, the woman reported that the man began behaving inappropriately and making unsolicited comments toward her. She told police that he attempted physical contact, and when she tried to distance herself, he escalated his actions.
The woman said she attempted to leave the unit, but the man blocked the door and restrained her before briefly releasing her. As she walked toward the office downstairs, he continued to follow her until eventually leaving the property. The woman immediately reported the incident to her supervisor.
Police later arrested Ali Hasan Alali, 32, who now faces charges of abduction and gross sexual imposition, both felonies. A Franklin County Municipal Court judge set his bond at $150,000, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 4.
Ohio State players celebrate after securing a dominant 27–9 victory over Michigan.
Ohio State Ends Michigan Streak With 27–9 Win
The drought is finally over, and Buckeye Nation can celebrate again. Ohio State, ranked No. 1, delivered a decisive 27–9 victory over No. 15 Michigan, ending the Wolverines’ four-game winning streak in the rivalry and pushing the Buckeyes’ nation-leading win streak to 16 games.
Quarterback Julian Sayin, making his first career start in “The Game,” bounced back from an early interception and put on a standout performance. Sayin threw three touchdowns, including a 50-yard strike to Carnell Tate in the third quarter, helping Ohio State preserve its undefeated season. Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Inniss also hauled in touchdown receptions as the Buckeyes secured their place in next week’s Big Ten Championship against Indiana.
Head coach Ryan Day emphasized how meaningful the win was. “Winning this game means everything,” Day said. “It’s one of those moments you hold onto and appreciate for a long time.”
Sayin closed the first half completing all six of his third- and fourth-down attempts for 68 yards and two touchdowns. His late 4-yard scoring pass to Inniss with 16 seconds remaining gave OSU a 17–9 halftime advantage. Sayin finished the night 19 of 26 for 233 yards, marking his sixth game this season with at least three touchdown passes.
With the win, the defending national champions are in strong position for a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff, and they can maintain the top seed with a victory over Indiana in Indianapolis.
This marks Ohio State’s first victory over Michigan since 2019, ending years of frustration for fans across the state.
Ohio State players lead a Chipotle boycott during Beat Michigan week.
Ohio State Fans Boycott Chipotle During Beat Michigan Week
Ohio State fans are no strangers to playful rivalry traditions during Beat Michigan week, but this year, Chipotle Mexican Grill became a new focus. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Sonny Styles visited a campus Chipotle and marked out every “M” in the restaurant—128 instances in total—capturing the moment in a viral video shared on Instagram and X.
The video, posted on November 24, quickly drew attention, especially after Chipotle responded with a playful “it’s ti❌e” on X. Michigan fans reacted strongly, with some pledging to boycott the chain, while others joked about switching loyalty to competitors like Qdoba and Moe’s. One X user noted, “If your college football rivalry isn’t impacting the burrito economy, please take a seat.”
Although Chipotle later deleted the tweet, the chain’s connection to Ohio State remains strong. In August, Chipotle renewed its partnership with Ohio State student athletes, offering them complimentary meals throughout their athletic seasons. To celebrate the rivalry, Buckeye fans can also take advantage of a buy-one-get-one entree offer on November 29 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Chipotle locations across Columbus.
Trump explains the U.S. absence at the G20 Summit in South Africa.
Trump Explains Why U.S. Skipped G20 Summit in South Africa
The United States did not send a delegation to the G20 Summit in South Africa. According to President Donald Trump, this decision was based on concerns regarding governance and the handling of domestic issues in South Africa. He emphasized that the U.S. would take a firm stance in international forums and expressed that South Africa’s approach to certain policies did not meet the standards expected for participation in global economic discussions. Trump also noted that this decision would influence U.S. engagement in future G20 events.
The United States did not attend the G20 in South Africa, because the South African Government refuses to acknowledge or address the horrific Human Right Abuses endured by Afrikaners, and other descendants of Dutch, French, and German settlers. To put it more bluntly, they are…
Police respond to a deadly shooting on South Broadleigh Road in East Columbus.
Columbus Man Killed in South Broadleigh Road Shooting
Columbus police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon on the East Side. Officers were dispatched to the 700 block of South Broadleigh Road shortly after 2 p.m., where they discovered a 29-year-old man, identified as Christopher Smith, unresponsive at the scene.
Smith was transported to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead at 2:47 p.m. The case is now being handled by the Columbus Police Homicide Unit, and investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Community members with relevant details are asked to contact Detective Yoder at 614-645-2040, the Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730, or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
President Trump offers condolences after the passing of National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom.
Sarah Beckstrom Dead After D.C. Shooting: President Trump Condoled with the Family
President Donald Trump has offered his condolences following the death of U.S. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a National Guard member from West Virginia who passed away after the recent shooting incident in Washington, D.C.
In his statement, President Trump expressed sympathy and urged the country to support her family during this difficult period. He said: “May God be with her family.”
President Trump announces the death of U.S. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia, one of the National Guardsmen savagely attacked in D.C.
Specialist Beckstrom is being remembered for her service, bravery, and dedication. Officials continue to honor her contribution as investigations into the attack proceed. Additional details are expected as federal agencies release further updates.
USCIS halts all Afghan immigration applications following the White House shooting incident.
Immigration Application Processes for Afghan Nationals Suspended Following White House Shooting Incident
The Trump administration has suspended all immigration application processing for Afghan nationals, a decision announced just hours after federal officials detained an Afghan man accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House on Wednesday.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the suspension late Wednesday on social media. The two West Virginia National Guard troops remain in critical condition following the attack.
Authorities identified the suspect as a 29-year-old Afghan national, Rahmanuallah Lakanwal arrived in the United States in 2021 under a Biden-era humanitarian program created after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. The suspect, who was also injured, is currently in custody.
In its announcement, USCIS stated: “Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols. The protection and safety of the American people remains our singular focus.”
Earlier that evening, President Donald Trump addressed the incident, saying the government must “re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan.”
Federal agencies continue reviewing the attack and its potential impact on security vetting procedures for Afghan nationals who entered the U.S. after 2021.
FBI Director Kash Patel urges support for National Guard members critically injured near the White House.
FBI Director Kash Patel Addresses White House Shooting
Two members of the West Virginia National Guard are in critical condition after being shot in a targeted ambush near Washington, D.C., subway station on Wednesday. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. ET at 17th and I Streets, just two blocks from the White House, while the troops were conducting a high-visibility patrol.
FBI Director Kash Patel addressed the public, urging support for the injured service members and their families: “They are here serving our country. They are protecting everyday Americans and citizens around the world in our nation’s capital. Please send your prayers to these brave warriors and their families.”
Authorities said the attack was carried out by a lone gunman, later identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021. The suspect, who was injured during the incident, is in custody. The Justice Department is investigating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism.
The White House was temporarily locked down following the shooting, which was lifted around 5 p.m. ET. While the identities of the injured National Guard members have not been released, officials continue to emphasize the risks faced by service members protecting the nation’s capital.
The FBI and local authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure the safety of those serving and the public.
Delaware County Judge James P. Schuck is under investigation following misconduct allegations.
Delaware County Judge Schuck Under Misconduct Investigation
A Delaware County judge is facing calls to step away from the bench after serious allegations surfaced accusing him of misconduct involving an assistant prosecuting attorney.
According to court documents, Delaware County Common Pleas Court Judge James P. Schuck is accused of engaging in unwelcome sexual conduct and repeatedly showing up at the woman’s home to pressure her into sexual activity. A civil stalking protection order, filed on Nov. 25, outlines the allegations.
Retired Franklin County Judge Richard Frye, appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court to oversee the matter, approved the protection order after an ex-parte hearing, records show.
The complaint states the alleged misconduct occurred on May 13, with additional incidents where Schuck reportedly appeared at the woman’s Delaware apartment uninvited. The complaint also claims the victim previously received an apology from Schuck for “pressuring and scaring her.”
The woman additionally requested that Schuck be barred from using court security cameras or CCTV systems to monitor or record her, and from sharing any footage with others.
Schuck did not respond to requests for comment.
Delaware County Administrative Judge Marianne Hemmeter publicly urged Schuck to step aside during the investigation, calling the allegations “serious” and stressing the importance of judicial accountability. Hemmeter said stepping down temporarily “would demonstrate a commitment to transparency and public trust.”
Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel has already requested special prosecutors from outside the county to oversee the case, according to Hemmeter’s statement.
The Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which investigates ethical complaints against judges and attorneys in Ohio, has also opened an inquiry.
