News

Columbus, OH – An underground coal fire has shut down a five acre section of Ohio's only national forest. WOUB's Christine Sagar (SAY-ger) has the details on the fire at the Wayne National Forest in Hocking County.

Columbus, OH – It's the biggest week of the year for fans of Ohio State football, and even last week's loss to Illinois can't dampen the excitement of facing the University of Michigan on Saturday in Ann Arbor. Ohio State comes into the game with the largest athletic budget in the history of the world, a third larger than Michigan's spending on sports. But even during Michigan Week, not everyone is cheering about that. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.

Columbus, OH – The Iraq war is likely to be a key issue in the presidential election, and Ohio is a key battleground state. A new statewide poll of registered voters shows Ohio mirrors the rest of the country when it comes to the war. The University of Cincinnati's Ohio Poll shows 46 percent think the war is going well, while 53 percent say it's not going well. Ohio Poll director Eric Rademacher tells Jim Letizia the survey shows a sharp divide among Ohio Republicans and Democrats on how the war is going, when to bring troops home and what will happen to Iraq when they leave.

Columbus, OH – Stories you'll hear include:

No change in Ohio's unemployment rate from September to October - Hocking College trustee and pharmacist faces license revokation - Reds pay tribute to Nuxhall, while his family thanks fans - Pete Rose comments on Barry Bonds - Dayton-bound flight nearly collides with jet - Rivalry just a day away - Northwest Ohio couple still together despite being divided on Saturdays

Columbus, OH – Stories you'll hear include:

Columbus high school reopens after mercury spill - Strip club owners say law has hurt business - Part of the Wayne National Forest shuts down amid coal fire - Nuxhall dies

Columbus, OH – Stories you'll hear include:

Columbus detective faces criminal charges - High school student in Worthington charged with stalking - Ohio Poll finds most Ohioans think the war in Iraq is not going well

Films reviewed: Love in the Time of Cholera, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

By hosts John DeSando and Clay Lowe

It's Movie Time has won numerous national awards including Silver Microphone and Communicator honors.

Drs. Lowe and DeSando were moderator and panelist respectively on TV 25's World Film Classics. Both have been professors, Lowe at Ohio State University and DeSando at Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.

Columbus, OH – People convicted of inducing panic at Ohio high schools and colleges may soon face more time in prison or youth detention centers. That's because the Ohio Senate today approved a bill, already okayed by the House, that bumps up penalties for bomb threats and violence at educational facilities. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports.

Columbus, OH – For the first time since 2004, the City of Columbus faces the potential for layoffs. That's according to Mayor Michael Coleman, who unveiled his 2008 budget. Mike Foley reports.

Columbus, OH – Columbus City Council has approved legislation to begin funding on what officials say is the largest public-works project in the city's history. Jim Letizia has more details.

Columbus, OH – Stories you'll hear include:

Columbus police investigate double shooting - Eastern Ohio school closes amid search for student - Ohio Poll looks at feelings on the war in Iraq - Strickland signs measure to guard against scandals in state government - Major utilities project begins in Columbus

Columbus, OH – At the moment, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland is popular among democrats and republicans alike. That's fueled speculation that whoever becomes the Democratic nominee for President might pick Strickland as a running mate to try to ensure that the Buckeye State would vote Democratic. But a new public opinion poll shows that might not be a sure-fire strategy. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports.

Columbus, OH – Marriage and divorce create blended families who often have several last names. And with those changes come a challenging problem in crisis situations - how to find a victim's loved ones before it's too late. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.

Columbus, OH – A new public opinion poll shows most Ohioans want to take a tough stand against illegal immigration. At the same time, a bill that would put sanctions against illegal immigrants into state LAW has gone nowhere in the legislature. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports.

Columbus, OH – Stories you'll hear include:

School bus driver receives nearly a year in prison - Real ID act changes proposed - Wendy's buyout offer below estimated worth - Nuxhall in the hospital

Columbus, OH – Stories you'll hear:

Off-duty Columbus police officer faces hit and run charges - Wrong vehicle suspected in last week's hit and run - Mortgage fraud command center opens in Cleveland

Dumborium

By John DeSando, WCBE's It's Movie Time

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is Mr. Magorium's Wonder Dumborium, a pastiche of clich?s about "believing" in magic in order for the toys in this wonderland to come alive. Although Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) is 243 years old, almost as old as the actor, he seems able to live another couple of centuries except that he's inexplicably decided to die on Saturday.

Columbus, OH – Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman previewed the safety division's portion of the budget a day before he unveiled the full proposal. Mike Foley reports.

Columbus, OH – Stories you'll hear include:

Mercury spill causes school closure in Columbus - Ohio prison population tops 50,000 - Five Ohio areas among top 25 highest for foreclosures - Ohio vets demand better fuel efficiency standards - Contact information database proposed to reach people quickly in emergencies - Suppliment found to help older men stay sharp

Columbus, OH – Columbus City Council has amended a handful of tax abatement agreements with local companies, including one involving the city's development arm. Jim Letizia has details.