Rep. Thaddeus Claggett, R-Licking, introduced House Bill 469 in late September to declare AI systems “nonsentient entities” and to prevent them from gaining legal personhood.

The bill, now referred to the House Technology and Innovation Committee, also makes it illegal for anyone to marry an AI system, or for AI to hold personal legal status similar to marriage.

The legislation defines AI broadly, covering anything that simulates humanlike cognitive functions, including learning, problem-solving, or producing outputs through algorithms.

Essentially, that covers chatbots, generative AI, and more advanced systems. AI would also be barred from serving as corporate officers, owning property, or controlling financial accounts. Any harm caused by AI would be the responsibility of the humans who deploy or develop it.

A recent Fractl survey of 1,000 AI users found that 22% of respondents say they’ve formed an emotional connection with a chatbot, and 3% even consider one a romantic partner. “People need to understand the extreme risk,” Claggett told NBC4, explaining that the law is about keeping AI from taking on roles traditionally held by humans, like managing finances, making medical decisions, or forming legal unions.

“This isn’t about marching down the aisle with a robot,” Claggett said. “It could happen, but that’s not really what we’re saying. We want to make sure humans are always in charge of these systems.”

The bill’s broader focus appears to be on accountability.

Developers, manufacturers, and owners must prioritize safety measures and maintain oversight. AI cannot be held liable for damages and responsibility rests squarely on the humans behind it. Claggett cited Utah’s 2024 law barring AI from legal personhood and a similar Missouri proposal as influences on Ohio’s approach.

AI is expanding quickly in Ohio, from classroom policies to data centers powering advanced systems. HB 469 is the state’s attempt to set guardrails before the technology becomes too entwined in legal, financial, or personal matters.

Whether Ohioans will ever try to wed their favorite chatbot is still a fringe scenario, but HB 469 bill makes it clear: in Ohio, humans, not AI, are calling the shots.

Featured image by Emiliano Vittoriosi on Unsplash.

The post New Ohio Bill Declares AI Can’t Tie the Knot appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

These gentle, two-foot-long amphibians (lovingly nicknamed “snot otters”) are surprisingly sensitive creatures that only thrive in clean, clear water.

For decades, pollution and habitat loss nearly wiped them out, but a massive recovery effort led by the Ohio Hellbender Partnership, including the Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, Ohio State, and other partners, is turning the tide.

For more than ten years, conservationists have carefully raised young hellbenders from eggs.

This gives them a head start before releasing them back into Ohio’s streams. Since 2012, more than 2,000 have been released, and last year, researchers confirmed something incredible: some of those reintroduced hellbenders are now breeding in the wild.

“This is quiet work that adds up,” said Greg Lipps, Conservation Biologist at the Columbus Zoo. “One stream, one release, one more sign that clean water and wildlife can thrive together.”

Beyond raising and releasing salamanders, teams also maintain “hellbender huts”, small artificial shelters that make it easier to study and protect the elusive amphibians. This year alone, crews found 19 huts already inhabited, some even containing eggs, which is a hopeful sign for the species’ recovery.

If you want to see these weird and wonderful creatures up close, you can visit the Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation in the Zoo’s new North America Trek region, or take a trip to The Wilds, where the brand-new Hellbender RV Campground offers a unique way to connect with nature (and a bit of amphibian magic).

Because when the hellbenders are doing well, it means Ohio’s rivers (and the communities that depend on them) are thriving too.

The post The Columbus Zoo Released Over 100 “Snot Otters” Into Ohio Streams appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Located at 79 S. State Street, the café joins a bustling stretch of local shops and restaurants, bringing its signature pastries, egg sandwiches, and perfectly poured coffee north to Westerville.

And if you’re thinking about showing up early, you’ll be rewarded for it. Fox in the Snow announced that the first 150 people in line on opening day will receive an exclusive Fox in the Snow Westerville t-shirt, available only this weekend while supplies last.

The weather’s looking crisp and cozy—perfect for standing in line with a hot latte in hand and snagging one of Columbus’s most famous pastries before they sell out.

Fox in the Snow now operates five locations across Central Ohio—in Italian Village, German Village, New Albany, Dublin, and now Westerville. Known for its airy, plant-filled spaces and beautifully crafted pastries and breakfast sandwiches, the café has earned a reputation as both a neighborhood favorite and a must-visit for travelers.

One hallmark of the shop’s vibe is its intentional absence of public WiFi, encouraging guests to unplug, slow down, and actually talk to one another—something we could all use a little more of.

So grab your coffee-loving friends, set your alarm early, and make your way to Uptown Westerville this Saturday. There’s a good chance this will be your new favorite weekend ritual.

For more info, head over to foxinthesnow.com.

The post Fox in the Snow’s Westerville Café Launches Saturday With Opening Day Freebies appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Starting this Saturday, Budd Dairy is rolling out a brand-new brunch lineup, available every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu features dishes from 10 of the hall’s chef partners, offering everything from savory to sweet (and everything in between).

If you’re craving something hearty, we’ve got suggestions.

You can grab the Bacon, Egg & Cheese Pizza from Elevated Pizza Kitchen or a Breakfast Bowl from The Jerk Spot. Got a sweet tooth? Don’t miss Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Girl or the DoNut Disturb Sandwich, a collab between Cluck Norris and Buckeye Donuts.

And if brunch to you means burgers, McGinnis Grill has you covered with its Brunch Burger and Brisket Hash.

No brunch is complete without a great cocktail, and Budd Dairy’s bar is stepping up its game.

The new drink menu includes classics like Bloody Marys and build-your-own Mimosas with fruit purees such as strawberry, blackberry, and passionfruit.

Coffee lovers can sip on the Tipsy Barista (cold brew + tequila) or the Spiked Chai made with Middle West OYO Honey Vanilla Bean Vodka. Feeling adventurous? Try the Bourbon, Meet Bacon, made with bacon fat–washed Watershed bourbon.

Beyond brunch, Budd Dairy is also highlighting its event spaces.

Perfect for everything from holiday parties and bridal brunches to corporate happy hours and birthdays, groups can even add in fun extras like trivia or karaoke, plus catering from all 10 chef partners.

The Rooftop Terrace and Beer Garden are great for sunny weekends, while cozy heaters and an enclosed tent keep things comfortable when the weather turns chilly. For something more private, Budd’s Lounge offers a relaxed indoor setting with easy access to all the food hall favorites.

Brunch kicks off this weekend at Budd Dairy Food Hall, 1086 N. 4th St. in Italian Village. For menus and event details, head over to budddairyfoodhall.com.

The post Mimosas, Pizza, And Cheesecake: Brunch Is Officially On At Budd Dairy appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

This season, you may be looking for something new or untold. For those who relish oddities, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the mysterious places our city has to offer.

Any seasoned adventurer who is a fan of the bizarre, strange, or even historical will enjoy visiting these lesser known haunted gems this October. So bundle up, bring a friend, and map out your own personal ghost tour before the month is up. And who knows – maybe you’ll uncover a new tale along the way.

Char Bar

With a lower level that formerly functioned as a funeral parlor for Egan-Ryan Funeral Home and a bar that serves perhaps the largest Long Island Iced Teas in town, Char Bar is a chill dive for anyone looking to buy a drink that comes with a complimentary “I feel like someone is watching me” sensation. Located off of North High Street (behind the North Market parking lot), the bar sits on top of what used to be the Columbus’ Old North Graveyard. In the 1800’s, many of the bodies were moved from the site to Green Lawn Cemetery, but not everyone was found – meaning some were inevitably been left behind.

If you venture down the stairs into Char Bar’s basement, you’ll find restrooms finished with pastel pinks creating the aesthetic of a toddler’s springtime photo shoot. Outside of the facilities sits an old piano, and heavily locked, small doors that lead to the other side of whatever is still underground.

In the 1800’s, the lower area actually used to be street level, with a tunnel leading to the other side of North High Street to Union Station. Now, the tunnel is said to be home to a dark, hooded specter. To those who may be too nervous to venture down to the restrooms alone, have no fear. Sometimes the piano plays a few notes by itself – which is comforting, right? Especially since it doesn’t have any keys.

Columbus Cultural Arts Center

Fans of the visual arts will enjoy the Columbus Cultural Arts Center, located by the Scioto Mile. Built in 1861, the building was originally constructed as the Ohio State Arsenal and continued to serve the militia until the late 1970’s when it was officially taken over by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. Today, the center is open each day, free for guests to wander through innovative art displays and visit the gift shop. Besides acting as a hub for art and Italianate architecture, the center also offers classes, a working space for a variety of artists, and two different apparitions.

The first alleged spirit is a woman in period-appropriate clothing. She has appeared multiple times in the pottery room and is thought to have been involved in a nearby public hanging, many years ago. Her reason for occupying the room now? Unknown. But in her defense, I also love a well-crafted ceramic vase.

The second spirit is an unsettling entity who haunts the basement, although little is known about why they’re there, or who they might be. If you happen to visit the basement and don’t encounter the spirit, don’t be too disappointed – there are sometimes groups of mannequins that have been stored away by the working artists, which are guaranteed to be just as horrifying.

Brown Pet Cemetery

Much to Stephen King’s delight, the creepily curious can visit Brown Pet Cemetery, minutes away from John Glenn International Airport. The cemetery was first established before World War II and is the final resting place for a variety of beloved companions, including a tombstone marking two ducks.

Many of the headstones are elaborate and include pictures of the beloved furry friends. Although surrounded by the noise of incoming planes, the cemetery is a peaceful tribute to animals who have gone before us.

On second thought, you may want to bring your tissues to this one. The concept of little ghost ducks is actually super sad.

State of Ohio Asylum for the Insane Cemetery

Located behind a government building, close to a Columbus Police Station, the State of Ohio Asylum for the Insane Cemetery is hidden from the main road. The cemetery, although inactive, is well kept with trim grass and multiple headstones. Only some of the graves bare names, while others have numbers.

Although there are three cemeteries in the Columbus area that serve as the resting place for the deceased who previously occupied Ohio’s Psychiatric Hospital, this location (nestled behind 2130 West Broad Street) is the largest. Since the cemetery is slightly hidden from view, it is recommended that visitors go during the daytime and bring along a friend. When it comes to touring cemeteries, always remember: safety first!

Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center

Perhaps the most kid-friendly on the list, the Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center is a quirky and educational ode to the city’s firefighters. Filled with former fire equipment, many say the building is also home to ghosts of firehouse horses who used to pull the fire engines. Besides the tapping of phantom hooves, visitors may also hear from Captain George Dukeman (affectionately called Captain D). A happy spirit, Captain D likes to make sure the museum is running up to snuff and takes delight in messing with doors, lights and some of the children’s displays.

While you’re there, don’t forget to say hello to the museum’s human-sized anthropomorphic fire mouse named BOOTS, the friendly mascot who graces the building’s grand, red stairway.

(Pro tip: If you pass the museum at night and look for BOOTS through the window – his smiling face in the moonlight may be the most perturbing sight of all. Unless a giant humanoid mouse wearing clothes is comforting to you. Then, by all means, enjoy.)

The post The 5 Most Overlooked Hidden Haunts In Columbus appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Visitors can dive into Ohio’s darker folklore, learning about the myths and cryptids that have haunted the state for centuries. If spooky creatures aren’t enough, the museum will also highlight real nocturnal animals, adding a touch of nature to the mix. And for movie buffs, there’s a chance to experience early horror film magic by testing your acting skills with vintage movie reels.

One of the event’s standout activities takes place at the Lustron House, where attendees can step back into the 1950s for a midcentury monster mash, complete with candy from the era. Alongside these fun activities, the museum offers a look into the origins of Halloween in America and weaves together storytelling games that take you through time-traveling spooky tales.

For the hands-on crowd, there are creative projects like making your own Little Brown (paper) Bat and crafting a fall leaf bookmark. As you explore, you’ll also get the chance to help identify some of the deadlier objects in the museum’s collection with artifact testing kits. To round off the evening, there’s a red-carpet dance party, ensuring a lively end to the night.

Local food trucks will be on-site to satisfy any spooky snack cravings. While costumes are encouraged, adults are asked to skip costume masks and prop weapons to ensure a safe and family-friendly atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a fun way to dive into Ohio’s haunted history, Fright at the Museum is a must-visit on October 25, 2025. For more info, or to register for the event, head over to ohiohistory.org.

The post This Halloween, Dive Into Ohio’s Spookiest Legends at Fright at the Museum appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

John Brown Monument

Ashtabula Bridge Disaster Monument

Jesse Owens Statue

Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument

The Starting Point of the U.S. Public Land Survey

Leatherlips Monument

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial

Neil Armstrong First Flight Memorial

William McKinley Memorial

The Haserot Angel

President William Henry Harrison’s Monument and Tomb

President Warren G. Harding’s Tomb

Merchant Ball

James A. Garfield Memorial and Tomb

The post 14 Unique And Unusual Monuments Around Ohio appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

The program kicked off in September 1975, when 32 hopefuls gathered at City Council Chambers to have their names drawn from a fishbowl.

The city required applicants to meet certain eligibility criteria, including having the financial means to cover the cost of repairs.

Among the winners were Dr. Richard Williams, the chair of the Arts and Sciences Division at Franklin University, and his wife, Norma, a sculptor. The couple won the home at 955 S. Champion Avenue, just a short walk from Richard’s job. For them, this house was more than just a place to live—it was a creative project. They envisioned filling the space with country-style antiques, creating a gourmet kitchen for their shared love of cooking, and building a studio for Norma’s artwork.

The Williamses estimated that it would take around $3,000 to rehabilitate the house—a sum that would be equivalent to roughly $16,232 today. They planned to handle the renovations without taking out a loan, demonstrating their commitment to transforming the property into a dream home.

The Urban Homesteading Program wasn’t just a way for families to acquire homes cheaply; it was also a way to breathe new life into neglected areas and restore community pride. The program aimed to tackle the issue of vacant homes, with the hopes that new owners would invest in the neighborhoods for the long term.

Richard and Norma Williams owned 955 S. Champion Avenue for about 14 years, selling it in 1989.

The Urban Homesteading Lottery demonstrates how creative urban policies can foster community reinvestment and neighborhood revitalization. Through this innovative program, Columbus gave residents the opportunity to transform both their homes and their communities, one $1 house at a time.

The post The Fascinating Story of Columbus’ $1 Housing Lottery appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

The spooky-season superstar is trading cobwebs for candy canes with Spirit Christmas, a pop-up holiday shop that’s bringing all the festive vibes to Ohio. This year, you can stroll through aisles of ornaments, twinkle lights, and Santa photo ops at two different location in Ohio, North Canton and Mentor.

Spirit Christmas is expanding big time this year, with 30 locations across the Northeast and Great Lakes, nearly four times more than last year. Inside, shoppers can wander through something called Peppermint Village, which sounds exactly as cozy and over-the-top as it should. Expect a mix of vintage holiday charm and interactive displays designed to hit you right in the nostalgia.

“At Spirit, we believe the magic of the season does not end with Halloween—it transforms,” said Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Christmas. “From our one-of-a-kind Santa photo experience to an exclusive collection of festive merchandise, we’re thrilled to welcome guests back for another unforgettable season of magic and fun.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Spirit Christmas (@spiritchristmas)

And yes, Santa will be there, complete with an immersive photo setup. You can reserve your spot at SpiritChristmas.com, and visits with Santa are totally free, though photo packages are available if you want to take home the memory.

If you’re ready to trade pumpkins for peppermint, you can find Ohio’s Spirit Christmas locations at:

• Belden Park Crossings, 5487 Dressler Rd NW, North Canton
• Erie Commons, 8000 Plaza Blvd, Mentor

The in-store Santa experience kicks off November 21 and runs through Christmas Eve. Whether you’re in it for the photo ops, the holiday merch, or just to say you’ve seen what happens when Spirit Halloween gets festive, you can learn more by heading over to the Spirit Christmas website.

The post Spirit Halloween’s Festive Alter Ego, Spirit Christmas, Is Popping Up in Ohio appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Also, many people are at home more than ever now, spending more and more time working from our houses. Home projects that may have felt minor, have now become impossible to ignore. Projects like fixing that leaky faucet, maybe doing some yard work? You know, the things you’ve been meaning to do, stuff that’s been nagging at you for weeks, if not months.

Well, now’s as good of a time as any to do them, right? So, you decide to give it the ol’ college try, seems easy enough, right?

It’s easy to get frustrated by home improvement and maintenance; sometimes those online how-tos are confusing, and sometimes home improvement projects require expensive tools that you’ll only use once. But still, those jobs have got to get done! So what do you do?

If you’re a Franklin County Resident, there are some great resources out there: The ModLiving Tool library, and the Columbus Landmarks association.

In fact, they’ve partnered together to create a program to help Central Ohio homeowners.

COLUMBUS LANDMARKS

Columbus Landmarks is a nonprofit in central Ohio focused on the preservation of historical Columbus. “Columbus Landmarks advocates for, promotes and preserves Columbus landmarks and neighborhoods,” according to their website.

One of their biggest programs is called the “Home Preservation Program” or HPP. This program is meant to assist homeowners with maintaining homes 50 years or older. It offers advice and resources for homeowners on how to navigate the trials and tribulations that can come with owning an old house. They also give advice on how to maintain, upgrade, and repair an older home, while still keeping within the architectural or historic character of the home.

Columbus Landmarks also offer workshops and instruction on how to do some repairs on older homes – albeit programming is somewhat limited due to the pandemic. Still, their website has a series of helpful instructional or informational videos for homeowners.

MODCON LIVING

“Modcon Living is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustaining homes and neighborhoods by providing reliable, affordable home repair and modification services, while serving vulnerable homeowners.” – ModCon Living’s website.

Modcon Living is one of the most valuable resources for homeowners in Franklin County, especially for those who are lower-income.

“Safe at Home” is one of the most impactful programs they run. Volunteers and handymen have repaired more than 130 homes last year of low-income Senior Citizens and disabled Franklin county homeowners. The goal is to keep these homes safe for the occupants, so they can “age in place” or “care in place” in safety and dignity.

Similarly, the Mod Squad is a “Social Enterprise” of contractors and handymen in the service of being able to assist homeowners with repairs and maintenance. The Mod Squad’s profits go directly to helping more people in need in the “Safe at Home” program. The Mod Squad’s contractors are fully insured and bonded and offer quality service at very reasonable pricing.

The Tool Library is the pièce de résistance of ModCon Living. In it, more than 4,000 tools are made of use to Franklin County residents, for a very low cost.

Did you need a lawnmower or hedge trimmer? They’ve got it!

Eight-foot, ladders? They’ve got it!

Electric drills or saws? They’ve got those, too!

Any sort of home improvement tool you can think of? They’ve probably got it, don’t hesitate to ask!

Membership is straightforward and very fair. For regular (non-landlord) members, the fee is $50 per year, for one property. (Additional properties are $25 extra, per property).

For seniors and students, the yearly membership is only $25.

If you’re lower-income and the $50 is too great, Modcon Living has a “pay what you can” donation-based membership fee, which lets those who need it, still have access to the Tool Library. For those who may be in a crisis and need tools – this is incredibly helpful.

There are some late fees, as well as a $2 fee for gas tools and shop-vac filters.

If you’re unsure if you want an entire year membership, ModCon Living also offers 30-day memberships for $15.

Unfortunately, membership to the Tool Library is limited to Franklin County residents. But, ModCon Living does have plans to open membership up to surrounding counties in the future. For more info, head over to
Both modconliving.org.

The post The First Ever Tool Library Was Started In Columbus In 1976 And It’s Still A Life-Changing Service Today appeared first on Columbus Navigator.