WCPO

The Reds introduced Elly De La Cruz for the first time after being called up to the team. He's widely considered the best prospect in baseball.

A 23-year-old bank employee armed with a rifle opened fire at his workplace Monday morning, killing four people — including a close friend of the governor — before being shot by police, authorities said. Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel identified the shooter as Connor Sturgeon and said he was shot and killed by police, though not before shooting and wounding two officers, who are both hospitalized. One of those officers is a 26-year-old who just graduated from the police academy on March 31, Gwinn-Villaroel said. That officer was shot in the head and underwent brain surgery on Monday; he remains in critical condition, officials said. She said the gunman was live-streaming the shooting while it happened and police are working to have the stream removed. READ MORE: https://bit.ly/43lVSPD

John Carter, an Ohio man accused of murdering his fiancée Katelyn Markham more than a decade ago, pleaded not guilty during his first court appearance since arrest. During the arraignment, the prosecution read writings they found inside a folder in his name that says, "I can't kill her. Yes, you can."

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Body camera footage from the Goshen Township Police Department shows the moments surrounding a woman being shot by police after she pointed a gun at officers. The woman was injured in the shooting and was taken to UC Medical Center. No officers were injured.

An all-county broadcast that went out over police radios and scanners declaring the Hamilton County Justice Center was "closed" was a result of miscommunication, according to Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey.

Dr. William A. Knight and Dr. Timothy Pritts provided an update Thursday regarding Damar Hamlin's condition and his recovery. Hamlin has shown "substantial improvement in his condition over the past 24 hours," Pritts said. Though he's still intubated, Pritts said Hamlin's neurological function is intact as doctors continue to run tests, noting that he's not just awake but that "the lights are on."

President Joe Biden visits Covington to talk about Brent Spence Bridge improvements

Hannah Hazel's mother, Andrea Shoemaker, approached the podium and asked Deering for permission to address George directly; Deering hesitated, but said he'd allow it to a point, despite preferring impact statements be made to him. "My grandson was made an orphan in one night," she shouted, slamming her hand on the podium between words. "He mourns for a dad so bad and that is something he will do for the rest of his life — is want his daddy." READ MORE HERE: https://bit.ly/3FDlz3b

Following a lunch break, court resumed and James Manley, Dana and Bobby Jo's brother, was called to the stand. After Bobby Jo and Morgan discovered the bodies in the first two homes, Morgan drove to retrieve Bobby Jo and Dana's parents. James noticed when he arrived and said he immediately knew something was wrong. "The way dad took off, I knew something was wrong," he said. He told the court he then jumped in his truck and followed his parents to Frankie and Hannah Hazel's home to see what happened. "I walked up and saw Frankie's baby covered in blood," he said.

Prosecutors revealed new details in the six-year-old murder case during opening statements for the trial of George Wagner IV. From a false-bottomed pickup truck bought for the homicides to infants left lying with dead parents, the prosecution described the homicides they claim George helped commit. George's attorneys said he killed no one -- but his family did.

Newly obtained video shows the last 30 minutes of a standoff between officials and Ricky Shiffer, the man who attempted to break into the FBI office in Cincinnati. At around 4:00, Shiffer can be seen hiding behind his car. At one point, he gets up and grabs something from inside the vehicle. His weapon can be seen on him. Law enforcement vehicles then arrive at around the 25:00 mark. Multiple people can be seen approaching Shiffer's car. They are then seen returning to their vehicle. Near the 34:00 point, a robot can be seen going through Shiffer's car, likely looking for a bomb or any other suspicious items.

At least nine people have been injured after a shooting in Over-the-Rhine early Sunday morning, CPD's Assistant Chief Michael John said. During a noon press conference, John said the victims were eight males and one female ranging in ages between 23 and 47.

Fairfield football coach Jason Krause and Winton Woods coach Chad Murphy reflect on this preseason and what they like about their respective teams entering the season opener on Aug. 19. Get more: https://wcpo.com/highschoolinsider

WCPO High School Insider podcast visits the Kenwood Towne Centre Chick-fil-A (7875 Montgomery Road) to highlight the Indian Hill, Moeller and Sycamore football teams. Coaches and players discuss the expectations for this season and offered insight into what makes high school football so special every fall. Find more at https://wcpo.com/highschoolinsider

President Joe Biden visited United Performance Metals in Hamilton to promote the Bipartisan Innovation Act, which has been championed by Ohio Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown.

The Department of Justice held a press conference on Wednesday to announce the ARPO strike force's progress in combatting the opioid epidemic through going after medical professionals responsible for overprescribing opioids.

$2.8B plan for new Ohio River bridge announced

Beshear, DeWine announce $2.8B plan for Brent Spence Bridge, new bridge

AFC Champions rally for Bengals at Washington Park

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval approves mask mandate for city employees

Watch: Beshear's update on western Kentucky tornadoes

Kicker shines on and off the field

Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky high school football begins this week in a much-anticipated return. The 24th annual Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown will highlight several of the Cincinnati area's top teams throughout this season. In-Game Sports president Tom Gamble, the longtime Showdown organizer, joined the WCPO High School Insider to discuss the event's rich history with talented players and team along with the outlook for this season. Gamble, who is also the Greater Catholic League South division commissioner, also discussed the upcoming school year in all sports for the conference. You will also hear from St. Xavier athletic director Brian Reinhart about the much-anticipated Showdown game with Lakota West at St. X Friday night and Mason coach Brian Castner discusses a 60th anniversary celebration of Comets' football.

High school football has returned to Northern Kentucky this month. Members of the Beechwood football program, the defending Class 2A state champions, were the special guests of the WCPO High School Insider on Tuesday afternoon at the Fort Wright Chick-fil-A (3436 Madison Pike Route 17). Beechwood coach Noel Rash along with senior offensive lineman/defensive lineman Luke Slusher (Western Kentucky University verbal commit) and senior slot receiver/defensive back Parker Mason discussed the upcoming season for the Tigers. Rash also discussed reigning quarterback and reigning Kentucky Mr. Football Cameron Hergott (Eastern Kentucky University commit) after Hergott reclassified to the 2022 class. Rash, Slusher and Mason discussed the tradition at Beechwood and how significant the 15 state titles are for the history of the program.