More than a dozen locally owned restaurants in Columbus, Ohio, are offering special discounts to diners as part of the annual Columbus Independents Weeks event, which runs from March 2 through March 14. The promotion is organized by Columbus Independents, an association representing independent restaurants that aims to encourage residents and visitors to support local food businesses while enjoying limited-time dining deals across the city. During the event, participating restaurant

Ohio lawmakers are advancing new leg

Ohio lawmakers are advancing a proposal that would allow residents to claim state income tax deductions for qualifying church donations, arguing the move would bring Ohio policy in line with federal tax law while strengthening faith-based services across local communities. House Bill 444, also known as the Tithing Protection Act, was introduced last fall by Republican Rep. Josh Williams of Sylvania Township and Democratic Rep. Dontavius Jarrells of Columbus. The measure received its first he

A former BrewDog bar in Columbus’ Franklinton neighborhood has been placed on the leasing market, opening the door for a new operator to take over the high-profile space weeks after the Scotland-based brewery closed the location as part of a broader pullback in the city. Roth Real Estate Group is marketing the freestanding property at 463 W. Town St. as a turnkey opportunity for a restaurant, cafe, brewery, bar or creative retail concept. The building offers more than 4,900 square

Ohio is set to welcome its first Buc-ee’s, with officials announcing the grand opening date and schedule for the highly anticipated store. Located at 8000 State Route 235 in Huber Heights, the new Buc-ee’s will officially open to the public at 6 a.m. on Monday, April 6. The announcement has generated excitement among residents and travelers eager to experience the popular convenience store and gas station chain for the first time in the state. Ahead of the public opening, a specia

The world’s largest rubber duck is set to make a highly anticipated return to Ohio this spring, marking her third appearance in the state and bringing a colorful spectacle to downtown Cuyahoga Falls. Event organizers confirmed that the towering inflatable attraction, widely known as Mama Duck, will be featured during the Ohio Rubber Duck Dash and Festival from April 24 through April 26 along the Cuyahoga River. The three-day event is expected to draw families, visitors, and touris

A Franklin County grand jury has returned an indictment in the high-profile double homicide case involving the deaths of a north Columbus couple, formally charging a Chicago-area physician with multiple felony offenses connected to the December killings. Court records show that Michael McKee, 39, has been indicted on four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary in connection with the deaths of his ex-wife, Monique Tepe, and her husband, Spencer Tepe. The vic

If you have ever dreamed of owning a private island and have $5 million to invest, Mouse Island in Lake Erie presents a rare opportunity. Situated approximately a quarter mile off the northern tip of Catawba Island in northwest Ohio, this seven-acre island is officially for sale. From above, the island resembles a small mouse swimming toward Cleveland, complete with a short tail at its western edge, making it a visually unique property in the region. The island offers 360-degree views

A man accused of killing Spencer and Monique Tepe has waived his right to contest extradition and will be returned to Ohio to face murder charges, authorities confirmed following a brief court appearance in Illinois. The decision clears the way for the suspect to be transported back to Franklin County, where prosecutors have filed multiple counts related to the fatal shootings. Michael McKee, 39, appeared Monday in a courtroom in Rockford, Illinois, marking his first public appearan

Federal immigration authorities arrested more than 280 immigrants across Ohio during a multi-day enforcement operation conducted in mid-December, according to officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The arrests took place between Dec. 16 and Dec. 21 as part of what officials described as a targeted effort known as Operation Buckeye, which focused on Columbus and other parts of the state. The announcement of the arrests came amid growing public attention and protests

A major health care provider headquartered in Columbus has expanded its real estate footprint with the purchase of a newly constructed industrial facility in Hilliard, reflecting its continued growth across central Ohio. OhioHealth acquired the property known as the Mill Run Innovation Center for $23 million in a transaction completed in late December, according to records from the Franklin County Auditor’s Office. The property is located at 3401 Mill Run Drive and includes a 130,

Central Ohio’s luxury real estate market closed out 2025 with several high-value residential transactions, as Franklin and Delaware counties recorded notable home sales during December. Property records show that the most expensive single-family home sold in Franklin County reached $2.45 million, while Delaware County’s top transaction closed at $1.2 million, reflecting continued demand for upscale housing across the region. In Franklin County, December’s highest-priced reside

Property owners in central Ohio will see notable changes to property tax payment schedules beginning in 2026, as officials in Franklin County revise due dates and Delaware County advances the start of its billing cycle. County leaders emphasized that the adjustments are designed to improve administrative efficiency and provide taxpayers with more time to prepare payments, without altering the total amounts owed or disrupting existing payment plans.

Congress adjourned for the year without renewing enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, a decision expected to significantly affect health coverage across Ohio beginning in 2026. State health policy analysts warn that as many as 140,000 Ohio residents could lose insurance coverage as premiums rise sharply following the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits at the end of 2025. The Affordable Care Act has provided premium tax credits since 2014 to help eligible individuals a

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has released the official schedule for the 2026 fair season, giving communities across the state an early look at one of Ohio’s most anticipated summer and fall traditions. The announcement confirms dates for fairs in all 88 counties, along with independent fairs, bringing the total number of events scheduled statewide to nearly 100. The calendar allows families, exhibitors, and fair organizers to begin planning months in advance for a season rooted in agr

As Christmas Day approaches, shoppers across central Ohio are adjusting their plans as many retailers prepare to close early on Christmas Eve and shut their doors entirely on Christmas Day. This year, the holiday falls on a Thursday, prompting widespread schedule changes as businesses balance customer demand with time off for employees to spend with family and friends. For consumers making last-minute purchases or gathering ingredients for holiday meals, knowing store hours ahead of

Culver’s has officially opened a new restaurant in northeast Columbus, marking the latest expansion of the fast-casual chain in central Ohio after several delays pushed back its original launch timeline. The restaurant began welcoming customers on December 8 at 6000 Old Hamilton Road, located within the Hamilton Quarter shopping center near the Gahanna and New Albany communities. The opening follows months of anticipation after the company initially targeted an October debut. Whil

As colder weather settles in across central Ohio, several communities continue to support local growers and small businesses through a variety of winter farmers markets. Operating indoors or in sheltered locations, these markets ensure residents have year-round access to fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal items and other locally sourced products. Organizers say the winter season often strengthens the sense of community, allowing shoppers and vendors to connect in a more personal setting wh

Ohio lawmakers advanced significant revisions to the state’s recreational marijuana framework on Tuesday as the Senate approved Senate Bill 56 following months of debate. The measure passed with a 22-7 vote and now awaits consideration from the governor. The legislation introduces new limits on public consumption, transportation, and permissible equipment while maintaining the foundation of the voter-approved recreational cannabis system. These changes come less than a year after Ohio resid