Two Ohio state lawmakers are proposing legislation that would expand the state’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) laws to protect residents from the growing threat of deepfakes and unauthorized digital impersonations. The bill seeks to apply the same principles that allow college athletes to profit from their personal brand to everyday Ohioans, ensuring that all individuals have control over how their likeness is used in the digital age. Republican state representatives Adam Mathew

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The city of Circleville is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors to one of Ohio’s most beloved autumn traditions. The 118th annual Circleville Pumpkin Show will officially begin on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, continuing through Saturday, October 18, and bringing with it a celebration of pumpkins, parades, contests, and community spirit. Known as “The Greatest Free Show on Earth,” this long-standing event will once again fill do

Powell, Ohio — Police officials are raising concerns about the increasing number of electric scooters and bikes being used by teenagers and children in local neighborhoods. With the popularity of e-bikes and scooters climbing rapidly, officers have noticed more complaints, unsafe riding behaviors, and even minor accidents involving young riders. In response, a new educational program has been introduced to teach proper road use, safety awareness, and traffic laws related to these vehicles.

Ohio’s latest abortion report shows that the number of procedures performed in the state did not increase following the implementation of the reproductive rights amendment approved by voters in November 2023. According to the Ohio Department of Health’s 2024 annual report, physicians recorded a total of 21,829 abortions in the state last year, representing a decrease of less than one percent compared with 2023. The amendment, which went into effect on December 7, 2023, guarantees

A judge in Franklin County has dismissed a class action lawsuit brought against the City of Columbus following a major 2024 cyberattack that exposed the private information of nearly half a million residents. The ruling determined that the city cannot be held liable for damages because it qualifies as a political subdivision under Ohio law, which grants it immunity from certain types of lawsuits. The lawsuit stemmed from a ransomware attack in which a hacking group known as Rhysida

Central Ohio has welcomed a new addition to its dining scene with the arrival of Hummus Republic, a fast casual Mediterranean chain known for its fresh falafel, signature hummus, and highly customizable menu. The restaurant officially opened its first central Ohio location in Delaware, located at 1710 Columbus Pike, after hosting a successful grand opening in August. The launch marks another step in the expansion of the California-based chain, which has been steadily growing across the United

Ohio lawmakers are discussing a resolution that would encourage students across the state to read the Declaration of Independence in their classrooms as the country prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the historic document in 2026. The measure, introduced as House Concurrent Resolution 22, is sponsored by Representatives Bill Roemer and Jack Daniels. It received its first hearing before the House Education Committee and has been described as a way to prom

COLUMBUS, Ohio – From red carpets and themed exhibits to dog adoption drives and filmmaker panels, theaters across the Buckeye State are preparing for an unprecedented celebration of Ohio’s film heritage. Organizers have unveiled early details for “Ohio Goes to the Movies,” a statewide initiative scheduled to begin in February 2026, as part of the America 250-Ohio commemorations. Over a span of 250 days, every county in Ohio is expected to host at least one event, tota

What started as a simple tea order turned into a viral controversy when an Ohio woman, Autumn Perkins, claimed a Starbucks barista handed her a cup with “racist’s fav drink” written on it. Perkins had specifically ordered a Mint Majesty tea with two honeys, famously known as Charlie Kirk’s go-to Starbucks choice. Instead of receiving a normal order, she found herself in the middle of a political storm that has since spread across the U

Ohio is preparing for a historic celebration as America approaches its 250th birthday, and the state has already begun marking the occasion in a meaningful way. The America 250–Ohio Commission, in partnership with the Ohio Arts Council, has introduced a new initiative called Murals Across Ohio. This project aims to spotlight public art across all 88 counties of the state, creating a colorful and cultural tribute to Ohio’s role in the nation’s past, present, and future.

The state of Ohio is once again at the center of a debate over religion and government after an online petition was launched to remove its official motto, “With God, all things are possible.” The phrase, drawn directly from the Bible’s Gospel of Matthew 19:26, has been a fixture of Ohio identity since 1959 but has faced challenges over the years from those who believe it promotes a specific religion in violation of the principle of separation of church and state. T

Ohio State football fans now have a confirmed kickoff time for the Buckeyes’ first Big Ten matchup of the 2025 season. The No. 1 ranked Buckeyes will face Washington on September 27 in Seattle, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The game marks the beginning of a historic chapter, as it will be the first Big Ten clash between Ohio State and Washington following the Huskies’ move to the conference in 2024. This upcoming game will be the 13th meeting between the

A legal challenge to an Ohio law that requires political party affiliations to be listed on ballots for certain judicial candidates is moving forward after a federal judge allowed the case to proceed. The law, signed by Governor Mike DeWine in 2021, has already influenced the state’s judicial landscape and remains the subject of heated debate over fairness and judicial impartiality. The rule mandates that candidates running for the Ohio Supreme Court and the state’s appe

A new walk-thru coffee shop has opened on Ohio State University’s campus, providing students and staff with convenient access to a wide variety of drinks in a unique setting. 7 Brew, a national coffee chain originally based in Arkansas, celebrated the grand opening of its second-ever walk-thru location at 2118 N. High St. on Wednesday. Unlike the brand’s typical drive-thru stores, this location caters specifically to pedestrian traffic, making it easier for students to grab coffee

As debates around vaccine mandates continue in some states, Ohio’s top health official has reaffirmed that the state supports routine childhood vaccinations for school-aged children. While Florida is considering rolling back requirements for students, the Ohio Department of Health said its position has not changed, emphasizing that vaccines are vital for protecting children and communities from preventable diseases. Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Heal

A northeast Columbus resident is celebrating good fortune after purchasing a $1 million winning Powerball ticket at a local convenience store. Lottery officials confirmed the winning ticket was sold at Hudson Express Carryout in East Linden, marking one of two million-dollar tickets purchased in Ohio from the most recent drawing. The second Ohio ticket worth $1 million was sold at Poor Boys Kwik-Stock in Champaign County, further adding to the excitement across the state. Saturday&r

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A new bipartisan proposal at the Ohio Statehouse seeks to toughen the state’s hate crime laws and broaden the protections afforded to residents. Representatives Dontavius Jarrells, a Democrat from Columbus, and Josh Williams, a Republican from Sylvania Township, introduced House Bill 306 earlier this year. Called the Hate Crime Act, the legislation is designed to modernize Ohio’s approach to hate crime protections and bring the state more in line with the la

Ohio is facing a growing public health debate over the future of kratom, a substance that has seen rising use but also an alarming increase in overdose deaths. Recent state data shows overdoses where kratom was listed as a cause of death have tripled in the last five years. As the number of cases rises, the distinction between natural and synthetic kratom is driving disagreement among state leaders, health officials, business owners, and advocates. Governor Mike DeWine has called fo

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is grieving the loss of one of its beloved animals after a zebra named Paula died in a tragic accident within the Heart of Africa habitat. Paula, a familiar sight to visitors and a favorite among staff, was described as spirited and full of energy, often bringing joy to guests who came to see her. According to the zoo, initial findings revealed that Paula suffered fatal injuries after colliding with a gate inside the outdoor section of her habitat. The

Kroger shoppers in central Ohio will have something extra to look forward to this week as the grocery giant’s Columbus division rolls out a special one-day savings event designed exclusively for seniors. On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, customers aged 55 and older will be able to take advantage of an additional 5% discount on their in-store purchases, a move Kroger says is part of its commitment to helping seniors stretch their budgets in meaningful ways. The company explained