Grocery Outlet is Ohio’s fastest-growing brand in Yelp’s 2026 analysis, placing ahead of 7 Brew, Wingstop, Smoothie King and Paris Baguette. Yelp released the report on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, after comparing business and consumer activity in 2025 with 2024. The ranking combined net new business openings, changes in Yelp searches and consumer activity, including business-page views, photo uploads and reviews. Why Grocery Outlet ranked No. 1 in Ohio

The Columbus gas prices summer outlook is improving as pump prices retreat from recent highs. Still, analysts say drivers may wait several months before prices return to levels seen before March. Columbus gas prices summer outlook points to gradual declines Gas prices in Columbus, Ohio, have fallen at several stations, giving motorists some relief after a sharp increase. Drivers said prices approached $5 per gallon during the surge. Zac Bruney

Westrich apartments in Franklinton are now welcoming residents at 509 W. Rich St., adding 235 rental units and 5,806 square feet of ground-floor retail space in Columbus. Monthly rents begin at $1,050 for a 520-square-foot studio, according to the property’s website. A 1,220-square-foot apartment with two bedrooms and two bathrooms starts at $2,295. Westrich apartments in Franklinton offer studios and larger units

An Ohio man faces federal charges in an alleged White House UFC attack plot involving drones, explosives and gunfire, according to court documents. Tycen Proper, 19, of Danville, is accused of helping plan an attack targeting people attending a UFC event on the White House lawn in Washington, D.C. Authorities said the alleged plan was disrupted before it could be carried out. What Authorities Allege in the White House UFC Attack Plot

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell, Ohio, has welcomed a rare echidna baby, known as a puggle, after a three-year breeding effort by its animal care team. The zoo said the baby echidna was born in December and is being monitored closely as it continues to grow. The puggle joins its mother, Edna, and adds to a small North American population of echidnas living in professional care. Rare Puggle at Columbus Zoo Draws Attention Senior Speciali

Hollywood Casino Columbus hotel has opened after a more than $100 million investment, giving the casino an on-site lodging option and adding new event space on the city’s West Side. The hotel project, first announced in October 2022, was completed after years of planning and construction. Casino officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the expansion, though the supplied information did not include the full calendar date for the ceremony or first guest check-ins.

Due Amici, a longtime Italian restaurant at 67 E. Gay Street in downtown Columbus, has closed after 22 years in business. The restaurant ended service after its final day on June 8, bringing an abrupt close to a downtown dining spot that had served residents, office workers, visitors, and private events since opening in 2004. Restaurant cites changing downtown conditions In a statement, Due Amici ownership called the closure a difficult decisio

Ohio Medicaid family caregiver payments will continue under revised legislation after state lawmakers removed a proposal that would have barred some relatives from being paid for caring for loved ones with developmental disabilities. The proposal drew strong opposition from caregivers, families, and disability rights advocates, who argued that family caregiving often involves intensive daily support, not simple companionship. SHIELD Act Provision Removed After Car

Brassica Polaris restaurant plans are moving ahead for summer 2027, giving the Columbus-based Mediterranean fast-casual chain another location in Central Ohio. The planned restaurant is expected to open at 2170 Ikea Way in Polaris and occupy about 2,600 square feet on a property that was previously undeveloped, according to the provided development details. What Brassica Plans in Polaris The new Polaris location will follow Brassica’s familia

Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 will make several Ohio stops in June and July 2026, including a free public display in Fostoria, as part of its America 250 coast-to-coast steam tour. Big Boy 4014 is known as the world’s largest operating steam locomotive. Union Pacific says the 2026 tour marks the locomotive’s first trip to the East Coast and includes several whistle stops across Ohio. Big Boy 4014 Ohio whistle stops All Ohio times are liste

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio property tax repeal campaign will not move forward for the November 2026 ballot, shifting instead toward a possible Ohio property tax ballot 2027 fight over homeowner costs and local government funding. Following an update reported on Friday, June 5, 2026, organizers with AxOHTax, also known as the Committee to Abolish Ohio Property Taxes, said they will continue collecting signatures rather than submit petitions for the 2026 ballot. Oh

Columbus World Cup watch parties will give central Ohio soccer fans a full summer schedule of free USA celebrations, international match gatherings and major soccer events while the Crew’s MLS calendar pauses until mid-July. The Columbus Crew announced a summer watch party schedule tied to the FIFA tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. All listed times are local to Columbus, Ohio, in Eastern Time. Columbus World Cup Watch Pa

Central Ohio population growth is moving fastest outside Franklin County, according to U.S. Census estimates covering communities in Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Pickaway, Fairfield, Union and Madison counties. The estimates show the Columbus region continued to expand from 2020 to 2025, but the strongest percentage gains were concentrated in nearby suburban and exurban areas rather than in Columbus’ home county. Central Ohio Population Growth Moves Beyond Frank

Pizza Hut is bringing its Classic Pizza Hut design to more than 150 U.S. restaurants, including 11 locations in Ohio, as the chain leans into nostalgia around its familiar dine-in restaurant look.

An Ohio diet pill ban proposed under House Bill 943 would stop retailers from selling certain weight-loss and muscle-building supplements to anyone under 18. The bill was introduced on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, by Reps. Jodi Salvo of Bolivar and Rachel Baker of Cincinnati. Ohio Diet Pill Ban Would Apply to Stores and Online Sellers According to the Ohio Legislature’s HB 943 bill page, the proposal would amend Ohio law to prohibit the sale of over-the-coun

Bexley High gown rentals helped reduce graduation costs and clothing waste during the school’s 2026 commencement in Bexley, Ohio, on Sunday, May 24, 2026. The student-led effort gave seniors an option to rent gowns instead of buying apparel used for one ceremony. The initiative was led by senior Prudence Kiener, who connected the project to both affordability and sustainability. Kiener said the goal was to help every senior fully participate in commencement withou

Ohio residents have until Monday, May 25, 2026, to submit Ohio Revolutionary War graves data before the state closes its public collection portal. The Grave Marker and Cemetery Collection Portal will close to public submissions at the end of that day, allowing officials to review, verify and finalize records before the project’s public release on Saturday, July 4, 2026, according to America 250-Ohio reporting and project details.

Columbus City Schools layoffs in 2026 will affect 299 positions after the Board of Education approved a major staffing reduction plan on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. District leaders said the cuts are part of an effort to reach more than $50 million in savings amid rising costs and state funding pressure. Why Columbus City Schools Is Cutting Jobs The Columbus City Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to eliminate 299 positions across the district. Offi

Whitehall, Ohio, will hold a recall election on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, giving voters a chance to decide whether Mayor Michael Bivens and two city councilmembers should remain in office. Whitehall City Council approved the special election date on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, after petition efforts moved the recall process forward. The vote will include Bivens and councilmembers Lori Elmore and Amy Harcar. Who

Columbus City Council changed part of a soccer facility land deal by removing 10 acres on Greenlawn Avenue from the agreement tied to the city’s push for a women’s professional soccer team. The change came after questions from residents and city leaders about how the land would be used, especially because the Greenlawn Avenue parcel had been connected to earlier expectations for a therapeutic center. The revised deal separates that parcel from the broader soccer facility plan.