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 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

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

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.

Ohio social media warning label bill HB 808 would require notices on platforms that use addictive features to keep users scrolling for long periods. The bill was introduced in the Ohio House on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, by state Representatives Christine Cockley of Columbus and Jodi Salvo of Bolivar. Legislative tracking records show the measure was later referred to the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, with no

Columbus Voters Approve Sunday Alcohol Sales for German Village Restaurant Columbus voters approved Sunday alcohol sales for the Sycamore restaurant in German Village during the Tuesday, May 5, 2026, election. The vote clears the way for the restaurant at 262 E. Sycamore St. to serve beer, wine and spirits on Sundays through Ohio’s D-6 liquor permit process. German Village Res

Deadly Ohio Intersection Finally Gets Safety Upgrade A dangerous central Ohio intersection linked to more than 40 crashes in five years will soon become a four-way stop after a fatal accident renewed pressure on local officials. County commissioners approved the traffic change this week for the intersection of County Road 24 and County Road 228 near the border of Ohio

The Supreme Court of India, in a significant judgment delivered on March 24, 2026, has reaffirmed that individuals who convert to religions other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism cannot retain or claim Scheduled Caste status under the law. The ruling reinforces the constitutional framework governing caste-based reservations and legal protections in India. The verdict came in an appeal challenging an earlier decision of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which had quashed criminal proceedings filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The complainant, who was born into a Scheduled Caste but had converted to Christianity and was functioning as a pastor, had alleged caste-based abuse and assault. However, the court held that his conversion disentitled him from invoking protections meant specifically for Scheduled Castes. A bench of the Supreme Court observed that the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, clearly restricts Scheduled Caste recognition to persons professing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism. The court described this restriction as categorical, stating that conversion to any other religion results in the immediate and complete loss of Scheduled Caste status, regardless of birth. The court further clarified that a person cannot simultaneously profess a religion outside the specified categories and claim Scheduled Caste identity for statutory benefits. It emphasized that such positions are mutually exclusive within the constitutional scheme, and no statutory protection or reservation can be extended once a person ceases to fall within the legally defined category. In its interpretation, the court also highlighted that the term “profess” implies a public declaration and active practice of a religion. This interpretation played a key role in assessing the individual’s eligibility, particularly in cases where religious identity is visibly demonstrated through roles such as clergy or religious leadership. The judgment is expected to have wide-ranging implications for individuals who convert to religions outside the constitutionally recognised framework while seeking benefits or protections linked to Scheduled Caste status. While the ruling reinforces existing legal provisions, it also brings renewed attention to ongoing debates about caste discrimination and its persistence beyond religious boundaries.

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

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has announced a gesture of support for federal workers affected by the ongoing government shutdown, offering them free admission for a limited time this month. The initiative, designed to provide a brief respite for workers and their families during a period of financial and emotional strain, will run from November 1 through November 20. Federal employees will be able to enjoy complimentary admission for themselves and up to five guests, along with free

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Senate has passed a controversial education bill that would introduce a new course for middle and high school students centered on what lawmakers are calling the “Success Sequence.” Supporters say the proposed curriculum offers young people a roadmap to financial independence and reduced poverty, while critics argue it simplifies complex economic issues and risks stigmatizing those who struggle. The legislation, sponsored by Republican State Senator A

The redistricting process in Dublin City Schools has ignited a wave of frustration, division, and public outcry, as hundreds of parents filled auditoriums Wednesday to voice their discontent. At a series of “listening tour” sessions organized by the district, many parents expressed that they had lost faith in how officials have managed plans to redraw high school boundaries for the next academic year. The sessions, held across three venues in Dublin, drew parents carrying handma

Ohio parents could soon be offered DNA testing for their newborns under a new proposal aimed at giving families greater certainty about parentage and reducing long-term legal disputes. The legislation, known as the Right to Know Act, was introduced by State Representative Josh Williams, a Republican from Toledo who serves as Majority Whip in the Ohio House of Representatives. If enacted, the bill would require hospitals to inform new parents that they have the option to undergo DNA

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has become a crucial tool in preventing HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer, throat cancer, and other cancers caused by the virus. For Indian teens living abroad, understanding the HPV vaccine guidelines in their respective countries is important to ensure they are fully protected. Although the HPV vaccine is not a routine part of India’s vaccination schedule, it is strongly recommended for teens worldwide, particularly for those who are

  Immunization is one of the most important public health strategies to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Both India and the United States have their own immunization schedules to ensure children receive the necessary vaccines to protect them from various diseases. However, the vaccination schedules differ in terms of the types of vaccines, the timing of doses, and the age at which they are administered. Understanding these differences is essential for parents, caregiv

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

  Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Ohio Statehouse on Friday evening to participate in a peaceful protest as part of the growing national “No Kings” movement. The protest in downtown Columbus was one of several planned across the country in response to what participants described as increasingly authoritarian rhetoric coming from former President Donald Trump. Organizers and attendees expressed concern about recent messages and imagery associated with

Flags across the state of Ohio have been ordered to fly at half-staff in memory of Cleveland Fire Cadet Symeon Williams, who tragically passed away following a medical emergency during his training. This directive was issued by Governor Mike DeWine on May 17 and applies to all U.S. and Ohio flags displayed on state-owned public buildings and grounds in Cuyahoga County, including notable locations such as the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower. The directive

A recent incident in Columbus, Ohio, has drawn public attention and criticism after police released body-worn camera footage showing an officer fatally shooting a dog that was attacking a woman and her leashed pet. The event occurred on May 4 around 3:28 p.m. in the area of Arlington Avenue and Bremen Street, when officers were responding to a report involving a dog that had been running loose in the neighborhood. According to Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant, officers were spe

Election Day in Ohio is just days away, and voters across the state are being called to cast their ballots in a variety of local races and on one key statewide issue. As usual, many seasoned voters like Mary and David Porretta are already fulfilling their civic duty. The couple, longtime Ohio residents, made time on Thursday morning to vote early. They believe that no election, large or small, should be overlooked. “We’ve always voted,” Mary said. “I don’t think we&