COLUMBUS, Ohio — A growing number of teenagers in Ohio are failing to wear seat belts properly, a troubling trend that state safety officials say is contributing to a rise in preventable deaths on the road. According to data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 44 teenage drivers were killed in crashes across the state last year, and 81 percent of those victims were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. Law enforcement officials are expressing concern over the incre

Columbus drivers are seeing noticeable relief at the gas pumps this week as fuel prices decline across central Ohio. The city’s average gasoline price has fallen by nearly seven cents per gallon over the past week, now averaging $2.94 per gallon. This marks a welcome break for motorists after months of uneven pricing and modest increases that have reflected broader supply and demand changes across the region. While the latest drop provides short-term savings, prices in Columbus rema

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

New Albany officials are weighing new regulations that could significantly change how residents and visitors use electric bikes and scooters within city limits. During recent meetings, members of the New Albany City Council discussed proposed legislation that would redefine how these increasingly popular modes of transportation are classified and where they can operate. Under the proposed ordinance, electric bikes and scooters would be formally categorized as vehicles under city law

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

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Amazon’s ongoing data center construction in Hilliard is now facing new scrutiny after the company proposed adding a large fuel cell facility to help power the site. While the project aims to expand energy efficiency and sustainability, residents living near the site have voiced growing concerns about potential safety risks and environmental impacts. The plan has sparked debate among city officials and community members about the speed of approval and the lack of local re

MARION, Ohio — Whirlpool Corporation announced Wednesday a $300 million investment across two of its key Ohio manufacturing facilities, marking one of the company’s largest expansions in recent years. The investment aims to strengthen Whirlpool’s production capacity for its next generation of washers and dryers, while also creating hundreds of new jobs and supporting thousands more indirectly across the state. According to the Michigan-based appliance manufacturer, the capital

As AI chatbots grow more advanced, a small but growing number of people around the world are forming deep emotional bonds — and even proposing marriage — to their digital companions. From virtual partners offering emotional support to AI “spouses” providing companionship, these relationships are challenging traditional definitions of love and partnership. But one U.S. lawmaker wants to stop it before it goes too far. In Ohio, Representative Thaddeus Claggett has introd

Concerns about artificial intelligence surpassing human capability have circulated for decades, but the arrival of accessible AI tools has renewed public unease about how these systems might reshape society. In Ohio, one state lawmaker has even proposed legislation to ensure that artificial intelligence systems cannot be legally recognized as people. While the idea may sound like science fiction, a researcher at Ohio State University believes it highlights an important misunderstanding of wha

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.