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

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The much-anticipated college football season opener lived up to its billing on Saturday as the defending national champions, No. 3 Ohio State, defeated the preseason No. 1 Texas Longhorns 14-7 in front of a packed Ohio Stadium. It was a clash that had been hyped for months, featuring two powerhouse programs, a star-studded lineup, and a matchup that set the tone for the 2025 season. The Buckeyes, despite losing multiple starters to the NF

Chick-fil-A has revealed a major expansion plan for Ohio, announcing on Monday that it intends to open between 25 and 30 new restaurants across the state by the end of 2027. The expansion will not only increase the presence of the popular fast-food chain but will also bring with it an estimated 3,000 new full-time and part-time jobs for Ohio residents. Company leaders emphasized that Ohio’s growing communities and its history of hard work and hospitality h

Three people were taken to the hospital after a serious crash in southeast Columbus on Sunday evening. Police confirmed that the accident happened in the busy area of Winchester Pike and Refugee Road shortly after 7 p.m., a time when the road is usually crowded with drivers heading toward major routes. The Columbus Division of Police responded to the scene and worked quickly to assist those involved and manage traffic flow while medical teams attended to the vic

A new era of student housing has arrived in Columbus with the opening of Rambler Columbus, a large-scale residential development designed specifically for Ohio State University students. The modern complex officially opened its doors on July 31 and has already begun welcoming students into a dynamic living space that blends convenience, comfort and community. Located at 222 W. Lane Avenue, just steps away from the Ohio State campus, the 407,465-square-foot deve

A remarkable story of luck, persistence, and the power of digital communities has unfolded after a young woman from Australia was unexpectedly reunited with her lost iPad in Ohio two years after it disappeared. The device, which carried her personal photos and 2D animation projects, had been presumed gone forever until a surprise email notified her that someone in Hilliard, a suburb near Columbus, was attempting to access it.

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy presented his vision for the future of education in the state during a campaign event in Hilliard on Wednesday night. The Republican candidate spoke to supporters about what he sees as a critical need for reform in Ohio’s schools, putting forth a series of proposals that immediately drew both strong support and vocal opposition. His agenda focused heavily on eliminating teachers’ unions, creating a system

Columbus is getting ready for another exciting weekend filled with events, activities, and entertainment that appeal to families, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy the best of central Ohio. From thrilling aerial performances to peaceful yoga with adorable puppies, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the city and surrounding communities. One of the biggest highlights this weekend is the Columbus Air Show, a

An Ohio advisory board has approved a new standard that sets clear expectations for how law enforcement agencies handle missing persons cases. The decision comes after months of review and recommendations from a statewide working group tasked with improving the way such investigations are conducted. The advisory board, made up of community leaders and law enforcement experts, voted unanimously to adopt the new guidelines. Although agencies are not legally required to comply, those

A story of resilience and compassion is unfolding in Ohio, where Joe Ryan has transformed his personal health battle into a mission that now inspires and uplifts others. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2016, Ryan faced a reality where daily tasks became increasingly difficult. His struggles with balance and mobility were compounded by the inability to afford the expensive Bioness device, which helps those suffering from foot drop improve their walking abili

Grove City, Ohio, has been wrestling with the question of whether to allow marijuana dispensaries within city limits, even though the council voted three years ago to permit up to two. Despite that approval, the city still has no dispensary, more than a year after recreational marijuana became legal across the state. The issue continues to divide residents, city leaders, and the mayor, as zoning rules and political opposition keep pushing the matter into new ro