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Columbus’ Near East Side is walking a tightrope between honoring its historic Black roots and fueling much-needed housing growth, as new construction surges with over 22 multi-family permits and $24 million in single-family projects — but tensions rise over community voice, displacement fears, and whether developers are sidestepping local oversight in the city’s push to streamline development whil...

A deadly head-on crash in Fairfield County, Ohio, claimed the lives of 25-year-old Miranda Maughmer and her 3-year-old passenger, while an 8-month-old sibling escaped with minor injuries. Both children were safely buckled in car seats, but Maughmer was not wearing her seatbelt. The other driver, a 33-year-old woman, also unbuckled and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the crash...

Ohioans are sounding the alarm on data centers, with over 70% of a recent poll calling them a bad deal for energy and the environment. Democrats like former Senator Sherrod Brown are launching political attacks, targeting Senator Jon Husted as the “face of data centers,” while gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton vows to rein in tax breaks and demand community input. Proponents, including some Republ...

Sixteen children found in a Vinton County home were all born in hospitals—11 at Holzer in Gallipolis, others at OhioHealth facilities—raising urgent questions as parents and grandparents face felony child endangerment charges. The family’s frequent moves, including a stint in Wisconsin, hint at instability, while recent twin births in January underscore the complexity of their situation. Authoriti...

The Ohio Supreme Court is weighing a high-stakes case against MacKenzie Shirilla, whose future hinges on whether the evidence meets legal standards for trial — a deeply personal and nationally watched legal battle. Meanwhile, Governor DeWine pushes new legislation to combat surging catalytic converter theft with harsher penalties, reflecting the state’s urgent focus on public safety and justice re...

A brutal heat wave in central Ohio has overwhelmed local shelters, pushing the Franklin County waitlist to nearly 600—far beyond normal levels. To manage demand, officials are capping the waitlist at 14 days, forcing reapplication to ensure beds go to those most urgently in need. This crisis underscores the deeper problem of unaffordable housing, which traps people in shelters longer and strains t...

Columbus is handing residents the reins on city funds with a bold new program: “Our Voice, Our Choice Budget.” Nine million dollars—$1 million per district—is up for grabs for neighborhood-driven capital projects like parks, sidewalks, and green spaces. Residents can submit ideas and vote online via the Common platform until August 28th, bypassing traditional bureaucracy and empowering everyday fo...

Hilliard, Ohio’s top earners? They’re the city’s leaders and cops. Assistant City Manager Daniel Ralley leads with $203,960, followed by Chief of Police Michael Woods at $173,638. Public records reveal these figures as part of a broader Columbus-area audit, showing how taxpayer dollars flow to city hall and law enforcement. Other high earners include the finance director, CIO, and a police lieuten...

Fourth of July weekend turned deadly on Ohio roads: 18 fatalities—double last year—linked to alcohol, drugs, seatbelt and helmet violations. Amid heat and traffic chaos, DOT announces major closures in Columbus starting July 10th, including I-70 and I-71 ramps, with detours mandatory. Stay safe, plan ahead, and buckle up. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/di...

Fireworks are booming in central Ohio despite local bans—Columbus, Dublin, Hilliard, and others have rules, but enforcement is surprisingly lax. Police mostly issue warnings, not tickets, prioritizing safety and education over fines. Only one citation was handed out in Westerville for ignoring requests; Dublin and Hilliard reported zero citations. With Fourth of July celebrations in full swing, ci...

Delaware, Ohio, is facing a maternity care crisis as OhioHealth prepares to shut down Grady Memorial’s labor and delivery unit by July 31—leaving the entire county without local birthing options. With growing concerns over emergency delays and access to care, the Ohio Nurses Association is demanding state intervention, citing a 2005 agreement that promised ongoing maternity services. Residents, in...

Your forever stamps are about to get pricier—again. Starting July 12, each stamp jumps to 82 cents, marking the eighth price hike since 2021 and signaling more increases ahead through 2028. With a $2 billion quarterly loss and falling mail volume, the USPS is raising prices on stamps, postcards, and international mail to stay afloat. If you’re mailing birthday cards or bills, brace for higher cost...

Ohio’s facing a major cyclosporiasis outbreak with nearly 200 cases statewide—over 20 in Franklin County—with Michigan reporting more than a thousand. This summer heat-spreading parasite thrives in contaminated produce and water, causing explosive, recurring diarrhea. While not usually deadly, it’s serious enough to warrant action: wash all produce and hands thoroughly, and see a doctor if symptom...

A 43-year-old man in central Ohio is facing serious new charges after allegedly exposing himself to a 13-year-old boy at a public pool bathroom — a case that’s now linked to prior incidents in neighboring counties. Surveillance and witness accounts led to his arrest, and he’s charged with kidnapping, public indecency, and importuning. Though he denies the allegations, prosecutors have evidence tyi...

A disturbing video shows a man repeatedly throwing a brick at a dog on a Columbus apartment porch—prompting Columbus Humane to intervene. The dog, now receiving urgent veterinary care, was removed from the scene. The organization’s Law Investigations Team, Ohio’s largest animal cruelty unit, is leading the probe while urging the public to come forward with tips. With a proven track record of rescu...

Ohio’s public colleges now mandate that all undergraduate syllabi be publicly accessible online—no login required—starting this fall, as part of a sweeping higher education law targeting transparency, intellectual diversity, and faculty accountability. Lawmakers aim to prevent classroom “indoctrination” by requiring professors to detail course goals, their credentials, and guest speakers. While so...

In Vinton County, Ohio, sixteen children were removed from a home described by authorities as “pure evil” — filled with feces and bugs — prompting charges of child endangerment against mother Elizabeth Siders and three others. Her attorney, Tommy Stolley, fiercely disputes the graphic portrayal, insisting there’s no evidence the kids were confined or feral, and that Elizabeth, who views children a...

Sixteen children were removed from a home in Hamden, Ohio, under horrific conditions — and now lawmakers are grappling with whether they were truly homeschooled. With no school records, some children reportedly unable to speak, and no formal education confirmed, the state is scrambling to understand how such a large group could remain hidden for so long. Senator Shane Wilkin dismisses the “homesch...

Columbus just dropped a game-changer: “Our Voice, Our Choice” lets residents in each of the city’s nine districts decide how to spend a million dollars—on real stuff like parks, rec center upgrades, or safer crosswalks. No more waiting for change—this is your neighborhood, your call. A community-led steering committee is rallying neighbors to submit ideas, and city council is backing it with cash...

Longtime New Albany-Plain School Board member John McClelland has stepped down after 10 years, including a stint as president, to take a seat on the New Albany City Council — filling the vacancy left by Chip Fellows. Sworn in June 30, McClelland’s exit leaves the school board scrambling to find a replacement by July 13, with the winner serving until 2027 and voters choosing the next term in Novemb...

A Delaware man, Namon Joshua the fourth, 43, was arrested for exposing himself and making obscene gestures toward a juvenile at the Marysville Municipal Pool — a crime that, while not physically harmful, led to multiple felony charges including kidnapping and public indecency. His prior conviction and pool ban didn’t stop him from returning to the scene, where he fled before police arrived — but i...

Eight men, including 19-year-old Tycen Proper from Ohio, face federal charges for plotting to attack a UFC event at the White House and assassinate top U.S. and global leaders — including Trump, Vance, Netanyahu, and Musk. The indictment reveals they used encrypted apps to recruit, train, and stockpile weapons like AR rifles and explosives, operating under a militant group called “Vanguard of the...

National French Fry Day is here, and fry lovers are in for a treat—multiple chains are dropping deals to celebrate. Arby’s offers a $1.99 XL fry with a $5+ purchase through July 12. Five Guys gives a free small fry with any burger/sandwich/hot dog using code FRYDAY26. Penn Station’s BOGO fries (with a sub/wrap/sandwich/bowl) is a July 10-only deal. Rally’s has BOGO seasoned fries plus a $1 sauce t...

A 73-year-old man from Dublin, Wade Christofferson, just pleaded guilty to coercing and enticing a minor — a crime that could land him 10 years to life. Arrested in Utah last year, investigators uncovered a disturbing world of coded messages, internet searches, and a hidden room in his home filled with disturbing writings and bedding. Recorded calls revealed him teaching a 7-year-old victim secret...

Eight individuals, including a 19-year-old from Ohio, have been federally indicted for allegedly plotting to bomb the White House during a UFC event in June—targeting the President, VP, and even Elon Musk. The group, which communicated via social media, acquired weapons, tactical gear, and underwent combat training, was arrested in waves, with the last suspect nabbed in West Virginia. All face pot...