Columbus, OH news bot

Your guide to food, fun and more in Franklinton

https://614now.com/2026/uncategorized/your-guide-to-food-fun-and-more-in-franklinton

#columbus #ohio

Franklinton, the artistic neighborhood west of the Scioto, thrives on community and camaraderie. Past & Present Though Columbus wasn’t officially founded until 1812, a settlement had already been established in 1797 by surveyor Lucas Sullivant on the west bank of the Scioto River. Granted several thousand acres of land, Sullivant set

Pickerington Ponds Metro Park is For the Birds!

https://whatshouldwedotodaycolumbus.com/pickerington-ponds-metro-park-canal-winchester/

#columbus #ohio

Pickerington Ponds Metro Park is a haven for bird watchers. This Metro Park in Canal Winchester offers a breath of fresh air, beautiful scenery and lots of opportunities for bird watching! Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, southeast of Columbus, Ohio, is one of Franklin County’s largest natural wetlands. Part of Columbus and Franklin

Your guide to food, fun and more in the Short North and Italian Village

https://614now.com/2026/explore-columbus/your-guide-to-food-fun-and-more-in-the-short-north-and-italian-village

#columbus #ohio

Serving as the heartbeat of the city’s arts and dining scenes, the Short North and Italian Village blend Columbus’ unique history with an energy-infused present. Past & Present Short North Beginning as a nickname given by police officers who referred to the area as north of Downtown but

Former Buckeyes legend and current Columbus UFL coach Ted Ginn arrested day before game

https://614now.com/2026/hot-topics/former-buckeyes-legend-and-current-columbus-ufl-coach-ted-ginn-arrested-day-before-game

#columbus #ohio

A former Ohio State standout and the current head coach of the Columbus Aviators, a pro football team and part of the UFL, was arrested over the weekend. According to Tarrant County, Texas arrest records, Ginn was arrested by the Euless, Texas Police

Popular anime-themed eatery returning to Columbus

https://614now.com/2026/food-drink/popular-anime-themed-eatery-returning-to-columbus

#columbus #ohio

After a brief hiatus, a local anime-themed food truck is making its fateful comeback. Chef Hiro, whose brick-and-mortar spot at 1297 Parsons Ave. closed in March, is returning with the “same welcoming feel as the previous food trucks and previous brick and mortar,” Owner Jeanclaude Ba said. The newest iteration of the truck will

Longstanding burger joint closed indefinitely after fire, ‘significant’ damage

https://614now.com/2026/hot-topics/longstanding-burger-joint-closed-indefinitely-after-fire-significant-damage

#columbus #ohio

The Thurman Cafe, a staple in German Village, suffered “significant fire and smoke damage” over the weekend after a fire ripped through the building, Columbus Division of Fire Lt. Nick Davis said. Around 2 p.m. yesterday, during work hours, firefighters responded to reports of a

‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star bringing her eatery chain to Central Ohio today

https://614now.com/2026/food-drink/real-housewives-of-atlanta-star-bringing-her-eatery-chain-to-central-ohio-today

#columbus #ohio

A reality TV star is bringing her restaurant chain to Central Ohio, and for a very a limited time. Slutty Vegan, the eatery chain owned and operated by Real Housewives of Atlanta star Pink Cole, is coming to Gahanna today for a one-day event as a part of the brand’s Getting

Interactive hot pot restaurant opens in Central Ohio

https://614now.com/2026/food-drink/interactive-hot-pot-restaurant-opens-in-central-ohio

#columbus #ohio

A new hot pot spot has officially arrived in Central Ohio. Gold Cudgel, a modern skewer-style hot pot restaurant, is now open at 97 N. Stygler Rd. in Gahanna. The concept held a grand opening last week on April 10.  The spot promises a fast-paced and highly customizable hot pot experience. Gold Cudgel is an…
Source

Gas prices soar by 21% as government inflation figures reflect Trump’s war on Iran

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/13/repub/gas-prices-soar-by-21-as-government-inflation-figures-reflect-trumps-war-on-iran/

#columbus #ohio

WASHINGTON — Spikes in energy prices caused by the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran drove up inflation for Americans in March, according to the latest consumer price index figures released Friday. Costs jumped 0.9% in March compared to the previous month — that’s up

National sandwich chain opens Central Ohio eatery, giving away free chicken salad for a year

https://614now.com/2026/food-drink/national-sandwich-chain-opens-central-ohio-eatery-giving-away-free-chicken-salad-for-a-year

#columbus #ohio

Chicken Salad Chick is expanding in Central Ohio this month. A new location is opening at 4345 W. Dublin Granville Rd. in Dublin, Ohio. According to social media, you could even win free chicken salad for a year if you attend their grand opening on

Catching Our Eye News Roundup, April 13, 2026

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/briefs/catching-our-eye-news-roundup-april-13-2026/

#columbus #ohio

Every morning in the Ohio Capital Journal’s free newsletter, The Eye-Opener, we round up the news and commentary from across Ohio and around the country and world that is catching our attention. We call this feature Catching Our Eye, republished here. Please subscribe to our free daily newsletter to get all the Ohio news you need to know

Hundreds come to Ohio to discuss higher ed in prison

https://www.statenews.org/section/the-ohio-newsroom/2026-04-13/hundreds-come-to-ohio-to-discuss-higher-ed-in-prison

#columbus #ohio

The National Conference on Higher Education in Prison took place in Cleveland last week, with a field trip to an Ohio correctional institution.

Feds drop Live Nation/Ticketmaster suit. Ohio and other states keep fighting

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/13/feds-drop-live-nation-ticketmaster-suit-ohio-and-other-states-keep-fighting/

#columbus #ohio

In a widely condemned move, the U.S. Justice Department last week settled an antitrust suit against Live Nation Entertainment, a company that owns hundreds of concert venues, a huge promotion business and Ticketmaster, the world’s largest ticket-selling platform. But Ohio

When ICE enforcement and the First Amendment collide

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/13/repub/when-ice-enforcement-and-the-first-amendment-collide/

#columbus #ohio

President Donald Trump’s second term has been marked by aggressive attacks on the press that have led to restrictions in access, the search of a reporter’s home, heated public exchanges and even arrests. Journalist Estefany Rodríguez was arrested and detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on March

A new gold rush: States stockpile bars, encourage gold-backed debit cards

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/13/repub/a-new-gold-rush-states-stockpile-bars-encourage-gold-backed-debit-cards/

#columbus #ohio

More states are piling up gold bars, or encouraging residents to use gold-backed debit cards, to hedge against inflation. Several states, including Western ones with rich mining histories, have been stockpiling gold as part of their broader state savings. And more states are

Virginia secures birth control access as other Southern states eye abortion pill manufacturers

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/13/repub/virginia-secures-birth-control-access-as-other-southern-states-eye-abortion-pill-manufacturers/

#columbus #ohio

Virginia’s Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a bill Wednesday that ensures the right to contraception in the commonwealth — legislation that cleared the General Assembly in previous sessions only to be rejected by her

Ohio sits atop U.S. in library usage, federal funding lawsuits resolve in favor of libraries

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/13/ohio-sits-atop-u-s-in-library-usage-federal-funding-lawsuits-resolve-in-favor-of-libraries/

#columbus #ohio

The State Library of Ohio is moving in a positive direction, as court battles over funding for U.S. libraries end, and the state gets recognized as the top state in library circulation. The State Library of Ohio is a state agency that houses

CDC’s 2025 data shows birth rates continuing to slide

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/13/repub/cdcs-2025-data-shows-birth-rates-continuing-to-slide/

#columbus #ohio

New data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows fertility and birth rates continue to fall across the U.S., while cesarean section procedures increased and preterm birth rates remained flat. The 2025 provisional number of births fell 1% from the previous year to about 3.6 million births,

Report shows 616,700 Ohio workers would benefit from minimum wage increasing to $15 an hour by 2030

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/13/report-shows-616700-ohio-workers-would-benefit-from-minimum-wage-increasing-to-15-an-hour-by-2030/

#columbus #ohio

Scioto County has the lowest cost-of-living for an adult in Ohio, but a minimum wage worker would have to work full time for a year and eight months to pay for a year’s worth of expenses, according to a new report.  A single adult

Supreme Court ruling on Colorado conversion therapy case is not a clear win for conservatives

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/13/supreme-court-ruling-on-colorado-conversion-therapy-case-is-not-a-clear-win-for-conservatives/

#columbus #ohio

This commentary was originally published by The Conversation. In an 8-1 decision authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch, the Supreme Court held on March 31 that a Colorado law prohibiting licensed counselors from performing “conversion therapy”

Movie Review: ‘The Drama’ twists modern romance into scathing social commentary

https://www.thelantern.com/2026/04/movie-review-the-drama-twists-modern-romance-into-scathing-social-commentary/

#columbus #ohio

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done? That is the question central to Norwegian filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli’s third feature, “The Drama,” a hyper-critical and thematically loaded examination of infatuation and aestheticism.  Zendaya and Robert Pattinson play Emma and

Movie Review: ‘Palestine ‘36’ brings endurance, pride and defiance to the screen at Gateway Film Center Friday

https://www.thelantern.com/2026/04/movie-review-palestine-36-brings-endurance-pride-and-defiance-to-the-screen-at-gateway-film-center-friday/

#columbus #ohio

“Palestine ‘36,” a period drama directed by Palestinian filmmaker Annemarie Jacir, is the only feature film to have been shot in Palestine in the past two years. The film will begin screening at Gateway Film Center

Physicians who provided aid in Gaza share stories on a medical panel

https://www.thelantern.com/2026/04/physicians-who-provided-aid-in-gaza-share-stories-on-a-medical-panel/

#columbus #ohio

The room fell silent and every gaze fixed on the screen as images flashed by. Various photos of children lying in hospital beds and sprawled across the floors of overcrowded emergency rooms shuffled in the background as the panelists spoke. Four physicians discussed their past medical mission

Columbus-based filmmakers bring comedy pilot to Ohio after Sundance

https://614now.com/2026/home-cook/columbus-based-filmmakers-bring-comedy-pilot-to-ohio-after-sundance

#columbus #ohio

Following a premiere of their episodic project “Freelance” at Sundance Film Festival, two Columbus-based filmmakers are bridging the project to Yellow Springs for an Ohio premiere. Siblings Julien and Justin Turner, co-founders of Dreadhead Films, first premiered “Freelance” in Park City, Utah during

Short North bookshop moving to new location via “human chain”

https://614now.com/2026/hot-topics/short-north-bookshop-moving-to-new-location-via-human-chain

#columbus #ohio

Prologue Bookshop is relocating…but they aren’t going far. Currently located at 841 N. High St. in the Short North, the shop will relocate to 787 N. High St. next week. To complete the move, Prologue has invited the community to be part of a “human chain” to transfer the final books from the former location.…

Field Day: Check out 11 of Columbus’ coolest sporting leagues and competitive clubs

https://614now.com/2026/614-magazine/field-day-11-of-columbus-coolest-sporting-leagues-and-competitive-clubs

#columbus #ohio

Spring is the season when people come crawling out of their home, squint into the surprisingly bright daylight like displaced moles, and then finally become accustomed to the new weather and make it a point to stay active. Alright, fine, it’s really not like that at all, but

Reports: US fighter jet downed over Iran, status of crew unknown

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/03/repub/reports-us-fighter-jet-downed-over-iran-status-of-crew-unknown/

#columbus #ohio

WASHINGTON — A U.S. fighter jet went down over Iran Friday but the status of the plane’s crew remained unclear, according to several media reports. Iranian state media reported the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was responsible.   The attack marks the first time Iran has shot down U.S.

Trump’s SAVE America Act would end voter registration drives nationwide

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/03/repub/trumps-save-america-act-would-end-voter-registration-drives-nationwide/

#columbus #ohio

Before Wyoming elections, the state’s League of Women Voters tries to get voter registration information into the hands of residents at events and gatherings. But under state law, League volunteers can’t sign up voters themselves — only local election officials can do that.

Homeland Security shutdown drags on, but Trump says he’ll sign order to pay all employees

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/03/repub/homeland-security-shutdown-drags-on-but-trump-says-hell-sign-order-to-pay-all-employees/

#columbus #ohio

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate approved legislation Thursday that would end the shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security, sending the same bill it passed last week to the House, which didn’t take any action during a brief session. But it

‘Liberation Day’ tariffs celebrated by Trump one year out, panned by Dems

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/03/repub/liberation-day-tariffs-celebrated-by-trump-one-year-out-panned-by-dems/

#columbus #ohio

WASHINGTON — One year after President Donald Trump announced his now-illegal “Liberation Day” tariffs, he marked the anniversary by signing executive orders adjusting duties on pharmaceuticals and metals as Democratic critics slammed economic fallout from Trump’s trade

Republicans applaud immigrant detention — until it’s in their back yards

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/03/repub/republicans-applaud-immigrant-detention-until-its-in-their-back-yards/

#columbus #ohio

WASHINGTON — New Hampshire’s Republican governor, frustrated with little information about the Department of Homeland Security’s plan to put a new detention facility in her state, joined local Democrats to oppose the move and disclosed DHS plans to retrofit warehouses across the

Popular fried-chicken chain opens first location in Columbus suburb  

https://614now.com/2026/food-drink/popular-fried-chicken-chain-opens-first-location-in-whitehall

#columbus #ohio

Chick-fil-A officially opened its first Whitehall location yesterday. The restaurant, located at 3965 E. Broad St. and replacing a former Tim Hortons that was demolished, is open Monday – Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. This Chick-fil-A offers dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out, and mobile pick-up

Trump asks for massive 43% boost in defense spending in new budget request

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/03/repub/trump-asks-for-massive-43-boost-in-defense-spending-in-new-budget-request/

#columbus #ohio

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration released its fiscal 2027 budget request Friday, asking Congress to increase spending on defense programs by 43% and decrease funding for non-defense accounts by 10%.  The proposal kicks off what will be a monthslong process on Capitol

Grandview area bar closes after less than a year

https://614now.com/2026/food-drink/columbus-sports-bar-closes-after-less-than-a-year

#columbus #ohio

After less than a year in operation, a sports bar near Grandview Heights has closed.  Draft Day, previously located at 1130 Dublin Rd., officially closed March 13 after opening last May, TJ Valentino, owner of the bar, told 614 NOW. The concept offered an extensive beer collection, elevated bar food, and a space for both…
Source

US Senate Dems rip Trump plan to remove student loan oversight from Education Department

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/03/repub/us-senate-dems-rip-trump-plan-to-remove-student-loan-oversight-from-education-department/

#columbus #ohio

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Democrats this week blasted the Trump administration’s attempts to shift management of federal student loans from the Education Department to the Treasury Department, saying it would contribute to dysfunction in the

Nashville-inspired diner opens, brings southern fried fare to Columbus area

https://614now.com/2026/food-drink/nashville-inspired-diner-opens-brings-southern-fried-fare-to-columbus-area

#columbus #ohio

The highly anticipated Broadway Standard Southern Charm Home Cooking, Grove City’s latest eatery, officially opened its doors on Monday, March 30th. Serving breakfast and lunch with a southern twist, the diner is putting the Tennessee hoe (cakes) in hoedown. According to Grove City

Three Ohio chefs tapped as James Beard Award finalists

https://614now.com/2026/food-drink/three-ohio-chefs-tapped-as-james-beard-award-finalists

#columbus #ohio

Three Ohio chefs are headed to the national stage after earning nominations for the 2026 awards from the James Beard Foundation, one of the highest honors in the culinary industry. The annual awards recognize standout chefs and restaurants across the country, celebrating excellence, leadership and innovation in the

Catching Our Eye News Roundup, April 3, 2026

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/briefs/catching-our-eye-news-roundup-april-3-2026/

#columbus #ohio

Every morning in the Ohio Capital Journal’s free newsletter, The Eye-Opener, we round up the news and commentary from across Ohio and around the country and world that is catching our attention. We call this feature Catching Our Eye, republished here. Please subscribe to our free daily newsletter to get all the Ohio news you need to know […]

‘Like The Walking Dead’: Smuggled drugs fuel chaos inside Ohio prisons

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/03/like-the-walking-dead-smuggled-drugs-fuel-chaos-inside-ohio-prisons/

#columbus #ohio

Jayson Murphy lit the speck of paper and held the smoke in his lungs as long as he could. His cellmate, John Jenkins, got the drug-soaked scrap from another incarcerated man at Lebanon Correctional Institution. The paper — nicknamed K2 inside state prisons — was cut from a sheet soaked in

Ohio State investigating Epstein payments to gynecologist

https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/03/ohio-state-investigating-epstein-payments-to-gynecologist/

#columbus #ohio

An Ohio State spokesman last week confirmed that the university is investigating an arrangement 20 years ago in which sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein paid a prominent gynecologist $100,000 a year. But the university declined to comment further. And the gynecologist, Mark B. Landon, didn’t comment beyond his