The Ohio Supreme Court will hear arguments over whether Gov. Mike DeWine must ask the feds to unlock roughly $900M in pandemic unemployment funds for Ohio workers.

The Columbus Zoo has put an RFQ for an upper‑upscale, 130‑plus room hotel on its Powell campus with a May 22 submission deadline. The feasibility study estimates a $32M–$45M build and years of planning if a developer is chosen.

A Zanesville pastor and former LifeWise instructor pleaded guilty to gross sexual imposition and voyeurism; sentencing is scheduled for July 1.

A bipartisan Ohio bill would create a publicly searchable registry for repeat domestic violence offenders, requiring registration within seven days and setting removal windows. Backers cite rising fatalities, advocates warn of privacy risks.

A new state bill would let utilities build and own nuclear plants — critics warn it could revive the HB 6 model that saddled ratepayers with long-term costs.

Family-run Pho Social is relocating from Easton Town Center to a Short North storefront at 660 N. High St., with owners targeting a July move.

Ohio awarded $61M in brownfield grants; Scioto Valley counties won funds for asbestos abatement, UST closures and environmental assessments.

Mayor Andrew Ginther announced Elaine Bryant will remain Columbus' police chief under a five-year contract extension, keeping leadership continuity during ongoing reforms.

A drone show, projection on the Horseshoe and posters around town hint at a possible twenty one pilots Ohio Stadium date on Oct. 17.

Ground has broken on The Rhinebeck, a 263‑unit apartment project in Columbus's Fifth by Northwest, marking a major new wave of housing in 5xNW.

Granville leaders warn a proposed 550‑home Heath subdivision could swell school enrollment by roughly a third and saddle local taxpayers with millions in new costs.

DNA testing linked a Columbus man to an alleged June 30, 2024 rape and kidnapping; bond set at $1M and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 20, 2026.

Two Lyra Drive apartment buildings at The Pointe at Polaris sold for about $60.2M, transferring 473 units to new LLC owners in Columbus' Polaris submarket.