Mild Friday in Columbus with highs near 58°F and patchy morning fog. Late Sunday into Monday carries a chance of light snow or a wintry mix.

A PUCO-approved settlement will return roughly $275 million to FirstEnergy customers, credits and low-income programs begin appearing on February bills.

Columbus-based Root reported more than $1.5 billion in premiums for 2025 and added roughly 250 jobs as it scales OEM partnerships and agent distribution. The results underline the insurer’s growing footprint downtown.

Agents with a Central Ohio task force seized 44 pounds of fentanyl in Madison County — an $800,000 haul — and two people now face charges, state officials said.

Columbus police say a teenage girl was shot Thursday at the Wedgewood apartments in the Hilltop. Detectives are investigating. The complex has been a focus of past enforcement.

Sen. Bernie Moreno introduced S.3746 to bar public-assistance recipients from sending remittances abroad and attach fines up to $100,000, a Senate objection left the bill in committee.

Cincinnati’s Losanti opens in Franklinton on Feb. 28, moving into the Gravity development with hand-cut steaks, house-made pastas, private dining and a seasonal patio.

Parsec filed a WARN notice that its Columbus terminal will close by May 1, eliminating 115 jobs after the company said it lost a key customer contract.

A Madison County judge sentenced 43‑year‑old Steven Cleveland to a 64‑year minimum after rape convictions, while investigators in San Diego have charged him in two Chula Vista slayings.

A bipartisan pair of Ohio bills would create a state hate‑crime law and expand penalties for politically motivated crimes. Republicans are split over who gets protection and whether motive should change punishment.

A House committee substitute for HB 58 would require state certification of recovery homes, expand inspections and give prosecutors new enforcement tools.

A juvenile was rushed to Nationwide Children's Hospital after an early-morning shooting on Eakin Road. Investigators say there are no suspects and are investigating.

Undercover footage from Accuracy in Media shows UC and Kent State staff saying DEI remains part of coursework, prompting questions about compliance with Ohio’s SB1.