State agents searched four Springfield stores and removed thousands of unregulated hemp and kratom products amid a months‑long investigation. Officials say the seized goods are now evidence.

Fairfield County recorded two traffic deaths in Q2; officials say quarterly crash updates will help target safety efforts. State dashboards hold the full data.

A Columbus man is accused of sextorting a Maryland juvenile after an online TikTok contact moved to a private messenger and demanded $129 via Zelle.

Axium Packaging bought a newly built 255,000‑sqft warehouse at 12101 Worthington Road in Pataskala, expanding its Columbus‑area manufacturing footprint. The facility adds shell space ready for manufacturing or distribution.

Downtown Columbus Inc. plans a roughly $17.6M renovation of the Wyandotte Building, converting upper floors to offices while preserving its historic facade.

House Bill 611 would let select Ohio processors apply for paired grow rooms and a dispensary slot — supporters call it a fix for "orphaned" companies, critics say it favors processors.

MasTec will buy Columbus‑based Superior Group for about $1.65 billion, folding a major data‑center electrical contractor into its Power Delivery arm.

Caddell Construction opened a Grandview Yard office and plans to hire as data‑center projects pick up across central Ohio.

A convicted participant in the college‑admissions scandal donated to Vivek Ramaswamy’s Ohio campaign, drawing criticism about the campaign’s meritocratic message.

Denver-born Birdcall is courting Northeast Ohio franchisees and aims to open in Cleveland within about 12 months. Company materials map a multi-city Ohio plan while asking for franchise partners.

Saraga co-founder John Sung bought Eastland Plaza and has spent roughly $13.2M on nearby properties, positioning the grocer to play a major role in the Eastland redevelopment.

Five-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou committed to Ohio State last Monday, picking the Buckeyes over Georgia and Texas and handing Columbus a major recruiting win. The decision came after official visits to both campuses and a late push from Georgia's staff.

A viral clip appears to show a man throw a large stone at a dog on Wedgewood Drive; Columbus Humane has opened an investigation and the animal is receiving care.