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The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Time is nearly up. Here's when kids go back to school in central Ohio

Time is nearly up. Here's when kids go back to school in central Ohio

For most central Ohio students, parents and teachers, it is now the twilight of summer vacation. See when kids head back to class.
1Weather 1Weather
Severe Storms to Rattle the Midwest All Week

Severe Storms to Rattle the Midwest All Week

Severe storms will return across the Midwest, Great Lakes and Ohio Valley starting Monday and continue through Thursday. High humidity will fuel thunderstorms from Chicago to Pittsburgh and the central Appalachians, bringing heavy rain and flash flooding. Rain totals of 2–3 inches are expected, with 3–5 inches possible in parts of Indiana and Ohio. West Virginia could see more than 6 inches by Thursday, while damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes remain possible.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Your guide to the 2026 high school football season in central Ohio

Your guide to the 2026 high school football season in central Ohio

From preseason practices through the state championship games, find all of The Dispatch's 2026 high school football coverage in one place.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Severe Thunderstorms Threaten Ohio Valley and Appalachians with Flash Flooding

Severe Thunderstorms Threaten Ohio Valley and Appalachians with Flash Flooding

A series of severe thunderstorms is expected to impact the central and eastern United States, particularly affecting the Ohio Valley and Appalachians. According to meteorologists, these storms will bring heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flash flooding in the region. The storms are part of a larger weather pattern moving from the Plains and Midwest, with potential hazards including damaging wind gusts, hail, and isolated tornadoes. The areas most at risk for flash flooding include southeastern Ohio, eastern Kentucky, West Virginia, and southwestern Pennsylvania. This weather event follows a summer of significant flooding in the region, with previous incidents causing historic creek levels and infrastructure damage.
1Weather 1Weather
Tornado Warnings Expire in Ohio After Severe Weather

Tornado Warnings Expire in Ohio After Severe Weather

Severe weather swept through parts of Ohio on Sunday evening, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue tornado warnings and watches for several counties, including Fulton, Williams, and Wood. The warnings were in effect until approximately 9:00 p.m. local time, after which they expired. The 13 First Alert Weather Team provided live coverage during the event, ensuring residents were informed of the evolving situation. The severe weather system brought the potential for damaging winds, hail, and heavy rainfall. As of the latest updates, no active warnings remain in place, and the situation has stabilized. (Source: WTVG, Source time: Sun, 09 Aug 2026 23:47:26 GMT)
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio is the new top state for business. Here's why | Column

Ohio is the new top state for business. Here's why | Column

Author Rick Platt explains why Ohio is now a magnet for major growth.
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Central New York Faces Flash Flooding Due to Heavy Downpours

Central New York Faces Flash Flooding Due to Heavy Downpours

Central New York experienced flash flooding on Friday due to heavy and repetitive rainfall. The severe weather led to water covering parking lots and roadways in several areas, including northeastern Onondaga County. Reports indicated standing water in a plaza parking lot near East Syracuse and water covering roads in the Minoa area. Additional storm reports came from Madison, Oneida, and Chenango counties. The National Weather Service has warned of the potential for more severe thunderstorms on Saturday, urging residents to stay alert and have contingency plans for changing weather conditions.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Seventh Son can resume THC drinks after judge grants restraining order

Seventh Son can resume THC drinks after judge grants restraining order

A federal judge granted a restraining order allowing 14 businesses to sell THC drinks and hemp products in Ohio.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Storms could disrupt final Ohio State Fair weekend

Storms could disrupt final Ohio State Fair weekend

Showers and thunderstorms could bring heavy rain and damaging winds to Columbus this weekend before sunnier weather returns.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus man dead after car crashes into tree in Delaware County

Columbus man dead after car crashes into tree in Delaware County

Jared Freeman died in a crash Aug. 6 in Liberty Township. His car went off the road and struck a tree, the highway patrol said.
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
Flash flood warning, advisory issued in Hamilton, Clermont counties

Flash flood warning, advisory issued in Hamilton, Clermont counties

Parts of Hamilton and Clermont counties have been placed under a flash flood warning as afternoon storms batter Greater Cincinnati.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
How an ex-Ohio State football player avoided prison in 9 bank robberies

How an ex-Ohio State football player avoided prison in 9 bank robberies

Ohio judges must certain certain criteria when sentencing someone like Marcus Williamson, who avoided prison after a 2024 bank robbery spree.