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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Columbus. Written by Alissa Widman Neese and Andrew King.

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The Delaware Diner doesn't disappoint

It opened last year in a longtime diner spot off of Route 23.

Food and Drink

A few years back, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I called" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/11/eclectic-diner-delaware-restaurant-review" data-vars-content-id="20a2c5ad-aecf-4d9d-99fa-1673d9b4bac6" data-vars-headline="The Delaware Diner doesn&#x27;t disappoint" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/11/eclectic-diner-delaware-restaurant-review" target="_self">I called</a> The Eclectic Diner &amp; Sweeterie &quot;the real deal&quot; … and it closed shortly after.I hope <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the same fate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/24/ohio-restaurant-review-axios" data-vars-content-id="20a2c5ad-aecf-4d9d-99fa-1673d9b4bac6" data-vars-headline="The Delaware Diner doesn&#x27;t disappoint" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/24/ohio-restaurant-review-axios" target="_self">the same fate</a> does not befall its replacement, the equally awesome <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Delaware Diner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/delawarediner/" data-vars-content-id="20a2c5ad-aecf-4d9d-99fa-1673d9b4bac6" data-vars-headline="The Delaware Diner doesn&#x27;t disappoint" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/delawarediner/" target="_blank">Delaware Diner</a>.

Girls flag football is booming across Ohio

OHSAA could make it a sanctioned high school sport today.

News

For years, Hayden Dennis pepped up Westerville football players on the sidelines. But now the cheerleader competes on the field too — in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flag football" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/23/girls-flag-football-ohio-boom" data-vars-content-id="0ec414bc-4355-40ed-ba51-18f8f43481e7" data-vars-headline="Girls flag football is booming across Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/23/girls-flag-football-ohio-boom" target="_self">flag football</a>, which could soon become Ohio&#x27;s newest sanctioned high school sport for girls.Why it matters: The Ohio High School Athletic Association board is set to vote Friday, a big step in creating more opportunities for female athletes locally and at higher levels.

First jobs that launched Columbus leaders' careers

Lifeguards, servers and paperboys who became Columbus names you know.

Culture

A first summer job can be the start of a fascinating resume.Case in point: Look no further than some notable Columbus names who got their professional starts in pools, restaurants, retail stores and everything in between.

More Ohio teens are working

Plus: Our readers share their best summer job memories.

The number of Ohio teenagers with jobs has been trending upward in recent years and is higher than the national rate, census data shows.Why it matters: While teens aren&#x27;t working at the same rate as their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parents or grandparents once did" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2018/07/02/americas-teens-employment-recession-jobs" data-vars-content-id="ca23f9ba-c3ef-4d88-975c-9eb33209068d" data-vars-headline="More Ohio teens are working" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2018/07/02/americas-teens-employment-recession-jobs" target="_self">parents or grandparents once did</a>, the trend bucks a common perception that few work at all.

Columbus weekend picks: An eventful time of year

Air Show, Pride weekend, jazz, tabletop games and much more.

Things to Do

If you&#x27;re bored this weekend, you&#x27;ll never be entertained — It&#x27;s one of the busiest times of the year.✈️ Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Columbus Air Show" data-vars-click-url="http://columbusairshow.com/" data-vars-content-id="1345c505-49f9-4ca2-9fb7-f21c74bf982f" data-vars-headline="Columbus weekend picks: An eventful time of year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://columbusairshow.com/" target="_blank">The Columbus Air Show</a>.

Weekend picks: Ideas for celebrating moms

Plus: A 5K benefit, roller derby and indie music.

There&#x27;s no real headliner event in Central Ohio this weekend — so focus on what really matters.💝 Our pick: Spend Mother&#x27;s Day weekend with the moms in your life.

Byrne's Pub in Grandview is "where the Irish meet"

Enjoy hearty classics and live Irish bands at this local staple.

If you&#x27;re craving Irish tastes and tunes this time of year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Byrne&#x27;s Pub" data-vars-click-url="https://byrnespub.com/" data-vars-content-id="1fa4eb12-2b59-4395-97ba-c12aa10bb961" data-vars-headline="Byrne&#x27;s Pub in Grandview is &quot;where the Irish meet&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://byrnespub.com/" target="_blank">Byrne&#x27;s Pub</a> in Grandview is the perfect place to raise a pint.

Weekend picks: Last-minute Valentine's Day plans

Forgot to plan something to do with your date this weekend? Maybe we can help.💝 Our picks: Some last-minute Valentine&#x27;s Day options, from upscale parties to casual entertainment.

Skip Valentine's Day dinner and go straight to dessert at these sweet spots

No reservation needed at these Columbus dessert picks.

Valentine&#x27;s Day dinners are overrated — we fully endorse skipping the crowded restaurants and heading straight for dessert.Dig in: Impress your date and satisfy your sweet tooth with one of these unique Central Ohio spots.

We tried Land-Grant Brewing's new "Puck-Putt" game

Land-Grant Brewing&#x27;s latest outdoor game is a fun twist on putt-putt … but only if it&#x27;s cold.The vibe: The Franklinton brewery&#x27;s legendary outdoor space expanded in 2024 by adding &quot;The Extension&quot; across Chapel Alley, a new space for activities like pickleball.

Poll: When do you take down your Christmas lights?

Plus: Where to recycle Christmas lights and trees in Columbus.

Have you torn down all your festive decor and kicked your Christmas tree to the curb? <ul><li>We&#x27;re curious what time is the right time, so we&#x27;re polling our readers to find out.</li></ul>

Weekend picks: Festive celebrations abound

Lights, music, performances and more events in Central Ohio this weekend.

It&#x27;s the penultimate weekend of 2025 and the holly-jolliest time of the year, with an events landscape dominated by festive happenings.🎄 Our pick: Your last pre-Christmas chance for local holiday classics.

8 New Year's Eve events to put on your calendar

Ice bumper cars, a cowboy disco and an OSU watch party top our list.

If you&#x27;re still figuring out where to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ring in 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/12/16/airbnb-cracks-down-on-new-year-s-eve-parties" data-vars-content-id="3e64a2ad-5d87-4f41-b9c9-47755357124e" data-vars-headline="8 New Year&#x27;s Eve events to put on your calendar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/12/16/airbnb-cracks-down-on-new-year-s-eve-parties" target="_self">ring in 2026</a>, we&#x27;ve got you covered.

Our weekend picks: GalaxyCon, holidays and Oz

Check out one of the biggest fandom conventions of the year.

Need a break from the holiday onslaught? Embrace your fandom this weekend instead.🚀 Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GalaxyCon Columbus" data-vars-click-url="https://galaxycon.com/pages/galaxycon-columbus" data-vars-content-id="353d3fc8-ddec-41e4-afda-d86c7bca6c0f" data-vars-headline="Our weekend picks: GalaxyCon, holidays and Oz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://galaxycon.com/pages/galaxycon-columbus" target="_blank">GalaxyCon Columbus</a>.

Holidays

Columbus weekend picks: An eventful time of year

Weekend picks: Ideas for celebrating moms

Byrne's Pub in Grandview is "where the Irish meet"

Weekend picks: Last-minute Valentine's Day plans

Skip Valentine's Day dinner and go straight to dessert at these sweet spots