Columbus, OH

<div> Grindr is celebrating Pride on the road next month, with plans for a local stop. Driving the news: The dating app's <a href="https://www.grindr.com/blog/were-taking-pride-on-the-road-introducing-grindr-rides-america" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Great All American-Gay Road Trip </a> will visit 10 cities, including Columbus on Wednesday, June 19. <hr><ul><li> The bus plans to stop at Union Cafe at 782 N. High St. from 8pm-1am. </li></ul> What's on board: Portrait studios, drag queens and free Grindr swag and information on LGBTQ+ sexual health and wellness care. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate></div>

Blanco, TX

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Brigid Pfeifer

There were a number of celebrities who passed away within the past week, including two notable actresses: Shelley Duvall and Shannen Doherty. Shelley Duvall passed away on Thursday July 11th at her home in Blanco, Texas. The cause of death was complications from diabetes and news of her death was confirmed by her partner Dan Gilroy.

Two Beloved Hollywood Actresses Have Passed Away This Week

New York City, NY

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Cheryl E Preston

Yesterday was the third time this year that an ad stating Chelsea Clinton lives in a beautiful Virginia home popped up on my laptop. My computer did not warn me this was a dangerous site, so this time, I clicked on the link.

Chelsea Clinton is rumored to be living in Virginia but probably still in NYC

Maryland State

Ohio State

Axios Columbus

Gov. Mike DeWine has no immediate plans to grant mass pardons for Ohioans with minor-level marijuana offenses as other governors have done, Axios has learned.Why it matters: Pardons have been issued as a form of criminal justice reform in some states with legalized recreational marijuana, but they can be controversial.Maryland Gov. Wes Moore recently pardoned more than 175,000 marijuana convictions, saying this "must go hand-in-hand" with the rollout of that state's recreational market.Driving the news: DeWine doesn't plan to issue blanket pardons as recreational sales begin, spokesperson Dan Tierney told Axios, but the administration is monitoring possible action taken by state lawmakers.State of play: Ohio now lets those of age to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis in most forms.Lawmakers have proposed various bills that allow past convictions on minor possession charges to be expunged, but none have reached the governor's desk for a signature."That impacts their employment opportunities," Rep. Ismail Mohamed (D-Columbus) told WCMH-TV in April. "It impacts housing and obviously higher education as well."

DeWine doesn't plan to issue marijuana pardons

We're just days away from the Fourth of July, which means many of you are getting ready to fire up the grill.Yes, but: If you want to kick back and let somebody else prepare your patriotic plate this year, we've got plenty of ideas.What we did: We rounded up reader recommendations for the best hot dogs in Central Ohio.Vote for your favorites before noon Wednesday in the survey below:What's next: Check back Friday for the next round.Disclaimer: As always, this "food fight" is fun, casual, and totally not scientific.If you don't see your favorite listed, hit reply and voice your frustrations to our complaints department — but please be kind.The bracketBracket: Axios Visuals

Round 1: Vote for the best hot dog in Columbus

👋 Alissa here, highlighting a local institution that needs no introduction.Dining the news: Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace conquered Village Coney in the final round of our Columbus hot dog bracket, earning 69% of your votes.Check out the full, finished bracket below.State of play: The brand's popularity can't be confined to its cozy downtown location that opened in 2009. Recently, stands debuted at Lower.com Field, Huntington Park, Ohio Stadium and the casino.The restaurant opened a Worthington carryout in January and also has a food truck. Just a small sampling of the vast menu at Dirty Frank's — Cowgirl Carmen, The...

And the wiener is ... Dirty Frank's

Reynoldsburg, OH

Here's a stunning stat about the new canopy walk at Blacklick Woods Metro Park.By the numbers: The park has recorded a whopping 290,000 visitors in just the six weeks since the canopy walk opened, Metro Parks executive director Tim Moloney tells Axios.Typically, Blacklick Woods sees only around 90,000 visitors in that amount of time.The walk has been a viral sensation on social media, with several widely shared Facebook posts lauding its accessibility for people with disabilities.What he's saying: "It seems almost unbelievable until you witness it," Moloney says.The park is "stacked and packed from open to close" each day, with an overflowed parking lot spilling cars into nearby grassy areas.Stop by: 9am-7pm daily through August; 9am-5pm September-March.6975 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg.

New canopy walk proves very popular

Massachusetts State

Camilo Díaz

(MA) Get ready to open your heart to a wiry bundle of love named Chunk. This 2-year-old Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier mix pup recently came into rescue for heartbreaking reasons. Though he started his life as a cared for and well-loved pup, Chunk's owner sadly passed away, leaving Chunk all by his lonesome.

Meet Chunk: A Little Chihuahua Who Lost her Owner Now Looking For Love

Central Ohio is full of self-proclaimed psychics who purport to see the future, but such acts of clairvoyance were once crimes.Flashback: Fortune telling without a license was illegal in Ohio during the early 1900s and many cities had similar local ordinances.A Lima man was arrested in 1912, with a newspaper headline reading: "Fails to Read His Own Future."Cleveland pastor Gertrude Davis contested the state law in the 1920s after being found guilty in municipal court.Davis claimed the activity was part of a spiritualist ceremony, making it protected on free speech and religious expression grounds.Neither Ohio nor Cleveland offered any way...

History: When fortune telling was illegal in Ohio

Tomorrow's Columbus school board meeting is expected to be tense as a task force of community members brings forth long-awaited recommendations on building consolidation.Why it matters: Any proposal, if approved, would shutter multiple schools — sending students elsewhere and permanently changing the district's footprint.Zoom in: Initial proposals the task force presented last month offered nine different scenarios, potentially affecting 20 schools.Catch up quick: Columbus City Schools has unsuccessfully tried to consolidate its facilities for years — and its most recent effort, which began in February, has been filled with controversy.Teachers union president John Coneglio resigned from the task force in...

Columbus City Schools could decide on building closures this week

A beach swim at Delaware State Park, a mountain bike ride at A.W. Marion State Park and a stroll down the "Storybook Trail" at Alum Creek State Park.The best part? You can keep your wallet at home.Why it matters: Other states charge you for the privilege of enjoying the great outdoors. Couldn't be us — Ohio's 76 state parks are always free to visit.Driving the news: July is Parks and Recreation Month, and there's still plenty of summer left to enjoy one of these trip ideas:🏞 For a relaxing afternoon: Head to Madison Lake State Park, about 14 miles from...

4 Ohio state parks to visit this summer

There's a lot going on around Columbus this summer weekend. 🚚 Feast from dozens of delicious vendors at the downtown Columbus Food Truck Festival.11am-9pm Friday and Saturday, Scioto Peninsula riverfront. Free!⚽ Kick off your weekend with music, food and games at the Crew's Summer of Soccer Bash.3-8pm Friday, McPherson Commons, 218 West St. Free!The intrigue: There will be human foosball. If you play, send us a picture.🥳 Take your pick of activities at Picktown Palooza, including carnival rides, a car show, and performances by Quiet Riot and Guns and Roses' Steven Adler.5pm-midnight Friday and 2pm-midnight Saturday, 300 Opportunity Way, Pickerington....

What to do in Columbus this weekend

Get to know Columbus Humane's new CEO with this latest entry in our Best Day Ever series.Erich Hunker started the new role on June 20, continuing an expansive career with experience in law enforcement, zoos, and private schools.His local favorites:🎵 Music to start your day: The soundtrack to the movie "Bohemian Rhapsody." There are songs to fit any mood, and listening to Freddie Mercury's voice never gets old.I'm partial to "Don't Stop Me Now" for something to get the blood rushing and wake up the brain.🥓 Breakfast: French toast with a side of thick-cut bacon at any Bob Evans.📺 Morning...

Best Day Ever: Columbus Humane's new CEO

The newest park in Columbus may be tiny, but it would definitely make Leslie Knope proud.Why it matters: The Iuka & Waldeck Pocket Park is located in the densely packed University District, which lacks many public green spaces.Project organizers hope to show how even a small piece of land can be transformed for the public's benefit.State of play: Indianola Presbyterian Church, at 1970 Waldeck Ave., wanted to turn its front lawn into a community space, so it asked the University District Organization (UDO) for help.A $15,000 beautification grant from the city and the nonprofit Neighborhood Design Center is paying for...

"Pocket Park" coming to the University District

Data: Toast. Map: Axios VisualsOhioans are paying less than most Americans for their morning pick-me-ups.By the numbers: A cup of regular coffee in Ohio costs an average of $2.79 at restaurants that use Toast as their point-of-sale platform.Only 10 states have a lower average price.Yes, but: Prices increase significantly for cold brews ($5 here) and lattes ($5.30).Context: Global coffee bean prices are surging amid severe weather events and unprecedented demand.Coffee drinking is at an all-time high, with 65% of Midwestern adults saying they've indulged in the past day, we reported in April.The button line: If you're feeling tired after the long weekend, grab a guilty-free cup of joe — here, it comes at a bargain price.

Mapped: The cost of coffee in Ohio and the U.S.

Chicago, IL

Foodie in Chicago

Shortly before 3 AM, people in the Chicago area may have felt their houses shake as a 3.4-magnitude earthquake occurred about 60 miles west of the city. (CHICAGO) The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.4-magnitude earthquake around Somonauk, IL. Somonauk is in DeKalb and LaSalle Counties, 64 miles west of Chicago.

Did You Feel the Earthquake?

Source: Columbus City Schools. Map: Deena Zaidi/Axios VisualsHere's a map to help you visualize the closures the Columbus Board of Education is mulling — click here to check out an interactive version.Catch up quick: A task force of parents and community members created by superintendent Angela Chapman recommends Columbus City Schools shutter nine schools and its downtown administrative office.The group also proposes grade-level shuffling within 13 other buildings.These changes are meant to save money via consolidation as well as better allocate staff and program resources.What we're watching: After facing backlash from district families and educators, school board members agreed last week to gather more public feedback before voting on the proposed changes.That could take a while — and we'll keep you updated.What's next: The next regularly scheduled board meeting is Aug. 6 at 270 E. State St.

Mapped: Proposed Columbus school closures

Coral Gables, FL

Edmond Thorne

Tragic End for South Florida Hispanic Building Tycoon Sergio Pino. Fort Lauderdale, FL - In a shocking turn of events, prominent South Florida homebuilder Sergio Pino was found dead in his Coral Gables home on Tuesday morning. The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Pino died from an apparent suicide.

South Florida Tycoon Dead After FBI Raids on Homes and Office

Grove City, OH

Hilliard, OH

Galloway, OH

Brice, OH

Groveport, OH

Lockbourne, OH

Blacklick, OH

Westerville, OH

Dublin, OH

Amlin, OH

New Albany, OH

Grindr is celebrating Pride on the road next month, with plans for a local stop.Driving the news: The dating app's Great All American-Gay Road Trip will visit 10 cities, including Columbus on Wednesday, June 19.The bus plans to stop at Union Cafe at 782 N. High St. from 8pm-1am.What's on board: Portrait studios, drag queens and free Grindr swag and information on LGBTQ+ sexual health and wellness care.

Grindr's bus tour headed to the Short North for Pride Month

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