While Columbus still doesn’t have passenger rail service, the conversation around bringing it back is getting louder and a lot more serious. Next month, that conversation is landing right here in the city.

On April 18, All Aboard Ohio is hosting the first-ever Ohio Rail Summit at the Energy Advancement & Innovation Center on The Ohio State University campus. The event will bring together transportation leaders, policymakers, and advocates from across the country to talk about the future of passenger rail in Ohio and the Midwest.

It might sound a little niche at first, but this is actually a pretty big deal.

Passenger rail is getting real attention right now thanks to new federal funding and regional planning efforts. Projects that once felt like wishful thinking are starting to move forward, and Ohio is part of that shift.

“The Ohio Rail Summit reflects how the conversation has changed,” said Mitch Radakovich, Board Chair for All Aboard Ohio. “Passenger rail in Ohio is no longer a niche issue. It is part of a broader discussion about mobility, infrastructure, and regional connectivity, and it requires a forum that brings those voices together.”

In simple terms, this is about how we get around and how connected our cities can be in the future.

The speaker lineup includes some major names in the rail world. Joel Szabat from Amtrak will talk about national priorities and what new federal programs could mean for routes in places like Ohio. Sean Jeans-Gail of the Rail Passengers Association will share insight from Washington, D.C. And Hayden Clarkin, also known as The Transit Guy, will bring a more public-facing perspective on how to get people excited about transit again.

So what does all of this actually mean for Columbus?

Better rail could mean fewer long drives, easier regional travel, and stronger connections between Ohio’s cities. It could also bring economic benefits and give people more options beyond sitting in traffic.

Nothing is being built overnight, but conversations like this are where those future plans start to take shape. And for one day, Columbus is right in the middle of it.

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According to the National Weather Service, the cause was something much less alarming but far more fascinating.

Forecasters say the boom was likely the result of a meteor passing through Earth’s atmosphere.

When meteors travel at extremely high speeds, they can create a sonic boom as they break the sound barrier, similar to supersonic aircraft. That appears to be what startled so many Ohioans.

The National Weather Service Cleveland office pointed to data from a Geostationary Lightning Mapper, or GLM, as evidence. The instrument, which is typically used to detect lightning, picked up a quick, bright flash over the region around the time of the boom. That kind of signal is consistent with a meteor streaking through the sky.

Meteorologist Jeff Tanchak said the boom likely occurred as the object broke the sound barrier, though it is still unclear exactly when the meteor entered the atmosphere.

The NWS also shared imagery from the GLM showing a green flash over Cleveland at the time of the event.

The latest GLM imagery (1301Z) does suggest that the boom was a result of a meteor. pic.twitter.com/CH7oJ4Q1OY

— NWS Cleveland (@NWSCLE) March 17, 2026

The meteor was not just an Ohio event. In Western Pennsylvania, including the Pittsburgh area, residents reported seeing a bright fireball move across the sky around the same time.

Video captured by a National Weather Service employee in the region appears to show the meteor as it streaked overhead, giving a visual to go along with the boom heard in parts of Ohio.

While the GLM is designed to track lightning, it can also detect meteors because they produce similar quick flashes of light in the atmosphere. According to NOAA, the instrument continuously monitors for these rapid optical changes, making it useful for spotting unexpected events like this.

One of our employees, Jared Rackley, caught this morning's meteor on camera from the Pittsburgh area. pic.twitter.com/2LdqOpChti

— NWS Pittsburgh (@NWSPittsburgh) March 17, 2026

In addition to the GLM, seismographs, which are typically used to measure earthquakes, also picked up the boom. That data helped confirm that the sound many people heard was tied to the meteor.

What Happens Next?

Details about the meteor, including its size, trajectory, and whether any fragments reached the ground, are still unknown. The American Meteor Society has not yet released an official analysis of the sighting.

For now, Ohioans can take some comfort in knowing the mysterious boom had a natural explanation, even if it came from space.

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A free web platform called Bracket Bandit launched this week ahead of Selection Sunday for both the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments. The game works like a traditional bracket pool with one major twist. If your bracket is doing poorly, you may get the chance to steal someone else’s.

At the end of each round, players in the bottom 25 percent of the standings are allowed to take a bracket from another competitor. The idea is to keep people in the game longer, even if their original picks fall apart early in the tournament.

The app was created by Columbus resident John R. Blakely, who said the goal was to make bracket pools more entertaining for casual fans and serious basketball followers alike.

“Whether you know college basketball or you pick teams based on mascots, this keeps you in the game longer,” Blakely said. “If your bracket gets busted early, you can try to steal a better one.”

Bracket Bandit supports both the men’s and women’s tournaments and allows players to compete simultaneously in each. The bracket selection feature will open once the official NCAA tournament matchups are announced on Selection Sunday.

The competition is free to enter and includes more than $400 in local prizes from Columbus-area businesses.

Sponsors include The Daily Growler, UA Pizza, Back Nine Golf, and The Daily Bar.

The first-place winner will receive a prize package valued at about $250, including a $100 gift certificate to Back Nine Golf and $50 gift cards to the other participating businesses. Second and third place winners will also receive prize bundles from the sponsors.

Players can register now and choose their usernames before the tournament brackets are revealed. Once the official NCAA tournament field is announced Sunday night, participants will be able to make their picks and start planning their strategy.

To register for the Men’s Tournament, visit bracketbandit.com. To register for the Women’s Tournament, visit women2026.bracketbandit.com.

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The study analyzed social media and outdoor activity data, including Instagram, TikTok, and AllTrails, to determine which lesser-known camping spots are capturing the attention of outdoor enthusiasts. Hocking Hills stood out with:

• 33,200 TikTok posts, the highest among all underrated spots in the study
• 224,414 images on AllTrails, the second most in the survey
• 61,500 hashtagged Instagram posts, ranking 6th overall

The top spot went to Red River Gorge in Kentucky, but Hocking Hills’ high ranking underscores its growing popularity among nature lovers who value both adventure and aesthetics.

Why Hocking Hills Is So Scenic

Nestled in southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and dense forests. The park offers a variety of trails and natural attractions that appeal to campers, hikers, and photographers alike, including:

Old Man’s Cave – A series of scenic gorges and rock formations that change with every season
Ash Cave – The largest recessed cave in Ohio, offering a stunning backdrop for nature photography
Cedar Falls – A breathtaking waterfall surrounded by rich, wooded scenery

Beyond its iconic landmarks, Hocking Hills is also celebrated for its accessibility. Just a short drive from Columbus, the park provides city dwellers an immersive escape into nature without requiring a cross-country trek. Its combination of striking natural features and convenience has made it a favorite for weekend campers and day-trippers alike.

The Allure of Underrated Camping

The Betway study highlights the growing trend of seeking out lesser-known destinations that offer scenic beauty without the crowds of more famous national parks like Yosemite or the Grand Canyon. Hocking Hills’ strong social media presence demonstrates that even “hidden gems” can capture the imagination of adventurers nationwide.

For those planning a camping trip this spring or summer, Hocking Hills offers a mix of rugged terrain, accessible trails, and picture-perfect views—making it easy to see why the park is topping scenic camping lists.

Where to Camp in Hocking Hills

For those looking to experience Hocking Hills firsthand, the park offers a variety of camping options to suit every style. Visitors can choose from traditional tent and RV sites, primitive walk-in campsites nestled in the woods, or rustic camper cabins for a cozier experience.

The main Hocking Hills State Park Campground provides amenities like restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and fire rings, while nearby private campgrounds offer additional options for tents, RVs, and cabins.

To explore the full ranking of America’s most picturesque underrated camping spots, you can view the Betway list here.
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Travelers flying out of CMH can now check estimated TSA security wait times directly on the airport’s website before leaving home.

The airport’s security page shows hour-by-hour wait time estimates for the entire day, giving passengers a quick look at how busy checkpoints are expected to be.

On average, passengers moving through security at CMH wait about 21 minutes, though that number can vary depending on the time of day. The tool breaks down estimates by hour so travelers can see when lines may be longer or shorter.

For example, wait times in the early morning may only be a few minutes, while mid-afternoon periods could approach 20 minutes or more.

Of course, the estimates aren’t a guarantee.

The airport notes that wait times are subject to change and may not reflect the exact experience travelers will have when they arrive.

Even with the tool available, airport officials still recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international departures to allow enough time for parking, check-in, and security.

Still, for anyone trying to plan their trip a little more precisely, the page offers a helpful glimpse at how busy the airport might be before you even leave the house.

You can check the wait time estimates here: flycolumbus.com/passengers/security.

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Airport officials say nearly one million passengers are expected to pass through John Glenn Columbus International Airport and Rickenbacker International Airport during the upcoming spring break season.

With thousands of Central Ohio travelers heading out for warm-weather getaways, airport leaders say planning ahead can make the experience much smoother.

Spring break is typically one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with families, college students and vacationers taking advantage of time off to head to beaches, major cities and other destinations across the country.

To avoid unnecessary stress at the airport, officials recommend arriving early, checking flight information ahead of time and downloading your airline’s mobile app for real-time updates on delays or gate changes.

A few tips for smoother travel

Airport officials shared several tips to help travelers start their trips without unnecessary headaches.

Before leaving home, travelers should check parking availability online to decide which lot works best for their timeline and budget. Options range from curbside valet parking to long-term economy lots.

Passengers should also allow plenty of time to get through security, especially during peak travel days. Arriving early can give travelers time to grab food or shop inside the terminal before boarding their flight.

Travelers are also reminded to make sure they have the proper identification. The Transportation Security Administration requires passengers to present acceptable identification at security checkpoints, and officials recommend making sure you have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another valid form of ID, such as a passport.

And if you’re packing sunscreen for that beach trip, remember that liquids in carry-on bags must follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces or smaller unless they’re packed in checked luggage.

New nonstop destinations coming in 2026

Travelers flying out of Columbus will also have several new flight options this year.

Airport officials say nine new nonstop routes are scheduled to launch throughout 2026, expanding travel options to popular vacation and business destinations.

New routes include:

• Panama City Beach via Southwest (starting March 7)
• Fort Lauderdale via Frontier (starting March 8)
• Los Angeles via United (starting March 29)
• Montreal via Air Canada (starting May 1)
• Greenville-Spartanburg via Breeze (starting May 8)
• Key West via Allegiant (starting May 21)
• Austin via Delta (starting June 7)
• Savannah via Breeze (starting July 1)
• Tampa via Breeze (starting July 3)

The additional routes will give Central Ohio travelers more direct options when planning trips throughout the year.

Airport leaders say that with passenger traffic expected to climb during the spring break season, a little preparation can go a long way toward making the start of vacation as smooth as possible.

For more info about nonstop flight destination, or to start planning your trip, head over to flycolumbus.com.

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These distinctive fungi are known for their honeycomb appearance and delicious taste. Morels are prized by chefs and home cooks alike, and because they’re not easy to grow, most morels are harvested from the wild. If you’ve never been morel hunting, consider this your sign to give it a shot.

The morel, aka the morchella, is more related to a truffle than to other mushrooms.

Morels are the fruit of a fungus that sprouts in the damp soil of the forest. Three types of morels can be found here in Ohio, over a 4-6 week period, typically between March-May.

The first morels to appear are the black morels. These morels prefer areas with ash trees and are most likely to be found singularly or in small patches.

The common morel emerges mid-season and is the most popular of the morels. You can often find them under elms, ash, and apple trees.

Finally, the late morel comes out once all the other species are mature. These are tiny morels, typically 1-3 inches, and although they’re delicious, it’s hard to find enough for a meal.

Ohio does have a fungi known as the false morel.

It’s not a true morel but can look similar and even though some people can tolerate them, they have caused illness and death. False morels can often be found around rotted oak tree stumps.

A quick (but important) mushroom safety moment

Before you run off into the woods with a basket and big foraging dreams, a quick reality check: never eat a wild mushroom unless you’re 100% sure what it is. Some mushrooms have toxic lookalikes, and the wrong guess can lead to serious illness.

A good rule of thumb is to go with someone experienced or double-check your finds with a reliable guide or a group like the Ohio Mushroom Society. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources also has helpful resources for beginners.

In other words: hunt boldly, cook carefully, and when in doubt, leave it in the forest.

Here in Ohio, you can forage in state forests, the state’s wildlife management area, and Wayne National Forest. Morels are delicious and relatively easy to safely identify for beginners.

Morels have a short growing period, making them expensive when they are in season. Morels are fairly versatile and add an earthy flavor to dishes.

Rules to follow

Many state parks permit the hunting of mushrooms but special rules do apply, so contact the park office at each park you plan to visit.

If you do plan to go morel hunting on state park land, you’ll need to remain on the trail, as off-trail collecting is prohibited. You can get more info about mushroom hunting from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources here.

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The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission just released its annual air quality report, and while most days still landed in the “Good” category, there were a few not-so-great milestones mixed in.

The headline numbers

From November 2024 through October 2025:

• 76% of days had “Good” ozone levels, which is actually up from the previous year.
• Only 55% of days had “Good” fine particle pollution (PM2.5) levels, down from 65%.
• The region issued eight Air Quality Alerts, more than double the three alerts the year before.

A big factor in the spike? Canadian wildfire smoke drifting into central Ohio and driving up PM2.5 levels.

A first in 13 years

On June 12, 2025, Columbus recorded its first ozone day rated “Unhealthy” for everyone since 2012. Not just “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Unhealthy, period.

On Air Quality Alert days, kids, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions like asthma can experience symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing. But when levels hit “Unhealthy,” it’s something everyone should pay attention to.

Why it’s happening

Ozone forms when pollution from cars and industry reacts with heat and sunlight. So when we get warmer-than-average temps and less rain, like we did this year, ozone levels can climb.

MORPC monitors air quality as part of a national network and issues daily forecasts using the Air Quality Index. Alerts are based on forecasted conditions, similar to how weather advisories work.

They’re also expanding neighborhood-level monitoring across Franklin County, with 36 PurpleAir sensors now providing real-time data.

What you can do

No one person fixes regional air quality, but small choices add up:

• Cut down on unnecessary driving on high-pollution days
• Skip outdoor burning when air quality is poor
• Consider carpooling, biking, or public transit

You can sign up for Air Quality Alerts through MORPC to get notified when conditions aren’t great.

The full report breaks down trends in more detail, but the takeaway is pretty simple. Most days are still good. But some are getting worse. And yes, it’s worth paying attention.

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For COhatch CEO and co-founder Matt Davis, the opening is personal. He and his wife have lived in Powell for more than two decades, and he says bringing the concept to his hometown feels like a full-circle moment.

So what’s actually inside?

The newly renovated 14,000-square-foot building houses private offices, dedicated desks, quiet coworking areas, meeting rooms, and event space for everything from corporate gatherings to weddings. Members get 24/7 access, high-speed Wi-Fi, complimentary coffee and tea, printing services, and mailbox options.

In other words, all the practical stuff that makes remote work less lonely and a lot more functional.

Next up is the Lani Rooftop Lounge, set to open later this month. The indoor and outdoor rooftop space will serve globally inspired food and cocktails, led by award-winning chef Quichocho Lingo and mixologist Alex Johnson. If downtown Powell needed a date night upgrade, this might be it.

Coming in May, the Middlebury Member House will open inside a restored historic home designed to feel more like a luxury lodge than a boardroom. Members will be able to work, meet, or host private events in a space that blends old-school charm with modern amenities.

The opening also ties into broader infrastructure improvements in Powell, including an extension of Scioto Street and new public parking. City leaders say the development supports long-term economic growth and brings fresh energy to the downtown district.

Beyond desks and cocktails, COhatch leans heavily into community impact.

Through its GIVE Scholarship program, the company provides workspace scholarships to more than 1,000 nonprofits annually. Startups can apply for Boost Scholarships, which offer free coworking access and resources to help early-stage businesses get off the ground. Since launching in 2016, COhatch has expanded to 41 locations across seven states and has donated more than $8 million in scholarship funds.

For Powell, this new campus is less about adding another office building and more about creating a place where work, events, and community life intersect.

If you’d like to learn more about the space, head over to cohatch.com.

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According to NBC4, Rise Brands has officially scrapped its plans to redevelop the longtime Dublin hangout at 6013 Glick Road. Hana Hesselgesser, who joined the company as CEO in January, called the decision “disappointing” and said the envisioned project was not feasible at the Bogey Inn site, she told NBC4-partner The Columbus Dispatch. A Rise Brands representative also confirmed to NBC4 by phone that the company will not be moving forward with the project.

Back in January 2025, Rise announced plans to transform the former bar and restaurant into a year-round destination featuring indoor and outdoor bars, a food hall, live entertainment, and a 36-hole putting course. The concept was pitched as a collaboration tied to the nearby Memorial Tournament, blending “the timeless tradition of golf with family-friendly fun” while preserving the Bogey Inn name and its long-standing nostalgia.

Dublin’s planning and zoning commission voiced support for the concept in March 2025, encouraging some design tweaks but largely backing the vision. At the time, Rise leaders emphasized their commitment to honoring the original Bogey Inn, which had been a staple in Dublin and neighboring Shawnee Hills for decades.

The Bogey Inn permanently closed in 2022 following the death of its previous owner, though it briefly reopened for limited runs during Memorial Tournament weeks. More than 800 items were auctioned off in October 2024 ahead of the building’s demolition, marking the end of an era for many longtime fans.

While this particular vision for the Glick Road property won’t be coming to life, Hesselgesser said the company remains “excited about the potential of bringing in a golf-related concept under the Rise Brands umbrella,” she told NBC4.

For now, what’s next for the site remains unclear.

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