COSI reopening sparks excitement for long-awaited exploration

After 446 days, 642,240 hours and 38,546,400 seconds of closure, the Center of Science and Industry opened its doors Thursday morning to droves of explorers who have long-awaited the return of the facility's offerings. The calculations come courtesy of CEO and President Frederic Bertley, who, like the guests returning to the center, was just as excited for the reopening.

Westerville resident Liz Smith, who brought her two sons to COSI three days before it closed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, said they have begged her to go back to the center every day for the past 15 months.

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'All smiles and tons of energy': Columbus' own Michaela James wins Miss Black Ohio pageant

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Columbus native Michaela James' vibrant smile and vivacious energy helped her earn the title of Miss Black Ohio during the 39th annual pageant last Saturday, according to Fanchon Page, the pageant director.

In front of nearly 60 attendees at the Lincoln Theatre, James, 21, was chosen from four contestants who competed for this year's title, an honor she said nearly brought her to tears once she heard her name called.

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COSI named best science museum in the nation by USA TODAY for second consecutive year

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For the second consecutive year, the Center for Science and Industry has been named the top science museum in the country by the 2021 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Award Contest.

From public voters and a panel of experts, a list that included editors from USA TODAY, 10Best.com and other relevant contributors, COSI was selected among 19 other science museums across the nation.

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Asian Americans address need for awareness, advocacy during this year's Asian Festival

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As members of the Asian American community face an onrush of violent hate crimes, attacks that have increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jona Hilario and others said sharing their experiences is essential in the fight against racism.

While there's been growing awareness nationally, there's still a line of separation between Asian Americans and other residents on a local level, Hilario, a Hilliard resident, said. In helping educate central Ohioans on the matter, Hilario said events such as the Asian Festival can help bridge the gap.

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Miss Black Ohio pageant returns for in-person ceremony after last year's cancellation

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With the alluringly bright lights of the Miss Black Ohio pageant forced to fade last year due to COVID-19, a new line of contestants will take center stage on Saturday at the historic Lincoln Theatre.

In celebrating nearly 40 years of Miss Black Ohio, State Pageant Director Fanchon Page, 50, of Columbus, couldn't let the milestone pass without crowning a new queen after last year's cancellation.

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Near East Side mural commemorates Columbus' Uhuru Dance Company history

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The rhythmic movements and the sounds of Afro percussions echoed throughout the corner of Taylor Avenue and East Long Street, as Columbus poet Charles "Is Said" Lyons and others came together to commemorate an overlooked but integral fragment of Columbus history.

The Uhuru Dance Company, an African-based dance group that formed on the Ohio State University campus in the fall of 1971, celebrated its 50th anniversary Saturday with the placement of an outdoor mural at 1500 E. Long St., the former home of the Willis Beauty Supply Store.

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After closing due to COVID, tourist attractions in Ohio are ready for visitors

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The travel industry plummeted last year as the world struggled with the onset of a global pandemic, one that battered the economy and prompted uncertainty for businesses reliant on tourism dollars.

But with state parks, zoos, museums and other venues modifying COVID-19 safety restrictions and Gov. Mike DeWine announcing the ending of state health orders on June 2, there's a rising sense of optimism for national and state travel.

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As an ode to mothers everywhere, author Mindy Drayer pens new book titled 'Dear Mom'

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As Mindy Drayer reflected on the life of her 90-year-old mother, Carm Drayer, she was driven to write a book that served as a public and worthy tribute to the person who raised her and her three siblings.

At the start, Drayer, a former WCMH-TV (Channel 4) news anchor, chronicled her mother's triumphs, devastating losses and continued fight against sarcoma cancer. (Drayer's father passed away 10 years ago.)

But as she filtered through the loving memories shared with her m

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Why does this keep happening? Experts discuss why Columbus has so many police shootings

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As the community reels from the death of 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant – the latest in a series of high-profile fatal shootings by police – activist Kiara Yakita is not surprised that another Black person has been shot and killed by an officer.

"Columbus is a tale of two cities," she said.

In the wake of Bryant’s death – and the four other Black people who have been killed by law enforcement in Franklin County since Dec. 4 – Yakita, the founder of the Black Liberation Movement Central Ohio, has been calling for a reckoning between Columbus police and the Black community.

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Artist's work captures gravity of George Floyd's death, highlights racism in America

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In the days following the death of George Floyd, artist Charles "Mark Phi" Smart watched the gut-wrenching video of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pinning his knee on the neck of the 46-year-old Black man as he pled for his life.

While Floyd's death prompted international protests, riots and renewed cries for social and racial justice, Phi felt compelled to create an art piece that spoke to his emotions.

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Trying to plan your summer vacation without leaving central Ohio? Check out these events

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As venue and event spaces have begun to open their doors, a sense of hope has permeated the city's entertainment circles.

As the summer festival and event season is fast approaching, we thought a roundup on the status of what is happening, what's going virtual or has been modified, and what is cancelled was in order.

Here's the status of some popular summertime events, based on information available now.

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Drinking without the booze: Zero-proof drinks continue to be popular at bars, restaurants

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As the "sober curious" craze continues to spill over to bars and restaurants across the country, Columbus residents are partaking in the rise of nonalcoholic offerings.

With local establishments such as DEMARK, VASO Rooftop Lounge, Watershed Kitchen & Bar and others adding alcohol-free options, patrons are basking in the growing shift to zero-proof spirits and prime "mocktails."

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An 'Immersive Van Gogh' exhibit to make its mark in the capital city

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Although details have yet to be confirmed, the "Immersive Van Gogh" exhibit will make its way to the capital city in the near future.

Filled with 500,000-cubic-feet of monumental projections that animate Vincent van Gogh's post-impressionist work, the exhibit will allow visitors to wander through various images that highlight his artistic genius.

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Ohio State Fair will not be open to the public this summer

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The Ohio Expositions Commission announced Thursday that the 2021 Ohio State Fair will not be open to the public. Instead, the annual event will focus on agricultural and educational competitions for exhibitors, their families and guests.

In an online release, members of the commission expressed concerns for the public health of residents and guests, as well as the potential financial impact of hosting a fair under current COVID-19 safety protocols.

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