Adam Smith

The small-town American diner is disappearing. More than half of the independent diners that dotted Main Streets in the 1950s have closed, victims of rising costs, chain restaurant competition, and changing eating habits. Yet the ones that remain serve a function that extends far beyond breakfast specials—they're among the last public spaces where communities truly gather, and their loss represents something irreplaceable about American social life. With their swiveling stools, laminate counter

Across America, a quiet shift is underway. Fed up with traffic, high costs, and urban stress, growing numbers of families and professionals are trading city skylines for Main Street—and finding that small-town life offers rewards they never expected. The trend has accelerated in recent years, driven partly by remote work opportunities but sustained by something deeper: a growing recognition that quality of life isn't measured solely in career opportunities and entertainment options. "I thought m

Dr Philip Smith, The Ohio State University The push for standards and accountability has focused primarily on ensuring the academic competitiveness of students in the United States. Some reformers argue that the United States is simply losing its competitive edge in an array of activities ranging from business and industry to education because no common academic standards exist in this country. These reformers also argue that for far too long, officials in poorly performing schools and district

As the holiday season approaches, community leaders and business owners are making a renewed push for residents to consider their neighborhood shops and independent retailers when checking off their gift lists. The message is simple but powerful: where you spend your holiday dollars matters far beyond the price tag. "When you shop at a locally owned business, you're not just buying a product—you're investing in your community," says Maria Hernandez, owner of Buttercup Books, a family-run booksto

Choosing the right gift can always be a challenge, but we've rounded up four crowd-pleasing options that might just save you some holiday stress. Govee LED TV Backlight Know someone who loves movie nights or gaming marathons? These LED backlights transform any TV viewing experience with vibrant colors while reducing eye strain. It's a simple upgrade that makes a big visual impact. Wild Alaska Company Seafood Gift Box For the foodie on your list, consider wild-caught sustainable seafood

Group A: Mexico South Korea South Africa Denmark/Macedonia/Czechia/Ireland Group B: Canada Switzerland Qatar Italy/Northern Ireland/Wales/Bosnia Group C: Brazil Morocco Scotland Haiti Group D: USA Australia Paraguay Turkiye/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo Group E: Germany Ecuador Ivory Coast Curacao Group F: Netherlands Japan Tunisia Ukraine/Sweden/Poland/Albania Group G: Belgium Iran Egypt New Zealand Group H: Spain Uruguay Saudi Arabia Cape Verde Group I: France Senegal Norway Iraq/Bolivia/Sur

Local independent newsrooms are closing at an alarming rate across the country, with more than 2,900 newspapers shutting down since 2005, according to recent data from Northwestern University's Medill School. The closures leave behind "news deserts"—communities with limited access to credible local information—that face increased government spending, higher borrowing costs, and lower voter turnout. But the statistics don't capture the full impact: the empty office where reporters once fact-chec

Potatoes Au Gratin Mashed potatoes might be the go-to holiday side dish, but if you really want to impress your guests, try these potatoes au gratin. Infused with garlic and thyme and layered with Gruyère and Parmesan, a bubbling dish of these rich and creamy potatoes will truly steal the show. Potatoes au gratin sounds fancy and looks impressive, but it's actually very simple to make. While it takes some time, most of this is hands-off baking during which you can tackle other tasks. And if yo

MyLocalPress.com has officially launched in the area, bringing a fresh approach to local news and community journalism. With a mission to serve towns and communities that have lost their local newspapers—or where independent journalism remains underrepresented—My Local Press is committed to reviving grassroots news coverage where it's needed most. The platform empowers residents and independent journalists to launch their own online newspaper at no cost, sell advertising, and build a sustainab

Inter Miami is heading to the MLS Cup final for the first time in club history. The team crushed New York City FC 5-1 at Chase Stadium on Saturday night to win the Eastern Conference championship. Forward Tadeo Allende scored three goals to lead the way. The match was a special night for Spanish stars Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who will retire after this season. Both longtime teammates of Lionel Messi helped set up Allende's first two goals. Allende scored first in the 12th minute after

The Miami Heat struggled to find their rhythm from the floor Tuesday night, falling to the Dallas Mavericks 118-108. Despite battling through four quarters, Miami's shooting woes proved too much to overcome as the team failed to generate consistent offense against Dallas's defense. The loss drops the Heat further in the Eastern Conference standings as they look to regroup before their next matchup.

After two years of extensive renovations, the Maurice Gibb Memorial Park in Miami Beach's Sunset Harbour neighborhood is ready to welcome visitors back with a fresh new look that honors its musical namesake while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. The beloved waterfront park celebrated its grand reopening on April 3, 2025, unveiling a transformed space that blends playful tributes to the legendary Bee Gees with forward-thinking environmental features. A Playground That Rocks The cr

Travelers passing through John Glenn Columbus International Airport can now grab a hot pizza without waiting in line — thanks to a robot. Donatos Pizza launched its first fully automated restaurant at CMH in June 2025, bringing 24/7 service to hungry flyers who don't have time to spare. The robotic kiosk can have a fresh pizza ready in just two and a half minutes. Here's what travelers need to know: How it works: Place your order, receive a locker number and access code, then retrieve you

Give your Halloween pumpkins a second life! From early November through December 8, the Public Service team has set up special collection containers at Fancyburg Park for the annual pumpkin composting program. Participating is easy: simply drop off your pumpkins, and they'll be transported to a local compost facility where they'll break down naturally instead of ending up in a landfill. Before you drop off your pumpkins: Remove all non-organic decorations, candles, paint, and other materia

The site where Hilliard-area residents once watched summer blockbusters will soon welcome a new kind of feature: a 120-unit luxury apartment complex. Dublin-based Dune Companies is building the Reserve at Mill Run, a $28.2 million residential development replacing the former Movies 11 theater at 3755-3799 Ridge Mill Drive. The theater closed in July 2023 and was demolished last year. "By transforming the former Mill Run movie theater site, Dune Companies is revitalizing one of Hilliard's agin

The Go Ahead Wanders of Grandview delivered an impressive victory over the Columbus Rebels on Saturday, November 29th, winning 6-3 at the Resolute Indoor Soccer Complex in Columbus. Lucas Earley led the charge with a standout performance, netting two goals and dishing out three assists to power the Wanders' offense. The win improves Grandview's record to 18-24-4 as the team looks to build momentum in Columbus Youth Indoor Soccer League play. The matchup highlighted the growing popularity of in

Ohio State football silenced the Big House on Saturday, Nov. 29, snapping a frustrating four-game losing streak against arch rival Michigan with a commanding 27-9 victory. The top-ranked Buckeyes (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten) delivered a statement performance in Ann Arbor, holding the No. 15 Wolverines to single digits while securing their perfect regular season record. The win punches Ohio State's ticket to the Big Ten Championship Game, where they'll face No. 2 Indiana with conference supremacy on the

By the community, for the community When Upper Arlington residents said they wanted a space that supports personal well-being, recreation and genuine connection, city leaders listened. The result is the Bob Crane Community Center — a modern facility built directly from community feedback and designed to serve neighbors of all ages. More than a building — it's where life happens Step inside the Bob Crane Community Center and you'll find something for everyone. Fitness enthusiasts can b

The Columbus Blue Jackets put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs in an overtime nail-biter on Thanksgiving Eve. Despite playing some of their best hockey of the season, the Jackets couldn't quite clinch the win in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. The intense matchup showcased the team's growing potential and left local supporters eager for the next home game at Nationwide Arena.

If you've noticed more deer roaming around Upper Arlington recently, you're not alone. Ohio boasts a thriving population of white-tailed deer, with estimates reaching up to 900,000 statewide. This represents a remarkable comeback from their lowest numbers in the early 1900s. Several factors contribute to this increase, including the expansion of urban and suburban landscapes, a lack of natural predators, and the deer's adaptable nature. As we share our lovely city with these graceful creatures,