Utility Markings Blamed for Gas Blast

A subcontractor installing fiber internet struck a gas line that triggered last week’s house explosion in Summit County’s Twinsburg Township, according to Uniti Group, the company overseeing the project.

The company said a third-party locating service inaccurately marked underground utilities, leading the crew to dig in the wrong area.

The blast leveled three homes and damaged dozens of others. Nearby residents described a violent boom, followed by people fleeing their homes after the explosion.

A state investigation into the blast is ongoing.

OHSAA Fines Olentangy Orange

The Ohio High School Athletic Association fined Olentangy Orange High School $10,000 after investigating a possible violation of OHSAA Bylaw 3-1, which states that “principals hold primary responsibility for institutional control and student eligibility.”

The investigation centered on 2026 graduate MC Walker, who transferred from Westerville North after the 2024 season and helped lead Orange to its first state championship. Walker caught five passes for 123 yards and a touchdown in last year’s title game.

Walker was named to the All-OCC Central second team and will play football at Ohio University.

Despite the fine, Olentangy Orange will keep its state title and won’t face a postseason ban.

NEOH Top Workplaces List Honors 191 Firms

A total of 191 companies, nonprofits, and schools were recognized on cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer’s 2026 Top Workplaces list for Northeast Ohio.

The honorees were selected through employee surveys that measured workplace culture, leadership, and day-to-day communication. Twenty-seven employers with at least 1,000 workers made the list, with Plante Moran and Progressive Insurance leading the largest category.

Redwood, a property management company, ranked first among employers with 500 to 999 workers, while McDowell Real Estate and L’Nique Specialty Linen led the next two smaller-company categories.

According to cleveland.com, many employers on the list are rethinking how they retain workers, with a focus on clearer communication through town halls, leadership updates, resource groups, and wellness initiatives.

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➤ Columbus: Workers installed a giant Ohio flag to seal the roof of the downtown Rhodes State Office Tower as part of a leak-prevention project that also highlights state pride. (See Photo)

➤ Cleveland: The Interstate 90 exit to northbound East Ninth Street, near Progressive Field, closes today and isn’t scheduled to reopen until October. Officials recommend drivers take Ontario Street to Carnegie Avenue. (Details)

➤ Central Ohio: U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, is breaking with tradition by having his wife paint his official congressional portrait at no cost to taxpayers. (More)

➤ Belmont County: County officials said they were caught off guard when a developer announced plans for a large AI data center in Belmont County dubbed “The Real Stargate Ohio.” (More)

➤ Martins Ferry: The shuttered former East Ohio Regional Hospital is scheduled for public auction Sept. 2, more than a year after it closed. (More)

➤ Pepper Pike: City Council voted unanimously to pursue an Ohio Department of Natural Resources grant to help build a splash pad next to the playground at the city park. (More)

Yesterday, we asked a simple question: if The Ohio Flyover has earned a place in your morning, would you chip in to help keep it free? If you meant to give yesterday and the day got away from you, here’s your nudge.

We exist to bring you the news without spin. If you value that service, will you support us directly?

-Cole

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➤ Cleveland Guardians rookie Cooper Ingle drove in two runs with his first major league hit Saturday, lifting Cleveland to a 4-3 win over the Seattle Mariners. (More)

➤ Cincinnati Reds reliever Chase Petty became the 11th Reds pitcher to record a save this season, setting a franchise record in Saturday’s 9-7 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. (More)

➤ Worthington’s Cory Fidler made a rare albatross during a work outing at Mentel Memorial Golf Course, holing out from 240 yards on his second shot of a par 5. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | WNBA | Golf | NASCAR | F1

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➤ Historic Quaker Square in Akron is set for a $75 million overhaul into a hotel, apartments, and retail space, with the hotel expected to open in late 2027. (More)

➤ Bubba’s 33, a casual-dining chain owned by Texas Roadhouse’s parent company, plans to open its first central Ohio restaurant at a former TGI Fridays site on Taylor Road in Reynoldsburg. (More)

➤ Lemongrass Fusion Bistro marked its final day in Columbus’ Short North on Sunday after 28 years in business. (More)

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➤ Author Mark Weaver, a former Ohio deputy attorney general, has written a children’s book, God Bless America: 250 Years Strong, spotlighting the nation’s history ahead of its 250th birthday. (More)

➤ A central Ohio woman became the first person to complete the state parks digital passport challenge, visiting all 76 Ohio state parks from Hocking Hills to Lake Erie. (More)

➤ Margaret Jeffries of Bellaire celebrated her 105th birthday surrounded by loved ones, crediting Jesus Christ, friends, and family for her long life. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. Clicking the links will take you directly to these stories:

➤ A “perfect storm” of falling birth rates and high prices could shrink the U.S. auto market by 2040. (Listen Here)

➤ A mother’s decision to leave her daughter behind after she forgot her passport has sparked a heated online debate. (Episode Available)

➤ The common habit of washing strawberries right after buying them is the main reason they spoil so fast. (Hear Details)

How many Ohio state parks have you visited?

1. None
   
2. 1-10
   
3. 11-25
   
4. 26-50
   
5. 51-76

Yesterday’s Results:

What’s your favorite way to beat the heat?

1. Stay inside: 22%
2. Swimming: 15%
3. Wait for fall: 14%
4. Shade and a fan: 13%
5. Ice cream: 12%
6. Cold drink: 12%
7. Other: 12%

Where was Ohio’s record high temperature recorded?

Show me the answer