Report. Reflect. Respond.
Tuesday, April 14th, 2026
Welcome to Wednesday’s edition of The Pennant. To listen to this newsletter, click the “Listen Online” link in the top right corner of this email.
Today, in 1941, MLB’s all-time hits leader and Cincinnati native Pete Rose was born.
The Whirlpool Corporation has announced a $60 million investment in a manufacturing facility in Perrysburg, Ohio. Read more in the Top of the Fold.
Also, the Ohio State Spring Game is this Saturday. Find out everything you need to know about the event in our Sports section.
Top of The Fold
Whirlpool to Open New Ohio Facility, Create Up to 150 Jobs
Whirlpool Corporation announced a $60 million investment to convert a former solar plant in Perrysburg, Ohio, into an advanced manufacturing facility producing washer and dryer components.
The project, which will become the company's 11th U.S. manufacturing facility and sixth in Ohio, is expected to create between 100 and 150 jobs over the next two years.
Beloved Columbus Café Damaged In Fire
On Sunday, a fire broke out at the Thurman Café, and reports are that the damage is extensive.
Nick Suclescy opened the restaurant in 1942, and it has been a family-owned landmark in the German Village neighborhood for decades.
The café is famous for its giant burgers, such as the "Thurmanator." (More)
Page One
National
Gas - jumped a record 21.2% last month, and President Trump says they could stay high or go even higher. The rising fuel costs, driven mostly by Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, have pushed overall inflation up 3.3% and are the top concern for nearly 7 in 10 Americans, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. (More)
U.S. Navy - President Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, preventing ships from accessing Iranian ports. This action puts the U.S., not Iran, in charge of who uses the waterway. Iran's IRGC has announced that any military vessels approaching the Strait will be considered a violation of the ceasefire. This story continues (More)
Vatican - Pope Leo, the first American pope, said he will keep speaking out against war and for peace even after President Trump criticized him, as he began a trip to four African countries. This story continues (More)
Statewide
Columbus - A statue of Christopher Columbus, gifted to Columbus by its sister city of Genoa, Italy, in 1955, stood outside city hall for 65 years before it was taken down in 2020 because the mayor said it didn't match the city's values. Now, some Italian American groups and residents are fighting in court to get the statue put back. (More)
Ashtabula - A dangerous chemical called titanium tetrachloride leaked into the air at a factory in Ashtabula on Saturday, creating a big white cloud over the building. The company says no one was hurt and the leak was quickly stopped. (More)
Lorain - Lorain City Schools laid off more than 100 teachers on Friday. School officials say the cuts were due to reductions in state funding and local tax revenues. (More)
Bowling Green - Bowling Green State University announced it will shut down six degree programs and make changes to 20 more in 2027 because not enough students were graduating from those programs, as required by Ohio state law. (More)
Statewide - Last week, in a move that became deeply controversial, the US Justice Department settled an antitrust suit against Live Nation Entertainment, the company responsible for Ticketmaster, hundreds of concert venues, and more. Disappointed with the result, Ohio lawmakers have proposed a bill that would scale back Live Nation’s influence. (More)
Sports
"Your Guide to the 2026 Ohio State Spring Game: Tips, Tickets, and What to Expect"
By Tom Orr
The Buckeye Weekly Podcast
The 2026 Ohio State spring game kicks off this Saturday at noon inside Ohio Stadium. The game itself is low-stakes, and only sometimes resembles real football, but it does present a unique opportunity for Buckeye football fans – especially young ones – to get inside the fabled Horseshoe on the banks of the Olentangy to see their favorite team up close and personal.
For many fans, the spring game is the first time they ever step inside the stadium. While regular season tickets – even for unappealing non-conference games against overmatched opponents – generally start at about $70 each, spring game tickets cost $13. Parking, even in lots within a few minutes’ walk of the stadium, is free.
Most of the seating in the stadium is general admission, so if you get there early, you can grab those seats right on the 50-yard line in A-Deck that you’ve always wanted. Or you can sit in the front row next to the tunnel where the team runs out onto the field and high-five players.
While a family of four might have to drop more than $400 on tickets, parking, and concessions to watch the Buckeyes squash Ball State in September, a similar day this weekend might cost $100 or less.
If you decide to go, here are a few tips to make the most of your day:
Buy your tickets in advance and have them added to the Apple Wallet or Google Wallet on your phone. Screenshots of the tickets won’t get you inside.
Arrive early. The game kicks off at noon, and the earlier you arrive, the better parking spot you’ll be able to get. Gates open at 10:00 am, and you’ll want to be there well before then. Get parked and then enjoy a walk around campus before heading over to the stadium to get inside soon after the gates open to have your pick of seats.
If you’re bringing your kids, make the most of the day. Get a photo with Brutus, go high-five the players at the railing, and make it a memorable experience for them.
Editorial
Mom, Can You Venmo Me? A Generation's Battle Cry
By The Pennant Editorial Staff
A stunning new study has confirmed what every boomer already suspected: their adult children will not be leaving anytime soon.
According to the 2026 Wells Fargo Money Study, nearly two-thirds of parents with children between the ages of 18 and 28 are still financially supporting their kids. Housing, money, groceries — the whole package.
Here at The Pennant, our editorial staff includes parents whose kids left the nest, parents of young kids dreading what is coming, and then there is — we will call her Kayla.
The Back Page
TRIVIA: What is the official state beverage of Ohio?
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