Kicking things off

Keeping it local

• Ronnie Hickman, safety
• Dawand Jones, offensive tackle
• Denzel Ward, corner back
• Luke Wypler, center

Eyes on the field

• Veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott, who won an NCAA championship in 2016, now plays for the New England Patriots after spending multiple seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.
• Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was named the captain of the Houston Texans after being drafted No. 2 overall.
• After missing the 2022 season, running back J.K. Dobbins has returned to the Baltimore Ravens with big goals.

• Beginning Calligraphy | Wednesday, Sept. 6 | 6-8 p.m. | Bubbly Hall, 6065 Central College Rd., New Albany | $70 | Upgrade your decorative handwriting skills with this class led by local artist Cathy Rivas.

• Motown to Gospel | Thusday, Sept. 7-Saturday, Sept. 9 | Times vary | Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St., Downtown | $37-$57 | This musical follows the lives of a couple struggling to find their destiny.
• Adventures on the Horizon | Thursday, Sept. 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Lower.com Field, 96 Columbus Crew Way, Arena District | $200-$300 | This evening serves as a fundraiser to help support kids with life-threatening illnesses.

• Columbus Crew 2 vs. NYC FC II | Friday, Sept. 8 | 7 p.m. | Historic Crew Stadium, One Black and Gold Blvd., Columbus | $8-$10 | Cheer on the Crew 2, who stand as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

• Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Youngstown State | Saturday, Sept. 9 | 12 p.m. | Ohio Stadium 411 Woody Hayes Dr., Campus | $39+ | Don’t miss the first home football game of the season against an in-state foe.

• Ohio was ranked the No. 1 state in the US for global groundwork index by Site Selection Magazine. Columbus was also ranked the No. 2 metro in the US for global groundwork index. These high rankings indicate our growing local economy is thriving and can sustain more jobs, bigger businesses, and increased public infrastructure.

• Winan’s Coffee + Chocolates is opening a new location in the Short North at 611 N. High St. The popular local coffee shop plans to open in mid-November with the same menu featured at its other locations. (614now)

• City officials are set to bring new zoning laws intended to streamline the development process around spring 2024. City Council members explained the new laws will modernize the process by updating 70+-year-old practices like filing variances. (The Columbus Dispatch)

• A new study found Miller Lite — not Bud Light or a local brew — is the best-selling beer in Columbus. Miller reported sales rose by $220,000+, bringing the total to $3.9 million annually. Bud Light saw a $700,000+ dip, dropping sales to $3.39 million annually. (The Columbus Dispatch)

• The state is looking to make investments in technology companies and start-ups after receiving millions in COVID relief funds. In total, $111 million will be invested, with $36 million set aside for women- and minority-owned businesses + $75 million for Ohio-based tech start-ups. (Columbus Inno)

• Spotted lanternflies have reportedly invaded the city and state. These bugs feed on important crops + leave behind sooty mold, which ruins the produce for humans. If you see one in the wild, the state asks that you do two things: Report it, then stomp on it.

• Congrats to Calista P. for winning our Ultimate Midwest Tailgate Giveaway, in partnership with Hotel Tango Distillery and Simple Times Mixers. We hope you have the best time using your new tailgate tools this football season.*

• A Banksy got everyday investors 32% returns? You read that right. Thousands of investors are smiling all the way to the bank thanks to the fine-art investing platform Masterworks. Investors have benefited from 16 sales with returns including 13.9%, 27.3%, and 35.0%. Interested? CBUStoday readers can skip the waitlist and join.†*

• Before you start cheering for your favorite team, make sure you have the perfect game day gear. From sunglasses to earrings, shop Six & Main’s tailgate collection.

• Looking for a new coffee, candle, or moisturizer? We’ve got you covered. Shop some of Six & Main’s new arrivals. There’s something for everyone.

• The internet’s favorite tumbler — the 40-oz. Stanley Quencher — is in stock in cute colors like pool, jade, and orchid.

• Four Sigmatic’s organic protein powder is the ultimate smoothie booster. It contains 18 grams of protein and 1500 milligrams of adaptogens per serving — nourishing your mind + body.

• It doesn’t get more luxurious than the Drowsy sleep mask, which is silky smooth on skin and completely light-blocking for the deepest sleep.