OhioIf you saw a photo of an alligator supposedly swimming near Scioto Audubon Metro Park over the weekend…you weren't the only one wondering if Columbus decided it was time to become Florida.

The photo blew up on Facebook, with hundreds of people debating whether it was real. But both Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources told 614Now they believe the image appears to be AI-generated. The man who originally posted it hasn't responded to any questions about the photo.

So for now, there's no confirmed gator in the Scioto.

The Columbus Zoo just welcomed a brand-new baby elephant, and they're letting us help name him. Big mistake. Huge.

Kirsch (yes, our Kirsch) has decided the elephant should be named… Kirsch.

He's even offered to donate $1,000 to an animal charity if the calf officially ends up with his name. Kind of on brand. Loud and occasionally unpredictable… sounds like a Kirsch to me.

If you want to make "Kirsch the Elephant" happen you can submit your name suggestion now through November 16th on the Columbus Zoo's website

The top four will be voted on at the end of the month, and the winner's announced December 2nd.

Let's make Columbus history, people. Vote Kirsch.

While we're out celebrating the Fourth of July, shelter pets are having a very different experience. Fireworks can be terrifying, especially for animals already stressed out in shelters.

The Union County Humane Society is inviting volunteers to help. On Saturday, July 5th at 9:30 PM, they're hosting a quiet night of comfort at the shelter during the Marysville fireworks.

Just show up, grab a book, and hang out with the dogs and help them stay calm.. You don't need to be a great reader, just someone with a big heart.

I'll be there and I'd love to see you. Snacks are provided, and the shelter handles the rest.

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times for shelters because so many pets run away from fireworks. This is an easy way to make a huge difference for animals who need some comfort.

Come help make their night a little less scary and a lot more peaceful.

Email any questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Columbus Taco Week is happening now through Saturday, June 7th and it's the perfect excuse to treat yourself to some of the best tacos in town. Participating restaurants like Agave & Rye, El Vaquero, Yogi's Bar & Grill, and Local Cantina are offering $2 taco specials, and some even have custom cocktails and exclusive items just for the week.

Even better? This isn't just about great food. Each year, Taco Week supports a local nonprofit, and this year's proceeds will help Feed the Kids Columbus, a local group fighting childhood food insecurity.

So grab your crew, hit up your favorite spots (or discover some new ones), and make the most of Taco Week. You can find the full list of restaurants and menus at columbustacoweek.com.

Taco Week is more than just a celebration of great food, it's a chance to support Columbus's vibrant restaurant scene and encourage people to discover new spots and revisit their favorites, all through the shared love of tacos while giving back to the community.

by Hugo Albonoz (Taco Week organizer)

Taco Week has officially begun across Columbus, offering exclusive taco specials and dishes at several restaurants. https://t.co/kaNscsTu64

— FOX 28 Columbus (@fox28columbus) June 3, 2025

I don't wanna be dramatic, but this might be one of the best things to happen to Ohio since The Buckeyes and Cedar Point.

On 4/16, we’re opening our first-ever Ohio store in Liberty Township—and we’re celebrating Wawa Day, which marks 61 years of serving the community! 🎉❤️ pic.twitter.com/ooGOfMvFWw

— Wawa (@Wawa) February 26, 2025