Central Ohio News Briefs - March 22-29, 2026
New Albany — Meta announced a multi-year, $6 billion agreement with Corning Inc. to supply fiber optic cables for data center expansion in New Albany, supporting the Prometheus AI supercluster planned at the Clover Valley campus.
Regional economy — Meta also entered agreements with Oklo, Vistra and TerraPower to secure up to 6.6 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2035 for data center operations, including support for the Prometheus supercluster tied to New Albany. Oklo’s planned 1.2-gigawatt power campus in Pike County is intended to directly support Prometheus operations.
Worthington business — Fired Up Pizza opened March 27 to 29 at 5601 N. High St. in Worthington, taking over the former Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza space.
Worthington government — Worthington’s Architectural Review Board and Municipal Planning Commission were scheduled to meet Thursday, March 26.
Worthington government — Worthington’s Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled to meet Thursday, April 2.
New Albany community — The Pilot Club of New Albany initiated four new members: Heather Whittington, Maegan Whittington, Shelli Kent and Beverly Ford.
New Albany development — The Ohio Life Science Training Center was selected for the New Albany International Business Park as part of a public-private biomanufacturing effort that includes $30 million from JobsOhio and a five-year, $5 million commitment from the City of New Albany.
New Albany business — Bubbly Food Hall at 6065 Central College Rd. is set to close permanently March 31 after nearly three years.
Regional retail — Kroger announced a $112 million central Ohio investment package that includes a new store in Delaware and renovations to 15 existing locations, including stores in New Albany and Worthington.
Delaware development — The new Kroger store in Delaware is planned for 1650 Sunbury Rd. The company said the $33 million project will total 123,000 square feet, open in early fall 2026, create more than 220 jobs, and include expanded produce, deli, meat and seafood departments, a sushi counter, specialty cheese shop, expanded apparel and an on-site fuel center.
New Albany and Worthington retail — Kroger said about $24 million in renovation work is planned across 15 central Ohio stores, including locations in New Albany and Worthington, with updates to produce, deli, meat and seafood areas, refreshed decor and updated restrooms.
Delaware business — Marinos Motors LLC opened at 35 E. Central Ave. in Delaware, with owner Ursula Marinos positioning the used-vehicle business around affordability and a welcoming customer experience.
Delaware government — Delaware scheduled a Community Development Block Grant public hearing for Wednesday, March 26 as the first hearing for the 2026 program year and to gather input on funding priorities.
Sunbury — Mayor Joe St. John announced a temporary moratorium on data centers, hyperscalers and AI data centers on March 26 to allow more public discussion, expert input and infrastructure review.
Sunbury public safety — Three people detained after an alleged stabbing on Court Street in Sunbury were transferred to ICE custody after authorities determined they were undocumented.
Regional capital budget — Regional institutions, including the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, were among those seeking support in Ohio’s upcoming capital budget, with proposed projects including a conservation and acclimation center tied to a planned aquarium.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
Reader funding, including subscribers, protects editorial independence, so coverage is guided by journalists rather than owners or corporate profit goals. It also reduces pressure to chase clicks, letting the newsroom focus on stories worth readers’ time. And it helps keep the site accessible to everyone, including people who can’t pay or live in places where a free press is under threat.
Explore more hyper-local reporting by subscribing to The Hilliard Beacon, Civic Capacity, Marysville Matters, The Ohio Roundtable, Shelby News Reporter, This Week in Toledo, and Into the Morning by Krista Steele.
