The Lantern

A student walks in front of State Senator Demora’s chalk message in front of the Ohio Union.

Hellenic Kitchen, the new Greek kitchen concept inside Sloopy’s Diner at Ohio Union. Credit: Audrey Coleman | Campus Editor There’s something new cooking inside Sloopy’s Diner — and it’s not just the food. In preparation for the new school year, Ohio State Dining Services formed a partnership with two new vendors, Blenz Bowls and Hellenic Greek Kitchen, bringing new concepts into Sloopy’s Diner, according to previous Lantern reporting.

Tame Impala takes the stage at the Nationwide Arena Aug. 25. Credit: Natalie Zurakowski | Arts & Life Senior Writer Colorful lights flashed across Nationwide Arena as confetti fell from the sky and lasers followed every beat of “Let It Happen.” Purple and pink lights highlighted the stands as fans swayed and sang at the top of their lungs, making the night feel more like a psychedelic experience than a concert.

Ohio Stadium is looking to improve how fans get through the gates, staying connected once inside and their eating options. With the Buckeyes’ first game against Ball State a little over a week away, a press conference was held in the Ohio Stadium Postgame Press Conference Room Wednesday to announce new features coming to the Horseshoe. Here are some of the new services and concessions in the ‘Shoe this season.

A student uses their digital BuckID to unlock a door on campus (Posed). Credit: Michael Goulet | Campus Photo Editor Ohio State’s BuckID system — the official ID of the university — launched a feature that allows students to add their BuckID to a mobile wallet. Launched on Tuesday, the new feature functions the same as the physical card, allowing students access to residence halls, dining location payments and entry into other facilities across campus.

Students talk with members of the Cryptocurrency Club during the involvement fair on Sunday. Credit: Michael Goulet | Campus Photo Editor. Ohio State and the Columbus community host a variety of festivities and events throughout Welcome Week, from right on campus to the Short North Arts District, to commemorate the arrival of thousands of new Buckeyes on campus. Welcome Week for the 2026-27 academic year takes place from Friday, Aug. 21 through Monday, Aug. 31.

Ryan Day at fall training camp on Aug. 8, 2026. Credit: Cassandra D’Angelo | Sports Photo Editor. With 10 days until Ohio State opens its season against Ball State, the Buckeyes are still putting their final pieces together. Head coach Ryan Day emphasized the team’s depth, but looks for the Buckeyes to continue to improve during the final days of fall camp before they take their first snap in the Horseshoe on Sept. 5.

Former President Ted Carter speaks with Lantern editors on Tuesday in his office. Credit: Carly Damon | Lantern File Photo Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. has denied nearly every claim filed in a lawsuit against him, except for one of the most obvious — that he served as Ohio State University’s president.

Les Wexner speaking during a Board of Trustees meeting in 2018 at the Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital. Credit: Kevin Stankiewicz | Lantern File Photo Les Wexner has stepped down as chair of the Wexner Medical Center Board, but is not entirely leaving the Board of Trustees. Wexner will stay on the board as chair emeritus – meaning he will remain on the board without being a voting member, university officials confirmed.

Students sit at a new table at Marketplace on Neil. Credit: Michael Goulet | Campus Photo Editor Menu changes, more delivery robots and new food options are among several changes Ohio State Dining Services will bring to multiple locations across campus this semester. Dining Services made several expansions to multiple locations over the summer, bringing in new partners, more choices and renovated spaces.