Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Thursday, November thirteenth. We’re starting our day with a look at breaking news at the Franklin County courthouse, where the trial continues for officer Connor Grubb. He’s charged with murder for the 2023 shooting of Ta’Kiya Young, a pregnant Black woman who was confronted about alleged shoplifting. Officers approached Young’s car in a suburban grocery parking lot, and the encounter ended in tragedy. The prosecution argues Grubb was not justified in firing his weapon, while the defense says he faced imminent danger. Tensions are high, with family members leaving the courtroom as bodycam footage was played. This trial has sparked conversation about policing and community trust across Columbus.

Turning to City Hall, we’re seeing shifts that could impact downtown. One key player in Mayor Coleman’s revitalization plan is stepping down. City officials say this change comes at a critical moment for efforts on High Street and the Short North. On the topic of city infrastructure, Upper Arlington’s school board is debating a plan for upgrades at three schools, with a price tag near one hundred million dollars. Parents and educators are weighing in, as stakes are high for both taxes and learning environments.

Despite yesterday’s chilly drizzle, today brings a break in the weather. We’re headed for highs in the low fifties with clouds thinning by the afternoon. This means outdoor activities and evening events are a go, though be sure to bundle up if you’re catching one of the area’s weekend festivals.

Speaking of festivals, residents are still buzzing about the northern lights on Tuesday night. The Dispatch reports that a rare burst of solar energy lit up skies over Goodale Park, catching many of us by surprise. Pictures are filling social media, with families sharing how they introduced their kids to the magic of the aurora borealis right in their own backyard.

On the business front, Paris Baguette just opened its second location in Polaris. Local entrepreneurs say growth continues in the bakery and café sector, even as some retailers further south are tightening their belts. OhioHealth, meanwhile, unveiled plans for a new facility off East Broad Street, offering hundreds of jobs in patient care and administration. With the job market holding steady, we have about three thousand openings posted across Franklin County this week.

Sports fans, we’re entering the heart of winter athletics. Pickerington North’s diving star took Athlete of the Week honors. The Bengals lead in last night’s scrimmage, and high school basketball teams around the city are preparing for this weekend’s tip-off tournaments.

In real estate, listings continue to move quickly—average home prices sit near three hundred fifteen thousand dollars. Realtors say the market remains active with strong interest in Clintonville, Hilltop, and Olde Towne East.

For our community bright spot today, we celebrate a Central Ohio teacher just tapped for a national arts fellowship. Their commitment to creativity fuels both the classroom and our city’s spirit, creating new opportunities for Columbus students.

Finally, in public safety: overnight, police responded to two incidents on Parsons Avenue and Broad Street. Thankfully, no life-threatening injuries were reported, but officers urge caution for evening commuters and ask residents to stay alert to suspicious activity.

Before we sign off, a reminder about upcoming events. Delaware Community Chorus performs a baroque concert this weekend, and families can check out award-winning holiday décor displays across town. Don’t miss the holiday parade downtown, celebrating our city’s traditions.

Thank you for joining us this morning. We hope you stay safe, enjoy the day, and take in all that Columbus has to offer. Remember to subscribe for tomorrow’s updates. This has been Columbus Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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