Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Sunday, August 31st, 2025.
We start the day with breaking news from the 800 block of Gilbert Street, where yesterday afternoon police responded to a domestic violence call that escalated into a tense standoff. Officers say a 19-year-old man, Nathen Thorn, allegedly shot his sister and then barricaded himself upstairs. SWAT and negotiators were called in, and after about an hour, Thorn surrendered without further injury. The sister remains in stable condition after surgery, and an officer sustained a minor injury but was treated and released from a local hospital. Columbus Police’s Major Crimes team is continuing the investigation.
Turning to City Hall, Mayor Andrew Ginther has introduced the city’s 2025 general fund budget, which has grown slightly to one point two three billion dollars. The Mayor highlighted investments in public safety and housing, noting Columbus is now leading the nation in homicide reduction and saw housing starts jump by over 20 percent last year. Up to 180 new police officers and 45 new firefighters are expected to join city ranks next year. The proposal goes to City Council for review this month, with final approval expected in early 2025.
In traffic news, a serious rollover accident occurred late Friday at North Waggoner Road and East Broad Street. Police say a Dodge Charger went airborne and flipped after colliding with two other vehicles. Both the Charger’s driver and the driver of an Acura RDX were hospitalized, but their conditions have since improved and are considered non-life-threatening. The Accident Investigation Unit is asking anyone who witnessed the crash to contact them or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers.
Weather today looks mostly sunny and pleasant, with highs in the upper seventies and no rain expected — a welcome break for those planning to enjoy local events. Looking ahead, the next few days should stay warm and dry, perfect for Labor Day weekend festivities.
Columbus’s cultural scene is buzzing with the fifth edition of Exhibit Columbus, where artists and designers have transformed familiar sites like the Bartholomew County Public Library with colorful installations and playful public spaces. The atmosphere is lively, with families, kids, and neighbors gathering, splashing, and mingling, making the city feel like a living museum.
On the sports front, Buckeye fans are celebrating Ohio State’s stunning 14 to 7 victory over top-ranked Texas yesterday at the Horseshoe. OSU’s defense, now led by former Patriots coordinator Matt Patricia, stifled Heisman hopeful Arch Manning and delivered key stops, making this a landmark win. The excitement is still rippling through campus, and the Buckeyes look poised for a strong season ahead.
Community events continue this afternoon and into Labor Day, with outdoor concerts at Bicentennial Park, a craft market along Gay Street, and the Columbus Symphony’s pop-up performances across downtown.
On a positive note, Columbus schools are off to a strong start this fall. Local high schools reported record attendance at Friday night football games. Teachers and coaches have praised students for their spirit, and one city math team earned a state tournament spot this week.
In business news, the beloved Chapman’s Eat Market in German Village is preparing to close its doors after years of acclaim, while Marino’s Seafood wrapped up over three decades of service on the north side. At the same time, a new speakeasy is opening soon in the Brewery District, continuing the area’s trend toward innovative dining and nightlife.
For those job hunting, Molina Healthcare posted new care management positions in Columbus with salaries ranging from around seventy to one hundred thirty thousand dollars, depending on experience and credentials.
We end today’s roundup with a feel-good moment from the library plaza, where the new purple splash pool has become a symbol of fun and inclusion, drawing neighbors of all ages together and turning a patch of concrete into a place of daily joy.
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