Columbus Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Saturday, October eighteenth. We’re waking up to a breezy and rainy start, and that’s going to shape our plans today. Rain, along with gusty winds, is expected to challenge runners and outdoor events most of the weekend. If you’re heading downtown for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon events, today’s 5K and one mile races should escape the worst of the weather, but Sunday’s marathon start at seven thirty will be a wet one. Roads around Nationwide Arena and German Village might see extra traffic, so give yourself some time if you’re headed that way.

For those ready to embrace the season’s spirit, Green Lawn Cemetery hosts the Day of the Dead festival today from ten to six. Expect vibrant altar displays, crafts, music, and food to honor loved ones as part of this cultural and family-focused event. Just across our neighborhoods, central Ohio hosts about two dozen “No Kings Day” protests, part of the largest national day of demonstration since June. Organizers say it’s a day to stand for democracy, with one major gathering set for four p.m. at the Ohio Statehouse and smaller events running throughout the afternoon in German Village and Grove City. These are peaceful, celebratory events, with decorated car caravans connecting different neighborhoods and voices.

Now, let’s look at what’s happening in the city’s job market. Right now, job seekers can find over thirty thousand openings around Columbus, from warehouse associates up on the northeast side starting at about seventeen dollars an hour, to software developer roles topping out near one hundred twenty thousand a year. For those in finance or customer service, there’s active recruitment at local banks and wellness centers. The Columbus Career Fair is just around the corner on October twenty third at the Crowne Plaza on Doubletree Avenue, where hiring managers from top employers will meet with candidates, so polish those resumes.

Shifting to city hall, we’re watching several proposals that could affect daily life, including talks on sidewalks and bike lanes along Lane Avenue and High Street. Leaders continue debating next year’s city budget, with particular focus on safety, schools, and affordable housing, but no major votes expected until next week.

On the real estate front, the market remains steady. Several new listings are popping up downtown and in Grandview Heights. Prices remain competitive, particularly for starter homes, with averages hovering around three hundred thousand, and there’s plenty of interest from first-time buyers.

Our Saturday brings a lineup of local music and community events. Aside from the marathon and protests, families can paddle in the annual Witch and Warlock Paddle on the Scioto downtown, as costumes and paddleboards dot the river through the noon hour. Tonight, hockey fans turn to Nationwide Arena, where the Blue Jackets take on Tampa Bay in a key conference matchup.

In schools, Dublin Coffman H

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Friday, October 17, 2025.

We wake up today as the city processes the officer-involved shooting near Ohio State’s University District, which has drawn widespread attention. Columbus police released body camera footage of the 3:30 a.m. Sunday incident along High Street, showing a 14-year-veteran sergeant fatally shooting 18-year-old Ta’Shawn Davis. According to police, Davis was fleeing after allegedly pointing a gun at two bystanders during a robbery. When confronted, they say Davis ran, was ordered to stop, and was then shot after falling and dropping a gun. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant urges all of us to wait for the full investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation before drawing conclusions. This comes as community discussions heat up around youth crime, policing, and keeping our neighborhoods safe. Police also report that several other suspects from the earlier robbery have been detained.

In other public safety news, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced indictments against eight Medicaid providers in Columbus accused of major billing fraud. These cases span kickback schemes and billing for services that never happened, signaling a continued crackdown on white-collar crime in our city.

Elsewhere, the city honors the life of State Trooper Nicholas Cayton, who was killed in the line of duty yesterday morning. Tributes have been pouring in from public officials and the local community, underscoring the risks our first responders face every day.

On the city hall front, a key player in Columbus’s Downtown revitalization is departing, with business and civic leaders paying tribute to their legacy in transforming the Short North and High Street corridor. The Columbus Dispatch highlights how this leadership shift could affect ongoing downtown improvements.

Turning to the weather, we’re in for a warm autumn day, with highs near the mid-seventies and lots of sunshine—perfect for outdoor activities. Looking ahead into the weekend, Saturday brings a significant warmup, with temperatures reaching the low eighties before cooling off again Sunday. With this kind of weather, we recommend taking a walk along the Scioto Mile or checking out a local park before the fall chill returns.

We’re also seeing movement in the job market. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reports around twelve thousand new unemployment claims statewide for the first two weeks of October, a number that’s steady but still slightly lower than last month. Local hiring continues in logistics and health care, while some tech companies are adjusting staffing as we head into the holiday season.

Real estate in Columbus holds steady with median home prices slightly above three hundred thousand dollars and sales volumes slowing as buyers weigh higher interest rates.

It's a lively week for arts, culture, and community events. The Delaware Community Chorus will perform a special baroque concert this Sunday,

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Thursday, October 16, 2025. We wake to a crisp and sunny start across central Ohio, with temperatures in the upper 40s now and a high reaching about 66 degrees this afternoon. Expect plenty of sun for your morning commute and lunchtime errands, and by evening, we’ll stay pleasant with clear skies. It’s a perfect fall day to get out and enjoy everything happening around town.

Let’s jump straight to breaking news with a big update on state policy. Ohio’s ban on intoxicating hemp drinks is paused for at least two more weeks as a Franklin County judge temporarily blocks Governor DeWine’s new restrictions. This is good news for local store owners who felt caught in limbo and for breweries and small businesses relying on hemp sales to stay open. Meanwhile, a judge has also upheld key parts of a police union grievance for city workers. This legal back-and-forth out of City Hall continues to influence collective bargaining and public sector jobs across Columbus.

On the housing and real estate front, there’s a real sense of optimism as the City Council moves forward with its Vitality Village project along 8th Street. When finished, it’ll bring over 325 new homes, focusing on workforce housing to help tackle affordability—right near local schools, trails, and parks. City officials ensure us that property tax increases won’t be used for this, thanks to creative funding tools like TIF. Combined public and private investment is making a real difference for our growing community.

Now, into the job market: local hiring is showing resilience, especially in health care and logistics. OhioHealth is adding positions as their new facility opens, while logistics and clean-up companies like RestoPros of Columbus West just earned industry honors that signal continued growth and more job opportunities for residents on the west side.

Tonight, Columbus comes alive with culture and music. Luke Combs just announced a stadium show at Ohio Stadium that’s already generating a buzz. The Ohio Theater is hosting the Broadway phenomenon Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for the next two weeks, drawing crowds from all over the Midwest. If you’re planning a family outing, the Palace Theatre is opening its doors for a special Halloween event, so grab your costumes and check it out.

This Saturday, our city will host the Defend Your Friend 5K, Columbus Humane’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The Columbus Marathon, one of the region’s largest races, winds through downtown on Sunday, so keep an eye out for both runners and road closures.

In Buckeye Nation, the No. 1 ranked Ohio State football team rolled over Illinois 34 to 16 last weekend, thrilling fans at the shoe, though 11 Buckeyes are on the injury report for this Saturday’s game. Local high schools are seeing big moments too—Wellington School just named its first-ever female Head of School in its history, and several Columbus schools have students competing for state band and s

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Sunday, October 12.

We wake to mostly sunny skies here in Columbus, with a crisp fall start around 48 degrees. We’re expecting the temperature to rise into the low seventies by the afternoon, making it a perfect day for outdoor plans. Looking ahead, mild fall weather should continue through Tuesday, great news for those enjoying the long weekend and the busy slate of community events.

On the breaking news front, there was a serious accident overnight in the Hilltop area, where a bicyclist was struck by a truck and is now in critical condition. Police are investigating, so expect some traffic delays near Sullivant Avenue this morning. In another disturbing incident, a car break-in spree left residents of the Wonder Bread Lofts frustrated, waking up Thursday to shattered glass and damaged vehicles. Police are stepping up patrols in the downtown area.

Turning to ongoing public safety, four impaired drivers were arrested Friday night at the Franklin County sobriety checkpoint in Jefferson Township. Police are also continuing their search for suspects involved in this week’s armed robbery at the Mack Mattress Outlet on Cleveland Avenue, as well as an investigation into a shooting near I-270 that briefly shut down the interstate. A Columbus mother is pleading for the murder suspect in her son's tragic shooting on the east side to turn himself in, highlighting the real toll of gun violence on local families.

From City Hall, the Columbus City School Board has voted to close five schools after months of debate, directly impacting families in the Linden, Near East, and South Side neighborhoods. Security remains in focus as the district reports finding its eighth gun on school property since September. Meanwhile, there’s a milestone at Wellington School as they have appointed their first female Head of School in 42 years, drawing praise for advancing leadership diversity.

In jobs and real estate, Columbus continues to see a strong market with over 11,000 open positions ranging from production associates at 23 dollars an hour to seasonal retail work at Easton. The trend towards flexible and remote employment is attracting more professionals to our region. On the real estate front, while some areas are seeing higher inventory, demand for starter homes near Grandview Heights and Clintonville remains high.

On the cultural scene, Lower.com Field was buzzing as the 5K for Kids’ Mental Health brought over a thousand participants together, supporting youth wellness on a beautiful Saturday morning. Opera fans are in for a treat as “Opera Meets Hemingway” hits the stage this weekend. The Ohio Moon Festival also lights up Dublin, promising food, music, and cultural showcases.

It’s a big sports weekend. The Columbus Blue Jackets return home to Nationwide Arena after a stunning 7-4 win, propelled by Kirill Marchenko’s hat trick against the Minnesota Wild. Tonight, they take on the New Jersey Devils, and excitement i

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Friday, October 10, 2025.

We open with a note from city hall—early voting is underway for the Columbus City Schools Board of Education, and six candidates are in the race for three open seats. With no incumbents seeking re-election, it’s all change at the board table come November. According to WOSU, candidates like Kimberley Mason are emphasizing the need for more community input, especially as the district faces tough decisions—including possible further school closures, cuts to busing, and a looming $50 million budget deficit. The next board will likely be making choices that affect families across every Columbus neighborhood, from Linden to the Hilltop, and Mason urges voters to think about which candidates will keep student success front and center, particularly with workforce development and managing the impact of property tax reforms.

On the employment front, Columbus continues to be a hub for job seekers—we have more than 11,000 jobs currently listed on Indeed, with everything from part-time seasonal work at Easton and Macy’s to professional roles in accounting and business intelligence. Temp and gig work is especially strong right now, with thousands of seasonal roles open through the holidays. For those in manufacturing, companies are hiring chemical operators at rates up to $28 an hour.

Downtown, we’re looking ahead to tonight’s big event: American Idol favorite David Archuleta brings his “Earthly Delights” tour to Skully’s Music-Diner on High Street, a highlight on the city’s music calendar. Meanwhile, over on Court Street, the Supreme Court of Ohio recently wrapped a special off-site session in Defiance County, part of a statewide effort to bring civic education directly to students and residents, though Columbus itself didn’t host this time.

In business news, we’re seeing steady growth, though no major new openings or closings to report today. The real estate market remains active, with local analysts watching how changes in property tax policy could influence both buyers and sellers over the coming months. For Columbus families, these tax discussions matter—they directly affect school funding and neighborhood stability, especially in areas like Olde Towne East or Clintonville, where schools are central to community life.

Switching to sports, Columbus City Schools athletes are maintaining a solid 2.0 GPA standard to stay eligible—a point of pride highlighted by Board candidate Kimberley Mason as she pushes for even higher academic expectations. No major varsity results to report this morning, but as we move into playoff season, we’ll keep an eye on our high school teams.

Community events are picking up as we head into the weekend. Beyond tonight’s concert, Easton is filling seasonal positions for the holidays, and local nonprofits are gearing up for fall festivals and fundraising drives. If you’re heading out, remember that mornings are crisp but afternoons stay mild—perfect for o

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Thursday, October ninth.

We begin with breaking news in Grove City, where police responded to a barricade situation late yesterday near Sheldon Place and Barbee Avenue. In a dangerous turn, an officer was shot—thankfully, reports confirm the officer was taken to the hospital in stable condition and is expected to recover. The suspect, accused of burglary, was shot and later died. The city’s Strategic Response Team acted quickly, but the situation shook up the block and left neighbors concerned. Meanwhile, on I-270 east between Worthington and the I-71 interchange, reports of shots fired forced a temporary shutdown that lasted hours, leaving drivers stranded and several vehicles damaged. Police are still investigating, and traffic is moving but expect delays in that area this morning.

Let’s turn to City Hall, where officials have voted to end busing requirements for high school students in Columbus City Schools. This could save the district money, but families are scrambling to adjust to new routines. For elementary and middle schoolers, routes stay the same. Also, Darby Township is hosting a major meeting tonight to discuss its future as Dublin proposes annexing seventy-nine acres of township land. For those in affected neighborhoods, it’s a chance to learn more and have your voice heard.

Weather this morning is cool and sunny, with temperatures starting near forty-seven degrees. We head for a high around sixty-five and clouds will drift in by Friday, but most of the day should stay dry with breezy conditions. If you have outdoor plans for the Italian Festival kickoff or fall events around Short North, the weather looks cooperative—just pack a light jacket.

On the job front, Ohio announces two point one billion dollars in new investment across five projects, bringing about two hundred new jobs to the region and protecting over a thousand existing positions. For those in tech and logistics, keep an eye on opportunities at upcoming career fairs and hiring events.

Real estate stays active, with Gahanna showing off new Creekside Plaza overhaul plans today. Realtors say homes in central Columbus are holding steady, with an average list price around three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Rentals near Ohio State remain competitive, especially with Bagels & Co. opening a new cafe at Rambler Columbus, making it a hot spot for students and young professionals.

Culture heats up this weekend as the October Gallery Hop comes to Short North, featuring local artists and live music. Italian Fest kicks off for its forty-fifth year, welcoming families for fall fun, food, and heritage right downtown. The Columbus Blue Jackets get ready to hit the ice as their twenty-fifth season opens, and they’re celebrating with an O.A.R. concert at Kemba Live on Saturday. Buckeye Lake Winery is hosting a music night, offering another chance to unwind with friends.

School achievements continue to roll in. CCS security teams

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Sunday, October fifth. As the sun’s just starting to peek out, it’s a comfortable, mild morning after yesterday’s showers. We’re expecting mostly clear skies today, with highs in the low seventies, so it’s a perfect day to get outside or head to one of the community events we’ll mention in just a bit. The rest of the week looks to stay mild with some cooler evenings, so fall is definitely settling in across Columbus.

We start our day with breaking news from overnight in north Columbus, where police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash at Sawmill and Hard Road. It happened late last night near the Worthington and Dublin area. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim. Meanwhile, in south Linden, a double shooting on East 23rd Avenue sent two people to the hospital last night. Police are still searching for the suspects, so if you have any information, Columbus authorities urge you to come forward. Elsewhere, an armed robbery at a Cleveland Avenue mattress store has police on the lookout for two suspects, and there’s still a reward for tips on last week’s Grove City gun store burglary. Please stay alert and look out for each other.

Turning to city hall, debates over bus stop safety were front and center this week, as one Columbus mom continues to push for safer arrangements for her disabled son. City leaders are also grappling with the ongoing conversation about which areas around Darby Township are up for annexation, which could affect neighborhood services for thousands of us. Keep an eye out for meetings this week if you want your voice heard on that issue.

The local economy is buzzing with over thirty-eight thousand jobs currently open across Columbus, according to area job boards. High demand continues for warehouse and assembly workers, especially around Milo-Grogan and Easton. Office opportunities, like receptionists and regulatory project managers, are also in demand. If you’re on the hunt, check listings around Easton and downtown.

In real estate, we’re seeing a steady stream of activity—homes are selling quickly, particularly in neighborhoods surrounding Grandview and Clintonville, as more families seek walkable, community-focused blocks. There are new retail openings around Easton Town Center, with buzz about a new tasting room at Cooper’s Hawk and a much-anticipated ribbon-cutting for a specialty bakery on High Street next week.

On the community front, our calendar is packed. Tonight, the Columbus Blue Jackets kick off their twenty-fifth season with a special celebration and a concert featuring O.A.R. at Kemba Live. Over at Ohio Stadium, Buckeye fans are celebrating another massive win, as Ohio State dominated Minnesota forty-two to three last night. Julian Sayin threw for over three hundred yards with three touchdowns, and the defense held the Golden Gophers to just a field goal. Hilliard Darby grad Ryan Schoeff had the honor of dotting the ‘i’ in Script Ohio—co

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Saturday, October 4th. We’re waking up to a golden Saturday in the city, as temperatures are set to reach the mid 80s under sunny skies, with a low tonight around 54 degrees. That means it’s perfect weather for getting outside and joining one of the dozens of community events happening around Columbus, including the ever-popular Gallery Hop in the Short North Arts District. Whether you’re a local artist, an art lover, or just looking for inspiration, the Short North will be buzzing with creative energy from galleries and sidewalk performers throughout the day.

In breaking news, the Columbus skyline has a new mark of pride: Ohio State Wexner Medical Center just lit up its brand new Block O on the rooftop, adding a brilliant scarlet glow to campus and celebrating another milestone for the city’s healthcare and research. City Hall is also making headlines as a key player in downtown’s revitalization prepares to step away, prompting fresh discussions about the future of our signature neighborhoods.

Turning to crime in the city, police are investigating a shooting last night in the Linden area, where a person was shot multiple times on Cleveland Avenue. Another incident in the same region involved an Uber driver who was attacked and stabbed near Lancaster Lane and Schrock Road. No arrests have been reported yet, but public safety officials are urging anyone with information on these cases to come forward. Meanwhile, Crime Stoppers continues to offer up to five thousand dollars for information in a Grove City firearms dealer burglary.

On the health front, authorities have issued a public alert after two possible measles exposures in Central Ohio. Columbus Public Health is asking anyone who might have visited area clinics over the last few days to check their status and watch out for symptoms.

For real estate watchers, home equity rates have dipped again after the latest Fed move, so if you’re thinking about buying or refinancing, now may be a good time to look at the numbers. Job seekers should know that nearly three in five workers across Ohio say they’re behind on retirement savings, so there’s a push for financial counseling across major employers in Columbus.

Cultural highlights include the celebration of Guinea’s Independence Day today by the Guinean Association of Columbus, with festivities kicking off at 1055 Colony Drive and running until late tonight. And don’t miss the Crew as they head to Orlando for their last regular-season road game, while the Blue Jackets celebrate 25 years with an O.A.R. concert at Kemba Live.

In local schools, Columbus City Schools are grappling with a big decision as five schools now face closure, impacting thousands of families across our city. But there are bright spots: Upper Arlington schools are in line for major upgrades, and Wellington School has just appointed its first female head in its 42-year history.

We wrap up with a feel-good story from Franklin Coun

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Friday October third. We wake up today to a classic fall treat: partly cloudy skies, fifty-six degrees, and a warm afternoon ahead topping out around eighty-four. Prepare to enjoy these last few summerlike days as our weather shifts to true autumn next week with cooler temperatures and some rain likely. If you have outdoor plans, today and Saturday look about perfect, but keep an umbrella handy come Monday.

At city hall, the Columbus City School Board’s vote to close five schools continues to weigh on families and staff. The board called it a tough but necessary decision after months of heated debate, aiming to address what they say are declining enrollment numbers and budget issues. Meanwhile, there’s a major proposal brewing nearby: Darby Township leaders meet tonight to debate Dublin’s bid to annex seventy-nine acres of township land, a move that could reshape the boundaries for years to come.

Around town, the job market shows signs of strength, driven by Central Ohio’s booming data center industry. State officials say the sector now supports nearly ninety-five thousand jobs—helping power economic growth and keeping unemployment steady at about four percent across Franklin County. If you’re seeking work, Giant Eagle just announced they’re lowering prices on more than three hundred grocery staples, and they’re hiring extra help for the holidays.

In the housing market, things are heating up in unexpected ways. Local advocates raised concerns at Thursday’s Action Group meeting about private equity firms snapping up homes, making it tougher for families to buy their first place, especially near High Street and Parsons Avenue.

We’ve got some exciting events this weekend. Columbus Coffee Festival returns all weekend with samples from dozens of local roasters plus live music and art—held at the Ohio Village near North Fourth Street. Saturday also brings the vibrant Latino Heritage Arts Fest downtown at North Sixth Street, promising interactive exhibits, games for the kids, and authentic food trucks. And for a dose of culture, the Columbus Museum of Art is free every Sunday. Plus, the Bluejackets mark their twenty-fifth anniversary with a big concert featuring O.A.R. at Kemba Live.

School safety remains in local headlines—after an eighth gun was found in Columbus City Schools this month, district officials are ramping up camera coverage and security policies. On a brighter note, Wellington School welcomed its first female head in forty-two years, a milestone many in the education community are celebrating.

Turning to sports, the Buckeyes head out for their first road game of the season. Fans are buzzing with predictions from former players on how they’ll handle the pressure away from Ohio Stadium. Locally, Friday night lights spotlight high school football as teams from Upper Arlington to Grove City chase playoff dreams.

In crime news, police are investigating a shooting on South Hamilton Road that

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Thursday, October 2, 2025.

We start with what many are calling a game of political chess here in Ohio, as the state GOP is once again navigating the redistricting process—and the stakes are high for our city and central Ohio. According to 91.7 WVXU, Republicans at the Statehouse have let the September deadline pass without submitting a new congressional map, leaving it now to a seven-member commission dominated by Republicans. Democratic leaders in Columbus, like Representative Dani Isaacsohn, have already proposed a map that would keep the delegation split closer to the state’s recent election trends, but with a 6-1 Republican majority on the Ohio Supreme Court, there’s growing concern that any final map could dramatically reduce Democratic representation in Congress, potentially affecting local voices in Washington. The final deadline is November 30, so expect this issue to stay front and center for weeks to come.

Meantime, at city hall, it’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and yesterday Columbus City Hall was lit in purple to honor survivors and advocates. Local advocates spoke out, sharing powerful stories and calling for more support and action—a reminder that this issue touches every corner of our community. Also downtown, a judge has just dismissed a lawsuit over last year’s city data breach, but the conversation about improving Columbus’s cybersecurity is still very much alive.

Turning to crime, Columbus police are investigating after a 10-year-old student at Highland Elementary allegedly wrote a threatening list, prompting a brief lockdown yesterday. Officers are working with the school and families as the investigation continues. Over in Linden, police are searching for two men who robbed the Mack Mattress Outlet on Cleveland Avenue at gunpoint—two masked suspects, described as wearing dark clothes and surgical masks. If you have any information, please contact Columbus police.

On the job front, there are about 37,000 openings right now in Columbus, according to Indeed—with opportunities from school bus drivers at Universal Transportation Systems to corporate paralegals in Dublin and remote customer service roles. Pay for school bus drivers starts at 18 dollars an hour with benefits, and there’s a 1,000 dollar referral bonus for qualified candidates. If you’re looking for work, now’s a good time to check out what’s available, especially as the holiday season approaches.

Real estate in Columbus remains competitive, but we’re not seeing any major new developments announced this week. We’ll keep you posted as major projects, especially those tied to the ongoing Intel expansion, come down the pipeline.

Weather-wise, we’re enjoying a sunny, warm stretch that has felt more like summer than fall. After one of the driest Septembers on record, we’re looking at highs in the low 80s today, but showers are expected to move in by midweek, so enjoy the sunshine while it lasts—perfect for outdoor

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