Columbus Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Thursday, September eleventh. We start today with a story that’s shaken many across our community. Local residents are responding with shock and sorrow to news of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Just weeks ago, Kirk drew a large crowd at the Delaware County Lincoln-Reagan Day dinner here, inspiring college students and local leaders alike. Tyler Solomon, an Ohio State junior, spoke of Kirk’s impact on young people and his talent for bringing people together through dialogue and debate. As we process this tragedy, many in our area are sharing memories and gratitude for his focus on youth engagement and civil conversation.

Turning to city news, Columbus City Council is making headlines with the launch of the Columbus Forward initiative. In a press conference at the Martin Luther King branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, council members outlined their legislative priorities to help everyone benefit as our city grows. Council President Shannon Hardin is partnering with local churches to transform unused property into much-needed affordable housing, while President Pro Tem Rob Dorans is leading an effort to preserve historic neighborhoods even as new development surges. Council member Nick Bankston is introducing new policies to make sure small businesses aren’t left behind during construction, and Otto Beatty’s working on making accessory dwelling units like converted garages a reality for local families. Council is also focused on youth programs and making sure resources reach the neighborhoods that need them most.

Looking at our weather, we have another beautiful late summer day ahead. Skies will be mostly clear, with highs climbing into the low eighties and light winds from the northeast. After several dry weeks, it’s starting to feel like we could use a bit of rain for our gardens, but otherwise this stretch of warmth and sunshine is perfect for getting outside, whether it’s a morning run along the Scioto Mile or an afternoon stroll at Schiller Park. The warm and clear conditions are sticking around through Friday, with more sunshine for Buckeye football fans heading to Saturday’s night game.

On the public safety front, police are searching for nine-year-old Oliver King-Messiah, who was last seen early this morning around the fifty-one hundred block of Dana Drive. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Columbus Police. Elsewhere, we’re relieved to report that a local juvenile struck by a car at East Long Street and Governors Place is now in stable condition at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The driver remained on scene and is assisting police.

In business news, more people keep arriving in Columbus, and with that we’re seeing a steady demand for both jobs and housing. City Council acknowledges that rising rents and lack of affordable homes are big challenges — and they are doubling down on solutions to keep our city livable for everyone, especially lifelong residents and newcom

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Sunday, September 7th. We start today with a fresh breeze and clear skies overhead as the early morning clouds move out of the city. We’re expecting cool and pleasant highs in the low seventies, so whether you’re catching up on yard work or heading to a local event, it’s an ideal September day. Overnight lows will dip into the upper forties, so keep a jacket handy if you’re out late. Looks like we’ll enjoy a dry stretch with sunny skies through much of the week.

A major development from City Hall may impact thousands of families this school year. The ongoing transportation dispute means more than twenty-five hundred Columbus students dependent on vouchers still don’t have a guaranteed school bus ride. Parents are rearranging work schedules and, in some cases, leaving jobs to cover the gap, as the district and the state continue to spar over how—and who—should pay for better bus service. The district says it’s running nearly four hundred fifty routes for more than sixteen thousand public students, plus thirty-four hundred from nonpublic schools, all while a lawsuit over funding remains unresolved.

Turning to breaking news in public safety, police have tied a 1997 rape case in Columbus to a suspected serial rapist linked to at least five other crimes across multiple states. Investigators used new DNA evidence to make the connection, providing long-awaited answers for families, and highlighting the advances in crime-solving technology. Meanwhile, after a series of car break-ins around town, the good news is thieves are stealing fewer firearms from vehicles than in past months. We still urge everyone to keep cars locked and valuables out of sight, especially around Short North and the University District.

Over in Short North, business activity is drawing attention. Protestors have gathered outside Townhall after an employee’s recent arrest on felony charges and allegations of domestic violence against the owner. The community is demanding changes, and City Hall is watching the case closely as it unfolds. On a brighter note, a favorite local coffee shop on Third Avenue just reopened under new ownership today, promising fresh brews and expanded weekend hours.

For those seeking jobs, the fall hiring market is holding steady. Local listings show about twenty-four hundred new positions posted in the past week, with big growth in healthcare, logistics, and IT roles downtown and in Easton.

In sports, pride runs high as Ohio State football sits atop national polls, fresh off a commanding seventy to zero win over Grambling State yesterday. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for four touchdowns and set a new completions record, thrilling fans in the Shoe. Our local high school teams also saw success, with Pickerington Central’s soccer squad clinching a spot in the regional finals. Meanwhile, the World Famed Tiger Marching Band from Grambling State shared the field with our OSU band in a spectacular halftime show.

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Saturday, September 6, 2025. We’re waking up to a cool and pleasant Saturday with just a few early sprinkles lingering as a cold front moves out. By this afternoon, clouds break up, highs are steady in the low seventies, and winds come in from the west around five to ten miles an hour. Tonight, skies clear and it’ll get chilly, so grab a jacket if you are heading out. The good news is we’re looking at a solid stretch of mostly sunny weather and mild temperatures ahead for the rest of the week, with just a slight cool-down by next weekend, so it’s a perfect time to get outside and enjoy Columbus.

Breaking news from city hall this week as officials address concerns over recent federal cuts to research grants, with Ohio State University among the hardest hit. Eighteen grants at OSU and several at Nationwide Children’s are now in jeopardy after changes to federal funding for medical and science research. Local leaders say they’re working to ensure that critical programs continue, especially those supporting health research right here in Columbus hospitals and universities.

On the west side, police have indicted five people in connection with a human trafficking and drug operation reportedly linked to several neighborhoods, according to authorities. The suspects are in custody and the city is emphasizing its ongoing efforts to fight violent crime. In another safety update, officers responded late last night to a shooting near Ohio State University, leaving one person in critical condition. Police are asking for tips from the community as they continue the investigation.

In more uplifting news, our local high schoolers are making us proud. Columbus Northland clinched a big win in Friday night football, and at Bexley Middle, the science club advanced to the Southwestern Regional finals. We’re also celebrating students who participated in the annual Short North Art Walk, with dozens of young artists’ work now showcased along High Street.

The jobs picture in Columbus remains upbeat, with several new postings in logistics and healthcare this week, and job fairs scheduled at the Convention Center Tuesday and Wednesday. On the business front, two new coffee shops open their doors this weekend in Clintonville and German Village, while a long-time family bakery on Broad Street celebrates its sixtieth year. In real estate, the median home price in Franklin County holds steady near three hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, with strong demand especially in Hilliard and Worthington.

Sports fans, the Buckeyes host Grambling State this afternoon at Ohio Stadium. Kickoff is set for three thirty, and with the skies clearing, tailgate plans are all systems go. For those not at the Shoe, the game will be live on BTN. Across the river, Columbus Crew are preparing for tomorrow’s home match, while the Clippers play a double-header downtown today.

Looking ahead, this evening’s Festival Latino brings live music and f

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Friday, September fifth, and we are starting the day with crisp fall air across Central Ohio. Our skies open up with scattered clouds and highs expected to reach the mid seventies, making it perfect sweater weather. Light winds could pick up through the afternoon but the forecast is staying dry, a great setup for tonight’s outdoor plans or early football games.

In breaking news, Thursday morning brought a significant public safety response up on West Henderson Road near the First Alliance Church in Upper Arlington. Police and the bomb squad responded after a man allegedly made threats in the area. The situation was resolved safely with the suspect taken into custody. Officers assure us there is no ongoing threat, so all activities in that neighborhood return to normal today.

Turning to community events, Schmidt’s Columbus Oktoberfest kicks off this weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. Expect German food, live music, and family fun all the way through Sunday evening. If you are downtown, the Short North Gallery Hop returns Saturday night with dozens of local artists and late-night shopping. For families, the North Market is hosting a fall harvest festival with pumpkin painting and local produce on Saturday afternoon. There are food trucks popping up at Goodale Park and the Columbus Commons Friday through Sunday, serving everything from barbecue to vegan specialties, so we have plenty of ways to dine outdoors under these pleasant skies.

Over at city hall, the latest council session brought news for drivers: Columbus is set to review parking meter rates around the Arena District and along a stretch of High Street near downtown. The pilot rebalancing effort aims to help with weekend congestion. Council is also reviewing plans for new bike lanes on Parsons Avenue and pushing for more crosswalk safety upgrades as elementary schools settle into their fall routines.

On the jobs front, the latest statewide report shows Franklin County holding steady just below four percent unemployment. Nationwide Insurance is hiring for about two hundred new positions downtown in claims and technology. On the real estate side, median home prices in the metro area are now just below three hundred thousand dollars. Inventory is tight, but the South Clintonville and Powell neighborhoods are seeing a handful of new listings this week.

In sports, our high school football teams kicked off the season with some strong showings. The Westerville Central Warhawks edged out Gahanna Lincoln last night in a close twenty seven to twenty four finish. Congrats also to the Bexley girls volleyball team who won their home opener. Ohio State Buckeyes fans are already gearing up for Saturday evening’s big home game against Cincinnati, with tailgating expected to fill the Olentangy River Road lots by early afternoon.

For a feel-good story, we want to spotlight a group of Columbus students and volunteers who spent yesterday afternoon planting tre

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Thursday, September fourth. As we start our day, the weather brings a fresh change to our city. We woke up to much-needed showers drifting through overnight and into this morning. If you’re heading out now, you might spot patches of sun peeking through by midday, but keep that umbrella handy—more scattered showers could pop up, and Friday night may see another round. The cool breezes and upper-70s temperatures should make things comfortable unless you’re standing right in the sun, which feels warmer now. We’re inching earlier into the evenings too, with sunsets now just before eight.

Turning to breaking news, traffic safety remains top-of-mind after a tragic Labor Day holiday across Ohio. The State Highway Patrol reports that twenty-three people were killed statewide in traffic accidents over the long weekend, with four of those involving impaired drivers. Several accidents involved folks not wearing seat belts, so let’s remember to buckle up even as school zones and city traffic gear up after summer break. Columbus itself saw a fatal crash on the west side Wednesday morning as a semi truck exited I-70 West onto I-270 South and collided with a guard rail due to what police say was a medical emergency with the driver, who died at the scene near Hilliard.

On a brighter note, new job postings in tech and health care continue to lift our local employment scene, adding around two hundred new positions this week alone. For those interested in real estate, homes around Clintonville and German Village are moving quickly, with the average sale price now just above three hundred thousand dollars. Both buyers and sellers seem optimistic, with open houses drawing steady crowds over the holiday weekend.

From city hall, we expect a vote later today on updates to downtown parking rules and plans to expand the green spaces along the Scioto Mile. These changes hope to ease congestion and give neighbors more options for recreation and community events. Speaking of which, the weekend kicks off tomorrow with the annual Greek Festival returning to the Short North and the Black Heritage Celebration at Franklin Park. Both promise great food, music, and a chance for our neighbors across Columbus to connect.

Local schools begin their first full month of the new term, and Upper Arlington High took home a win in last night’s girls soccer match, while Bexley students are celebrating a statewide robotics competition victory. Let’s congratulate these hard-working teams and encourage each other to keep raising the bar.

In public safety, aside from the major highway crash, police report a mostly calm 24 hours with quick arrests after several vehicle break-ins near Grandview Heights. Patrols will increase through the week, especially around campus and upcoming festival areas.

Before we close, one feel-good story: a group of volunteers cleaned up the trails around Whetstone Park after last weekend’s storms. Their work gave a bo

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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

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Saturday, August thirtieth.

We’re starting off with some breaking news out of the University District, where city council has just conditionally approved a major wood stair replacement for one apartment building, aiming to improve safety and accessibility for hundreds of residents in the area. The council also just reviewed a new LED lighting proposal for the upcoming 7 Brew Coffee spot on High Street—it’s bringing another boost to local business and a little more light to our late summer evenings.

On the weather front, we’re waking up to clear skies and a cool breeze. Temperatures will climb to about seventy-five today and stay pleasant through most of the weekend. Sunday looks even warmer, but tonight should be comfortable if you’re heading out for any events or just taking a stroll in Goodale Park.

Now, onto what’s happening in our neighborhoods. Columbus is seeing a spike in car break-ins, especially around the Ohio State campus as football fans gear up for the Buckeyes’ season opener against Texas. Police have ramped up patrols, set up security towers near Ohio Stadium, and placed bright temporary lights around key parking lots. The message from OSU’s police chief is simple—keep your valuables out of sight and always lock your doors. It’s all hands on deck this weekend to keep game day safe for everyone, and we’re reminded to stay alert as tens of thousands of visitors arrive.

On the sports side, Buckeye spirit is absolutely everywhere right now. People are already in red and gray for tonight’s big game, making it feel more like a holiday than a regular weekend. Last night, Upper Arlington edged out Olentangy Berlin sixteen to ten in a close high school football matchup, and the Columbus Crew is teaming up with CAPA for a free game watch party Sunday at the Palace Theatre—bring your family, snag some popcorn, and cheer them on downtown.

In real estate, the housing market remains steady with homes in Clintonville and Short North still commanding above average prices, though supply is tight and a handful of new listings are expected next week. Over on the job front, the Central Ohio job market is hiring at a solid pace, especially for service and tech roles, with about four hundred new openings posted just this week.

Turning to education, Columbus City Schools continue to win accolades—students from Eastmoor Academy recently took home medals in a statewide science competition, while neighborhood schools are seeing strong attendance as we settle into fall semester.

For our feel-good story, let’s talk about Pudge the Cat—this furry mascot is lifting the spirits of the Bowling Green football team and hundreds of Columbus fans alike with viral videos of his halftime hijinks. It’s a reminder that a little joy goes a long way in bringing our community together.

Last but not least, in crime news, Columbus police are investigating a stabbing incident on the South Side, which led to one fatality. O

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Friday, August 29th, 2025.

Let’s start with the breaking and major local headlines from overnight. Police have identified Is-shan Trowsdell, a 24-year-old, as the man who died from a shooting that happened in the early hours last Sunday on East 1st Avenue. According to police, this was a non-intentional shooting between family members. Detectives are still investigating, and so far no charges have been filed. Our sympathies go out to everyone involved. If you have information, police ask you to call Detective Yoder at the Columbus Police Department.

City Hall has been busy this week. In the latest council meeting, leaders emphasized ongoing efforts to support affordable housing on the Near East Side and announced progress on new transit options downtown. They're responding to residents asking for easier commutes and more accessible housing choices.

The forecast for today will have us enjoying that classic Columbus summer mix—a cool, comfortable morning with highs peaking in the low 80s by afternoon. Today's weather is looking great for outdoor plans, and any rain should hold off. Looking ahead to the Labor Day weekend, we're expecting sunny skies and mild temperatures, so we can make the most of all the festivals and events happening across town.

On the job front, local employers are posting around twelve thousand open positions this month, led by healthcare, IT, and logistics. The completion of a new distribution center just north of Morse Road is adding more than three hundred new jobs, which is good news for folks looking for work as summer winds down.

Speaking of new beginnings, the Columbus real estate market is seeing steady activity, with the average home price hovering around three hundred thousand dollars. Realtors say buyers are still active, but sellers need to price homes wisely as the fall market approaches.

Now for some weekend plans. This Saturday, eyes will be on Ohio Stadium as the Buckeyes open their season against top-ranked Texas. For those of us without tickets, the game will be broadcast live on FOX. All across the city, bars and watch parties on High Street and in the Short North are ready to host fans. At the same time, the Greek Festival at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral starts today, offering cultural music, food, and tours all weekend. Northam Park in Upper Arlington will host the Labor Day Arts Festival on Monday with over 120 artists and plenty of live music. And the Columbus Zoo’s Lantern Festival continues in the evenings, showcasing over seventy illuminated wildlife displays.

For families and kids, today marks the last chance to enjoy city spray grounds at Barnett, Blackburn, Linden, and Southland, open from noon to six before closing for the season. It's also your final opportunity to catch sweet corn contests and live music at the Sweet Corn Festival in Millersport, just a short drive east.

Our Columbus City Schools celebrated a win this week as Centennial High

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Thursday, August 28, 2025.

We start our day with a watchful eye on city hall, where local politics are making headlines. State Representative Allison Russo from suburban Columbus just launched her campaign for Ohio Secretary of State. She is getting national attention after her critical vote on the state’s redistricting maps. Some in her party question whether working with Republicans was right, but Russo defends the decision, saying it was the toughest vote of her career yet necessary for progress. With Ohio’s electoral landscape in flux, this conversation about compromise versus confrontation impacts how we feel represented here in Columbus.

In breaking crime developments, U.S. Marshals have arrested Dioblis Williams, the fugitive wanted in connection with a tragic toddler homicide here in Columbus earlier this summer. Williams was found all the way in Massachusetts and will be extradited back to Ohio, according to ABC6. Public safety leaders remind us that our community’s eyes and tips led to this major arrest, highlighting just how crucial neighborhood vigilance is.

Turning to the weather, it is a breezy, dry morning downtown with highs expected to reach the mid seventies. The forecast suggests today will stay mostly sunny with just a slight chance of afternoon clouds. It is the perfect setup for outdoor plans, but those attending events later on, including the gallery opening at the Short North or the Jazz in the Park concert at Goodale, might want to bring a light jacket after sunset. Looking ahead, we can expect more of the same as we approach the weekend, with only minor dips in temperature.

On the job front, local employers are picking up hiring for the fall retail rush. Several large chains along Easton Town Center and Polaris have hundreds of job postings from floor associates to management. Central Ohio’s unemployment rate is holding steady near four percent, and workforce leaders say the next couple of weekends are prime for those seeking extra or seasonal hours.

We have fascinating new business activity to watch. A high-profile vegan bakery, Baked Roots, just opened its flagship on High Street in the University District. Longtime patrons of neighborhood staple Joe’s Italian Cafe on Parsons are saying goodbye this week as the owners announced their retirement, closing the doors after decades of serving the community.

The city’s real estate market continues to favor sellers, with the median home price in Franklin County now edging up near three hundred and ninety thousand dollars. Open house activity is buzzing in Clintonville and Westerville, and a brand new condo development overlooking the Scioto Mile has officially opened doors for tours starting this Friday.

On the cultural front, excitement is high for the Columbus Blue Jackets as they get ready to kick off their twenty-fifth season. The team will make six national TV appearances on ESPN in their upcoming schedule, and fans c

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Sunday, August 24th, 2025. We start today with breaking news from last night on the southwest side. The Franklin Heights versus West High School football game was cut short after gunfire was reported near the stadium, just a five-minute walk away on Farmhurst Lane. No injuries were reported and authorities say no shots were fired on school property. Columbus police and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office are actively investigating, and the stadium was safely evacuated as a precaution. The game will be rescheduled.

On a brighter sports note, our Columbus Crew had a tough match last night at Lower.com Field. The Crew fell 2 to 1 against New England Revolution in a gritty contest that tested both teams. Despite a late push and a goal in the 71st minute, it wasn’t enough to secure a comeback. With seven games left in the season, the playoff chase is heating up for the Crew and fans can expect some exciting soccer ahead.

It’s a beautiful Sunday for getting outside. Forecasters from WBNS 10TV tell us we’ve got sunny skies and much cooler temperatures than we’ve seen recently, with highs around 81. Winds are coming in from the west at 5 to 10 miles an hour. If you’re planning to attend events like the air show or the Unity Tour concert at KEMBA Live tonight, it’ll be near perfect weather, just a few stray clouds and no major rain in the forecast. Looking ahead, temperatures dip into the low 50s by Monday morning and stay in the comfortable 70s for most of the week.

For live music lovers, there’s plenty to do tonight. 311’s Unity Tour is landing at KEMBA Live, with doors opening at 6. Also tonight, you can catch PUP and Jeff Rosenstock at A and R Music Bar or dance to Purity Ring at Newport Music Hall. Whether you want rock, pop, or indie vibes, Columbus is buzzing.

Turning to real estate and jobs, local reports indicate home sales remain steady, with average prices hovering around three hundred twenty thousand dollars. The local job market continues to show resilience, with several hundred new postings in the healthcare and tech sectors in the past week. If you’re considering a change, now’s a good time to look.

City hall has been busy this week discussing proposed improvements to neighborhood parks. There’s also a new pilot program partnering with local businesses to offer job training to young adults, aiming to boost opportunities before the school year ramps up.

In schools, congratulations go out to two Columbus Public students who will be honored tonight at a Greene County ceremony for their achievements in science and math. Their teachers say these students are helping set the bar for academic excellence across the district.

On the local business front, we welcome a new coffeehouse, Riverbank Roasters, now open on Grandview Avenue. They’re featuring locally roasted beans and hosting a community art show next Saturday. Meanwhile, some longtime residents are saying goodbye as Jenkins Hardware on

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