Columbus Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Saturday, August twenty-third.

We wake up today to mostly cloudy skies, a gentle seventy degrees, and a high near eighty-three. The air is fresh, so it’s perfect for heading out. Tonight, we drop to the mid-sixties, and tomorrow stays pleasant, topping out near eighty.

Turning to breaking news, city hall is stirring with talk about AEP considering a move away from its longtime downtown Columbus headquarters. We know this could ripple through the local real estate market, opening up office space near Broad and High and possibly shifting jobs or business activity in the core. For city workers and nearby restaurants, we’re watching this closely.

In real estate, agent reports show median home price stuck near three hundred and fifty thousand. Homes in Clintonville, German Village, and Grandview Heights are seeing steady interest, but listings remain tight. Rental prices south of campus and near Short North edge upwards, about ten percent higher than last summer.

On the jobs front, city officials say unemployment is flat at around four percent. Healthcare companies along Olentangy River Road posted nearly one hundred new positions yesterday, while logistics firms near Rickenbacker announced seasonal hiring ahead of the holidays. If you’re searching, check with Ohio Means Jobs at their North Fifth Street location.

Downtown, there’s a buzz as The Nook Coffee Bar opened yesterday in London, bringing new flavors and a promised poetry night next week. Elsewhere, Groveport’s own local artist unfurled a massive U.S. flag mural just off Main Street to welcome visitors arriving for the Columbus Air Show—a display lifting neighborhood pride.

In crime news, Columbus Police arrested two suspects after a Facebook Marketplace robbery involving luxury watches in Delaware County. Also, a body cam incident led one officer to be placed on desk duty while investigations run their course. Residents in West Columbus remain concerned about a home on Sullivant Avenue that’s become an unofficial dumping ground, raising calls for city clean-up.

Schools are kicking off with a bang. Westerville North dominated their rivals, shutting out Westerville Central twenty-four to zero on Friday night. Teachers at Metro Early College High were recognized this week for a robotics win, their team taking top state prize.

For events, there’s lots to do. The Columbus Air Show runs today and tomorrow near John Glenn Airport, drawing crowds for aerial stunts and vintage planes. Families can head to Goodale Park for outdoor yoga, live music, and a farmer’s market. Schmidt’s Columbus Oktoberfest returns to Ohio Expo Center in just two weeks, already selling early bird tickets.

A feel-good story this morning—neighbors in Linden banded together after a string of car break-ins, launching a community patrol that’s cut incidents by more than half since July. Their teamwork’s drawing praise from city leaders.

Thank you for tuning in and be sure

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Friday, August twenty second. We kick off our day with mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid sixties, on our way to a high right near eighty. Overnight, it stays in the mid sixties, and tomorrow we are looking at more sun with a high in the low eighties. Keep an umbrella handy today, just in case an afternoon shower pops up as predicted by ABC Six.

Our top story this morning is a rash of car break-ins putting many folks in Columbus and Madison Township on edge. Police say seventy five vehicles were broken into overnight in southwest Columbus near Central Crossing High School, and another thirty or so cars were vandalized in Madison Township. The affected streets there include Newport Road, Noe Bixby Road, and Dunloe Road. Residents are describing the community as shaken, especially since some incidents happened as early as four in the morning. Local families are dealing with the emotional and financial fallout. Police are looking for at least two suspects and are asking anyone with surveillance footage to come forward.

In city news, Columbus first responders joined up with OhioHealth yesterday for a series of mock disaster drills. Firefighters, police, and medical staff practiced their crisis response to situations like explosions and emergencies in public spaces. These drills are designed to sharpen communication and speed up care when real crises hit.

Turning to the job market, local job postings remain steady, but a major update from city hall this week involves student loan reforms as the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” rolls out. Ohio has about one point eight million federal student loan borrowers, and the new guidelines are tightening limits for future grad students. Groups like Bottom Line Ohio are working with high schoolers to help them manage debt, while encouraging them to pursue lucrative degrees as quickly as possible.

On the real estate front, median home prices in Columbus held steady this month at about three hundred and fifty thousand dollars, as demand has cooled a bit compared to the frenzy of the past two years. Rents for two bedroom apartments average around thirteen hundred dollars in popular neighborhoods like Italian Village and Clintonville.

Downtown, there’s new energy as defense tech firm Anduril becomes an official sponsor of Ohio State athletics, promising potential job growth and collaborations for local graduates. Meanwhile, new small businesses are popping up in the Short North, including a new vegan bakery opening Saturday on High Street.

Tonight, we have our Columbus Clippers playing at Huntington Park, first pitch at seven. It’s a great way to cap off the work week. The Buckeyes football team is ramping up security ahead of next week’s season opener with Texas, after a statewide increase in event-related threats.

In schools, congratulations go out to the Central High School robotics team, who competed in their regional finals this w

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Thursday, August 21, 2025.

We wake up today to a welcome change from the sweltering days we have seen lately. Yesterday marked our twenty-second day over ninety degrees, but forecasts call for a much cooler and comfortable Thursday. Highs top out in the upper seventies with a gentle breeze and partly cloudy skies. Some neighborhoods could see a quick shower this afternoon, but most of us should stay dry. It is a hint of fall ahead just as central Ohio gets ready for football season. We can expect cooler weather into early next week, with highs in the low seventies and overnight lows dropping to the fifties, so you might want to have those jackets ready for the weekend.

Turning to breaking news, Columbus police have relieved Officer Daimon Scales of duty after an off-duty incident last weekend. An internal investigation is underway, but so far officials have not shared details on what happened or where. On the west side last night, a person was stabbed on the 2500 block of Sullivant Avenue. Police responded quickly, and the victim is now recovering at Grant Medical Center in stable condition. No arrests have been made, and anyone with tips is asked to contact the Columbus Division of Police.

On the city hall front, Columbus continues to navigate the impact of big outside investments. Tension grows around the long-delayed Intel chip plant northeast of Columbus. Political figures including Ohio’s Bernie Moreno are ramping up pressure, calling for state investigations and demanding progress on the massive project, which has received considerable state support but keeps getting pushed back. The city is also watching local opposition intensify against another major energy project. A nearly one thousand seven hundred acre solar farm in Fairfield County, planned to power tens of thousands of homes, is likely to be rejected following vocal protests over land use and community impact. State officials are set to make a final decision this week, and this could mean a blow to local tax revenues and farm leases if the project falls through.

On the jobs and real estate front, Columbus continues to show resilience. New listings on the local market have held steady, with about eleven hundred homes active this week and median prices around three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Central Ohio’s job market reflects a statewide trend: hiring is brisk in construction and healthcare, with several major employers announcing openings as the holiday retail season approaches.

In community news, our schools are making strides despite challenges. The Columbus City Schools security team continues to work closely with educators after a notable uptick in school safety incidents, including the recent discovery of another firearm on campus. In brighter news, Wellington School welcomed a new Head of School this week, making local history.

For local fun, the downtown will buzz tonight with the Rich Street Roar, a music and food

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Friday, August 15, 2025.

We wake up today to warm, clear skies with a start in the mid 70s and highs climbing near 90 by late afternoon. Expect plenty of sunshine throughout the day with only a light breeze, so be sure to grab your sunglasses if you are out and about. Looking ahead to the weekend, we have even warmer weather on the horizon, with temperatures reaching into the low 90s both Saturday and Sunday. No rain in the forecast, so it looks perfect for summer activities across the city.

Turning to breaking news, there’s been a tragic crash in neighboring Delaware County, just north of State Route 750 on US 23. A three-car accident claimed the lives of two women, Carol Waldman of Mount Cory and Amanda Reidling of Arcadia, when their vehicle was struck head-on. Others involved, including Paul Waldman and Kristina Alexander from Columbus, suffered serious injuries but are being treated. State Highway Patrol continues to investigate, and our thoughts are with the families affected.

Here in Columbus, a major headline from city hall as our educators have reached a new three-year contract agreement with the school district, just in time for the new academic year. This comes as Columbus City Schools are preparing for a potential fifty million dollar budget cut. Despite challenges, students across the district will return knowing their teachers and staff are committed to keeping classrooms focused on learning.

On the jobs front, the local market remains resilient but the closure of the Pixelle Paper Mill marks a tough moment for hundreds of workers in Central Ohio. Efforts are underway, led by JobsOhio, to retrain and place those affected into new roles in logistics and healthcare, sectors currently experiencing strong hiring across the city.

In real estate, a recent survey shows more Columbus homebuyers willing to accept smaller spaces and longer commutes just to secure affordable properties. Listings in the Clintonville and Westgate neighborhoods have seen homes selling on average within two weeks, with entry-level home prices holding steady in the high 200s to low 300s.

The city’s cultural calendar is busy this weekend. Check out our top picks: the Short North Gallery Hop returns Saturday, Goodale Park will be buzzing with the annual Food Truck Festival, and live music fans can catch Columbus native Eddrick Houston leading his band in an open-air show at Bicentennial Park tonight at 7.

In sports, the city is talking about recent news from statewide baseball investigations, as two Cleveland Guardians pitchers connected to Columbus, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, remain on paid leave during an ongoing sports gambling inquiry. While the outcome is pending, Ohio officials are calling for stricter oversight of sports betting, especially player-specific wagers.

As for public safety, a shooting on West Broad Street yesterday afternoon left one person in critical condition. Columbus police are activel

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Thursday, August 14. We’re waking up to some classic August weather. It’s 74 degrees and fair right now, with our high today reaching around 88 degrees before dipping to a low of 68 tonight. If you’re planning any outdoor activities, we expect a warm and mostly sunny day, but keep some water handy, and if you’re heading out later, watch for some patchy fog on the highways.

Our biggest update from city hall today comes from Columbus City Schools, where officials are grappling with a significant budget challenge. The district could be facing a fifty million dollar budget cut in the next fiscal year, which has parents and teachers concerned about programs and staffing. There’s a key school board meeting later this evening where details about possible cuts or creative workarounds may start to emerge. In some positive school-related news, bus drivers in Pickerington have reached a tentative agreement, narrowly avoiding a strike just as the new school year gears up. Central Ohio schools overall are actively recruiting more drivers, and parents praise recent mental health crisis teams operating much like EMS, helping support kids in need.

Over in real estate, the local market is showing strong activity, with homes near Clintonville and Upper Arlington averaging about half a million dollars, which is a modest increase from last summer. Builders are still catching up with demand, and some neighborhoods, particularly around Worthington, are seeing new condos opening up just in time for the fall move-in rush. On the job front, the city reports about nine thousand open positions across healthcare, logistics, and education. Recruiters tell us incentives are strong, with signing bonuses still common especially for nurses and school bus drivers.

In travel news, the I-71 northbound ramp to I-270 westbound reopens today after crews poured fresh concrete to repair damage from earlier in the week. This should bring some relief to commuters in north Columbus, and traffic is moving close to normal near that interchange as of this morning.

Around the city, the summer music and culture scene keeps humming. CAPA is screening Titanic downtown as part of its Summer Movie Series at the historic Ohio Theatre. Saturday brings the Urban Market to Franklinton, showcasing over sixty local artists and food trucks. For sports, the Blue Jackets are honoring Johnny Gaudreau on his birthday today and gearing up for pre-season action. High school football teams are deep into their pre-season camps, and Dublin Scioto’s marching band placed first at last weekend’s Classic competition.

On the breaking news front, Columbus police have reported a safe recovery overnight of a missing teen who was found west of High Street. The department reminds everyone to stay alert and look out for one another. In another update, a mistrial has been declared in the high-profile case involving a former Franklin County deputy, and police in Pickerington

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Sunday, August 10, 2025.

We start with breaking news out of west Columbus. Police have arrested an 18-year-old, Jayden Clemente Flores, in connection with a deadly shooting late Friday night at Dyer's Mobile Home Park on Sullivant Avenue. The victim, Christopher Santiago-Flores, was found shot and unfortunately did not survive. Officers tracked the suspect down less than a mile away on Cherry Creek Parkway. Flores will appear in court Monday, but the police have not released a motive yet, and the community remains shaken by the incident.

On our roads, Saturday morning brought a tragic crash on an Ohio interstate as a semi collided with a van, rolled over, and went off the road. Sadly, one person did not survive, and that stretch saw backups well into the mid-morning hours as crews responded. Near Ohio State, early Saturday saw a car crash into a building at the corner of Olentangy River Road and King Avenue. Three people were injured, with two still hospitalized. Authorities continue to investigate what caused the accident.

Turning to weather, we are heading into another hot and humid day across Columbus, with clear skies this morning and highs reaching the low nineties. No rain is expected until later in the week. If you have outdoor plans this afternoon, grab extra water and sunscreen, and take it slow, especially for those enjoying the Columbus Commons or a stroll at Scioto Mile downtown.

In city hall news, the latest council meeting focused on the budgets for park upgrades and a proposed pilot around e-scooter regulations, aiming to balance safety with urban convenience. City officials are inviting public feedback at upcoming hearings this week.

For real estate, the Columbus market stays busy, with just over 700 new homes listed in the past week and average prices hovering around 320 thousand dollars. We are hearing from local realtors that Spring Street and Clintonville are especially hot right now for buyers and young families.

On the job front, the city’s employment rate holds steady with about 3 percent unemployment. Several companies are hiring downtown, including new openings at the Short North retail district and Easton’s newest tech office. Entry-level tech jobs and roles in hospitality remain high in demand.

If you are looking for something to do, several big events are on the calendar. The Columbus Museum of Art is offering free admission this afternoon, and don’t miss the community jazz picnic at Goodale Park starting at 2. On the cultural scene, a benefit concert to combat domestic violence is bringing artists together tonight on Parsons Avenue, signaling how our arts community rallies for a cause.

In sports, all eyes are on Columbus Crew 2, who play tonight away against New England Revolution II. Crew fans hope the team can turn their season around, having only three wins so far. In local school news, Wellington has named a new Head of School, marking a historic first for th

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Saturday, August 9th, 2025.

We start today with breaking news out of Old North Columbus, where police are investigating a deadly shooting outside Leno’s Tavern on North High Street. The incident happened just after two this morning. Officers confirm a man was pronounced dead at the hospital, and they are still searching for a suspect who witnesses say left the scene in a white BMW. North High was closed for several hours, but traffic is now moving again.

In a major drug bust downtown, federal agents seized fifteen kilos of fentanyl and thirty kilos of cocaine on East Capital Street last night in an operation that authorities say will have a substantial impact on keeping dangerous drugs off our streets. Investigators have not yet released additional details on arrests, but we will keep listeners updated.

On a more hopeful note, city hall has announced that the crime-ridden Colonial Village Apartments on the east side are finally receiving long-awaited renovations under new ownership. This comes as city leaders push for projects that restore safety and dignity to some of our most struggling neighborhoods.

Turning to our weather, it’s a clear and warmer morning with temperatures starting near sixty-eight, heading for a high of eighty-nine today. That sun will stick around into Sunday and Monday, with highs pushing into the low nineties. Pack water if you’re out at events like Volksfest at Schiller Park, where folks can enjoy traditional German fare, music, and games through the weekend.

We’ve also got the Festival Latino making its highly anticipated return for its 28th year, filling Genoa Park with live music and food vendors. While the scheduled headliner had to pull out due to visa issues, organizers promise the festival will continue as planned and highlight local talent.

For those following local education, Columbus City Schools students made us proud this week as several high schoolers were honored for summer science and engineering projects at the state level. On the sports front, Ohio State fans are eager for football’s return, with news that the Buckeyes’ backfield will feature fresh faces when the season kicks off. And Columbus Crew plays this Saturday night downtown, so expect congestion near Lower.com Field around game time.

In real estate news, the local market remains active with nearly three thousand homes on the market in Franklin County. The average listing sits just over three hundred twenty thousand. Job seekers will be interested to know major employers including Nationwide and OhioHealth are hosting in-person job fairs this week, with hundreds of positions open in administration, healthcare, and logistics.

Community spirit is in full swing as a local mother honors her late daughter’s dream with a new food truck, using proceeds to support other families affected by violence. She plans to be at several community events, including Family Day at Franklin Park this Sunday.

To wr

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Friday, August 8th, 2025.

We wake up today under sunny skies in Columbus, with temperatures starting in the upper sixties and expected to climb near eighty-eight by the afternoon. It is a beautiful day for outdoor activities, so whether you are headed to Goodale Park or strolling around the Scioto Mile, you will want sunglasses and some water handy. The weekend looks equally warm, with highs hovering around ninety, and only a gentle breeze expected to stir things up.

Our top news this morning centers on a major federal drug bust. Authorities seized fifteen kilos of fentanyl and thirty kilos of cocaine from a downtown Columbus apartment. An alleged member of the Crips gang from California now faces federal charges in connection with this massive haul. Law enforcement stresses that this quick action likely prevented thousands of doses of dangerous drugs from hitting our streets. In a separate case making headlines, the Grandview Heights Division of Police arrested a local man, Alan Lichti, on troubling charges involving a minor. Police said their swift investigation helped bring clarity and support for the affected family.

On a brighter note, job seekers in Columbus continue to see a healthy market. Columbus Business First reports that more than three hundred new full-time positions are opening up across the city this week, with healthcare, logistics, and tech firms driving hiring. The real estate market, meanwhile, remains steady, with the average home sale price holding just above three hundred fifty thousand dollars for the third month in a row. New listings are picking up around German Village and Clintonville, offering opportunities for both buyers and renters.

City hall has been busy, too. This week, the council approved a push for expanded bus service on High Street, which means more frequent stops for COTA riders during the morning and evening rush. This comes just ahead of back-to-school season: officials from Columbus City Schools are reminding drivers to slow down in school zones and look out for buses, as a new year is right around the corner.

In sports, all eyes are on the Buckeyes as preseason camp ramps up. The Buckeye Show shared yesterday that the quarterback competition remains fierce, with coaches giving high marks to the young running backs and linebackers. High school football teams across Franklin County are scrimmaging this weekend, and the Upper Arlington Golden Bears basketball squad is celebrating back-to-back summer tournament wins.

For families seeking fun, the Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival starts today, marking sixty years of this local tradition with music, delicious food, and a parade set for Saturday morning. The Columbus Museum of Art is also hosting a free community day this Sunday, with live performances and hands-on art workshops.

Jet's Pizza locations are running a special thank-you deal for longtime customers, a welcome treat for anyone planning a pizza night

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Thursday, August seventh. We’re starting out with temperatures in the upper sixties and a little patchy fog, especially around Marysville, but for most of us, the day is looking bright. We’ll quickly warm up to the mid to upper eighties by midday, with a mix of clouds and sun. There may be a brief shower in just a small part of the city, so keep an umbrella handy if you’re heading to German Village or the Short North. Most outdoor plans are looking good, and the rest of our week stays warm and mostly dry, though heat returns by the weekend.

At city hall, there’s a development that homeowners will want to watch: a new statewide bill will require the full replacement of all lead water lines in Ohio. While Columbus’s own water system is in better shape than some, city leaders say they’ll be auditing high-risk neighborhoods and expect federal funds to help cover the costs. We’ll keep you posted as details emerge.

Big news from the Ohio State Fair, which just wrapped up its summer run at the Expo Center. Nearly a million people came through the gates, generating over eleven million dollars in revenue—a record for our state. Organizers are already unveiling plans for next year, with new attractions and expanded agriculture displays. If you spotted the vivid sunrises over the fair, that was thanks in part to some mild wildfire haze moving through the region.

In job news, Columbus is once again being recognized as a top city for new college grads seeking career opportunities. With unemployment below five percent and over two thousand new job openings this week—especially in tech, health care, and logistics around Rickenbacker—our local job scene is holding strong, even amid a more cautious national economic outlook.

Real estate agents are still seeing brisk activity, especially in Clintonville and Hilliard, where homes are selling within a week. The average home price is holding at just under three hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which is slightly up from last summer. Meanwhile, a new bakery opened on Parsons Avenue, and a longtime Italian restaurant near North Market is closing its doors this Saturday after thirty-five years—another reminder of how our neighborhoods evolve.

On the public safety front, police say there’s been a rise in vehicle break-ins around hotels by Polaris and the Columbus airport, according to recent 911 calls. Residents and visitors are urged to remove valuables and stay aware when parking near those areas. In a more positive note, officers responded swiftly to an assault report on August sixth, and the suspect is now in custody without further incident.

For our young listeners, congratulations to Columbus high schoolers who took home gold at last night’s regional track meet, with a standout finish from Eastmoor Academy’s relay team. Looking ahead, the Columbus Zoo’s summer nights continue this weekend, and the Grove City Corn Festival starts tomorrow. If you want to help ki

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Sunday, August third. We kick off this morning with the final day of the Ohio State Fair. The fairgrounds have been buzzing for nearly two weeks, and today wraps up a celebration packed with rides, concerts, arts, and plenty of classic Ohio food. If you have not made it out yet, this is your last chance for summer fair fun. Organizers remind us that the family activities and entertainment are for everyone, with free kids’ concerts on the Main Street stage and the livestock competitions drawing big crowds. Expect comfortable weather throughout the afternoon, with cool temperatures and just a slight chance of a shower, but nothing that should keep us from enjoying fair activities or Sunday plans.

In city news, a major development for local history and culture as Columbus firm Moody Nolan has been tapped to design the new Poindexter Village African American Museum. This landmark project promises to honor the neighborhood’s history on the Near East Side and bring educational exhibits, art, and community programming in the years ahead. Over at City Hall, council members are considering changes to city tax policy that could impact our upcoming fall budgets, so stay tuned for updates that might affect your paychecks and utility rates.

On the jobs front, the expanded tax season in Franklin County means more seasonal work for accountants and tax preparers, and several new postings have gone up this week, including at downtown’s large financial firms and independent agencies. Unemployment remains steady in the metro area, with about twenty-one thousand residents currently searching for work. Over in real estate, summer sales have picked up again. The median home price in Columbus is holding steady around three hundred twenty thousand, and realtors are reporting a wave of interest in Clintonville and Hilliard, especially among first-time buyers.

Our music and food scenes are alive this week, too. Local taprooms across the Short North and Grandview are celebrating International Beer Day the local way, with limited-release pours and food truck rallies into tonight. For families, National Farmers Market Week kicks off tomorrow, and city markets at North Market and Worthington Square will offer extra activities and produce specials all week long.

Turning to public safety, police are investigating an early morning shooting on Riding Club Lane on the east side. Three people were injured in the incident, two are stable in hospital, and the third’s condition remains uncertain this morning. Detectives are seeking information as no suspects have been identified, and they ask neighbors in the area to remain vigilant as the case develops.

On a positive note, we can celebrate achievements in our schools as Wellington announces a new Head of School, a historic first for the community. And on the sports side, we congratulate our city’s two recent Ohio Lottery winners—proof that a little luck can find us anywhere.

To end

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