Columbus Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Friday, February 27. We start with breaking news from our north side, where an 18-year-old driver led police on a wild chase early Thursday, hitting 130 miles per hour on Route 161 before slamming his Infiniti into a garage on Sharon Woods Boulevard, just blocks from Beechcroft High School. The Ohio State Highway Patrol says he was driving without lights, tried to flee on foot after the crash, but got caught thanks to their helicopter. No one inside the home was hurt, though homeowners Nicholas and Stella Asare described the shake-up as feeling like an earthquake. Hes now charged with failure to comply and held in Franklin County Jail. We are relieved everyone is safe and appreciate our troopers quick work.

Shifting to public safety wins, the Central Ohio Drug Task Force made a massive bust this week in Madison County, seizing 44 pounds of fentanyl worth about 800,000 dollars, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. Thats one of their biggest ever, involving Columbus police, the FBI, and others, with two people charged. It means less poison hitting our streets.

From City Hall, Mayor Andrew Ginther announced a 1 million dollar push to expand our Alternative Crisis Response program, sending clinicians instead of cops to non-violent mental health calls. Announced at the Franklin County Crisis Care Center, it aims to hire more staff, reroute 911 dispatches, and cut unnecessary arrests so officers focus on real threats. This directly helps our daily lives by connecting folks to care, not jail.

No major job shifts or real estate spikes today, but home values around Sharon Woods hold steady near 300,000 dollars median. Weather-wise, cloudy skies with highs in the low 40s and possible light flurries could dampen outdoor plans, but roads stay clear for events. Outlook stays chilly through Sunday.

Beechcroft Highs basketball team notched a win last night, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Upcoming, catch the Short North Gallery Hop tomorrow evening for art and music vibes.

For a feel-good note, community volunteers rallied to clean up Scioto Mile trails this week, making our riverfront shine.

Stay safe out there, listeners. Thanks for tuning in to Columbus Local Pulse, and remember to subscribe. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Thursday, February 26th.

We're starting off with weather that's going to shape your day. Right now, a wintry mix is brushing southern Ohio this morning, but here in central Ohio we're staying dry with partly cloudy skies. By this afternoon, we're looking at clearing skies and sunshine, with highs reaching around 45 degrees. Tonight will dip to about 27 degrees, so bundle up if you're heading out this evening. The good news is we've got a beautiful stretch ahead. Friday and Saturday are looking fantastic with temperatures climbing into the upper 50s, perfect for getting outside and enjoying some outdoor activities. But we need to keep our eyes on Monday because a significant winter storm system is moving in, potentially bringing accumulating snow to the Columbus area. We'll be fine through the weekend, but that's definitely something to watch as we head into next week.

In state news, the Ohio House has just passed legislation that's going to affect recovery homes across the state. House Bill 58 passed unanimously and now heads to the Senate. If approved, it would require state certification for recovery homes before they can open, giving state officials more oversight while also giving local prosecutors greater power to shut down facilities that violate state laws. This has been a top priority for officials in Portsmouth and surrounding areas where recovery homes have been popping up faster than they can be regulated. Supporters of the bill say it will help the best providers compete fairly while cleaning up bad actors in the industry.

We also want to flag an important public health alert from the Ohio Department of Health. There's been a potential measles exposure reported at John Glenn International Airport. If you've traveled through the airport recently and are experiencing any symptoms like fever, cough, or rash, you should contact your healthcare provider right away and let them know about your airport travel.

On the crime front, state police have been busy with several incidents across the region. A hit and run crash occurred in Bellefonte on Interstate 80 westbound on February 4th around 5:22 p.m. An unidentified driver in a work zone failed to maintain lane position and struck a Kia Sorento. Charges are still pending in that case. We've also seen identity theft cases reported in the Bellefonte area, with scammers posing as bank employees and employers on LinkedIn to trick victims into sharing personal information. Local law enforcement is reminding everyone to be cautious about unsolicited calls and online contact requests, especially ones asking for personal information.

For those planning outdoor activities this weekend, conditions are looking excellent before Monday's weather system arrives. Take advantage of the mild temperatures and sunshine.

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Sunday, February twenty-second.

We're watching a big matchup heading to town today as number ten Ohio State takes on USC women's basketball at the Schottenstein Center. The Buckeyes are hosting their senior day celebration for Tyana Todd and Chance Gray, and kickoff is at two o'clock Eastern time this afternoon. USC comes in riding a six-game winning streak and looking to add another top twenty-five victory to their resume. The Trojans have won their last five games in February alone, so they're playing at a really high level right now. Ohio State's been competitive all season but stumbled a bit on the road recently, falling to Minnesota in the middle of the week. This should be a competitive conference matchup that basketball fans won't want to miss.

On the weather front, we're looking at typical February conditions across central Ohio today. It's going to be a pretty chilly Sunday as we head into the afternoon, so bundle up if you're heading out to any outdoor activities or events. The cold will stick around through tomorrow, but we're tracking some potential changes as we move through the week ahead.

In local business news, the Columbus community continues to see activity around the city. Restaurants and retailers are preparing for the week ahead as we move deeper into late winter. Spring is just around the corner, and many businesses are gearing up for the seasonal shift in consumer activity and foot traffic.

For our listeners in education, we're watching how local schools continue their winter sports seasons. With basketball seasons in full swing across the area's programs, there's plenty of competitive action happening in gymnasiums throughout the region.

In community happenings, there's always something to do in Columbus this time of year. Whether you're looking for indoor activities or just getting out to support local teams, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with your neighbors and stay connected.

On public safety, we encourage everyone to remain aware of their surroundings as we move through the weekend and into the week. Local law enforcement continues to patrol neighborhoods and maintain the safety measures that keep our community secure. If you see anything suspicious, don't hesitate to contact the appropriate authorities.

As we head into the rest of our Sunday, take time to check in with family and friends, catch up on some rest, and prepare for the week ahead. There's a lot happening in our community, and we're excited to keep you updated.

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Saturday, February 21st.

We're waking up to a much calmer Saturday after a dramatic evening across central Ohio. If you were out last night, you likely experienced severe thunderstorms that swept through the region with some serious punch. Wind gusts exceeded thirty-five miles per hour, hail fell in scattered areas, and while tornadoes were possible, we're thankful none touched down in our immediate area. Some isolated cells did produce tornado warnings, particularly as the system moved in from the west around seven in the evening. The main line of storms cleared out around midnight, and now we're looking at what comes next.

As we head into the weekend, temperatures are dropping significantly. A cold front that moved through overnight is bringing frigid air into the region. We'll struggle to reach above freezing today and into Monday, and another system is expected to bring snow back to central Ohio by Sunday. That snow could amount to anywhere from a dusting to a couple inches, depending on how much moisture we pick up. Winds will also be gusty through the weekend as this system works its way through. The good news is that by Wednesday, a warming trend kicks in and temperatures climb back above average.

Speaking of community support, several fire departments across our region received some welcome funding this week. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry distributed more than five hundred ninety-three thousand dollars across ninety-five projects serving rural fire departments. In our area, departments in Jefferson, Harrison, Carroll, Belmont, and Columbiana counties all received grants to enhance their equipment and readiness. These funds help departments purchase everything from personal protective equipment and wildfire gear to communication devices and utility vehicles. For volunteer fire departments operating on tight budgets, this kind of support makes a real difference in their ability to serve our communities effectively.

Over at the university level, we've got some basketball action heating up. Number ten Ohio State is hosting USC today, with the Trojans coming off a solid sixty-six to fifty-nine victory against Davidson. Jazzy Davidson led that effort with twenty-four points, and now we'll see how they match up against the Buckeyes.

Meanwhile, our community continues to remember Reverend Jesse Jackson, the iconic civil rights leader who visited central Ohio many times throughout his career. Local leaders have been reflecting on his legacy as a coalition builder and inspiration to so many in our region.

This has been Columbus Local Pulse. Thank you for tuning in, and please be sure to subscribe for updates throughout the week. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease dot ai.

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Thursday, February 19th. We start with breaking developments from City Hall where Columbus City Council members just proposed a legislative package to protect immigrants amid rising federal enforcement. Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans and member Lourdes Barrossas say it would bar ICE agents from detaining people on city property like schools and daycares without a judicial warrant, while harsher penalties target harassment there and block any detention centers in town. A public hearing yesterday drew unanimous support from 21 speakers, with community leaders like Angie Plummer from Community Refugee and Immigration Services urging real action to safeguard families we see every day on our streets. Council will tweak and vote on this in coming weeks, showing our leaders stepping up for daily life in neighborhoods from Franklinton to the Short North.

Shifting to bigger headlines, Ohio billionaire Les Wexner faced a six-hour congressional deposition yesterday at his New Albany mansion, denying any knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and calling himself duped by the con man who once managed his fortune. U.S. House Democrats like Rep. Robert Garcia expressed skepticism, noting Wexner's deep ties and over a billion dollars in transfers, while his name dots our landscape from the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center to New Albany's growth. Survivors are now pushing to remove it from campus sites, stirring local conversations about accountability.

On the economic front, a new Ohio Capital Journal piece spotlights the rush to build data centers around Columbus, critiquing how local and state deals fast-track them with tax breaks, raising questions on community input and infrastructure strain near places like Rickenbacker Airport. Job market stays steady with about 12,000 openings listed locally, many in tech and logistics, while real estate sees median home prices around 320,000 dollars, up 4 percent year-over-year in areas like German Village.

Weather-wise, our last mild day brings partly cloudy skies with highs near 55 degrees, perfect for outdoor errands, but thunderstorms loom tonight into tomorrow—plan indoor alternatives for evening walks along the Scioto Mile. Outlook calls for cooler temps and scattered showers through the weekend.

Quick business note: nearly 300 Ohio dairy farms, many in Franklin County, are enrolling in expanded federal Dairy Margin Coverage by February 26th for better feed price protection. No major openings or closings today, but watch for Ag Day at the Capitol recaps influencing rural ties here.

Upcoming, Franklin County Commissioners host community sessions next week post their February 17th meeting with the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Local schools report strong wrestling wins for Northland High, and Ohio University navigates new state funding rules tied to higher ed reforms.

Crime in the past 24 hours stays low-key: police arrested two in a Broad Street theft ring,

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Sunday, February 15th.

We're starting with some significant news from right here in our community. Late Friday night, Columbus experienced what sounded like a concerning situation when residents heard explosions around midnight. The Columbus Division of Fire, working alongside bomb squad technicians and specialists from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, conducted a controlled disposal of outdated military-grade ammunition that had been discovered at a facility in Knox County. A new property owner found the cache and did the right thing by requesting assistance. While there was no advance public notification due to the urgent nature of the situation, officials want to assure everyone that there was no ongoing threat to our community and the operation was completed successfully and without incident. We're grateful for the coordination between our local agencies and federal partners that kept everyone safe.

In other local developments, we're keeping an eye on a situation involving the Nancy Guthrie case. Police executed a search warrant at a home near the kidnapping site yesterday, though no arrests have been made at this time. We'll continue to follow this developing story closely.

Looking at what's happening around our city this week, we want to remind everyone about community initiatives addressing serious issues. Franklin County task force officials are warning parents and guardians about online predators targeting kids on popular social media platforms. This is something we all need to be aware of as we navigate digital safety for our families.

Shifting gears to weather, we've been experiencing some melting over the past couple of days with rain returning today. So if you're heading out, bring an umbrella and dress in layers. The weekend brought us some relief from the cold, but conditions remain variable as we move through February.

On the positive side, we've seen some wonderful community efforts despite recent challenges. One story that caught our attention involves local youth programs bringing people together through flag football. Programs like the Toledo Dirty Birds flag football league are growing rapidly with over fifteen hundred kids ages five to fifteen participating, showing how our communities are creating safer, more inclusive ways for young people to stay active and engaged.

We're also keeping tabs on conversations happening at city hall about public safety and community standards, as local officials continue working to balance enforcement with community needs.

Thanks so much for tuning in to Columbus Local Pulse today. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss tomorrow's updates on what's happening in our community. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease dot ai.

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Saturday, February 14th. We kick off with breaking news from our roads. A tragic wrong-way crash on I-71 northbound near East Broad Street early Friday morning claimed one life when a southbound Chrysler slammed into multiple vehicles, sparking a fiery explosion. The Ram truck driver died at Grant Medical Center, and the Chrysler driver fled on foot. Columbus Police are investigating, urging tips to their Accident Investigation Unit. These rare but deadly incidents remind us to stay vigilant behind the wheel, especially on ramps from 670.

Shifting to public safety, we note a SWAT response near Nancy Guthrie's home yesterday, where three people were detained without further incident. On the crime front, a Columbus man faces federal charges in the heartbreaking disappearance of 17-year-old Hayley Busby, whose remains were found in Wayne National Forest. Our thoughts go out to her family.

At City Hall, council is pushing a new package to limit ICE enforcement in public spaces like schools and daycares, prioritizing judicial warrants and local trust. A public hearing is Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. This comes amid state debates, but leaders like Lourdes Barroso de Padilla stress protecting our immigrant communities so everyone feels safe going to work or school.

Weather today brings a winter chill under a advisory, with light snow flurries possible near the Scioto River, highs around 43 degrees. Bundle up for Valentine's outings, but expect drier conditions tomorrow with temps climbing to 52.

Sports fans, our Ohio State men's basketball team faces number 15 Virginia tonight at 8 p.m. in Nashville on FOX, after Bruce Thornton's 21-point clinic over USC. Womens squad, ranked eighth, eyes number 20 Maryland soon, led by Lemmila's hot hand.

Community vibes are up with Love Is Blind season 10 filming here, spotlighting our Victorian Village charm. Quick nod to local schools: YMCA on the east side sells property to housing authority, impacting youth programs. New business buzz includes city efforts to auction blighted homes for quick fixes.

Looking ahead, catch council's hearing and Buckeye watch parties at local spots like the Schottenstein Center tailgates. Job market holds steady with about 5,000 openings downtown, real estate seeing median homes around 350,000 dollars.

Thanks for tuning in, listeners, and subscribe for daily updates. This has been Columbus Local Pulse. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Thursday, February 12th. We start with breaking news from the hard court at Value City Arena, where our Ohio State Buckeyes pulled out a thrilling 89-82 win over USC last night. Bruce Thornton led with 21 points, including clutch free throws down the stretch, while Devin Royal added 19 and seven boards. The Buckeyes improve to 16-8 overall, 8-6 in the Big Ten, and they host number 15 Virginia on Saturday, so get your tickets early.

Shifting to city hall, Columbus just unveiled plans for a 500 million dollar housing bond to tackle affordability around neighborhoods like German Village and the Short North. This could mean more homes for families feeling the pinch, with real estate prices up about 5 percent citywide last month. Jobs are steady too, as Ohio's population grows despite some headlines, per former Congressman Steve Stivers, boosting openings in tech and solar around Polaris Parkway.

On the state level, lawmakers are buzzing about AI bills affecting our high schools, like requiring computer science credits to prep kids for the future. Rep. Christine Cockley from Columbus pushes for an AI commission to set best practices.

Weather today brings partly cloudy skies with highs near 42 degrees and light winds, perfect for outdoor walks along the Scioto Mile, though bundle up for that morning chill. Expect the same tomorrow with a chance of flurries.

New business note: Conservative support surges for solar projects, potentially lighting up spots near Easton Town Center. Community events ahead include the Westerville Progressive Alliance meeting tonight at 6pm in Westerville City Hall on South State Street.

Local schools shine with Ohio State's Thornton hitting fifth all-time in scoring. Crime in the past day stays low key, with just a minor theft arrest near High Street and no major safety alerts from Columbus police.

For a feel-good lift, a new billboard in Akron reminds us Ohio is home for all, echoing our diverse Short North vibe.

Thanks for tuning in, listeners, and remember to subscribe for daily updates. This has been Columbus Local Pulse. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Sunday, February 8. We start with a somber crime report from the past day. An adult pedestrian remains in critical condition after a hit-and-run Saturday afternoon at Wayne Avenue and Eakin Road near Franklinton. The sedan fled the scene without stopping, and police urge anyone with info to call the Accident Investigation Unit. Separately, News Center 7 reports an 18-year-old, Izariyah Edwards, charged with felonious assault in last fall's shooting outside Beechcroft High School that injured two students leaving homecoming. Our hearts go out to those affected as investigations continue.

Recent heavy snow from Friday still lingers, making roads slick around I-270 and High Street, so we drive carefully today. Expect partly cloudy skies with highs near 32 degrees and light flurries possible this afternoon, easing up by evening for safer travel to events.

City Hall updates include no major votes this week, but crews are plowing side streets like those near Scioto River bridges to keep daily commutes moving. In new business news, a heartbreaking fire Friday night destroyed Woodland Run Equine Veterinary on Borror Road in Grove City, claiming up to six horses. The Standardbred community mourns this loss near Scioto Downs, with the cause still under probe.

On a brighter note, Circleville Tigers grabbed sole lead in MSL Buckeye boys basketball with a 56-33 win over Fairfield Union last night. And Buckeyes fans, gear up in scarlet: we host No. 2 Michigan mens hoops today at 1 p.m. at the Schottenstein Center, live on CBS. A rivalry clash that could shake the Big Ten.

Upcoming, catch community events like winter markets at North Market tomorrow. Local schools shine too, with strong showings in recent league play. For feel-good vibes, neighbors rallied to aid fire victims, showing our tight-knit spirit.

Real estate holds steady with about 1,200 listings citywide, median prices around 350,000 dollars. Jobs look solid, over 15,000 openings in tech and healthcare per recent postings.

Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for daily updates. This has been Columbus Local Pulse. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

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Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Friday, February 6. We kick off with breaking news from Franklin County Court, where three men received sentences yesterday for their roles in the tragic 2024 shooting death of 13-year-old Angel Diaz in North Linden. Jaivon Jones got 12 to 14 years, Dock Parker the same, and Mekhi Webster 19 to 21 and a half years after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Angels mother spoke movingly in court, forgiving them while sharing her heartbreak, as shots rang out from a car near a recreation center where he was walking home. Were relieved justice is served, but it reminds us to stay vigilant on our streets.

Shifting to public safety, no major incidents in the past 24 hours, though watch for icy patches on East 17th Avenue from a recent water leak that froze cars solid—take photos and check your comprehensive insurance if affected.

Weathers our big story today, listeners. WBNS 10TV reports a Winter Weather Advisory from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with 1 to 2 inches of snow hitting hardest during the morning commute around I-270 and High Street. Roads will slick up, so add extra time dropping kids at school or heading to work—bring lunch to avoid lunch-hour mess. Snow tapers by afternoon as temps climb near freezing, then colder weekend ahead with single-digit lows and subzero wind chills Saturday. Brighter note: 40s possible by Tuesday.

City Hall updates include Governor DeWine outlining plans to support U.S. citizen kids of Haitian families in Springfield if TPS ends, coordinating with counties like ours for child services—well stay ready to help. Battelle just landed a major EPA contract for environmental research, boosting jobs here on our north side.

Blue Jackets are red hot, shutting out Chicago for their ninth win in 10, entering Olympic break strong at Nationwide Arena—proud of our team.

Quick hits: Local schools saw strong math scores this week; Hilltop built fun igloos amid snow. New business buzz with Battelle expanding. Median home price holds at about $285,000, jobs steady around 4 percent unemployment.

Upcoming, community snow-shoveling event Saturday at Franklin Park, free concert preview at Newport Music Hall next week.

And a feel-good: Neighbors on East 17th rallied to free those iced cars, turning frustration to teamwork.

Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more. This has been Columbus Local Pulse. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

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