June 20, 2025 • 3 mins
Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Friday, June 20th, 2025.
As the sun rises over the city, we’re stepping into our first big heat wave of the summer. After last night’s storms rolled through Central Ohio, we’re getting a break from rain today. Skies are clear, and temperatures are already climbing. Expect the mercury to soar well into the upper 80s this afternoon, and if you’ve got plans for the weekend, brace yourselves—the high could shoot up into the 90s, with heat indices possibly exceeding 100. Stay hydrated if you’re heading outside, especially to any of the big events happening around town.
In breaking news, city officials have announced a new division focused on tackling our housing crisis. With affordable housing in short supply and evictions on the rise, this new team is aiming to make a real dent, but many families are still feeling the squeeze right now. On the state level, an abortion debate is heating up again, as lawmakers introduce a bill to criminalize the procedure, despite Ohioans voting to protect abortion rights nearly two years ago. That will be a major talking point at upcoming City Hall forums.
Turning to crime in the city, it’s been an active 24 hours. Last night, a deadly shooting on Ontario Street near Oakland Park Avenue in North Linden left one person dead, with police now investigating leads in the area. In west Columbus, the last of three teens wanted in connection with an earlier fatal shooting has been arrested, bringing a measure of relief to the community. Meanwhile, a southeast Columbus resident was rushed to the hospital after another shooting, and police are seeking suspects in a series of break-ins near Easton, where the accused allegedly tricked neighbors into opening their doors. As always, police remind us to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
On a lighter note, Columbus continues to shine nationally. We’ve been named one of the Top 10 Best Big Cities in the U.S., and are getting buzz as a must-visit destination for 2025. In the job market, hiring is steady, with several downtown tech and healthcare employers posting dozens of open roles this week. Over in real estate, median home prices are holding steady but rental demand is soaring, making it tough for many to find affordable options.
And there’s no shortage of events this weekend. The Buckeye Country Superfest takes over Ohio Stadium, drawing country music fans from all around—don’t forget your sunscreen and plenty of water. The Columbus Museum of Art and Franklin Park Conservatory both have special exhibits, and Pride celebrations are lighting up the Short North through Sunday. For families, Legoland and COSI offer hands-on fun.
In our schools, Wellington School has just welcomed a new head of school, marking a historic appointment for the district, while Columbus City Schools are discussing plans to address security after a challenging year. On the sports side, OSU Buckeyes athletes are giving back, reuniting for a charity golf tournament that supports brain cancer patients, and Lee Corso—yes, the legendary announcer—is expected to don his iconic headgear for one last broadcast, right where it all started at OSU.
For a feel-good finish, donated fans brought relief this week to residents sweltering without air conditioning. Thanks to these volunteers, dozens of homes in Franklinton and the Hilltop are just a little more comfortable as the heat builds.
This has been Columbus Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
As the sun rises over the city, we’re stepping into our first big heat wave of the summer. After last night’s storms rolled through Central Ohio, we’re getting a break from rain today. Skies are clear, and temperatures are already climbing. Expect the mercury to soar well into the upper 80s this afternoon, and if you’ve got plans for the weekend, brace yourselves—the high could shoot up into the 90s, with heat indices possibly exceeding 100. Stay hydrated if you’re heading outside, especially to any of the big events happening around town.
In breaking news, city officials have announced a new division focused on tackling our housing crisis. With affordable housing in short supply and evictions on the rise, this new team is aiming to make a real dent, but many families are still feeling the squeeze right now. On the state level, an abortion debate is heating up again, as lawmakers introduce a bill to criminalize the procedure, despite Ohioans voting to protect abortion rights nearly two years ago. That will be a major talking point at upcoming City Hall forums.
Turning to crime in the city, it’s been an active 24 hours. Last night, a deadly shooting on Ontario Street near Oakland Park Avenue in North Linden left one person dead, with police now investigating leads in the area. In west Columbus, the last of three teens wanted in connection with an earlier fatal shooting has been arrested, bringing a measure of relief to the community. Meanwhile, a southeast Columbus resident was rushed to the hospital after another shooting, and police are seeking suspects in a series of break-ins near Easton, where the accused allegedly tricked neighbors into opening their doors. As always, police remind us to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
On a lighter note, Columbus continues to shine nationally. We’ve been named one of the Top 10 Best Big Cities in the U.S., and are getting buzz as a must-visit destination for 2025. In the job market, hiring is steady, with several downtown tech and healthcare employers posting dozens of open roles this week. Over in real estate, median home prices are holding steady but rental demand is soaring, making it tough for many to find affordable options.
And there’s no shortage of events this weekend. The Buckeye Country Superfest takes over Ohio Stadium, drawing country music fans from all around—don’t forget your sunscreen and plenty of water. The Columbus Museum of Art and Franklin Park Conservatory both have special exhibits, and Pride celebrations are lighting up the Short North through Sunday. For families, Legoland and COSI offer hands-on fun.
In our schools, Wellington School has just welcomed a new head of school, marking a historic appointment for the district, while Columbus City Schools are discussing plans to address security after a challenging year. On the sports side, OSU Buckeyes athletes are giving back, reuniting for a charity golf tournament that supports brain cancer patients, and Lee Corso—yes, the legendary announcer—is expected to don his iconic headgear for one last broadcast, right where it all started at OSU.
For a feel-good finish, donated fans brought relief this week to residents sweltering without air conditioning. Thanks to these volunteers, dozens of homes in Franklinton and the Hilltop are just a little more comfortable as the heat builds.
This has been Columbus Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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