June 7, 2025 • 3 mins
Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Saturday, June 7, 2025.
We start with breaking news from downtown, where Columbus police apprehended a suspect after shots were fired early Friday morning in the Short North area. Officers responded quickly, and no injuries have been reported. Police remind us to stay aware as investigations continue, especially in busy entertainment districts this weekend. In other crime news, two men from Columbus have been sentenced to life in prison for their roles in a violent human trafficking ring that operated across the south side. This marks a major victory for law enforcement and a step toward safer neighborhoods.
Turning to City Hall, discussions around the future of flavored tobacco sales remain heated. Governor DeWine has signaled his intention to veto any bill that would prevent Columbus from setting its own rules, so this will be an issue to watch as council meets next week. Meanwhile, city officials hosted a community forum with police chief candidates, giving residents a chance to voice their hopes for public safety and policing in our city.
The Columbus Arts Festival returns downtown this weekend, stretching along the riverfront. More than 250 visual artists are displaying their work, from paintings and sculpture to mixed media. The festival is free and runs until Sunday evening, but do keep an eye on the sky. We expect warm, humid summer temps today, with highs in the low eighties. Scattered showers and thunderstorms could move through at any time, though there should be dry stretches and even some sunshine between the storms, so bring an umbrella if you head out.
On the real estate front, local listings show median home prices holding steady near four hundred thousand dollars. Activity has picked up with summer buyers, and there are several open houses in Clintonville and German Village this weekend. For job seekers, local postings have increased slightly, especially in retail, logistics, and tech. Major companies continue hiring for summer and fall positions, so now is a great time to update those resumes.
Education news brings a bittersweet note as Columbus City Schools announced the planned closure of five schools, citing budget issues and declining enrollment. The district is exploring options for student transitions and staff reassignment. On the bright side, Wellington School has welcomed its new head, marking a historic appointment and fresh leadership for their community.
In sports, the OHSAA boys and girls state track and field championships wrap up today at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. Our local teams have put in outstanding showings, with several athletes breaking personal records. Over at Ohio Stadium, plans were announced for new South End Zone premium seating, ready to open in 2026. And the buzz continues around Ohio State football, still the top pick to win the Big Ten.
Looking ahead, don’t miss the wine, spritz, and seltzer festival at McFerson Commons this afternoon, a perfect spot to sample local drinks and enjoy live music if the weather cooperates. For a feel-good story, the Awesome Gallery on High Street is debuting heartfelt portraits by neurodivergent artist Wallace Peck, reminding us of the diversity and heart that make Columbus special.
This has been Columbus Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
We start with breaking news from downtown, where Columbus police apprehended a suspect after shots were fired early Friday morning in the Short North area. Officers responded quickly, and no injuries have been reported. Police remind us to stay aware as investigations continue, especially in busy entertainment districts this weekend. In other crime news, two men from Columbus have been sentenced to life in prison for their roles in a violent human trafficking ring that operated across the south side. This marks a major victory for law enforcement and a step toward safer neighborhoods.
Turning to City Hall, discussions around the future of flavored tobacco sales remain heated. Governor DeWine has signaled his intention to veto any bill that would prevent Columbus from setting its own rules, so this will be an issue to watch as council meets next week. Meanwhile, city officials hosted a community forum with police chief candidates, giving residents a chance to voice their hopes for public safety and policing in our city.
The Columbus Arts Festival returns downtown this weekend, stretching along the riverfront. More than 250 visual artists are displaying their work, from paintings and sculpture to mixed media. The festival is free and runs until Sunday evening, but do keep an eye on the sky. We expect warm, humid summer temps today, with highs in the low eighties. Scattered showers and thunderstorms could move through at any time, though there should be dry stretches and even some sunshine between the storms, so bring an umbrella if you head out.
On the real estate front, local listings show median home prices holding steady near four hundred thousand dollars. Activity has picked up with summer buyers, and there are several open houses in Clintonville and German Village this weekend. For job seekers, local postings have increased slightly, especially in retail, logistics, and tech. Major companies continue hiring for summer and fall positions, so now is a great time to update those resumes.
Education news brings a bittersweet note as Columbus City Schools announced the planned closure of five schools, citing budget issues and declining enrollment. The district is exploring options for student transitions and staff reassignment. On the bright side, Wellington School has welcomed its new head, marking a historic appointment and fresh leadership for their community.
In sports, the OHSAA boys and girls state track and field championships wrap up today at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. Our local teams have put in outstanding showings, with several athletes breaking personal records. Over at Ohio Stadium, plans were announced for new South End Zone premium seating, ready to open in 2026. And the buzz continues around Ohio State football, still the top pick to win the Big Ten.
Looking ahead, don’t miss the wine, spritz, and seltzer festival at McFerson Commons this afternoon, a perfect spot to sample local drinks and enjoy live music if the weather cooperates. For a feel-good story, the Awesome Gallery on High Street is debuting heartfelt portraits by neurodivergent artist Wallace Peck, reminding us of the diversity and heart that make Columbus special.
This has been Columbus Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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