Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Friday, May 23, 2025.
Columbus police have released bodycam footage showing officers fatally shooting 37-year-old Jerry Smith after a domestic violence call escalated into a hostage situation. The two-hour standoff ended when officers intervened to protect a female hostage in northeast Columbus on Hampton Woods Court.
At City Hall, Mayor Andrew Ginther's proposal to establish a Division of Housing Stability is moving forward. The legislation, submitted to City Council earlier this month, allocates $525,000 for staffing and resources. The new division aims to prevent evictions and enforce fair housing policies as Columbus continues to face housing challenges. The measure is scheduled for a first reading at the upcoming council meeting.
Rain has been clearing out overnight, leaving us with considerably cooler temperatures this morning in the low to mid-40s. Some areas might even see upper 30s. The weather should improve throughout the day, perfect timing as we head into the holiday weekend.
Speaking of the weekend, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds us they'll be conducting high-visibility enforcement during the holiday. With millions traveling, they're emphasizing road safety to prevent accidents.
In business news, Johnson's Ice Cream has opened its ninth central Ohio location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Pickerington. Meanwhile, Marcella's in the Short North will be temporarily closing for renovations but plans to reopen later this summer.
Columbus was recently ranked sixth among top U.S. cities for working moms in a new national study, highlighting our city's commitment to family-friendly policies and work environments.
The City Council has approved the 2025 Pavement Management Plan, greenlighting four street improvement projects. Work will include total paving and subgrade replacement on 19th Street from Howard Boulevard to 45th Avenue and on 25th Street from 35th to 37th Avenues. These projects are partially funded by voter-approved sales tax dollars.
In our crime report, authorities are searching for four escapees from a Columbus minimum security correctional facility. Additionally, police are investigating after a juvenile crashed a stolen vehicle into a utility pole during a chase in Whitehall that nearly injured an officer.
On a positive note, a Columbus mother who has waited nearly a year for justice in her son's murder case is receiving renewed attention from investigators, with Crime Stoppers offering rewards for information leading to an arrest.
This has been Columbus Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
Columbus police have released bodycam footage showing officers fatally shooting 37-year-old Jerry Smith after a domestic violence call escalated into a hostage situation. The two-hour standoff ended when officers intervened to protect a female hostage in northeast Columbus on Hampton Woods Court.
At City Hall, Mayor Andrew Ginther's proposal to establish a Division of Housing Stability is moving forward. The legislation, submitted to City Council earlier this month, allocates $525,000 for staffing and resources. The new division aims to prevent evictions and enforce fair housing policies as Columbus continues to face housing challenges. The measure is scheduled for a first reading at the upcoming council meeting.
Rain has been clearing out overnight, leaving us with considerably cooler temperatures this morning in the low to mid-40s. Some areas might even see upper 30s. The weather should improve throughout the day, perfect timing as we head into the holiday weekend.
Speaking of the weekend, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds us they'll be conducting high-visibility enforcement during the holiday. With millions traveling, they're emphasizing road safety to prevent accidents.
In business news, Johnson's Ice Cream has opened its ninth central Ohio location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Pickerington. Meanwhile, Marcella's in the Short North will be temporarily closing for renovations but plans to reopen later this summer.
Columbus was recently ranked sixth among top U.S. cities for working moms in a new national study, highlighting our city's commitment to family-friendly policies and work environments.
The City Council has approved the 2025 Pavement Management Plan, greenlighting four street improvement projects. Work will include total paving and subgrade replacement on 19th Street from Howard Boulevard to 45th Avenue and on 25th Street from 35th to 37th Avenues. These projects are partially funded by voter-approved sales tax dollars.
In our crime report, authorities are searching for four escapees from a Columbus minimum security correctional facility. Additionally, police are investigating after a juvenile crashed a stolen vehicle into a utility pole during a chase in Whitehall that nearly injured an officer.
On a positive note, a Columbus mother who has waited nearly a year for justice in her son's murder case is receiving renewed attention from investigators, with Crime Stoppers offering rewards for information leading to an arrest.
This has been Columbus Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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