"Columbus Updates: Renter Protections, Job Growth, Taco Week, and More"

Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025.

We start our morning with some important updates from City Hall. Columbus City Council just rolled out new renter protection ordinances, giving tenants stronger rights and more security. This is a big move for the thousands of Columbus residents facing rising housing costs and changing rental landscapes. In another boost for our local economy, Governor DeWine announced six economic development projects set to create more than 700 new jobs statewide, including 100 jobs right here in Franklin County thanks to Hexion’s expansion in Dublin. That’s nearly 12 million dollars in new payroll, with the company opening a new research and development center for chemists and scientists. It’s a positive sign for job seekers and our growing tech sector.

Turning to the real estate scene, these investments are expected to generate over 39 million dollars in new development across Ohio. With new hiring in both tech and manufacturing locally, the job market is looking strong for summer.

On the weather front, we’re waking up to lots of sunshine and cool temperatures near 54 degrees now, climbing to a high of 88 this afternoon. Expect warm, dry weather for the next couple of days, which means perfect conditions for outdoor events and evening walks. Just remember to stay hydrated as we move into the hotter part of the week.

Big news in our neighborhoods: Columbus firefighters quickly contained a two-alarm blaze at an apartment building overnight. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported. On the crime front, police responded to a hit-and-run in Linden where a minor was injured. Authorities are asking for tips from anyone who saw something near the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Myrtle. On Lockbourne Road, a felonious assault investigation is underway after reports of shots fired yesterday afternoon. If you have any information, Columbus Police urge you to come forward. Meanwhile, police continue to search for the suspects in the recent mattress store robbery in Linden, described in some reports as the twin box-spring bandits.

In sports, there’s plenty of excitement with the U.S. Open golf qualifiers finishing up at Kinsale in Powell. Several PGA stars made an extended stop in Columbus. For football fans, Ohio State remains the top pick for the Big Ten title this season as preseason buzz heats up.

On the cultural front, Columbus Taco Week kicks off today at restaurants all over the city, so grab your friends and try some new local favorites. And the Columbus Arts Festival returns to the Scioto Mile this weekend with art, live music, and delicious food trucks—a signature event for our creative community.

Schools are wrapping up the year, but summer programs are kicking off across Columbus. Mayor Ginther says these activities not only keep kids engaged but make our city safer. And a big congratulations to the Wellington School on their historic appointment of a new Head of School, marking a new era for the district.

Before we go, a quick feel-good story: After months of fundraising, a Greater Cincinnati store delivered a large donation to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, reminding us what’s possible when the community rallies together for a cause.

This has been Columbus Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.