Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Saturday, June 14. We start with major developments in the city today as Columbus kicks off its highly anticipated 2025 Pride Festival. Crowds are gathering downtown and along High Street to celebrate diversity and unity, making this one of the biggest events of the year. City officials and law enforcement are emphasizing safety this weekend, especially with the No Kings protest scheduled alongside the parade. Streets near Goodale Park may see closures, so plan routes accordingly if you're traveling through the Short North or Arena District.
Weather-wise, we can expect a warm and humid day. Showers are likely in the afternoon, with highs around eighty-six. If you’re heading out to the festival or any outdoor activities, bring a rain jacket just in case. Looking ahead, conditions will be similar for the rest of the weekend, with temperatures staying in the low eighties and occasional showers possible.
Turning to breaking news in our city, police are investigating a shooting on the east side, where two people were hospitalized overnight. Another tragic incident involved a crash with a stolen SUV in Madison Township that left one person dead. In positive news from law enforcement, an arrest has been made in the shooting death of a well-known carryout owner on East Broad Street, bringing some relief to the community after weeks of anxiety.
City hall is making headlines as the Columbus City Schools Board considers the closure of five schools due to budget constraints and declining enrollment. The Wellington School is welcoming its new Head of School in a historic appointment, a move expected to bring fresh vision to the acclaimed institution. Meanwhile, a local school district has launched the Press Pause initiative, aiming to reduce excessive screen time for students, a step applauded by parents and health experts alike.
On the economic front, Columbus job numbers remain robust, with more than two thousand openings posted in the last week, particularly in healthcare, logistics, and technology. The local real estate market continues to show strength, though property taxes are a concern, especially for residents on fixed incomes, as highlighted in a recent citywide feature.
In business news, Frontier Airlines just began new direct flights from John Glenn International to Atlanta, while Southwest is adding more routes for Ohio State fans looking to travel during the upcoming football season. Several new restaurants have opened downtown, bringing fresh options to the Arena District, though a few longstanding shops on Morse Road are closing as development continues.
This weekend is packed with events, including live music at the Scioto Mile and outdoor movie nights in Clintonville. Stay tuned for next week’s Juneteenth celebrations across the city.
Finally, let’s celebrate a feel-good story: a community garden in Linden is thriving thanks to volunteers, supplying fresh produce to local families and providing a green oasis in the city.
This has been Columbus Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.