The Columbus Dispatch
Teen shooter kills 4 at Oregon school
Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting at an Oregon elementary school where police say a teenage suspect killed three children and a teacher before being fatally shot by a witness. Police officials say the 16-year-old suspect shot his way...
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Ramaswamy talks property taxes, data centers, more
Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy fielded questions about property taxes, data centers, the death penalty and the future of Ohio’s universities at the Columbus Metropolitan Club on Oct. 14. Ramaswamy is facing Democratic Dr. Amy Acton...
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Chasing a long shot?
Former Ohio State University professor Don Leonard thought he could help Democrats by writing a book on what he called America’s living wage crisis. Then he decided he was too late. Frustrated and angry, including with Democrats, the academic decided...
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‘AN EYE-OPENING EXPERIENCE’
Hanna Greer-brown A distant flock of birds circles above open bags of trash — a scene you might find after a midnight raid by hungry raccoons in your backyard. Here, gross tonnage measures the trash dumped by a constant parade of trash emptying from 5...
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Movement touts addictive drug as beneficial, but dangers persist
An ironic development emerging alongside the “Make America Healthy Again” movement is the portrayal of nicotine as a wellness and performance-enhancing product. Across social media, podcasts, wellness communities and tech startups, prominent wellness...
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Kindness reporter inspired by the ‘everyday heroes’
I could have sworn I just introduced myself as The Columbus Dispatch’s new human kindness reporter a couple of weeks ago, but apparently, it’s been four months since I last checked in. So hello, and happy spooky season. I hope you’ve all been well and...
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A mooooving honor
Maudine Ormsby made national headlines when she was named Ohio State University’s homecoming queen in October 1926. h It wasn’t because she was popular, though she was certainly beloved by her friends in the agricultural school. And it wasn’t because...
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Preserving a fixture
A historic church in downtown Columbus is getting a modern makeover, as plans to convert it into a music hall progress, with construction on track to be mostly complete by next fall. The sandstone façade of the former Central Presbyterian Church is...
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A new space for creativity
After years of imagining how to transform its campus’ eastern gateway, the Columbus College of Art & Design officially opened its new Center for Creative Collaboration this semester, a 27,000-square-foot space designed for students, faculty, businesses...
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Getting an early start
A line formed early Oct. 6 at the Franklin County Board of Elections office as voters arrived to make their choices nearly a month before the November general election day. By the time voting began at 8 a.m., those in the cue were ready. A steady flow...
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‘He was my everything’
SPRINGFIELD – If there was one thing to know about Pierre Damas Bel, it was that he loved his community. h It was the resounding agreement of everyone who spoke, affirmed with nods and “amens” from attendees at the 20-year-old Haitian immigrant’s...
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Trump: ‘Pretend I’m running’ and GOP wins
VANDALIA, OH – Throughout his long, rambling speech on Oct. 3, President Donald Trump seemed to sense the urgency facing Republicans in the upcoming midterm election. GOP candidates across the country, including those in Ohio, are struggling to...
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Back to school, back to the beat
It is impossible for me to start a new school year without humming along to “We’re Going to Be Friends” by The White Stripes. Fall is here, hear the yell. Back to school, ring the bell. Brand new shoes, walking blues. Climb the fence, books and pens....
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Support seen for voter ID rules
Six in 10 Ohio voters support amending the state constitution to require photo ID for voting, according to a new Suffolk University/usa TODAY Ohio Network poll. Issue 3 is a proposed state constitutional amendment to require voters to present photo ID...
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‘It is very dire’
There was one topic that dominated the Ohio Trucking Association’s annual conference in September. Diesel fuel prices. National diesel prices hit a record-high average of $6.53 per gallon Sept. 21, and they remain near the historic peak. Diesel...
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TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Ohio’s nationally watched U.S. Senate race remains neck and neck as the candidates enter the final weeks of campaign season, a new poll shows. Former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown led Republican Sen. Jon Husted 47% to 44% in a Suffolk University/usa...
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‘WORLDWALKER’
RIPLEY – Welcome to “Worldwalker Hill” greets visitors at the base of a long, steep driveway leading to the hideaway home of Steven Newman. Overlooking the Ohio River and Kentucky beyond, Newman’s sharp blue eyes scan for birds, deer, coyotes, raccoons...
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GROWTH SPURTS
Is it really a drive through central Ohio if you don’t see a hospital construction project? h The Columbus area’s four major health systems, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Ohiohealth, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Mount Carmel Health...
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After the Huntington Building, what’s left?
There was surprise when Ohio State University announced Sept. 14 that it was moving its law school into the century-old former Huntington National Bank building at the city’s Downtown crossroads. Moving the Moritz College of Law into the historic...
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Work may change, but the end goal remains the same
This week’s Beat Notes features Columbus Dispatch reporter Max Filby. I work as an investigative reporter for The Columbus Dispatch, where I’ve worked for nearly seven years. In 2025, I led The Dispatch’s “Invisible Killer” investigation into how...
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Judge tosses abortion lawsuit
A Butler County judge dismissed another legal challenge to Ohio’s abortion rights amendment. The lawsuit, filed by Republican state Reps. Levi Dean and Jennifer Gross, along with Lebanon City Council Member Kristen Eggers, argued that abortion-rights...
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Still watching
An untold number of Flock license plate readers surveil Columbus streets around Ohio State University even after the city covered its 66 cameras while it investigates an officer accused of misuse. After The Dispatch documented active Flock license...
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Senate hopefuls share thoughts on key issues Ohioans face
Ohio is home to one of the most competitive U.S. Senate races in the nation. GOP Sen. Jon Husted will face former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown and Libertarian Bill Redpath in the Nov. 3 election. The race has attracted millions of dollars in outside...
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“So much of what global soccer is, is global politics, economics and sports. It’s really a convergence. It’s the world’s sport, and everything about it touches parts of the community of the economy, so I found that fascinating.”
President of business operations for the Columbus Crew and for Columbus’ new women’s professional soccer team
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The invention of lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance makes drinking milk or eating ice cream a literal pain. For some people, eating a dairy treat can lead to bloating, nausea and diarrhea. You might’ve experienced its effects yourself. If so, you may think of lactose intolerance as a...
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You belong at The Big Table®!
The Big Table brings thousands of people together for one simple, yet powerful reason: to strengthen the community through conversation.
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Schools’ road plan for ravine weighed
Franklin County’s conservation agency is nearing a decision on plans for a controversial road through a protected ravine that would connect the Ohio State School for the Blind and Ohio School for the Deaf campuses. The schools are seeking permission...
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Service Time Service Location
Sep 19 10:30am -Sep St. Matthew The Apostle Catholic Church -Graumlich
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Do ‘starter homes’ still exist in Columbus?
A few years after leaving Columbus for Chicago, Freda Owusu returned home ready to put down roots. h At 40 years old and earning just under six figures, the lifelong renter figured buying her first house would be fairly simple. Instead, she found...
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Ravine ‘a gem that deserves protection’
Some Clintonville area residents are pushing back on the city of Columbus’ proposed rezoning of a portion of the Walhalla Ravine, and at least one city councilmember says they’re likely to get their way. Columbus City Council recently unveiled a...
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You belong at The Big Table®!
The Big Table brings thousands of people together for one simple, yet powerful reason: to strengthen the community through conversation.
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‘A shared experience’
More than 3,100 people showed up to Ohio State University’s annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb before the sun rose Sept. 11, breaking the event’s attendance record on the terror attack’s 25th anniversary. Each year, the event invites community members,...
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DOING A DIRTY JOB
Historic Crew Stadium is now the temporary home of 20 million pounds of dirt as the venue prepares to host one of the final rounds of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season this weekend. h The event is a dirt bike race that takes place on a series of...
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Born from exclusion
Fifty years ago, 13 women who were often excluded from the rooms where Columbus’ civic conversations were happening decided to create a room of their own. But they didn’t create a club exclusively for women. Instead, they founded the Columbus...
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Armed man lunges at at Acton at fair event
An armed man was arrested after lunging at Democratic Ohio gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton and knocking over fairgoers at the Canfield Fair in Mahoning County. Midday on Sept. 6, Patrick M. Havas, 38, of Canfield, forced his way through a crowd...
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Ohio State Buckeyes kick off 2026 season
College football fans were up and raring to go as the Ohio State University Buckeyes took on the Ball State Cardinals for their 12:30 p.m. home opener of the 2026 season on Sept. 5 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The Buckeyes cruised to a 56-3 victory...
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You belong at The Big Table®!
The Big Table brings thousands of people together for one simple, yet powerful reason: to strengthen the community through conversation.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
U L
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced in-person classroom instruction to go virtual, students suddenly needed to have their own laptops or tablets in order to interact with teachers and complete assignments. Most states used federal pandemic funding to...
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Columbus is pausing use of Flock cameras
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther is pausing the city’s use of Flock Safety license plate readers and bagging the cameras over what he described as “deeply troubling” misuse of the surveillance technology, days after The Dispatch flagged an officer’s...
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‘IMMIGRATION POLICY ... TOOK HIS LIFE’
SPRINGFIELD, OH – Ankle monitors are designed to humiliate Springfield Haitians, their advocates have argued since they lost protected status in the U.S. immigration system in July. This week, that humiliation drove a Springfield man to his death,...
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Council to mull Flock use by end of month
The chair of Columbus City Council’s Public Safety Committee said he is still taking the temperature of community leaders but will bring forward legislation on the city’s use of Flock Safety automated license plate cameras by the end of...
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A LIFETIME OF HELPING ‘MY KIDS’
When Judge Luann Cooperrider was a kid in Thornville, Ohio, she didn’t know what she wanted to be when she grew up. She did, however, know that she wanted to help people. Today, as a 70-year-old rapidly approaching mandatory retirement after 35 years...
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FEMA change curtailed pre-flood buyout grants
A week after severe flooding sent feet of water surging into the Peggys Cove cul-de-sac in Reynoldsburg, residents worked around the wreckage of their lives, throwing water-soaked appliances into vehicles and trimming their lawns amid discarded...
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If it’s local you want, we’ve got it.
Our Sunday refresh offers more local news and sports, as well as “Weekend Exclusive” content to help you navigate your lives. So enjoy your Sunday reading filled with stories that will inspire, educate, inform and entertain you.
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War a big focus in Ohio’s Senate race
Sherrod Brown condemned a Republican Ohio senator for failing to push back against a war in the Middle East. There was no plan to win, he told NPR, or a plan to exit. The year was 2006. The opponent was then-u.s. Sen. Mike Dewine, who lost reelection...
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More data centers seeking to use natural gas power
Data centers are under fire for a variety of reasons: noise, water and electricity consumption, secretive development deals and generally pushing their way into rural Ohio and reshaping its landscape. A recent poll showed more people would support a...
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OSU’S first day of school
Ohio State University welcomes more than 8,000 new incoming students to campus Aug. 25 for the first day of fall semester. OSU President Ravi Bellamkonda said this incoming class includes students from 47 U.S. states and 36 countries. “If you know...
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From drought to deluge
A year after central Ohio endured one of its driest Augusts on record, repeated storms have drenched the region this month, causing flooding and pushing Columbus toward the opposite end of the record books. John Glenn Columbus International Airport,...
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Testimony starts in New Albany warehouse shooting trial
Two of the people wounded inside a New Albany warehouse said they saw Bruce Foster approaching the office they were in on the night of Feb. 4, 2025, but they had no idea he was going to shoot them. Foster, 30, is charged with aggravated murder,...
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Protected ravine proposal sparks pushback in Clintonville
Some residents of Columbus’ Clintonville area are pushing back on a proposal to build a roadway through a protected ravine that would connect the Ohio State School for the Blind and Ohio School for the Deaf campuses. h The protected land in question is...
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If it’s local you want, we’ve got it.
Our Sunday refresh offers more local news and sports, as well as “Weekend Exclusive” content to help you navigate your lives. So enjoy your Sunday reading filled with stories that will inspire, educate, inform and entertain you.
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ODOT studies flood control on part of I-70
The Ohio Department of Transportation is currently studying flood mitigation for a stretch of Interstate 70 near Buckeye Lake that had to close Aug. 20 into Aug. 21 due to surging river levels, according to an ODOT spokesperson. The flooded areas of...
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Will Acton be Ohio’s first elected female governor?
Ohio is one of a dwindling number of states that have never elected a female governor or U.S. senator. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton is trying to change that. h On the campaign trail, Acton doesn’t talk much about potentially...
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If it’s local you want, we’ve got it.
Our Sunday refresh offers more local news and sports, as well as “Weekend Exclusive” content to help you navigate your lives. So enjoy your Sunday reading filled with stories that will inspire, educate, inform and entertain you.
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Future of planned Peninsula grocery store remains unclear
In September 2025, city leaders unveiled plans for what they said was a long-sought amenity for Downtown residents – a grocery store they could walk to, to be situated in Franklinton’s Peninsula development. But nearly a year later, following an...
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In the storms’ aftermath
In the Columbus area and across much of the Buckeye State, residents spent much of Aug. 12 assessing and addressing damage from strong storms the day before, as local officials declared a state of emergency. For many looking at the damage aftermath,...
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Thunderstorms, possible tornado strike the Greater Columbus area
Heavy rain and strong winds, including at least one possible tornado, rocked the Greater Columbus area Aug. 11 in a series of brief but damaging storms. Winds gusted up to 82 miles per hour at the John Glenn International Airport as a band of severe...
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Team tracking black bears as they roam state’s forests, fields
As residents are reporting more bear sightings across Ohio, wildlife biologists are trapping, tagging and tracking the black bears as they roam the fields and forests. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Gantchoff lab at the University of...
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Helping to make lives entertaining
In 2005, a young couple stood on the streets of a then-busy downtown Columbus passing out flyers. Just as fast as someone reluctantly grabbed one flyer, another would be tossed, slowly drifting to the ground. The couple was not deterred. They picked...
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If it’s local you want, we’ve got it.
Our Sunday refresh offers more local news and sports, as well as “Weekend Exclusive” content to help you navigate your lives. So enjoy your Sunday reading filled with stories that will inspire, educate, inform and entertain you.
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Gunshot detection tech ignites controversy
When gunshots ring out on America’s streets, bystanders face an instant, high-stakes dilemma. h Do I call the cops? Were those even gunshots? Maybe it was just fireworks. h Every moment of hesitation risks a delay in medical treatment or gives a...
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BACK TO WORK
Ohio State began preseason football practices on Aug. 6 in preparation for the season opener against Ball State on Sept. 5. The Buckeyes, with 51 new players, are ranked No. 1 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll for the first time since 2015. See more...
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Miller’s seat could flip to Dems
Rep. Max Miller’s decision to stay in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District race despite domestic abuse allegations could put a safe Republican seat in play, threatening the GOP’S control of the U.S. House of Representatives. “It’s the wrong year for a...
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UNCERTAINTY
Facing uncertainty over 2026 funding from Franklin County, the Community Shelter Board is moving to cut about 43% of Franklin County’s yearround adult shelter capacity while continuing to ask the county for additional funding. More people will be...
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NO LIMITS
More than 8,00 riders participated in the 2026 Pelotonia on Aug. 1-2, cycling routes that ranged from 17 miles to 165 miles. The annual ride has raised more than $350 million for cancer research since its inception in 2009. Money goes directly to the...
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Attack sparks fears wars could merge
WASHINGTON – Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States insisted that leaders in Kyiv are not playing “a game of chess” with their recent drone strike on an Iranian ship and have no interest in leveraging their conflict with Russia into a wider, global...
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PLENTIFUL PICKIN’
On the corner of Town Street and Martin Avenue sits a small U-pick garden. The tiny, but robust, garden has a little bit of everything. h Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, kale, collard greens, radishes and more fill the green space. h The garden exists...
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