Good morning, this is Columbus Local Pulse for Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
We begin today with breaking news from City Hall, where city leaders are moving quickly on new rules for short-term rentals after the tragic Fourth of July shooting on East Livingston Avenue claimed the life of a 17-year-old and left five others injured. Mayor Ginther is calling the violence totally unacceptable and says the city will act to make rentals safer while working closely with Columbus police. Community forums are underway to hear residents’ concerns and review proposed policy changes, especially after last weekend’s events put the issue front and center for neighborhoods near Olde Towne East and Bexley.
Turning to crime and public safety, Columbus police report that while overall homicides are down compared to last summer, felony assaults remain high, contributing to continued anxiety in some communities. In the past 24 hours, the Columbus Police released updates on a homicide in the 3100 block of Delta Marine Drive. Officers are also seeking information in a recent burglary and a pair of armed robberies in the Linden area. Anyone with tips is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Meanwhile, the family of Antwan Lindsey, who was shot and killed by officers last year in east Columbus, has filed suit against the city, keeping issues of accountability and policing in the spotlight.
On the weather front, after last night's scattered showers and a brief funnel cloud spotted near Gahanna, we’re waking up to cooler temperatures this morning but can expect the mercury to rise to the upper 80s by late afternoon. Showers are possible on and off throughout the day, so keep an umbrella handy if you’re headed to work or planning outdoor activities. Rain chances stick with us the rest of the week, but, good news, we might see some breaks in the clouds by the weekend.
In business news, Columbus gas prices have dropped more than 15 cents a gallon, offering some relief at the pump. On the real estate front, a new safety project is bringing a $2.5 million investment to Cassady Avenue, with a roundabout coming to help with traffic flow near the airport—part of the 55 new projects statewide. Job seekers got some encouragement as well: the national labor market added about 147,000 jobs in June, and local employers are cautiously optimistic heading into the second half of the year.
If you’re looking for things to do, the Columbus Zoo’s lantern festival returns this weekend, promising dazzling displays just north of Dublin. Franklin Park Conservatory has special summer programs and farmers markets. For sports fans, the Columbus Crew is finalizing a deal for Hugo Picard, and Buckeye fans can look forward to a packed noon kickoff schedule this fall. In local schools, a pint-sized chess prodigy is bringing home championships, and Wellington welcomes a new head of school in a historic appointment.
Finally, for a bit of good news, a local camp funded by the city is helping nearly 400 kids find fun and safety this summer, offering a bright alternative to violence and giving families hope for the future.
This has been Columbus Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
