Columbus
Coverage of Columbus in the Nexus archive.
- Columbus sues Trump administration over plan tying anti-terrorism funding to election changes
The city of Columbus has filed a lawsuit challenging a Trump administration policy that links anti-terrorism funding to mandates regarding local election administration. The proposed changes include requiring documentary proof of citizenship, conducting broader audits, and shifting to hand-marked paper ballots. Opponents argue that Congress authorized the agency only to protect critical infrastructure, not to dictate how states must administer elections.
- Ohioans criticize Ohio US Rep. Mike Carey for cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and education
Constituents protested outside Rep. Mike Carey’s office over proposed cuts to critical services like SNAP, Medicaid, and education. Protesters criticized the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," arguing that it jeopardizes benefits for Ohioans and risks special education funding. They demanded Congress prioritize care and restored funding over tax relief.
- DeWine to next Ohio governor: Leave income taxes alone
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine urged his successor to leave the state’s income tax alone, stating businesses do not consider taxes when discussing the workforce. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy plans to completely eliminate the state income tax over a 10-year period. Meanwhile, David Pepper's team advocated for relief that benefits working families and seniors, pointing out research that millionaires tend to benefit most from eliminating the income tax.
- Parents are being held responsible for their kids’ crimes under new laws
State and local lawmakers are increasingly seeking ways to hold parents accountable for their children's serious criminal behavior, proposing measures like fines or community service. Jurisdictions such as Louisiana and New Jersey have implemented laws allowing significant penalties for youth misconduct. However, experts note that there is little empirical evidence to prove the effectiveness of these parental responsibility laws in reducing youth crime.
- Parents are being held responsible for their kid’s crimes under new laws
State and local leaders are pushing for new laws to hold parents accountable for their children’s serious criminal offenses, proposing measures like fines, community service, or jail time. Examples include Louisiana's law allowing up to $5,000 fine for a school threat conviction and New Jersey making parents liable for incited public brawls. However, experts note there is little empirical evidence proving these laws actually reduce youth crime.
- Ohio’s recreational marijuana prices are higher than what Michigan customers pay
Ohio's recreational marijuana prices are significantly higher than those found in Michigan, according to pricing data. Compounding this disparity, Ohio Republican lawmakers have passed a new law criminalizing bringing legal marijuana from another state into Ohio, with penalties similar to pre-legalization prohibitions.
- Video shows wind gust flip car on interstate during severe storms
A wind gust flipped a car on Interstate 71 in Columbus, Ohio, during severe storms. Footage provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation showed the vehicle lifting and overturning before landing on its roof in the far left lane. The incident also resulted in a tree beside the road being flattened.
- Video shows wind gust flip car on interstate during severe storms
During severe storms in Ohio, a wind gust flipped a car on Interstate 71 in Columbus. Footage from the Ohio Department of Transportation shows the vehicle overturning and landing with its headlights facing the wrong direction, which was part of broader storm damage.
- The Arsenal and the Statehouse: New Defense Firms, Venture Capital and State Industrial Policy
Anduril announced a $910 million drone production facility in Ohio, illustrating how new defense firms utilize venture financing and state economic development subsidies. This trend has given states a political stake in federal defense procurement, as evidenced by Anduril siting Arsenal-1 near Columbus partially due to state subsidies.
- Courts rule Trump administration can’t cancel $22B in climate grants
Two courts ruled against the Trump administration's attempt to cancel climate grants, ordering the EPA to reinstate $22 billion in funding for environmental and climate justice programs. A federal appeals court blocked the termination of $20 billion in clean energy grants, while a district judge mandated the restoration of $1.6 billion in grants after finding the EPA's withdrawal unlawful.
- Two courts block Trump bid to cancel $22B in climate grants
Two courts blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to cancel climate grants, ruling the EPA’s termination of $20 billion in clean energy grants and $1.6 billion in climate justice grants unlawful. The rulings require the EPA to reinstate funds awarded under the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act, though the agency has requested a delay to appeal.
- M/I Homes: Q2 Earnings Snapshot
M/I Homes Inc. reported Q2 net income of $79.1 million with adjusted earnings of $3.14 per share and revenue of $1.06 billion. The Columbus, Ohio-based homebuilder's earnings were generated using data from Zacks Investment Research.
- Ohio renters need to earn at least $23.82 an hour to afford two-bedroom rental, new report shows
A new report shows Ohio renters need at least $23.82 hourly to afford a two-bedroom apartment, a 5% increase from $22.51 in 2023. The average Ohio renter earns $19.59 hourly, below the required wage, with minimum wage workers needing 87 hours weekly to afford rent. Ohio faces a shortage of 266,000 affordable rental units.
- 5 Found Dead in Ohio After Child Tells Driver His ‘Family Was in the River’
Five people were found dead near the Scioto River outside Columbus, Ohio, following an incident where a child told a driver his 'family was in the river.'
- 5 drown in river in Ohio as child runs for help
Five people drowned in a river in Ohio after attempting to rescue someone struggling to swim; a child ran for help.
- 5 dead after group enters Ohio river to help struggling swimmer
Five people died in Ohio's Scioto River after multiple individuals entered the water to assist a struggling swimmer. Two children under 10 were placed in family services following the incident. Rescue crews recovered two women and three men from the river.
- No, that LA28 refund email isn't a scam. Here's what you need to know
The LA28 Olympics organizing committee confirmed a legitimate refund for ticket purchasers at Intuit Dome and Columbus football matches due to erroneously charged local taxes. Refunds are under $11 for Intuit Dome tickets and under $40 for Columbus events, with options to accept online or receive a mailed check.
- See which cities are building the most apartments — and what it means for renters
Columbus, Ohio, and cities like Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, and Birmingham are experiencing significant increases in multifamily housing permits, contrasting with a national decline. These construction booms, driven by zoning reforms, could ease rental costs for residents over time.
- To promote more housing, cities and states target parking minimums
Cities and states are reducing or eliminating minimum parking requirements to address housing shortages, with 14 states enacting 34 related laws since 2019 and 116 cities removing mandates since 2017. Examples include Columbus, Ohio, and cities like Baltimore, Denver, and San Francisco. The reforms aim to lower development costs and increase affordable housing, though opponents argue they may worsen street congestion and fail to ensure affordability.
- Book bans, censorship, and funding fears challenge Ohio public school librarians
Ohio public school librarians are concerned about book bans, censorship, and funding cuts that threaten their employment. Proposed legislation to restrict student reading choices and reduced public school funding have led librarians to fear job instability, while lawmakers shifted funds to private school vouchers instead of sustaining the Fair School Funding Plan.
- To promote more housing, cities and states target parking minimums
Cities and states are reducing or eliminating parking minimums to address housing shortages, as these requirements increase development costs and hinder project feasibility. Since 2017, over 116 cities, including Baltimore and Denver, have removed such mandates, while 14 states have enacted 34 related laws. Critics argue reforms may worsen congestion and reduce accessibility, but proponents highlight affordability and efficiency gains.
- To promote more housing, cities and states target parking minimums
Cities and states are reducing or eliminating minimum parking requirements to address housing shortages and lower development costs. Since 2017, 116 cities, including Baltimore and San Francisco, have removed such mandates, while 14 states have enacted 34 related laws. Critics argue this may worsen congestion and harm accessibility for some groups, but proponents highlight affordability and project feasibility benefits.
- To promote more housing, cities and states target parking minimums
Cities and states are reducing or eliminating parking minimums to address housing shortages, with over 34 laws enacted since 2019 and 116 cities removing requirements. Critics argue this could worsen congestion and affordability, while supporters claim it lowers development costs and eases housing crises.
- Gamer trades in $1,000 of physical discs at GameStop, days after Sony announces end of disc era
A gamer in Columbus sold $1,000 worth of physical game discs at GameStop shortly after Sony announced the end of the disc era. The decision contrasts with collectors who plan to preserve their physical media.
- Across a Scorching Ohio, Residents Endure Breathtaking Heat
Residents in Ohio are enduring extreme heat during a heat wave. Construction workers in Columbus, Ohio, are among those affected by the high temperatures.
- Defansè imigran yo bay pwochen etap pou Ayisyen Ohio yo apre yo fin mete fen nan TPS la
The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian immigrants, affecting approximately 30,000 Haitians in Ohio. Defenders warn of dangerous conditions in Haiti, where gangs control 90% of the capital, and highlight economic contributions of TPS holders to Ohio's economy.
- ‘Heartbroken’ Lionel Richie postpones shows following illness during show
Lionel Richie postponed shows in Chicago and Columbus after being hospitalized during a June 24 performance in St. Paul. He is scheduled to perform again on June 30 in Pittsburgh. His diagnosis remains undisclosed.
- ‘Heartbroken’ Lionel Richie postpones shows following illness during show
Lionel Richie postponed shows in Chicago and Columbus after being hospitalized during a performance in St. Paul on June 24. He will next perform on June 30 in Pittsburgh, but rescheduled dates for the postponed shows were not yet announced.
- Ohio cities brace for impact of Supreme Court allowing Trump to take legal status away from Haitians
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump can end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, affecting Ohio cities like Columbus and Springfield, which face economic and social impacts from potential deportations. About 30,000 Haitians with temporary status live in central Ohio, and Springfield's economy could lose $300–400 million annually if deportations proceed.
- Dollar General manager shot, killed by customer buying $1.58 hamburger buns, police say
A Dollar General store manager in Georgia, Alexis Hill, was shot and killed by a customer during a transaction for $1.58 hamburger buns. The suspect, Jerome Willis, later opened fire on police officers and a K-9 before being killed. An officer and the K-9 were injured but are expected to recover.
- Southern but so Chicago: How RC Cola integrated into the city
RC Cola, originally from Columbus, Georgia, has become closely associated with Chicago, particularly linked to the city's thin crust pizza. Chicago is noted as the number one city in America for RC Cola's presence.
- A 5-week course and a guaranteed job: Meta commits $115 million to solve the skilled-trades shortage stalling its AI buildout
Meta is investing $115 million in a free five-week training program for data center technicians through a partnership with CBRE, the National Urban League, and others. The initiative aims to address the skilled-trades shortage impacting Meta's AI infrastructure, offering guaranteed jobs and industry-recognized credentials to participants with no prior experience required.
- Designer Brands: Fiscal Q1 Earnings Snapshot
Designer Brands Inc. reported a net income of $1.2 million in its fiscal first quarter, with profit of 2 cents per share and adjusted earnings of 7 cents per share. The company generated $696.4 million in revenue and expects full-year earnings of 28 to 38 cents per share.
- White Castle adds veggie burger to menu as plant-based eating grows
White Castle has permanently added the Southwest Veggie Slider to its menu in response to customer demand for meatless options. The burger features a crispy brown rice crust and a veggie patty made with sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, red bell peppers, onions, and carrots.
- Chattahoochee Riverkeeper files lawsuit over muddy water coming from Columbus construction site
The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper filed a federal lawsuit against SCorUSA, a Phenix City, Alabama-based developer, and the Aspire at Old Guard apartment complex in Columbus for alleged Clean Water Act violations. The lawsuit claims ongoing failure to control stormwater pollution from the construction site, which has damaged local waterways and aquatic life. City officials issued stop-work orders, but the environmental group argues local authorities have not adequately held the developers accountable.
- Columbus man who sexually abused non-verbal boy with autism sentenced to 35 years in prison
Christian Toms, a 47-year-old man from Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for child pornography crimes involving a non-verbal boy with autism. The sentencing occurred in U.S. District Court.
- Ohio State seeks to dismiss a third of the remaining sex abuse lawsuits
Ohio State University seeks to dismiss a third of the remaining sex abuse lawsuits. The university is located in Columbus. The lawsuits are related to sex abuse.