The Columbus Focal
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Independent local news for Columbus, OH. https://focalnews.org/columbus-oh
Luqmaan Cusmaan was killed Monday afternoon on Albert Avenue, near Alrahma Mosque. Police say the shooting was not an attack on the mosque and may have followed an altercation at a nearby apartment complex.
21-year-old killed in northeast Columbus shooting; police seek armed suspect
Luqmaan Cusmaan was killed Monday afternoon on Albert Avenue, near Alrahma Mosque. Police say the shooting was not an attack on the mosque and may have followed an altercation at a nearby apartment complex.
focalnews.org
October 20, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Luqmaan Cusmaan was killed Monday afternoon on Albert Avenue, near Alrahma Mosque. Police say the shooting was not an attack on the mosque and may have followed an altercation at a nearby apartment complex.
The city issued code and zoning notices over conditions at the long-vacant Cooper Stadium property. Its owner says it has removed dumpsters and graffiti and plans to seek more time for stacked shipping containers to remain on site.
Columbus cites Cooper Stadium owner as redevelopment site remains stalled
The city issued code and zoning notices over conditions at the long-vacant Cooper Stadium property. Its owner says it has removed dumpsters and graffiti and plans to seek more time for stacked shipping containers to remain on site.
focalnews.org
October 19, 2026 at 11:53 PM
The city issued code and zoning notices over conditions at the long-vacant Cooper Stadium property. Its owner says it has removed dumpsters and graffiti and plans to seek more time for stacked shipping containers to remain on site.
A new Lufthansa route will give central Ohio its first nonstop air connection to Europe, beginning May 5, 2027. The service will also connect Columbus travelers through Frankfurt to more than 300 destinations in the Lufthansa Group network.
Lufthansa to launch three weekly Columbus–Frankfurt flights in May 2027
A new Lufthansa route will give central Ohio its first nonstop air connection to Europe, beginning May 5, 2027. The service will also connect Columbus travelers through Frankfurt to more than 300 destinations in the Lufthansa Group network.
focalnews.org
October 19, 2026 at 3:33 PM
A new Lufthansa route will give central Ohio its first nonstop air connection to Europe, beginning May 5, 2027. The service will also connect Columbus travelers through Frankfurt to more than 300 destinations in the Lufthansa Group network.
A national data center boom is projected to bring $169 billion in investment to Ohio over three years, placing the state among the country’s biggest destinations. The scale of the buildout is raising questions about electricity costs, tax breaks and whether investment is being diverted from housing
Ohio Could See $169 Billion in Data Center Spending as Power and Housing Pressures Grow
A national data center boom is projected to bring $169 billion in investment to Ohio over three years, placing the state among the country’s biggest destinations. The scale of the buildout is raising questions about electricity costs, tax breaks and whether investment is being diverted from housing
focalnews.org
October 19, 2026 at 1:36 PM
A national data center boom is projected to bring $169 billion in investment to Ohio over three years, placing the state among the country’s biggest destinations. The scale of the buildout is raising questions about electricity costs, tax breaks and whether investment is being diverted from housing
Columbus City Council is considering a measure directing the city auditor to examine police and fire overtime spending ahead of the 2027 budget. Both divisions are nearly $8 million over their overtime budgets, while their unions report hundreds of unfilled positions.
Columbus proposal would audit overtime costs as public-safety staffing gaps persist
Columbus City Council is considering a measure directing the city auditor to examine police and fire overtime spending ahead of the 2027 budget. Both divisions are nearly $8 million over their overtime budgets, while their unions report hundreds of unfilled positions.
focalnews.org
October 19, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Columbus City Council is considering a measure directing the city auditor to examine police and fire overtime spending ahead of the 2027 budget. Both divisions are nearly $8 million over their overtime budgets, while their unions report hundreds of unfilled positions.
The share of Ohio occupations whose workers could afford a typical home with 10% down fell from 67% in 2020 to 26% in 2025, according to a National Housing Conference report. Mansfield had the state’s sharpest decline, as the income needed to qualify for a typical home there more than doubled.
Ohio workers increasingly priced out of buying homes, with Mansfield hit hardest
The share of Ohio occupations whose workers could afford a typical home with 10% down fell from 67% in 2020 to 26% in 2025, according to a National Housing Conference report. Mansfield had the state’s sharpest decline, as the income needed to qualify for a typical home there more than doubled.
focalnews.org
October 19, 2026 at 4:56 AM
The share of Ohio occupations whose workers could afford a typical home with 10% down fell from 67% in 2020 to 26% in 2025, according to a National Housing Conference report. Mansfield had the state’s sharpest decline, as the income needed to qualify for a typical home there more than doubled.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries campaigned in Toledo for Rep. Marcy Kaptur, calling the election environment favorable to Democrats as they seek to regain control of the House. He also criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to waive Russia sanctions and said lawmakers would pursue new
Jeffries backs Kaptur in Toledo-area race as Democrats target House majority
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries campaigned in Toledo for Rep. Marcy Kaptur, calling the election environment favorable to Democrats as they seek to regain control of the House. He also criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to waive Russia sanctions and said lawmakers would pursue new
focalnews.org
October 19, 2026 at 4:31 AM
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries campaigned in Toledo for Rep. Marcy Kaptur, calling the election environment favorable to Democrats as they seek to regain control of the House. He also criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to waive Russia sanctions and said lawmakers would pursue new
Several thousand people gathered at the Ohio Statehouse on Oct. 17 for a No Kings rally and downtown march focused on early voting and the Nov. 3 midterm election. Signs backed Ohio candidates Amy Acton and Sherrod Brown and criticized national and state political figures.
Columbus No Kings Rally Draws Thousands Ahead of Ohio’s Nov. 3 Midterms
Several thousand people gathered at the Ohio Statehouse on Oct. 17 for a No Kings rally and downtown march focused on early voting and the Nov. 3 midterm election. Signs backed Ohio candidates Amy Acton and Sherrod Brown and criticized national and state political figures.
focalnews.org
October 19, 2026 at 2:51 AM
Several thousand people gathered at the Ohio Statehouse on Oct. 17 for a No Kings rally and downtown march focused on early voting and the Nov. 3 midterm election. Signs backed Ohio candidates Amy Acton and Sherrod Brown and criticized national and state political figures.
Trey Morris, 21, was arrested Tuesday and faces felony charges tied to two Columbus shootings in 2025, including one that left a man paralyzed. Authorities have also said he was wanted in connection with a September shooting that seriously injured two people.
Columbus man faces charges in March and June shootings; authorities also sought him in September case
Trey Morris, 21, was arrested Tuesday and faces felony charges tied to two Columbus shootings in 2025, including one that left a man paralyzed. Authorities have also said he was wanted in connection with a September shooting that seriously injured two people.
focalnews.org
October 18, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Trey Morris, 21, was arrested Tuesday and faces felony charges tied to two Columbus shootings in 2025, including one that left a man paralyzed. Authorities have also said he was wanted in connection with a September shooting that seriously injured two people.
A bill introduced by state Sen. Bill DeMora would require helmets and state registration for e-bike and scooter riders, limit speeds on sidewalks and shared paths, and restrict younger riders. Rep. Eric Synenberg plans a separate proposal as lawmakers weigh safety rules ahead of the spring riding se
Ohio Proposal Would Require E-Bike Registration, Set Sidewalk Speed Limits
A bill introduced by state Sen. Bill DeMora would require helmets and state registration for e-bike and scooter riders, limit speeds on sidewalks and shared paths, and restrict younger riders. Rep. Eric Synenberg plans a separate proposal as lawmakers weigh safety rules ahead of the spring riding se
focalnews.org
October 17, 2026 at 1:36 AM
A bill introduced by state Sen. Bill DeMora would require helmets and state registration for e-bike and scooter riders, limit speeds on sidewalks and shared paths, and restrict younger riders. Rep. Eric Synenberg plans a separate proposal as lawmakers weigh safety rules ahead of the spring riding se
The German Village Commission approved part of a renovation plan for The Old Mohawk, including an expansion of its first-floor dining room. It rejected a proposal to replace the restaurant’s front windows and wants revised plans before moving ahead on roof dormers.
German Village Panel Backs Old Mohawk Dining-Room Addition, Rejects Window Replacement
The German Village Commission approved part of a renovation plan for The Old Mohawk, including an expansion of its first-floor dining room. It rejected a proposal to replace the restaurant’s front windows and wants revised plans before moving ahead on roof dormers.
focalnews.org
October 16, 2026 at 7:53 AM
The German Village Commission approved part of a renovation plan for The Old Mohawk, including an expansion of its first-floor dining room. It rejected a proposal to replace the restaurant’s front windows and wants revised plans before moving ahead on roof dormers.
Franklin County Job and Family Services’ average wait to reach a caseworker has risen from less than 20 minutes to more than an hour, while its call answer rate has fallen. Advocates warn that new Medicaid requirements scheduled for January could add pressure to an already strained system.
Franklin County benefit call waits top an hour as federal rules add workload
Franklin County Job and Family Services’ average wait to reach a caseworker has risen from less than 20 minutes to more than an hour, while its call answer rate has fallen. Advocates warn that new Medicaid requirements scheduled for January could add pressure to an already strained system.
focalnews.org
October 16, 2026 at 12:35 AM
Franklin County Job and Family Services’ average wait to reach a caseworker has risen from less than 20 minutes to more than an hour, while its call answer rate has fallen. Advocates warn that new Medicaid requirements scheduled for January could add pressure to an already strained system.
GasBuddy reported Columbus’ average price rose from $3.88 a gallon Monday to more than $4 by Thursday, despite Ohio’s 90-day gas-tax pause. A petroleum analyst said a refinery problem in Illinois helped drive the increase and forecast prices could ease in the coming days.
Columbus gas average passes $4 after Illinois refinery issue
GasBuddy reported Columbus’ average price rose from $3.88 a gallon Monday to more than $4 by Thursday, despite Ohio’s 90-day gas-tax pause. A petroleum analyst said a refinery problem in Illinois helped drive the increase and forecast prices could ease in the coming days.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 11:31 PM
GasBuddy reported Columbus’ average price rose from $3.88 a gallon Monday to more than $4 by Thursday, despite Ohio’s 90-day gas-tax pause. A petroleum analyst said a refinery problem in Illinois helped drive the increase and forecast prices could ease in the coming days.
Authorities say nine children, ages 1 to 13, were found living in unsafe conditions at a home in Licking County’s Etna Township. The two adults charged deny or are accused of the allegations, and the sheriff’s investigation is continuing.
Two adults charged after nine children removed from Etna Township home
Authorities say nine children, ages 1 to 13, were found living in unsafe conditions at a home in Licking County’s Etna Township. The two adults charged deny or are accused of the allegations, and the sheriff’s investigation is continuing.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Authorities say nine children, ages 1 to 13, were found living in unsafe conditions at a home in Licking County’s Etna Township. The two adults charged deny or are accused of the allegations, and the sheriff’s investigation is continuing.
The Oct. 16-18 marathon weekend is expected to draw more than 100,000 people downtown, with closures beginning Friday and course-related traffic restrictions Sunday. COTA says about 18 bus lines and more than 800 stops will be affected Sunday.
Columbus Marathon weekend will reroute buses and close streets across the city
The Oct. 16-18 marathon weekend is expected to draw more than 100,000 people downtown, with closures beginning Friday and course-related traffic restrictions Sunday. COTA says about 18 bus lines and more than 800 stops will be affected Sunday.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 8:37 PM
The Oct. 16-18 marathon weekend is expected to draw more than 100,000 people downtown, with closures beginning Friday and course-related traffic restrictions Sunday. COTA says about 18 bus lines and more than 800 stops will be affected Sunday.
Three different Crew players scored in a 3-1 comeback win Wednesday, while Columbus matched its franchise record for shots in a regular-season game. Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made 11 saves despite the loss.
Columbus rallies past Charlotte as 33-shot barrage matches regular-season record
Three different Crew players scored in a 3-1 comeback win Wednesday, while Columbus matched its franchise record for shots in a regular-season game. Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made 11 saves despite the loss.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 4:53 PM
Three different Crew players scored in a 3-1 comeback win Wednesday, while Columbus matched its franchise record for shots in a regular-season game. Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made 11 saves despite the loss.
Central Ohio Primary Care says names, Social Security numbers, financial details and limited health information were affected. The practice plans to notify people by mail and provide credit and dark-web monitoring.
COPC says August cyberattack exposed personal data of 1.4 million people
Central Ohio Primary Care says names, Social Security numbers, financial details and limited health information were affected. The practice plans to notify people by mail and provide credit and dark-web monitoring.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Central Ohio Primary Care says names, Social Security numbers, financial details and limited health information were affected. The practice plans to notify people by mail and provide credit and dark-web monitoring.
The U.S. Postal Service intercepted a letter containing an unknown white powder that was intended for Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office. The FBI and Postal Inspection Service are investigating similar mailings as early voting gets underway in Ohio.
Ohio election office targeted in nationwide suspicious-mail investigation, FBI says
The U.S. Postal Service intercepted a letter containing an unknown white powder that was intended for Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office. The FBI and Postal Inspection Service are investigating similar mailings as early voting gets underway in Ohio.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 3:13 PM
The U.S. Postal Service intercepted a letter containing an unknown white powder that was intended for Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office. The FBI and Postal Inspection Service are investigating similar mailings as early voting gets underway in Ohio.
An Ohio appeals court upheld a ruling against the state’s expanded EdChoice voucher programs, finding they divert resources from public schools while funding private schools with less oversight. The decision is stayed during an expected further appeal, so the programs remain in effect for now.
Ohio appeals court says expanded EdChoice vouchers violate state school mandate
An Ohio appeals court upheld a ruling against the state’s expanded EdChoice voucher programs, finding they divert resources from public schools while funding private schools with less oversight. The decision is stayed during an expected further appeal, so the programs remain in effect for now.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 2:49 PM
An Ohio appeals court upheld a ruling against the state’s expanded EdChoice voucher programs, finding they divert resources from public schools while funding private schools with less oversight. The decision is stayed during an expected further appeal, so the programs remain in effect for now.
Sunbury voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to amend the city charter to bar large data centers, a measure that could halt a proposed Amazon campus. The campaign centers on concerns about energy and water use, noise and pollution, while city leaders have cited investment and jobs as potential benefits
Sunbury ballot measure could block proposed $2 billion Amazon data center
Sunbury voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to amend the city charter to bar large data centers, a measure that could halt a proposed Amazon campus. The campaign centers on concerns about energy and water use, noise and pollution, while city leaders have cited investment and jobs as potential benefits
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 1:40 PM
Sunbury voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to amend the city charter to bar large data centers, a measure that could halt a proposed Amazon campus. The campaign centers on concerns about energy and water use, noise and pollution, while city leaders have cited investment and jobs as potential benefits
Licking County deputies removed nine children, ages 1 to 13, from an Etna Township home after a school district referral prompted an investigation into alleged abuse and unsafe living conditions. Two adults have been charged with child endangerment and deny or have not yet answered the allegations i
Nine children removed from Etna Township home; two adults face endangerment charges
Licking County deputies removed nine children, ages 1 to 13, from an Etna Township home after a school district referral prompted an investigation into alleged abuse and unsafe living conditions. Two adults have been charged with child endangerment and deny or have not yet answered the allegations i
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 12:34 PM
Licking County deputies removed nine children, ages 1 to 13, from an Etna Township home after a school district referral prompted an investigation into alleged abuse and unsafe living conditions. Two adults have been charged with child endangerment and deny or have not yet answered the allegations i
First responders and medical professionals practiced treating and evacuating injured people in the Hocking Hills, where reaching a patient can take more than 20 minutes. The training focused on lifesaving care that must begin before a patient arrives at a regional hospital.
Logan conference drills Ohio crews in remote trauma care and rope rescue
First responders and medical professionals practiced treating and evacuating injured people in the Hocking Hills, where reaching a patient can take more than 20 minutes. The training focused on lifesaving care that must begin before a patient arrives at a regional hospital.
focalnews.org
October 15, 2026 at 12:24 AM
First responders and medical professionals practiced treating and evacuating injured people in the Hocking Hills, where reaching a patient can take more than 20 minutes. The training focused on lifesaving care that must begin before a patient arrives at a regional hospital.
The Franklinton Area Commission voted 8-1 against advancing demolition of the former Holy Family School, but the binding decision rests with the East Franklinton Review Board. The Catholic Diocese says renovating the vacant building could cost about $20 million and cites safety concerns; the board h
Franklinton Panel Rejects Demolition Permit for Former Holy Family School
The Franklinton Area Commission voted 8-1 against advancing demolition of the former Holy Family School, but the binding decision rests with the East Franklinton Review Board. The Catholic Diocese says renovating the vacant building could cost about $20 million and cites safety concerns; the board h
focalnews.org
October 14, 2026 at 9:47 PM
The Franklinton Area Commission voted 8-1 against advancing demolition of the former Holy Family School, but the binding decision rests with the East Franklinton Review Board. The Catholic Diocese says renovating the vacant building could cost about $20 million and cites safety concerns; the board h
A Scioto Analysis review found that requiring new data centers to generate their own power with 90% renewables would deliver the strongest modeled public benefits, with a moratorium on new construction ranking second. The findings come as Ohio weighs the electricity demand, pollution and public subs
Ohio Data Center Study Favors Renewable-Powered Sites or Halt to New Builds
A Scioto Analysis review found that requiring new data centers to generate their own power with 90% renewables would deliver the strongest modeled public benefits, with a moratorium on new construction ranking second. The findings come as Ohio weighs the electricity demand, pollution and public subs
focalnews.org
October 14, 2026 at 12:20 AM
A Scioto Analysis review found that requiring new data centers to generate their own power with 90% renewables would deliver the strongest modeled public benefits, with a moratorium on new construction ranking second. The findings come as Ohio weighs the electricity demand, pollution and public subs
Columbus City Schools is considering closures, mergers and building moves for 2027-28 and 2028-29 as it works to reduce spending by at least $50 million. The proposals are not final, and district leaders say community input and further Board of Education review will precede decisions.
Columbus schools outline possible campus shifts as district seeks another $50 million in cuts
Columbus City Schools is considering closures, mergers and building moves for 2027-28 and 2028-29 as it works to reduce spending by at least $50 million. The proposals are not final, and district leaders say community input and further Board of Education review will precede decisions.
focalnews.org
October 13, 2026 at 10:25 PM
Columbus City Schools is considering closures, mergers and building moves for 2027-28 and 2028-29 as it works to reduce spending by at least $50 million. The proposals are not final, and district leaders say community input and further Board of Education review will precede decisions.