Columbus News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Columbus City Schools faced scrutiny after an internal audit flagged questionable executive pay raises, sparking confusion and debate over approvals and transparency. While the Ohio Auditor of State found no illegal activity and confirmed the raises followed proper procedures, they urged stronger internal controls to prevent conflicts of interest. Officials called the process “messy,” even as they...

A bipartisan group of sitting and retired judges hit the road across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan on a mission to reconnect with communities and defend judicial independence. Facing rising political attacks on the courts, they traveled to classrooms and town squares, read to kids, brought their dogs along, and shared personal stories about how threats to the judiciary ripple through their fami...

Columbus is making strides in reducing gun violence through proactive community efforts led by the Office of Violence Prevention and the Columbus Urban League, who mentor youth, mediate conflicts, and connect families—with data guiding where help is most needed. But shrinking budgets threaten these gains, as federal pandemic funds dwindle and local agencies like the Urban League face steep cuts, f...

A chilling plot to assassinate the president and other top officials during a UFC event in D.C. was foiled thanks to a tip from a concerned citizen. Eight men, indicted for allegedly planning a mass casualty attack using drones, explosives, and firearms, were arrested after months of online coordination and weapon procurement. Investigators say the plan was serious and imminent — one suspect had a...

A bright, beloved 21-year-old soccer goalkeeper from Gahanna Lincoln, Tobias “Toby” Forsythe, tragically passed away during summer break, leaving his UMass Lowell team and community heartbroken. Known for his relentless work ethic, infectious positivity, and knack for lifting teammates’ spirits—even through freestyle raps in the car—Toby was more than a star player; he was a friend who made everyo...

LeBron’s free agency reignites the Cavs dream—but don’t sleep on Denver, Minnesota, or Philly if he lands elsewhere. A lower pay could supercharge Cleveland’s roster, but LeBron’s legacy might crave a fourth title with a new squad. Meanwhile, Urban Meyer’s top-five coaches list? It’s all about curiosity, not crown contenders. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.co...

Sixteen children found in horrific conditions in Ohio spark national outrage as authorities uncover a shocking case of systemic failure—none enrolled in school, no homeschool records, and all born in state hospitals. Lawmakers from both parties demand answers and are pushing for AI-driven red flag systems to prevent future tragedies, while emergency funding of $1 million is being considered to car...

Sixteen children were found in horrific, neglectful conditions in a Vinton County, Ohio home—so bad authorities say some were near death. First responder Captain Jeremiah Griffith drove four kids to the hospital, noting their stunned silence and visible signs of abuse like scratches and bug bites. The house was filthy, cluttered, and smelled overwhelmingly foul—so bad he compared it to livestock t...

Get ready for a circus-fueled twist on the classic musical “Pippin” as the Hilliard Arts Council brings this 1972 hit to life at Hilliard Darby High School this weekend. Inspired by the recent Broadway revival, the show dazzles with aerial acrobatics and dazzling spectacle alongside the beloved story of a prince’s quest for purpose. Beyond this production, the Hilliard Arts Council offers a vibran...

When words fail, tech steps in—Ohio State’s speech lab is helping nonverbal patients find their voice through eye-tracking apps, symbol boards, and AI-powered sentence builders, all often covered by insurance. Real-world impact shines in Vinton County, where rescued children’s communication needs exposed systemic gaps, while Ohio law now mandates assistive tech for courts and child welfare. Inspir...

A viral video shows a man allegedly throwing something at a dog lounging on a porch, sparking outrage across central Ohio. Columbus Humane is investigating but cautioning against speculation, as the case remains open and premature details could complicate legal proceedings. The organization, known for a 90%+ conviction rate in animal cruelty cases, is urging patience while they gather evidence and...

Sixteen kids ripped from their home in Hamden after parents—married as teens in 2008—now ignite a national reckoning on child marriage. Despite laws changing in 2019 to raise the minimum age to 18, loopholes still allow minors to wed, leaving them legally vulnerable and trapped in abusive relationships. Advocates demand a complete ban on under-18 marriages, backed by Senate Bill 341—already passed...

Columbus police camera data was found to have fueled over 15,000 searches potentially tied to immigration enforcement — including hundreds by federal agencies — even after a filter was installed, with 1,700 still slipping through. Officials admit the broad categories used, like “Homeland Security,” can include unrelated cases, but argue safeguards exist to balance public safety and privacy. While...

Get ready to savor the future of fine dining in Dublin, Ohio—NomaEN, a sleek omakase experience and private cocktail lounge, is set to open in spring or summer 2027 in the historic Oscar’s space. Led by Chef Taishi Noma and entrepreneur Josh Weprin, this intimate, 10-seat omakase counter will feature chef-curated Japanese meals, while The Den offers elevated comfort food and drinks. With roots in...

Flash flood warning is active for southern Delaware County and northeast Franklin County—rain’s coming down fast and could cause major flooding in Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, Gahanna, Worthington, Powell, and Easton. Don’t drive through flooded roads—just turn around. Even a few inches of moving water can sweep a car away. Stay safe, stay alert, and avoid the water. Listen in comfort: Get a dis...

Monica Téllez-Fowler, COTA’s top executive, is a finalist for the lead role at Dallas Area Rapid Transit — a major transit system — as COTA launches its biggest project yet, LinkUS, aimed at transforming Columbus’s transit network. Téllez-Fowler, who stepped in after Dorinda McCombs’ abrupt exit (details unclear), has already driven LinkUS since April. With deep Dallas ties — she grew up there, st...

Teen Arrested in Hilltop Shooting | Columbus News

Central Ohio braces for a soaking weekend as showers and thunderstorms roll in Friday through Sunday, with heavy downpours risking flash floods—especially south of Columbus. A Flood Watch is in effect through Saturday night, urging residents near rivers or in low-lying areas to stay alert. While Columbus itself won’t see widespread severe weather, scattered storms and warm temps (around 87°F) are...

Ohio just cracked down hard on catalytic converter theft with a new felony law—making it a serious crime to buy or sell stolen converters, forcing scrap yards to verify sellers and keep tighter records, all aimed at shutting down the underground market and giving law enforcement real teeth to stop this costly crime that’s left drivers frustrated and wallets bleeding. Listen in comfort: Get a disco...

Seventy-seven-year-old Donna Granados was found dead in the Hocking River after being reported missing earlier this week; divers located her body near Goodwin Avenue, and authorities are now investigating the circumstances of her death while urging the public for patience and cooperation. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: adve...

Ohio’s governor’s race has flipped to a dead heat as Vivek Ramaswamy and Amy Acton battle it out in a high-stakes, money-fueled showdown. Once seen as leaning Republican, the state now shows equal footing, with both candidates hammering each other on policy and identity—Ramaswamy attacking Acton’s pandemic leadership, Acton countering by calling him out of touch. Ramaswamy’s deep pockets are on fu...

Jeff’s Donuts just made its grand debut in Columbus, Ohio — their first location outside Kentucky and Indiana — with a booming opening day, a city proclamation declaring July 8 “Jeff’s Donuts Day,” and plans to expand further across central Ohio. Run by local Columbus entrepreneurs Jeff and Shelia Runkle, the 24/7 donut shop is already drawing crowds and creating new jobs, with company president W...

Dublin’s riverfront is about to get a major makeover with the greenlight of the Bridge North project — five new buildings, including a 150-room hotel, offices, 296 apartments, and a five-story garage, all centered around a lively public plaza, turning the Scioto River Neighborhood into a vibrant, walkable hub for living, working, and shopping, with construction set to begin this year. Listen in co...

Sixteen children rescued from horrific, squalid conditions in a Vinton County, Ohio home are now at the center of a shocking case of prolonged family neglect — not trafficking — as four Siders family members face felony charges. The children, crammed into a 12x12 foot room amid feces and bacterial contamination, were reportedly hidden from authorities and denied basic needs like schooling and medi...

Major multi-vehicle crash blocks I-270 South near Easton Way this morning—traffic gridlocked, one injured, rain suspected as factor, crews still investigating Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View...