Mike Foley

Columbus, Franklin County, and Ohio State University officials today celebrated the opening of the Age-Friendly Innovation Center. The center will blend university research with the expertise of older residents to make communities more livable.  

Authorities say the multi-jurisdictional task force deployed to address the reckless operation of ATVs and dirt bikes in Columbus and Franklin County made 11 arrests, impounded 11 vehicles, and recovered five guns last weekend.

Columbus officials say they're expanding a pilot program that offered a more appropriate response to certain emergency calls and reduced reliance on police and fire personnel. Over a four-week period this summer, a "Triage Pod" consisting of a social worker, emergency communications dispatcher and paramedic handled 9-1-1 calls involving mental health, addiction and other social determinants of health.

The city of Columbus plans to increase the penalties for illegal and dangerous ATV and dirt bike riding and work with other Franklin County jurisdictions on enforcement. Columbus City Council members say they've received hundreds of calls about reckless activity on city streets and in neighborhoods.

Columbus will receive $25 million from the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant program to support the city's Crossroads Project.

Several Juneteenth celebrations take place Saturday. The city of Columbus and the King Arts Complex host Juneteenth Freedom Day, which will feature food, games, music, health screenings, COVID-19 vaccinations, along with higher education and information sessions. The Phenix Banquet Center hosts its second annual Juneteenth Community Festival.

Central Ohio health officials are issuing an urgent call for blood donations as hospitals in the region are approaching critical shortages.

A special prosecutor charged three Columbus police officers Wednesday for alleged misconduct in their handling of demonstrators during the protests last summer following the killing of George Floyd.

Columbus Metropolitan Library and Columbus Recreation & Parks Department have partnered again to provide students with free lunches and snacks at 15 library locations.

Special Olympics Ohio competitions return this month with a different look and more athletes. The summer games typically include about 3,000 athletes for a weekend of events on Ohio State's campus. With Summer Games Reimagined, more than 5,500 athletes will compete in 80 events in their own communities throughout the state.

Columbus officials introduced the city's next police chief today. Elaine Bryant spent 21 years with Detroit's division. Bryant described herself as having a calling to serve the community and be a positive change. 

Columbus Police continue investigating Saturday’s shooting at Bicentennial Park that left a 16-year-old girl dead and five other teenagers and young adults wounded.

Tina Turner, Carole King, The Go-Go’s, JAY-Z, Foo Fighters, and Todd Rundgren headline the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum's Class of 2021. With 13 inductees, it's one of the largest and most diverse classes in the museum's history.

Columbus Mayor Andy Ginther today committed another $10 million to the city's affordable housing efforts and announced two other related programs.

As part of Older Americans Month, Ohio's Department of Aging seeks stories from residents revealing the many ways older adults and their communities are connected. The department will collect and share Stories of Strength, which can be about organizations or individuals who overcame challenges to meet an older adult's needs.

A Black-led collective of legal, faith, community, and movement leaders demands a federal investigation into the Columbus Division of Police. The Columbus Police Accountability Coalition says the division's long-standing patterns of violence and misconduct against Black people must be investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church hosts a health and wellness event Saturday, May 1 featuring free cancer screenings, COVID vaccinations, and other health evaluations.

United Way of Central Ohio's Board of Directors approved $7.6 million in funding for 93 nonprofits in the region to help the groups meet basic needs and improve student success.

As Cleveland gets ready to host NFL Draft next week, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum introduces an exhibit honoring the history of the Super Bowl Halftime Show and its legendary performers. The Biggest Show on Turf: 55 Years of Halftime Shows opens April 24.