Franklin County • April 24, 2025
Good morning, Franklin County. The air we breathe has become a pressing concern as Columbus plummets to 54th worst in the nation for particle pollution, earning a failing grade in the American Lung Association's latest report. This dramatic slide from last year's 124th ranking serves as a stark reminder of how environmental factors directly impact our health, from triggering asthma attacks to contributing to more serious cardiovascular conditions – all while Mayor Ginther tackles another crisis with a proposed $500 million bond package to address the city's staggering 53,000-unit affordable housing deficit.
Meanwhile, Hollywood's spotlight is shining on local talent as film productions actively cast in Columbus. From the short film "Cannoli" to feature films like "Lowball" and "Dirty Rose," opportunities abound for aspiring actors with hourly rates ranging from $19 to $75. These productions searching for both lead and supporting roles could be the big break local performers have been waiting for – proving creative opportunities can flourish even amid urban challenges.
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😷 Columbus air quality plummets to dangerous levels in new report. The American Lung Association's 2025 "State of the Air" report shows Columbus received an "F" grade for particle pollution, ranking as the 54th worst city in the nation. This marks a significant decline from last year when the city ranked 124th with a "B" grade for 24-hour particle pollution. While Columbus improved in smog levels with a "C" grade, health experts warn these pollutants can cause premature death, asthma attacks, heart problems, and even lung cancer.
🏠 Columbus faces housing crisis with 53,000-unit affordable housing deficit. Mayor Ginther proposed a $500 million bond package for the November ballot to address the shortage, pledging to build 100,000 housing units in Columbus over the next decade. The city plans to launch a Division of Housing Stability this summer and create registries for vacant properties and wholesalers to ensure accountability. Ginther also outlined a Relocation Assistance Code requiring landlords to cover costs for tenants displaced by emergency vacate orders, highlighting housing as a top priority alongside "safety, mobility and prosperity."
🎬 Hollywood dreams are casting in Columbus right now. Backstage has compiled a list of film and TV productions seeking actors in the Columbus area and beyond. Current opportunities include roles in the short film "Cannoli" and feature films like "Lowball" and "Dirty Rose," with average hourly rates ranging from $19 to $75. Projects are casting in Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis, and nationwide, offering opportunities for both lead and supporting roles across various age ranges. Aspiring actors can find detailed information about each production through Backstage's resources.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Marion-Franklin (5-5) | ||
@ Whetstone | L 17-0 | |
Whetstone (11-4) | ||
vs Marion-Franklin | W 17-0 | |
Graham Local (8-4) | ||
@ Northwestern | W 18-4 |
North Union's bats were on fire as they torched Dublin Jerome 11-2 in a non-league slugfest. The Wildcats (9-8) showed no mercy to the winless Celtics (0-11), who might need to consult actual Celtic druids for some magical intervention before facing Olentangy Berlin next.In a wild back-and-forth affair, Westland edged Whitehall-Yearling 14-13, giving scorekeepers carpal tunnel and fans heart palpitations. The Cougars improved to 4-14 while the Rams (6-8) were left wondering what might have been in a game where defense apparently took the day off.Northwestern squeezed past Graham Local 4-1 in a pitching-dominated league matchup. The Warriors (8-6) kept their composure in the tight contest, while the Falcons (2-7) now face the unenviable task of regrouping before facing a North Union squad fresh off their own dominant performance.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Independence (0-6) | ||
@ Lewisville** | L 4-1 | |
Hilliard Davidson (6-9) | ||
@ Canal Winchester | W 16-4 | |
Dublin Jerome (0-11) | ||
@ North Union | L 11-2 | |
Whitehall-Yearling (6-8) | ||
vs Westland | L 14-13 | |
Canal Winchester (8-6) | ||
vs Hilliard Davidson | L 16-4 | |
Graham Local (2-7) | ||
@ Northwestern | L 4-1 |
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