Franklin County • May 29, 2025
Good morning, Franklin County. Columbus is pedaling toward a greener future with the unveiling of 11 bike and pedestrian projects set to transform the city's landscape by 2026. These LinkUS transit initiative improvements—ranging from trail segments to linear parks—represent the first tangible results from the sales tax increase that began collection this spring. While construction crews prepare to break ground, milkshake enthusiasts are already lining up as Pittsburgh's beloved MilkShake Factory has officially opened its doors near Ohio State, bringing its frozen treats to eager university students and locals alike.
Amid these developments, our community faces a heartbreaking reminder of society's darkest corners. The Franklin County Coroner has officially ruled six-year-old Eva Bretz's death a homicide following revelations of extensive abuse. The tragedy has left many residents grappling with profound grief while authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this devastating case.
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🚲 Columbus unveils first 11 bike and pedestrian projects for 2026. The projects are part of the LinkUS transit initiative, funded by a recently approved sales tax increase that began collection in April. Projects include trail segments, shared-use paths, sidewalks, and linear parks across Columbus and surrounding areas like Grove City and Westerville. These improvements complement COTA's larger transit plans, which include three Bus Rapid Transit corridors scheduled to open between 2028 and 2031. Progress reports on LinkUS initiatives will be published three times yearly to keep the public informed.
🥤 Columbus welcomes its first MilkShake Factory near Ohio State. The growing milkshake shop chain has officially opened its doors in the university area, bringing its popular frozen treats to Central Ohio. This marks the brand's expansion into Columbus after previously launching locations in other markets, including Cincinnati. The new establishment joins other recent food and beverage openings in the region, adding to the diverse dining options available to Ohio State students and local residents.
💔 Six-year-old Eva Bretz died from horrific abuse and violence. The autopsy revealed blunt force trauma, a severed liver, strangulation injuries, and evidence of sexual assault, with injuries indicating a "pattern of violence" lasting weeks or months. Traces of fentanyl were also found in Eva's system. Her mother, Ashley Fagan, faces multiple charges including murder and permitting child abuse, while her boyfriend Blake Hutchinson, who was also charged, died by suicide earlier this month. The Franklin County Coroner officially ruled Eva's death a homicide.
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