Good morning, Franklin County. Two and a half newspapers disappear weekly across America—a statistic that hits home with the Columbus Messenger chain's closure after more than 50 years of service. As Central Ohio's once-vibrant print landscape shrinks to just one daily paper, new models are emerging through hyperlocal publications like the Clintonville Spotlight and nonprofit newsrooms such as Signal Ohio, creating fresh hope for community journalism amid this nationwide crisis.
Meanwhile, the Moritz family's battle with Ohio State University continues as their provision allowing donors to sue universities over endowment management failed again, despite claims that OSU mismanaged a $30 million donation. On a livelier note, the 53-year-old ComFest returns to Goodale Park this weekend, bringing seven stages of local music, community activism, and the chance to earn that coveted volunteer t-shirt while sipping Seventh Son's signature Weedeater Draft.
🌤 Sky Skoop | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
0%
☕️ What's Brewing Locally
📰 Local newspapers are vanishing across America at an alarming rate. The Columbus Messenger chain's closure after 50+ years highlights a nationwide crisis where two and a half newspapers disappear weekly. Central Ohio's once-vibrant print media landscape has collapsed to just one daily paper, creating accountability gaps in local governance. While traditional models falter, some hope emerges through hyperlocal publications like the Clintonville Spotlight and nonprofit digital newsrooms such as Signal Ohio, which are developing alternative models for community journalism.
💰 Ohio rejects law allowing donors to sue colleges over endowments. The Moritz family's latest attempt to change legislation failed despite their claim that Ohio State University mismanaged a $30 million donation intended for law school scholarships. Jeff Moritz discovered OSU never provided the promised 30 annual scholarships during the 19 years since his father's donation, while the endowment's value declined from $30.3 million to $21.9 million. OSU disputes these claims, stating they've committed to funding 30 Moritz scholars annually since 2020. The provision allowing donors to sue has passed the Ohio Senate four times but never became law.
🎭 Columbus's beloved ComFest returns to Goodale Park this weekend. The 53-year-old Community Festival brings together over 200 performances across seven stages, featuring local music, activism, and Columbus's unique community spirit from June 27-29. Visitors can enjoy Seventh Son's signature Weedeater Draft while supporting ComFest's Community Grants Program, participate in family-friendly activities at KiDSART, or volunteer to earn the coveted festival t-shirt. The entirely volunteer-run celebration operates Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m. and Sunday until 6 p.m., with a strict no-pets and no-BYOB policy.
🎤 Featured Event of the Week
Blooms & Butterflies
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 1777 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43203
When: February 22, 2025 - July 6, 2025
🦋 Experience the magical world of free-flying butterflies at the beloved Blooms & Butterflies exhibition, returning to Franklin Park Conservatory. From February 22 to July 6, 2025, visitors can stroll through the Pacific Island Water Garden Biome where hundreds of colorful, exotic butterflies soar overhead, bask on plants, and sip nectar from vibrant blooms. This warm tropical haven offers a stunning immersive experience as guests find themselves surrounded by both lush flora and delicate winged creatures in constant, graceful motion. The long-running exhibition has become a Columbus tradition, offering a perfect escape into a butterfly paradise regardless of the weather outside.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Affordable investor gem near library: This investor special in Linden offers a 3-bedroom home with full basement for $105,000, positioned strategically across from the new library and community garden in one of Columbus' rapidly developing neighborhoods.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
|
|