🍽️ Food pantries brace for devastating SNAP cuts in federal budget. Senate Republicans narrowly passed a reconciliation bill that could slash SNAP benefits by $300 billion, potentially affecting one in four recipients. New restrictions target work requirements and remove protections for vulnerable populations like veterans and homeless individuals. The Broad Street Presbyterian food pantry in Columbus is already seeing increased demand, serving 22% more households in 2024 than last year. Director Kathy Kelly-Long warns they may soon struggle to feed everyone if families lose critical grocery assistance.
Read more
⚖️ Columbus pays $800,000 to protesters claiming police brutality. The settlement resolves a federal lawsuit brought by six individuals who alleged Columbus police injured them during 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. Four protesters, a street medic, and a legal observer claimed they were struck with tear gas canisters, knee knocker bullets, or physically assaulted by officers. This brings Columbus' total payout for lawsuits related to the racial justice movement to over $6.5 million. City officials pointed to subsequent reforms, including creating a Civilian Police Review Board and restricting use of force against non-violent protesters.
Read more
🌡️ Columbus July 4th weather swings from scorching to surprisingly cool. Historical records dating back to 1878 reveal Independence Day temperatures have ranged dramatically from a blistering 104°F (1911) to a chilly morning low of 47°F (1968). Despite these extremes, the typical Columbus Fourth features comfortable summer conditions with average highs of 84°F and lows of 64°F. Most years see minimal rainfall, with an average precipitation of just 0.12 inches, though the wettest July 4th (1984) recorded 1.38 inches. This year, residents should prepare for temperatures climbing into the 90s over the holiday weekend.
Read more
0%
Elegant West Albany Dream Home: Priced at $498,880, this rare Upper Albany West home features soaring ceilings, chef's kitchen, primary bedroom on first floor, and a bonus room easily convertible to fourth bedroom, all minutes from New Albany, Westerville and Hoover Reservoir.
Spacious double lot near trails: This charming $350,000 property offers three bedrooms, a full bath with soaker tub, and proximity to Uptown Westerville and Olde Town Park Trail. The double lot includes an oversized two-car garage and shed for ample space.
Spacious villa near everything: Priced at $375,000, this well-maintained Canterbury Woods villa offers 1,500 square feet of vaulted ceilings, open-concept living, and community amenities including a pool—all within a quiet neighborhood close to shops and dining.