Saturday, March 14, 2026
Home Blog Page 13

Columbus Parks and Recreation Announces 2026 Fee Increase

0

Columbus Recreation and Parks will raise facility and program fees in 2026 to cover rising costs in staffing, maintenance, and utilities while maintaining safe and high-quality city parks.

Columbus Recreation and Parks fees 2026
Columbus Parks and Recreation Announces 2026 Fee Increases

Columbus Recreation and Parks fees 2026

Starting in 2026, residents and visitors will notice higher fees at Columbus city parks and recreation facilities. Columbus Recreation and Parks Director Bernita Reese explained that the increases are necessary due to rising costs in staffing, maintenance, and utilities.

โ€œWhile we always strive to do more with less, maintaining the quality of services requires adjustments,โ€ said Reese.

Most fees are set to increase this year, including pool admissions, which will triple from $1 to $3. The fee adjustments help the department manage soaring costs while continuing to provide safe and well-maintained facilities. For example, pool chemical expenses alone have grown from nearly $70,000 in 2022 to $145,000 in 2025.

Reese noted that the cityโ€™s expanded park system and recent renovations have also contributed to higher operating costs. In 2025, utilities exceeded $5 million, and personnel costs accounted for more than $30 million, representing over half of the departmentโ€™s annual budget.

Additional fee increases will affect tournament field rentals, golf course fees, and open-air shelter rentals. While 75% of the departmentโ€™s budget comes from general tax revenue, the remaining 25% relies on revenue from programs, classes, and facility rentals. In 2024, the department spent over $77 million and generated more than $16 million in revenue.

Reese emphasized that the fee increases are not profit-driven but aimed at covering operational costs while keeping facilities safe and accessible. Some fees, including adult and senior program charges, will remain unchanged until the department gathers community feedback and reassesses the situation in fall 2026.

The department plans to host community meetings in the coming months to involve residents, particularly seniors and adult program participants, in discussions about potential future fee adjustments.


Followย Dalmar TVย onย Facebookย for theย Latestย News

Pedestrian Killed in Northeast Columbus Hit-and-Run

0

A pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run crash Monday night in northeast Columbus. Police are investigating and seeking public assistance.

Pedestrian Killed in Northeast Columbus Hit-and-Run
Police investigate a fatal pedestrian crash in the North Linden neighborhood of northeast Columbus.

Pedestrian Killed in Northeast Columbus Hit-and-Run

A pedestrian was killed Monday night after being hit by a vehicle while using a marked crosswalk in northeast Columbus.

Columbus police say the incident happened around 10:15 p.m. at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Eddystone Avenue in the North Linden area. The victim was crossing the street when a vehicle traveling southbound on Cleveland Avenue struck them.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Withdraws From 2026 Gubernatorial Race

Authorities report the driver did not stop and fled the scene. The pedestrian was pronounced dead shortly after emergency crews arrived.

The Columbus Police Accident Investigation Unit is handling the case, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information to contact the Columbus Division of Police or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (7488).


Followย Dalmar TVย onย Facebookย for theย Latestย News

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Withdraws From 2026 Gubernatorial Race

0

Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz says he will not seek a third term, citing fraud concerns, rising political tensions, and a need to focus fully on governing.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Withdraws From 2026 Gubernatorial Race
Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz says he will step aside in 2026 to focus on addressing fraud and restoring trust in state government programs.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Withdraws From 2026 Gubernatorial Race

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he will not pursue a third term in 2026, choosing to focus on addressing widespread fraud investigations and defending public trust in state programs. In a New Year message to residents, the governor described 2025 as a difficult year marked by organized criminal activity targeting government assistance programs and heightened political conflict surrounding those efforts.

The governor emphasized that his administration has already taken significant steps to combat fraud, including tightening oversight, cutting funding streams tied to abuse, dismissing underperforming staff, and working with federal law enforcement. He acknowledged that while progress has been made, restoring public confidence remains a top priority.

He also criticized national and state-level Republican leaders, accusing them of politicizing the fraud crisis, targeting immigrant communities, and interfering with childcare funding relied upon by Minnesota families. The governor warned that escalating political tactics could undermine efforts to protect public resources.

With 2026 shaping up to be a highly charged election year, the governor said running a campaign would distract from his responsibility to govern during a critical moment. He stated that stepping aside allows him to dedicate his full attention to combating fraud, protecting state programs, and serving Minnesotans through the remainder of his term.

Despite leaving the race, he expressed confidence that his party will retain the governorโ€™s seat and reaffirmed his commitment to public service beyond his time in office. He closed by highlighting recent policy achievements, including paid family leave, child tax credits, and free school meals, and pledged to remain fully engaged in his duties until his term ends.


Follow Dalmar TV on Facebook for the Latest News

Columbus Gas Prices Drop Again – 2026

0

Gas prices across Columbus and central Ohio declined again this week, according to GasBuddy data.

Columbus Gas Prices Drop Again - 2026
Gas prices across Columbus and central Ohio declined again this week, according to GasBuddy data.

Columbus Gas Prices Drop Again – 2026

Gas prices across central Ohio continued their downward trend this week, offering welcome relief to Columbus-area drivers following recent price fluctuations.

Columbus Residents Protest U.S. Action in Venezuela

According to a new GasBuddy survey tracking approximately 500 fuel stations in and around Columbus, the average price of gasoline dropped by 16.6 cents per gallon over the past week. This decrease nearly offset the 26-cent increase motorists experienced the week before, bringing the local average price to $2.62 per gallon.

Current gas prices in Columbus are now 17.3 cents lower than they were one month ago and 54.5 cents cheaper than this time last year. On Sunday, the lowest-priced gas station in the area was selling fuel for $1.96 per gallon, while the highest-priced station reached $2.99, reflecting a price gap of just over $1 per gallon.

Statewide, Ohio drivers also saw relief at the pump. The average gas price across Ohio fell 13.7 cents, settling at $2.56 per gallon.

Nationally, fuel prices continued their steady decline for the sixth consecutive week. The average U.S. gas price dipped 1.2 cents to $2.74 per gallon, while diesel prices dropped 2.3 cents, averaging $3.50 per gallon.

GasBuddyโ€™s Head of Petroleum Analysis, Patrick De Haan, says lower fuel prices are expected to persist into the early weeks of the new year before seasonal increases begin ahead of spring.


Followย Dalmar TVย onย Facebookย for theย Latestย News

Columbus Residents Protest U.S. Action in Venezuela

0

Columbus Protest Highlights Growing Concern Over Trumpโ€™s Venezuela Intervention

Columbus Residents Protest U.S. Action in Venezuela
Demonstrators rally at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, calling for an end to U.S. military action in Venezuela.

Columbus Residents Protest U.S. Action in Venezuela

Protesters gathered Sunday at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus to oppose what they describe as a dangerous escalation of U.S. involvement overseas, following President Donald Trumpโ€™s announcement that Venezuelan President Nicolรกs Maduro had been captured.

The demonstration came just one day after the announcement, sparking sharp reactions from both critics and supporters of the move. Protesters voiced strong opposition to any potential military conflict with Venezuela, calling the action an unlawful intervention that bypasses democratic and congressional oversight.

Dr. Glen Duerr Explains the Impact of Maduroโ€™s U.S. Arrest

โ€œThe past year alone has been overwhelming,โ€ said protester Michael Todd. โ€œIt feels like democracy is being pushed to the brink.โ€

Todd said the news left him stunned, questioning how such a decision could be made unilaterally. Demonstrators argued that military force against a sovereign nation sets a dangerous precedent and risks unnecessary loss of life.

The protest was organized by the advocacy group 50501, which mobilized supporters for an emergency day of action. The group is urging Congress to pass a resolution preventing further military action in Venezuela.

โ€œI think itโ€™s critical that the administration understands that most Americans do not support a war in Venezuela,โ€ said protester Olivia Rowland. โ€œPublic pressure matters, and if enough people speak out, policy can change.โ€

Organizers framed the demonstration as part of a broader anti-war movement, rejecting claims that the operation was driven by democracy or drug enforcement concerns. Instead, they argued it was motivated by geopolitical control and oil interests.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration defended the strike, stating it was intended to curb the flow of dangerous drugs into the United States. President Trump also highlighted potential strategic benefits, including increased influence over Venezuelaโ€™s oil sector.

Reactions within the Venezuelan community in Columbus were mixed. Martin Soto, who was born and raised in Venezuela and has lived in Columbus for several years, said the capture of Maduro represents long-awaited accountability for many Venezuelans.

โ€œItโ€™s an emotional moment,โ€ Soto said. โ€œNo one wants violence or conflict, but for many people, this feels like the only path left after years of suffering.โ€

While some Venezuelans condemned the move as foreign interference, others celebrated it as the possible end of a long-standing dictatorship and an opportunity for political change.

As protests continue in Columbus, demonstrators say they will persist until U.S. military actions cease, while supporters of the intervention view Maduroโ€™s removal as a potential first step toward a more democratic Venezuela.


Followย Dalmar TVย onย Facebookย for theย Latestย News

Dr. Glen Duerr Explains the Impact of Maduroโ€™s U.S. Arrest

0

An international studies expert analyzes Venezuelaโ€™s political upheaval, U.S. involvement, and the uncertainty following Nicolรกs Maduroโ€™s removal from power.

Dr. Glen Duerr Explains the Impact of Maduroโ€™s U.S. Arrest
International studies professor Dr. Glen Duerr weighs in on Venezuelaโ€™s leadership crisis and U.S. foreign policy.

Dr. Glen Duerr Explains the Impact of Maduroโ€™s U.S. Arrest

An international studies expert says significant uncertainty surrounds Venezuelaโ€™s political future following the removal of President Nicolรกs Maduro and renewed U.S. involvement in the region.

U.S. forces have detained Venezuelan President Nicolรกs Maduro

Dr. Glen Duerr, an international studies professor at Cedarville University, described the development as a rare and consequential moment for the Western Hemisphere. According to Duerr, the decision to remove a sitting president and transport him to the United States to face trial represents an unprecedented move that has triggered mixed reactions both domestically and internationally.

While some observers welcomed Maduroโ€™s removal from power, others questioned the Trump administrationโ€™s approach, particularly whether direct intervention in Venezuela aligns with the โ€œAmerica Firstโ€ foreign policy stance.

The Trump administration has also emphasized Venezuelaโ€™s vast oil reserves as a strategic interest. Speaking during a press conference, President Donald Trump pointed to long-standing disputes involving American-owned oil assets in Venezuela, claiming the country seized and sold U.S. property worth billions of dollars.

Dr. Duerr noted that despite the decisive action, the path forward remains unclear. Key questions include who will lead Venezuela next, how much influence the United States will exert, and whether Venezuelan leadership โ€” including the vice president and military officials will cooperate with Washington.

As global attention remains fixed on Venezuela, experts warn that the long-term political and economic consequences of U.S. involvement are still unfolding.


Followย Dalmar TVย onย Facebookย for theย Latestย News

U.S. forces have detained Venezuelan President Nicolรกs Maduro

0

U.S. forces detain Nicolรกs Maduro

U.S. forces have detained Venezuelan President Nicolรกs Maduro
International attention turns to Caracas following the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolรกs Maduro.

U.S. forces have detained Venezuelan President Nicolรกs Maduro

U.S. forces have detained Venezuelan President Nicolรกs Maduro and his wife following a targeted operation in Caracas, according to confirmation from President Donald Trump. The operation reportedly involved coordinated air and ground tactics and resulted in Maduro being taken into U.S. custody.

U.S. officials say Maduro will face longstanding federal charges in New York related to alleged drug trafficking and connections to the Cartel de los Soles, accusations that have been pending for years.

The action comes in the aftermath of Venezuelaโ€™s 2024 presidential election, where independent vote tallies indicated a decisive victory for opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzรกlez. The United States subsequently recognized Gonzรกlez as the legitimate winner, rejecting Maduroโ€™s claim to power.

Prominent opposition leader Marรญa Corina Machado described the moment as a turning point for the country, calling it Venezuelaโ€™s โ€œhour of freedom.โ€ Within the country, reactions were mixedโ€”some citizens reportedly celebrated the development, while others expressed concern over foreign military involvement. International response has also been divided, with some governments questioning the legality and broader implications of the intervention.


Followย Dalmar TVย onย Facebookย for theย Latestย News

Ohio Capital Budget: What Lawmakers Are Deciding

0

Ohio lawmakers continue discussions on the state capital budget.

Ohio Capital Budget: What Lawmakers Are Deciding
Ohio legislators prepare to resume discussions on the state capital budget in the new legislative session.

Ohio Capital Budget: What Lawmakers Are Deciding

Ohio lawmakers have yet to formally begin drafting the stateโ€™s next capital budget, leaving communities across the state waiting for clarity on major infrastructure and development funding. As legislators adjourned for the December holiday recess, discussions around the capital budget were still ongoing, with no official timeline announced.

Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) expressed optimism that progress could be made in the coming year, noting that conversations are expected to resume when lawmakers return in January.

SBA Suspends nearly 7,000 Minnesota borrowers

Unlike Ohioโ€™s operating budget which covers the day-to-day expenses of state government, the capital budget focuses on long-term investments. It allocates state-bonded funding to community projects such as highways, public schools, parks, recreation facilities, and local government infrastructure throughout Ohio.

Political dynamics may accelerate the process. Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) pointed out that capital budgets are commonly passed during election years, when legislators are eager to demonstrate tangible results to voters.

Once approved, the capital budget allows lawmakers seeking re-election to highlight investments made in their districts, reinforcing the legislatureโ€™s commitment to local communities across the state.

Despite the lack of concrete decisions so far, Antonio remains confident that a capital budget will be passed this year, emphasizing that while discussions continue behind the scenes, leadership has not yet finalized the details.

SBA Suspends nearly 7,000 Minnesota borrowers


Followย Dalmar TVย onย Facebookย for theย Latestย News

SBA Suspends nearly 7,000 Minnesota borrowers

0

The SBA has suspended nearly 7,000 Minnesota borrowers after reviewing suspected fraudulent PPP and EIDL loans totaling $400 million, officials say.

SBA Suspends nearly 7,000 Minnesota borrowers
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler says thousands of pandemic-era loans are under investigation for potential fraud.

SBA Suspends nearly 7,000 Minnesota borrowers

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has suspended thousands of borrowers in Minnesota following a large-scale review of pandemic-era relief loans, according to a statement shared on X by Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the SBA.

Loeffler said the agency examined thousands of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications approved during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the review, the SBA has suspended 6,900 borrowers amid concerns of potential fraudulent activity.

In total, the affected borrowers were approved for approximately 7,900 loans valued at nearly $400 million, according to the SBA. Loeffler stated that all individuals involved will be permanently barred from future SBA loan programs, including disaster assistance loans.

The SBA also plans to refer qualifying cases to federal law enforcement for potential prosecution and recovery of funds. Loeffler described the action as part of a broader effort to hold accountable those who misused taxpayer-funded relief programs.

โ€œAfter years, the American people will finally begin to see accountability for those who took advantage of emergency programs meant to support small businesses,โ€ Loeffler wrote, adding that Minnesota is only the first state impacted by the ongoing review process.

The announcement signals increased federal scrutiny of pandemic-era lending programs, which distributed hundreds of billions of dollars nationwide to help businesses survive economic disruptions caused by COVID-19.



Follow
ย Dalmar TVย onย Facebookย for theย Latestย News

Ohio Senate Race 2026: Whatโ€™s at Stake

0

Jon Husted and Sherrod Brown in Ohio U.S. Senate race 2026

Ohio Senate Race 2026
Jon Husted and Sherrod Brown set the stage for a closely watched Ohio U.S. Senate race in 2026.

Ohio Senate Race 2026: Whatโ€™s at Stake

Ohio voters are preparing for a consequential U.S. Senate special election, as Republican Senator Jon Husted moves to retain the seat he was appointed to, while Democrat Sherrod Brown seeks a return after his 2024 defeat.

Husted officially entered the race on December 12, marking his first statewide Senate campaign. He has served in the Senate since January 2025, following his appointment by Governor Mike DeWine to replace J.D. Vance, who resigned after becoming vice president following President Donald Trumpโ€™s 2024 election victory.

State law requires Husted to stand for election in 2026 to finish the remainder of Vanceโ€™s term, which expires in 2028. The winner of this yearโ€™s race will need to run again in 2028 to secure a full six-year term.

Brown, a longtime Democratic figure in Ohio politics, announced in August that he plans to mount a political comeback. Although he had not formally filed as of January 1, the former senator who served three terms is widely expected to be the Democratic nominee. Brown narrowly lost reelection in 2024 to Republican Bernie Moreno in one of the most expensive Senate races in U.S. history.

The matchup highlights Ohioโ€™s evolving political landscape. While the state has leaned Republican in recent presidential elections supporting Trump in both 2020 and 2024โ€”statewide races remain competitive. Republicans currently control every statewide executive office.

Brown has said he initially intended to step away from politics but reconsidered as debates over the economy, healthcare costs, wages, and trade intensified. He argues Ohio needs stronger Senate representation for workers and middle-class families.

Husted has moved swiftly to unify Republican support. He launched his campaign early and secured a high-profile endorsement from Trump, along with backing from national conservative organizations. A veteran of Ohio politics for more than two decades, Husted has previously served as lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and speaker of the Ohio House.

Campaign finance reports show both candidates entering the race with significant resources. Brown raised approximately $8 million, largely through small-dollar donations, while Husted reported $3.7 million in a single quarter, which his campaign described as a record-setting amount for a Republican Senate candidate in Ohio at that stage.

Recent polling indicates a tight race. An October Bowling Green State University survey found the candidates essentially tied, with Brown holding a slim 49% to 48% lead, well within the margin of error.

While several lesser-known candidates have entered the Democratic primary, Brown remains the clear frontrunner. A candidate from the Party for Socialism and Liberation has also declared. On the Republican side, no major challenger has emerged against Husted.

2 Shot at New Yearโ€™s Eve Party on South Hamilton Road in Columbus


Followย Dalmar TVย onย Facebookย for theย Latestย News