Columbus City Council approves a $40,000 settlement involving alleged workplace discrimination.
Columbus to Pay $40,000 Settlement to Employee Alleging Racial Discrimination
The City of Columbus has agreed to pay $40,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a Department of Public Service employee who claimed he faced racial discrimination and retaliation in the workplace.
The Columbus City Council unanimously approved the settlement (9-0) during its Dec. 8 meeting. According to the agreement, the payment resolves a 2023 lawsuit filed against the city. The settlement does not include any admission of wrongdoing by the city.
Court documents show that the employee, who is Black, reported that a former manager allegedly used racially offensive language toward him. Following the report, that manager later resigned.
The lawsuit further states that a different manager overlooked the employee and another Black colleague during a promotion cycle. When the employee raised the issue with human resources, he claimed the manager retaliated against him.
The attorney representing the employee declined to comment on the settlement.
Trump says he is disappointed that Zelenskyy has not approved the U.S.-backed peace deal.
President Donald Trump Disappointed as Zelenskyy Delays U.S. Peace Deal Approval
U.S. President Donald Trump says he is “disappointed” that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not yet approved a U.S.-backed peace proposal meant to help end the ongoing war with Russia.
Trump’s comments came shortly after American and Ukrainian negotiators wrapped up three days of peace discussions. Speaking to reporters, Trump suggested the talks are being slowed by Zelenskyy’s reluctance to move forward.
According to Trump, Zelenskyy had not fully reviewed the proposal, even though Ukrainian officials showed strong interest. He also claimed that Russia was more open to the plan, though Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly said parts of the proposal were unworkable, even though earlier drafts favored Moscow.
The relationship between Trump and Zelenskyy has long been tense, with Trump arguing that the war is costing American taxpayers too much and urging Ukraine to consider territorial compromises to end the nearly four-year conflict.
Zelenskyy said he had a “substantive” call with American officials leading the negotiations in Florida and emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to working toward a genuine and fair peace process.
Police investigate the fatal Franklinton crash involving a Columbus cruiser and a Chevy Silverado.
Driver Killed in Franklinton Crash Involving Columbus Police Cruiser on West Broad Street
Driver Killed in Franklinton Crash after a Chevy Silverado collided with a Columbus police cruiser responding to an emergency call early Saturday morning.
The crash happened around 2:50 a.m. on December 7 at the intersection of West Broad Street and Central Avenue, according to Columbus police.
Authorities say the officer was driving eastbound on West Broad Street with lights and sirens activated while heading to a burglary-in-progress call. At the same time, a Chevy Silverado traveling north on Central Avenue entered the intersection and struck the cruiser.
Both drivers were taken to nearby hospitals. The Silverado driver later died from their injuries, and police have not yet released their identity. The officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.
Columbus Council and Mayor Stand United With Somali Community
Columbus Leaders Show Solidarity with Somali Community
Columbus city leaders, the Council, and the Mayor stood together with Somali leaders from across the region to send a united and powerful message: Columbus stands with its Somali community.
With more than 60,000 Somali residents and over 13,000 Somali businesses, the community’s contributions are vital to the city’s social and economic fabric, and leaders emphasized that their safety, dignity, and opportunity remain top priorities.
“We recognize the Somali community as a vital part of Columbus’ neighborhoods, schools, and businesses. Their contributions enrich the city every day,” a city official said.
While the city’s statement highlights solidarity, Shafi Shafat, President of the Somali American Chamber of Commerce, clarified the true scale and strength of the Somali business community in Central Ohio:
“Our community is not a political trend, not a talking point, and not leverage. Somalis in Columbus built businesses long before attention was convenient — and we continue to build even when support is absent.”
Shafat emphasized that there are over 13,000 Somali-owned LLCs and small enterprises, most launched without city assistance, grants, or recognition, yet they employ thousands, generate millions in commerce, and contribute daily to neighborhoods and the wider economy.
“Yes, we appreciate words of solidarity, but our community has asked for real partnership, economic access, and small-business resources for years. Words alone do not create opportunity. Support must come with action, policy, and investment — not just statements,” Shafat emphasized.
The Somali-American community in Columbus continues to be a pillar of enterprise, resilience, and civic engagement. Shafat made a firm declaration:
“We are not here for seasonal recognition. We are here to build, to lead, and to be valued — not used. We welcome collaboration, but it must be real, not symbolic.”
This joint message from city leaders and Somali-American representatives underscores that Somali residents are essential contributors, whose work strengthens Columbus socially, economically, and culturally. The call is clear: recognition must be matched by real support, investment, and actionable opportunities.
Shafi Shafat addresses the value, strength, and unity of the Somali-American community
Somali American Leader, Shafi Shafat Calls for National Recognition of Somali-Americans Across the U.S.
Columbus, Ohio – Shafi Shafat, President of the Somali American Chamber of Commerce in Central Ohio and a respected Republican figure in Grove City, delivered a clear and powerful message on behalf of Somali-Americans following recent remarks made about Somali’s in the U.S.
Speaking as a Somali-American, a conservative voice, and a community leader, Shafat emphasized the deep roots and meaningful contributions of Somali families in Ohio and across the United States.
“Somali-Americans are not guests in this nation — we are part of its foundation.” Shafi Shafat emphasized that Somali-Americans are active participants in building and strengthening the country, contributing as:
Business owners
Truck drivers traveling nationwide
Healthcare professionals
Engineers, educators, and students
Somali-Americans pay taxes, respect the law, raise disciplined children, and contribute daily to the American economy. According to Shafat, Central Ohio alone is home to more than 13,000 Somali-owned LLCs, generating millions in revenue and creating jobs across the state.
A Community Built on Values
Shafat highlighted the values that shape Somali-American identity: faith, family, hard work, enterprise, and patriotism.
These principles, he said, align closely with the ideals of the Republican Party — including personal responsibility, economic freedom, and respect for law and order. His support for the GOP, he clarified, is founded on shared values rather than political convenience or public approval.
A Message to President Trump
In a firm but respectful tone, Shafat made it clear that Somali-Americans deserve dignity:
“We are not garbage. We are Americans. We are contributors. We are builders. We are courageous.”
He reminded the nation that many Somali-Americans supported Trump not out of trend or praise, but conviction — believing in opportunity, strong borders, economic growth, and leadership.
Somali-Americans: An Asset to the United States
Shafat emphasized that Islam and American patriotism are not contradictory. He described the Somali community as disciplined, peaceful, innovative, and economically impactful.
Somali-Americans continue to give back to the country they proudly call home.
An Unwavering Commitment
Closing his message, Shafat reaffirmed his loyalty to the United States and to the values that brought him into the Republican Party. His stance remains grounded in principles, not political shifts.
“America is my home. The GOP is my political home. I will continue to serve, unite, and lead with faith, dignity, and unwavering commitment.”
Columbus police investigate an accidental shooting in the Hilltop area of West Columbus.
Juvenile Critically Injured in Accidental Shooting in West Columbus
A juvenile is in critical condition following an accidental shooting in the Hilltop area of West Columbus on Friday evening.
Columbus police responded to the 200 block of South Wheatland Avenue at 6:26 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered a minor suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital, where they remain in life-threatening condition.
The Columbus Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating the incident due to the severity of the injury. Preliminary findings indicate the shooting was accidental and involved family members. No charges have been filed at this time.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Vogel at 614-645-4217, the Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730, or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
The FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World was unveiled during Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Draw in Washington, D.C., honoring global peace initiatives through football. FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised President Donald Trump’s diplomacy, including recent ceasefire deals like the Congo-Rwanda agreement. Trump highlighted his focus on saving lives over awards and claimed to have ended eight conflicts. The ceremony mixed formal announcements with lively moments, including Trump dancing to “Y.M.C.A.,” before revealing the group stage draw for the 48-team tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Key matchups include the U.S. facing Paraguay, Australia, and a playoff team.
CMHA addresses widespread December rent delays caused by HUD funding disruptions.
HUD Delays Affect December Rent Payments for Thousands of Columbus Tenants
Columbus, Ohio — Thousands of residents across Franklin County are still waiting for December rent payments as the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) continues to face federal funding delays from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
As of December 4, CMHA confirmed that more than 13,000 Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) tenants have not had their rent paid because HUD has not released the full monthly allocation required for the program. The issue is nationwide, according to the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), which reports similar delays among other housing authorities.
The Housing Choice Voucher program helps low-income renters by allowing tenants to pay an income-based portion of their rent while CMHA covers the rest using federal funds. CMHA stressed that landlords are not permitted to evict tenants due to the temporary payment delay. To keep renters stable, the agency has also provided utility assistance so residents can stay current on essential bills.
Tenants are encouraged to continue paying their usual portion of rent while CMHA waits for HUD to release the withheld funding. Once those funds are received, CMHA says it will immediately distribute full payments to affected landlords.
HUD announced on December 1 that agencies with deficits in their Housing Assistance Payment budgets would experience delays. Payments are expected to reach banks by the end of this week or early next week, though banks may require additional processing time before transferring funds to individual agencies. NAHRO also warned that similar delays may occur in January.
This is not the first time CMHA has experienced payment disruptions. In early 2024, the agency ended a contract with the private company managing its voucher program after ongoing complaints about late payments, lost paperwork, and communication issues. Although CMHA resumed internal management in March, some landlords continued to face delays due to a major software transition. Several rental payments were still unresolved as late as July.
CMHA says its priority remains protecting tenants’ housing stability and ensuring landlords are paid as soon as federal funding becomes available.
Ohio’s Kelli Johnson adds holiday cheer while decorating the White House Red Room.
Central Ohio Residents Help in White House Christmas Decorations
The White House’s “Home is Where the Heart Is” holiday theme is making its way to central Ohio in a special way this year.
Every year, volunteers from across the United States are selected to help decorate the White House for the holiday season. This year, one of those volunteers was Kelli Johnson, the wife of Ohio Representative Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe).
Kelli applied online in August and was chosen to join the holiday décor team in Washington, D.C. She spent two days assisting with festive preparations that bring the historic home to life each season.
“We helped with all of the lighting,” Johnson said. “All the Christmas trees are real, and the scent throughout the White House is incredible because of that. Being in D.C. is always exciting, but being inside the White House and contributing to the holiday traditions was truly rewarding.”
Her team worked on decorating the iconic Red Room, adding a personal touch from Ohio to one of the nation’s most cherished holiday displays.
22-year-old Dana Henry Identified as victim in Fatal Thanksgiving Day Crash in Franklin Township
Columbus Man Identified in Fatal Thanksgiving Day Crash in Franklin Township
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man who died in a two-vehicle collision in Franklin Township on Thanksgiving Day. Investigators report that the crash occurred after a driver ran a red light, leading to a serious impact and a collision with a traffic pole.
According to authorities, 22-year-old Dana Henry of Columbus’ Near East Side was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash happened around 3:11 p.m. on Nov. 27 at the intersection of Georgesville Road and West Broad Street.
A sheriff’s crash report indicates that Henry was traveling eastbound on West Broad Street in a 2014 Honda CR-V when he drove through a red light. At the same time, a 2008 Acura MDX heading west on West Broad Street was turning south onto Georgesville Road and collided with Henry’s vehicle.
Following the impact, the Honda overturned and struck a metal pole positioned at the corner of the intersection.
Franklin Township medics pronounced Henry deceased at 3:25 p.m. A passenger in Henry’s vehicle was transported to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center in critical condition. The Acura’s driver and a passenger were taken to OhioHealth Doctors Hospital with minor injuries.
The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit at 614-525-6113.
