Two semi‑trucks and a sedan involved in a crash on I‑70 westbound near downtown Columbus; westbound lanes closed pending investigation and hazmat response.
3 People Hospitalized After Multi‑Vehicle Crash Shuts Down I‑70 Westbound in Downtown Columbus
A serious multi‑vehicle collision occurred Thursday morning on westbound Interstate 70 (I‑70) near the I‑70/71 split in downtown Columbus. According to Columbus police, the crash involved two semi-trucks and a sedan, resulting in three people being hospitalized. Two victims are reported in stable condition, while one remains in critical condition.
Authorities have dispatched a hazmat team due to a suspected fuel leak, resulting in the closure of the westbound lanes through the downtown area. Traffic is being rerouted onto Interstate 71 (I‑71) North. Currently, there is no estimated reopening time for I‑70 westbound, though eastbound lanes remain open.
Drivers are advised to follow detour signs and avoid the area if possible.
City Attorney Zach Klein takes legal action against West Side landlords accused of enabling crime and unsafe living conditions.
Columbus City Attorney Files Lawsuit Against West Side Landlords Over Drug Use, Crime, and Code Violations
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein’s office has initiated legal action against two West Side landlords accused of fostering dangerous and unlawful conditions across several of their Hilltop neighborhood properties.
The Property Action Team, under Klein’s leadership, filed the lawsuit on October 27 in Franklin County Municipal Court against Vikas Dadlani and Sadhna Hingorani, along with several of their tenants and lessees.
According to court filings, the landlords’ properties have been the scene of chronic code violations, drug activity, violence, and public safety threats — including fights, gunfire, a sexual assault, robberies, and multiple overdoses.
“For too long, these landlords took advantage of tenants,” said City Attorney Zach Klein in an official statement on October 29. “This lawsuit is a step toward restoring safety, improving living conditions, and cleaning up the West Side.”
One of the targeted properties, located at 1885 Sullivant Avenue, was allegedly used as an unlicensed event center without proper zoning or liquor permits. The venue reportedly hosted illegal parties in September and October, which spilled into the streets and involved drug use, fights, and traffic disruptions.
Across from the property, another residential house was found to contain an illegal upstairs apartment powered by a gas generator, posing serious safety concerns.
The lawsuit identifies several of the landlords’ other West Side properties as public nuisances, with ongoing crimes and code violations endangering residents.
“These landlords subjected tenants to deplorable conditions and constant criminal activity,” said Steve Dunbar, Lead Attorney of the Property Action Team. “No one should have to live in such unsafe circumstances.”
The city is asking the court to declare the landlords as public nuisances, shut down the illegal event center, and halt all unlicensed residential use.
Court records show that both landlords reside in an apartment above the event business, and a preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for November 5.
The Columbus Foundation provides $500,000 in emergency funding to Central Ohio food pantries ahead of possible SNAP benefits halt.
Columbus Foundation Donates $500K to Food Pantries as Ohio Faces SNAP Benefits Cut
As Central Ohio braces for a possible halt in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning November 1, The Columbus Foundation has stepped up with a $500,000 emergency investment to support 21 local food pantries across the region.
The donation comes as the threat of a federal government shutdown looms, potentially leaving 1.3 million Ohioans without the monthly SNAP funds they rely on to purchase food. Currently, Ohio distributes around $263.4 million in SNAP benefits each month, averaging $190 per household.
The foundation’s Governing Committee approved the half-million-dollar grant on October 27, just days before the expected lapse in benefits. According to Dan Sharpe, Vice President for Community Research and Grants Management, the foundation acted swiftly after identifying urgent community needs and resource shortages among local food pantries.
“None of these pantries requested assistance,” said Sharpe. “We take our role seriously in monitoring pressing community needs and supporting the top-performing organizations meeting those challenges.”
Funds will be distributed immediately to food pantries including:
Bishop Griffin Resource Center
Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center
Gladden Community House
Mid-Ohio Market at HEART
Stowe Mission of Central Ohio
Worthington Resource Pantry
LifeCare Alliance
Victory Ministries
Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM)
And others across Franklin County
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers SNAP, announced that it may not have sufficient funding to continue November payments if the shutdown persists. As of October 22, the shutdown is the second-longest in U.S. history, and if it extends past November 5, it will become the longest ever.
Legislative Efforts to Sustain SNAP
Lawmakers from Ohio, including U.S. Sens. Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted, have co-sponsored the Keep SNAP Funded Act, a bill designed to maintain SNAP operations during the shutdown. Meanwhile, State Rep. Latyna Humphrey (D-Columbus) has urged Gov. Mike DeWine to use funds from the state’s “Rainy Day Fund” to cover the benefits gap.
Resources for Families Facing Food Insecurity
Local organizations are working around the clock to support affected families. Franklin County Job and Family Services is urging residents to plan ahead and locate nearby food pantries through resources like FreshTrak.com and the Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s “Find Food Now” tool.
Community members are also rallying online, sharing food resources and restocking neighborhood “blessing boxes” with nonperishable items.
Where to Find Free Meals in Columbus
Trinity Episcopal Church (Capitol Square, 3rd & Broad): Free Sunday meal every week.
East Side Grace Brethren Church (7510 E. Broad St.): Free dinner Thursdays, 6–7:30 p.m.
Food Not Bombs: Free meals every Saturday at multiple Columbus locations, including Parsons Ave., Cleveland Ave., and Sullivant Ave.
With the potential loss of SNAP benefits, these local efforts and The Columbus Foundation’s rapid response underscore the power of community action in times of crisis.
Franklin County leaders approve new security initiatives in response to growing threats against public officials.
Franklin County Commissioners Approve $104K Security Contract Amid Rising Threats
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners has approved a new $104,000 security and risk management contract with ETS Risk Management Inc., as concerns grow nationwide about threats to elected officials.
During the October 28 meeting, commissioners voted 2-0 to hire ETS Risk Management to evaluate the county government’s current security framework and develop comprehensive recommendations for improvement. Commissioner John O’Grady was absent from the vote.
According to Molly Thrasher, spokesperson for the board, ETS Risk Management will conduct a detailed assessment of the county’s facilities, policies, and potential vulnerabilities. The company will also provide ongoing support as Franklin County implements new safety measures.
“Threats against public officials have been steadily increasing across the nation,” Thrasher said. “Some of our county leaders have received direct threats. We believe in being proactive rather than waiting for tragedy to strike.”
The newly approved resolution outlines the need for a robust countywide security framework that addresses ideological extremism, workplace violence, and social media threats targeting public officials.
Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin has expressed support for the security review and will collaborate with ETS Risk Management throughout the assessment.
Earlier this month, the commissioners also approved a $77,250 contract with Montu Ra LLC, a local security firm led by a martial arts instructor, to protect county commissioners and the prosecutor during public events. That move sparked tension with the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9, which argues that security for officials should remain the duty of sheriff’s deputies.
Despite the controversy, Board President Erica Crawley reaffirmed that the decision was driven by “national trends and ongoing threats” to public officials, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety across all county operations.
Amazon is expected to announce its largest corporate layoff
Amazon to Announce a Massive Layoff Affecting 30,000 Corporate Jobs
Amazon is reportedly preparing to announce a massive layoff that could affect up to 30,000 corporate workers, according to multiple media reports on Monday. The news, first reported by Reuters, cites sources familiar with the company’s internal plans.
If confirmed, this would mark Amazon’s largest corporate workforce reduction in company history, impacting nearly 10% of its 350,000 corporate employees. While the cuts represent a small fraction of Amazon’s total global workforce of 1.55 million, they signal a significant shift in the company’s strategic direction.
According to CNBC, affected employees are expected to be notified via email starting Tuesday morning.
Until recently, large-scale layoffs were uncommon at the Seattle-based e-commerce giant, but the company has faced several rounds of job cuts since 2022 — including 27,000 layoffs in 2023 as it continues restructuring to adapt to changing market conditions.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has previously stated that artificial intelligence and automation will play a growing role in the company’s operations, which could lead to reduced corporate staffing in the future.
Like other major tech firms — including Meta and Alphabet (Google) — Amazon saw a hiring boom during the COVID-19 pandemic, as demand for online shopping soared. However, as consumer habits shifted post-pandemic, the company began scaling back to align with slower growth.
Columbus City Council passes $25,000 emergency funding to help the Mid-Ohio Food Collective provide food support as SNAP benefits face disruption.
Columbus City Council Passes Emergency Funding as 1.5 Million Ohioans Risk Losing SNAP Benefits
Columbus, Ohio – Over 1.5 million Ohio residents may lose access to vital SNAP food assistance if the federal government shutdown continues into November. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) announced that recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could miss their November benefits unless federal funding resumes.
In Franklin County, about 175,000 individuals rely on SNAP benefits to afford daily meals. In response to the looming crisis, the Columbus City Council has passed $25,000 in emergency funding to support the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC).
“We find it unacceptable for the federal government not to do its job,” said Council President Shannon Hardin. “The city of Columbus can’t solve the entire issue, but we hope this funding motivates churches, organizations, and residents to take action this weekend.”
The Mid-Ohio Food Collective is preparing for a surge in families needing support if federal assistance is delayed.
Mike Hochron, Senior Vice President of Communications at MOFC, emphasized that local charities cannot match the scale of federal programs but are committed to helping as much as possible.
“We are bracing for more families to reach out. Our focus is on providing hope and stability to those in need,” Hochron said.
Council members hope the initiative will encourage more community involvement from donations to volunteering as food insecurity worsens.
“Every little bit of help makes a real difference,” Hochron added.
Buckeye Nation Mourns Former Ohio State Star Nick Mangold
Buckeye Nation Mourns Former Ohio State Star Nick Mangold
Buckeye Nation is grieving the loss of one of its legends. Former Ohio State and New York Jets center Nick Mangold has passed away at the age of 41 following complications from kidney disease.
The news has sent shockwaves through the Ohio State community and the football world. Former teammate Jay Richardson described the news as “super shocking, super sad.”
“We are all really just feeling for Nick and his family,” Richardson said.
For those who shared the locker room with him, Mangold was not only an elite lineman but also a true brother.
“The Buckeye brotherhood took a huge loss today,” Richardson added.
Richardson and Mangold first met as high school football all-stars and joined Ohio State together in the 2002 recruiting class. The same year the Buckeyes won a national championship. Mangold made his mark early, earning playing time on that title-winning team as a freshman, while many teammates redshirted.
After dominating at Ohio State, Mangold’s career soared in the NFL, where he became a Pro Bowl center with the New York Jets. Richardson, who later reunited with Mangold in New York, recalled his incredible growth:
“He went from being almost an undersized center to one of the best in the NFL. It was inspiring to watch.”
Tributes have poured in from both Columbus and New York, with fans and teammates honoring Mangold’s leadership, humor, and kindness.
“Anybody that played with him or knew him will tell you he was a special guy – funny, sharp, and deeply caring,” Richardson said.
Mangold leaves behind his wife and four children.
His passing comes just weeks after publicly revealing he was battling kidney disease and in need of a transplant from a donor with type O blood.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Richardson said. “Nothing prepares you for losing someone so young.”
The Buckeye Nation, former teammates, and fans across the country are offering heartfelt condolences to his family as they remember a man who left a lasting legacy both on and off the field.
Police investigate the scene where a child died in an accidental shooting on Columbus’ west side.
A Child Is Dead After Accidental Shooting in West Side Columbus
A tragic incident unfolded Sunday night on the west side of Columbus, where a child died following what police describe as an accidental shooting.
According to the Columbus Division of Police, the incident happened around 9:10 p.m. on the 1500 block of Grandview Avenue. Columbus Police Sgt. Joseph Albert confirmed that the child, who was under 10 years old, was pronounced dead by medics at 9:18 p.m.
Police recovered the firearm at the scene and have launched an investigation into how the shooting occurred.
Sgt. Albert urged residents to practice responsible gun ownership to prevent similar tragedies.
“We say this all the time, you have to lock up your guns,” Albert said. “Children are naturally curious. We cannot lose another child to an unattended firearm.”
This marks the second accidental shooting involving a child in Columbus in less than a week. Earlier, another child was hospitalized in stable condition after being struck when a gun accidentally discharged. In that case, a man was charged with negligent assault, a third-degree misdemeanor.
Authorities continue to investigate both cases as they emphasize the importance of firearm safety in Columbus neighborhoods.
Ohio Among the Most Burdened States for Student Loan Debt, Study Finds
Ohio Among the Most Burdened States for Student Loan Debt, Study Finds
Columbus, Ohio – A new report from WalletHub reveals that Ohio ranks among the top 10 states most burdened by student debt. The study analyzed data from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., comparing factors such as average student debt, percentage of students with loans, unemployment rates among young adults, and availability of student jobs.
According to the September report, Ohio placed 10th on the list of the worst states for student debt. On average, student loan balances in the Buckeye State equal about 42% of the median household income. The eighth-highest rate in the country. The state also recorded one of the highest shares of borrowers aged 50 and older, ranking fifth nationwide.
Mississippi topped the list as the most debt-burdened state, with residents owing student loans that represent 56% of their median income. Other highly affected states included New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Delaware, South Dakota, South Carolina, Kentucky, West Virginia, New Jersey, and Ohio.
Meanwhile, Hawaii emerged as the best state for managing student debt, with a low percentage of borrowers and minimal debt relative to income. It was followed by Utah, California, New Mexico, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Nevada, and Alaska.
WalletHub’s full report, which used data from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private firms such as Indeed, highlights the growing financial strain student loans place on millions of Americans — especially those in states like Ohio, where education costs and repayment burdens continue to climb.
President Trump signs the historic U.S.-Cambodia Reciprocal Trade Agreement to expand export opportunities.
President Trump Finalizes Reciprocal Trade Deal with Cambodia
President Donald Trump has successfully negotiated a historic Reciprocal Trade Agreement with Cambodia, strengthening economic ties between the United States and Cambodia. This milestone deal aims to enhance market access for American exporters while promoting fair and balanced trade.
Under the new agreement, Cambodia will eliminate tariffs on 100% of U.S. industrial and agricultural products, giving American businesses a competitive edge in Southeast Asian markets. The agreement is expected to stimulate exports, create new opportunities for U.S. farmers and manufacturers, and foster long-term economic growth between both nations.
This trade accord marks a major step in expanding U.S. trade relations across Asia and demonstrates continued efforts to build a more equitable global trading environment.
