Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Where did Columbus’ $5.4 million in legal settlements really go?

Also check out New Year's Eve Party on the Columbus Patch calendar

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Good morning Columbus! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Where did Columbus’ $5.4 million in legal settlements really go?
  • Which five new destinations are coming to Columbus airports in 2026?
  • Could Columbus daycares face surprise fraud inspections soon?

Also on today's calendar: New Year's Eve Party and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Columbusfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I think I’ll wear only one boot today. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Columbusfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Wednesday: A bit of snow this afternoon, with a high of 34 and low of 13 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Thursday: Mostly cloudy and very cold, temps: high: 25, low: 19.
  • Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 31 and low of 18 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Columbus paid $5.4M to settle 16 claims against city employees in 2025 (dispatch.com) — Columbus spent more than $5.4 million this year settling 16 claims against city employees, including police, firefighters and a councilmember’s office. From a deadly fire engine crash to civil rights cases from the 2020 protests, City Council approved payouts while some leaders publicly criticized misconduct and ordered management and HR reforms.
   

2. Columbus airports announce new routes for 2026 (spectrumnews1.com) — Columbus travelers will gain five new flight options in 2026, with nonstop or seasonal service from local airports to Fort Lauderdale, Panama City Beach, Montreal, Key West, and Austin. Multiple airlines, including Frontier, Southwest, Air Canada, Allegiant, and Delta, are expanding service, giving residents more choices for vacations and getaways.
   

3. Ohio lawmaker calls for investigation into potential daycare fraud in Columbus (abc6onyourside.com) — State Rep. Josh Williams is urging Ohio officials to investigate Columbus-area daycare centers that receive public funding, following fraud concerns raised online. He and dozens of other lawmakers want unannounced, round-the-clock inspections to ensure tax dollars aren’t being misused, and the state’s child services department is reviewing the request.
   

4. Domestic violence shelter prepares for possible influx of clients (nbc4i.com) — Columbus police report overall violent crime is down again this year, but domestic violence homicides now make up a quarter of all killings, worrying city leaders and advocates. Franklin County’s only domestic violence shelter, LSS Choices, is already near capacity and bracing for a post-holiday surge in calls. Leaders urge friends, family, and employers to connect victims with 24/7 local and national hotlines.
   

5. Dispensation in Columbus diocese for those who fear immigration crackdown pursuit (osvnews.com) — Catholics in the Diocese of Columbus who fear immigration enforcement are temporarily excused from attending Sunday and holy day Masses, under a new decree by Bishop Earl K. Fernandes. The dispensation, in effect through Jan. 11, 2026, urges affected parishioners to join livestreamed Masses, receive pastoral care where possible, and lean on home devotions during this period of heightened anxiety.
   

📸 Around Columbus

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • My baby is home and thank you all the neighbors for helping me.
    He's finally back and I'm so happy. He's super hungry. (Nextdoor Forest Park East)
  • UPDATE: She was chipped and reunited with her family 🙂♥️
    Found dog!!! My husband found this sweet girl, possibly a senior dog, has a collar but no tag on it. She’s missing an ear and it appears to be a… (Nextdoor Lincoln Village)
  • SP Plus Corporation posted a job opening for Maintenance Porter - Driving in Columbus. Apply here.
  • Shaner Hotel Group posted a job opening for Night Auditor | Upper Arlington Homewood Suites in Columbus. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbus here.

Ok Columbus! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I heard there’s only a 50 percent chance of snow.
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