There was a lot of breaking news overnight, including a child shot in south Columbus and a Columbus police officer injured in a crash. We examine the start of the Gary Keesee Jr. trial. Council President Shannon Hardin talks Columbus’ $500 million affordable housing investment and proposed utility changes affecting data centers. We also preview the Ohio State-Iowa matchup and Blue Jackets season opener, explore Pelotonia’s growing Gravel Day event through the story of cancer survivor Steve Smith, and break down the guilty verdict in the Caleb Flynn murder trial. Plus, we look at plans to restart paper production at the Chillicothe paper mill.
(2:06-3:10) Child Shot in South Columbus
A young girl was hospitalized after being shot at a home on Villa Drive. Police have a teenage boy in custody as investigators work to determine what led to the shooting.
(3:11-4:09) Columbus Police Cruiser Crash
A Columbus police officer was hospitalized after a vehicle fleeing a traffic stop crashed into a police cruiser in Franklinton. A man faces felony fleeing and driving-without-a-license charges.
(4:10-6:08) Gary Keesee Jr. Trial
Opening statements begin in the trial of Gary Keesee Jr., who faces 32 charges involving the alleged abuse of three minor girls. Keesee waived his right to a jury trial, leaving the judge to make the final decision.
(6:23-21:11) Columbus Affordable Housing and Data Centers with Council President Shannon Hardin
Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin joins the show to discuss the city’s plans for a $500 million affordable housing bond, including investments in housing, homelessness services, land acquisition and development. We discuss proposed changes to Columbus utility rates and how data centers and other large users could be charged for water and other infrastructure. The conversation also examines potential impacts on residents, small businesses and future development.
(21:41-27:30) 97.1 The Fan's Tyvis Powell
The show looks ahead to a busy weekend in Central Ohio sports, including the Buckeyes’ matchup with Iowa and the Columbus Blue Jackets’ season opener against the Sabres tomorrow night.
(27:45-35:07) Pelotonia Gravel Day
A cancer survivor and longtime Pelotonia rider shares his story and explains why he continues to participate in the fight against cancer. We also preview Gravel Day, which is expected to be the event’s largest yet, with cycling, mountain biking and trail activities in Southeast Ohio.
(35:22-42.41) Caleb Flynn Murder Verdict
Former pastor and American Idol contestant Caleb Flynn was found guilty in the shooting death of his wife, Ashley. We examine the evidence presented at trial, including the alleged staged burglary, an affair and thousands of messages, before the jury returned guilty verdicts on all nine counts.
(43:56-47:20) Chillicothe Paper Mill Restart
A former Chillicothe paper mill is preparing to restart paper production after shutting down last year and costing roughly 800 jobs. The new owners are hiring as they work to restart the facility, with production expected to resume in December.