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Attorney Randy Mastro Advocates for Open Primaries in New York City

Attorney Randy Mastro Advocates for Open Primaries in New York City

Randy Mastro, a former federal prosecutor and public servant, is advocating for open primaries in New York City, arguing that the current partisan primary system disenfranchises a significant portion of the electorate. Mastro, who has held high-level positions in two City Hall administrations, discussed this issue on 'The Point with Marcia Kramer'. He highlighted that approximately 1.1 million New Yorkers, registered as independents, are excluded from participating in primary elections. Mastro contends that this system allows a small number of primary voters to effectively decide general election outcomes, particularly in heavily Democratic areas like New York City, where the Democratic primary winner often becomes the presumptive general election winner. He points out that over 80% of major U.S. cities with populations exceeding 500,000 utilize open primaries.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio rainfall way above normal so far in August

Ohio rainfall way above normal so far in August

NOAA observations show more than an inch of rain fell in Columbus and Dayton over the weekend, contributing to flooding in parts of Ohio.
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Columbus Police Investigate Fatal Pedestrian Incident on Cleveland Avenue

Columbus Police Investigate Fatal Pedestrian Incident on Cleveland Avenue

Columbus police are investigating a fatal incident that occurred on August 15, 2026, where a pedestrian was struck and killed by multiple vehicles on Cleveland Avenue near Lehner Road. The incident was reported around 10 p.m. on the city's Northeast Side. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, and their identity is being withheld pending family notification. At least one driver involved in the incident remained at the scene and is cooperating with the Columbus police Accident Investigation Unit. Authorities are actively seeking to identify any other vehicles and drivers who may have been involved in the collision. The Accident Investigation Unit can be contacted at (614) 645-4767, or information can be provided anonymously to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-8477.
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Sexton Brothers to Open New Thin-Crust Pizza Concept, Uncle Frico’s, in Columbus

Sexton Brothers to Open New Thin-Crust Pizza Concept, Uncle Frico’s, in Columbus

Sexton Brothers to Open New Thin-Crust Pizza Concept, Uncle Frico’s, in Columbus
1Weather 1Weather
Severe Flooding Hits German Village After Heavy Rainfall

Severe Flooding Hits German Village After Heavy Rainfall

German Village, one of Columbus, Ohio's oldest neighborhoods, experienced significant flooding on South 3rd Street following heavy rainfall on the night of August 15, 2026. A rain gauge recorded over 1.6 inches of rain in just 35 minutes, followed by an additional 0.6 inches after midnight. The intense downpour overwhelmed the area's outdated stormwater infrastructure, exacerbated by trash blocking a storm drain at the intersection of South 3rd Street and Willow Street. Local businesses, including Cento restaurant and the Book Loft, reported water damage, though swift action by staff minimized losses. Residents and community members came together to assist stranded drivers and mitigate the impact of the flooding. The area has already seen 5.37 inches of rainfall this month, well above the seasonal average.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Flood warnings remain in effect in parts of central Ohio

Flood warnings remain in effect in parts of central Ohio

Flood warnings remain in effect in parts of central Ohio after overnight storms brought heavy rain and tornado threats.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
A Franklin County court temporarily closed after heavy rain damage

A Franklin County court temporarily closed after heavy rain damage

Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court is closed Monday due to water damage from recent heavy rain.
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Utah Voters Strongly Support Proof-of-Citizenship and Photo ID for Elections

Utah Voters Strongly Support Proof-of-Citizenship and Photo ID for Elections

A recent Deseret News-Hinckley Institute of Politics poll, conducted by Morning Consult, indicates significant support among Utah voters for key components of the SAVE America Act. This election reform bill, championed by Utah Sen. Mike Lee, proposes requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration and photo identification for casting ballots. The poll found that approximately 66% of Utah voters support showing proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, when registering to vote, with only 26% opposing. Support for requiring photo identification at the polls is even higher, with about 81% of Utah voters in favor and just 14% opposed. The findings reveal a partisan divide, with Republicans showing much stronger support for these measures compared to Democrats. For instance, 86% of Republicans approve of proof-of-citizenship requirements, while only 30% of Democrats do. Similarly, 95% of GOP voters support photo ID requirements, compared to 60% of Democrats.
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Two-Alarm Fire Damages Residential Building in Grove City

Two-Alarm Fire Damages Residential Building in Grove City

A two-alarm fire occurred near 3465 Park Street in Grove City, southwest Columbus, just before 2 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. The Jackson Township Fire Department responded to the incident. Images from the scene show visible damage near the roof of a residential building. The full extent of the damage to the structure has not yet been determined. Authorities have not released any information regarding potential injuries sustained in the blaze or the cause of the fire. The incident prompted a significant response from local fire services to contain and extinguish the multi-alarm fire.
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Michigan Education Association Recommends Representative Hillary Scholten for Re-election in 3rd Congressional District

Michigan Education Association Recommends Representative Hillary Scholten for Re-election in 3rd Congressional District

The Michigan Education Association (MEA), in collaboration with the National Education Association (NEA), has announced its recommendation for Representative Hillary Scholten in Michigan's 3rd Congressional District. This endorsement is part of a broader set of recommendations for federal and state races. The MEA's decision follows screening interviews with its members, where candidates demonstrated a commitment to public education, improved compensation for educators, greater professional respect, and a voice in education policy and workplaces. The MEA, as the state's largest school employee union, engages in political activities to support candidates who align with its goals for public education. Congressional recommendations are made by committees of MEA members residing or working in the individual districts, ensuring local representation in the endorsement process. The organization invites all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, to participate in these interviews.
The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Officer involved shooting reported at Sharon Wood Metro Park

Officer involved shooting reported at Sharon Wood Metro Park

An officer-involved shooting was reported at a Columbus-area metro park on Aug. 15.
1Weather 1Weather
Columbus Schools to Open Despite Storm Damage

Columbus Schools to Open Despite Storm Damage

Columbus City Schools (CCS) Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman has confirmed that the first day of school will proceed as scheduled on Thursday, August 20, despite damage caused by a recent storm. The storm, which struck on Tuesday, caused power outages and minor structural damage to some schools, including shattered windows at the Columbus City Preparatory School for Girls. While power has yet to be restored at this location, district leaders are confident that repairs will be completed in time for the start of the school year. Other schools in the district experienced minor debris but no major damage.