Local

8 stories highlighting what makes Columbus unique

Stories by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer journalists, with AI summarization

Columbus is a city shaped by its diversity, creativity and strong sense of community, and we've got coverage to show what makes the city stand out, from new building developments, to popular local businesses' to the people making a difference and much more.

The new Multimodal Center, built with mass timber, reflects the city’s interest in sustainable design and modern public transit. Thrift stores like The Attic and The Vibe on 6th are popular with younger shoppers, part of a growing interest in affordable, eco-friendly fashion.

The city’s history is visible in redevelopment efforts like the Liberty District and in everyday conversations — especially when residents share their connections to local Black history. And whether it’s Spudzilla’s over-the-top potatoes, film crews looking for extras, or civic efforts to bridge political divides, Columbus has no shortage of stories that reflect its character.

Mak Son is the owner of Spudzilla Monster Loaded Potatoes & More in Columbus, Georgia. By Mike Haskey

NO. 1: CANCER CLOSED THIS LOVED COLUMBUS RESTAURANT. IT’S REOPENING WITH A MONSTROUS NEW DIRECTION

Not long after taking over the local restaurant, a breast cancer diagnosis rocked the new owner’s family and business plan. See the restaurant’s new life as “Spudzilla.” | Published June 3, 2024 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee

Kannon Haskins, left, and Ledger-Enquirer reporter Sundi Rose pose for a photo during a scene from the “Razor’s Edge” at the Bill Mill Event Center in Columbus, Georgia. 07/10/2024 By Mike Haskey

NO. 2: THINK YOU WANT TO BE A MOVIE EXTRA? HERE’S WHAT IT’S LIKE FOR PICTURE FILMING IN COLUMBUS

When I popped into the set of “The Razor’s Edge” filming in Columbus, I didn’t expect to wind up being an actual extra. Here’s how the day went. | Published July 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sundi Rose

Wane Hailes, left, and Alton Russell of Columbus were featured in the New York Times article about One Small Step, a national program trying to bridge the political divide. By Mark Rice

NO. 3: THEY’RE ON OPPOSING POLITICAL SIDES, BUT COLUMBUS DUO IS NATIONAL MODEL FOR BRIDGING DIVIDE

“They would just be, in many ways, the best possible pairing for the kind of behavior that we want people to take,” said Jonathan Webster, managing director of One Small Step. | Published October 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mark Rice

A rendering of the completed Columbus multi-modal center.

NO. 4: A NEW CHAPTER FOR COLUMBUS’ SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE WILL BEGIN AT THE METRA TRANSIT HUB

The new transit hub could be Columbus’ most sustainable building. Here’s why. | Published February 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kala Hunter

Pictured clockwise, from upper left, are Kristi Pitts, Tikiera Ford, Taniesa Taylor, Demetris Knighton and Randalette Williams. By Mike Haskey

NO. 5: DISCOVER HOW THESE COLUMBUS RESIDENTS CONNECT THEIR PERSONAL STORIES TO BLACK HISTORY

Local residents share how their stories intertwine with Black Americans’ impact on business, education and culture in the United States. | Published February 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee

The Columbus Consolidated Government hosted public meetings Feb. 24 and Feb. 26 about plans to redevelop the Liberty District. By Jordyn Paul-Slater

NO. 6: LIBERTY DISTRICT REDEVELOPMENT PLAN SPARKS DEBATE. WHAT’S NEXT FOR COLUMBUS NEIGHBORHOOD?

As city officials and residents clash over issues like cultural preservation and gentrification, the future of this historic area hangs in the balance. | Published March 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Jack Johnson’s last day of calling games for the Atlanta Braves’ Class AAA affiliate, the Gwinnett Stripers, was in September 2024. The Stripers defeated Buffalo that afternoon. The Columbus Clingstones recently announced Johnson has been hired as the first lead broadcaster and play-by-play voice of the Atlanta Braves’ new Double-A franchise. By Caro, Ismael

NO. 7: ‘CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY.’ MEET THE FIRST BROADCASTER IN COLUMBUS CLINGSTONES HISTORY

Here’s how you can listen to him do the play-by-play of all 138 Southern League games the Atlanta Braves Class AA baseball team will play this season. | Published March 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Rice

The thrifting economy is a $50 billion industry

NO. 8: THRIFTING IS A HOT, SUSTAINABLE TREND. HERE’S THE BEST SHOPS IN COLUMBUS

It’s giving budget. It’s giving vintage. It’s giving “I found this for $4 and you’re gonna hear about it.” Welcome to thrifting in Columbus. | Published April 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sundi Rose

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.