The Confluence Cast

Local Journalism Challenges

by Tim Fulton | Apr 25, 2023 | Episode, Journalism | 0 |

Journalism is a balancing act. Today, a conversation about the challenges facing journalism. This episode was recorded at the Gateway Film Center as part of their series Broadcast News: Journalism on Film. The discussion features Columbus Underground’s own Walker Evans, Susan Tebben from Ohio Capital Journal, and Michael Ouimette from the American Journalism Project. They discuss the challenges facing journalism today, including the rapid changes in media outlets, the impact of the culture wars, and threats to journalists’ personal lives.

Columbus City Council Residential Districts

by Tim Fulton | Mar 9, 2023 | Episode, Politics | 0 |

Five years after approving a restructuring of Columbus City Council, voters this fall will see an expanded council where members reside in geographic districts but one that remains largely the same in terms of who sits in the chamber. This week, Columbus Underground Co-Founder Walker Evans discusses the change, the lack of participation in the races, and a new resource for columbusites to explore their respective districts.

North (Market) Graveyard

by Tim Fulton | Feb 28, 2023 | Development, Episode, Journalism | 0 |

In the land surrounding the North Market, there are bodies. “Any time you stick a shovel in the ground out there, you’re gonna find somebody,” says one expert. As developers prepare to erect the 31-story Merchant Building, Columbus Underground reporter Jesse Bethea has been covering the removal of remains from what was once the North Graveyard, a site that pre-dates Columbus. Today, we discuss what is happening at the site, the work that should have been done 150 years ago, and the opportunity that Columbus has to look back at its history.

Columbus Downtown Development Corporation

by Tim Fulton | Feb 22, 2023 | Business, Development, Episode | 0 |

Downtown Columbus has continued to evolve over the last 20 years. That evolution has been more prescriptive than some might know. The Columbus Downtown Development Corporation was created in 2002 to implement the city’s strategic plan for Downtown and it has continued to iterate on the policies and projects that allow the neighborhood to reach its potential. On the occasion of its next strategic plan initiative, the organization’s president, Amy Taylor, discusses the organization’s history, tactics, and why they are pivoting to focus more on people.

Eastland Mall

by Tim Fulton | Jan 30, 2023 | Business, Episode, History, Neighborhoods, People, Politics | 0 |

Eastland Mall, once a thriving hub of retail activity in Columbus, has closed its doors for good. Historian Doug Motz takes a look back at the history of the mall and examines its impact on the local community, the retail industry, and the city as a whole. We also discuss the political fights that have always followed developments in Columbus and the need to look at the plan for the neighborhood now that Eastland is gone.

Columbus Metropolitan Library

by Tim Fulton | Jan 20, 2023 | Education, Episode, Non-Profit | 0 |

Public libraries are a democracy’s best-kept promise and the Columbus Metropolitan Library has boasted that it is “open to all” since its founding in 1873. Chief Executive Officer Patrick Losinski talks this week about the challenges and opportunities facing libraries today, how the system has grown and evolved during his tenure, and how they continue to meet their customers where they are.

The Columbus Beer Scene

by Tim Fulton | Jan 12, 2023 | Business, Episode, Food & Beverage, People | 0 |

Sours, IPAs, and stouts, oh my! Dan Whalen, a reporter for Columbus Underground, has quickly become well-versed in the local brewery and beer scene, despite only living in Columbus for two years. We talked about the high quality, diverse selection, and unpretentious atmosphere of the beer scene in Columbus, as well as ways for people to expand their taste preferences and the current trends in the city.

Franklin County Children Services

by Tim Fulton | Dec 21, 2022 | Non-Profit, People | 0 |

The children of our community need advocates in order to ensure that they are safe, stable, and able to thrive. When it comes to homes and families, that is the role of Franklin County Children Services. They are tasked with making sure that children are safe in their homes, providing families with resources if they are needed, and providing support to the community in general.