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  • 🚔 Could There Be A Break In The Brian Shaffer Case? New Tip Sparks Investigation

🚔 Could There Be A Break In The Brian Shaffer Case? New Tip Sparks Investigation

Plus: 🏀 This New March Madness App Lets You Steal Other People’s Brackets

Author

Chelsea Wiley
March 16, 2026

Sponsored by North Market 🍴
North Market is calling your name! Whether you're exploring the original downtown location for its classic market charm or the Bridge Park spot in Dublin for a modern twist, there's no better place to eat, shop, and discover the best of Columbus. For more info, head over to northmarket.org.

Hello, Monday! Chelsea, here.

Nearly 20 years after Ohio State medical student Brian Shaffer vanished after a night out near campus, his disappearance remains one of Central Ohio’s most haunting mysteries. Over the years, investigators and amateur sleuths alike have chased down thousands of tips, most of which led nowhere. But now, a Columbus-based true crime podcast says a new tip stands out from the rest. According to the hosts, the information includes details that appear to align with facts never made public. Could this finally bring new momentum to one of Columbus’ most baffling cold cases?

🏀 This New March Madness App Lets You Steal Other People’s Brackets
March Madness brackets rarely survive the first round. A new Columbus-built app is changing that by letting players steal someone else’s bracket if theirs falls apart.

🇺🇸 Three Central Ohio Airmen Killed In KC-135 Crash During Middle East Mission
Three Central Ohio service members with the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing were among six crew members killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed during a mission in Iraq. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Headlines 📰 

⚽️ Columbus could be in the running for a professional women’s soccer team. The National Women’s Soccer League says it plans to award its 18th franchise this year, and the Haslam family has expressed interest in bringing a club to the city. (WOSU)

🍸 A new cocktail-focused restaurant has opened in Worthington. The Nine brings creative drinks and a full dinner menu to the underground space that once housed the speakeasy-style Light of the Seven Matchsticks. (Columbus Monthly)

🛍️ Several new restaurants and retailers are heading to Polaris Fashion Place this year. Highlights include Mediterranean fast-casual chain Cava, an Indian vegetarian restaurant called Simply South, and new retail additions like Fabletics. (NBC4)

🌥️ Weather: 43 and cloudy, with a chance of rain before 10 a.m. and snow after noon.

Sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council 🖼️
Explore Columbus through a new lens by checking out the arts-focused event calendar from Art Makes Columbus. Discover the events that bring our community together and experience art made authentically. For more info, head over to columbusmakesart.com.

Coming Up This Week 📆

Coming Up This Month 📆

☘️ The Best Things To Do This March In Columbus

March is well underway, and it’s jam packed. You can cheer on the Crew and the Blue Jackets, catch a play, enjoy an evening at the symphony, and of course, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Get out there and make the most of March, my friends.

Today's Photo 🤳

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🏢 High Street has change a lot over the years. Is there a shop or spot that you miss on campus?

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- Chelsea