🥶 Dozens Of Water Main Breaks Are Freezing Columbus Streets

Plus: 👨‍🍳 Chef Boyardee Was A Real Person? And An Ohioan?

Author

Chelsea Wiley
January 30, 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, Friday! Chelsea, here.

After days of extreme cold, the city is dealing with more than 50 active water main breaks, flooding streets and trapping cars across multiple neighborhoods. Some areas have seen quick fixes, while others, like parts of German Village, have been dealing with icy conditions for weeks. City officials say frigid temperatures and aging infrastructure are to blame, and more breaks could be on the way. Here’s what’s happening, why repairs are slow, and how to report a problem near you.

🏛️ Explore Black History & Culture At This Incredible Ohio Museum
Looking for a meaningful day trip? Just outside Columbus, the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center offers must-see exhibits on Black history, art, and innovation, including a permanent exhibit spotlighting African American inventors who changed the world.

👨‍🍳 Chef Boyardee Was A Real Person And He's Buried Right Here In Ohio
Sometimes, this job takes me down some very odd rabbit holes. I have to admit that until a couple of years ago, I genuinely didn’t realize Chef Boyardee was a real person and I was even more shocked to find out that he called Ohio home.

Headlines 📰 

🇺🇸 A “National Shutdown” is planned for today, as activists urge Americans to stay home from work and school and avoid shopping to protest ICE activity and recent fatal encounters with federal agents. The action has gained momentum nationwide, with endorsements from student groups, advocacy organizations, and celebrities. (NBC4)

🚨 Ohio and Springfield officials are preparing for a possible surge of ICE activity as temporary legal protections for hundreds of thousands of Haitians nationwide are set to expire. Local leaders say limited information is available, fueling uncertainty and fear within Springfield’s sizable Haitian community. (WOSU)

🥃 Two new women-owned spirits brands are shaking up Columbus’s drinks scene: Esther Rum and Archer Eland Rye Whiskey. Founded by local creatives, the brands offer approachable, thoughtfully crafted bottles perfect for celebrating the end of Dry January. (Columbus Monthly)

🌤️ Weather: Partly sunny, with a high near 16. Wind chill values as low as -3

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 January In Columbus
January doesn’t slow Columbus down. From hockey games and big-name comedy to ice sculptures, winter hikes, and late-night museum events, this month is packed with reasons to get out and do something, even when it’s cold.

Today's Photo 🤳

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🎨 Going a little stir crazy on the 5th day of school cancellations? Get out of the house and head to the Columbus Museum of Art. It’s the perfect way to spend the day when it’s far too cold to be outside.

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- Chelsea