Debbie Holmes

Columbus

News Reporter at WOSU-TV (Columbus, OH)

Broadcast journalist always seeking a good story. I love to watch home repair shows in spare time. Views expressed are my own opinion.

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Articles

Columbus man chairing new commission focusing on helping immigrants and refugees

1 week ago | wosu.org | Debbie Holmes

As the Trump administration targets immigrants for removal from the United States, Columbus leaders have established a Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. It’s estimated more than 23,000 international migrants moved into Columbus between 2023 and 2024. The commission’s new chair, Bartholomew Shepkong, spoke with WOSU’s Debbie Holmes to explain what the agency will do. Debbie Holmes: What are the biggest needs of these communities and has that changed over the years?
Columbus conference focuses on brighter futures for former inmates

1 week ago | wosu.org | Debbie Holmes

A conference focused on helping citizens released from prison rejoin the community ended Friday in Columbus. The National Returning Citizens Conference held a two-day event recognizing those who are making a difference for people who were formerly incarcerated. Fifty-year-old Columbus native Dana Brock turned his life around after his third time behind bars for a violent offense. He is now eight years sober.
Longtime 'Chefs in the City' host speaks about the program's new podcast format

3 weeks ago | wosu.org | Debbie Holmes

Former WOSU "All Sides" host, Ann Fisher, and restaurant reviewers, Rich Terapak and Steve Stover, have resurrected the popular program "Chefs in the City" as a podcast. Terapak has been a familiar voice to WOSU listeners for 40 years. WOSU’s Debbie Holmes spoke to Terapak about his time at WOSU, the state of the Columbus restaurant scene and what lies ahead for "Chefs in the City."Debbie Holmes: You were on WOSU for four decades. Do you remember your first appearance?
Commission spokesperson says plans for redeveloping Eastland Mall site may take up to 6 years

1 month ago | wosu.org | Debbie Holmes

The demolition of Eastland Mall continues as the City of Columbus has released its redevelopment plan for the area. It's called the Eastland for Everyone Community Plan. WOSU’s Debbie Holmes spoke to Engagement Chair of the Mideast Area Commission, Quay Barnes, about what the plan could include. Debbie Holmes: The plan was revealed about a week ago and it took a long time to get this plan together. Tell me about that.
Columbus Public Health leader recalls start of the COVID-19 pandemic five years later

1 month ago | wosu.org | Debbie Holmes

It's been five years since COVID-19 started spreading throughout Ohio, forcing a government stay-at-home order and stressing hospital systems. Columbus Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts was there when it all started and still leads Columbus Public Health today. Debbie Holmes: Let's return to five years ago. How did you learn what was happening with COVID -19 in our area?
Generic drugs made in India found to be dangerous in some cases

1 month ago | wosu.org | Debbie Holmes

Generic drugs can save you money, but some could also make you very sick. A new Ohio State University study found that manufacturing differences between the U.S. and other countries, mainly India, can lead to lower quality drugs. The study is published in the journal Production and Operations Management. John Gray is the study’s co-author and professor of operations at the OSU Fisher College of Business.
Israeli woman who survived Hamas attack during music festival shares her story

2 months ago | wosu.org | Debbie Holmes

This week, Jewish Columbus marked 500 days since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 during the Nova Music Festival by hosting a survivor of the attack. Rita Yedid, of Israel, was at the festival when the attack happened. Her husband shielded her from the bullets and was shot three times. Both Yedid and her husband survived. Yedid spoke with WOSU's Debbie Holmes. Debbie Holmes: How are you doing? Rita Yedid: Now that I'm here in Columbus...much better, much better.
Free college tuition program expanding for Columbus City Schools students through Promise initiative

2 months ago | wosu.org | Debbie Holmes

The Columbus Promise program that allows Columbus City Schools students to attend Columbus State tuition free will be expanding. A Phase 2 campaign launched Monday morning with a goal to raise $25 million. The plan is to continue the program for high school graduates from 2025 through 2027. Columbus City Schools' Superintendent Angela Chapman said at least 2,250 more students can pursue college without worrying about tuition and fees. “This phase isn't just about access.
Columbus VA prevents Franklin County Commissioner from speaking on DEI at MLK luncheon

Jan 24, 2025 | ideastream.org | Debbie Holmes

Franklin County Commissioner Kevin Boyce declined to give the keynote address at a Columbus VA MLK luncheon Thursday after organizers said he could not discuss DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) topics. This week President Trump issued an executive order to end diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within the federal government. Boyce said VA organizers contacted him just two hours before the event alerting him he would not be allowed to speak on DEI-related topics.
Affordable housing is a concern as more Ohioans are living longer

Jan 23, 2025 | wosu.org | Debbie Holmes

INSIDE: Caregiving is a multi-series project from WOSU uncovering the journey of caregiving, from health disparities and inequities to exploring if our healthcare system is prepared to support the future aging population. As the aging population grows in the U.S., affordable housing is becoming an increasing concern. It’s estimated the Baby Boom generation is retiring at a rate of 10,000 people per day. The number of people over the age of 80 is projected to triple by 2050. Where will they all live?