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Columbus weekend events: "The Office" trivia, a beer festival and The Arnold
🕺 Celebrate Indian and Asian cultures with a series of musical and dancing performances.6:30pm Friday, 5600 Post Road, Dublin. $15.🧠 Test your knowledge of Dunder Mifflin during "The Office" Trivia at The Sanctuary.8pm Friday, 618 Neil Ave. $15 per player, 21+.🍺 Try your favorite Buckeye State brews at the Pick Ohio Beer Festival at the Combustion Brewery & Taproom.Noon-3pm and 3:30-6:30pm Saturday, 80 W. Church St., Pickerington. $60, comes with tasting glass and pours of all festival beers.🎭 Catch a performance of "The Producers" by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus.7:30pm Saturday and 2pm Sunday, Roth/Resler Theater, 1125 College Ave. $30.🌲 Explore the Inniswood Metro Gardens and complete a spring scavenger hunt picked up inside the Innis House.1-3pm Sunday, 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville. Free!✈ Take musical flight with the New Albany Symphony as it brings the story of Orville and Wilbur Wright to life.3pm Sunday, McCoy Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin Granville Road. $10-25.A sensory friendly concert is planned for 11:30am Saturday.Plus: Flex your muscles at the Arnold Sports Festival, running throughout this weekend.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Columbus plans major "Capital Line" downtown pathway
Data: Columbus Downtown Development Corporation. Map: Erin Davis/Axios VisualsA massive "urban pathway" in downtown Columbus will better connect pedestrians and bicyclists to a host of local landmarks, city officials announced yesterday.Why it matters: The $100 million "Capital Line" project furthers a multitude of city goals, from boosting local tourism to enticing new residents and businesses to move downtown.Officials also hope it will improve pedestrian safety, move away from car-focused travel and grow the tree canopy.The big picture: Construction of the two-mile loop surrounding the Scioto Mile and Capitol Square will start in 2025 and be completed in stages over the...
What's new at the Arnold Sports Festival
He's back! Once again, the Arnold Sports Festival is taking over the convention center.Why it matters: It's a massive boon to our local economy, drawing over 100,000 visitors from around the globe.The four-day fitness event is one of the world's largest, with dozens of physique and strength competitions and an expo featuring hundreds of vendors.What we're watching: "Game of Thrones" star Hafthor "The Mountain" Bjornsson is competing in Saturday's Arnold Strongman Classic for the first time since winning three straight titles from 2018-2020 and briefly retiring.Plus: A new Stack3d pavilion will highlight supplements, functional foods and energy drink brands new to the expo.Pro tip: The Sunday Showcase ($35) guarantees a "Governator" sighting, but Arnold also explores the expo and other events.He'll speak at Friday and Saturday's pro bodybuilding shows, too ($60-120).💭 Our thought bubble: Don't fret if you're an amateur. With contests ranging from powerlifting to medieval fighting and foosball, you'll find something to enjoy — even if it's just the people watching.If you go: Expo: 10am-7pm tomorrow ($45) and Saturday ($55) and 10am-4pm Sunday ($35). $100 weekend pass. Kids under 15 free!Tickets.Competition schedule.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Throwback Thursday: Unusual Columbus news from leap days past
We searched the archives for interesting Feb. 29 news stories from years past and found three dealing with OSU:💃 1920: Stop your shimmying!Evelyn Scatterday, the Columbus municipal dance inspector, attended several student dances and was horrified by what she saw.The "shimmy" … the "Camel Walk" … even students dancing "cheek to cheek." She urged them to follow local law and knock it off.The other side: Men blamed the women and women blamed the men, yet all agreed the university shouldn't be punished by the actions of a few rogue dancers.They also argued the law, which concerned public dance halls, shouldn't...
Columbus Fury winning over fans of pro women's volleyball
It was not the ear-splitting rock music typically heard at professional sporting events, but a more literal refrain for the Columbus Fury's first timeout: Shania Twain's "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!"Why it matters: Our new pro women's volleyball team is inspiring a new generation of women's sports fans, furthering a regional goal to become an inclusive sports hub.State of play: The Fury are one of seven inaugural teams in the Pro Volleyball Federation, the first U.S. league of its kind since the 1980s.Most players, like middle blocker Jenna Rosenthal, are former collegiate stars previously forced to continue their careers...
Wendy's to test "dynamic pricing" during peak hours
The cost of your next Wendy's burger may soon depend on when you order it.Driving the news: The Dublin-based chain will begin testing "dynamic pricing" in 2025, Axios' Kelly Tyko reports."Surge pricing," as the practice is also known, is when businesses charge more during peak ordering times like a lunch and dinner rush.The big picture: Wendy's is reportedly investing $20 million in new digital menu boards that can adjust prices throughout the day.The chain previously rolled out an AI chatbot drive-thru service at some stores last year.What they're saying: The response on social media has been scathing, with one X user predicting Wendy's is "going to get a Frosty response."🤔 Do you agree? Email us at columbus@axios.com with your thoughts.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Franklin County still spending pandemic relief money
Franklin County still has millions of dollars in pandemic relief money to spend in the coming three years, Axios has learned.Why it matters: Years after the final pandemic lockdown, local governments are still using relief funds to support public services and make infrastructure improvements.Driving the news: Franklin County commissioners will vote this morning to allocate three "COVID-19 Recovery Grants" toward local nonprofits:$1 million to Lutheran Social Services to fund the CHOICES Domestic Violence Shelter.$1 million to Community Partners Youth Development to support a business resource hub for "minority and underserved entrepreneurs."$300,000 to Besa Community Inc. for events in "distressed" neighborhoods...
Columbus warmer than normal in February
Data: ERA5; Chart: Will Chase/AxiosThis year's global temperatures are picking up right where 2023 ended: in all-time record high territory, Axios' Andrew Freedman reports.What's happening: A streak of Earth's warmest months ever continued through mid-February, with no indications of a cooldown.The majority of the warming is due to human-caused climate change, per recent analyses, with a boost from natural climate variability in the form of El Niño.Zoom in: Even with our recent colder temperatures and snow, the Columbus area is still trending well above average for high temperatures this month.Through Sunday, the average daily high temperature this month was 50.4, per the National Weather Service — 10 degrees higher than what's normal.Yes, but: Ohio is still capable of pulling seasonal tricks on us, so don't put those winter coats away just yet.The median date of our area's last spring freeze is April 16, data between 1991 and 2020 shows.Data: Midwest Regional Climate Center; Map: Rahul Mukherjee/Axios
Columbus area tax levies on the March primary ballot
Amid a high-profile U.S. Senate race, it's easy for local issues to be overshadowed during this primary election season.Why it matters: Thousands of voters will decide ballot items that could raise property taxes to support crucial public services like schools, police and fire departments.Between the lines: While Ohio primaries are usually in May, this year's is March 19, due to the presidential election.Voter turnout is higher and the ballot tends to be a little more crowded, though local officials tell us the decision to place ballot items ultimately comes down to funding needs and cycles.For example, last May, no Franklin...
Columbites: Milestone 229 has a great view and menu, too
Downtown's only riverfront restaurant, Milestone 229, is mostly known for its ideal location.Recently I wondered: Should it be known for its food, too? So I went to investigate.What I ate: A Valentine's Day special of picture-perfect twin lobster tails atop buttery lemon herb risotto and crisp green beans ($32).The risotto could've been a little more lemon-forward but, otherwise, no complaints.If you're craving shellfish on a normal day, try the equally delicious lobster ravioli ($38), a sweet dish with generous portions of claw meat, succotash underneath and sherry sauce on top.For dessert: A bruleed vanilla bean cheesecake ($13) with a caramelized...
Where to find Girl Scout cookies in Columbus
Girl Scout cookie season is here again and it's easier than ever to find your favorite Thin Mints and Samoas.Pro tip: Use this online cookie finder to locate where and when local troops set up sales booths, such as outside Walmart and Tractor Supply stores.The intrigue: You can also snag cookies online, but we suggest buying in person.That way you skip the hefty shipping fees and give kids some sales experience.The cookie season runs through March 17.What we're hearing: Fellow Axios reporters say cookie prices in their cities have risen to $6 or $7 per box but, thankfully, that's not the case here.We recently snagged a few boxes from Worthington's Wilson Hill troop for just $5 apiece.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Crew hopes to make it back-to-back titles in 2024
The Crew's exceptionally short off-season — fueled by last year's deep playoff run, resulting in another MLS championship — ends this weekend with the 2024 home opener.Why it matters: This is shaping up to be a particularly exciting season for Columbus, as team interest is at an all-time high, and hosting duties are on deck for the league's All-Star Game in July.Driving the news: The season's first home match (known locally as "Crewsmas") will kick off at 2pm Saturday against Atlanta United.A pregame ceremony is planned to bestow players their championship rings and unveil a 2023 title sign.What's new: The...
Columbus weekend events: Home & Garden Show, Auto Show and a wine festival
🛠️ Plan your next DIY project while browsing the Central Ohio Home & Garden Show at the Ohio Expo Center.11am-7pm today, 11am-8pm Saturday and 11am-6pm Sunday. $8. Kids under 18 free!🚘 Rev your engine at the Columbus International Auto Show, showcasing the newest models from over 30 manufacturers.Noon-9pm today, 10am-9pm Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday at the convention center. $6-12. Kids under 10 free!🤣 Roar with laughter during the Females of Comedy troupe's performance at the Hashtag Comedy Co.7:30pm tonight, 1253 N. High St. $17.💃 Get moving at an OSU workshop teaching Afro Latin and African American dances.10am-2:50pm Saturday, 250 Sullivant...
Charted: Columbus' copious sports bars
Data: Yelp; Note: Among 112 metro areas with at least 500k residents; Chart: Axios VisualsIf you're looking for a place to watch the Crew, you won't have to search far.By the numbers: Columbus area has more sports bars than most other U.S. cities, according to the online restaurant review platform Yelp.Our metro area boasts 10.3 sports bars per 100,000 residents, meaning there are hundreds scattered around Central Ohio.Zoom in: Among the top rated bars on Yelp are Parlay Sporting Club (we found it decent, but pricey), the Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Columbus, Gresso's Bar & Grill and Bobcat Sports Bar.💭 Tyler's thought bubble: These days, the best sports bar is called My Living Room.I'm otherwise most partial to Roosters — you can't beat the wings, attentive service and reasonable prices.🏀 Got a favorite sports bar? Email us at columbus@axios.com and let us know.Editor's note: The headline on this story's bar chart has been corrected to reflect that the Yelp data concerns sports bars per 100,000 residents (not per capita).Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Charted: Columbus' copious sports bars
Data: Yelp; Note: Among 112 metro areas with at least 500k residents; Chart: Axios VisualsIf you're looking for a place to watch the Crew, you won't have to search far.By the numbers: Columbus area has more sports bars than most other U.S. cities, according to the online restaurant review platform Yelp.Our metro area boasts 10.3 sports bars per 100,000 residents, meaning there are hundreds scattered around Central Ohio.Zoom in: Among the top rated bars on Yelp are Parlay Sporting Club (we found it decent, but pricey), the Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Columbus, Gresso's Bar & Grill and Bobcat Sports Bar.💭 Tyler's thought bubble: These days, the best sports bar is called My Living Room.I'm otherwise most partial to Roosters — you can't beat the wings, attentive service and reasonable prices.🏀 Got a favorite sports bar? Email us at columbus@axios.com and let us know.Editor's note: The headline on this story's bar chart has been corrected to reflect that the Yelp data concerns sports bars per 100,000 residents (not per capita).Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Columbus' Black homeowners face major obstacles
The gap between Black and white homeowners in Columbus has grown over the past decade, Brianna Crane reports from Zillow data shared with Axios.Why it matters: Homeownership remains the biggest driver of the broader wealth gap, per the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.Decades ago, discriminatory practices such as redlining exacerbated homeownership inequities in Central Ohio that are still evident today.By the numbers: White residents' homeownership rate is nearly double Black residents' in Columbus.Nearly 33% of Black people own homes, a decrease of 1.4% since 2012 — compared with the nearly 69% of white people who own homes, an...
Ohio offers guidance on how to use AI in the classroom
There's a new set of ABCs in the classroom: artificial intelligence, big data and ChatGPT.Why it matters: Ohio recently released guidance for how schools can best use these AI tools, which can provide unique learning opportunities. But teachers, students and even parents need help navigating the technology in a smart, ethical way.Of note: Ohio is not mandating AI use in classrooms, but made the guidance available should teachers choose to incorporate it.Details: The new "AI Toolkit" released last week was created by tech experts and InnovateOhio, a government office focused on improving digital tools such as online BMV services.The toolkit...
Columbus explores new future for namesake statue
A series of public events aiming to rethink how we celebrate our city's people and namesake have been scheduled for the next few months.Catch up quick: The Reimagining Columbus project is nearly four years in the making, following the removal of the Christopher Columbus statue outside City Hall in June 2020.The goal is to determine how and where the city could tastefully showcase the 1955 statue again, while also promoting local diversity through other public art.A $2 million grant from the Mellon Foundation and $1.5 million from the city are supporting the project.What they're saying: This is an "opportunity to...
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Axios Columbus, anchored by Tyler Buchanan and Alissa Widman Neese, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
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