Columbus
Axios Columbus
A rant against the silliest restaurant reviews on Google
Biggby Coffee, a Michigan-based chain, is opening a new west side location on Hilliard-Rome Road.The location — which hasn't opened yet — already has 12 reviews on Google and a lackluster rating.How can that be? It seems these brilliant coffee lovers saw the existence of a Google Maps listing, headed over for a cup and were disappointed to find it closed.That's despite Google mentioning the shop is "temporarily closed." (Twice!)What they're saying: "There is no bigbys. Have fun driving in circles looking," one review reads."This location does not exist 😡 I drove a long freakin way to get here," says another.Flashback: The same thing happened before the nearby Bojangles restaurant opened, too.One such comment: "Like others, I drove out of my way to get here, only to arrive to find them pouring concrete in their parking lot. Be better Bo."The bottom line: It's hard to understand a person motivated enough to drive across town for coffee and chicken, yet too busy to notice the listing says it's closed.That's an internet comments section for you.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Crew win MLS Cup
We are the champions once again.The Crew defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1 Saturday night to earn their third MLS Cup — their first at Lower.com Field.Why it matters: The post-match celebration that ensued was long overdue for faithful fans, who just five years ago were uncertain if their team would even stay in Columbus.Catch up quick: The Crew most recently won it all in 2020, but only 1,500 spectators witnessed the victory at then-Mapfre Stadium because of pandemic restrictions. Celebrations were only online.The latest: Last night, fans set an attendance record of 20,802.Following the post-game formalities, players finally hoisted the...
What happened in Columbus' housing market in 2023
Data: Redfin; Chart: Alice Feng and Tory Lysik/Axios VisualsBecoming a homeowner in 2023 was "more challenging than ever," according to Columbus Realtors president Patti Brown-Wright.Why it matters: A year that saw record-low housing affordability is drawing to an end.Zoom in: Columbus is still a sought-after market, Brown-Wright says, pointing to some of the high-profile projects slated for the area including Intel's Ohio One mega chip factory.Gahanna was recently named the Hottest Zip Code of 2023 by Realtor.com.Pickerington was dubbed one of the nation's top suburbs for first-time home buyers.The big picture: U.S. home sales have cratered as many owners clamp...
Columbus Crew hosts MLS Cup championship match Saturday
The Columbus Crew take the pitch Saturday for a chance to bring the MLS Cup trophy back to town.Kicking the news: The Crew host Los Angeles FC at 4pm for the league championship at Lower.com Field.Why it matters: This is the fourth time the MLS Cup has been held in Columbus, but the first time at the new stadium.The Crew won titles in 2008 and 2020, with the latter match played at home.State of play: This has been a magical first season for head coach Wilfried Nancy, who led the Crew to its first postseason berth since the 2020 championship.Columbus...
What to do this weekend in Columbus: Dec. 8-10
🎭 Enjoy a Columbus tradition with "The Nutcracker" at the Ohio Theatre.7:30pm Friday, noon and 5:30pm Saturday and Sunday. $39-118.🎵 Catch another classic show, "Mr. Scrooge: The Musical," performed by the Columbus Children's Theatre.1pm, 4pm and 7pm Saturday, 1pm and 4pm Sunday, Studio One at the Riffe Center, 77 S. High St. $19-29.❄️ See Charles Dickens' world come to life at Ohio Village, which hosts an 1890s holiday celebration.5:30-9pm Saturday, 1-5pm Sunday, 800 E. 17th Ave. $9-18, children under 4 free!🎻 Hear "Elf in Concert" as the Columbus Symphony plays along to the family favorite shown on a giant Palace Theatre screen.7pm Saturday, 2pm Sunday. $35-63.🕎 Join Chabad of Columbus for a menorah lighting and family party at Easton Town Square.7:30pm Saturday. Free!🎁 Find a last-minute gift at the annual Columbus Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show.10am-4pm Sunday, 5462 Center St., Hilliard, $3, children under 12 free!🎅 Take a holiday hayride, play games and say hi to Santa during the Westerville Winterfest & Carnival.11:30am-3:30pm Sunday, 180 Center St. Free with registration, some activities are paid.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Ohio's recreational marijuana law now in effect
Ohio's recreational marijuana law goes into effect Thursday, one month after Issue 2 was approved by 57% of voters.Why it matters: State officials are considering changes to the law that could allow marijuana purchases much sooner than expected.State of play: The new law permits those ages 21 and up to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis in most forms and grow plants at home.It also legalizes recreational sales, but that isn't supposed to start until Ohio issues dispensary licenses next year.Between the lines: Issue 2 was passed as an initiated statute, meaning state lawmakers are empowered to repeal or...
This Columbus historical site helped America win World War II
Our Franklin County historical marker series takes us back to Whitehall to a site that helped America win World War II.The marker: Columbus Depot at 3990 E. Broad St.Flashback: Since 1918, the depot has served as a federal distribution point for military supplies.The location was chosen because of its proximity to railroad lines.By the numbers: It eventually grew into the world's largest military supply installation, with 10 million feet of storage spread across 635 acres.During World War II, over 1,000 freight cars per week carried everything from combat trucks and weapons to food rations, uniforms and first aid kits from the depot to be shipped around the world.The intrigue: Late in the war, hundreds of German prisoners worked "under the watchful eyes of armed guards," per the Whitehall Historical Society.The Defense Supply Center, as it is now known, still supplies equipment to all branches of the armed forces to this day.Watch WOSU's short documentary about the depot.3️⃣9️⃣ down, 86 to go.___Thanks to our series sponsor Ohio History Connection. Sponsorship has no influence on editorial content.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Columbus commutes are getting even better
Data: Census Bureau; Chart: Alice Feng/AxiosColumbus workers spent less time getting to work than the national average before the pandemic — and we still come out ahead, even as commute times have dropped nationwide.Why it matters: Quicker commutes are tied to better mental health, greater job satisfaction and a host of other personal benefits. They're also better for the environment.Meanwhile, city leaders have long touted our shorter commute times as an economic development advantage.By the numbers: About 70% of Columbus workers reported a commute of under 30 minutes in 2022, up from just over 65% in 2019, per a new...
Columbus commutes are getting even better
Data: Census Bureau; Chart: Alice Feng/AxiosColumbus workers spent less time getting to work than the national average before the pandemic — and we still come out ahead, even as commute times have dropped nationwide.Why it matters: Quicker commutes are tied to better mental health, greater job satisfaction and a host of other personal benefits. They're also better for the environment.Meanwhile, city leaders have long touted our shorter commute times as an economic development advantage.By the numbers: About 70% of Columbus workers reported a commute of under 30 minutes in 2022, up from just over 65% in 2019, per a new...
The village of Valleyview needs council members — and more revenue
The future is looking uncertain for Ohio's village of Valleyview.The enclave of about 700 people surrounded by Columbus' Hilltop neighborhood currently doesn't have enough council members to conduct public business in 2024.State of play: In the November election, nobody ran in two council races or to replace longtime Mayor Marzia Helton, who is retiring.Current council president James Mattox will automatically become mayor next month per Ohio law, leaving three of six council seats vacant, Helton tells Axios.Until at least one is filled, the council won't have a quorum in January.Plus: The tiny village won't bring in any new operating funds...
Celebrating Hanukkah in Columbus amid turmoil
Hanukkah celebrations begin Thursday night, and local organizers say the joyous annual traditions will take on an even deeper significance this year.Why it matters: Rising reports of antisemitism and the Israel-Hamas war are complicating community celebrations nationwide.Catch up quick: Hanukkah starts Thursday at sundown and lasts until nightfall on Dec. 15.The Jewish Festival of Lights commemorates the story of a little bit of oil that miraculously provided light for eight days.Zoom in: Chabad Columbus, which annually organizes Eight Nights of Fun for the holiday, will celebrate this year with "more light, love and Jewish pride, in solidarity with our brothers...
Columbus Zoo announces birth of first baby orangutan in 60 years
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is celebrating the birth of a female Bornean orangutan, its first in over 60 years.Why it matters: The tree-dwelling species, native to Southeast Asia, is critically endangered.😍 Plus: She's adorable.Details: The still-unnamed baby was born Nov. 28 to first-time mother Khali, 17, and both are doing well.The father is 30-year-old Sulango, who sired two surviving male offspring at Zoo Atlanta before coming to Columbus.Of note: The orangutan habitat's indoor viewing area is currently closed to guests while the newly expanded family continues to bond. New mom Khali is all smiles while resting with her baby.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
High costs strain Ohio restaurants
Rising food and labor costs are seriously eating into restaurants' profits, operators across Ohio reported in a recent industry survey.Why it matters: High costs put a strain not just on owners' pocketbooks but customers', too.Driving the news: The Ohio Restaurant Association has conducted quarterly "business impact" polls of operators since the beginning of the pandemic.The latest was taken between Oct. 17-Nov. 16.Here are a few takeaways from the survey and our conversation with ORA president and CEO John Barker:🍔 Customers are also paying the priceNearly all restaurateurs report facing higher food and labor costs (95% and 88%, respectively) compared to...
What to expect this Buckeyes basketball season
The 2023-24 college basketball season is already underway, but the fun is just getting started.State of play: Big Ten conference play tipped off yesterday at the Schottenstein Center, with OSU's men defeating Minnesota 84-74.OSU's women face Penn State at 1pm Sunday, also at home, in their first Big Ten matchup. Tickets are $15.State of play: Both teams currently hold near-perfect records.Expectations are high for the 6-1 women's team, ranked No. 16 in last week's AP poll.A new poll is due today, after a decisive win over No. 20 Tennessee yesterday.Last season, the women went undefeated for two months and made it to the Elite Eight and Big Ten Championship.Meanwhile, the 7-1 men won the Emerald Coast Classic Championship in Florida over Thanksgiving weekend, handing then-No. 17 Alabama and Santa Clara their first losses.Last year's 16-19 record was OSU's first season under .500 in 19 years.Go deeper: Read quick breakdowns of all the Big Ten squads written by Axios Local staff.Men's previewWomen's previewSign up for Axios Columbus for free.
What to expect this Buckeyes basketball season
The 2023-24 college basketball season is already underway, but the fun is just getting started.State of play: Big Ten conference play tipped off yesterday at the Schottenstein Center, with OSU's men defeating Minnesota 84-74.OSU's women face Penn State at 1pm Sunday, also at home, in their first Big Ten matchup. Tickets are $15.State of play: Both teams currently hold near-perfect records.Expectations are high for the 6-1 women's team, ranked No. 16 in last week's AP poll.A new poll is due today, after a decisive win over No. 20 Tennessee yesterday.Last season, the women went undefeated for two months and made it to the Elite Eight and Big Ten Championship.Meanwhile, the 7-1 men won the Emerald Coast Classic Championship in Florida over Thanksgiving weekend, handing then-No. 17 Alabama and Santa Clara their first losses.Last year's 16-19 record was OSU's first season under .500 in 19 years.Go deeper: Read quick breakdowns of all the Big Ten squads written by Axios Local staff.Men's previewWomen's previewSign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Toft's Grand Scoop is now open near Grandview
Toft's, known for selling mountains of hand-dipped ice cream and as Ohio's oldest dairy, quietly (and finally) opened a parlor near Grandview on Thursday.Context: If you've visited the original in my hometown of Sandusky, you understand the hype.With dozens of flavors, generous portions and rich taste and history, it's a landmark stop for Lake Erie tourists and locals alike.Zoom in: Toft's Grand Scoop is still setting up furniture and training employees, but that didn't deter my opening-day visit.I ordered my go-to since childhood — a small cup of moose tracks and mint chocolate chip ($5.50) — and topped it with...
Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati face off in MLS conference final
It's all come down to this: Two Ohio teams battling for a shot in the MLS Cup.State of play: The Eastern Conference final at 6pm Saturday will feature the league's first club against one of its newest expansion teams.If you're not headed to Cincinnati, send the team off this afternoon at 2:30pm as players board the bus from Historic Crew Stadium.Or watch the game on the big screen at Grandview Theater & Drafthouse's free watch party Saturday. Doors open at 5:30pm.The big picture: The Crew may be the "big brother" in this growing rivalry, but Cincinnati is turning into a...
What to do this weekend in Columbus: Dec. 1-3
🎁 Shop for handmade art — a perfect gift for your loved ones — at Winterfair.10am-7pm Friday and Saturday, 11am-4pm Sunday, Ohio Expo Center. $7. 🚀 Attend a pop culture convention that's out of this world: GalaxyCon Columbus.Registration: 12:30-8:30pm today, 9am-8:30pm Saturday and 9-8pm Sunday, Convention Center.$40-60 daily, $95 weekend pass.🎵 Be happy tonight at a Winter Wonder Jam hosted by WCOL-FM, with country star Lee Brice headlining.7:30pm, Celeste Center at the State Fairgrounds. $35-102.50.👢 Kick up your heels during Kinky Boots, a musical comedy about a shoe factory owner and a drag queen's unlikely partnership.7pm Friday, 2pm and 7pm...
Food insecurity is rising again in Ohio
Data: USDA Economic Research Service; Chart: Axios VisualsThe Columbus Blessing Boxes Project began in 2018 with just three locations stocked with free food for those in need.Now, the nonprofit has 100 boxes, which are like little free libraries for food, scattered throughout Central Ohio.Why it matters: An increasing number of Ohioans are struggling to pay for food amid inflation and the end of some pandemic-era benefits.By the numbers: 11.5% of Ohio households were food insecure on average between 2020-2022, per new USDA data.That means at some point they couldn't provide, or worried about providing, enough food for a household member...
When an OSU coach backed a Wolverine for president
Imagine the uproar if a Buckeyes head coach publicly campaigned for a Michigan Wolverine to become president.Unthinkable, right? Except that, 50 years ago, legend Woody Hayes did just that.Flashback: Hayes played football at Denison University under coach Tom Rogers in the 1930s.Both enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, with Rogers eventually serving as commander of a training station in Illinois.Rogers' assistant: Former Wolverines center Gerald Ford.The intrigue: Decades later, with Rogers' encouragement, Hayes took kindly to the former football star and veteran — even though he was a Michigan grad.As OSU head coach, Hayes joined Ford for a presidential campaign rally at the Statehouse in 1976, but the Republican ended up losing Ohio by a narrow margin.Worse yet, Hayes' Buckeyes were shut out by the Wolverines just a few weeks later.What they said: "I wish I'd campaigned some more," Hayes told reporters on the eve of that year's rivalry game.Asked if he'd spoken to Ford since the vote, the coach said he hadn't."I probably should have called him, but when I lose one, I don't want anyone to call."Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
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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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