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Axios Columbus
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.
Historic Columbus home designed by pioneer female architect up for sale
Many historic homes are in the Olde Towne East neighborhood, but one with a special origin is up for sale.The home at 1277 E. Broad St. was designed over a century ago by Florence Kenyon Hayden Rector, one of Ohio's first female architects.Why it matters: The East Broad Street landmark dates back to an era when local women pioneered various professions and continued the fight for equal opportunities.Flashback: Kenyon lived in the neighborhood and attended nearby East High School.She designed the home during the turn of the 20th century, around when she enrolled as the first female student of Ohio...
Maybe downtown Columbus isn't so recovered, after all
Data: University of Toronto; Note: Downtown defined as the central location with the highest concentration of employment in each metro area; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosIt turns out our downtown may not be the post-pandemic success story many had celebrated.Driving the news: Downtown Columbus' number of unique visitors this spring reached only 56.5% of pre-pandemic levels, per an updated analysis from the University of Toronto's School of Cities that tracks cell phone activity.That ranks us 51st among the 55 largest U.S. metro areas tracked, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick and Kavya Beheraj report.Flashback: An earlier version of the research placed Columbus at No. 4,...
Bexley book store helps customers give kids the gift of reading
If you're getting in the holiday spirit, you should consider visiting Gramercy Books in Bexley to check out the Book Angel tree.How it works: The tree is adorned with names of local children who could use a gifted book for the holidays.Customers can pull off a name, pick an age-appropriate title and get a 25% discount on the book at check out.Gramercy partners with Franklin County Children's Services to deliver the books to the kids.What I found: A neat book using kid-friendly illustrations to explain how AI and robots work.To be honest, I'd probably benefit from reading that.If you go: 2424 E. Main St., Bexley. 9am-8pm Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm Sunday.The Book Angel program runs through Dec. 24 or until all children are picked. The bookstore has a large children's section. Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Bexley book store helps customers give kids the gift of reading
If you're getting in the holiday spirit, you should consider visiting Gramercy Books in Bexley to check out the Book Angel tree.How it works: The tree is adorned with names of local children who could use a gifted book for the holidays.Customers can pull off a name, pick an age-appropriate title and get a 25% discount on the book at check out.Gramercy partners with Franklin County Children's Services to deliver the books to the kids.What I found: A neat book using kid-friendly illustrations to explain how AI and robots work.To be honest, I'd probably benefit from reading that.If you go: 2424 E. Main St., Bexley. 9am-8pm Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm Sunday.The Book Angel program runs through Dec. 24 or until all children are picked. The bookstore has a large children's section. Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
A new home for human trafficking survivors opens Friday
A first-of-its-kind residential community for human trafficking survivors opens this week in Columbus, offering in-house wraparound services, employment opportunities and affordable rent.Why it matters: Harriet's Hope will help residents rebuild their lives, its organizers say — and make the difficult process a little easier by providing safe, stable housing.Ohio ranks sixth highest for cases reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and tackling the problem has been a priority for Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who launched a Human Trafficking Initiative in 2019.Last month, Gov. Mike DeWine called a lack of emergency housing "one of the biggest gaps in Ohio's...
Columbus Audubon considers name change
Columbus Audubon leadership is considering a name change to distance the organization from its namesake, a slave owner and anti-abolitionist.Why it matters: Bird conservation groups across the U.S. named after artist and ornithologist John James Audubon are facing pressure to address his controversial past — another example of a national reckoning over race and history.Columbus' chapter, with about 3,000 members, is one of the nation's largest.The big picture: Several Audubon chapters have announced name changes over the past couple of years, including Chicago and Detroit, which are now "Bird Alliance" chapters.The National Audubon Society's board of directors voted to keep...
What's the best way to make Johnny Marzetti?
Here's another embarrassing "never have I ever."Dining the news: Until last week, I had never eaten Johnny Marzetti, a Midwest casserole staple with reported Columbus origins.My husband fixed this egregious oversight by preparing an online recipe that most closely resembles the nostalgic childhood dish his Nana used to make (leaving out the Italian sausage).Catch up quick: The story goes that Italian immigrant Teresa Marzetti served the casserole at her restaurant near Ohio State in the late 1800s and named it after her brother-in-law.The quick, hearty recipe gained popularity in kitchens and school cafeterias across Ohio in the early 20th century,...
A playoffs edition of "Hell is Real" is coming Saturday
Saturday will be a Buckeye State soccer showdown to decide which Ohio team gets to play for an MLS trophy.Driving the news: The Crew defeated Orlando City SC over the weekend, a 2-0 thriller decided in extra time.The road playoff victory was Columbus' first since way back in 2002, breaking a 16-game winless drought.Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati won their conference semifinals match, setting up a major clash between the two Ohio foes.The intrigue: The teams play a "Hell Is Real" derby each season, a rivalry named for the famous billboard along I-71 between the two cities.This marks the first playoff meeting between the two hellish squads, with the winner advancing to the MLS Cup.Details: FC Cincinnati, which had a better regular season record, will host Saturday's 6pm match.Resale tickets start at $175.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
How to fake it: A guide to the 2023 OSU-Michigan rivalry game
Saturday's big game will be the talk of every Thanksgiving dinner table across Ohio.So if you're a casual fan at best, here's what to know to fake your way through the inevitable Buckeyes chatter.Why it matters: Each game between Ohio State and That Team Up North is a big deal, but this year's contest is especially laden with high-stakes drama.State of play: Both schools enter with perfect 11-0 records and have been consistently ranked among America's top college teams.The winner is assured a spot in the College Football Playoffs, while the loser might get snubbed.Buckeyes coach Ryan Day is trying...
Photo gallery: Shots from OSU-Michigan rivalry games of yesteryear
Michigan's John Heston runs the ball in the 1933 contest, won by the Wolverines by a score of 13-0. Photo: Bettmann/CORBIS/Bettmann Archive Ohio State coach Woody Hayes is characteristically upset with a referee during the 1970 game, which the Buckeyes won 20-9. Photo: Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images Zach Boren celebrates after sacking the Wolverines quarterback in the 2012 game, which OSU won 26-21. Photo: Jamie Sabau/Getty ImagesSign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Why Ohioans are having fewer babies
Data: CDC. Chart: Axios VisualsOhio's plunging birth rate dipped below the national average last year for the first time since 2018, new CDC data shows.Why it matters: A country's birth rate generally tends to fall as incomes rise, meaning lower rates can be a reflection of greater prosperity.The opposite can also be true, however, as people who feel they can't afford children choose not to have them.Other factors include the number of women in the workforce and better access to contraception, family planning, and abortion care.The big picture: The U.S. birth rate dropped nearly 23% between 2007-2022, from 14.3 births...
Crew looks to end playoff road losing streak
Data: Columbus Crew. Note: Columbus won the MLS Cup in 2008 at a neutral site. Table: Simran Parwani/AxiosThe Crew heads to the Sunshine State this weekend for a chance to snap the most vexing streak in franchise history.Kicking the news: Columbus has not won a playoff game on the road since way back in September 2002, the same month Kelly Clarkson won the first season of "American Idol."In 16 away playoff matches since then, the Crew posted zero wins, five draws, and 11 losses.Eight of those defeats were by a margin of just one goal.State of play: Saturday's conference semifinals...
What's next for Ohio abortion law after passage of Issue 1
Ohio's largest abortion services provider and anti-abortion rights lawmakers are turning their attention to what's next after the recent passage of Issue 1.Why it matters: While voters approved the constitutional amendment by a 13% margin, the Nov. 7 vote may not be the final word on legalization.State of play: The amendment effectively negates the Legislature's "Heartbeat Law," which bans the procedure beyond about six weeks, though the law had already been on hold amid a legal challenge.The Ohio Supreme Court is set to review how Issue 1's passage impacts that six-week ban, Cleveland.com reports.Reality check: While lawmakers cannot simply vote...
Columbus area sees cheaper gas prices as holidays approach
Data: GasBuddy; Chart: Axios VisualsThere's some good news for those driving long distances to see loved ones this Thanksgiving.Driving the news: Gas prices have fallen over recent months in the Columbus metro area and across the country, per data from tracking app GasBuddy.Zoom in: The average price per gallon in the Columbus metro area was $3.19 to start this month.That's down 34 cents from the same point in 2022.Be smart: Keep an eye on the app before filling up. Several gas stations are under $3.What we're watching: The national average could fall another 10 to 20 cents during the holiday season, GasBuddy head of petroleum analysis Patrick De Haan said in a statement, so long as the violence in the Middle East does not spread or jump to other countries.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
We tried "The Gobbler," a Thanksgiving pizza at Mikey's
If you're craving more excitement from your Thanksgiving dinner, here's an option sure to tickle your taste buds.What I ate: The Gobbler, a seasonal pizza from Columbus staple Mikey's Late Night Slice ($5.90 a slice).There's gravy under the traditional cheese, topped with dollops of house-made stuffing and pieces of smoked turkey from the always-popular Ray Ray's Hog Pit.Quick take: I don't know who decided we needed to meet the love child of Thanksgiving dinner, drunk munchies and a barbecue pit, but I'm not complaining. It's really good!Yes, but: It comes with a side of cranberry jelly — yes, the superior, canned variety — which makes or breaks the meal.If you enjoy a salty-sweet combination, layer it on.If you're like me, and gotta keep 'em separated, just eat it with a spoon.The bottom line: It's a much better alternative dinner than the Thanksgiving hot dog topped with mashed potatoes that I tried last year at Dirty Frank's.If you go: Available through Sunday. Locations and hours.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
We tried White Castle stuffing and have an ultimatum
👋 Axios Des Moines reporter Jason Clayworth here. My peers in Columbus were boasting recently about White Castle stuffing, which is allegedly a quintessential holiday dish in Ohio.I decided to try it using this recipe from the chain.State of play: The closest White Castle restaurant to Des Moines is in Columbia, Missouri, nearly 200 miles away.So I used frozen sliders purchased at Hy-Vee and otherwise followed the recipe ($10 for all ingredients).👆 My thought bubble: Stuffing that comes in a box is cheaper, tastes better and is more convenient to make.I'm officially crossing White Castle stuffing off my list until this chain has the decency to open a location in DSM so I can use fresh burgers. Stuffing made from White Castle burgers. Photo: Jason Clayworth/AxiosSign up for Axios Columbus for free.
The 8 best holiday light displays in Columbus this year
Believe it or not, it's time for Columbus to transform into a winter wonderland once again.Illuminating the news: To kick off the holiday season, we've compiled a list of eight must-see holiday light displays in Central Ohio.🎟️ Pro tip: Experience Columbus is offering a Holiday Lights pass for a second year, which includes admission to two events — Conservatory Aglow and Wildlights — and coupons for select Easton stores and restaurants.$36 for kids and $47 for adults.The latest: New this year is "Season of Celebrations" at COSI, featuring a 40-foot tree and a twinkling forest of 50 smaller trees decorated...
5 turkey trots in Columbus the week of Thanksgiving
If you're looking to stay active during with the holidays approaching, lace up your sneakers for these local races:🏃♀️ Girls on the Run 5K: The race benefits a running organization for children.10am Saturday, Columbus Commons. $50.🍫 Hot Chocolate Run: Finish a 5K, 10K or 15K and enjoy post-race hot cocoa and chocolate fondue.7:30am Sunday, McFerson Commons. $59-79.🧣 Columbus Turkey Trot: A Thanksgiving Day race with 2.6- and 5-mile routes that also serves as a canned food and winter clothing drive.9am Thursday, 1675 W. Lane Ave. $50.🍽️ St. Alban's Bexley Turkey Trot: Another Thanksgiving Day race. This one benefits the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.9am Thursday, 333 S. Drexel Ave. $40.⏱️ Columbus Hungry Turkey Trot: 5K, 10K and ⅓ Marathon options for a race benefitting the Humane Society of Delaware County.9:15am Nov. 25, Genoa Park. $50-75.Organizers promise everyone will be home in time for the OSU football game at noon.🧠 Be smart: Check each race website for sign-up deadlines and information on kids' runs.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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