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Axios Columbus
OSU Buckeyes recruiting fewer Ohio football players
Data: cfbstats; Note: Regions based on Census Bureau classifications; Chart: Simran Parwani/AxiosThe era of homegrown talent in college football may become a thing of the past.State of play: An Axios analysis of recruiting data shows that college football programs in Ohio and across the country are increasingly recruiting from out of state, Simran Parwani reports.Between the lines: The growing professionalization and commercialization of college athletics is reshaping the recruiting landscape.With the changing transfer portal system and the emergence of name, image and likeness (NIL) deals, college football programs are pressured to recruit and retain the best players regardless of academic...
Spaghetti Warehouse antiques up for auction
If you have fond memories of the old Spaghetti Warehouse in Franklinton, you have a chance to bring some of its decorations home.Catch up quick: The Broad Street restaurant operated for decades inside a former brick ice house until a roof collapse forced its closure last year.Spaghetti Warehouse is reopening at a new downtown location at 150 S. High St. on Nov. 30.Driving the news: The "eclectic assortment of original artifacts" that once graced the massive warehouse is up for auction through Nov. 17.The intrigue: "Eclectic" is an understatement. The auction includes a 19th-century cotton gin, a gramophone record player, a pair of European church pews and enough old signs to fill an episode of "American Pickers."Bidding wars are underway for a retro sleigh, a bronze depiction of George Washington on horseback and over a dozen stained glass lamps.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Ohio's ACT scores are on the decline
Data: ACT; Chart: Axios VisualsOhio's graduating seniors performed worse on the ACT college admissions exam than their counterparts from a decade ago, according to data from the nonprofit that administers the test.Why it matters: An increasing number of graduates across the country do not meet the ACT's college readiness benchmarks, Axios' April Rubin writes.The big picture: Nationwide, the class of 2023 had the worst ACT performance in more than three decades.The average composite score, representing the English, math, reading and science sections, was 19.5 out of 36.Zoom in: Ohio's average composite score was 22 in 2014, but dropped to 19.2...
Where to order Thanksgiving takeout in Columbus
Skip the heavy lifting in the kitchen this Thanksgiving and let the pros do it for you.Pro tip: Yes, the big day is still 2½ weeks away, but many restaurants and caterers want you to order early.10 tasty take-home feasts, with deadlines:🧑🍳 Cameron Mitchell Premier Events, 7619 Huntington Park Drive"Thanksgiving elegance" with add-on desserts.Feeds 8 ($500). Wednesday.🦃 The Berwick, 3250 Refugee RoadFeeds 4 ($160) or 10 ($400). Nov. 14.A la carte catering and "tired of turkey" weekend lasagna ($75, feeds 4-6) are also available.🤝 Together & Company, 550 S. High St.Dinner bundles (turkey or ham) with an option to double...
Columbus bar hosting "Pitch a Friend Night" for local singles
If you're single and tired of introducing yourself to strangers, have a friend do it for you.Driving the news: Bada Bean Bada Booze in Italian Village is gearing up for "Pitch a Friend Night" from 7-11pm Thursday.The cafe and bar, at 231 E. First Ave., describes the event as "like Shark Tank, but for your single friends."How it works: People can apply to give presentations about their friends to a crowd of singles.A sample pitch involves a PowerPoint-type talk that includes photos, interests and friendly anecdotes.Or you can buy a $10 ticket to sit in the audience; it comes with a complimentary "Love Potion" cocktail.The bottom line: What do you have to lose?Plus, you'll have a fun time explaining to your parents how you met your significant other.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
What kind of weather to expect in Ohio this winter
Winter outlook forecast by the National Weather Service. Image: NOAA.Temperatures rapidly plunged into freezing territory this week, but there's a heightened chance of a warmer-than-average winter in Columbus, per a new NOAA seasonal outlook.Forecasting the news: The outlook also predicts less precipitation than average for our region this meteorological winter, which is Dec. 1-Feb. 29.Yes, but: Don't fret, snow misers. There's still hope for you, too.The big picture: The combination of a strong El Niño in the tropical Pacific Ocean and record high global ocean temperatures are likely to shape North America's upcoming winter season in potentially unexpected ways, Axios'...
What to do this weekend in Columbus: Nov. 3-5
🤣 Laugh along with comedian Hasan Minhaj at the Palace Theatre.7pm tonight. $53.50-128.50.🎵 See the 1975 on tour at Nationwide Arena, featuring songs off the English band's latest album.7:30pm tonight. $43.50-$103.50.🇲🇽 Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the Columbus Museum of Art.Family events: 1-4 pm Saturday. $5. Registration encouraged.Evening activities: 5:30-8pm Saturday. $10. Registration encouraged.🎨 Paint a vintage Christmas tree at Brush Crazy art studio.3-8pm Saturday, 1299 Bethel Road. $11, registration required.😎 Get funky down in Duloc during the Shrek Rave — yes, seriously — at Newport Music Hall.9pm Saturday, 1722 N. High St. $18-38.🏃♀️ Let your kids' imaginations run wild at the Columbus STEM & Arts Expo at Polaris Fashion Place.Noon-6pm Sunday. Free, but pre-registration is required for some events.📽 View the political thriller "Exodus 91" during the 19th Annual Jewish Film Festival.1pm Sunday, Drexel Theatre, 2254 E. Main St., Bexley. $12 tickets, or a $160 reel pass grants access to all festival films and events through Nov. 19.⚽ Kick back and watch Iowa play Wisconsin in the Big Ten Women's Tournament finals match at Lower.com Field.2pm Sunday. $15 general admission seating.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Ohio school board races may get even more political
A Northeast Ohio lawmaker wants to make Tuesday's elections our last to feature nonpartisan school board races.Why it matters: The proposal from state Rep. Mike Loychik (R-Bazetta) would formalize a trend we've observed for years — K-12 schools, and the elections of the officials that govern them, are increasingly becoming political battlegrounds.Loychik says House Bill 267 "will allow voters to get a better idea of what the candidate's platforms are" and "make an informed decision."Reality check: Every two years, Ohio school boards hold elections for half of their seats, with winners elected to four-year terms. While candidates don't list "R"...
Columbus Crew begins road to another title
The Crew's last playoff appearance, in 2020, ended with the raising of a championship trophy.The road to another title begins tonight.Why it matters: The team, a symbol of our city's perseverance and development, is back on the national stage.State of play: It's been a whirlwind few years for Columbus' most decorated professional team.The Crew was saved by a fan movement in 2018, won the championship in 2020 and debuted its Arena District stadium in 2021.After the team missed the playoffs for two seasons, new head coach Wilfried Nancy is tasked with brining an era of good feelings to Lower.com Field.By...
Columbus debuts new downtown biz incentives
Columbus is looking to help local business owners get in on the ground floor.Driving the news: A new Downtown Ground Floor Growth initiative will offer rent support and other benefits to small businesses opening downtown shops.Why it matters: The $1.15 million program, in partnership with the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation, is seen as a win-win — filling empty storefronts while encouraging a diverse group of entrepreneurs that otherwise couldn't afford to locate there.Details: Spaces are available within a quarter-mile area north of Capitol Square.Approved businesses can get rental support of 50% the first year of their lease, 30% the second year and 10% the third.Columbus is allocating $1 million to help with retail space renovation costs, along with $150,000 for business consulting help.What they're saying: "Downtown is everyone's neighborhood, and its success depends on it being reflective of the diversity of the Columbus community," Council member Nick Bankston said in a news release.Between the lines: The initiative is one step in Columbus' long term plan to bring more residents and workers to a downtown that has already rebounded nicely from the pandemic.Sign up for Axios newsletters for free.
The salary you need to make to afford a home in Columbus
The annual income needed to buy a typical Columbus-area home has surged nearly 70% in less than two years, according to Redfin.Why it matters: With mortgage rates at 20-year highs and home prices hardly budging, the barrier to homeownership is higher than ever.By the numbers: The annual income required to afford a median-priced local home in August was just over $90,000 (or $43.27 hourly), per the most recent data available.But our area's median household income is $14,000 less than that, sitting just under $76,000 ($36.54 hourly), per census data.Flashback: In October 2021, before mortgage interest rates started surging toward 8%,...
The Michigan Wolverines' sign-stealing scandal, explained
That Team Up North has a lot more than the undefeated Buckeyes to worry about.What's happening: The Michigan Wolverines face an NCAA investigation for allegedly stealing the play signs of opposing teams.Why it matters: The purported cheating adds even more fuel to the OSU-Michigan rivalry.Buckeyes fans will likely say this helps explain the team's recent losses to Michigan after years of domination.Catch up quick: Teams use visual clues to rapidly communicate play calls and opponents can attempt to read those signs from across the field.But the NCAA rule book prohibits "off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents" and using electronic equipment...
Ginther, Motil face off in Columbus mayoral race
Next week's election marks the first time since 2015 that Columbus has a contested mayoral race on the ballot.Why it matters: Joe Motil's challenge is drawing attention to local social issues and forcing Mayor Andrew Ginther to make a public case for a third term.Motil: "It's about the fight"The Clintonville native's father was a union carpenter, while his mother's family owned a chain of candy stores around town.He says this upbringing informed lifelong support for small businesses, labor unions and hard work. He went on to have his own career as a union laborer and construction safety professional.Flashback: Motil previously...
Ginther, Motil face off in Columbus mayoral race
Next week's election marks the first time since 2015 that Columbus has a contested mayoral race on the ballot.Why it matters: Joe Motil's challenge is drawing attention to local social issues and forcing Mayor Andrew Ginther to make a public case for a third term.Motil: "It's about the fight"The Clintonville native's father was a union carpenter, while his mother's family owned a chain of candy stores around town.He says this upbringing informed lifelong support for small businesses, labor unions and hard work. He went on to have his own career as a union laborer and construction safety professional.Flashback: Motil previously...
Columbus City Council races feature new districts
Data: City of Columbus; Map: Thomas Oide/AxiosColumbus City Council races will look different on the ballot than in past elections.State of play: As of this election, Council is growing from seven to nine members through the creation of nine districts across town.Yes, but: Members will still be elected by the entire city's voter base, rather than just their own constituents.Find your district.Zoom in: Six of the nine districts have unopposed races on Nov. 7, including four with incumbent candidates. The three contested races:2nd District, West Side: Challengers Luis Gil vs. Nancy Day-Achauer4th District, Linden and Northland: incumbent Emmanuel Remy vs. challenger Adrienne Hood5th District, Northeast Side: incumbent Nick Bankston vs. Farxaan JeyteWorthy of your time: Columbus Underground's City Council candidate profiles.Be smart: See the Franklin County Board of Elections list of other communities' mayoral and council races.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Columbus City Council races feature new districts
Data: City of Columbus; Map: Thomas Oide/AxiosColumbus City Council races will look different on the ballot than in past elections.State of play: As of this election, Council is growing from seven to nine members through the creation of nine districts across town.Yes, but: Members will still be elected by the entire city's voter base, rather than just their own constituents.Find your district.Zoom in: Six of the nine districts have unopposed races on Nov. 7, including four with incumbent candidates. The three contested races:2nd District, West Side: Challengers Luis Gil vs. Nancy Day-Achauer4th District, Linden and Northland: incumbent Emmanuel Remy vs. challenger Adrienne Hood5th District, Northeast Side: incumbent Nick Bankston vs. Farxaan JeyteWorthy of your time: Columbus Underground's City Council candidate profiles.Be smart: See the Franklin County Board of Elections list of other communities' mayoral and council races.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Columbites: Food arrivals (and 1 departure)
We're kicking off your week with some new restaurant recommendations, in case you're looking for an excuse to skip washing dishes.🎷 Adelaide's Gin Joint: A prohibition-inspired jazz bar and eatery in the Old North. Opened Oct. 13.5pm-11pm Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. 5pm-midnight Friday and Saturday. 2333 N. High St.🌙 Cobra: Late-night noodles, drinks and more in a former Brewery District Panera. Opened Oct. 18.4pm-2am Wednesday-Monday. 684 S. High St.🍩 Monster Baby Donuts: Mini doughnuts, with gluten-free and vegan options. A perfect dessert after sampling East Market's food stalls. Opened Friday!11am-9pm Tuesday-Sunday. 212 Kelton Ave.Yes, but: We also said goodbye this month to Kona Craft Kitchen, a popular restaurant in Dublin's Bridge Park that closed abruptly due to apparent financial trouble.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Not all Ohioans identify as Midwesterners
Data: Middle West Review, Emerson College Polling; Chart: Axios VisualsThis might seem shocking, but some Ohioans don't consider themselves Midwesterners.Why it matters: Many of the world's greatest philosophers, from Socrates to the Mayor of Flavortown, have contemplated the importance of identity.What are we? Who are we? Do we have Midwestern vibes?There's apparently wide disagreement.Driving the news: Emerson College Polling and the Middle West Review recently asked 11,000 people from 22 states if they think theirs is part of the Midwest.Zoom in: Surprisingly, just 78.2% of Ohioans surveyed said they live in the Midwest.Reality check: We do. The U.S. Census Bureau...
Not all Ohioans identify as Midwesterners
Data: Middle West Review, Emerson College Polling; Chart: Axios VisualsThis might seem shocking, but some Ohioans don't consider themselves Midwesterners.Why it matters: Many of the world's greatest philosophers, from Socrates to the Mayor of Flavortown, have contemplated the importance of identity.What are we? Who are we? Do we have Midwestern vibes?There's apparently wide disagreement.Driving the news: Emerson College Polling and the Middle West Review recently asked 11,000 people from 22 states if they think theirs is part of the Midwest.Zoom in: Surprisingly, just 78.2% of Ohioans surveyed said they live in the Midwest.Reality check: We do. The U.S. Census Bureau...
What to do this weekend: Oct. 27-29
🍂 Grab your boots and enjoy the fall colors during a 1.4-mile group hike at Slate Run Metro Park.5:30pm tonight, meet at Buzzard's Roost parking area. Free!🎬 Pay tribute to the "Master of Suspense" with Gateway Film Center's daily showings of Alfred Hitchcock movies.1:30pm and 7pm Friday and Saturday, 1:30pm Sunday. $9.75-13.50.🍩 The Donut & Beer Festival returns to Huntington Park for an afternoon of delicious sampling.2-6pm Saturday. $34-59, includes food and drink tokens. Children under 13 free!🎵 Dress in costume for a ghoulish "BOO!" concert band performance at the Lincoln Theatre.7pm Saturday. $13. Children under 6 free!📚 Hear spooky tales and complete a scavenger hunt at the Thurber Center's family-friendly Books & Boos event.1-3pm Saturday, 91 Jefferson Ave. Free with registration.🦇 Learn all about our batty neighbors at the 2nd Annual Ohio Bat Festival.3-7pm Sunday, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive. Free!Sign up for Axios Chicago 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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