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What to do this weekend: Oct. 27-29
๐ 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!๐ฌ 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. $9.75-13.50.๐ฉ 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!๐ต Dress in costume for a ghoulish "BOO!" concert band performance at the Lincoln Theatre.7pm Saturday. $13. Children under 6 free!๐ 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.๐ฆ 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.
Columbus sees drop in gun-related homicides in 2022
Data: Center for American Progress Action Fund analysis of Gun Violence Archive data; Note: Based on 2021 population estimates. Gun homicide data as of Aug. 31, 2023; Chart: Axios VisualsThe rate of gun-related homicides in Columbus dipped last year after two record-setting years.Driving the news: There were 15 gun-related homicides per 100,000 residents in Columbus in 2022, according to a new report by the left-leaning Center for American Progress Action Fund provided exclusively to Axios.That's down from 20.2 per 100,000 residents a year earlier, but up from 9.7 per 100,000 in 2015.Why it matters: Rising crime rates have been a...
Halloween pranks once vexed many Ohio communities
In the days before the Kia Boys, generations of Ohio children marauded local neighborhoods, businesses and farms under the guise of "Halloween pranks."Flashback: The epidemic of seasonal property crimes infected seemingly every town across the state for the better part of the 1900s.Young kids pulled flower beds, tipped over outhouses and marked windows with soap.Older teens threw rocks at houses, stole wagons (and eventually cars), destroyed crops and even set whole barns ablaze.Threat level: Some of these "pranks" went even further overboard, as in 1946 when vandals ransacked a local fire department and drained a fire truck's battery in Green...
Halloween pranks once vexed many Ohio communities
In the days before the Kia Boys, generations of Ohio children marauded local neighborhoods, businesses and farms under the guise of "Halloween pranks."Flashback: The epidemic of seasonal property crimes infected seemingly every town across the state for the better part of the 1900s.Young kids pulled flower beds, tipped over outhouses and marked windows with soap.Older teens threw rocks at houses, stole wagons (and eventually cars), destroyed crops and even set whole barns ablaze.Threat level: Some of these "pranks" went even further overboard, as in 1946 when vandals ransacked a local fire department and drained a fire truck's battery in Green...
Ohio's political gender gap extends to donations
Image credit: Reproduced from Rutgers; Note: States with top-two or top-four primary systems were also excluded; Map: Axios VisualsWomen contributed 30% of the donations to Ohio's statewide and legislative campaigns in last year's general elections, according to a new report from Rutgers' Center for American Women and Politics.Why it matters: Women are not just underrepresented in the halls of power, they're underrepresented as the political donors that fuel those halls, Axios' Emma Hurt writes.The big picture: Nationwide, women donors made up between 29-33% of contributions to general election candidates at statewide and state legislative levels between 2019 and 2022, per...
Explaining Columbus' Nov. 7 school levy conflict
Some local Black leaders are campaigning against Columbus City Schools' Nov. 7 levy, arguing now is not the time to increase homeowners' expenses.Why it matters: After a polarizing teachers strike and threats of a recession thwarted last year's levy attempt, the latest opposition signals lingering community frustrations with the Columbus Board of Education.Details: If the levy passes, the district would receive about $99 million yearly.One-third ($38.6 million) would fund operating expenses.The remaining $60.49 million would be the first significant contribution to the district's permanent improvement fund, to finance ongoing facility maintenance and replace items like buses and laptops.By the numbers:...
Franklin County school levies on the Nov. 7 ballot
In addition to Columbus City Schools' increasingly contentious tax issue, three suburban other Franklin County districts also have levy proposals on the ballot Nov. 7.Catch up quick: Here's a list, including how much the levies would cost homeowners in yearly property taxes if they're approved.Of note: The figures are for every $100,000 of appraised home value and take into account impending reappraisals, per the Franklin County Auditor's Office.Canal WinchesterA five-year levy to generate $6.8 million annually for operations.It would cost $253, replacing an existing tax expiring in 2024 that costs $357.DublinThe single measure includes two different, new taxes.A continuing levy would generate $34.2 million annually for operations and cost property owners $219 more.Plus, a 30-year facility bond issue would generate $145 million, and cost $55 more. It would fund construction of a 15th elementary school and a preschool expansion, to accommodate growing enrollment.Groveport MadisonA continuing levy to generate $6.3 million annually for operations.It would cost $105, replacing an existing tax expiring in 2024 that costs $170.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Fewer Ohio drivers are wearing seat belts
Wearing a seat belt can be a life or death choice, and a growing number of Ohioans are choosing to go without.Why it matters: Most people killed in Ohio car accidents are not buckled up, an unnecessary risk some state and federal officials are trying to mitigate.All drivers and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt and those under 16 must wear them anywhere in the vehicle.By the numbers: Ohio's seat belt usage is at its lowest level since 2005, state research finds.Around 81% of Ohio drivers wore seat belts in 2022, per an observational study from...
Try a perfect pumpkin doughnut at Lindsey's Bakery
Did you know one of the Circleville Pumpkin Show's most famous desserts is available year-round?Dining the news: Several pumpkin doughnut stands are at the annual fall festival, but none compare to the ones served at Lindsey's Bakery.The same family has operated the humble bakery since 1950.Over a four-day span, they typically sell over 100,000 doughnuts to customers lined up down the block.Quick take: The combination of a moist center and crispy, sweet glaze are what make the pumpkin treats so irresistible.๐ฅง Pro tip: Visiting outside Pumpkin Show time means there's likely no line โ but it also means you don't get to see the yearly giant pumpkin pie weighing 400 pounds. Decisions, decisions.If you go: 7am-3pm Tuesday-Saturday. 127 W. Main St. While their world record has been broken in recent years, Lindsey's giant pie is still a Pumpkin Show must-see.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Buckeyes face the next big test in Penn State
The eyes of the college football world are on Columbus this weekend with two of the nation's top teams facing off.Why it matters: The matchup between No. 3 Ohio State and No. 7 Penn State is another major test for the Buckeyes ahead of next month's rivalry showdown against That Team Up North.A win also keeps OSU firmly in playoff contention.State of play: The Big Ten foes both enter Saturday's game undefeated.The Nittany Lions have won every game by at least 17 points, including a 31-0 rout against a tough Iowa team a few weeks ago.The Buckeyes have played some...
Columbus Crew gearing up for playoff run
The Buckeyes aren't the only team with a big game this weekend.Kicking the news: A few hours after the Buckeyes game ends on Saturday, the Crew close out the regular season at home against Montrรฉal.Why it matters: A playoff spot is already locked up, but a win would guarantee the Crew home field advantage in the first round.Columbus boasts one of the top records in Major League Soccer with 15 wins, nine losses and nine ties.Nice job, fans: The match is the team's 14th-straight sellout โ a franchise record that keeps on growing.Resale tickets start at $30.What's next: Playoff tickets go on general sale Sunday for the opening round that begins Oct. 28.That round will be a best-of-three format, with Columbus hosting games one and three if it maintains the field advantage (or just game two if not).After that, the playoffs move to three single-elimination rounds that culminate with the championship match on Dec. 9.Read more about the playoff format.The bottom line: It's a privilege having two local teams doing so well.Now we just need the Blue Jackets to get on track and we'll really be cooking.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
What to do this weekend: Oct. 20-22
๐ฎ Take a road trip to see a 2,388-pound pumpkin at the Circleville Pumpkin Show.10am-10pm today and Saturday. Downtown. Free!๐ Trek the trail of jack-o'-lanterns at The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow โย and don't worry, we confirmed with the city that you'll see lots of real ones.6:30-10:30pm tonight-Sunday, Heritage Park, 60 N. Cleveland Ave.$12-15. Kids under 3 free! Online ticket required.๐ Shake it off with fellow Swifties at the Taylor Party, a celebration that will never go out of style.8pm tonight, Newport Music Hall, 1722 N. High St. $20.๐ป Attend a masquerade party, 1890s style, and listen to "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by the bonfire during All Hallows' Eve at Ohio Village.6:30-9:30pm Saturday. $14-18. Kids under 4 free!๐บ Enjoy boos and brews during a Halloween-themed bar crawl. Includes a costume contest!6pm Saturday, registration at Park Street Cantina, 491 Park St. $14-16.๐ผ๏ธ Buy art benefiting a good cause at Art For Life, a silent auction benefiting Equitas Health at the Columbus Museum of Art.8pm Saturday. $50-150 general admission, includes two drink tickets.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Answering questions about Ohio Issue 1
By now you've probably seen ads for and against Issue 1, which would enshrine abortion rights into the Ohio Constitution.But some of those arguments have caused confusion among voters. Here are a few questions we've heard:What does Issue 1 have to do with parents' rights?If passed, the amendment establishes an "individual right to one's own reproductive medical treatment."Zoom in: Ohio law generally requires parental permission for a minor to receive an abortion.Issue 1 critics interpret "individual" to include minors as well as adults and believe if it passed, minors could receive abortions without parental consent.What they're saying: The amendment "would...
More Columbus seniors are working past 65
Nearly 1 in 4 Columbus seniors are working past the age of 65, a decision senior advocacy groups say is often driven by fear and financial insecurity.Why it matters: At an age when people could historically retire and get full social security benefits, nearly 23% of Columbus seniors โ or over 23,000 people โ remain in the workforce.That's above the national average of 21%, per a new study that examined census numbers for the percentage of people aged 65 and over who were actively employed in the last 12 months.What they're saying: Many find meaning and connection through the jobs...
Our review: Jack O'Lantern World isn't worth the money
Central Ohio's newest fall attraction, Jack O'Lantern World at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, bills itself as "an incredible walk through thousands of hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns."Yes, but: Based on my observations, a majority of the pumpkins are fake.Quick take: My husband and I learned that mid-stroll Sunday night, sadly, after he noted that their shapes and stems looked a little too perfect.Think this foam pumpkin at Target.I was proud of his investigative skills, but it immediately sapped the fun out of the experience โ especially at a $24-per-adult price tag.Plus: The hyped-up 1,000-pounder was underwhelming. It wasn't a jack-o'-lantern โ it was...
Columbus hospitals relieving $335 million in local medical debt
Four regional hospitals are relieving medical debt accrued by hundreds of thousands of Columbus residents, local officials announced yesterday.Why it matters: Medical debt is a leading cause of bankruptcy in America, with major physical and emotional tolls on patients' health.What's happening: Mount Carmel Health System, Nationwide Children's Hospital, OSU Wexner Medical Center and OhioHealth are collectively writing off $335 million in debt for care received between 2015-2020.Columbus residents are eligible if they earn between 200-400% of the federal poverty line โ $55,500-$111,000 for a family of four, city leaders said.By the numbers: This is expected to impact around 340,000 local...
OSU head coach Ryan Day's earnings top Big Ten this season
With a career record of 51 wins and six losses, it's no wonder Ohio State's Ryan Day is one of the best-paid coaches in America.By the numbers: Day will earn at least $10.2 million this season, per a USA Today tracker, including $2 million in base pay and millions more for promotional services.His is the fourth-highest pay among all college coaches and tops the Big Ten Conference.Day is under contract through the 2028 season.The intrigue: The maximum bonus he can earn for postseason success and awards is $800,000 this season.That's a lower bonus potential than offered to coaches of comparatively smaller schools like Toledo ($1.1 million) and Marshall ($1.3 million).What's next: Day faces his next big test Saturday as No. 3 OSU hosts No. 7 Penn State at noon.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
OSU head coach Ryan Day's earnings top Big Ten this season
With a career record of 51 wins and six losses, it's no wonder Ohio State's Ryan Day is one of the best-paid coaches in America.By the numbers: Day will earn at least $10.2 million this season, per a USA Today tracker, including $2 million in base pay and millions more for promotional services.His is the fourth-highest pay among all college coaches and tops the Big Ten Conference.Day is under contract through the 2028 season.The intrigue: The maximum bonus he can earn for postseason success and awards is $800,000 this season.That's a lower bonus potential than offered to coaches of comparatively smaller schools like Toledo ($1.1 million) and Marshall ($1.3 million).What's next: Day faces his next big test Saturday as No. 3 OSU hosts No. 7 Penn State at noon.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
OSU head coach Ryan Day's earnings top Big Ten this season
With a career record of 51 wins and six losses, it's no wonder Ohio State's Ryan Day is one of the best-paid coaches in America.By the numbers: Day will earn at least $10.2 million this season, per a USA Today tracker, including $2 million in base pay and millions more for promotional services.His is the fourth-highest pay among all college coaches and tops the Big Ten Conference.Day is under contract through the 2028 season.The intrigue: The maximum bonus he can earn for postseason success and awards is $800,000 this season.That's a lower bonus potential than offered to coaches of comparatively smaller schools like Toledo ($1.1 million) and Marshall ($1.3 million).What's next: Day faces his next big test Saturday as No. 3 OSU hosts No. 7 Penn State at noon.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Ohio teen driving safety in the spotlight
Every three hours or so in Franklin County, state data shows a teenage driver is involved in a car crash.Driving the news: Today kicks off Teen Driver Safety Week, as Ohio draws special awareness to the dangers of distracted driving, speeding and not wearing a seat belt.Why it matters: Car crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, per the CDC, which notes many of these crashes are preventable.Zoom in: That's long been the message from Mark Bloom, founder of an advanced driver training course serving Central Ohio teens since 2006.He describes his nonprofit, Better Ohio Teen Drivers...
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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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