Columbus
Axios Columbus
The story behind High Street's new sky-high art
Columbus' newest public artwork has a contemporary look, but is inspired by 150 years of local history.Driving the news: The massive twine sculpture "Current" by Janet Echelman is now hanging over the downtown intersection of Gay and High streets.It took years to design and create but just a single morning to install.Why it matters: The statement piece is intended to attract curious onlookers to a burgeoning retail, arts and residential district just west of the Statehouse.It represents the largest private contribution to public art in local history, according to the Columbus Museum of Art, which will care for the work.State...
The story behind High Street's new sky-high art
Columbus' newest public artwork has a contemporary look, but is inspired by 150 years of local history.Driving the news: The massive twine sculpture "Current" by Janet Echelman is now hanging over the downtown intersection of Gay and High streets.It took years to design and create but just a single morning to install.Why it matters: The statement piece is intended to attract curious onlookers to a burgeoning retail, arts and residential district just west of the Statehouse.It represents the largest private contribution to public art in local history, according to the Columbus Museum of Art, which will care for the work.State...
Developer Jeff Edwards' recipe for a revitalized downtown
Developer Jeff Edwards isn't afraid to think boldly.State of play: "Mr. Downtown," as Columbus Business First dubbed him last year, leads a real estate firm that has pumped millions into building penthouses inside a former bank and planning a massive luxury hotel and apartment complex near the North Market.The big picture: His support for "Current" is part of a vision to restore downtown's residential population and promote investments in local businesses, art galleries and other attractions.Chatting with Axios on the deck of the Nicholas building, which his firm developed, Edwards said he is encouraged by the direction of Columbus' downtown...
Developer Jeff Edwards' recipe for a revitalized downtown
Developer Jeff Edwards isn't afraid to think boldly.State of play: "Mr. Downtown," as Columbus Business First dubbed him last year, leads a real estate firm that has pumped millions into building penthouses inside a former bank and planning a massive luxury hotel and apartment complex near the North Market.The big picture: His support for "Current" is part of a vision to restore downtown's residential population and promote investments in local businesses, art galleries and other attractions.Chatting with Axios on the deck of the Nicholas building, which his firm developed, Edwards said he is encouraged by the direction of Columbus' downtown...
Columbus playing host to U.S. Conference of Mayors
Watch what you say to the stranger at the bar this weekend — they just might be a big city mayor.What's happening: The annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting opens today at the Hilton Columbus Downtown and runs through Monday.Why it matters: The gathering is a unique opportunity to show off our fair city to hundreds of local dignitaries.Plus, many of our civic concerns — such as public safety, tech growth and climate action — match the priority issues of the four-day convention.State of play: Around 200 mayors of cities with over 30,000 residents are registered to attend, representing dozens of...
What to do this weekend in Columbus
🎵 Pinch me! Sing along with Barenaked Ladies at Kemba Live.Doors open 6pm tonight. $39.50.🎶 See an up-and-coming act, indie country duo Muscadine Bloodline at the Bluestone.7pm tonight, 583 E. Broad St. $20.🤣 Laugh out loud with The Impractical Jokers from the hit truTV show.7:30pm tonight at the Schottenstein Center. $35-83.🎭 Watch an outdoor play — the Actors' Theatre of Columbus is back at Schiller Park, performing "Robin Hood" through June 18.8pm tonight-Sunday. Free!🎤 Bust a move at Summer614, featuring Juvenile, Mýa and other R&B and hip-hop stars at the Columbus Commons.3pm Saturday. $55-270.🖼️ Immerse yourself in local art at...
What to do this weekend in Columbus
🎵 Pinch me! Sing along with Barenaked Ladies at Kemba Live.Doors open 6pm tonight. $39.50.🎶 See an up-and-coming act, indie country duo Muscadine Bloodline at the Bluestone.7pm tonight, 583 E. Broad St. $20.🤣 Laugh out loud with The Impractical Jokers from the hit truTV show.7:30pm tonight at the Schottenstein Center. $35-83.🎭 Watch an outdoor play — the Actors' Theatre of Columbus is back at Schiller Park, performing "Robin Hood" through June 18.8pm tonight-Sunday. Free!🎤 Bust a move at Summer614, featuring Juvenile, Mýa and other R&B and hip-hop stars at the Columbus Commons.3pm Saturday. $55-270.🖼️ Immerse yourself in local art at...
Rent or buy? Local home prices make the choice easy
Data: Redfin; Chart: Alice Feng/AxiosIf you can't buy it, rent it.State of play: It shouldn't surprise anyone looking to buy a home in Columbus that it's cheaper — and probably easier — to rent one, according to a new analysis from Redfin, an online real estate company.By the numbers: 72% of homes in Columbus are cheaper to rent than own.That still puts us near the middle of the pack, though, when it comes to lack of affordability.It's cheaper to buy in only four of the top 50 U.S. metro areas: Detroit, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Houston.Go deeper: The COVID home price boom isn't going bust
2023 Pride Month events in Central Ohio
Pride Month celebrations kick off today in support of the region's LGBTQ+ community.Details: The main events, organized by Stonewall Columbus Pride, will include a two-day Festival & Resource Fair on June 16 and 17 at Goodale Park.The annual Pride March steps off 10:30am June 17 at the corner of Broad and High streets.Other events, free unless noted:Bexley Pride Walk: 5:30pm Friday, Capital University lawn.Worthington Sunday Funday: Noon-5pm Sunday, Worthington Historic District.Pride on Pearl: 4-9pm June 10, Gay and Pearl streets.Budd's Bazaar: 11am-4pm June 10, Budd Dairy Food Hall.Westerville Pride: 2-8pm June 10, 21 S. State St.Hilliard Pride: Noon-3pm June 10, Station Park.Pride New Albany Market: Noon-5pm June 10. BrewDog New Albany.Upper Arlington Pride: 1-5pm June 11, Sunny 95 Park.Pride in GC happy hour: : 5-7pm June 15, Local Cantina, Grove City.Pride Bar Crawl: 4-10pm June 17. Check in at Howl at the Moon. $15-20.Bat-n-Rouge Charity Drag Softball: Noon-6pm June 18, Dodge Park. $10.Reynoldsburg Pride: 4-8pm June 24, Huber Park.Rainbow Dublin: Noon-3pm June 24, Riverside Crossing Park.
Pickleball sees bounce in popularity in Central Ohio
Buckeye football may grab the headlines and the trio of soccer, baseball and hockey dominates the Arena District.But the fast-growing sport of the masses is a simple court game involving silly terminology like dink shots, flapjacks and the kitchen.Driving the news: Columbus is developing a reputation as a Midwest pickleball haven, with high-profile tournament action and more local courts than you can shake a paddle at.The big picture: Pickleball — a tennis-badminton-pingpong hybrid — was invented in the '60s and exploded in popularity during the pandemic.You can watch matches on TV, eat a Pickleball Club sandwich at Subway and soon...
Columbus Crew players among most popular MLS jerseys
When Crew supporters fill up Lower.com Field tonight, you can expect to see two jerseys in particular.Driving the news: Two Columbus players are among the 25 best-selling jerseys of 2023, per MLS.Star striker Cucho Hernández is No. 13 on the list, with midfielder Lucas Zelarayán close behind at No. 19.State of play: Between these popular jerseys and near-sellouts every home game, our city's still feeling Crew fever despite the team's so-so record (5-6-3) near the season halfway point.The Crew can snap a three-game losing streak tonight against Colorado.Tickets start at $20.Read more: The rapid rise of Major League Soccer.
AEP Ohio electricity bills are going up
AEP Ohio customers will pay more to stay cool this summer, with standard bills expected to increase by about 28% starting Thursday.Driving the news: Rising demand and energy prices worldwide are making it more expensive for power plants to generate electricity — a cost they charge to providers like AEP Ohio, which then pass it on to customers.AEP spokesperson Scott Blake tells Axios the increased cost to consumers is the "dollar for dollar" increased price they're facing.Be smart: Energy is deregulated in Ohio, meaning customers can shop around for electricity providers that offer the best prices.If your city offers...
Franklin County planning DEI conference
Franklin County is planning an inaugural conference later this year to promote the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in local workplaces.Driving the news: County commissioners are expected to vote Tuesday on a resolution to spend just over $45,000 for rental space at the Hyatt Regency Columbus.Why it matters: While diversity training is taboo among those in the GOP-led Statehouse, DEI is a central priority for the Democratic-led county.The county's Office of Equity & Inclusion says it has worked in recent years to establish DEI standards at public agencies and make connections with minority-, LGBTQ+- and female-owned businesses.Details: Per the resolution, the Nov. 9 conference will be designed "for all who are looking to learn about best practices in DEI strategy, collaboration and education."Interactive workshops will help workplace leaders develop more inclusive cultures at local businesses and organizations.A spokesperson for the commissioners told Axios the county is in the early planning stages and did not yet have details on presentations or who will attend.Separately, commissioners plan to vote on a resolution to invest $20,000 toward Stonewall Columbus' upcoming Pride festivities.
Undeterred, the class of 2023 looks ahead
As area graduates toss their caps and look forward to the next chapter of their lives, they're hoping for more normalcy in the years ahead.Why it matters: The class of 2023 is the first to have had every year of high school impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.Flashback: As freshmen, their "extended spring break" in March 2020 didn't exactly go as planned, and a majority of their sophomore year was on computer screens.Junior year was a whirlwind of uncertainty after COVID's omicron variant spiked.By comparison, senior year has felt fairly normal — even with an August teachers strike in Columbus.Yes, but:...
Best Day Ever: Dublin Coffman grad Will Smialek
With summer break nearly here, we asked a graduating senior how he'd spend his time off for the latest entry in our Best Day Ever series.Before he heads to Harvard to study government and economics, here is Will Smialek's perfect day:🎵 Music to start your day: I love listening to positive, uplifting songs that get me going, including Metro, Brent Faiyaz and Macklemore.🍞 Breakfast: I would probably go to First Watch and order their good watermelon drink during the summer, and the french toast. If I'm feeling particularly adventurous, I'll try the chorizo omelette, or another seasonal specialty.🏛️ Morning activity: Head...
Our Buckeye Country Superfest playlist
Buckeye Country Superfest is back at Ohio Stadium tomorrow, with the King of Country himself, George Strait, headlining.Little Big Town, Chris Stapleton and Warren Zeiders round out the bill.What's happening: Whether you're pregaming before the show or want to pretend you're there, we've made a Spotify playlist of their hits for your listening pleasure.Reality check: Country music isn't our specialty, but we consulted with an expert who gave us some great suggestions. (Address your thanks to our editor, Lindsey Erdody!)If you go: 4:30pm Saturday. It's nearly sold out, but Ticketmaster resale tickets start at $85.🎵 Give our playlist a listen
What to do this weekend in Columbus
🏊♀️ Dive into a community pool — many are opening for the season this weekend.Check with your local pool for hours and admission.📽 Watch classic films with fellow movie buffs at the Columbus Moving Picture Show at Renaissance Downtown.Screenings start 9am daily through Sunday, 50 N. Third St. $25 daily, $80 for the weekend.⛩️ Enjoy live music, folk dancing and martial arts performances at the Asian Festival.10am-8pm Saturday and 10am-6pm Sunday, Franklin Park. Free!🤿 Make a splash at Zoombezi Bay and meet new mascot Sam Pelican.10:30am-7pm, Saturday-Monday. $37-40, includes zoo admission.Afterward, dry off and ride the brand new Ferris wheel...
What to do this weekend in Columbus
🏊♀️ Dive into a community pool — many are opening for the season this weekend.Check with your local pool for hours and admission.📽 Watch classic films with fellow movie buffs at the Columbus Moving Picture Show at Renaissance Downtown.Screenings start 9am daily through Sunday, 50 N. Third St. $25 daily, $80 for the weekend.⛩️ Enjoy live music, folk dancing and martial arts performances at the Asian Festival.10am-8pm Saturday and 10am-6pm Sunday, Franklin Park. Free!🤿 Make a splash at Zoombezi Bay and meet new mascot Sam Pelican.10:30am-7pm, Saturday-Monday. $37-40, includes zoo admission.Afterward, dry off and ride the brand new Ferris wheel opening Saturday. $5.🎵 Listen to jazz and patriotic music at the Grove City Community Winds outdoor concert.7pm tonight, Town Center Park, 3359 Park St. Free!🍓 Kick off the unofficial start of summer at Jeni's Strawberry Jam Festival.11am Saturday and Sunday, Land-Grant Brewing Co., 424 W. Town St. Free!🎉 Celebrate Black culture and businesses during the Ohio Black Expo's Riverfront Culture Fest.11am-11pm Saturday and 11am-8pm Sunday, Genoa Park. $20 daily, $35 weekend.Plus, don't forget: Memorial Day events, the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival at Historic Crew Stadium, and Monday's Memorial Tournament practice round.
A weekend guide to visiting Columbus
Hey there, fellow Midwesterners. The Axios Columbus crew invites you to visit the "biggest small town in America."Whether you're here for a work convention, your kid's sports tournament or simply have a deep affinity for Wendy's and ranch dressing … here's how to spend a great summer weekend in Columbus.What to doHead to the Arena District for lunch at our historic North Market, catch some pro soccer or minor league baseball (Wednesday is dollar night!), and then end the night with a drink and a stroll.If you're looking to beat the heat, peek inside King Tut's tomb at nearby COSI...
Brace for a Memorial Day weekend travel boom
If you're planning to leave Central Ohio this Memorial Day weekend, add some wiggle room for traffic and delays into your travel plan.Why it matters: AAA estimates this will be one of Ohio's busiest Memorial Day weekends ever, with more than 1.6 million Ohioans traveling over 50 miles — a 6% increase over last year.The big picture: That's in line with a national increase of 7%, with some 2.3 million more people traveling compared with 2022, writes Axios' Sareen Habeshian.By the numbers: 11% more Ohioans are expected to fly to a destination this year and 5% more are expected 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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