Choose your location
Axios Columbus
The world's longest COVID patient may live in Columbus
If you live in Columbus and spend a lot of time in Washington Court House, scientists want to talk to you about your poop.What's happening: An Ohio resident has been carrying a uniquely mutated strain of COVID-19 for at least two years, and researchers are trying to find them, WCMH-TV reports.Why it matters: The patient could help scientists learn more about treating long COVID.Catch up quick: Researchers regularly track virus trends by studying local wastewater, which contains genetic material people shed in their feces.This spring, University of Missouri molecular virologist Marc Johnson discovered a COVID strain in Columbus' sewer shed that predates the Delta variant of 2021.It continues to appear, and can sometimes be detected 47 miles away in Washington Court House, often on the same day.The Daily Mail first broke the peculiar story back in April, noting the world's longest confirmed COVID case to date was 505 days.The latest: Researchers haven't made any progress identifying the person, Johnson posted this week on Twitter.📬 Got any tips? Email marcjohnson@missouri.edu.Of note: COVID is inactive once it passes through somebody's gastrointestinal tract, so it's unlikely the person poses a threat to public health.
How Columbus' parks compare to other cities
Data: ParkScore; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosColumbus' ParkScore ranks No. 56 among the 100 largest U.S. cities, per the latest public parks index from the nonprofit Trust for Public Land.Why it matters: Parks confer a wealth of benefits, including significant health boosts.Residents of the top 25 cities are less likely to report poor mental health or low physical activity, per the Trust's report.How it works: The group rates cities on a variety of metrics, including the percentage of residents who live near a park, the share of city land reserved for parks, park amenities and public and private investment.The big picture: Columbus'...
How Columbus' parks compare to other cities
Data: ParkScore; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosColumbus' ParkScore ranks No. 56 among the 100 largest U.S. cities, per the latest public parks index from the nonprofit Trust for Public Land.Why it matters: Parks confer a wealth of benefits, including significant health boosts.Residents of the top 25 cities are less likely to report poor mental health or low physical activity, per the Trust's report.How it works: The group rates cities on a variety of metrics, including the percentage of residents who live near a park, the share of city land reserved for parks, park amenities and public and private investment.The big picture: Columbus'...
Student loan payments set to resume Aug. 30
After a more than three-year pause, interest and repayments on student loans are set to resume Aug. 30.Driving the news: The federal debt ceiling bill President Biden signed last week included language ending the moratorium on federal student loan payments.The pause has been in place since March 2020.Zoom in: More than 1.8 million Ohioans, or about 15% of the state population, have some type of student loan debt, per Ohio Department of Higher Education data provided to Axios.The average balance is nearly $35,000.Pro tip: Find your loan servicer and explore repayment options at studentaid.gov — especially recent graduates, who likely haven't had to set up a payment plan until now.What we're watching: The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling later this month on Biden's plan to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt, which would immediately benefit over 700,000 Ohioans.😬 Our thought bubble: That includes us, so we're awaiting the outcome with bated breath!Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
Student loan payments set to resume Aug. 30
After a more than three-year pause, interest and repayments on student loans are set to resume Aug. 30.Driving the news: The federal debt ceiling bill President Biden signed last week included language ending the moratorium on federal student loan payments.The pause has been in place since March 2020.Zoom in: More than 1.8 million Ohioans, or about 15% of the state population, have some type of student loan debt, per Ohio Department of Higher Education data provided to Axios.The average balance is nearly $35,000.Pro tip: Find your loan servicer and explore repayment options at studentaid.gov — especially recent graduates, who likely haven't had to set up a payment plan until now.What we're watching: The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling later this month on Biden's plan to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt, which would immediately benefit over 700,000 Ohioans.😬 Our thought bubble: That includes us, so we're awaiting the outcome with bated breath!
Ask Axios: Why are they digging at North Market?
Rick S. asks: There is an expansion going on at North Market, which apparently involves building on top of the existing surface parking lot.[Somebody told me] the construction effort unearthed graves … have you heard any of this?Catch up quick: That's correct. For the past few months, archeologists have been unearthing the remains of the North Graveyard, which dates back to the 1800s.A sewer line project in 2001 first revealed there were bodies still buried underground, so developers knew excavation would be necessary before the construction on the Merchant Building started, WOSU reports.What's next: The recovered remains will be studied and laid to rest at Greenlawn Cemetery.The lot, meanwhile, will be the site of a massive 31-story tower including apartments, office space, a hotel and an 18,000-square-foot expansion to the iconic North Market. Its anticipated opening is early 2026.The latest: Construction is expected to begin later this summer, a spokesperson for Rockbridge, a firm involved with the project, tells Axios.Some deeper-ground excavation and prep work will continue through the end of June.🙏 Thanks for the question! What are you curious about? Email Columbus@axios.com and we'll track down the answer.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
Ask Axios: Why are they digging at North Market?
Rick S. asks: There is an expansion going on at North Market, which apparently involves building on top of the existing surface parking lot.[Somebody told me] the construction effort unearthed graves … have you heard any of this?Catch up quick: That's correct. For the past few months, archeologists have been unearthing the remains of the North Graveyard, which dates back to the 1800s.A sewer line project in 2001 first revealed there were bodies still buried underground, so developers knew excavation would be necessary before the construction on the Merchant Building started, WOSU reports.What's next: The recovered remains will be studied and laid to rest at Greenlawn Cemetery.The lot, meanwhile, will be the site of a massive 31-story tower including apartments, office space, a hotel and an 18,000-square-foot expansion to the iconic North Market. Its anticipated opening is early 2026.The latest: Construction is expected to begin later this summer, a spokesperson for Rockbridge, a firm involved with the project, tells Axios.Some deeper-ground excavation and prep work will continue through the end of June.🙏 Thanks for the question! What are you curious about? Email Columbus@axios.com and we'll track down the answer.
With little rain in the forecast, Columbus is on drought watch
The trace amounts of rain that fell during this weekend's pop-up storms weren't enough to quench our region.Driving the news: Most of Central Ohio is abnormally dry, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. We haven't had measurable rainfall since May 20, 17 days ago — and the forecast isn't looking great for the foreseeable future.Why it matters: A prolonged lack of rain can devastate crops and make summer temperatures swell, while also negatively affecting air quality and increasing wildfire risk.Plus, it's no fun staying indoors all summer.Case in point: Our region is under an air quality alert today, the third...
How to get free entry to Columbus pools this summer
Here's a tip for a cost-free cooldown during our next heat wave.What's happening: Columbus Metropolitan Library cardholders are entitled to five free visits to Columbus pools this summer, as part of the library system's 150th anniversary celebration.How it works: Show your card at any pool and you'll receive a "leisure card" to use for free admission four additional times.All pools will be open for the season starting Saturday. Check online for hours.🏊 Plus: Our map from last year of all the pools and splash pads across Central Ohio.
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.
Axios Columbus
2K+
Posts
5M+
Views
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.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.