Columbus
Axios Columbus
Review: 4th & State vegan diner impresses
I give an immediate rating boost to any restaurant that leaves a water pitcher at my table.So props to 4th & State, a vegan diner located downtown at the corner of, well, you know.What I ordered: Forgo any notion that vegan food is limiting. The menu is stuffed with a variety of breakfast and lunch options, plus a heap of appetizers, salads and pizza options.I tried the cinnabun pancake bites to start — served with a spectacular glazed dip I'm still thinking about — then a jalapeño burger with shoestring fries.The beyond meat was convincing enough, especially when loaded with...
Lawsuit challenges newly-set August special election in Ohio
The newly set August special election is already facing a legal challenge after a group filed a lawsuit against it in Ohio Supreme Court.Why it matters: A ruling that negates the election would remove a potential hurdle for a proposed November ballot amendment seeking to protect abortion rights.State of play: The One Person One Vote campaign claims Republican lawmakers used an illegal legislative process on Wednesday when they approved the statewide election and placed a proposal on the ballot that would require a 60% supermajority of voters to amend the state’s constitution.The campaign is represented by Columbus' McTigue and Colombo, along with Washington's Elias Law Group, a Democratic firm.The other side: A spokesperson for Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.Between the lines: Republicans hold a 4-3 majority on the state supreme court.What's next: The case will need to be decided relatively soon.County boards of elections are required to prepare the first batch of ballots for the Aug. 8 election by June 23.The voter registration deadline for the election is July 10.Sign up for Axios newsletters for free.
Lawsuit challenges newly-set August special election in Ohio
The newly set August special election is already facing a legal challenge after a group filed a lawsuit against it in Ohio Supreme Court.Why it matters: A ruling that negates the election would remove a potential hurdle for a proposed November ballot amendment seeking to protect abortion rights.State of play: The One Person One Vote campaign claims Republican lawmakers used an illegal legislative process on Wednesday when they approved the statewide election and placed a proposal on the ballot that would require a 60% supermajority of voters to amend the state’s constitution.The campaign is represented by Columbus' McTigue and Colombo, along with Washington's Elias Law Group, a Democratic firm.The other side: A spokesperson for Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.Between the lines: Republicans hold a 4-3 majority on the state supreme court.What's next: The case will need to be decided relatively soon.County boards of elections are required to prepare the first batch of ballots for the Aug. 8 election by June 23.The voter registration deadline for the election is July 10.
The rise in midweek golf
Golf is no longer a sport for casual weekend warriors, as more players are hitting the links during the week.The big picture: A Stanford study tracked geolocation data near 3,400 golf courses across the U.S. and found an 83% spike in midweek trips between August 2019 and August 2022.Golf enjoyed a pandemic-fueled boom as its wide-open spaces made it suitable for social distancing.Why it matters: The rise in midweek golf suggests yet another way Americans working from home are leveraging their flexible schedules, Kendall Baker writes for Axios Sports.By the numbers: Columbus' six municipal courses tallied a combined 81,863 rounds...
The rise in midweek golf
Data: Columbus Recreation and Parks Department; Note: Champions was closed part of the 2019 season for renovations; Chart: Sara Wise/AxiosGolf is no longer a sport for casual weekend warriors, as more players are hitting the links during the week.The big picture: A Stanford study tracked geolocation data near 3,400 golf courses across the U.S. and found an 83% spike in midweek trips between August 2019 and August 2022.Golf enjoyed a pandemic-fueled boom as its wide-open spaces made it suitable for social distancing.Why it matters: The rise in midweek golf suggests yet another way Americans working from home are leveraging their...
What to do this weekend in Columbus
🎸 Stick it to the man at Columbus Children's Theater's "School of Rock" musical at the Lincoln Theatre.7pm tonight, 2pm and 7pm Saturday, 2pm Sunday. $19-50. Through May 21.☀️ Watch the sun come out tonight, tomorrow or Sunday. "Annie" is at the Palace Theatre.8pm tonight, 2pm and 8pm Saturday, 1pm and 6:30pm Sunday. $31-116.🌕 Shop local at the first Moonlight Market of the year, with sidewalk vendors and live music.4-9pm Saturday, Gay & Pearl streets. Free!🎺 Watch "Star Wars" on the big screen as the Columbus Symphony plays the "Return of the Jedi" score alongside the film.8pm Saturday, Ohio Theatre. $28-101.🎵 See Sueco, an up-and-coming alternative rapper, perform at the Bluestone.8pm Saturday, 583 E. Broad St. $25-50.⚽ Support a good cause at Lower.com Field, when the Crew faces Orlando City SC for On Our Sleeves Night.7:30pm Saturday. $35-107.Bonus: A drone light show is happening after the match!🦍 Enjoy half-price admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Franklin County Community Day.9am-5pm Sunday. $8.50-10.🤣 Laugh out loud with Ohio-born comedian Katt Williams at the Schottenstein Center.5pm Sunday. $63.50-254.50.💐 Reminder: If you're still making Mother's Day weekend plans, check out our list of ideas.
Columbus to offer discounts on local e-bike purchases
Columbus is rolling out an incentive program to encourage residents to buy an electric bike.Why it matters: E-bikes are seen as cheaper, greener alternatives to car travel and increased ridership can help Columbus reach its goal of reducing local emissions.Pedaling the news: Columbus is investing $250,000 in rebates for e-bike purchases from local bicycle shops.Rebates will be given out on a sliding scale for residents with annual household incomes of up to $150,000.An online application process will open soon.The big picture: E-bikes are growing in popularity, but the extra speed and convenience comes at a cost — even basic models...
Food Truck Tour: Los Agavez Taqueria
👋 Alissa here, reporting back from a Clintonville taco hotspot that Yelp recently named one of the nation's best.Driving the news: Los Agavez Taqueria has long been loved by locals, but will likely be attracting more out-of-town foodies after landing No. 63 on last year's Top 100 Taco Spots in America list.What I ate: The famous Tijuana-style birria tacos, with tender stewed meat, melted cheese, onion and cilantro stuffed inside a crispy fried shell ($16, including a drink).They're best enjoyed dipped in consomme, a broth served on the side.My take: … Only 63rd? Spots 1-62 must be tough competitors, because this meal was phenomenally flavorful. Just don't forget the napkins!I typically don't order hard-shelled tacos due to their fragility — but I could easily become hooked on this style, which held up just fine.Bonus: Benches and chairs are on site for outdoor dining!If you go: 11:30am-8pm Monday-Saturday, 3166 N. High St., in the Super Food Mart parking lot. Birria tacos are only served Thursday-Saturday. Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Richmond.
Food Truck Tour: Los Agavez Taqueria
👋 Alissa here, reporting back from a Clintonville taco hotspot that Yelp recently named one of the nation's best.Driving the news: Los Agavez Taqueria has long been loved by locals, but will likely be attracting more out-of-town foodies after landing No. 63 on last year's Top 100 Taco Spots in America list.What I ate: The famous Tijuana-style birria tacos, with tender stewed meat, melted cheese, onion and cilantro stuffed inside a crispy fried shell ($16, including a drink).They're best enjoyed dipped in consomme, a broth served on the side.My take: … Only 63rd? Spots 1-62 must be tough competitors, because this meal was phenomenally flavorful. Just don't forget the napkins!I typically don't order hard-shelled tacos due to their fragility — but I could easily become hooked on this style, which held up just fine.Bonus: Benches and chairs are on site for outdoor dining!If you go: 11:30am-8pm Monday-Saturday, 3166 N. High St., in the Super Food Mart parking lot. Birria tacos are only served Thursday-Saturday. The food truck is located at 3166 N. High St.
Cedar Point, Kings Island amusement parks debut new themed areas
Visitors to Cedar Point and Kings Island have new areas to explore this year, our friends at Axios Cleveland write.Driving the news: The two Cedar Fair parks, which draw millions to Sandusky and Mason each year, are now open for the 2023 season.The intrigue: Cedar Point debuted its Boardwalk area last weekend, which features several new and relocated rides along with a Grand Pavilion dining area.A notable addition is the new Wild Mouse roller coaster, which has spinning mouse-themed cars, speeds up to 35 mph and features a 52-foot-high lift hill. Watch a POV video aboard the ride.Meanwhile, Kings Island is putting the finishing touches on a new Adventure Port area that will feature two spinning rides, brightly-colored theming and a burrito stand.What we're watching: Cedar Point still hasn't announced plans for a reimagined Top Thrill Dragster coaster, though some park enthusiasts have detailed predictions.Of note: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has its own debut coming Memorial Day weekend: the 110-foot-tall Adventure Sky Wheel.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Richmond.
Cedar Point, Kings Island amusement parks debut new themed areas
Visitors to Cedar Point and Kings Island have new areas to explore this year, our friends at Axios Cleveland write.Driving the news: The two Cedar Fair parks, which draw millions to Sandusky and Mason each year, are now open for the 2023 season.The intrigue: Cedar Point debuted its Boardwalk area last weekend, which features several new and relocated rides along with a Grand Pavilion dining area.A notable addition is the new Wild Mouse roller coaster, which has spinning mouse-themed cars, speeds up to 35 mph and features a 52-foot-high lift hill. Watch a POV video aboard the ride.Meanwhile, Kings Island is putting the finishing touches on a new Adventure Port area that will feature two spinning rides, brightly-colored theming and a burrito stand.What we're watching: Cedar Point still hasn't announced plans for a reimagined Top Thrill Dragster coaster, though some park enthusiasts have detailed predictions.Of note: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has its own debut coming Memorial Day weekend: the 110-foot-tall Adventure Sky Wheel.
Ohio Statehouse faces deadline to preempt November abortion rights amendment
The Republican plan to impede an abortion rights amendment faces an important deadline Wednesday, with the future of abortion access in Ohio on the line.Why it matters: Most Ohioans support enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution, while conservative leaders are fighting to keep access restricted.A state law banning abortion after six weeks of pregnancy is currently on hold in the midst of a court challenge, making the procedure legal to 22 weeks.Driving the news: Today is the last day lawmakers can place a ballot question on a potential August special election to raise the passage threshold for future constitutional...
Wendy's to test AI chatbot drive-thru service
You've heard of artificial intelligence writing poems, news articles and house listings.Get ready for AI at the drive-thru ordering screen, courtesy of Wendy's.Grilling the news: The Dublin-based chain plans to automate its drive-thru service with an AI chatbot service it's been testing with help from Google, per a company news release.Generative AI will process orders and language model technology will "talk" with customers in real time to answer menu questions.The chatbot is programmed to correctly handle any customized order and special request.The intrigue: Wendy's says it will launch this pilot next month at a company-operated restaurant somewhere in the Columbus area, but declined to share with Axios the exact location.If all goes well, the chain plans to expand the technology to more restaurants.🤔 Our thought bubble: So you're saying the chatbot won't judge when we order mounds of spicy chicken nuggets?
Columbus is experiencing a luxury apartment boom
While affordable housing demand is an ongoing concern, Central Ohio is also luring more renters on the opposite end of the financial spectrum.Driving the news: The number of Columbus-area renters earning $150,000 or more grew 106% from 2016-2021, Axios' Sami Sparber and Tory Lysik report from Census data.That's higher than the national average of 87.5%.Overall, the number of local renters increased by 7.3%Why it matters: High-income renters are thinking beyond ordinary gyms and pools for amenities — and it's showing in new luxury developments across the city.👀 An eye-popping example: New penthouse apartments near COSI cap out at $7,999 a...
Columbus concert tickets for just $25
Here's a perfect excuse to add another concert to this year's plans.What's happening: Live Nation's annual Concert Week starts Wednesday, offering $25 tickets with no extra fees to nearly 4,000 shows nationwide.Presales start at 10am Tuesday.How it works: Find participating events at livenation.com/concertweek.Select one and search for the "concert week promotion" ticket type.Participating artists with local shows include:Barenaked Ladies: Kemba Live, June 2.Zac Brown Band: Nationwide Arena, June 30.Big Time Rush: Ohio Stadium, July 15.Mötley Crüe & Def Leppard: Ohio Stadium, Aug. 8.The Chicks: Nationwide Arena, Aug. 16.Jimmy Eat World & Manchester Orchestra: Kemba Live, Aug. 19.Wu-Tang Clan and Nas: Schottenstein Center, Oct. 4.Jason Aldean: Nationwide Arena, Oct. 19.Shania Twain: Schottenstein Center, Oct. 27.Of note: Some local dates may not offer the $25 promotion.What's more: Other artists — including P!nk, Fall Out Boy, Charlie Puth and LL Cool J — are just a short drive away, with dates in Cleveland or Cincinnati.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
Columbus concert tickets for just $25
Here's a perfect excuse to add another concert to this year's plans.What's happening: Live Nation's annual Concert Week starts Wednesday, offering $25 tickets with no extra fees to nearly 4,000 shows nationwide.Presales start at 10am Tuesday.How it works: Find participating events at livenation.com/concertweek.Select one and search for the "concert week promotion" ticket type.Participating artists with local shows include:Barenaked Ladies: Kemba Live, June 2.Zac Brown Band: Nationwide Arena, June 30.Big Time Rush: Ohio Stadium, July 15.Mötley Crüe & Def Leppard: Ohio Stadium, Aug. 8.The Chicks: Nationwide Arena, Aug. 16.Jimmy Eat World & Manchester Orchestra: Kemba Live, Aug. 19.Wu-Tang Clan and Nas: Schottenstein Center, Oct. 4.Jason Aldean: Nationwide Arena, Oct. 19.Shania Twain: Schottenstein Center, Oct. 27.Of note: Some local dates may not offer the $25 promotion.What's more: Other artists — including P!nk, Fall Out Boy, Charlie Puth and LL Cool J — are just a short drive away, with dates in Cleveland or Cincinnati.
Brainstorming a new Buckeye State marketing slogan
Ohio has spent years urging visitors to "find it here," but may end up finding a new marketing slogan altogether.Driving the news: Tomorrow is Ohio Tourism Day and some state leaders want to change gears with a revamp of the tourism office — highlighting not just travel opportunities, but the broader benefits of "living, learning and working" here.We've already spent millions of dollars in recent years on TV ads and billboards promoting the Buckeye State as a cheaper alternative to living on the coasts.Tell us: What should Ohio choose for a new marketing slogan?📬 Email us at columbus@axios.com with your best ideas.✅ Our pick: Bring back our former slogan, "Ohio: The Heart of It All."This references our shape, our Midwestern location and reminds the U.S. that we have a heart. Wouldn't hurt.What's next: The tourism office changes are proposed within the massive budget bill still under negotiation at the Statehouse.If approved, we could see a new marketing campaign rolled out later this year.
Columbus' downtown busier than before the pandemic
Amy Taylor jokes she is the only person who likes to see downtown traffic.It's a sign to the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation president that workers and visitors are coming back.Driving the news: Columbus' downtown activity continues to exceed pre-pandemic levels, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick and Alice Feng write.That's according to anonymized mobile device connectivity data analyzed by researchers at the University of Toronto's School of Cities.Why it matters: Downtowns, including ours, became ghost towns during the height of the pandemic as people sought to "flatten the curve" by staying at home.Some major cities like San Francisco, St. Louis and Portland, Oregon,...
Columbus' downtown busier than before the pandemic
Data: University of Toronto; Chart: Alice Feng/AxiosAmy Taylor jokes she is the only person who likes to see downtown traffic.It's a sign to the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation president that workers and visitors are coming back.Driving the news: Columbus' downtown activity continues to exceed pre-pandemic levels, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick and Alice Feng write.That's according to anonymized mobile device connectivity data analyzed by researchers at the University of Toronto's School of Cities.Why it matters: Downtowns, including ours, became ghost towns during the height of the pandemic as people sought to "flatten the curve" by staying at home.Some major cities like San...
Where to take mom during Mother's Day weekend
Mother's Day is almost here! If you're looking for a place to spend quality time with mom this weekend, we've got you covered.🎁 Plus: Need gift inspiration? Experience Columbus has a list of ideas from local businesses.Our event suggestions:🍽️ Get brunch: Gallo's on High ($29) and Vaso ($50) have Sunday buffets, or make a reservation with Milestone 229, Stories on High or Cameron Mitchell Restaurants.Refectory is offering a four-course dinner or a take-home option for $70.💐 Order a custom bouquet from Market Blooms at North Market and surprise her with it when you meet there for lunch.9am-7pm Saturday and 10am-5pm...
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