Columbus
Axios Columbus
3 Democrats are seeking Franklin County prosecutor nomination
The three Democratic candidates for Franklin County prosecutor want to reform the office to rebuild public trust and address racial disparities in the criminal justice system.Why it matters: The office handles a variety of important criminal cases and investigations, some involving law enforcement officers.This is perhaps the highest profile local race on the upcoming primary ballot, with the winner likely to prevail in November and become the first Black prosecutor in county history.State of play: Shayla D. Favor, Anthony Pierson and Natalia S. Harris all filed to replace Democratic incumbent Gary Tyack, with attorney John Rutan running unopposed on the...
A history of equality at Otterbein
Our Franklin County Historical Marker Tour heads north to one of the oldest universities in the region.The marker: Otterbein University, across from Courtright Memorial Library in Westerville.Flashback: The university was founded in 1847 and named after Philip William Otterbein, a German American pastor who started a predecessor to the United Methodist Church.It was a coeducational campus from the beginning, with two women in the first graduating class.The intrigue: Early university officials were involved in emancipation, per a school history, assisting people fleeing slavery along the Underground Railroad.Fun fact: Famous alumni include Columbus native and MLB star Paul O'Neill and composer Benjamin Hanby ("Up On the House Top").The university received national attention for hosting a presidential debate in 2019.4️⃣2️⃣ down, 86 to go.Thanks to our series sponsor Ohio History Connection. Sponsorship has no influence on editorial content.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
What's in Columbus' billion-dollar 2024 budget
A record-setting Columbus operating budget will pay to hire more police officers, set up shelters during extreme weather and fund other local priorities like infant health programs in the year ahead.Why it matters: The budget, passed by City Council on Monday, features $1.2 billion in general fund spending, paid for mostly by residents' income and property taxes.The increase of around $50 million from last year's budget stems partly from a projected jump of 29% in property tax collections thanks to rising property appraisal values.Zoom in: City Council passed $18.5 million in amendments to Mayor Andrew Ginther's budget proposal to promote...
Ohio political donors favor Trump in 2024 race
Data: Federal Election Commission; Note: Individual contributions of less than $200 are not required to be reported to the FEC; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosThe Donald is dominating among Ohio's biggest political donors.The big picture: Former President Trump has raised nearly twice as much as President Biden among Ohio residents who contributed $200 or more this election cycle, per Federal Election Commission data.Between the lines: That's a reversal of fortune compared to nationwide numbers, where Biden leads Trump in fundraising by $17 million.Zoom in: Trump drew support from nearly 52,000 Ohio donors — far more than his competitors.Nikki Haley reported 11,491 large donations in Ohio and Biden's campaign reported 7,787.Honorable mention: Columbus' own Vivek Ramaswamy was a hit with statewide donors before he dropped out of the GOP primary.He counted large donations from 2,768 Ohio residents, and we were his fourth most successful state for fundraising, behind California, Florida and Texas, per FEC data.What's next: The March 19 primary is just under two weeks away.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
COTA bus ridership climbing since pandemic drop
Data: COTA; Chart: Axios VisualsAnnual ridership is moving in the right direction for the Central Ohio Transit Authority, though it remains well below pre-pandemic levels, per data shared with Axios.Why it matters: Public transit is key to cities' broader health and vibrancy.It makes for cleaner, greener communities, opens up possibilities for those who can't afford a car, and frees up parking lots for other uses like housing or public gathering spaces.By the numbers: Last year, the transit authority saw more than 11 million riders — a nearly 22% increase since hitting its lowest point in 2021.Yes, but: Ridership is just...
Columbus' cold streaks are getting shorter
Data: Climate Central; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosIf this winter's weather has felt more erratic than usual, it's not just in your head.By the numbers: Columbus' cold weather streaks have gotten six days shorter on average since 1970, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick and Kavya Beheraj report from a new Climate Central analysis.Why it matters: Few people love cold snaps, but they are essential for some farmers, winter sports lovers and those who enjoy a good backyard snowball fight.What they did: Climate Central defines a "winter cold streak" as "at least two consecutive December-February days with average temperatures below the 1991-2020 winter normal average temperature" at a given location.Zoom in: Last year's longest streak in Columbus lasted six days, from Jan. 30-Feb. 4.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Columbus now bans employers from asking applicants about pay history
Columbus employers are now prohibited from asking applicants about their salary history, under a new law that went into effect Friday.Why it matters: The ordinance, passed unanimously by City Council a year ago, calls requesting past salary information a "common practice" that can "perpetuate historical inequities that women, especially women of color, face in the job market."Median earnings have historically been lower for women than for men.Zoom in: Under the ordinance, employers with at least 15 workers cannot ask applicants for their salary history, nor inquire with their other workplaces.Employers are also barred from searching "publicly available records or reports...
Columbites: A new home for House Tacos
A couple years ago, I was the only customer of a novel "sober bar" on South Fourth Street and incorrectly predicted it would grow with time.The latest: I recently grabbed lunch at the spot's replacement, House Taco, and was once again the only person there.Have I become the kiss of death for this address?Hopefully not, because the food was pretty great. I'm going double or nothing on predicting a successful future.What we ordered: There's all the normal taco types and fixings, but I tried (and loved) the special "crunch magic taco" ($5.75) with charred chicken and seasoned corn chips.The queso...
Lessons from a Columbus Symphony morning dress rehearsal
I enjoy hearing the Columbus Symphony perform, but am often too busy to attend weekend concerts.So I went to my first Friday morning dress rehearsal as part of our "Never Have I Ever" series.Why it matters: It is a mesmerizing experience to watch and hear true artists at work.The intrigue: The Ohio Theatre was surprisingly crowded with retirees, families and student field trips. I even saw a well-behaved baby in the balcony.My $16 seat, which came with complimentary doughnuts and coffee, would have cost $84 for a normal show.What they said: "You know this is just a practice, right?" guest...
Columbus weekend events: "The Office" trivia, a beer festival and The Arnold
🕺 Celebrate Indian and Asian cultures with a series of musical and dancing performances.6:30pm Friday, 5600 Post Road, Dublin. $15.🧠 Test your knowledge of Dunder Mifflin during "The Office" Trivia at The Sanctuary.8pm Friday, 618 Neil Ave. $15 per player, 21+.🍺 Try your favorite Buckeye State brews at the Pick Ohio Beer Festival at the Combustion Brewery & Taproom.Noon-3pm and 3:30-6:30pm Saturday, 80 W. Church St., Pickerington. $60, comes with tasting glass and pours of all festival beers.🎭 Catch a performance of "The Producers" by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus.7:30pm Saturday and 2pm Sunday, Roth/Resler Theater, 1125 College Ave. $30.🌲 Explore the Inniswood Metro Gardens and complete a spring scavenger hunt picked up inside the Innis House.1-3pm Sunday, 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville. Free!✈ Take musical flight with the New Albany Symphony as it brings the story of Orville and Wilbur Wright to life.3pm Sunday, McCoy Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin Granville Road. $10-25.A sensory friendly concert is planned for 11:30am Saturday.Plus: Flex your muscles at the Arnold Sports Festival, running throughout this weekend.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Columbus plans major "Capital Line" downtown pathway
Data: Columbus Downtown Development Corporation. Map: Erin Davis/Axios VisualsA massive "urban pathway" in downtown Columbus will better connect pedestrians and bicyclists to a host of local landmarks, city officials announced yesterday.Why it matters: The $100 million "Capital Line" project furthers a multitude of city goals, from boosting local tourism to enticing new residents and businesses to move downtown.Officials also hope it will improve pedestrian safety, move away from car-focused travel and grow the tree canopy.The big picture: Construction of the two-mile loop surrounding the Scioto Mile and Capitol Square will start in 2025 and be completed in stages over the...
What's new at the Arnold Sports Festival
He's back! Once again, the Arnold Sports Festival is taking over the convention center.Why it matters: It's a massive boon to our local economy, drawing over 100,000 visitors from around the globe.The four-day fitness event is one of the world's largest, with dozens of physique and strength competitions and an expo featuring hundreds of vendors.What we're watching: "Game of Thrones" star Hafthor "The Mountain" Bjornsson is competing in Saturday's Arnold Strongman Classic for the first time since winning three straight titles from 2018-2020 and briefly retiring.Plus: A new Stack3d pavilion will highlight supplements, functional foods and energy drink brands new to the expo.Pro tip: The Sunday Showcase ($35) guarantees a "Governator" sighting, but Arnold also explores the expo and other events.He'll speak at Friday and Saturday's pro bodybuilding shows, too ($60-120).💭 Our thought bubble: Don't fret if you're an amateur. With contests ranging from powerlifting to medieval fighting and foosball, you'll find something to enjoy — even if it's just the people watching.If you go: Expo: 10am-7pm tomorrow ($45) and Saturday ($55) and 10am-4pm Sunday ($35). $100 weekend pass. Kids under 15 free!Tickets.Competition schedule.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Throwback Thursday: Unusual Columbus news from leap days past
We searched the archives for interesting Feb. 29 news stories from years past and found three dealing with OSU:💃 1920: Stop your shimmying!Evelyn Scatterday, the Columbus municipal dance inspector, attended several student dances and was horrified by what she saw.The "shimmy" … the "Camel Walk" … even students dancing "cheek to cheek." She urged them to follow local law and knock it off.The other side: Men blamed the women and women blamed the men, yet all agreed the university shouldn't be punished by the actions of a few rogue dancers.They also argued the law, which concerned public dance halls, shouldn't...
Columbus Fury winning over fans of pro women's volleyball
It was not the ear-splitting rock music typically heard at professional sporting events, but a more literal refrain for the Columbus Fury's first timeout: Shania Twain's "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!"Why it matters: Our new pro women's volleyball team is inspiring a new generation of women's sports fans, furthering a regional goal to become an inclusive sports hub.State of play: The Fury are one of seven inaugural teams in the Pro Volleyball Federation, the first U.S. league of its kind since the 1980s.Most players, like middle blocker Jenna Rosenthal, are former collegiate stars previously forced to continue their careers...
Wendy's to test "dynamic pricing" during peak hours
The cost of your next Wendy's burger may soon depend on when you order it.Driving the news: The Dublin-based chain will begin testing "dynamic pricing" in 2025, Axios' Kelly Tyko reports."Surge pricing," as the practice is also known, is when businesses charge more during peak ordering times like a lunch and dinner rush.The big picture: Wendy's is reportedly investing $20 million in new digital menu boards that can adjust prices throughout the day.The chain previously rolled out an AI chatbot drive-thru service at some stores last year.What they're saying: The response on social media has been scathing, with one X user predicting Wendy's is "going to get a Frosty response."🤔 Do you agree? Email us at columbus@axios.com with your thoughts.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Franklin County still spending pandemic relief money
Franklin County still has millions of dollars in pandemic relief money to spend in the coming three years, Axios has learned.Why it matters: Years after the final pandemic lockdown, local governments are still using relief funds to support public services and make infrastructure improvements.Driving the news: Franklin County commissioners will vote this morning to allocate three "COVID-19 Recovery Grants" toward local nonprofits:$1 million to Lutheran Social Services to fund the CHOICES Domestic Violence Shelter.$1 million to Community Partners Youth Development to support a business resource hub for "minority and underserved entrepreneurs."$300,000 to Besa Community Inc. for events in "distressed" neighborhoods...
Columbus warmer than normal in February
Data: ERA5; Chart: Will Chase/AxiosThis year's global temperatures are picking up right where 2023 ended: in all-time record high territory, Axios' Andrew Freedman reports.What's happening: A streak of Earth's warmest months ever continued through mid-February, with no indications of a cooldown.The majority of the warming is due to human-caused climate change, per recent analyses, with a boost from natural climate variability in the form of El Niño.Zoom in: Even with our recent colder temperatures and snow, the Columbus area is still trending well above average for high temperatures this month.Through Sunday, the average daily high temperature this month was 50.4, per the National Weather Service — 10 degrees higher than what's normal.Yes, but: Ohio is still capable of pulling seasonal tricks on us, so don't put those winter coats away just yet.The median date of our area's last spring freeze is April 16, data between 1991 and 2020 shows.Data: Midwest Regional Climate Center; Map: Rahul Mukherjee/Axios
Columbus area tax levies on the March primary ballot
Amid a high-profile U.S. Senate race, it's easy for local issues to be overshadowed during this primary election season.Why it matters: Thousands of voters will decide ballot items that could raise property taxes to support crucial public services like schools, police and fire departments.Between the lines: While Ohio primaries are usually in May, this year's is March 19, due to the presidential election.Voter turnout is higher and the ballot tends to be a little more crowded, though local officials tell us the decision to place ballot items ultimately comes down to funding needs and cycles.For example, last May, no Franklin...
Columbites: Milestone 229 has a great view and menu, too
Downtown's only riverfront restaurant, Milestone 229, is mostly known for its ideal location.Recently I wondered: Should it be known for its food, too? So I went to investigate.What I ate: A Valentine's Day special of picture-perfect twin lobster tails atop buttery lemon herb risotto and crisp green beans ($32).The risotto could've been a little more lemon-forward but, otherwise, no complaints.If you're craving shellfish on a normal day, try the equally delicious lobster ravioli ($38), a sweet dish with generous portions of claw meat, succotash underneath and sherry sauce on top.For dessert: A bruleed vanilla bean cheesecake ($13) with a caramelized...
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