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Axios Columbus
Columbites: The famous Fox in the Snow breakfast sandwich
👋 Lindsey here, with another food review that will hopefully not upset you as much as my hot takes on Jeni's did.Dining the news: I went to Fox in the Snow's Italian Village location to try the famous and highly praised souffled egg sandwich — and of course had to sample a pastry while I was at it. Breakfast should always be both sweet and savory.Details: The toasted sandwich ($10) features souffled egg, bacon, Swiss, arugula and a Dijon cream sauce.The flavors blended together nicely, and the bread was toasted but not overly crispy.If you aren't a big fan of...
Columbus' nightlife is bouncing back
Data: Square; Chart: Axios VisualsColumbus, you like to party.Driving the news: About 27% of bar and restaurant transactions across the city using Square have occurred between 7pm-4am so far this year, per data from the point-of-sale company.Why it matters: That figure surpasses pre-pandemic transactions, which is a good indicator that our nightlife has recovered from the shutdowns and curfews of 2020.The intrigue: Among 30 Axios Local cities across the U.S., Columbus was one of just three with a 2023 figure that ranked highest since 2019, along with Detroit and Philadelphia.Zoom in: Square's data aligns with indicators we've reported on —...
How a federal government shutdown would impact Ohio
With Congress' Sept. 30 deadline to fund the federal government fast approaching, Ohio braces for the impact of a potential shutdown.The big picture: During a government shutdown, federal functions deemed non-essential could be suspended, affecting health programs, government assistance, Food and Drug Administration inspections and small business loans, Axios' Sareen Habeshian writes.Other potential Ohio impacts:💵 Paychecks would be paused for all federal employees, even those with roles deemed essential.There are around 52,500 federal civilian workers in Ohio, with thousands more military personnel and contractors.✈ Commercial air travel would continue with TSA and air traffic controllers working without pay, which could lead to staffing issues.🌲 National parks services requiring staffs, such as restrooms and visitors' centers, would be paused at places like Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Wayne National Forest.🍅 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) funding would continue through October, but a federal program supporting low-income mothers and children would be reduced immediately.Nearly 180,000 Ohioans rely on the latter, known as WIC, to purchase groceries.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
How a federal government shutdown would impact Ohio
With Congress' Sept. 30 deadline to fund the federal government fast approaching, Ohio braces for the impact of a potential shutdown.The big picture: During a government shutdown, federal functions deemed non-essential could be suspended, affecting health programs, government assistance, Food and Drug Administration inspections and small business loans, Axios' Sareen Habeshian writes.Other potential Ohio impacts:💵 Paychecks would be paused for all federal employees, even those with roles deemed essential.There are around 52,500 federal civilian workers in Ohio, with thousands more military personnel and contractors.✈ Commercial air travel would continue with TSA and air traffic controllers working without pay, which could lead to staffing issues.🌲 National parks services requiring staffs, such as restrooms and visitors' centers, would be paused at places like Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Wayne National Forest.🍅 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) funding would continue through October, but a federal program supporting low-income mothers and children would be reduced immediately.Nearly 180,000 Ohioans rely on the latter, known as WIC, to purchase groceries.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
What to do this weekend in Columbus: Sept. 29-Oct. 1
🐎 Giddy up to the All American Quarter Horse Congress, touted as the world's largest single-breed horse show.Trade show: 9:30am-7pm today and Saturday, 9:30am-6pm Sunday, Ohio Expo Center.Free! Parking $25. Through Oct. 22.✍️ Celebrate art and animation at Cartoon Crossroads Columbus, a festival with events across the city all weekend.10am-7:30pm today, 10am-9:30pm Saturday and 10:30am-5pm Sunday. Free!Full schedule.🚶 Stroll down High Street and enjoy live music, vendors, food trucks and kids activities during the Clintonville Jamboree.5-8pm tonight. Free!🎨 Paint a masterpiece and sing your favorite tunes during Paint and Karaoke at Brush Crazy.5-9pm tonight and Saturday, 5-8pm Sunday, 1299 Bethel...
What to do this weekend in Columbus: Sept. 29-Oct. 1
🐎 Giddy up to the All American Quarter Horse Congress, touted as the world's largest single-breed horse show.Trade show: 9:30am-7pm today and Saturday, 9:30am-6pm Sunday, Ohio Expo Center.Free! Parking $25. Through Oct. 22.✍️ Celebrate art and animation at Cartoon Crossroads Columbus, a festival with events across the city all weekend.10am-7:30pm today, 10am-9:30pm Saturday and 10:30am-5pm Sunday. Free!Full schedule.🚶 Stroll down High Street and enjoy live music, vendors, food trucks and kids activities during the Clintonville Jamboree.5-8pm tonight. Free!🎨 Paint a masterpiece and sing your favorite tunes during Paint and Karaoke at Brush Crazy.5-9pm tonight and Saturday, 5-8pm Sunday, 1299 Bethel...
Ohio still waiting for passenger rail expansion
Reader Jay T. asks: Is there any more recent news on the project to expand passenger rail in Ohio?It's been more than 40 years since the last passenger train left Columbus — and work continues to bring trains back, eventually. Riders will just need to be patient.Why it matters: We're one of America's biggest cities without passenger rail.Proposals to restore train travel could pay huge dividends for local tourism and workforce development, transit advocates tell us.Catch up quick: The 2021 bipartisan infrastructure package, signed into law by President Biden, allocates billions of dollars toward expanding rail service.Since then, states and...
State lottery contract could be up for grabs
The Ohio Lottery Commission will pursue competitive bids on a new gaming system contract in the near future, Axios Columbus has learned.Why it matters: The highly coveted contract is currently valued at over $118 million.State of play: Ohio has contracted with the Greece-based company Intralot since 2009 to provide lottery kiosks at over 10,000 retail locations, plus video lottery terminals inside racinos.The contract is currently on a two-year renewal and there's an option for one more two-year renewal that would run through June 30, 2027, lottery commission spokesperson Danielle Frizzi-Babb tells Axios.Between the lines: The hefty contract has drawn scrutiny...
Where to find a new COVID-19 vaccine in Columbus
Data: CDC; Chart: Axios VisualsThe latest COVID-19 vaccines are slowly rolling out to Central Ohio health care providers — and while the situation isn't as hectic as the early pandemic, you may need to search a bit for availability.Why it matters: COVID-related hospitalizations have continued rising throughout September as new variants of the virus emerge.Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from serious illness and complications, but only 16.5% of Ohioans were up-to-date on their shots as of Aug. 31.How it works: The new shots are formulated to fight the most recently circulating COVID strains, similar to the annually...
Greater Columbus Convention Center ranked among best in America
Whether you're a bodybuilder, a competitive truck driver or a really big Pikachu fan, the Greater Columbus Convention Center is one of the best exhibition spaces for you.Driving the news: Columbus ranks No. 11 on a new Wall Street Journal list of America's top convention centers.What they did: WSJ considered the quality and quantity of exhibition space along with each center's surroundings.Top scores went to those located near an airport and within proximity to restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels and a dry cleaner.What's next: Summer is the busiest time for major expos, but there are a few more set for 2023:🔥 Firehouse Expo: training and networking for firefighters, now-Friday.💅 Premiere Columbus: a beauty industry trade show, Oct. 8-9.👰 Bridal & Wedding Expo: to help plan your big day, Nov. 5.🕹 GalaxyCon: a comic-con with celebrity stars and games, Dec. 1-3.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Ohio won't keep Trump off presidential ballot
Ohio is rejecting activists' efforts to block former President Donald Trump from being on next year's ballot over his alleged responsibility in the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.Why it matters: The decision helps Trump dodge an early campaign threat and allows him to remain eligible to compete for a state he won comfortably in the 2016 and 2020 general elections.Driving the news: Groups urged elections officials in at least eight swing states to disqualify Trump based on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bans anyone who's taken part in a rebellion against the government from holding a state...
More Columbus projects could replace downtown parking lots
Two more downtown parking lots may bite the dust as developers plan a new apartment building and an OhioHealth outpatient clinic at two locations east of Capitol Square.Driving the news: The Columbus Downtown Commission will discuss the project applications this morning and could vote to give them the OK.Zoom in: Riewald Development is planning a seven-story, mixed-use building at 281 E. Spring St.It would feature 1,937 square feet of ground floor retail space, a third floor outdoor deck and 132 residential units spread between the third and seventh floors.Meanwhile, OhioHealth wants wants a new five-story parking garage and two-story ambulatory (outpatient) facility at 322 E. State St., about one-quarter mile to the south.This is part of the hospital system's broader expansion to Grant Medical Center. A rendering of a new parking garage and outpatient facility proposed for 322 E. State St., across from Grant Medical Center. Courtesy of the Columbus Downtown CommissionSign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Readers' list of must-do activities in Columbus
Thank you for helping us compile a list of must-do activities in Central Ohio for true Columbusites.💭 Alissa's thought bubble: Now that I've crossed off going to a Buckeyes game, this gives me plenty of inspiration for what to do next!What you're saying:🔥 Brian B.: Glass Axis. Attending a class is good, but going to a holiday celebration such as Halloween or Valentine's is even better!🌹 Carol B.: Franklin Park, Park of Roses and the Ohio Statehouse.🎭 Caitlin A.: Attend an Actors' Theatre play in the park at Schiller Park in German Village. Bring a blanket and a beverage and...
Cities turn to high-tech street surveys
Cracks and potholes are inevitable on Ohio streets, but cities like Columbus and Hilliard are turning to state-of-the-art technology to keep up with local road repairs.Why it matters: It's another way communities are using high-tech means to make transportation safer and more accessible.How it works: Contractors outfit human-driven vehicles with cameras and other tracking equipment to review streets while driving around town, similar to Google Maps cars.The vehicles then provide cities with a "Pavement Condition Index" rating of every street, mapping out defects like cracked pavement.What they're saying: StreetScan, the company used by Hilliard, says its work produces "repeatable results...
Best Day Ever: Columbus superintendent Angela Chapman
The school year is officially in full swing, with a new superintendent in charge of Columbus City Schools.Driving the news: Angela Chapman took over the role full-time July 1 following the retirement of Talisa Dixon.For our latest Best Day Ever, we asked Chapman how she spends her time outside of leading the state's largest school district:🎵 Music to start your day: While I am a huge fan of '90s R&B music, it would be a toss-up between "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers or "Happy Feelings" by Maze.🥞 Breakfast: On the weekends, I prefer brunch instead of breakfast. One of my...
Columbites: Martini Modern Italian is contemporary and classic
👋 Alissa here, sharing some well-deserved recognition for one of my favorite local restaurants.Dining the news: National news site 24/7 Tempo recently named Martini Modern Italian Ohio's best Italian restaurant, after compiling rankings from several websites in every state.Context: Martini is one of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants' two Italian spots in the Short North.It has been around longer, dating back to the mid-'90s — but compared to Marcella's and its giant veal meatballs, this upscale classic seems to fly more under the radar these days.What I ate: The pennette alla vodka in a tomato and vodka cream sauce ($27) is my go-to dish, with grilled chicken added.It offers a sweet, yet acidic flavor and well-sized portions.The chicken parmesan ($30) and fettuccine and clams ($32) are also popular dishes.Yes, but: Save room for dessert. The tiramisu ($11), served with a dab of vanilla ice cream, is encased in a picturesque tea cup made of hardened chocolate.If you go: 4-10pm Monday-Saturday and 4-9pm Sunday. 445 N. High St. Yes, the tiramisu is as delicious as it is photogenic.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Higher education in Ohio has pricey tuition cost
Data: National Center for Education Statistics; Chart: Axios VisualsPricy private schools are leading Central Ohio students to pay more to obtain a higher ed degree here than they would in other parts of the country, an Axios review finds.Why it matters: Ever-growing tuition costs are a major burden for prospective college students and have been contributing to a statewide enrollment drop in recent years.The big picture: The Columbus area has 15 private schools and three public schools that offer four-year degrees.The private schools' median cost is three times as high as the public schools.By the numbers: Denison University was the...
Higher education in Ohio has pricey tuition cost
Data: National Center for Education Statistics; Chart: Axios VisualsPricy private schools are leading Central Ohio students to pay more to obtain a higher ed degree here than they would in other parts of the country, an Axios review finds.Why it matters: Ever-growing tuition costs are a major burden for prospective college students and have been contributing to a statewide enrollment drop in recent years.The big picture: The Columbus area has 15 private schools and three public schools that offer four-year degrees.The private schools' median cost is three times as high as the public schools.By the numbers: Denison University was the...
What to do this weekend in Columbus: Sept. 22-24
💃 Learn to salsa at the Bexley Public Library's Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Festival, with food and kid-friendly activities.6-8pm Friday. Free!🎵 Talk about Bruno — and the whole Madrigal family — at an "Encanto" sing-along movie night at the Palace Theatre.7pm Friday. $29-144.⚾ Cheer on the Clippers during their final three games of the year.7:05pm Friday, 1:05pm Saturday and Sunday. $8-21.🏳️🌈 Celebrate local LGBTQ+ elders at this year's Columbus Community Pride Festival.Noon-7pm Saturday, Mayme Moore Park. Free!☕ Have a fab-brew-lous time sampling unlimited sips at the Columbus Coffee Festival at Ohio Village.3-6pm Saturday and Sunday (other time slots sold out). $20-30.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
What to do this weekend in Columbus: Sept. 22-24
💃 Learn to salsa at the Bexley Public Library's Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Festival, with food and kid-friendly activities.6-8pm Friday. Free!🎵 Talk about Bruno — and the whole Madrigal family — at an "Encanto" sing-along movie night at the Palace Theatre.7pm Friday. $29-144.⚾ Cheer on the Clippers during their final three games of the year.7:05pm Friday, 1:05pm Saturday and Sunday. $8-21.🏳️🌈 Celebrate local LGBTQ+ elders at this year's Columbus Community Pride Festival.Noon-7pm Saturday, Mayme Moore Park. Free!☕ Have a fab-brew-lous time sampling unlimited sips at the Columbus Coffee Festival at Ohio Village.3-6pm Saturday and Sunday (other time slots sold out). $20-30.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
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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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