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Axios Columbus
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.
Abortions are increasing in Ohio
Data: Guttmacher Institute; Map: Axios VisualsThe number of abortions performed in Ohio has increased 8%, based on a comparison of 2020 and 2023 data, Axios' Adriel Bettelheim reports.Driving the news: States that are situated near those that banned abortion after Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022 saw sharp increases in the number of procedures performed, likely due to an influx of border-hopping patients, per a new analysis from the Guttmacher Institute.States with measures protecting abortion access had some of the highest jumps over the three-year period: Kansas' was 114% and Colorado's was 89%.Why it matters: Ohioans will vote on...
Abortions are increasing in Ohio
Data: Guttmacher Institute; Map: Axios VisualsThe number of abortions performed in Ohio has increased 8%, based on a comparison of 2020 and 2023 data, Axios' Adriel Bettelheim reports.Driving the news: States that are situated near those that banned abortion after Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022 saw sharp increases in the number of procedures performed, likely due to an influx of border-hopping patients, per a new analysis from the Guttmacher Institute.States with measures protecting abortion access had some of the highest jumps over the three-year period: Kansas' was 114% and Colorado's was 89%.Why it matters: Ohioans will vote on...
Columbus sees momentum for local tree growing plan
Columbus arborists are starting to see an urban forest for the trees.Driving the news: A citywide plan is underway to preserve public trees and plant new ones, while local leaders will eye code changes this fall to protect tree coverage.Why it matters: Trees reduce air pollution, provide shade and absorb rainwater to prevent flooding.Areas with greater tree coverage offer relief from extreme heat and may lead to lower crime rates.The big picture: Columbus set ambitious goals two years ago to stop net canopy loss by 2030 and eventually increase the overall tree coverage to 40% by planting more trees in...
What $20 gets you in Ohio Stadium concessions
Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium had sports fans salivating with a recent viral photo showcasing all the food you can buy there for just $20.Between the concession lines: Since its 2017 debut, the Atlanta arena has taken a fan-first approach with dirt-cheap food and drink prices. Via Twitter.Zoom in: Alissa decided to see what she could get for $20 at Ohio Stadium, "The Price is Right'' style.The only soda option was the $11 souvenir size. (Luckily refills are free!)Sadly, that left only enough cash for one food item without going over. She chose an $8 pretzel with cheese.The total: $19.83 with tax.Of note: Other food options include nachos ($8), popcorn ($6), bratwurst ($7) or hot dogs ($5).😬 The bottom line: If you're looking for a Columbus sports food bargain, definitely stick to Clippers Dime-A-Dog Nights.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Former Columbus Zoo officials indicted for theft
Three former Columbus Zoo and Aquarium officials were indicted Monday on a total of 89 felony counts in connection with the alleged theft of nearly $2.3 million from the zoo over a decade.Why it matters: The case, which has been filed in Delaware County court, is likely the final chapter in a scandal that has plagued the zoo for nearly three years.Driving the news: Former president and CEO Tom Stalf and former marketing director Pete Fingerhut face charges of aggravated theft, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activities, telecommunication fraud, money laundering, tampering with records, bribery, conspiracy to engage in...
Mapped: The impact of Alzheimer's across Ohio
Data: Dhana, et al., 2023, "Prevalence of Alzheimer's disease dementia in the 50 U.S. states and 3,142 counties"; Map: Axios VisualsAn estimated 11.3% of older Ohioans — 236,200 people — are living with Alzheimer's disease, and residents of urban counties like Franklin are disproportionately impacted, per a new study.Why it matters: It's crucial for public health officials, policymakers and support groups to have a clear grasp of the number of Alzheimer's cases in a given area, to ensure resources are allocated accordingly.That's especially important as our overall population continues to rapidly age.Details: For the study, researchers estimated rates of Alzheimer's...
Columbites: Bojangles finally makes local debut
The delay for Bojangles chicken and biscuits has been a cause célèbre on Columbus' West Side — but at long last it's finally open.The intrigue: The North Carolina-based chain is streamlining its menu at new markets, spokesperson Stacey McCray tells Axios.That's an understatement. We're missing bone-in fried chicken, ham biscuit sandwiches and numerous side dishes.Our location stops serving breakfast at 2pm — unlike in the South — leaving chicken sandwiches and tenders as the only dinner options.What we ate: I ordered a four-piece tenders meal with fries and baked mac and cheese for lunch, while my wife opted for a...
What makes Ohioans want to stay (and leave)
Ohioans like to stick together and we can't resist a good bargain.Driving the news: Proximity to family and a relatively affordable cost of living is why many of you told us you're staying in the Buckeye State.It's clearly something you're passionate about, judging by the flood of responses we received!Why it matters: To maintain a strong and competitive economy, Ohio needs to retain its residents and continue attracting more people to move here.Catch up quick: Ohioans are more likely to stay put compared to residents of most other states, we reported last week, whether you're a native resident or a...
What makes Ohioans want to stay (and leave)
Ohioans like to stick together and we can't resist a good bargain.Driving the news: Proximity to family and a relatively affordable cost of living is why many of you told us you're staying in the Buckeye State.It's clearly something you're passionate about, judging by the flood of responses we received!Why it matters: To maintain a strong and competitive economy, Ohio needs to retain its residents and continue attracting more people to move here.Catch up quick: Ohioans are more likely to stay put compared to residents of most other states, we reported last week, whether you're a native resident or a...
View your school district's report card rating
Data: Ohio Department of Education; Table: Alice Feng/AxiosOhio school districts received their first rating based on a new 5-star system yesterday.Why it matters: The new overall ratings summarize students' academic achievement across a variety of categories in the 2022-23 school year and can be used punitively against schools that perform poorly.The big picture: 90% of districts statewide earned 3 stars or higher, meaning they met the state's performance expectations in five categories: achievement, progress, gap closing, early literacy and graduation.Zoom in: Franklin County's wealthiest districts scored highest, with Bexley, Grandview Heights, Upper Arlington and New Albany-Plain all receiving 5 stars.Columbus scored lowest, with 2 stars, and Reynoldsburg and Groveport Madison received 3.Between the lines: While proponents say the state's report cards help hold districts accountable, critics say they're overly simplistic and mostly reflect factors such as student poverty.What they're saying: "We have once again successfully measured wealth and poverty in the state of Ohio," Columbus Education Association president John Coneglio said in a statement.Go deeper: Search for your child's district or school buildingSign up for Axios Columbus for free.
View your school district's report card rating
Data: Ohio Department of Education; Table: Alice Feng/AxiosOhio school districts received their first rating based on a new 5-star system yesterday.Why it matters: The new overall ratings summarize students' academic achievement across a variety of categories in the 2022-23 school year and can be used punitively against schools that perform poorly.The big picture: 90% of districts statewide earned 3 stars or higher, meaning they met the state's performance expectations in five categories: achievement, progress, gap closing, early literacy and graduation.Zoom in: Franklin County's wealthiest districts scored highest, with Bexley, Grandview Heights, Upper Arlington and New Albany-Plain all receiving 5 stars.Columbus scored lowest, with 2 stars, and Reynoldsburg and Groveport Madison received 3.Between the lines: While proponents say the state's report cards help hold districts accountable, critics say they're overly simplistic and mostly reflect factors such as student poverty.What they're saying: "We have once again successfully measured wealth and poverty in the state of Ohio," Columbus Education Association president John Coneglio said in a statement.Go deeper: Search for your child's district or school buildingSign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Which football team do Ohioans root for?
We've got a question for our Columbus-based football fans: Which NFL team has your rooting interest this fall?Is it the Browns, Bengals or Steelers?Or perhaps you're a transplant from Detroit and root for the Lions?The intrigue: Maybe you just stick to the good ol' dependable Buckeyes.Of note: Voting closes at 11:59pm Monday, in case the outcome of the Browns-Steelers matchup that night skews your opinion.📬 Email Columbus@axios.com to explain your "other" vote, especially if there's an interesting or unusual reason you support a certain team.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Which football team do Ohioans root for?
We've got a question for our Columbus-based football fans: Which NFL team has your rooting interest this fall?Is it the Browns, Bengals or Steelers?Or perhaps you're a transplant from Detroit and root for the Lions?The intrigue: Maybe you just stick to the good ol' dependable Buckeyes.Of note: Voting closes at 11:59pm Monday, in case the outcome of the Browns-Steelers matchup that night skews your opinion.📬 Email Columbus@axios.com to explain your "other" vote, especially if there's an interesting or unusual reason you support a certain team.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Which football team do Ohioans root for?
We've got a question for our Columbus-based football fans: Which NFL team has your rooting interest this fall?Is it the Browns, Bengals or Steelers?Or perhaps you're a transplant from Detroit and root for the Lions?The intrigue: Maybe you just stick to the good ol' dependable Buckeyes.Of note: Voting closes at 11:59pm Monday, in case the outcome of the Browns-Steelers matchup that night skews your opinion.📬 Email Columbus@axios.com to explain your "other" vote, especially if there's an interesting or unusual reason you support a certain team.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Blue Jackets head coach denies claims he pried on players' photos
New Blue Jackets' head coach Mike Babcock is denying allegations he pried into players' cellphone pictures upon joining the team this summer.Why it matters: The unsubstantiated claim of misconduct puts Columbus in the hockey spotlight ahead of a much-needed rebuilding season.Catch up quick: The controversy was spurred by former NHL player Paul Bissonnette on a hockey podcast released Tuesday morning.Listen to the segment (NSFW warning).What they're saying: "This is coming from somebody in the NHL," Bissonnette said of receiving a tip from a player. "[Babcock] gets to Columbus and one of the first things he does is he calls in...
Book ban attempts are surging in Ohio
Adapted from the American Library Association; Map: Axios VisualsOhio had the ninth-most attempts to restrict or ban books nationwide in 2022, according to an American Library Association report.Driving the news: There were 93 attempts to restrict access to 79 titles in Ohio last year, compared to only 10 attempts to restrict access to 15 books in 2021.The most challenged title in 2022 was "It's Perfectly Normal," a sex education book for kids that has been controversial since its 1994 debut.Why it matters: Before the pandemic, most library book challenges were from specific parents regarding specific books. But in 2022, the...
Ask Axios: How do Ohio Lottery taxes work?
Reader Jennifer J. asks: How is the cash flow from Powerball lottery sales handled by the Ohio Taxation Department … is it just added to the overall kitty or is it somehow flagged for specific use? On average, how much money does Ohio make on lottery winners' taxes every year?👋 Tyler here. Powerball jackpots tend to draw a lot of hype, and you can be sure tax officials are paying attention, too.State of play: Drawings are held in 45 states and feature a progressive jackpot that grows to stratospheric heights until someone finally hits.Ohio sold $151 million in Powerball tickets...
Our review: We tried the new Pumpkin Spice Frosty at Wendy's
👋 Alissa here, with a confession: I've never been impressed with Wendy's non-chocolate Frosty flavors.Yes, but: I knew pumpkin would never disappoint me.Quick take: I tried the new Pumpkin Spice Frosty that debuted today and recommend you immediately swing by your local drive-thru to order one.It tastes like a chilled cup of pumpkin pie.Context: Love it or hate it, the fall flavor is also already on the menu at multiple restaurants, including Starbucks, Dunkin' and more. For many, it signals a seasonal switch before the temperature gets any cooler.Many pumpkin items will be available at restaurants until they start winter holiday menus, which usually happens in early November.The bottom line: While Wendy's strawberry and peppermint Frosty flavors were diluted by hints of vanilla coming through, the subtle vanilla perfectly complements the new pumpkin option.🎃 Pro tip: Top it with some whipped cream from home!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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