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Axios Columbus
Ohio redistricting fight resumes this week
Ohio leaders are back at work this week to begin drawing new Statehouse district maps with less than two weeks before a self-imposed deadline to finish the job.Why it matters: Their maps could determine the political balance of the Ohio Senate and House for years to come.Republicans currently hold supermajorities in both chambers.How it works: The Ohio Redistricting Commission is responsible for redrawing the districts every 10 years to reflect the latest Census data.Ohioans amended the state constitution in 2015 and 2018 to devise a more transparent and bipartisan redistricting system that requites maps to proportionately reflect statewide voting trends.Yes,...
Columbus competing with Dayton for trendy businesses
A suburban mayor near Dayton nearly broke the internet when he recently announced local plans for Ohio's first Buc-ee's gas station.Why it matters: The Columbus region has long been a popular test market and entry point for brands coming to Ohio, but we face increasing competition from metros like Dayton that can also tout favorable Midwestern geography and diverse demographics.The big picture: In addition to Buc-ee's, Wawa, another popular convenience store chain, also has eyes on the Dayton area as it gears up to spread throughout Ohio.And Popshelf, a new Dollar General off-shoot targeting suburban customers, just opened its latest...
Where to see 9/11 artifacts in Central Ohio
Central Ohio is home to several artifacts from ground zero, displayed in memorials where visitors can pay their respects and connect with the past.Flashback: Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, pieces of the World Trade Center towers, emergency vehicles and more have been distributed nationwide for public display.The local sites:First Responders Park, HilliardFeaturing sculptures made of steel from the twin towers, it's one of the nation's first and largest memorial parks dedicated to 9/11 first responders.4020 Main St.First Responders Park, WestervilleIts centerpiece is a section of jagged steel from the North Tower known as "C-40."374 W. Main St.Washington Township Fire Station 93, DublinA small monument featuring a piece of I-beam.5825 Brand Road.Motts Military Museum, GroveportA crushed firetruck and police cruiser are part of what's reportedly the largest 9/11 exhibit outside of New York City.5075 S. Hamilton Road.10am Thursdays. Call 614-836-1500 to confirm availability for a tour. $7-12.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Jack O'Lantern World is coming to Franklin County Fairgrounds
A new fall attraction featuring thousands of handcarved pumpkins is coming to the Franklin County Fairgrounds this month.Carving the news: Tickets are now on sale for Jack O'Lantern World, a .75-mile walking trail lined with intricate pumpkin art.The tour takes about 45 minutes and local food trucks will be on site.Pro tip: Use the code "jack2023" to get 10% off tickets through Wednesday.The intrigue: Some jack-o'-lanterns will weigh over 1,000 pounds.Though that may impress patrons at the attraction's Illinois and Nebraska locations, that's not quite a heavyweight by Circleville Pumpkin Show standards.If you go: Thursday-Sunday evenings, Sept. 29-Oct. 29. $15-25. Kids under 3 free!Watch a promo videoSign up for Axios Columbus for free.
When to expect changing fall leaves in Columbus
Data: SmokyMountains.com; Map: Simran Parwani/AxiosHere's another reminder that it's still not officially fall: The leaves aren't expected to start changing colors for a few weeks yet.State of play: Patchy color will begin to pop up between Sept. 25 and Oct. 2, according to SmokyMountains.com's annual U.S. fall foliage prediction map.But don't expect those bright reds, oranges and yellows that provide the best leaf-peeping opportunities to arrive until late October.Pro tip: The week of Oct. 16 is expected to offer "near peak" color in the Central Ohio region, and trees should be at peak vibrancy the week of Oct. 23.But don't...
Buckeyes return for 2023 home opener against Youngstown State
Buckeye fans are sure to give the visiting Penguins a cold reception at tomorrow's home opener against Youngstown State.If you're going: Gates open bright and early at 10am for a noon kickoff.Resale tickets start at $28.What's new: A remodeled "Ohio State Buckeyes" app, where you can access tickets and order concessions. Other gameday tips.Tom Snyder debuts as the "Voice of Ohio Stadium," replacing longtime public address announcer Bob Kennedy, who died in April after 20 years at the mic.Staying at home? Catch the action on the Big Ten Network and 97.1 FM/1460 AM.Pro tip: Cleveland.com suggests these free cable trials to access BTN.State of play: The Buckeyes and Penguins (both 1-0) last faced off in 2008, with OSU earning a 43-0 victory in what was freshman Terrelle Pryor's first career game.With OSU as heavy favorites at home both this weekend and next, new QB Kyle McCord should have plenty of time to settle in before Big Ten Conference play resumes.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Ohioans prefer to stay put in the Buckeye State
Data: Dallas Fed via U.S. Census; Map: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosWelcome to Ohio … now you're stuck in Ohio.It turns out there's some truth to that tongue-in-cheek Buckeye State meme.Driving the news: Once somebody moves to Ohio, they're more likely to continue living here, compared with people in most other states, according to a new Dallas Fed report.Why it matters: Residents sticking around is key to maintaining a stable population and workforce, which is vital to economic growth, per the study.By the numbers: Ohio's outmigration rate is the fourth-lowest of any state, at just 16 outmigrants per 1,000 residents. That statistic measures both...
Ohio officials say beware the elm zigzag sawfly
Pesky pests' infesting quests are leaving arbor experts stressed.Buzzing the news: Researchers recently discovered elm zigzag sawflies in Franklin and Delaware counties, per the Ohio Department of Natural Resources — the first detection of the species in Ohio.They've been spotted in Canada and eastern U.S. states in recent years.Why it matters: These unwelcome guests are "capable of significant defoliation of elm trees," ODNR notes.Threat level: While they're not known to cause trees' death, their full impact on tree health is not entirely known.What they're saying: Kathleen Knight, a U.S. Forest Service research ecologist, tells Axios it's unclear how the sawflies got here."Humans are pretty efficient at moving things around accidentally, so it's possible they were brought into Ohio by people inadvertently."Zoom in: The light-green larvae are up to one-half-inch long and leave a distinctive pattern on leaves, hence their name.Adult elm zigzag sawflies are smaller, shiny black in color and have wings.How you can help: Report sightings and infestation patterns on the Great Lakes Early Detection Network phone app or call ODNR's Division of Forestry at 614-265-6694.You're encouraged to take photos or collect the insect specimen.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Meet Alfred, the 12-foot Skelly
Halloween enthusiasts are extending the holiday by weeks and months — and in some cases year-round — with giant skeleton decorations, Axios' Kelly Tyko reports.The big picture: The 12-foot skeletons, known as Skellys, are moving into more neighborhoods, being named by owners and amassing large wardrobes.The craze kicked off when Home Depot introduced the decoration in 2020. It costs $299 and is constantly sold out online.The intrigue: Columbus' Katie Shealy spoke to Tyko about her Skelly — known as Alfred in her Northcrest neighborhood — which will soon attend her wedding in a homemade top hat.Yes, but: Not everyone is thrilled about their new year-round neighbors.An HOA request to take down her skeleton helped inspire Shealy to make Alfred a permanent resident.Alfred debuted last fall wearing Ugg boots and holding a pumpkin spice latte, and has since been decorated for many holidays.What she's saying: "He changes ... with the seasons," Shealy says. "Since he's a holiday decoration, they haven't been able to pinpoint a specific thing that would require me to take it down."Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Developer proposes Brewery District factory glow-up
A Gahanna developer hopes to take another step forward this week in turning a vacant Brewery District factory into a new apartment complex.Why it matters: The project is seen as a win-win for new housing and historic preservation, while a requested parking modification could set the tone for future developments.Catch up quick: The Stonehenge Co. spent $1.85 million in 2019 to buy the former Jones Heel Manufacturing Co. factory at the corner of Front and Whittier streets.An early proposal called for demolition, but Stonehenge now wants to incorporate the brick buildings into its plan for 107 residential units.The back tower...
Community reacts to Ta'Kiya Young police shooting video
Police body camera footage showing a Blendon Township officer fatally shooting a pregnant Black woman has once again thrust local law enforcement into the national spotlight.Catch up quick: Ta'Kiya Young, 21, died Aug. 24 after being shot in her car that evening in a Kroger parking lot on Sunbury Road.Her unborn daughter, due in November, also died.A Kroger employee accused Young of stealing alcohol from the store and flagged down two nearby officers, according to AP.The latest: Police released the video on Friday, eight days after the shooting, and it spurred local protests throughout the holiday weekend. It includes graphic...
What to know about the Buckeyes' season opener
Third time's the charm, right?What's happening: The Buckeyes kick off their season tomorrow at Indiana University with the number three looming large.That's their preseason ranking, behind No. 1 Georgia and That Team Up North.And if they don't beat said No. 2 team, that would be three straight losses to their maize and blue rivals — which hasn't happened since the mid-'90s.State of play: Tomorrow's 3:30pm game against the unranked Hoosiers feels largely like a formality — OSU has a 27-game win streak against IU — so the focus is mostly on Ohio's starting quarterback battle, rather than the matchup itself.Junior...
Columbus Zoo is expecting its first baby orangutan in 60 years
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is preparing for a very special primate birth.Driving the news: Khali, a 17-year-old Bornean orangutan, is pregnant. The father is 30-year-old Sulango.Why it matters: The tree-dwelling species, native to Southeast Asia, is critically endangered.The baby, due in late fall, will be the first born at the zoo in over 60 years.The latest: Alissa was among the journalists invited to witness Khali's monthly ultrasound this week.How it works: Khali is trained to hang onto a wire door in a behind-the-scenes habitat area, making her belly accessible to radiologist Eric Hostnik of OSU's College of Veterinary Medicine.Zookeeper Chelsea Massaroni keeps Khali distracted during the procedure by feeding her pieces of dried fruit. Watch some video clips.Hostnik has been monitoring the baby as it develops and says it looks healthy.Its sex won't be confirmed until after birth.What's next: After the baby arrives, it's possible the public's view of the orangutans will be limited until the new mom gets comfortable.For now, you can view the apes in the Australia and the Islands region. Hostnik observes the ultrasound images while Massaroni keeps Khali distracted with pieces of dried fruit.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Lessons from a long walk down Broad Street
Data: Tyler Buchanan; Map: Erin Davis/Axios VisualsThe journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, the old saying goes.Treading the news: I left a West Side parking lot the morning of Aug. 16 with one goal in mind: Walk the length of Broad Street to the opposite end of Columbus.Why it matters: Broad Street encapsulates our whole region on one heavily traversed road — a cross-section of suburban sprawl, downtown hubbub and diverse neighborhoods that showcase both where we've been and where we're going.It's easier to appreciate all that from the ground during a nice, slow walk.The...
Broad Street's history and most iconic landmarks
Broad Street has been a major thoroughfare for more than 200 years, features countless iconic landmarks and, not surprisingly, has been the site of major historical events.Flashback: The first bridge over the Scioto River was built on Broad Street in 1816.A few decades later, it served as the local stretch of the National Road, connecting Ohio with five other states.The intrigue: The National Road followed the 40th parallel (for latitude coordinates), hence Broad Street's other name — U.S. Route 40. National Road mile markers can still be found along Broad Street, including this one, across from COSI. Photo: Tyler Buchanan/AxiosThe...
Dog euthanasia rates in Franklin County hold steady amid nationwide spike
Data: Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption CenterDogs are spending more time at the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center, but steps the organization has taken to reduce the number of dogs coming through its doors has prevented a spike in its euthanasia rate.Why it matters: Pet adoptions surged during the pandemic, and now shelters are dealing with a rebalance of supply and demand.Intakes at public and private shelters across the U.S. are expected to reach a 3-year high this year, and adoptions aren't keeping pace, Axios' Carrie Shepherd reports.The big picture: Dog euthanasia rates have spiked 37% nationally...
Abortion rights group sues Ohio Ballot Board over ballot language
Abortion rights advocates filed a lawsuit against the Ohio Ballot Board yesterday, alleging its summary of the proposed state constitutional amendment to guarantee abortion rights contains "politicized, deceptive language" aiming to persuade Ohioans to vote against it.Why it matters: Ohio voters will read this summary when they vote Nov. 7 — or vote early beginning Oct. 11. It must be finalized before ballots can be created.Catch up quick: The board's Republican members voted 3-2 on Thursday to approve the summary, drafted by board chair and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose.The two Democrats on the board wanted to use the...
Fewer Ohio kindergartners are getting vaccinated
Data: CDC; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosThe rate of Ohio kindergartners with childhood vaccine exemptions has doubled over the last decade, from 1.5% to 3%, per CDC estimates.Why it matters: Vaccinations reduce the spread of potentially fatal illnesses that once plagued the country, such as polio.Context: While all Ohio children are required to get a number of vaccinations before attending school, exemptions are permitted for both medical and non-medical reasons, such as religious or moral objections.Studies have found an increased risk of infection from vaccine-preventable diseases among exempt children.Zoom in: Central Ohioans learned this the hard way last winter, when a local...
Columbus Dispatch pauses AI sports writing tool following viral story
The Columbus Dispatch paused use of an artificial intelligence sports writing tool after a Westerville football recap faced criticism on social media that went viral last week.Why it matters: Newsrooms are increasingly experimenting with generative AI tools, but must grapple with ethical challenges while still maintaining public trust, Axios' Sara Fischer and Ryan Heath write.State of play: For several days this month, the Dispatch and other Gannett-owned newspapers published dozens of LedeAI game recaps based on simple box score data.One such Dispatch article from Aug. 18 was blasted on social media for its robotic style, lack of player names and...
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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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