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Columbus hosting national truck driving skills competition
The Short North will be uncharacteristically full of 18-wheelers for the next few days.Driving the news: The National Truck Driving & Step Van Driving Championships kick off today at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and run through Saturday.How it works: Also called the "Super Bowl of Trucking Safety," the competition features the very best truck drivers from all 50 states.Participants must be accident-free for the past year and succeed in their home state's qualifier to make it to nationals.The intrigue: Drivers showcase more than just their expert maneuvering skills.They must also complete a written exam and truck inspection test to be crowned champion.Our take: This sounds difficult enough, but the real test would be driving those suckers through the streets of German Village. Good luck with that.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
Franklinton to debut a new playground for adults
Franklinton's Gravity development has tapped Axios readers' favorite brewery to operate a new park within its 15-acre campus.What's happening: Gravity Experience Park, on a former half-acre parking lot, will feature an outdoor Land-Grant bar, concert stage, pickleball courts, fire pits and public art.It will operate year-round, with the courts converted into a wintertime ice rink.๐บ Let's hope for beer curling!Of note: The park will be open to everyone, not just residents of the Gravity apartment complex.What's next: It's expected to open in October, according to a press release.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
How Columbus Zoo is helping Florida's coral reefs
As waters surrounding Florida surge to hot-tub temperatures, animal experts at zoos like ours are playing a key role in saving coral reefs from catastrophic damage.Driving the news: Temperatures have reached historic highs this summer, causing a massive coral bleaching event, Axios' Rebecca Falconer reports.Researchers are transporting thousands of corals to tanks on land for protection โ and rapid-response facilities are leaning on experts like the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's Ramon Villaverde to understand corals in captivity.Why it matters: Reefs provide shelter, food and breeding sites to ocean animals, are integral to tourism and fisheries, and serve as a protective,...
Buckeyes ranked No. 3 in AP preseason poll
The Associated Press released its preseason Top 25 poll Monday, another sign college football's return is inching ever closer.State of play: Ohio State is ranked No. 3, behind No. 1 Georgia and โฆ That Team Up North. Sigh.Our take: Yet another painful reminder of last year's devastating rivalry matchup โ and the pressure coach Ryan Day will face when the teams meet again in Ann Arbor on Nov. 25.The intrigue: The Buckeyes snagged the No. 3 spot even before selecting a starting quarterback. The competition for the job between junior Kyle McCord and sophomore Devin Brown is still "too close to call," according to Day.Of note: No team has been more of a fixture in the AP preseason poll than OSU. The Buckeyes have appeared in 70 of the 74 preseason rankings that date to 1950, AP reports.What's next: The season kicks off at 3:30pm Sept. 2, on the road against Indiana.๐ฌ Did the AP make the right call? Email columbus@axios.com to voice your opinions (or frustrations).Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
Buckeyes ranked No. 3 in AP preseason poll
The Associated Press released its preseason Top 25 poll Monday, another sign college football's return is inching ever closer.State of play: Ohio State is ranked No. 3, behind No. 1 Georgia and โฆ That Team Up North. Sigh.Our take: Yet another painful reminder of last year's devastating rivalry matchup โ and the pressure coach Ryan Day will face when the teams meet again in Ann Arbor on Nov. 25.The intrigue: The Buckeyes snagged the No. 3 spot even before selecting a starting quarterback. The competition for the job between junior Kyle McCord and sophomore Devin Brown is still "too close to call," according to Day.Of note: No team has been more of a fixture in the AP preseason poll than OSU. The Buckeyes have appeared in 70 of the 74 preseason rankings that date to 1950, AP reports.What's next: The season kicks off at 3:30pm Sept. 2, on the road against Indiana.๐ฌ Did the AP make the right call? Email columbus@axios.com to voice your opinions (or frustrations).Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
Far East Side home with historic details up for sale
A million dollar home "fit for a king and queen" is up for sale in Far East Columbus with a purported connection to a famous inventor.Flashback: The home at 5801 E. Old Livingston Ave. is believed to be the former residence of a descendant of Samuel Morse, inventor of Morse Code, though we couldn't independently confirm the rumor.It was built in 1925 on an expansive parcel that shrunk amid highway and neighborhood development, but still features four acres of space.The intrigue: Morse himself might have been proud of the home's unique form of communication. Each room features a button that...
Coming soon (we hope): A pumpkin spice Frosty
Whether you're ready or not, pumpkin-flavored everything is back.Driving the news: Fall beers have already hit shelves and Dunkin' pumpkin spice lattes are back tomorrow, while Starbucks PSLs are likely to return Aug. 24.The latest: Several websites report that Wendy's will be the latest to join the trend, with the Dublin-based chain rumored to be debuting a pumpkin spice Frosty and cold brew Sept. 12.๐ญ Alissa's thought bubble: I'll be one of the first in line to try it!Disclaimer: I typed this while enjoying a bowl of Special K pumpkin spice crunch cereal and the aroma of a pumpkin pecan waffles candle from Bath & Body Works.The bottom line: Hi, I'm the problem, it's me.๐ฌ We want to know: What's your favorite pumpkin spice-themed item? And how soon is too soon to enjoy it? Email columbus@axios.com.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
Coming soon (we hope): A pumpkin spice Frosty
Whether you're ready or not, pumpkin-flavored everything is back.Driving the news: Fall beers have already hit shelves and Dunkin' pumpkin spice lattes are back tomorrow, while Starbucks PSLs are likely to return Aug. 24.The latest: Several websites report that Wendy's will be the latest to join the trend, with the Dublin-based chain rumored to be debuting a pumpkin spice Frosty and cold brew Sept. 12.๐ญ Alissa's thought bubble: I'll be one of the first in line to try it!Disclaimer: I typed this while enjoying a bowl of Special K pumpkin spice crunch cereal and the aroma of a pumpkin pecan waffles candle from Bath & Body Works.The bottom line: Hi, I'm the problem, it's me.๐ฌ We want to know: What's your favorite pumpkin spice-themed item? And how soon is too soon to enjoy it? Email columbus@axios.com.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
4 hot new restaurants in Columbus
If you've yet to meal prep for the week, consider checking out a new local restaurant.๐ฑ Domo Sushi Kitchen & Bar: Upscale sushi and bento boxes in the Short North, with takeout available. Opened July 24.4-10 Tuesday-Thursday, 4-11pm Friday-Saturday, 3-9pm Sunday. 976 N. High St.๐ฏ Lupita's Mexican Cuisine: A taste of Mexico City in Merion Village. Opened July 31.11-9pm Monday-Thursday, 11-10pm Friday-Saturday, 12-5pm Sunday. 1586 S. High St.๐ฅ Hiraeth: A new Short North eatery built around a live-fire hearth, from the owners of Chapman's Eat Market and Ginger Rabbit. Opened Aug. 9.5-10pm Wednesday-Saturday. 36 E. Lincoln St.๐ฅ Delaney's Diner: A Westerville staple is expanding into Grandview Heights for breakfast and lunch. Opening tomorrow!6:30am-2:30pm Monday-Friday and 7am-3pm Saturday-Sunday. 1105 W. First Ave.What we're watching: Cento, Cameron Mitchell's new Italian spot in German Village, is scheduled to open next Tuesday.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
4 hot new restaurants in Columbus
If you've yet to meal prep for the week, consider checking out a new local restaurant.๐ฑ Domo Sushi Kitchen & Bar: Upscale sushi and bento boxes in the Short North, with takeout available. Opened July 24.4-10 Tuesday-Thursday, 4-11pm Friday-Saturday, 3-9pm Sunday. 976 N. High St.๐ฏ Lupita's Mexican Cuisine: A taste of Mexico City in Merion Village. Opened July 31.11-9pm Monday-Thursday, 11-10pm Friday-Saturday, 12-5pm Sunday. 1586 S. High St.๐ฅ Hiraeth: A new Short North eatery built around a live-fire hearth, from the owners of Chapman's Eat Market and Ginger Rabbit. Opened Aug. 9.5-10pm Wednesday-Saturday. 36 E. Lincoln St.๐ฅ Delaney's Diner: A Westerville staple is expanding into Grandview Heights for breakfast and lunch. Opening tomorrow!6:30am-2:30pm Monday-Friday and 7am-3pm Saturday-Sunday. 1105 W. First Ave.What we're watching: Cento, Cameron Mitchell's new Italian spot in German Village, is scheduled to open next Tuesday.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
What's on the Nov. 7 ballot in Franklin County
While a statewide amendment to protect abortion rights has Ohio voters' attention, they'll also decide several local issues at the polls in November.Driving the news: The Franklin County Board of Elections recently published a list of all the issues filed for the Nov. 7 general election.Of note: Several local councils and school boards have seats up for grabs.What else we're watching:๐ซ School fundingColumbus City Schools will ask voters to approve a two-part tax levy to fund both district operations and building improvements and maintenance.Canal Winchester and Groveport Madison schools will seek extensions to current levies, while Dublin hopes to build its 15th elementary school with a new bond issue.๐ Library fundingColumbus Metropolitan Library will propose its first levy in 13 years to fund "continued investments in materials, resources, technology, programs and facilities."๐ Electric aggregationGrandview Heights could become the latest community to approve an electric aggregation program, like the one benefiting AEP Ohio customers in Columbus.What's next: The deadline to register to vote or update your registration address is Oct. 10.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
Why Midwest manufacturing is growing at a slower rate
Data: BLS; Note: May 2023 data is preliminary. Seasonally-adjusted estimates used; Map: Axios VisualsOhio's manufacturing jobs haven't grown as rapidly as other parts of the country in recent years, despite being one of the top states for making goods.Why it matters: Manufacturing is a significant piece of our state's diverse economy, so the industry's long-term health is important.By the numbers: Ohio gained about 30,800 manufacturing jobs from January 2021 to May 2023, an increase of about 4.7%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.That percentage gain is middle of the pack, ranking No. 32, and lower than the nationwide average...
We tried White Castle's AI drive-thru system. Here's how it went.
๐ Tyler here. I've been on the hunt for a robot to take my fast food order, and recently got the chance at my neighborhood White Castle.Deep frying the news: The Columbus-based chain has spent a few years experimenting with "Julia," its computer ordering persona, at restaurants on Hilliard-Rome Road and in Indiana.The goal is to expand this technology to 100 other locations by the end of 2024.Why it matters: AI is far from a passing chatbot fad. You are increasingly encountering AI in your day-to-day life while reading news stories, playing video games and, yes, ordering spicy chicken nuggets.How...
4 boozy festivals happening Saturday in Columbus
Columbus, you sure like to drink.What's happening: Four different alcohol-themed festivals are scheduled Saturday โ so no matter your drink of choice, one will surely fit your palate.๐บ Summer Beerfest: 1-5pm and 7-11pm, Kemba Live.$45-55, includes 25 samples and a souvenir mug.๐ฅ Mimosa Crawl: 1-6pm, Short North.$30, a sample at each stop, a souvenir cup and swag bag.๐ฅ Bourbon & Spirits Festival: 1-10pm, Town Center Park, 3359 Park St., Grove City.$30, eight samples and a souvenir cup. Cash only.๐ฎ Tequila Fest: 3-9pm, Gravity, 500 W. Broad St.$55, 12 samples, a souvenir bag and tacos.๐ญ Our thought bubble: Please don't try to hit them all. Drink responsibly and cheers to the weekend!Reminder: Check out what else is happening this weekend.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
Ohioans bet big in first 6 months of legal sports wagering
Data: Ohio Casino Control Commission and Ohio Lottery Commission; Chart: Axios VisualsOhio sports betting has declined as an early flood of promotions has given way to a quieter summer without most major sports in action.Why it matters: The first six months have proven we're a sports betting heavyweight, analysis from industry tracker Covers and state data shows.More money has been wagered here so far in 2023 than in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Virginia.Flashback: Ohio faced a massive undertaking to launch online, retail and lottery kiosk betting at the same time on Jan. 1, says Danny Cross, managing editor of PlayOhio, a...
Ohio GOP may try again on Issue 1
Ohio voters rejected Issue 1 by a convincing margin, but that may not be the final word.Driving the news: After Tuesday's election was called, Senate President Matt Huffman said that lawmakers would "probably" ask voters again to raise the amendment passage threshold, Cleveland.com reports.Why it matters: The comment signals Ohio Republicans' desire to curb left-leaning constitutional amendments beyond the November abortion rights vote.State of play: Issue 1 backers offered scant concessions in the wake of its 14-point defeat.Supporters blamed the result on a confused electorate, high opposition spending and lack of time to coordinate a campaign.Ohio Secretary of State Frank...
Columbus gas prices up, but still below average
Data: GasBuddy; Note: Price as of the 1st of each month; Chart: Axios VisualsHere's an excuse to squeeze in one last summer road trip: Columbus is feeling less pain at the pump when compared to the national average.Yes, but: Our average price for a gallon of gas ($3.55) has still been trending upward most of this year, and is only a few cents lower than this time last year.Between the lines: Gas prices have ticked up in recent weeks due to excessive heat in Gulf states like Texas and Louisiana, where many of the country's oil refineries are located.Refineries, which turn crude oil into products like gasoline, don't function as efficiently in 100+ degree weather, Axios' Emily Peck reports.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
By the numbers: How much Ohio State Fairgoers ate
More than 1 million people attended this year's Ohio State Fair, which wrapped up Sunday.Why it matters: That's a 16.7% increase over 2022, leading to boosted revenue for midway games and rides (36.2%) and food and beverage vendors (18.4%), organizers say.Of note: This past Saturday broke a single-day attendance record, with 119,660 visitors, forcing admission gates to close early.The previous record was 115,288, set July 28, 2013.By the numbers: Guests spent $3.2 million on the midway and $8.2 million on concessions.That includes: 36,733 corn dogs/pronto pups, 27,759 hot dogs and 25,284 ears of corn.For dessert: 46,818 scoops of Velvet ice cream, 22,986 funnel cakes and 9,678 Schmidt's cream puffs.๐ฌ Sorry, dentists! Or โฆ you're welcome?The intrigue: The Ohio Poultry Association's most popular deviled egg was maple bacon jalapeรฑo, with 2,100 sold. The new cotton candy flavor hit a respectable 1,300.We hope to taste test them all next year for good measure.๐๏ธ What's next: Mark your calendars for July 24-Aug. 4, 2024!Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
More Franklin County roundabouts get green light
Three more roundabouts and a pedestrian tunnel are in the works for Franklin County as part of a statewide traffic improvement project, Gov. Mike DeWine recently announced.Why it matters: The sites, all along major thoroughfares, are in need of safer designs for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians alike.Details: The following state projects will cost a combined $11.6 million and be completed over the coming years:A shared-use path and pedestrian tunnel on Cemetery Road over I-270 in Hilliard.A roundabout at State Route 665 and U.S. Route 62 in Pleasant Township.A roundabout at the I-670 off-ramp at Johnstown Road/East 17th Avenue near the airport.A roundabout and pedestrian improvements on Roberts Road near the Clover Groff Nature Area on Columbus' Far West Side.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
Franklin County home values going up with 2023 reappraisals
Data:ย Franklin County Auditor's office; Map: Tory Lysik/Axios VisualsFranklin County home values will increase by historic levels following this year's countywide property reappraisal, a process that happens every six years based on Ohio law.Why it matters: Your home's appraised market value impacts how much you pay in property taxes, plus how much you could sell it for.This is the first full reappraisal since the pandemic-fueled housing boom that spiked demand for area homes โย and prices โ to unprecedented highs.The latest: Starting Tuesday, you can check your home's new value on the Franklin County auditor's website and view your estimated new tax...
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