Columbus
Axios Columbus
A Flavortown favorite: Momo Ghar in North Market
π Alissa here. Somehow it's been five years since "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" last featured a new Columbus restaurant.To tide us over, I'm revisiting some Flavortown favorites.Dining the news: First stop, Momo Ghar, a Himalayan dumpling (momo) restaurant in the North Market.What I ate: Four Tibet momo with pork filling, and four Alu momo, a vegetarian option full of potato, peas and carrots ($13.50). Tender and sneakily filling.The savory signature momo sauce β dunk the dumplings in it or pour it onΒ β adds just a little spice.Turn up the heat with spicy sauce or homemade hot sauce.The bottom line: Guy Fieri's autographed photo on display proclaims "Momo Ghar! Real deal." Can't argue with that.Of note: Fieri highlighted the original restaurant inside Saraga International Market on Morse Road in 2018. It closed, and North Market is the only location.If you go: 10am-5pm Sunday-Monday; 9am-7pm Tuesday-Saturday. 59 Spruce St.Go deeper: All the Columbus spots featured on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" Momo Ghar's dumplings travel great as takeout, or you can eat on a bar stool and admire Guy Fieri's autograph.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
What you need to know about Issue 1
Data: Axios research; Graphic: Simran Parwani and Natalie Peeples/AxiosYou've seen the ads, the signs and the social media debates βΒ but how much do you really understand Issue 1?Early voting is underway, so here's a primer before you head to the polls.Catch up quick: Ohio is one of 18 states in which citizens can collect petition signatures to amend the state constitution through a public vote.We've empowered our residents that way since 1912.Voters used that pathway to approve annual, inflation-based minimum wage increases in 2006 and legalize casino gambling in 2009.Why it matters: Successful constitutional amendments currently reflect the will of...
Ohio to install new EV charging stations
Ohio is set for a major boost to its electric vehicle charging grid, the state announced yesterday.Driving the news: Twenty-seven new EV charging stations will be installed along major highways by next year, including several in the Columbus area.Details: The closest will be in Grove City near Interstate 71's Stringtown Road exit.Others are planned near the I-70 exits for U.S. Route 42 (Madison County) and state Route 158 (Licking County).Each 24/7 station will include at least four charger ports and come with access to food, drinks and restrooms.State of play: The bipartisan infrastructure bill signed by President Biden in late 2021 included $140 million for new EV charging stations in Ohio.More rounds of installations are forthcoming, per the governor's office.The big picture: EV registrations have risen steadily in Ohio in recent years, but the Midwest still lags behind the rest of the U.S.Charging access and high prices have remained sticking points for would-be buyers.Go deeper: See a list and map of all the new EV charger locations.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
Ohio to install new EV charging stations
Ohio is set for a major boost to its electric vehicle charging grid, the state announced yesterday.Driving the news: Twenty-seven new EV charging stations will be installed along major highways by next year, including several in the Columbus area.Details: The closest will be in Grove City near Interstate 71's Stringtown Road exit.Others are planned near the I-70 exits for U.S. Route 42 (Madison County) and state Route 158 (Licking County).Each 24/7 station will include at least four charger ports and come with access to food, drinks and restrooms.State of play: The bipartisan infrastructure bill signed by President Biden in late 2021 included $140 million for new EV charging stations in Ohio.More rounds of installations are forthcoming, per the governor's office.The big picture: EV registrations have risen steadily in Ohio in recent years, but the Midwest still lags behind the rest of the U.S.Charging access and high prices have remained sticking points for would-be buyers.Go deeper: See a list and map of all the new EV charger locations.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
Sniffspot brings Airbnb-style dog parks to Columbus
A trendy new app lets you rent backyards where your dog can exercise and play in privacy.Why it matters: Our furry friends deserve only the best.Driving the news: Sniffspot, dubbed the "Airbnb for dogs," launched in Seattle in 2018 and has since expanded across the country.Zoom in: Nearly 100 yards and fields are available for rent across Central Ohio, like this popular Groveport spot that hosts birthday parties ($150) with a pup pool or splash pad.Listings detail fence height, acreage, privacy levels, shade features and seating options.Amenities include toys, pools, ponds, trails, fire pits and treats, and sometimes drinks for humans.How it works: Just like Airbnb, you make an account, search listings and contact a host to book.Prices range $3-20 an hour locally, with discounts for extra dogs or additional time.Memberships are also available.Of note: If you're looking to list your yard, Sniffspot says hosts make up to $3,000 a month.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
Where to celebrate the "Barbie" movie in Columbus
Come on Barbie, let's go party β¦ in Columbus.Driving the news: In anticipation of the new "Barbie" movie's July 21 debut, people have been dressing in head-to-toe pink, sipping pink cocktails and embracing everything "Barbie-core," writes Axios' Jennifer Kingson.Zoom in: We're sad to report that local theaters' beer tastings and early screening parties have already sold out amid the hype.Yes, but: We found a few other places to celebrate a fantastic life in plastic.πΆ Used Kids Records: Hear the film's soundtrack before it's released at a listening party, with pizza, prizes and drinks.6pm Tuesday, 2500 Summit St. Free!π₯ Gateway Film Center: Embrace the "Barbenheimer" phenomenon at a premiere night party with themed snacks, cocktails and photo opps.6-9pm July 20. Included with a ticket to "Barbie" or "Oppenheimer," $8-14.π Easton: Buy exclusive Barbie merch when the Dreamhouse Living Tour truck stops in town.10am-7pm Aug. 26, near Crate & Barrel.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
First Lady Jill Biden touts Columbus as a new "Workforce Hub"
Tech giants like Intel and Amazon have made headlines for announcing major jobs projects in Central Ohio.Now comes the work of training local residents to help fill those positions.Driving the news: First lady Jill Biden visited Columbus yesterday to promote the city as a "Workforce Hub" where, the administration says, it is partnering with local leaders to support tech manufacturing.Why it matters: Business leaders have credited our skilled workforce as a reason they chose to locate and expand here.Collaborative investments into job training programs by governments, labor unions, schools and employers, like the Workforce Hub initiative, seek to build on...
"Golden handcuffs" lock up Ohio's housing supply
Roughly 90% of Ohio homeowners have a mortgage rate below 6%, locking them in place and leaving fewer homes for potential buyers, per Redfin data shared with Axios.Why it matters: This "golden handcuffs" phenomenon is yet another factor straining our already tight local housing market.What's happening: Mortgage holders have such great rates, they likely can't move without spending a lot more on a new loan, Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather explains.Interest rates have been steadily climbing for two years.A 30-year rate averaged 6.81% nationwide as of last week, the highest in 20 years, per Freddie Mac data.By the numbers: About...
1 year in, 988 hotline offering more accessible hope
Some call in the midst of a major personal crisis. Others are simply having a bad day.No matter the circumstances, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7, personalized aid to all Ohioans in need.Why it matters: With Ohio's suicide and overdose rates trending upward, leaders are drawing attention to 988 as an increasingly important resource.By the numbers: Nineteen call centers have fielded an average of 12,000 calls, texts and chats per month since the service launched a year ago, according to the governor's office.That figure is expected to rise amid a new state public awareness campaign set to be...
Columbus giving away free gun locks, boxes to residents
Columbus is offering free gun locks and storage boxes to residents in an effort to curb gun violence and accidental shootings.Why it matters: Improper weapon storage is a major safety hazard that is blamed for nearly all shootings with a young child behind the trigger, according to new research from Nationwide Children's Hospital.What's happening: A total of 5,000 gun locks, which disable weapons when not in use, are available for pick-up at all city fire stations between 8am-8pm on a first-come, first-served basis.The city also provides gun lock boxes at Columbus Public Health (1393 E. Broad St.) from 10am-2pm Tuesdays...
Historic art from Genoa, Italy, is on display at the Columbus Historical Society
A few weeks remain to tour an Italian art museum without leaving town.What's happening: A free art exhibit at the Columbus Historical Society through Aug. 8 celebrates Columbus' sister city relationship with Genoa, Italy.Details: It features 40 drawings and 19 sculptures by artist Edoardo Alfieri.One is the original plaster maquette for Alfieri's Christopher Columbus statue, a gift that stood outside our city hall from 1955-2020.If you go: Tuesdays and Fridays, 717 W. Town St. Reservations required.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
Historic art from Genoa, Italy, is on display at the Columbus Historical Society
A few weeks remain to tour an Italian art museum without leaving town.What's happening: A free art exhibit at the Columbus Historical Society through Aug. 8 celebrates Columbus' sister city relationship with Genoa, Italy.Details: It features 40 drawings and 19 sculptures by artist Edoardo Alfieri.One is the original plaster maquette for Alfieri's Christopher Columbus statue, a gift that stood outside our city hall from 1955-2020.If you go: Tuesdays and Fridays, 717 W. Town St. Reservations required.
Columbus rolls out new e-bike incentive program
It will take intentional choices to move Columbus away from being a "car-centric city," City Council member Lourdes Barroso de Padilla says, but a new e-bike incentive program's roll out is one more step β or pedal β in the right direction.Why it matters: The heavy focus on improving bicycle travel this summer furthers city goals of boosting residents' health, reducing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions.Riding the news: Starting today, eligible residents can apply online to receive $500-1,200 in city funding toward purchasing e-bikes at Beechwold Bicycles, Franklinton Cycle Works, Johnny Velo Bikes, Orbit City Bikes or Paradise Garage.Columbus...
Ohio's U.S. Senate race is heating up
Next year's U.S. Senate race is starting to take shape in the Buckeye State, with at least two Republicans vying for a chance to take on Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown.Why it matters: The stakes are high for the Democratic Party, which holds a narrow Senate majority and faces a particularly tough electoral map in 2024.State of play: Ohio, West Virginia and Montana are states that Donald Trump won in 2020 and each is represented by a Democrat up for re-election, Axios' Josh Kraushaar reports.Brown, 70, joins three Supreme Court justices as the only Ohio Democrats remaining in statewide office.State Sen....
Colin's Coffee closing ahead of shopping center demolition
π Alissa here. It's time to pour one out, coffee lovers.Brewing the news: An Upper Arlington development project is shutting down Colin's Coffee, one of my favorite local establishments.Its last day is Aug. 20, owner Colin Gawel announced on his blog.Quick take: To me, a coffee shop's best quality is how much fun it has with flavored lattes. The scene is saturated with boring, pretentious options: vanilla, mocha and maybe honey or lavender, if you're lucky.The vast collection of syrups at Colin's is reminiscent of a well-stocked bar.What I drank: An iced white chocolate raspberry mocha. Refreshing and silky smooth.I've...
Smoke from Canada may impact our skies all summer
Data: Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission; Note: 2023 data is preliminary because it has not been validated by the EPA; Chart: Axios VisualsCanada's unprecedented wildfire season has led to some of the worst local air quality Ohio has experienced in a decade β and we likely haven't seen the last of those eerie, smoky skies.Why it matters: Even hundreds of miles away from its origins, wildfire smoke is a public health hazard that can aggravate chronic conditions and pose risks for even healthy populations.Threat level: July is typically Canada's most active wildfire month.By the numbers: Central Ohio logged nine air quality...
Smoke from Canada may impact our skies all summer
Canada's unprecedented wildfire season has led to some of the worst local air quality Ohio has experienced in a decade β and we likely haven't seen the last of those eerie, smoky skies. Why it matters: Even hundreds of miles away from its origins, wildfire smoke is a public...
Ohio State Fair, "American Idol" searching for next singing superstar
The upcoming state fair will feature not just Ohio's best crafters and 4-H animals, but perhaps the next singing superstar.Driving the news: The fair is partnering with "American Idol" to find potential contestants for the TV talent show.How it works: Ohioans have through July 19 to post up to two videos on Instagram of their singing without the use of voice filters.The videos, between 60-90 seconds long, should include the hashtag #ohiostatefairidol and tag the @ohiostatefair account.The intrigue: The top eight finalists will have a chance to formally audition for the show.The top five will see their videos played before fair concerts.The grand prize winner will earn a "VIP private audition" with show executive producers.Yes, but: There's an age restriction β only submissions from those born between June 2, 1994, and Feb. 15, 2009, will be accepted.π Our take: The rules say original songs are welcome. We favor any audition tape that includes a song about the famous butter cow.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
Columbus' fastest-growing demographic groups
Data: U.S. Census; Note: Estimates include people reporting one race alone; Hispanic individuals are also included in other categories, as they may be of any race; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosIt's well reported that Central Ohio's population has burgeoned over the past 20 years, but new census data offers a snapshot into how we're growing.By the numbers: Our Hispanic, Asian and mixed-race populations increased by the greatest percentages β 261%, 206% and 190%, respectively β from 2000-2022.Our overall population grew 29%, to 2.2 million people.That's compared with a nationwide population growth of 18%.Of note: The Columbus metro area is still predominantly white, making up 73% of our population, slightly lower than the nationwide percentage.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Columbus.
Ohio State Fair, "American Idol" search for next superstar
The upcoming state fair will feature not just Ohio's best crafters and 4-H animals, but perhaps the next singing superstar. Driving the news: The fair is partnering with "American Idol" to find potential contestants for the TV talent show. How it works: Ohioans have through July 19 to post up...
Axios Columbus
2K+
Posts
5M+
Views
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.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. Itβs essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.