1 big thing: Your pickup truck 

Bonus: Corvettes in Columbus

A blue Corvette E-ray driving over the Main Street Bridge at night in a heavily edited photo

Columbus readers remember the blizzard of '78

2. ❄️ Your blizzard of '78 memories

A father and son posing for a photo, with dad wearing a shirt reading, "I survived the Blizzard of '78."

3. Nutshells: Walnut do you know?

What to do this weekend

4. What to do this weekend

Illustration of a cherry pie with "weekend" cut out of the crust. 

Seeking employment? 

5. Photo to go: ThisWeek's last issues

A newspaper front page for the ThisWeek Dublin Villager dated January 26.

☁️ Today's weather: Increasing clouds with a high near 38°. Expect rain over the weekend.

🎵 Sounds like: "Friday I'm in Love" by The Cure.

Today's newsletter is 888 words — a 3.5-minute read. 

This newsletter was edited by Everett Cook and copy edited by Keely Bastow and David Chiu.

😬 Tyler is fascinated with (and a bit horrified by) this story detailing a millionaire’s efforts to reverse the aging process.

🚙 Alissa is glad to see the Honda CR-V she recently ordered is a fan favorite.

Columbus

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Columbus. Written by Tyler Buchanan and Alissa Widman Neese.

Axios Columbus

Columbus celebrates Girls and Women in Sports Day

1 big thing: It's Girls and Women in Sports Day

Players from the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team hug in a huddle after scoring a goal

Bonus: Future championships coming to town

Arike Ogunbowale, No. 24, of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish hoists the NCAA championship trophy as confetti falls

Columbus' most romantic restaurant

2. Columbus' most romantic restaurant

The interior of the Refectory, with a bar, exposed wood ceiling beams and stained glass windows

3. Nutshells: Almond things considered 

Illustration of a pattern of buckeye nuts, increasing and decreasing in size in diagonal waves.

Plan your future

Black History Month events in Columbus

4. Black History Month events in Columbus 

Illustration of the state of Ohio lit by red, green and yellow lights.

💘 Happy Wednesday! It's the first day of February. 

☀️ Today's weather: Don't let that sun deceive you. It's only going to warm up to 29° today.

🗓 Situational awareness: Today is the first day of Black History Month! Scroll down for our list of upcoming local events.

Today's newsletter is 918 words — a 3.5-minute read. 

This newsletter was edited by Everett Cook and copy edited by Kate Sommers-Dawes and Keely Bastow.

🙄 Tyler low-key hates the multi-week break before the Super Bowl.

🎵 Alissa is listening to Green Day's "Nimrod" 25th anniversary edition and is really loving this rare demo.

What to expect during Gov. DeWine's State of the State address

1 big thing: What to expect during today's State of the State

Photo illustration of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine with lines radiating from him.

2. Highlights from other governors' speeches

Ohio politicians George Voinovich and Mike DeWine

3. Nutshells: Today's consequent-shell news

Illustration of a smartphone in the shape of the flag of Ohio, with the flag onscreen.

The heated rivalry between Punxsutawney Phil and Buckeye Chuck

4. Your favorite furry forecaster

Gobbler's Knob outside of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

Take your career to the next level

5. Photo quiz: Now you know your ABC history 

Large concrete sculptures of a blue "A" in the foreground and a red "C" and green "B" in the background on their sides

6. 📸 Photo to go: No Super Bowl return

Bengals players Sam Hubbard and Joe Burrow on the field. 

⛅️ Today's weather: A high of 28 and partly sunny.

🚗 Situational awareness: Columbus is hosting a public hearing at 5:30pm tonight in the Council Chambers at City Hall to consider reducing downtown speed limits to 25 miles per hour.

🗓️ It's a great day to contribute to our newsroom by becoming a member! 

Today's newsletter is 916 words — a 3.5-minute read. 

🥁 Tyler is sad to hear about the death of Cleveland's legendary baseball drummer John Adams.

⚾ Alissa found this gem of a photo from when she met him back in July 2012 after a game.

Ohio's rise in union membership

1 big thing: Ohio's rise in union membership

2. Amazon's big buy

3. Nutshells: Good and quickly shelldom meet

Illustration of a pattern made up of several copies of the Ohio flag.

🏈 An Ohioan worth rooting for

4. 🏈 An Ohioan worth rooting for

Joe Burrow in a Bengals hoodie before an NFL playoff game. 

Now hiring: New job openings

Celebrate National Puzzle Day with a competition in Whitehall

5. 🏆 Another weird contest to go

❄️ Today's weather: More snow possible, so keep those scrapers handy. High of 36°. 

🎵 Sounds like: "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" from "Frozen."

📖 Tyler is reading local author Craig Calcaterra's new book, "Rethinking Fandom: How to Beat the Sports-Industrial Complex at Its Own Game."

🙈 Alissa is wondering when the sports betting ad onslaught will finally end.

Ohio's education culture war

1 big thing: An education culture war

Illustration of red and blue broken pencils.

Charted: Guns at Ohio's airports

2. Charted: Guns at the airport 

3. Nutshells: Boiling down today's news

Illustration of a cardinal dressed as Guy Fieri. 

How to make money on Blue Jackets game-day promotions

4. 🤑 CBJ bargains

Boone Jenner celebrates with teammate Andrew Peeke after scoring a goal while fans cheer

Is a new job in your future?

5. Photo quiz: It's as easy as …

Large sculptures of a blue "A" straight up and a green "B" and red "C" on their sides

🌧️ Today's weather: Possible rain and light snow throughout the day. High of 36. 

Situational awareness: Ky'air Thomas, one of the local twin babies abducted last month and later found at the Dayton airport, died over the weekend.

The cause of death is not yet known. A police investigation is ongoing.

Today's newsletter is 834 words — a 3-minute read. 

 😂 Tyler loves this weird Twitter account depicting Bengals QB Joe Burrow as a Civil War-era soldier.

📬 Alissa is wondering how many of you have side hustles after reading this story from Axios Cleveland. Hit reply and tell us about it.

👋 Alissa here. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, lots of us are thinking about special places to wine and dine.

If you're considering Refectory, one of Columbus' most acclaimed restaurants, it's fully booked that night.

But there are plenty of other opportunities to check it out — I recently visited on a random weekday to see what the fuss was about.

Between the lines: My only familiarity with fancy French food is from "Beauty and the Beast." 

Yes, but: The welcoming staff calmed my nerves. 

I worried about what to wear, but my floral dress was just fine — the restaurant's website kindly notes there's no dress code. 

And though I can't pronounce "terrine," I enjoyed it all the same.

What I ate: The chef's rotating, five-course menu ($110) is ideal for first-timers wanting to sample many dishes.

Mine included scallops, filet mignon, a cheese plate and two types of terrine — one a meaty appetizer and the other a white chocolate dessert.

They're small plates, with each bite and flavor thoughtfully planned and prepared. The artful presentation reflects the restaurant's rustic elegance. 

Of note: The optional wine pairing for each course ($75) was my highlight, with a sommelier explaining the origins of every pour.

The restaurant also boasts a full wine shop, so you can take your favorites home.

The bottom line: While it's an obvious choice for a special occasion, given the price, Refectory is special enough to be the occasion. 

Book a table when you can and savor the experience.

If you go: 1092 Bethel Road. Reservations available 5:15-8:30pm Wednesday-Thursday; 4:45-9pm Friday-Saturday. 

Refectory is special enough to be the occasion.

Refectory, a local French dining icon, is located in a former historic church. Photo courtesy of the Refectory

👋 Alissa here. With Valentine&#x27;s Day just around the corner, lots of us are thinking about special places to wine and dine.<ul><li>If you&#x27;re considering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Refectory" data-vars-click-url="https://refectory.com/" data-vars-content-id="3ba09884-e893-44c2-9f0c-84fc7a0fa567" data-vars-headline="Columbus&#x27; most romantic restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://refectory.com/" target="_blank">Refectory</a>, one of Columbus&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most acclaimed restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g50226-zfp3-Columbus_Ohio.html" data-vars-content-id="3ba09884-e893-44c2-9f0c-84fc7a0fa567" data-vars-headline="Columbus&#x27; most romantic restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g50226-zfp3-Columbus_Ohio.html" target="_blank">most acclaimed restaurants</a>, it&#x27;s fully booked that night.</li><li>But there are plenty of other opportunities to check it out — I recently visited on a random weekday to see what <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the fuss" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2022/01/20/these-four-ohio-restaurants-named-top-100-us-restaurants-yelp-refectory/6589970001/" data-vars-content-id="3ba09884-e893-44c2-9f0c-84fc7a0fa567" data-vars-headline="Columbus&#x27; most romantic restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2022/01/20/these-four-ohio-restaurants-named-top-100-us-restaurants-yelp-refectory/6589970001/" target="_blank">the fuss</a> was about.</li></ul>

Food and Drink

Today kicks off Black History Month, an opportunity to celebrate and educate about Black heritage and culture. 

🧭 Book a trip with Columbus Black History Tours to explore landmarks with a local historian, or use this online guide to plan your own route.

📚 Learn about the Underground Railroad's local impact at area library branches.

5:30pm tonight, 5590 Karl Road. Free! More dates and locations.

🎞️ Recognize the pioneers of African American cinema at Gateway Film Center, with a reception before the feature presentation.

5:30pm Friday, "The Scar of Shame" (1929); 5:30pm March 3, "Birthright" (1938). $12.50.

🎻 Listen to youth ensemble Urban Strings play music by African American composers at area library branches.

3pm Saturday, 115 Franklin St., Canal Winchester. Free! More dates and locations.

🎶 Enjoy a performance by the Columbus Cultural Orchestra at the Columbus Museum of Art.

🍿 Watch movies celebrating Black joy at the McConnell Arts Center in Worthington.

2pm Feb. 12, "Soul." Free, but reservations required. More screenings.

🎨 Honor local artist Aminah Robinson at the King Arts Complex with art activities and workshops for all ages.

8:30-11:30am (kids) or 2-4:30pm (adults) Feb. 18. Free, but registration required.

📍 Discuss the harmful history of discriminatory redlining in Columbus at the Main Library with a panel of researchers and advocates.

🫖 Visit the Tea Room at the Ohio History Center, a cultural forum, to learn about the African American Tea Ceremony that began in the 19th century.

🌍 Join a weeklong celebration of unity, the theme of this year's African American Heritage Festival at Ohio State University.

🎥 Watch a documentary highlighting local artists amid civil unrest, "As a Matter of Black," and join filmmaker Donte Woods-Spikes afterwards for a discussion.

1-3pm Feb. 26 at the Ohio History Center. $15.

On our list: Performances, tours, movies, celebrations and more!

Today kicks off Black History Month, an opportunity to celebrate and educate about Black heritage and culture. Some activities to put on your calendar:

Things to Do

Many educators are navigating the raging culture war in local suburban schools without clear state guidance or laws.

Why it matters: A majority of school leaders surveyed nationwide say heated political discourse is interfering with their ability to teach, per a report released last week.

The lightning-rod topics are largely focused around how LGBTQ+ students and students of color are treated in schools and represented in the curriculum.

Catch up quick: In three weeks, five local districts have faced controversy.

Dr. Seuss' "The Sneetches" caused an uproar in Olentangy. And in another case, parents sued Hilliard in federal court, alleging "activist teachers" discussed sexuality and gender identity with students without parental consent.

Meanwhile, conservative group Accuracy in Media secretly filmed Bexley, Groveport Madison and Upper Arlington administrators to allege they're "determined to advance the principles of critical race theory even if it becomes illegal."

In press statements sent to Axios, two districts said two people posing as parents of prospective students manipulated the conversations. 

What's happening: Districts' efforts to become more inclusive and equitable are causing rifts in traditional power structures, Ohio State associate professor of educational policy Ann Allen tells Axios.

A larger conservative political movement rooted in fear is reigniting the local "parents' rights" firestorm, along with pandemic anxiety, Allen says.

What they're saying: Districts are left in a no-win situation if the community can't find a middle ground, Ohio School Boards Association CEO Rick Lewis tells Axios.

"The best-case scenario is you disappoint a fraction of your community and the worst case is you alienate them … and that's when school boards get labeled as either 'woke' or 'ultra-conservative.'"

Zoom in: Given Ohio's emphasis on home rule, school boards are largely left to make their own decisions absent any state laws, Patrick Corbett, executive director at school policy consulting firm Neola Inc., tells Axios.

A recent Dispatch review found that just three of nearly 20 Franklin County districts, for example, had gender identity policies.

More districts are seeking help on DEI policies, but Ohio's recent guidance "hasn't been clear-cut or consistent," Corbett says.

Flashback: After approving an anti-racism resolution in 2020, Ohio Board of Education members rescinded it in 2021 and replaced it with one condemning teachings that "seek to divide."

Last September, member Brendan Shea asserted there are students who "think they're cats and dogs" using litter boxes in classrooms — a debunked claim widely offered as evidence of out-of-control academic policymaking not based in reality. 

Months later, the board adopted a controversial resolution opposing a Biden administration proposal to add transgender student protections to Title IX.

Reality check: Most parents are actually OK with their students' schools and what they're teaching, per a nationwide poll by NPR and Ipsos from April 2022.

What we're watching: Ohio Republicans are prioritizing reforms to the state's education system this term, with the first Senate bill introduced seeking to strip power away from the publicly-elected state board.

If successful, a new director appointed by the governor would become responsible for setting curriculum and academic standards.

Unsuccessful bills during last term sought to ban "divisive teachings" and outlaw transgender students from competing in women's sports — proposals that may be reintroduced this year. 

In just three weeks, five local districts have faced controversy.

Many educators are navigating the raging culture war in local suburban schools without clear state guidance or laws.Why it matters: A majority of school leaders surveyed nationwide say heated political discourse is interfering with their ability to teach, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a report released last week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.edweek.org/leadership/divisive-politics-are-harming-schools-district-leaders-say/2023/01" data-vars-content-id="a16cf62b-3146-4352-b637-fd4ec803b088" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s education culture war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.edweek.org/leadership/divisive-politics-are-harming-schools-district-leaders-say/2023/01" target="_blank">a report released last week</a>.

News

👋 Alissa here. Last Groundhog Day I made the inexcusable oversight of only citing Punxsutawney Phil's forecast in our newsletter. 

A few of you kindly pointed out the error, which I certainly won't make twice.

Why it matters: Pennsylvania's Phil may be nationally famous. But smart Ohioans know our official state groundhog is Marion's Buckeye Chuck, a title Ohio's legislature bestowed upon the original groundhog way back in 1979.

Fans and journalists have passionately debated the rival groundhogs' prognosticating abilities for years.

What we're watching: Event host WMRN-AM is still advertising a live Buckeye Chuck event for 7am Thursday. 

But last week, a spokesperson told the Marion Star it was "unclear" if the groundhog would make an appearance following criticism from PETA and closure of the business that supplied the animal.

📬 We want to know: What forecast will you be watching? Are you on Team Chuck or Team Phil? Email columbus@axios.com.

A statue of a Punxsutawney groundhog wearing a reporter's outfit, holding a notebook. 

Tyler "interviews" a groundhog reporter outside the Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper office. 

Fans have debated the rival groundhogs' prognosticating abilities for years.

The famous Gobbler's Knob outside of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Photos: Tyler Buchanan/Axios

👋 Alissa here. Last Groundhog Day I made the inexcusable oversight of only citing Punxsutawney Phil&#x27;s forecast in our newsletter. <ul><li>A few of you kindly pointed out the error, which I certainly won&#x27;t make twice.</li></ul>

👋 Alissa here. Despite the team's lackluster record and injury-ridden roster, Blue Jackets fans continue to pour into Nationwide Arena.

Yes, but: If watching a last-place NHL team in-person doesn't sound like fun to you, here's another incentive to head to a game: a slew of game-day promotions.

The intrigue: I did the math — resale tickets are so cheap right now that your purchase could actually be an investment.

By the numbers: Resale tickets for tomorrow night's game against the Washington Capitals start as low as $17.

If the Jackets score in the second period, everyone gets free Arby's curly fries ($2).

A goal in the third period wins the jackpot — a free VIP car wash from Moo Moo Express ($18)!

Two overall goals mean half off for a large Jet's Pizza ($11 off). 

And after three goals, fans get a free Roosters chili ($4) and a chance to enjoy the apparently polarizing chili chant.

… add it up and three well-timed goals could deliver double what you paid!

Between the lines: If it seems like I'm grasping for a silver lining here, remember that I'm a lifelong Cleveland sports fan. We've had lots of practice finding ways to add some thrill to otherwise low-stakes games.

What's next: Grab your tickets for tomorrow's game and pray the Jackets' offense shows up.

Resale tickets are so cheap right now that your purchase could actually be an investment.

Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner celebrates after scoring a goal on Jan. 21. Photo: Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images

👋 Alissa here. Despite the team&#x27;s lackluster record and injury-ridden roster, Blue Jackets fans continue to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pour into Nationwide Arena" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/BlueJacketStats/status/1617150022801391617?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_columbus&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="ec64f781-a730-4ad6-91f7-b5c2ee237a9e" data-vars-headline="How to make money on Blue Jackets game-day promotions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/BlueJacketStats/status/1617150022801391617?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_columbus&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">pour into Nationwide Arena</a>.Yes, but: If watching a last-place NHL team in-person doesn&#x27;t sound like fun to you, here&#x27;s another incentive to head to a game: a slew of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="game-day promotions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/fans/gameday-promotions" data-vars-content-id="ec64f781-a730-4ad6-91f7-b5c2ee237a9e" data-vars-headline="How to make money on Blue Jackets game-day promotions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/fans/gameday-promotions" target="_blank">game-day promotions</a>.

Alissa Widman Neese

Stories

Columbus' most romantic restaurant

Black History Month events in Columbus

The heated rivalry between Punxsutawney Phil and Buckeye Chuck

How to make money on Blue Jackets game-day promotions

Ohio's education culture war

Newsletter editions

⛹️‍♀️ Final Four memories

🥊 Chuck vs. Phil

🏒 Score some free food

🛻 We like big trucks

✊ Unions revive