Columbus

blue

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

Axios Columbus Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios Columbus Partners

Columbus Alerts

Alert

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Columbus with Alissa Widman Neese and Andrew King.

Axios Columbus

Standard

Columbus Members

Membership

topics

politics-policy

epstein-files

donald-trump

2026-midterm-elections

immigration

behind-the-curtain

race-and-equity

technology

privacy-tech-regulation

automation-and-ai

tiktok-news

big-tech

social-media

cybersecurity

economy

social-security

inflation

tariffs

federal-reserve

jobs

transportation

business

stock-market-news

retail-news

crypto

media

elon-musk

dealmaking

health

rfk-jr

drug-prices

axios-explains-abortion

public-health

world

israel

axios-explains-ukraine

iran

russia

china

energy-climate

nuclear-energy

climate-energy-policy

climate-change

extreme-weather

alternative-energy

electric-vehicles

science

emerging-tech

biomedicine

newsletters

charlotte

detroit

columbus

austin

kansas-city

dallas

atlanta

washington-dc

nw-arkansas

boulder

chicago

indianapolis

nashville

richmond

houston

san-francisco

seattle

colorado-springs

boston

des-moines

salt-lake-city

philadelphia

denver

phoenix

new-orleans

miami

twin-cities

huntsville

raleigh

san-antonio

portland

san-diego

tampa-bay

cleveland

pittsburgh

axios-local

axios-pro

axios-live

the-axios-show

National

Judge blocks Pentagon's restrictive press access policy

Business

Advanced nuclear startup X-energy files for IPO

Energy & Climate

Senate Dems plot immigration offensive

Politics & Policy

Inside Cortez Masto's counterpunch on behalf of moderates

Jim Jordan targets Arlington prosecutor in Stephen Miller doxing case

Why we don't talk about COVID anymore

An Ohio State expert says moving on too quickly has consequences.

News

Six years ago this week, COVID-19 dominated daily life. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/18/ohio-covid-history-lessons" data-vars-content-id="19ebde6e-18f4-496a-b160-8eff8cdf9dae" data-vars-headline="Why we don&#x27;t talk about COVID anymore" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/18/ohio-covid-history-lessons" target="_self">Schools</a> closed, headlines tracked cases, and Ohio reported its first deaths and postponed a primary election.Why it matters: Today, the pandemic that killed over 1 million Americans and reshaped society has largely faded from public conversation.

At City Club, a rare public clash over homelessness policy

NEOCH and Downtown Cleveland Inc. leaders traded perspectives on new seasonal shelter.

A confrontation at the City Club of Cleveland this month exposed a simmering feud over how the city addresses homelessness.State of play: The Superior Arts District in downtown Cleveland has become ground zero for the tension after the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opened a seasonal shelter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/01/06/neoch-seasonal-shelter" data-vars-content-id="6730ee75-fe42-41fd-aa48-3d5dcb6fa64c" data-vars-headline="At City Club, a rare public clash over homelessness policy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/01/06/neoch-seasonal-shelter" target="_self">opened a seasonal shelter</a> there in January.

Ohio lawmakers grappling with how to regulate AI

The majority say they use AI in their work.

Some Ohio lawmakers are embracing AI, while others — including one Columbus Democrat — are working to limit harm done by the technology.Why it matters: Confusion and indecision persist on how AI <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="should be regulated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-columbus-3f925d20-d9da-11f0-87c3-ebe17279ed99.html?chunk=2&amp;utm_term=emshare#story2" data-vars-content-id="25e97a10-272b-48ef-8c76-75718321feaf" data-vars-headline="Ohio lawmakers grappling with how to regulate AI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-columbus-3f925d20-d9da-11f0-87c3-ebe17279ed99.html?chunk=2&amp;utm_term=emshare#story2" target="_self">should be regulated</a>, and who should do the regulating.

Byrne's Pub in Grandview is "where the Irish meet"

Enjoy hearty classics and live Irish bands at this local staple.

Food and Drink

If you&#x27;re craving Irish tastes and tunes this time of year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Byrne&#x27;s Pub" data-vars-click-url="https://byrnespub.com/" data-vars-content-id="1fa4eb12-2b59-4395-97ba-c12aa10bb961" data-vars-headline="Byrne&#x27;s Pub in Grandview is &quot;where the Irish meet&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://byrnespub.com/" target="_blank">Byrne&#x27;s Pub</a> in Grandview is the perfect place to raise a pint.

The latest on "Rambling House South" and City Winery

Here's where the two delayed South side projects stand now.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Great Southern Metro Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/02/great-southern-metro-park-soft-opening" data-vars-content-id="eee973ce-da5a-41a4-94e8-e52f748206aa" data-vars-headline="The latest on &quot;Rambling House South&quot; and City Winery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/02/great-southern-metro-park-soft-opening" target="_self">Great Southern Metro Park</a> is just one example of renewed interest in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Side redevelopment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/10/17/south-side-projects-to-watch.html" data-vars-content-id="eee973ce-da5a-41a4-94e8-e52f748206aa" data-vars-headline="The latest on &quot;Rambling House South&quot; and City Winery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/10/17/south-side-projects-to-watch.html" target="_blank">South Side redevelopment</a>.The latest: An entertainment venue, tentatively called &quot;Rambling House South,&quot; is preparing to break ground this summer following a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2022 announcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/business/2022/03/02/rambling-house-south-entertainment-complex-planned-south-side/6976634001/" data-vars-content-id="eee973ce-da5a-41a4-94e8-e52f748206aa" data-vars-headline="The latest on &quot;Rambling House South&quot; and City Winery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/business/2022/03/02/rambling-house-south-entertainment-complex-planned-south-side/6976634001/" target="_blank">2022 announcement</a>, John Lynch tells Axios in an email.

Les Wexner's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, explained

Wexner is set to testify as pressure mounts over the Epstein files.

Embattled billionaire Les Wexner is scheduled to testify Wednesday about his association with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jeffrey Epstein" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/epstein-files" data-vars-content-id="e56841ff-1263-428f-853c-f33094fc48c6" data-vars-headline="Les Wexner&#x27;s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, explained" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/epstein-files" target="_self">Jeffrey Epstein</a> as public pressure mounts on the L Brands founder and his many Columbus connections.Why it matters: Wexner permanently shaped Central Ohio. He&#x27;s Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="richest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/05/03/les-wexner-richest-ohio-billionaire-forbes-list" data-vars-content-id="e56841ff-1263-428f-853c-f33094fc48c6" data-vars-headline="Les Wexner&#x27;s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, explained" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/05/03/les-wexner-richest-ohio-billionaire-forbes-list" target="_self">richest</a> person and an international business titan whose influence extends well beyond our state.

Cleveland

All the Ohio schools in the 2026 NCAA Tournaments

The Buckeyes and the RedHawks will send their men's and women's teams to the dance.

Sports

The Buckeyes, RedHawks, Zips and Raiders are going <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dancing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/28/ohio-state-ncaa-final-four-appearances-march-madness" data-vars-content-id="3bbda4a3-dcfe-4b77-87ae-1a98e987cf62" data-vars-headline="All the Ohio schools in the 2026 NCAA Tournaments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/28/ohio-state-ncaa-final-four-appearances-march-madness" target="_self">dancing</a>. State of play: Both the men&#x27;s and women&#x27;s teams from Ohio State University and Miami University, plus the men&#x27;s teams from the University of Akron and Wright State University will appear in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="this year&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/bracket" data-vars-content-id="3bbda4a3-dcfe-4b77-87ae-1a98e987cf62" data-vars-headline="All the Ohio schools in the 2026 NCAA Tournaments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/bracket" target="_blank">this year&#x27;s</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NCAA tournaments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-women/d1/2026" data-vars-content-id="3bbda4a3-dcfe-4b77-87ae-1a98e987cf62" data-vars-headline="All the Ohio schools in the 2026 NCAA Tournaments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-women/d1/2026" target="_blank">NCAA tournaments</a>.

Undefeated Miami headlines biggest MAC tourney in 25 years

The RedHawks enter the conference tournament as the only undefeated men's team in the country.

The biggest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MAC men&#x27;s basketball tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://getsomemaction.com/feature/MBB-2026" data-vars-content-id="8cc2eeef-e752-4781-b296-4581cb138757" data-vars-headline="Undefeated Miami headlines biggest MAC tourney in 25 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://getsomemaction.com/feature/MBB-2026" target="_blank">MAC men&#x27;s basketball tournament</a> in more than 25 years kicks off Thursday at Rocket Arena.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Miami University RedHawks&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/13/miami-ohio-undefeated-ncaa-mens-basketball" data-vars-content-id="8cc2eeef-e752-4781-b296-4581cb138757" data-vars-headline="Undefeated Miami headlines biggest MAC tourney in 25 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/13/miami-ohio-undefeated-ncaa-mens-basketball" target="_self">Miami University RedHawks&#x27;</a> undefeated run could land two teams from the Mid-American Conference in the men&#x27;s NCAA tournament for the first time since 1999.

A brief history of recent Ohio State presidents

The university starts the search for its 18th president after Ted Carter Jr.'s resignation.

Ted Carter Jr.&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resignation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/10/ohio-state-president-search-ted-carter-resignation" data-vars-content-id="40f69b9c-c874-4e69-80ac-ae6d8f774660" data-vars-headline="A brief history of recent Ohio State presidents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/10/ohio-state-president-search-ted-carter-resignation" target="_self">resignation</a> is yet another in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/ohio-state-university/no-ohio-state-president-has-exited-as-planned-since-1981/amp/" data-vars-content-id="40f69b9c-c874-4e69-80ac-ae6d8f774660" data-vars-headline="A brief history of recent Ohio State presidents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/ohio-state-university/no-ohio-state-president-has-exited-as-planned-since-1981/amp/" target="_blank">long line</a> of unplanned leadership transitions for Ohio State, which now begins the search for its 18th president.Flashback: The university appointed its first president, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Edward Orton" data-vars-click-url="https://library.osu.edu/edward-francis-baxter-orton-sr." data-vars-content-id="40f69b9c-c874-4e69-80ac-ae6d8f774660" data-vars-headline="A brief history of recent Ohio State presidents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://library.osu.edu/edward-francis-baxter-orton-sr." target="_blank">Edward Orton</a>, way back in 1873, when it was known as Ohio A&amp;M College.

The latest on Columbus' new Black history museum

The future museum will preserve part of historic Poindexter Village.

Surrounded by blocks of matching, modern apartments, two historic brick buildings on Champion Avenue stand as anchors to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="another era" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/18/bronzeville-ohio-black-history-month" data-vars-content-id="94455647-9ce7-4d7e-b64a-b914b317829d" data-vars-headline="The latest on Columbus&#x27; new Black history museum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/18/bronzeville-ohio-black-history-month" target="_self">another era</a>.Why it matters: They&#x27;re the last remnants of Poindexter Village, one of the country&#x27;s first public housing projects and a cornerstone of the local Black community.

Columbus eyes rezoning for a more walkable Northland

The land may be redeveloped for a walkable, suburban feel.

Denser, pedestrian-friendly development could be coming to Route 161 in Northland thanks to ongoing efforts to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="modernize zoning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/04/13/columbus-plans-long-needed-zoning-overhaul" data-vars-content-id="cd3842f3-2c8d-4797-a08f-94e862946eca" data-vars-headline="Columbus eyes rezoning for a more walkable Northland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/04/13/columbus-plans-long-needed-zoning-overhaul" target="_self">modernize zoning</a> throughout Columbus.Why it matters: Zoning determines what kind of development can happen on a land parcel, shaping how communities look, feel and function.

Intel's new timeline conflicts with promised deadline

The company is likely to miss a project deadline set by a state grant funding agreement.

Politics

After another round of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="delays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/28/intel-ohio-one-chip-delayed-chip-factory-fab" data-vars-content-id="fc49253a-d065-4d95-b006-3d8014c36572" data-vars-headline="Intel&#x27;s new timeline conflicts with promised deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/28/intel-ohio-one-chip-delayed-chip-factory-fab" target="_self">delays</a>, Intel&#x27;s Licking County project timeline now appears to be at odds with promises the company made to the state of Ohio.Why it matters: Intel has already received hundreds of millions of dollars from the state for the construction of its planned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$20 billion semiconductor factory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/01/24/intel-ohio-one-chip-factory-stats-size-wendys" data-vars-content-id="fc49253a-d065-4d95-b006-3d8014c36572" data-vars-headline="Intel&#x27;s new timeline conflicts with promised deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/01/24/intel-ohio-one-chip-factory-stats-size-wendys" target="_self">$20 billion semiconductor factory</a>.<ul><li>If Intel&#x27;s new projections are accurate, Ohio can decide whether to claw back funds or amend the agreement.</li></ul>

Ohioans reflect on COVID's lasting impact

Readers describe long COVID and loss, plus new jobs and perspectives.

Despite COVID-19 mostly disappearing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="from daily conversation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/18/ohio-state-covid-19-pandemic-research-history" data-vars-content-id="8ef80231-29c2-46cc-af40-29dd236e6194" data-vars-headline="Ohioans reflect on COVID&#x27;s lasting impact" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/18/ohio-state-covid-19-pandemic-research-history" target="_self">from daily conversation</a>, it hasn&#x27;t disappeared from daily life. And it turns out many of our readers still want to talk about it.Why it matters: The pandemic was both universal and deeply personal. Discussing our experiences can help us process what happened and learn from it.

Weekend picks: Tour Columbus' chocolate factory

Anthony-Thomas Candy Co.'s annual Easter open house is Saturday.

Things to Do

Spring has sprung and Easter is just around the corner — it&#x27;s the perfect time to go behind the scenes and see how all those delicious treats are made.🍫 Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Anthony-Thomas Candy Company&#x27;s Easter open house" data-vars-click-url="https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/event/anthony-thomas-annual-easter-open-house/93085/" data-vars-content-id="2cf6a824-6cef-44e4-bc60-202d163d1376" data-vars-headline="Weekend picks: Tour Columbus&#x27; chocolate factory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/event/anthony-thomas-annual-easter-open-house/93085/" target="_blank">Anthony-Thomas Candy Company&#x27;s Easter open house</a>.

OSU men surge into March Madness as women eye deep run

Both teams enter the tournament with momentum and high expectations.

It&#x27;s tournament time, and Ohio State is sending both its men&#x27;s and women&#x27;s teams to March Madness.Why it matters: Whether you&#x27;re building brackets or just cheering for the home team, here&#x27;s a quick guide as the Buckeyes&#x27; postseason runs begin.

How Ohio schools teach COVID, 6 years later

The pandemic is becoming history — but it's also students' lived experience.

Six years later, COVID is already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="becoming history" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/18/ohio-state-covid-19-pandemic-research-history" data-vars-content-id="73ac31cb-fa05-4110-ad5d-75f49bb447f7" data-vars-headline="How Ohio schools teach COVID, 6 years later" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/18/ohio-state-covid-19-pandemic-research-history" target="_self">becoming history</a> — but how schools teach it is still evolving.

Central Ohio's Irish roots run deep

Ireland's influence in the region goes far beyond St. Patrick's Day.

St. Patrick&#x27;s Day is for everyone, but Columbus has plenty of Irish ties beyond green beer.Why it matters: Irish immigrants helped settle Central Ohio, and their influence can still be felt centuries later.

Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda is OSU's 18th president

Former president Ted Carter Jr. abruptly resigned days ago.

Education

Trustees named Ravi V. Bellamkonda the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="18th president" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/11/ohio-state-presidents-ted-carter-jr-history" data-vars-content-id="87f93999-a5a7-43fa-8621-3eca47cda182" data-vars-headline="Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda is OSU&#x27;s 18th president" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/11/ohio-state-presidents-ted-carter-jr-history" target="_self">18th president</a> of Ohio State University on Thursday, just days after the former president&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abrupt resignation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/09/osu-president-ted-carter-jr-resigns-inappropriate-relationship" data-vars-content-id="87f93999-a5a7-43fa-8621-3eca47cda182" data-vars-headline="Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda is OSU&#x27;s 18th president" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/09/osu-president-ted-carter-jr-resigns-inappropriate-relationship" target="_self">abrupt resignation</a> over an &quot;inappropriate relationship.&quot;Why it matters: Bellamkonda&#x27;s rapid ascent into the presidency after just one year as provost signals the university&#x27;s desire to quickly move forward during a turbulent time.

Ranking the safety of Columbus streets

Vision Zero leaders say lowering speeds is key to safer streets.

Columbus streets are relatively safe compared to other large cities, but still have room for improvement, a new study finds.Why it matters: Dozens are killed in local traffic crashes annually, and Columbus&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vision Zero plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/06/16/columbus-safer-streets-bicycling-2023" data-vars-content-id="3b4d8b33-f3bb-41e2-aab3-faa418b755c3" data-vars-headline="Ranking the safety of Columbus streets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/06/16/columbus-safer-streets-bicycling-2023" target="_self">Vision Zero plan</a> seeks to eliminate those deaths completely.

Columbus band Big Fat Head has a big, fat opportunity

The rockers are spending the week at South by Southwest in Austin.

Local rock band <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Big Fat Head" data-vars-click-url="https://bigfathead.bandcamp.com/album/mind-your-head" data-vars-content-id="e9ff4cea-17e7-4d68-a7ef-2c3ed6966912" data-vars-headline="Columbus band Big Fat Head has a big, fat opportunity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bigfathead.bandcamp.com/album/mind-your-head" target="_blank">Big Fat Head</a> is trading Columbus dive bars for the Austin spotlight this week as members head to Texas for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South By Southwest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/press-past-releases/axios-house-at-sxsw-2026-to-host-tech-media-culture-leaders" data-vars-content-id="e9ff4cea-17e7-4d68-a7ef-2c3ed6966912" data-vars-headline="Columbus band Big Fat Head has a big, fat opportunity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/press-past-releases/axios-house-at-sxsw-2026-to-host-tech-media-culture-leaders" target="_self">South By Southwest</a> (SXSW) adventure.Why it matters: From music and comedy to film and tech, SXSW is one of the country&#x27;s biggest festivals, and appearances can help boost careers.

Vote for the best music venues in Central Ohio

Tell us which local concert spot deserves the spotlight.

If <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="basketball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/19/ohio-state-buckeyes-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-2026-bracket" data-vars-content-id="d5bc3955-15c9-4256-8fca-92fbfce795e6" data-vars-headline="Vote for the best music venues in Central Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/19/ohio-state-buckeyes-march-madness-ncaa-tournament-2026-bracket" target="_self">basketball</a> isn&#x27;t your thing, here&#x27;s a bracket you might like better: a showdown of Central Ohio&#x27;s best music venues.

Weekend picks: Roller derby, Shrek Rave and soccer

Support women's sports in Columbus by cheering on Ohio Roller Derby.

Columbus is pushing to attract more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women&#x27;s sports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/06/columbus-builds-womens-sports-capital-momentum" data-vars-content-id="b43f0cc9-d098-4fa4-90c7-b1ecf31d560a" data-vars-headline="Weekend picks: Roller derby, Shrek Rave and soccer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/06/columbus-builds-womens-sports-capital-momentum" target="_self">women&#x27;s sports</a> teams and events — what better excuse to support a pioneering local team?🛼 Our pick: An Ohio Roller Derby doubleheader.

Ranking the new Crew concessions options

Columbus' team has added sandwiches, desserts, drinks and more.

👋 Andrew here. Saturday marks the Crew home opener, and the 2026 team is debuting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renamed stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-and-scottsmiracle-gro-expand-long-standing-partnership-highlighted-by-stadium-naming-rights" data-vars-content-id="7e7ac50d-01ff-4322-ba55-212b49ed7773" data-vars-headline="Ranking the new Crew concessions options" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-and-scottsmiracle-gro-expand-long-standing-partnership-highlighted-by-stadium-naming-rights" target="_blank">renamed stadium</a>, a refreshed roster and a handful of new concessions options.Driving the news: At a preseason media event, the team showed off a dozen new food items and a pair of new signature drinks.<ul><li>I ranked the food I tried:</li></ul>

Weekend picks: Arnold Sports Festival, "Amadeus" and "Annie"

Plus: Blooms & Butterflies and the Brew Festival.

At this point, this weekend&#x27;s main event likely needs no introduction.💪 Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Arnold Sports Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.arnoldsports.com/" data-vars-content-id="0c23b715-e0ce-49a5-a0a0-e5a5a5e53780" data-vars-headline="Weekend picks: Arnold Sports Festival, &quot;Amadeus&quot; and &quot;Annie&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.arnoldsports.com/" target="_blank">The Arnold Sports Festival</a>.

You can now explore Columbus' newest Metro Park

Great Southern Metro Park on the South Side officially opens April 1.

Columbus&#x27; newest Metro Park officially opens in a month — but visitors can already enjoy some of it as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="progress continues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/15/great-southern-bank-run-metro-parks" data-vars-content-id="2f4aceb8-8817-47d8-9f9d-274cedde0623" data-vars-headline="You can now explore Columbus&#x27; newest Metro Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/15/great-southern-bank-run-metro-parks" target="_self">progress continues</a>.Why it matters: Great Southern Metro Park adds green space to an underserved South Side neighborhood and will eventually connect to downtown via the Scioto Trail.

Restaurants shift from raising prices to cutting costs

"It's not price gouging," an industry leader says. "They're trying to survive."

Many independent restaurants say they&#x27;ve hit a pricing ceiling — even as sales and traffic stabilize, according to the James Beard Foundation&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual industry report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jamesbeard.org/impact/research-and-reports/2026-independent-restaurant-industry-report" data-vars-content-id="b2e5fb7c-2090-4e77-ae40-7c51fa0efb99" data-vars-headline="Restaurants shift from raising prices to cutting costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jamesbeard.org/impact/research-and-reports/2026-independent-restaurant-industry-report" target="_blank">annual industry report</a>.Why it matters: Survival tactics of the past few years — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="higher prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/13/trump-tariffs-chocolate-prices-valentines-day" data-vars-content-id="b2e5fb7c-2090-4e77-ae40-7c51fa0efb99" data-vars-headline="Restaurants shift from raising prices to cutting costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/13/trump-tariffs-chocolate-prices-valentines-day" target="_self">higher prices</a> and delivery expansion — are losing effectiveness, leading operators to reset the math.

Zundo Ramen brings Japanese flavors to Westerville

The popular Cincinnati brand serves rare kurobuta pork and more.

Our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international food tour" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/visuals/global-international-food-cuisine" data-vars-content-id="eacb6f61-80d7-4fff-a057-22beef66c969" data-vars-headline="Zundo Ramen brings Japanese flavors to Westerville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/visuals/global-international-food-cuisine" target="_self">international food tour</a>&#x27;s first stop of 2026 is Japan, courtesy of a new Westerville ramen spot.Dining the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zundo Ramen &amp; Donburi" data-vars-click-url="http://zundootr.com/" data-vars-content-id="eacb6f61-80d7-4fff-a057-22beef66c969" data-vars-headline="Zundo Ramen brings Japanese flavors to Westerville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://zundootr.com/" target="_blank">Zundo Ramen &amp; Donburi</a> recently expanded into the suburbs following the success of its first local restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Old North" data-vars-click-url="https://614now.com/2024/food-drink/cincinnati-based-award-winning-ramen-restaurant-opens-first-columbus-location" data-vars-content-id="eacb6f61-80d7-4fff-a057-22beef66c969" data-vars-headline="Zundo Ramen brings Japanese flavors to Westerville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://614now.com/2024/food-drink/cincinnati-based-award-winning-ramen-restaurant-opens-first-columbus-location" target="_blank">in Old North</a>.

Subscribe to Axios Columbus

Ohioans reflect on COVID's lasting impact

Weekend picks: Tour Columbus' chocolate factory

OSU men surge into March Madness as women eye deep run

At City Club, a rare public clash over homelessness policy

Columbus reporter picks

News 🗞

Things to Do 🗓

Food and Drink 🍽

Politics 🇺🇸

Real Estate 🏠

Sports 🏅

History

Zoom In Series

Axios' Latest Stories