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

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Data: Guttmacher Institute; Map: Axios Visuals

The number of abortions performed in Ohio has increased 8%, based on a comparison of 2020 and 2023 data, Axios' Adriel Bettelheim reports.

Driving the news: States that are situated near those that banned abortion after Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022 saw sharp increases in the number of procedures performed, likely due to an influx of border-hopping patients, per a new analysis from the Guttmacher Institute.

States with measures protecting abortion access had some of the highest jumps over the three-year period: Kansas' was 114% and Colorado's was 89%.

Why it matters: Ohioans will vote on Nov. 7 on a constitutional amendment that would protect abortion access statewide up to fetal viability, which could further increase the number of procedures performed here.

State of play: Currently, abortion is legal in Ohio up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.

A law banning abortions once fetal cardiac activity is detected — usually around six weeks of pregnancy — took effect for about three months in 2022, but is now on hold amid a legal challenge before the Ohio Supreme Court.

Zoom out: Abortion is illegal in Ohio border states West Virginia and Kentucky.

A near-total abortion ban took effect Aug. 1 in Indiana, which could impact Ohio's numbers going forward.

Michigan, which protected abortion through a ballot measure last year, saw a 16% increase. Pennsylvania, where the procedure is legal but not constitutionally protected, like in Ohio, had a 15% jump.

What they found: Patients with the logistical and financial means are proving highly motivated to travel to get the care they need in the face of their states' bans, according to Guttmacher, a research organization that supports abortion rights.

Of note: The number of abortions had been rising nationwide before the Supreme Court struck down federal protection of the procedure, increasing 8% between 2017 and 2020.

Guttmacher noted that some data suggest the increase continued into 2022.

What they're saying: Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio doesn't publicly share its abortion figures, but a spokesperson confirmed that when neighboring states limit access, patients do seek care in Ohio.

"Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio is — and always has been — firm in our commitment to keep our doors open for all patients, regardless of where they come from," chief medical officer Adarsh Krishen tells Axios.

Abortions are increasing in Ohio

An influx of border-hopping patients is likely a factor.

Abortion

A map of the United States showing the estimated change in the number of abortions provided by the formal health care system comparing 6-month period of 2020 to January to June, 2023. Four states have seen increases of more than 100%, including New Mexico with change of +220% and Wyoming with 202%.

The number of abortions performed in Ohio has increased 8%, based on a comparison of 2020 and 2023 data, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; Adriel Bettelheim reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/07/abortions-surged-state-bans" data-vars-content-id="1cb79a6e-e50e-4f70-8849-b9a0f87ebe29" data-vars-headline="Abortions are increasing in Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/07/abortions-surged-state-bans" target="_self">Axios&#x27; Adriel Bettelheim reports</a>.Driving the news: States that are situated near those that banned abortion after Roe v. Wade <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="was overturned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/10/blue-states-abortion-protection-roe-supreme-court" data-vars-content-id="1cb79a6e-e50e-4f70-8849-b9a0f87ebe29" data-vars-headline="Abortions are increasing in Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/10/blue-states-abortion-protection-roe-supreme-court" target="_self">was overturned</a> in June 2022 saw sharp increases in the number of procedures performed, likely due to an influx of border-hopping patients, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new analysis from the Guttmacher Institute" data-vars-click-url="https://www.guttmacher.org/monthly-abortion-provision-study" data-vars-content-id="1cb79a6e-e50e-4f70-8849-b9a0f87ebe29" data-vars-headline="Abortions are increasing in Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.guttmacher.org/monthly-abortion-provision-study" target="_blank">a new analysis from the Guttmacher Institute</a>.

News

The school year is officially in full swing, with a new superintendent in charge of Columbus City Schools.

Driving the news: Angela Chapman took over the role full-time July 1 following the retirement of Talisa Dixon.

For our latest Best Day Ever, we asked Chapman how she spends her time outside of leading the state's largest school district:

🎵 Music to start your day: While I am a huge fan of '90s R&B music, it would be a toss-up between "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers or "Happy Feelings" by Maze.

🥞 Breakfast: On the weekends, I prefer brunch instead of breakfast. One of my favorite places is the Drunch Eatery and I would most likely have the Drunch Stack of pancakes.

🙏 Morning activity: I tend to start my days with prayer and meditation. Next I would review my schedule for the day, prepare my son for school, pack lunches, recite our affirmations and get him off to the bus stop.

🥗 Lunch: Typically, I try to pack my lunch each day, which usually includes a salad, fruit and plenty of snacks to get me through the day.

If I can get away for lunch, I love to have lunch meetings at Degrees at Columbus State, which is staffed by students from the culinary program.

🌳 Afternoon activity: Spending time with family and friends at home or in the park.

On Sunday afternoons, my heart smiles most while watching my son play flag football or reading a favorite book with him.

🍟 Dinner: I'm a foodie so I welcome all cuisines, however I enjoy supporting local businesses. My favorite meal includes lamb chops, paired with vegetables of the day and potatoes.

On the weekends, I love to get the Seafood Stoner Fries from Black Box Fix at Easton and follow up with ice cream from Jeni's.

🛀 Evening activity: My evening routine usually always includes some form of self-care to help wind down after a busy day. Which includes: reading, a relaxing bubble bath, candles and watching a new show on Netflix.

Best Day Ever: Superintendent Angela Chapman

Get to know the new leader of Columbus City Schools.

Columbus City Schools superintendent Angela Chapman reads to a group of seated children while wearing a "Cat in the Hat" hat

Columbus superintendent Angela Chapman reads to Parkmoor Elementary School students on Dr. Seuss Day. Photo: Courtesy of Columbus City Schools

K-12

The school year is officially in full swing, with a new superintendent in charge of Columbus City Schools.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Angela Chapman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/1162" data-vars-content-id="281681be-a964-4e4e-bb1c-4de3250ca729" data-vars-headline="Best Day Ever: Superintendent Angela Chapman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/1162" target="_blank">Angela Chapman</a> took over the role full-time July 1 following the retirement of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Talisa Dixon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/12/09/columbus-city-schools-talisa-dixon-retire" data-vars-content-id="281681be-a964-4e4e-bb1c-4de3250ca729" data-vars-headline="Best Day Ever: Superintendent Angela Chapman" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/12/09/columbus-city-schools-talisa-dixon-retire" target="_self">Talisa Dixon</a>.

Education

Things to Do

Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium had sports fans salivating with a recent viral photo showcasing all the food you can buy there for just $20.

Between the concession lines: Since its 2017 debut, the Atlanta arena has taken a fan-first approach with dirt-cheap food and drink prices.

A tweet from Mercedes-Benz Stadium showing "$20 worth of food" and a picture of various stadium concessions.

Zoom in: Alissa decided to see what she could get for $20 at Ohio Stadium, "The Price is Right'' style.

The only soda option was the $11 souvenir size. (Luckily refills are free!)

Sadly, that left only enough cash for one food item without going over. She chose an $8 pretzel with cheese.

Of note: Other food options include nachos ($8), popcorn ($6), bratwurst ($7) or hot dogs ($5).

😬 The bottom line: If you're looking for a Columbus sports food bargain, definitely stick to Clippers Dime-A-Dog Nights.

What $20 gets you in Ohio Stadium concessions

We tried to find the best bang for your Buckeye buck.

Around $20 in concessions at Ohio Stadium. Photo: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios

Fast food

Atlanta&#x27;s Mercedes-Benz Stadium had sports fans salivating with a recent viral photo showcasing all the food you can buy there for just $20.Between the concession lines: Since its 2017 debut, the Atlanta arena has taken <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a fan-first approach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mercedes-benz-stadium-5-beers-and-2-hot-dogs-why-mercedes-benz-stadiums-radical-pricing-worked/" data-vars-content-id="3280344d-2a5b-48fd-85d3-1c47263c18fd" data-vars-headline="What $20 gets you in Ohio Stadium concessions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mercedes-benz-stadium-5-beers-and-2-hot-dogs-why-mercedes-benz-stadiums-radical-pricing-worked/" target="_blank">a fan-first approach</a> with dirt-cheap food and drink prices.

Food and Drink

👋 Alissa here, sharing some well-deserved recognition for one of my favorite local restaurants.

Dining the news: National news site 24/7 Tempo recently named Martini Modern Italian Ohio's best Italian restaurant, after compiling rankings from several websites in every state.

Context: Martini is one of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants' two Italian spots in the Short North.

It has been around longer, dating back to the mid-'90s — but compared to Marcella's and its giant veal meatballs, this upscale classic seems to fly more under the radar these days.

What I ate: The pennette alla vodka in a tomato and vodka cream sauce ($27) is my go-to dish, with grilled chicken added.

It offers a sweet, yet acidic flavor and well-sized portions.

The chicken parmesan ($30) and fettuccine and clams ($32) are also popular dishes.

Yes, but: Save room for dessert. The tiramisu ($11), served with a dab of vanilla ice cream, is encased in a picturesque tea cup made of hardened chocolate.

If you go: 4-10pm Monday-Saturday and 4-9pm Sunday. 445 N. High St.

Tiramisu inside a chocolate teacup on a white plate, with whipped cream on top

Yes, the tiramisu is as delicious as it is photogenic.

Martini Modern Italian tops Ohio restaurant list

The local spot was named Ohio's best Italian restaurant.

The pennette alla vodka at Martini Modern Italian, at 445 N. High St. Photos: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios

Restaurants

👋 Alissa here, sharing some well-deserved recognition for one of my favorite local restaurants.Dining the news: National news site 24/7 Tempo <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recently named" data-vars-click-url="https://247tempo.com/best-italian-restaurant-every-state/" data-vars-content-id="3ffa72ee-6014-4001-a0ae-5158e959380d" data-vars-headline="Martini Modern Italian tops Ohio restaurant list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://247tempo.com/best-italian-restaurant-every-state/" target="_blank">recently named</a> Martini Modern Italian Ohio&#x27;s best Italian restaurant, after compiling rankings from several websites in every state.

💃 Learn to salsa at the Bexley Public Library's Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Festival, with food and kid-friendly activities.

🎵 Talk about Bruno — and the whole Madrigal family — at an "Encanto" sing-along movie night at the Palace Theatre.

⚾ Cheer on the Clippers during their final three games of the year.

7:05pm Friday, 1:05pm Saturday and Sunday. $8-21.

🏳️‍🌈 Celebrate local LGBTQ+ elders at this year's Columbus Community Pride Festival.

Noon-7pm Saturday, Mayme Moore Park. Free!

☕ Have a fab-brew-lous time sampling unlimited sips at the Columbus Coffee Festival at Ohio Village.

3-6pm Saturday and Sunday (other time slots sold out). $20-30.

What to do this weekend: Sept. 22-24

On our list: "Encanto" sing-along, Clippers games and the Coffee Festival.

Illustration of a restaurant check with the word "weekend" scribbled on it. 

Weekend

💃 Learn to salsa at the Bexley Public Library&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Latinx &amp; Hispanic Heritage Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://bexley.libnet.info/event/8896667" data-vars-content-id="f3daf6d4-3f7a-4f76-9ecf-79109d6a5837" data-vars-headline="What to do this weekend: Sept. 22-24" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bexley.libnet.info/event/8896667" target="_blank">Latinx &amp; Hispanic Heritage Festival</a>, with food and kid-friendly activities.<ul><li>6-8pm Friday. Free!</li></ul>

Alissa Widman Neese

Featured stories

Best Day Ever: Superintendent Angela Chapman

Martini Modern Italian tops Ohio restaurant list

What to do this weekend: Sept. 22-24

Abortions are increasing in Ohio

What $20 gets you in Ohio Stadium concessions