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Ohio State president Ted Carter Jr. has resigned after disclosing an "inappropriate relationship" to the board of trustees, the university announced Monday morning.

Why it matters: The shakeup marks the second straight abrupt presidential departure at Ohio's flagship institution over the past three years.

State of play: Carter recently told trustees of "an inappropriate relationship with someone seeking public resources to support her personal business," and they accepted his offer to resign, per a university statement.

The statement noted the university will share "additional information about the transition" in the coming days.

Flashback: Carter, a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral, was hired for a five-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2024, to lead the university and its satellite branches.

He replaced president Kristina M. Johnson, who left as one of the shortest-tenured presidencies in school history.

OSU president Ted Carter Jr. resigns over "inappropriate relationship"

The university announced the news Monday morning.

A headshot of former Ohio State University president Ted Carter Jr. 

Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. Photo: Courtesy of Ohio State University

Ohio State president Ted Carter Jr. has resigned after disclosing an &quot;inappropriate relationship&quot; to the board of trustees, the university announced Monday morning.Why it matters: The shakeup marks the second straight <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abrupt presidential departure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/12/08/ohio-state-president-kristina-johnson-tenure" data-vars-content-id="269e5522-4b78-4bda-b254-71110cebf57b" data-vars-headline="OSU president Ted Carter Jr. resigns over &quot;inappropriate relationship&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/12/08/ohio-state-president-kristina-johnson-tenure" target="_self">abrupt presidential departure</a> at Ohio&#x27;s flagship institution over the past three years.

Education

News

Data: Cambridge Mobile Telematics; Map: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals

Buckeye State drivers spent less time on their phones than the average American in 2025, a new analysis from Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) shows.

Why it matters: Distracted driving leads to thousands of crashes in Ohio every year, though recent crash data shows signs of improvement.

Officials credit that to enforcement of a new law cracking down on the dangerous practice.

State of play: Ohioans tapped their phones while driving 7% less than the average U.S. driver, per CMT data.

And Ohio drivers spent 5% less time talking on the phone than the average American.

Zoom in: Cuyahoga County drivers are among the most distracted drivers in the state.

They were recorded tapping their phones — such as to text — well above the state average and more than all the surrounding counties.

Franklin County drivers similarly tap their phones more than the state average and more than most other Central Ohio counties.

How it works: CMT analyzed roughly 190 million trips taken by hundreds of thousands of Ohio drivers who opted in to programs, typically from insurance companies, that reward safe driving behavior.

Such programs involve apps that track distracted phone usage — CMT aggregated and anonymized that information with help from AI to get statewide and county-level data.

Context: A 2023 state law made texting while driving a primary offense. Previously, law enforcement could issue citations only after pulling drivers over for another violation (like speeding).

Drivers cannot text, scroll or manually input GPS directions while moving, but can hold a phone to their ear during calls and text while stopped at a red light.

Between the lines: A sharp increase in distracted driving citations followed, and Ohio's traffic safety trends improved in 2025.

The State Highway Patrol reported a 10% year-over-year decline in fatal and serious crashes attributed to distracted driving.

And preliminary crash data shows that overall traffic deaths fell by 3%.

What they're saying: "Ohio's progress is worth celebrating," ODOT director Pamela Boratyn said in a news release. "However, we still see too many drivers focused on their phones instead of the road."

"Ohio's results show the measurable impact of hands-free laws on real driving behavior," CMT co-founder Sam Madden added.

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Study: Ohio drivers are less distracted by phones than other Americans

Distracted driving leads to thousands of crashes in Ohio every year, but there's signs of improvement.

Illustration of a roadway on a cracked phone screen.

Buckeye State drivers spent less time on their phones than the average American in 2025, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/about-us/news/statewide/new-study-finds-ohio-below-national-average-for-distracted-driving" data-vars-content-id="462822b4-7838-47c7-af60-21f6310a0bfe" data-vars-headline="Study: Ohio drivers are less distracted by phones than other Americans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/about-us/news/statewide/new-study-finds-ohio-below-national-average-for-distracted-driving" target="_blank">a new analysis</a> from Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) shows.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Distracted driving" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/11/ohio-distracted-driving-cell-phone-dewine-law" data-vars-content-id="462822b4-7838-47c7-af60-21f6310a0bfe" data-vars-headline="Study: Ohio drivers are less distracted by phones than other Americans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/11/ohio-distracted-driving-cell-phone-dewine-law" target="_self">Distracted driving</a> leads to thousands of crashes in Ohio every year, though recent crash data shows signs of improvement.

Public Safety

OSU senior Ryan Polter and his roommate, Tyler Brown, were home after a Saturday night out when a challenge arose: Who could walk the farthest?

Why it matters: We've written of other unusual endurance tests, but this one caught our attention — and Reddit's.

State of play: Fueled only by alcohol and cookies, the buzzed pair stepped off from Tuttle Park at 1:30am clad in jeans and sweatshirts.

They headed south and made laps around downtown. Around 10 miles in, they committed to a full marathon.

That's 26.2 miles, about the distance a Greek messenger once ran to announce the victory at the Battle of Marathon before dropping dead of exhaustion.

Between the lines: Polter and Brown hit a wall near the halfway point at Berliner Park — neither had any experience with this distance level.

The novice runners log only a few miles a week, and Polter can remember finishing only a single 5K back in high school.

Threat level: Then came hours of pouring rain.

They took refuge around mile 16 by walking back and forth under a bridge, then stopped at a convenience store for ponchos and protein bars.

Taking the Olentangy Trail back north, they suffered through the last few miles by occasionally walking backwards to take the pressure off their toes. (Brown, regrettably, made the trip wearing Converse.)

Over 8 hours and 54,338 steps later, they returned home feeling more drained than triumphant.

They somehow completed the entire trip without water or anything else to drink.

Fitness app screen from Nov 9, 2025, showing 2,299 of 270 move calories, 54,338 steps, 26.28 miles distance, and daily red activity rings mostly complete except Friday and Saturday.

A screenshot from Polter's fitness tracking app.

The intrigue: Polter shared his "drunk marathon" story that night on Reddit and woke up to find it went viral, with a mix of reactions, including congratulations, confusion and deep concerns over his health.

It's his most widely shared post since the one about having a 12-foot Wendy's sign in his backyard.

What they're saying: "We do a lot of stuff like this," the finance major told Axios.

Could he recall any other PG examples? "Uhhh…," he replied, his voice trailing off.

Reality check: Doctors very much discourage moving this many miles without proper fuel, good running shoes and a training plan.

The last word: Polter said he's only dealing with severe soreness, but suggested others avoid trying the stunt.

"I don't think we'll ever attempt this again."

How two friends finished a "drunk marathon" around Columbus

Their walk went viral on Reddit and left them extremely sore.

Two young men indoors wearing plastic rain ponchos and hoodies, standing near a Christmas tree and TV showing a football player. Night view of a city street with a tall Nationwide building.

Ryan Polter and Tyler Brown after their marathon walk around Columbus; the journey crosses through the Arena District. Photos: Courtesy of Ryan Polter

OSU senior Ryan Polter and his roommate, Tyler Brown, were home after a Saturday night out when a challenge arose: Who could walk the farthest?Why it matters: We&#x27;ve written of other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unusual endurance tests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/02/07/columbus-chipotle-challenge-winner" data-vars-content-id="6669ef7e-6089-4642-9195-5718d93e6085" data-vars-headline="How two friends finished a &quot;drunk marathon&quot; around Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/02/07/columbus-chipotle-challenge-winner" target="_self">unusual endurance tests</a>, but this one caught our attention — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and Reddit&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/walking/comments/1ot3k8p/accidentally_walked_a_marathon_at_130_am_after/" data-vars-content-id="6669ef7e-6089-4642-9195-5718d93e6085" data-vars-headline="How two friends finished a &quot;drunk marathon&quot; around Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/walking/comments/1ot3k8p/accidentally_walked_a_marathon_at_130_am_after/" target="_blank">and Reddit&#x27;s</a>.

Travel

The wait is over. Bring on the golden goblets and melodrama!

Why it matters: The latest season of "Love Is Blind" debuts Wednesday, putting Columbus and its dating scene in the spotlight.

Our singles, our romantic spots, our Midwest charm — all are on display for the world to enjoy. And judge.

How it works: The first six 1-hour episodes, out now on Netflix, feature 32 Ohioans "meeting" each other in separate pods, without knowing what their potential partners look like.

Some pairs will get engaged, and only then meet up in person.

The couples are whisked away for a tropical vacation to get to know each other.

Zoom in: The cast list will start with plenty of Central Ohio representation, and Columbus is the season's "main location," per Experience Columbus.

More episodes will drop the next three Wednesdays. They'll showcase couples returning to the Buckeye State to meet their partners' families and try "living together."

The March 4 finale will feature a succession of weddings, where cast members decide at the altar if they still want to get married or split up.

📺 Where to watch: Lots of local watch parties are popping up.

We'll also share our hot takes over the next few weeks.

🇩🇪 Schmidt's buffet, anyone? Reddit sleuths claim to have seen cast members "living" at the Jaeger Square apartments last year. (It happens to also be one watch party site.)

If true, we may see plenty of German Village and the Brewery District.

Think Fudge Haus dates and romantic dog walks at Scioto Audubon Metro Park.

🎳 Bowling for love. Producers typically organize a group night out with a few adult beverages, and a private party at Pins fits the vibe.

Or maybe they'll give Makers Social even more exposure following its recent "Shark Tank" appearance.

🌳 Topiary Park and Otherworld. Three shots from the official trailer feature these unusual local landmarks.

🚗 Long-distance drama. The cast list features singles "from Cincinnati to Columbus," and a few Clevelanders too.

That could fuel tension if partners hail from different places … maybe they'll compromise and move to Dayton or Mansfield?

A beginner's guide to "Love Is Blind" in Columbus

Season 10 of Netflix's reality show — filmed here — debuts Wednesday.

Top-down view of a man in a black suit proposing to a blonde woman in a black dress on a red carpet. Text reads: "Love is Blind Season 10," premiering February 11 on Netflix.

The wait is over. Bring on the golden goblets and melodrama!Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/27/love-is-blind-season-10-ohio-premiere-netflix" data-vars-content-id="694a1f0f-18c7-47b0-ba12-f9999f461008" data-vars-headline="A beginner&#x27;s guide to &quot;Love Is Blind&quot; in Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/27/love-is-blind-season-10-ohio-premiere-netflix" target="_self">latest season</a> of &quot;Love Is Blind&quot; debuts Wednesday, putting Columbus and its dating scene in the spotlight.

Culture

Love is Blind

Trustees named Ravi V. Bellamkonda the 18th president of Ohio State University on Thursday, just days after the former president's abrupt resignation over an "inappropriate relationship."

Why it matters: Bellamkonda's rapid ascent into the presidency after just one year as provost signals the university's desire to quickly move forward during a turbulent time.

Catch up quick: Ted Carter Jr. unexpectedly resigned last weekend.

The board of trustees unanimously approved Bellamkonda's promotion Thursday, a move they'd been discussing since Sunday, he told reporters.

A bioengineer and neuroscientist, Bellamkonda brings a vast health and tech background to the role, plus about 20 years of academic leadership.

What he's saying: "One event, one person or one news story does not define The Ohio State University," Bellamkonda said.

"The way we rebuild trust is to stay focused on our mission."

Follow the money: The quick pick means the board of trustees avoided its third costly presidential search in six years.

The search to appoint Carter's predecessor, for example, cost more than $400,000.

Bellamkonda signed a five-year contract with a $1.4 million annual base salary.

Referencing the lack of search, board chair John Zeiger said Thursday that "the right leader is already at our university."

He complimented Bellamkonda's "vast experience, his personal values and management skills, and his strong record here."

Flashback: Bellamkonda's academic career began as a Case Western Reserve University professor in Cleveland in 1995. He has also held positions at Emory University, Duke University and Georgia Tech.

At OSU, he's been heavily involved in developing a new strategic plan and launching an "AI Fluency" initiative embedding artificial intelligence into the general education requirements of all undergraduate degrees.

Zoom in: Bellamkonda's priorities as president will include advancing research, being on the "leading edge" of the AI revolution, and "shaping the future through our students."

Asked about recent debates regarding DEI on campus, he said he's "very committed to intellectual diversity."

He also said OSU will continue its "thorough, fair and open" process of considering calls to rename Wexner Medical Center, another hot-button issue.

What we're watching: Bellamkonda expects to appoint an interim provost and search nationally for a permanent replacement for that role.

Officials gave no updates on the investigation into Carter's misconduct Thursday, but acknowledged the investigation is ongoing.

Ohio State's new president didn't just talk business — here are a few fun facts mentioned during his first day on the job.

He holds 11 U.S. patents focused on new ways to treat cancer, brain diseases and nerve injuries.

His middle-aged goldendoodle, C.J., is the first pet he's ever owned.

He roots for Cleveland sports, calling the day the Cavs won the 2016 championship "one of the best days of my life."

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

Former president Ted Carter Jr. abruptly resigned days ago.

A headshot of Ravi V. Bellamkonda in a gray suit, white shirt, and red striped tie stands in an office with a red wall on the left and a light-gray wall behind, wearing glasses.

Ravi V. Bellamkonda. Photo: Courtesy of Ohio State University

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.

Tyler Buchanan

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