Columbus

blue

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

Axios Columbus

Standard

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

Columbus Members

Membership

Longtime radio voice of the Blue Jackets has a new home

Bob McElligott is back with a new website and pair of podcasts.

News

The Blue Jackets are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/10/01/columbus-blue-jackets-team-season-preview-2026" data-vars-content-id="603c5871-23d3-482e-a7b0-73d947ef1ffa" data-vars-headline="Longtime radio voice of the Blue Jackets has a new home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/10/01/columbus-blue-jackets-team-season-preview-2026" target="_self">back</a>, but a voice many have come to associate with the team is now covering the team in his own new capacity. Driving the news: Former play-by-play broadcaster Bob McElligott recently launched <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clear Breakaway" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47787214.95/aHR0cHM6Ly9jbGVhcmJyZWFrYXdheS5jb20vP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/61143c39cd4dcd37e13a7294B32583e05" data-vars-content-id="603c5871-23d3-482e-a7b0-73d947ef1ffa" data-vars-headline="Longtime radio voice of the Blue Jackets has a new home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47787214.95/aHR0cHM6Ly9jbGVhcmJyZWFrYXdheS5jb20vP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/61143c39cd4dcd37e13a7294B32583e05" target="_self">Clear Breakaway</a>, a website featuring pregame and postgame Q&amp;As, podcasts and other analysis.

Monday is Ohio's voter registration deadline

It's the deadline in order to vote in the 2026 general election on Nov. 3.

Monday is the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.How to register: You can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="do so online" data-vars-click-url="https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/" data-vars-content-id="16d18e4d-6261-438f-917f-1b1c6ddf2877" data-vars-headline="Monday is Ohio&#x27;s voter registration deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/" target="_blank">do so online</a> or at your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="county board of elections office" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ohiosos.gov/directories/county-boards-of-elections" data-vars-content-id="16d18e4d-6261-438f-917f-1b1c6ddf2877" data-vars-headline="Monday is Ohio&#x27;s voter registration deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ohiosos.gov/directories/county-boards-of-elections" target="_blank">county board of elections office</a>.

Ohio gas prices fall as tax holiday takes effect

The tax break is helping, but bigger factors continue to move gas prices as well.

Money

Ohio drivers are already seeing results of the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gas tax holiday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/10/01/ohio-gas-tax-holiday-gallon-diesel-2026" data-vars-content-id="70f7c9db-af5f-40ee-8fbc-140d0fc03fd4" data-vars-headline="Ohio gas prices fall as tax holiday takes effect" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/10/01/ohio-gas-tax-holiday-gallon-diesel-2026" target="_self">gas tax holiday</a> — but there are bigger factors that affect the price at your gas pump.Why it matters: Prices may still fluctuate even with the tax break in place, gas price expert Patrick De Haan warns.

Columbus residents and visitors walk half a mile a day

Even a short daily walk can do wonders for your health.

Health

Columbus residents and visitors walk about a half-mile per day on average, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new StreetLight report" data-vars-click-url="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/measuring-walking-and-biking-miles-traveled-ebook" data-vars-content-id="9c6eeb37-f35b-4445-866a-8942276d8907" data-vars-headline="Columbus residents and visitors walk half a mile a day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/measuring-walking-and-biking-miles-traveled-ebook" target="_blank">a new StreetLight report</a>.Why it matters: Even a short daily walk <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="can do wonders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/14/fast-walking-improve-longevity-prevent-death" data-vars-content-id="9c6eeb37-f35b-4445-866a-8942276d8907" data-vars-headline="Columbus residents and visitors walk half a mile a day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/14/fast-walking-improve-longevity-prevent-death" target="_self">can do wonders</a> for your health, and the data shows we could be lacing &#x27;em up a little more often.

It's a hard time to be an Ohio craft brewer

Three recent Central Ohio closures highlight an increasingly difficult brewery landscape.

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oktoberfest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/09/10/weekend-picks-oktoberfest-film-festival" data-vars-content-id="0b9cd396-c8f0-43a4-88d6-9c2c3ae4ebb8" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s a hard time to be an Ohio craft brewer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/09/10/weekend-picks-oktoberfest-film-festival" target="_self">Oktoberfest</a> season, though Ohio brewers have reason for concern alongside celebration.Why it matters: Central Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive craft beer boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2019/12/20/the-decade-in-review-how-the-columbus-craft-beer.html" data-vars-content-id="0b9cd396-c8f0-43a4-88d6-9c2c3ae4ebb8" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s a hard time to be an Ohio craft brewer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2019/12/20/the-decade-in-review-how-the-columbus-craft-beer.html" target="_blank">massive craft beer boom</a> in the 2010s became part of Columbus&#x27; image and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tourism industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/meetings-blog/post/ale-trail-launches-in-columbus/" data-vars-content-id="0b9cd396-c8f0-43a4-88d6-9c2c3ae4ebb8" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s a hard time to be an Ohio craft brewer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/meetings-blog/post/ale-trail-launches-in-columbus/" target="_blank">tourism industry</a>, but breweries are now struggling amid a post-pandemic decline in alcohol consumption.

Exclusive: New Rev1 leader boasts of local startup "momentum"

Jennifer Hankins joins Columbus' largest venture development studio from Tulsa.

The leader of Columbus&#x27; largest venture development studio comes here aware of the city&#x27;s startup &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="momentum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/05/12/intel-ohio-stock-project-2026" data-vars-content-id="262c6285-b64f-4b97-872a-46e4bb66e4b6" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: New Rev1 leader boasts of local startup &quot;momentum&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/05/12/intel-ohio-stock-project-2026" target="_self">momentum</a>&quot; and Rev1 Ventures&#x27; national reputation.Why it matters: Rev1 Ventures generates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds of millions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/05/12/rev1-startup-investment-ohio-2025" data-vars-content-id="262c6285-b64f-4b97-872a-46e4bb66e4b6" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: New Rev1 leader boasts of local startup &quot;momentum&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/05/12/rev1-startup-investment-ohio-2025" target="_self">hundreds of millions</a> in annual economic impact.

Ohio wants to embrace AI — now it needs workers to buy in

A JobsOhio program is training thousands to understand the tech.

JobsOhio is pushing for Ohioans to stop fearing and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="start understanding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/12/09/ohio-ai-jobsohio-artificial-intelligence" data-vars-content-id="e438e208-8681-4bfb-99d6-cd1aa003fa71" data-vars-headline="Ohio wants to embrace AI — now it needs workers to buy in" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/12/09/ohio-ai-jobsohio-artificial-intelligence" target="_self">start understanding</a> AI — or miss out on a massively lucrative next phase of the economy.Why it matters: As leaders <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grapple with" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/14/trump-ai-safety-regulations-congress" data-vars-content-id="e438e208-8681-4bfb-99d6-cd1aa003fa71" data-vars-headline="Ohio wants to embrace AI — now it needs workers to buy in" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/14/trump-ai-safety-regulations-congress" target="_self">grapple with</a> AI&#x27;s impending reach, the technology is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="changing economies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/09/ai-economy-jobs-anthropic" data-vars-content-id="e438e208-8681-4bfb-99d6-cd1aa003fa71" data-vars-headline="Ohio wants to embrace AI — now it needs workers to buy in" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/09/ai-economy-jobs-anthropic" target="_self">changing economies</a> and the way we work.

Columbus leads the Midwest in job growth

Licking County sees the nation's largest year-over-year jobs increase.

Business

The Columbus area led the Midwest in year-over-year job growth and a neighboring county has the highest growth of any in the country, per new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Why it matters: Job growth is fueling Columbus&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rapid population increase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/30/columbus-keeps-growing-at-a-rapid-pace" data-vars-content-id="f5e8d0ac-b500-4472-be1e-1d2dbeca60cd" data-vars-headline="Columbus leads the Midwest in job growth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/30/columbus-keeps-growing-at-a-rapid-pace" target="_self">rapid population increase</a> —but the added jobs also mean the continued <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stretch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/23/columbus-unemployment-data-2026-new-low" data-vars-content-id="f5e8d0ac-b500-4472-be1e-1d2dbeca60cd" data-vars-headline="Columbus leads the Midwest in job growth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/23/columbus-unemployment-data-2026-new-low" target="_self">stretch</a> of our workforce.

Weekend picks: Labor Day weekend is full of festivals

Obetz Zucchinifest, Columbus Greek Festival, GospelFest and more.

We hope you&#x27;re in a festive mood, Columbus — this long weekend is packed with an almost absurd number of local festivals.🥳 Our pick: Why choose just one?

Data center fight could change the future of Grove City

A proposed charter amendment would give residents say over major development projects.

Grove City residents and leaders are clashing over a proposed charter amendment that one side says would protect the city and the other says would destroy its economic prospects.Why it matters: The conflict is a microcosm of nationwide pushback against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unpopular" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/gop-data-center-memo-ai-election" data-vars-content-id="b6306326-a8eb-46e3-9664-09a669c1aac5" data-vars-headline="Data center fight could change the future of Grove City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/gop-data-center-memo-ai-election" target="_self">unpopular</a> data centers and one of the most extreme local attempts to stop them.

Beam Benefits founder's new startup draws $21M seed funding

Stack Health aims to change the way employers offer health insurance.

Beam Benefits co-founder Alex Frommeyer is back with a new Columbus <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="startup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/20/startup-funding" data-vars-content-id="cb19d852-a214-4b23-acf4-f7b8224b8b9c" data-vars-headline="Beam Benefits founder&#x27;s new startup draws $21M seed funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/20/startup-funding" target="_self">startup</a> that just secured $21 million to rethink how employers provide health insurance.Why it matters: Frommeyer sees the impressive seed funding round as part of a rising tide for Columbus startups.

Columbus ranks No. 24 on Indeed's "Best Cities for Work" list

Rather than focusing on businesses, Indeed's new list ranks cities based on employee prospects.

Columbus ranks among the top 25 cities in the country for work in a new report from job website Indeed.Why it matters: The new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Cities for Work" data-vars-click-url="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.indeed.com/bestcities__;!!Al82Z4c!zdFqg2o0kibZmGN6jY9bXxW7PEYZddoJ9po_6w04RwHRolPICAF5Kh9kY23syjDQC9erDg1z2uEZ1HKRyU88f8ZeAy8VLTg$" data-vars-content-id="8843a092-20cb-4ece-b89f-1c3a93115972" data-vars-headline="Columbus ranks No. 24 on Indeed&#x27;s &quot;Best Cities for Work&quot; list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.indeed.com/bestcities__;!!Al82Z4c!zdFqg2o0kibZmGN6jY9bXxW7PEYZddoJ9po_6w04RwHRolPICAF5Kh9kY23syjDQC9erDg1z2uEZ1HKRyU88f8ZeAy8VLTg$" target="_blank">Best Cities for Work</a> rankings aim to flip the script on lists that prioritize businesses — instead gauging whether a city is a good place to be an employee.

Micro Center doubles down on in-store experience

The retailer is debuting a new look at its flagship Columbus store.

Micro Center is adding AI development space and 3D printing tech as part of a reintroduction to its hometown this weekend. Why it matters: Micro Center&#x27;s flagship Columbus store is a notable outlier in the fading electronics <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="retail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/retail-sales-amazon-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="6beeaf75-f9e7-4979-bd3e-32a1156e4336" data-vars-headline="Micro Center doubles down on in-store experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/retail-sales-amazon-world-cup" target="_self">retail</a> space.Driving the news: The company is hosting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grand reopening" data-vars-click-url="https://www.microcenter.com/site/mc-news/article/micro-center-columbus-remodel.aspx" data-vars-content-id="6beeaf75-f9e7-4979-bd3e-32a1156e4336" data-vars-headline="Micro Center doubles down on in-store experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.microcenter.com/site/mc-news/article/micro-center-columbus-remodel.aspx" target="_blank">grand reopening</a> of its Bethel Road store Saturday, showing off a new look for its &quot;home base&quot; and oldest location.

Mount Vernon prepares for a population boom

A new food hall may seem small, but it's a big step for a community with a sense of urgency.

Forty miles from downtown Columbus, the small city of Mount Vernon is preparing for regional growth that has yet to reach it.Why it matters: As Central Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="exploding population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/30/columbus-keeps-growing-at-a-rapid-pace" data-vars-content-id="25b294f6-54b1-44d1-92f1-a4826892db37" data-vars-headline="Mount Vernon prepares for a population boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/30/columbus-keeps-growing-at-a-rapid-pace" target="_self">exploding population</a> reaches <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the suburbs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/26/central-ohio-home-sales-shift-suburbs-2026" data-vars-content-id="25b294f6-54b1-44d1-92f1-a4826892db37" data-vars-headline="Mount Vernon prepares for a population boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/26/central-ohio-home-sales-shift-suburbs-2026" target="_self">the suburbs</a>, the region needs its next ring of communities to be ready, because they&#x27;re next.

Business 🏦

It's a hard time to be an Ohio craft brewer

Exclusive: New Rev1 leader boasts of local startup "momentum"

Ohio wants to embrace AI — now it needs workers to buy in

Columbus leads the Midwest in job growth

Weekend picks: Labor Day weekend is full of festivals