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

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Franklin County home values keep going up

New valuations will arrive in June, affecting 2027 tax bills.

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Heads up, Franklin County homeowners: There&#x27;s a good chance your property value is going to rise <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="again" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/08/08/franklin-county-home-values-2023" data-vars-content-id="c284c988-3eb7-4353-b292-143cb67aaf5f" data-vars-headline="Franklin County home values keep going up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/08/08/franklin-county-home-values-2023" target="_self">again</a>.Why it matters: A home&#x27;s appraised value affects sale prices and how much owners pay in property taxes.

A new era for OSU's world-renowned cartoon museum

The new-look Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum is open after six months of updates and renovations.

One of Columbus&#x27; best-kept secrets marks the start of a new era this weekend, reopening at Ohio State with a new look, new exhibitions and an internationally recognized headliner.Why it matters: The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library &amp; Museum is the world&#x27;s largest collection of comics and cartoon art, an archive that draws experts and enthusiasts from all over the world.

Ohio's most popular baby names of 2025

Oliver and Charlotte are Ohio&#x27;s most popular baby names for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fourth year in a row" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/19/most-popular-baby-names-ohio-2024-olivia-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="b4355bf3-343f-4882-98e0-636cc6b9f9ba" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s most popular baby names of 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/19/most-popular-baby-names-ohio-2024-olivia-charlotte" target="_self">fourth year in a row</a>,<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" according to Social Security" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/" data-vars-content-id="b4355bf3-343f-4882-98e0-636cc6b9f9ba" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s most popular baby names of 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/" target="_blank"> according to Social Security</a> card applications submitted at birth.

Ask Axios: Where can you recycle a TV for free in Columbus?

Unfortunately, there's almost always a fee. Here's why.

Reader Juliet K. asks: Do you know of a place to recycle TVs and monitors for free? Everywhere seems to have a price tag attached to it!<ul><li>Worthington&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new recycling center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.worthington.org/2459/Worthington-Recycling-Convenience-Center" data-vars-content-id="0611336d-e927-43d9-927d-9926381c127d" data-vars-headline="Ask Axios: Where can you recycle a TV for free in Columbus?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.worthington.org/2459/Worthington-Recycling-Convenience-Center" target="_blank">new recycling center</a> says it accepts all electronics but those two.</li></ul>

As stock soars, good vibes are back for Intel in Ohio

The company is reaffirming its semiconductor plans after multiple delays.

A year after another <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="delay" 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="361cb923-968c-44d9-8342-4bf2b1ce4840" data-vars-headline="As stock soars, good vibes are back for Intel in Ohio" 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">delay</a> to Intel&#x27;s pair of semiconductor plants in New Albany, the company is now riding a wave of momentum and doubling down on its new timeline.Why it matters: The $20 billion project known as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ohio One" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/01/22/intel-ohio-one-semiconductor-plant-columbus" data-vars-content-id="361cb923-968c-44d9-8342-4bf2b1ce4840" data-vars-headline="As stock soars, good vibes are back for Intel in Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/01/22/intel-ohio-one-semiconductor-plant-columbus" target="_self">Ohio One</a> is the state&#x27;s largest investment ever in a private company.

Rev1's $700 million impact on the Ohio startup scene

The company's annual report sheds light on its effect on Ohio companies.

Columbus&#x27; largest venture development studio generated more than $700 million in economic impact last year.Why it matters: Beyond massive AI companies, it&#x27;s a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="challenging time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/20/startup-funding" data-vars-content-id="dea274bf-761b-4b24-8dbc-0dad9533991b" data-vars-headline="Rev1&#x27;s $700 million impact on the Ohio startup scene" 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">challenging time</a> for startups looking for funding, and Rev1 represents a public-private partnership aiming to boost Ohio businesses.

Why Columbus is a top food test market

Fast food chains like Burger King often try new items here first.

If Burger King sliders never go nationwide, you can blame — or thank — Columbus.Why it matters: Columbus&#x27; perceived <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="identity crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/08/05/yes-columbus-ad-campaign-tourism-ohio" data-vars-content-id="cd75de18-4c94-4f41-a913-91773369eba9" data-vars-headline="Why Columbus is a top food test market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/08/05/yes-columbus-ad-campaign-tourism-ohio" target="_self">identity crisis</a> is well documented. But as our city evolves, one bragging point has endured: It&#x27;s still a top test market, especially for food.

Ohio farmers face '80s-style price squeeze

Agriculture drives $124 billion of Ohio's economy and supports 1 in 8 jobs — so strain on farms can ripple into food prices and local economies.

Business

Rising costs are squeezing Ohio&#x27;s largest industry, putting new and rising pressures on farmers statewide.Why it matters: Agriculture drives <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$124 billion of Ohio&#x27;s economy and supports one in eight jobs" data-vars-click-url="https://agri.ohio.gov/home/news-and-events/all-news/oda-invites-ohioans-celebrate-national-agriculture-month-2025" data-vars-content-id="1300e94d-bdd2-43d0-a3ee-8b1ea71a0c0c" data-vars-headline="Ohio farmers face &#x27;80s-style price squeeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://agri.ohio.gov/home/news-and-events/all-news/oda-invites-ohioans-celebrate-national-agriculture-month-2025" target="_blank">$124 billion of Ohio&#x27;s economy and supports one in eight jobs</a> — so strain on farms can ripple into food prices and local economies.

Burger demand still high as beef prices boom

Some Columbus restaurants are managing to hold the line on burger prices as beef costs surge nationwide.

Food and Drink

Some local restaurants are managing to hold the line on burger prices as beef costs surge nationwide, but that may not last much longer.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Columbus loves burgers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/27/best-burgers-national-hamburger-day-ohio" data-vars-content-id="9bd6be35-21be-4525-8894-141f20c0409f" data-vars-headline="Burger demand still high as beef prices boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/27/best-burgers-national-hamburger-day-ohio" target="_self">Columbus loves burgers</a>. Shrinking supply and rising prices mean restaurants face increasing pressure to raise menu prices.

Anduril tapping Ohio schools for factory talent pipeline

Why the autonomous weapons plant is connecting with high schools and colleges.

Autonomous weapons manufacturer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Anduril" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/01/31/anduril-arsenal-1-project-plant-ohio-tax-breaks" data-vars-content-id="889e9caa-84b6-4034-8ea1-1a136efaf997" data-vars-headline="Anduril tapping Ohio schools for factory talent pipeline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/01/31/anduril-arsenal-1-project-plant-ohio-tax-breaks" target="_self">Anduril</a> is reaching into Central Ohio high schools and colleges to create a talent pipeline for its $1 billion facility.Why it matters: The defense startup&#x27;s massive Pickaway County plant — already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="producing drones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/23/anduril-factory-rickenbacker-facility-production" data-vars-content-id="889e9caa-84b6-4034-8ea1-1a136efaf997" data-vars-headline="Anduril tapping Ohio schools for factory talent pipeline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/23/anduril-factory-rickenbacker-facility-production" target="_self">producing drones</a> — is one of the biggest economic development projects in Ohio history.<ul><li>And as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="war continues in Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" data-vars-content-id="889e9caa-84b6-4034-8ea1-1a136efaf997" data-vars-headline="Anduril tapping Ohio schools for factory talent pipeline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_self">war continues in Iran</a>, its weaponry is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in the spotlight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/16/axios-show-palmer-luckey-anduril-ai" data-vars-content-id="889e9caa-84b6-4034-8ea1-1a136efaf997" data-vars-headline="Anduril tapping Ohio schools for factory talent pipeline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/16/axios-show-palmer-luckey-anduril-ai" target="_self">in the spotlight</a>.</li></ul>

The other Ohio-Michigan rivalry: Weed prices

Even on 4/20, marijuana in Ohio is much pricier.

It&#x27;s 4/20, one of the busiest days of the year for marijuana dispensaries, but &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="celebrating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/04/17/420-origins-lore-bay-area" data-vars-content-id="c33dee1b-c399-46ae-a385-675f605ec803" data-vars-headline="The other Ohio-Michigan rivalry: Weed prices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/04/17/420-origins-lore-bay-area" target="_self">celebrating</a>&quot; in Ohio will cost much more than up north.Why it matters: That&#x27;s by design. Ohio&#x27;s recreational marijuana rollout has been a deliberate slow burn, with steady, tightly controlled growth since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sales began" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/08/09/ohio-legal-marijuana-where-how-buy-weed" data-vars-content-id="c33dee1b-c399-46ae-a385-675f605ec803" data-vars-headline="The other Ohio-Michigan rivalry: Weed prices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/08/09/ohio-legal-marijuana-where-how-buy-weed" target="_self">sales began</a> in August 2024.

Which Ohio cities collect the most weed taxes

Columbus has gained $5.5 million, but it's not just big cities benefiting.

Columbus has financially benefited the most from recreational marijuana sales since legal sales began in August 2024, per the latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state data" data-vars-click-url="https://tax.ohio.gov/government/resources/adult-use-marijuana" data-vars-content-id="0cab433e-e491-43b8-8e64-2c472d75e119" data-vars-headline="Which Ohio cities collect the most weed taxes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tax.ohio.gov/government/resources/adult-use-marijuana" target="_blank">state data</a>.How it works: Ohio distributes a portion of excise taxes to municipalities and townships on the last day of each month, based on the percentage of total tax attributable to each community.

Garage Beer is now Ohio's biggest brewery

The brand jumped to No. 12 nationwide with help from the Kelce brothers.

The Kelce brothers can add another win to the record books — but this time, it&#x27;s for beer.Drinking the news: The pair&#x27;s quirky <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="star power" data-vars-click-url="https://people.com/jason-kelce-s-garage-beer-super-bowl-2026-commercial-stinks-11895751" data-vars-content-id="10eaadd6-c88a-4cc3-853f-f86a0dc2687a" data-vars-headline="Garage Beer is now Ohio&#x27;s biggest brewery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://people.com/jason-kelce-s-garage-beer-super-bowl-2026-commercial-stinks-11895751" target="_blank">star power</a> helped propel Garage Beer onto the Brewers Association&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest leaderboard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/a-year-of-correction-for-craft-beer-with-early-signals-of-recovery/" data-vars-content-id="10eaadd6-c88a-4cc3-853f-f86a0dc2687a" data-vars-headline="Garage Beer is now Ohio&#x27;s biggest brewery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/a-year-of-correction-for-craft-beer-with-early-signals-of-recovery/" target="_blank">latest leaderboard</a>.

War in Iran creates costly uncertainty for Columbus companies

Local business leaders face tough decisions as global instability continues.

War continues in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" data-vars-content-id="084ff0b4-45e7-47fe-8f14-335b3845de91" data-vars-headline="War in Iran creates costly uncertainty for Columbus companies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_self">Iran</a>, and Columbus-headquartered companies are feeling the effects firsthand.Why it matters: The conflict is 6,000 miles from Columbus, but fallout from the war is affecting the bottom line for companies and their customers.

A line chart that tracks Intel Corp.âs daily opening stock price from Jan. 1, 2022, to May 11, 2026. The price was $51.65 on Jan. 3, 2022, fell to $29.62 on Feb. 3, 2023, rose to $45.55 on March 7, 2024, and reached $130.95 on May 11, 2026.

Business 🏦

As stock soars, good vibes are back for Intel in Ohio

Rev1's $700 million impact on the Ohio startup scene

Why Columbus is a top food test market

Ohio farmers face '80s-style price squeeze

Burger demand still high as beef prices boom