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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>

Ohio kids are competing for the spelling bee crown

Just one Central Ohio speller remains, but 15 Ohioans are vying for the title.

Our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best spellers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/05/30/scripps-national-spelling-bee-ohio-participants-2024" data-vars-content-id="0b9653df-b43a-41ac-be54-68bf18daac90" data-vars-headline="Ohio kids are competing for the spelling bee crown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/05/30/scripps-national-spelling-bee-ohio-participants-2024" target="_self">best spellers</a> are in D.C. this week for the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee.Zoom out: 15 Ohio kids are among <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="247 contestants" data-vars-click-url="https://scripps.com/press-releases/scripps-national-spelling-bee-welcomes-247-spellers-as-it-returns-to-washington-d-c/" data-vars-content-id="0b9653df-b43a-41ac-be54-68bf18daac90" data-vars-headline="Ohio kids are competing for the spelling bee crown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://scripps.com/press-releases/scripps-national-spelling-bee-welcomes-247-spellers-as-it-returns-to-washington-d-c/" target="_blank">247 contestants</a> who start spelling in the preliminary rounds Tuesday, representing nearly every corner of the state.

Weekend picks: Sonic Temple is back

Plus: The Dragon Boat Race, La Boheme, Piratefest and more.

Things to Do

Columbus&#x27; marquee music festival is back to dominate the weekend calendar.Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sonic Temple Art &amp; Music Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://sonictemplefestival.com/" data-vars-content-id="d7ff430b-c916-45d2-8944-efdc264329b0" data-vars-headline="Weekend picks: Sonic Temple is back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sonictemplefestival.com/" target="_blank">Sonic Temple Art &amp; Music Festival</a>.

Columbus readers are fed up with Wendy's

Blue rebrand or not, people have complaints.

Food and Drink

As Central Ohio&#x27;s most well-known restaurant chain ponders a bright blue rebrand, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="we asked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-columbus-0217f210-4d67-11f1-982e-7ff4ea23c646.html?chunk=5&amp;utm_term=emshare#story5" data-vars-content-id="4e4610a3-2c06-4c51-9e46-58eb54283d44" data-vars-headline="Columbus readers are fed up with Wendy&#x27;s" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-columbus-0217f210-4d67-11f1-982e-7ff4ea23c646.html?chunk=5&amp;utm_term=emshare#story5" target="_self">we asked</a> readers for their thoughts about the chain in 2026, from its branding to its switch to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shredded lettuce" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foodrepublic.com/1991742/wendys-shredded-lettuce-ingredient-chain-backfire/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_columbus&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="4e4610a3-2c06-4c51-9e46-58eb54283d44" data-vars-headline="Columbus readers are fed up with Wendy&#x27;s" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foodrepublic.com/1991742/wendys-shredded-lettuce-ingredient-chain-backfire/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_columbus&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">shredded lettuce</a>. What you&#x27;re saying: Like the chain&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sales" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/45668873.52896/aHR0cHM6Ly9maW5hbmNlLnlhaG9vLmNvbS9tYXJrZXRzL2FydGljbGUvd2VuZHlzLWVtcGlyZS1oYXMtYnVybmVkLWl0cy1mdXR1cmUtbm93LWhpbmdlcy1vbi1hLWNoaWNrZW4tc2FuZHdpY2gtMTQxMTI3ODQwLmh0bWw_Z3VjY291bnRlcj0xJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfY29sdW1idXMmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/6717e634805e446bac0e461dBe959c17f" data-vars-content-id="4e4610a3-2c06-4c51-9e46-58eb54283d44" data-vars-headline="Columbus readers are fed up with Wendy&#x27;s" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/45668873.52896/aHR0cHM6Ly9maW5hbmNlLnlhaG9vLmNvbS9tYXJrZXRzL2FydGljbGUvd2VuZHlzLWVtcGlyZS1oYXMtYnVybmVkLWl0cy1mdXR1cmUtbm93LWhpbmdlcy1vbi1hLWNoaWNrZW4tc2FuZHdpY2gtMTQxMTI3ODQwLmh0bWw_Z3VjY291bnRlcj0xJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfY29sdW1idXMmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/6717e634805e446bac0e461dBe959c17f" target="_self">sales</a>, our readers are down on Wendy&#x27;s.

Inside Columbus' new DIY ramen cafe

Ramyun EZ opened last month near Bethel Road.

When the self-serve ramen cafe <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ramyun EZ" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ramyunez.com/" data-vars-content-id="38850866-0799-414a-b208-28800d205026" data-vars-headline="Inside Columbus&#x27; new DIY ramen cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ramyunez.com/" target="_blank">Ramyun EZ</a> opened last month off Bethel Road, some locals were skeptical: Can&#x27;t you just make that at home?Reality check: No, you can&#x27;t — unless you&#x27;ve got a buffet of fresh vegetables, a Korean convenience store and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a $700 ramen-cooking machine" data-vars-click-url="https://ez-bowl.com/products/ez-cook-machine?srsltid=AfmBOop3IgZg0ussDdpfXl2Q51IkiLBg2gfEwVGSZ--jq5XEilnaVbwa" data-vars-content-id="38850866-0799-414a-b208-28800d205026" data-vars-headline="Inside Columbus&#x27; new DIY ramen cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ez-bowl.com/products/ez-cook-machine?srsltid=AfmBOop3IgZg0ussDdpfXl2Q51IkiLBg2gfEwVGSZ--jq5XEilnaVbwa" target="_blank">a $700 ramen-cooking machine</a> in your kitchen.

The Short North's most recognizable mural gets a facelift

A new Mona Lisa mural at the Moxy Hotel brings new color and energy.

The Short North is bidding farewell to its Mona Lisa mural in favor of a new reimagining of an old face.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mural" data-vars-click-url="https://www.columbusmakesart.com/place/8692-mona-lisa-mural" data-vars-content-id="ececa8a0-e304-4294-b039-9e452c045a0c" data-vars-headline="The Short North&#x27;s most recognizable mural gets a facelift" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.columbusmakesart.com/place/8692-mona-lisa-mural" target="_blank">mural</a> at the corner of Pearl Street and Cedar Alley has been one of the art district&#x27;s most recognizable public works for over three decades.

Amid financial struggles, COSI reaches beyond its walls

COSI is kicking off a 20-city, two-year program that will bring hands-on learning to students across the country.

COSI and its corporate partners are kicking off a 20-city, two-year program that will bring hands-on learning experiences to students across the country.Why it matters: The science center is one of Columbus&#x27; most recognizable institutions, and the new program is another way to take its STEM focus beyond its walls.

Eagles face uncertainty as Columbus eyes pro women's soccer

The women's team since 2014 could be dwarfed by the NWSL.

The City of Columbus and a wealthy Ohio ownership group want to bring the National Women&#x27;s Soccer League (NWSL) to town — but what does that mean for our existing women&#x27;s soccer team?Why it matters: As the NWSL found its footing, expanding and contracting across the country, the Eagles survived in lower divisions and gave Columbus women somewhere to play.<ul><li>A professional team on the horizon seems poised to overtake the local team that has kept women&#x27;s soccer afloat.</li></ul>

Columbus women feel safer than men, survey finds

Researchers say Columbus stands out, but don't have an explanation.

Women feel less safe than men in most major cities <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="across the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/women-men-cities-safety" data-vars-content-id="44ff519f-d1f0-471f-a3b3-bce0f6a1c8ae" data-vars-headline="Columbus women feel safer than men, survey finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/women-men-cities-safety" target="_self">across the country</a> — but not in Columbus.Why it matters: We&#x27;re a glaring outlier among 27 select cities, and researchers aren&#x27;t sure why.

A table that lists Ohioâs most popular baby names in 2025. Oliver ranks first for boys, followed by Theodore and Noah. Charlotte leads for girls, followed by Amelia and Sophia. The top 10 also include Liam, James and Jack for boys, and Emma, Violet and Nora for girls.

Culture

Ohio kids are competing for the spelling bee crown

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

Ohio's most popular baby names of 2025

Weekend picks: Sonic Temple is back

Columbus readers are fed up with Wendy's