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

Remembering Dolly Parton through her books

The Imagination Library was the legacy the music icon hoped to leave.

Education

When I heard the news that country music icon Dolly Parton had <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="died" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/25/dolly-parton-has-died-at-80-obit" data-vars-content-id="d0e0747e-73df-4e91-bdb8-2c976322ccf9" data-vars-headline="Remembering Dolly Parton through her books" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/25/dolly-parton-has-died-at-80-obit" target="_self">died</a>, I didn&#x27;t think about her songs. I thought about her books.Why it matters: Parton&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Imagination Library" data-vars-click-url="https://imaginationlibrary.com/" data-vars-content-id="d0e0747e-73df-4e91-bdb8-2c976322ccf9" data-vars-headline="Remembering Dolly Parton through her books" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://imaginationlibrary.com/" target="_blank">Imagination Library</a> has sent free books to children worldwide since she launched the program 31 years ago.

Ohio explores 3-year bachelor's degrees

They could launch as early as 2028 at Ohio State and other universities.

News

Ohio higher education leaders are exploring options for three-year bachelor&#x27;s degrees, including at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ohio State University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/22/ohio-state-civics-center-mandate" data-vars-content-id="08a91add-d3a0-4e36-a191-32f79971064a" data-vars-headline="Ohio explores 3-year bachelor&#x27;s degrees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/22/ohio-state-civics-center-mandate" target="_self">Ohio State University</a>.Why it matters: Graduates could enter the workforce a year sooner, while potentially saving thousands in tuition and living expenses.

Rite Rug owner's stunning collection goes to auction

Hundreds of items are a "portrait of a man of broad interests and boundless curiosity."

A Columbus carpet kingpin&#x27;s memorabilia collection is up for auction, with a selection of dazzling showpieces set to fetch tens of thousands of dollars.Why it matters: The collection belongs to Michael Goldberg, who owned Columbus-based Rite Rug and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="died" data-vars-click-url="https://epsteinmemorialchapel.com/obituaries/michael-goldberg-2025" data-vars-content-id="6353cd15-d317-4f32-bc8d-96ccdd01d817" data-vars-headline="Rite Rug owner&#x27;s stunning collection goes to auction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://epsteinmemorialchapel.com/obituaries/michael-goldberg-2025" target="_blank">died</a> in December.

Ridership steadies as Columbus fine-tunes micromobility deal

After a drop in year one, Veo and Spin ridership is stabilizing for scooters and bikes.

Usage of rentable scooters and bikes is stabilizing in Columbus, but the city and its partners are still trying to make their presence on streets and sidewalks less disruptive.Why it matters: Cities like Columbus encourage the alternatives to car travel, but are still grappling with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="safety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/03/e-scooters-injuries-kids" data-vars-content-id="383346cb-794d-46d5-9829-8e951e2c886b" data-vars-headline="Ridership steadies as Columbus fine-tunes micromobility deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/03/e-scooters-injuries-kids" target="_self">safety</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="logistics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/communities/2026/08/02/which-columbus-area-cities-have-e-bike-scooter-restrictions/90973878007/" data-vars-content-id="383346cb-794d-46d5-9829-8e951e2c886b" data-vars-headline="Ridership steadies as Columbus fine-tunes micromobility deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/communities/2026/08/02/which-columbus-area-cities-have-e-bike-scooter-restrictions/90973878007/" target="_blank">logistics</a>.

Bathrooms and bike paths: Ideas for Columbus' first participatory budget

Over 600 submissions included suggestions for streets, parks and families.

Public bathrooms, bike paths and trails and are among the million-dollar suggestions of Columbus&#x27; first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="participatory budget program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/06/city-council-participatory-budget-9-million" data-vars-content-id="783800dc-95f6-48db-9992-cdb9efa36e24" data-vars-headline="Bathrooms and bike paths: Ideas for Columbus&#x27; first participatory budget" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/06/city-council-participatory-budget-9-million" target="_self">participatory budget program</a>.Why it matters: &quot;Our Voice, Our Choice Budget&quot; lets residents choose how funds are allocated, and its success will determine whether Columbus gives them more say in the future.

Ohio's state library moves into a digital era

The shift will change how you can browse its vast historical collection.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State Library of Ohio" data-vars-click-url="https://library.ohio.gov/" data-vars-content-id="256b765c-697f-4c1c-a258-ebed9ef31309" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s state library moves into a digital era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://library.ohio.gov/" target="_blank">State Library of Ohio</a> holds medieval manuscripts, letters from George Washington and thousands of government documents from Ohio&#x27;s earliest days. But its next chapter is looking increasingly digital.Why it matters: This isn&#x27;t your typical neighborhood <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="library" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/21/metropolitan-library-youth-program-adults" data-vars-content-id="256b765c-697f-4c1c-a258-ebed9ef31309" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s state library moves into a digital era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/21/metropolitan-library-youth-program-adults" target="_self">library</a>. The 209-year-old state agency preserves pieces of Ohio history, helps the state government with research and supports other libraries behind the scenes.

Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess

How Columbus leaders are grappling with impending growth.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock cameras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/11/flock-camera-hearing-ohio-contract" data-vars-content-id="6f806231-b1ce-42cb-a132-2977d352e5c2" data-vars-headline="Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/11/flock-camera-hearing-ohio-contract" target="_self">Flock cameras</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/gop-data-center-memo-ai-election" data-vars-content-id="6f806231-b1ce-42cb-a132-2977d352e5c2" data-vars-headline="Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess" 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">data centers</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="potential charter amendments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/20/columbus-city-council-reform-november-election" data-vars-content-id="6f806231-b1ce-42cb-a132-2977d352e5c2" data-vars-headline="Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/20/columbus-city-council-reform-november-election" target="_self">potential charter amendments</a> are grabbing headlines as Columbus City Council returns from summer recess, but members remain focused on preparing the city for massive change. Why it matters: Columbus is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/30/columbus-keeps-growing-at-a-rapid-pace" data-vars-content-id="6f806231-b1ce-42cb-a132-2977d352e5c2" data-vars-headline="Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess" 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">growing</a> as fast as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="anywhere in the country" data-vars-click-url="https://columbusregion.com/press-release/columbus-metro-growth-doubles-national-rate/" data-vars-content-id="6f806231-b1ce-42cb-a132-2977d352e5c2" data-vars-headline="Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://columbusregion.com/press-release/columbus-metro-growth-doubles-national-rate/" target="_blank">anywhere in the country</a>, and that requires important decisions from council that will shape our future.

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.

Anduril takes its first Ohio victory lap

The defense company continues to grow its Ohio operation amid the war in Iran.

Nearly 18 months after Anduril announced its presence in Ohio and 4 months after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beginning production" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/23/anduril-factory-rickenbacker-facility-production" data-vars-content-id="eff5a954-4d4c-4ab9-b2bc-b8b90b05f63f" data-vars-headline="Anduril takes its first Ohio victory lap" 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">beginning production</a>, the company is celebrating the first autonomous aircraft completed at its massive new factory.Why it matters: The defense company&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arsenal-1" data-vars-click-url="https://www.anduril.com/arsenal/arsenal-1" data-vars-content-id="eff5a954-4d4c-4ab9-b2bc-b8b90b05f63f" data-vars-headline="Anduril takes its first Ohio victory lap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.anduril.com/arsenal/arsenal-1" target="_blank">Arsenal-1</a> facility near Rickenbacker is anticipated to be one of Ohio&#x27;s largest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="job creation" 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="eff5a954-4d4c-4ab9-b2bc-b8b90b05f63f" data-vars-headline="Anduril takes its first Ohio victory lap" 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">job creation</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economic development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/anduril-weapons-factory-ohio-brose" data-vars-content-id="eff5a954-4d4c-4ab9-b2bc-b8b90b05f63f" data-vars-headline="Anduril takes its first Ohio victory lap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/anduril-weapons-factory-ohio-brose" target="_self">economic development</a> projects as war in Iran adds urgency to its work.

Columbus eyes revolving loan fund to boost housing

Program would aim to close the gaps for mixed-income housing projects.

Columbus leaders want to create a self-replenishing pool of funds to spur more housing development.Why it matters: Central Ohio faces a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/19/ohio-affordable-housing-gap-cost" data-vars-content-id="79503734-32fb-4807-837b-0e9563498c47" data-vars-headline="Columbus eyes revolving loan fund to boost housing" 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/ohio-affordable-housing-gap-cost" target="_self">housing crisis</a> and needs to build new units fast and strategically.

Inside South Bloomfield, Ohio's fastest-growing community

This Pickaway County village won't stay under the radar for long.

The road leading to South Bloomfield&#x27;s municipal building is a fitting metaphor: On one side, tractors harvest sprawling sod fields. On the other, modern homes line the horizon — and construction crews are still building more.Why it matters: This is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fastest-growing community" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/01/central-ohio-population-growth-census?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="a67c8f90-c36f-41b9-92ae-a52638e4269a" data-vars-headline="Inside South Bloomfield, Ohio&#x27;s fastest-growing community" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/01/central-ohio-population-growth-census?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" target="_self">fastest-growing community</a> in all of Ohio, luring Columbus workers with vacant land, good schools and safe, affordable housing.<ul><li>The spike is redefining a once-sleepy Pickaway County village formerly on the fringes, where officials tell Axios they&#x27;re working to balance growth with preserving its character.</li></ul>

Exploring the empty, iconic Longaberger basket building

The unique Newark landmark is up for sale again.

Real Estate

As a Central Ohio native, I have been fascinated by the Longaberger Basket Building for decades. I finally got a tour inside, and it felt like a pilgrimage. Why it matters: Long vacant and recently for sale once more, the basket is perhaps Ohio&#x27;s most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="well-known" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/18/realestate/ohio-basket-building-for-sale.html" data-vars-content-id="c0a7793e-d3fa-479d-bd04-6c0665460ff9" data-vars-headline="Exploring the empty, iconic Longaberger basket building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/18/realestate/ohio-basket-building-for-sale.html" target="_blank">well-known</a> oddity.

Columbus has different views on playing, living downtown

Just 45% of respondents who consider themselves "familiar with downtown" think it's a great place to live.

People are increasingly enjoying downtown Columbus for events and experiences, but feel less enthusiastic about living there, per a new national study.Why it matters: Columbus leaders have spent years and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="millions of dollars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/11/downtown-development-housing-apartments-construction" data-vars-content-id="21edae33-6f0c-4253-a740-87a59299bcb4" data-vars-headline="Columbus has different views on playing, living downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/11/downtown-development-housing-apartments-construction" target="_self">millions of dollars</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bring people back" data-vars-click-url="https://downtowncolumbus.com/about-us/plan/" data-vars-content-id="21edae33-6f0c-4253-a740-87a59299bcb4" data-vars-headline="Columbus has different views on playing, living downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://downtowncolumbus.com/about-us/plan/" target="_blank">bring people back</a> downtown and provide the amenities they need to be happy — the study suggests there&#x27;s a long way to go.

Where Central Ohio is growing the fastest may surprise you

Small towns are adding residents at the fastest rates.

Central Ohio&#x27;s explosive growth is no secret. What&#x27;s less obvious is where it&#x27;s mainly happening: smaller cities and villages on the fringes.Why it matters: The demographic landscape of the U.S. is undergoing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a dramatic outward shift" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/exurbs-urban-cities-growth-census" data-vars-content-id="d096db98-6da4-4b44-a62a-bc55e8852e00" data-vars-headline="Where Central Ohio is growing the fastest may surprise you" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/exurbs-urban-cities-growth-census" target="_self">a dramatic outward shift</a> to more affordable exurban communities — our region perfectly mirrors that trend.

Axios Pittsburgh

PPG to invest $280M in Ohio expansion

Pittsburgh

Development

topics

politics-policy

epstein-files

donald-trump

2026-midterm-elections

immigration

behind-the-curtain

race-and-equity

technology

privacy-tech-regulation

automation-and-ai

tiktok-news

big-tech

social-media

cybersecurity

economy

social-security

inflation

tariffs

federal-reserve

transportation

business

c-suite

retail-news

media

elon-musk

dealmaking

health

rfk-jr

drug-prices

axios-explains-abortion

public-health

world

israel

axios-explains-ukraine

iran

russia

china

energy-climate

nuclear-energy

climate-energy-policy

climate-change

extreme-weather

alternative-energy

electric-vehicles

science

emerging-tech

biomedicine

newsletters

charlotte

salt-lake-city

denver

fort-lauderdale

cincinnati

scottsdale

boulder

kansas-city

austin

chicago

dallas

detroit

atlanta

indianapolis

nashville

nw-arkansas

columbus

hollywood

washington-dc

north-of-cincy

mesa

richmond

san-francisco

boston

des-moines

houston

phoenix

miami

philadelphia

seattle

new-orleans

colorado-springs

huntsville

raleigh

san-antonio

twin-cities

pittsburgh

san-diego

tampa-bay

portland

cleveland

arapahoe

douglas

axios-local

axios-pro

axios-live

the-axios-show

Development 🏗️

Bathrooms and bike paths: Ideas for Columbus' first participatory budget

Ohio's state library moves into a digital era

Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess

PPG to invest $280M in Ohio expansion

Mount Vernon prepares for a population boom