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

OSU med student takes on the Ironman World Championship

A former Ohio state champion swimmer, Matthew Marquardt aims to win the world's most grueling endurance competition.

News

An Ohio native hopes to win one of the world&#x27;s most grueling sporting events this weekend — before returning to Columbus to finish becoming a doctor.Why it matters: Matthew Marquardt is seeking to become the first American man since 2002 to win the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ironman World Championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ironman.com/races/im-world-championship-kona" data-vars-content-id="346dae3e-2637-4449-a8ed-1a672a9e0893" data-vars-headline="OSU med student takes on the Ironman World Championship" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ironman.com/races/im-world-championship-kona" target="_blank">Ironman World Championship</a>, being held Saturday in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kona, Hawai&#x27;i" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2019/10/14/ironman-world-championships" data-vars-content-id="346dae3e-2637-4449-a8ed-1a672a9e0893" data-vars-headline="OSU med student takes on the Ironman World Championship" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2019/10/14/ironman-world-championships" target="_self">Kona, Hawai&#x27;i</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.

Orchestra getting kids into classical music

A new kid-friendly website teaches about instruments, composers and concerts.

Music

Baby Mozart&#x27;s growing up, and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra wants kids to be classical music fans for life.Strumming the news: The symphony recently launched <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a website" data-vars-click-url="https://csokids.org/" data-vars-content-id="cd7273ab-9854-4334-986c-abecb371c6b0" data-vars-headline="Orchestra getting kids into classical music" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://csokids.org/" target="_blank">a website</a> dedicated to making the music engaging for elementary-aged kids.

Spirit Halloween haunts former local stores 

The Halloween retailer has been climbing inside the vacated homes of a Columbus original.

Spooky season means the return of Spirit Halloween — and here in Central Ohio, the purveyors of costumes and ghostly decor are haunting the former homes of one of Columbus&#x27; recently departed companies.Why it matters: It just doesn&#x27;t feel like October until you drive by a big-box store you once knew and think, &quot;Wait, that&#x27;s a Spirit Halloween now?&quot;

 4 Ohio educators worth treasuring on World Teachers' Day

Stories about a future president and a lifesaving hero.

Education

On <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Teachers&#x27; Day," data-vars-click-url="https://www.unesco.org/en/days/teachers" data-vars-content-id="cbb3645a-9491-47d8-a7a8-55f53bd11af8" data-vars-headline=" 4 Ohio educators worth treasuring on World Teachers&#x27; Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.unesco.org/en/days/teachers" target="_blank">World Teachers&#x27; Day,</a> we&#x27;re paying tribute to the inspiring stories of four Ohio educators:📺 Sandy Anderson, a sudden TV broadcaster.When a 1977 gas shortage led to Columbus school closures, Anderson and others stepped up to keep learning going.

OSU nears record enrollment, international students plummet

The university's 2026 enrollment of 68,183 is nearly a record.

Ohio State University enrollment is up and nearly as high as it&#x27;s ever been, but the school&#x27;s makeup reflects a change in focus toward Ohio students amid tightening immigration policies.Why it matters: OSU is one of the largest college campuses in the country, representing around 7% of Columbus&#x27; population. <ul><li>It&#x27;s in an era of change under <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new president Ravi V. Bellamkonda" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/12/ravi-bellamkonda-ohio-state-university-osu-president" data-vars-content-id="70ca19f4-de23-4f0c-831e-e07d75dda248" data-vars-headline="OSU nears record enrollment, international students plummet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/12/ravi-bellamkonda-ohio-state-university-osu-president" target="_self">new president Ravi V. Bellamkonda</a>.</li></ul>

Columbus schools see improvement in 2026 state report card 

Other Franklin County districts did well, too. Here's how to search for your rating.

Columbus students are performing better in core subjects and graduating at a record-high rate, but the district is still not meeting the overall state standard.Why it matters: The annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state report card" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/09/15/ohio-school-report-cards-2025-district" data-vars-content-id="12d6b00e-cb4c-492b-bd58-23b7339d8107" data-vars-headline="Columbus schools see improvement in 2026 state report card " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/09/15/ohio-school-report-cards-2025-district" target="_self">state report card</a>, released Tuesday, offers another mixed bag for Ohio&#x27;s biggest school district.

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 schools join lawsuit against social media giants

The district says social media addiction has driven up costs for student support.

Columbus City Schools will join a sprawling national <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/11/social-media-addiction-lawsuits-case" data-vars-content-id="79195392-8602-4f3c-af12-69aa1d0e690a" data-vars-headline="Columbus schools join lawsuit against social media giants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/11/social-media-addiction-lawsuits-case" target="_self">lawsuit</a> that says social media platforms harm children and leave <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/08/ohio-education-classrooms-ai-phone-policy" data-vars-content-id="79195392-8602-4f3c-af12-69aa1d0e690a" data-vars-headline="Columbus schools join lawsuit against social media giants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/08/ohio-education-classrooms-ai-phone-policy" target="_self">schools</a> to deal with the consequences.Why it matters: It&#x27;s part of a growing push to hold the companies behind apps like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube accountable for what the lawsuit claims are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="addictive designs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/meta-youtube-verdict-social-media-addiction-trial?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="79195392-8602-4f3c-af12-69aa1d0e690a" data-vars-headline="Columbus schools join lawsuit against social media giants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/meta-youtube-verdict-social-media-addiction-trial?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_self">addictive designs</a>.

Our readers' thoughts on three-year bachelor's degrees

Ohio education officials are exploring the option for 2028.

Earlier this week we asked for your thoughts on Ohio education leaders exploring the possibility of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three-year bachelor&#x27;s degrees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/25/ohio-college-university-three-year-bachelors-degrees" data-vars-content-id="e4540250-79e9-4272-a5f4-fb42ce41a677" data-vars-headline="Our readers&#x27; thoughts on three-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/2026/08/25/ohio-college-university-three-year-bachelors-degrees" target="_self">three-year bachelor&#x27;s degrees</a>.The intrigue: Your replies suggest the conversation needs more nuance.

Ohio State's Wexner naming question remains

The future of Les Wexner's name at Ohio State remains in limbo.

Protests and public outrage <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="over Les Wexner&#x27;s ties to Jeffrey Epstein" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/18/les-wexner-jeffrey-epstein-ties-testimony" data-vars-content-id="03bc2edc-6ee1-4e9b-842a-affcc390aa5d" data-vars-headline="Ohio State&#x27;s Wexner naming question remains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/18/les-wexner-jeffrey-epstein-ties-testimony" target="_self">over Les Wexner&#x27;s ties to Jeffrey Epstein</a> have quieted since spring, but the future of his name at Ohio State remains in limbo.The latest: Wexner &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stepped back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thelantern.com/2026/08/les-wexner-steps-down-from-university-medical-board-remains-as-chair-emeritus/" data-vars-content-id="03bc2edc-6ee1-4e9b-842a-affcc390aa5d" data-vars-headline="Ohio State&#x27;s Wexner naming question remains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thelantern.com/2026/08/les-wexner-steps-down-from-university-medical-board-remains-as-chair-emeritus/" target="_blank">stepped back</a>&quot; as chairman of the board of his namesake OSU Wexner Medical Center last week.

Remembering Dolly Parton through her books

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

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.

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.

Teachers are AI-curious, but worried about screens

A Columbus-based education company surveyed teachers across the globe.

Teachers are struggling to embrace useful and increasingly unavoidable technology while keeping students focused, per a new global survey from a Columbus-based education company.Why it matters: Many Central Ohio students are back to school this week for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first school year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/08/ohio-schools-require-ai-policy-artificial-intelligence" data-vars-content-id="f450e040-cef1-4795-82c8-228982452ddb" data-vars-headline="Teachers are AI-curious, but worried about screens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/08/ohio-schools-require-ai-policy-artificial-intelligence" target="_self">first school year</a> in which all Ohio K-12 public districts must have policies in place related to AI in the classroom.

Axios Cleveland

Ohio ranks third nationally in school book bans

Cleveland

Ohio leads the nation in library checkouts

A choropleth map of the U.S. shows library checkouts per person in a given service area for FY 2024. The national rate is 6.5 physical and digital items. Oregon leads with 13.3 items per person, while Mississippi lags with 1.9. Data is not available for Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts and Oregon.

Library materials checked out per person

Data: Institute of Museum and Library Services Public Libraries Survey; Note: Reporting periods and adherence to survey definitions can vary by state; "No data" states did not report electronic material circulation; Map: Sami Sparber/Axios


Education 📚

Ohio ranks third nationally in school book bans

4 Ohio educators worth treasuring on World Teachers' Day

OSU nears record enrollment, international students plummet

Ohio leads the nation in library checkouts

Columbus schools see improvement in 2026 state report card