Columbus

blue

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

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

Axios Columbus

Standard

Columbus Members

Membership

Franklin County home values keep going up

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

News

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>

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.

How to check your school's attendance data

Ohio's new dashboard offers the public a closer look.

A new state dashboard lets the public more closely track school attendance rates, but families in some districts — including Columbus, Bexley, Dublin and Hilliard — will have to wait a little longer to try it out.Why it matters: Chronic absenteeism <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="skyrocketed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/09/22/student-absences-columbus-skyrocket" data-vars-content-id="4f2282cd-e935-4a87-80c0-e36ab083e671" data-vars-headline="How to check your school&#x27;s attendance data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/09/22/student-absences-columbus-skyrocket" target="_self">skyrocketed</a> during the pandemic. Though the situation has improved slightly, it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="remains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA956-34.html" data-vars-content-id="4f2282cd-e935-4a87-80c0-e36ab083e671" data-vars-headline="How to check your school&#x27;s attendance data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA956-34.html" target="_blank">remains</a> one of the U.S. education system&#x27;s biggest challenges.

OSU report finds former president "misused his position"

An investigation details Ted Carter Jr.'s actions and recommends no further personnel actions.

An Ohio State internal investigation concluded former president Ted Carter Jr. &quot;misused his position&quot; to help a &quot;personal associate,&quot; per a 47-page <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://compliance.osu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/2026/04/carter-investigation-report.pdf" data-vars-content-id="f55ea366-2e2a-44cb-944f-563593fdc88d" data-vars-headline="OSU report finds former president &quot;misused his position&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://compliance.osu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/2026/04/carter-investigation-report.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> released Tuesday.Catch up quick: Carter <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resigned abruptly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/09/osu-president-ted-carter-jr-resigns-inappropriate-relationship" data-vars-content-id="f55ea366-2e2a-44cb-944f-563593fdc88d" data-vars-headline="OSU report finds former president &quot;misused his position&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/09/osu-president-ted-carter-jr-resigns-inappropriate-relationship" target="_self">resigned abruptly</a> March 7 after informing university trustees of an &quot;inappropriate relationship with someone seeking public resources to support her personal business.&quot;

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>

Controversial school tradition Senior Tag is back

Police, parents and businesses hate it. Seniors love it.

Springtime at Central Ohio high schools means the return of traditions like prom, senior skip day and, surprisingly to some, students running around in their underwear with water guns.Why it matters: Depending on who you ask, &quot;Senior Tag&quot; is a beloved tradition and silly spectacle or a public nuisance and serious accident in the making. Either way, it&#x27;s likely coming to a suburban neighborhood near you this month.

Peek inside Ohio State's biodiversity museum

Explore rare specimens and hands-on exhibits at a March 28 open house.

In a nondescript building on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ohio State" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/24/ohio-state-digital-reservation-team-cinema-revival-festival" data-vars-content-id="944ecd43-55bd-486e-8f10-d626eae99537" data-vars-headline="Peek inside Ohio State&#x27;s biodiversity museum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/24/ohio-state-digital-reservation-team-cinema-revival-festival" target="_self">Ohio State</a>&#x27;s west campus, dozens of scientists study the natural world — and visitors will get a rare look inside this weekend.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Museum of Biological Diversity" data-vars-click-url="https://mbd.osu.edu/" data-vars-content-id="944ecd43-55bd-486e-8f10-d626eae99537" data-vars-headline="Peek inside Ohio State&#x27;s biodiversity museum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mbd.osu.edu/" target="_blank">Museum of Biological Diversity</a> is essentially an archive of life on Earth.

Explore these hidden gems on Ohio State's campus

Thompson Library, Mirror Lake top readers' list of favorites.

Things to Do

👋 Hello from the top of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thompson Library" data-vars-click-url="https://library.osu.edu/locations/thompson" data-vars-content-id="2f004d12-8b7a-4462-b3f2-54d5df2a3272" data-vars-headline="Explore these hidden gems on Ohio State&#x27;s campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://library.osu.edu/locations/thompson" target="_blank">Thompson Library</a> — one of several scenic spots readers recently suggested we explore.Behind the scenes: Like the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Museum of Biological Diversity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/27/ohio-state-museum-of-biological-diversity" data-vars-content-id="2f004d12-8b7a-4462-b3f2-54d5df2a3272" data-vars-headline="Explore these hidden gems on Ohio State&#x27;s campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/27/ohio-state-museum-of-biological-diversity" target="_self">Museum of Biological Diversity</a> we recently toured, a lot happens on Ohio State University&#x27;s campus beyond classroom lectures.

How Ohio schools teach COVID, 6 years later

The pandemic is becoming history — but it's also students' lived experience.

Six years later, COVID is already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="becoming history" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/18/ohio-state-covid-19-pandemic-research-history" data-vars-content-id="73ac31cb-fa05-4110-ad5d-75f49bb447f7" data-vars-headline="How Ohio schools teach COVID, 6 years later" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/18/ohio-state-covid-19-pandemic-research-history" target="_self">becoming history</a> — but how schools teach it is still evolving.

Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda is OSU's 18th president

Former president Ted Carter Jr. abruptly resigned days ago.

Education

Trustees named Ravi V. Bellamkonda the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="18th president" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/11/ohio-state-presidents-ted-carter-jr-history" data-vars-content-id="87f93999-a5a7-43fa-8621-3eca47cda182" data-vars-headline="Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda is OSU&#x27;s 18th president" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/11/ohio-state-presidents-ted-carter-jr-history" target="_self">18th president</a> of Ohio State University on Thursday, just days after the former president&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abrupt resignation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/09/osu-president-ted-carter-jr-resigns-inappropriate-relationship" data-vars-content-id="87f93999-a5a7-43fa-8621-3eca47cda182" data-vars-headline="Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda is OSU&#x27;s 18th president" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/09/osu-president-ted-carter-jr-resigns-inappropriate-relationship" target="_self">abrupt resignation</a> over an &quot;inappropriate relationship.&quot;Why it matters: Bellamkonda&#x27;s rapid ascent into the presidency after just one year as provost signals the university&#x27;s desire to quickly move forward during a turbulent time.

Long after COVID shutdowns, many Ohio students are still learning online

Over 50 K-12 districts operated an online school last year.

Six years after Ohio first moved school online during COVID shutdowns, several virtual schools from that era remain.Why it matters: Proponents say they offer flexibility to kids facing unique challenges, from health concerns to unstable homes and demanding jobs.

A line chart that shows Ohioâs chronic absenteeism rate by school year from 2017-18 to 2024-25. The rate was 16% in 2017-18, fell to a low of 11.2% in 2019-20, then rose to a peak of 30.2% in 2021-22. It eased to 25.1% in 2024-25.

Education 📚

Amid financial struggles, COSI reaches beyond its walls

How to check your school's attendance data

OSU report finds former president "misused his position"

Anduril tapping Ohio schools for factory talent pipeline

Controversial school tradition Senior Tag is back