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Longtime radio voice of the Blue Jackets has a new home

Bob McElligott is back with a new website and pair of podcasts.

News

The Blue Jackets are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/10/01/columbus-blue-jackets-team-season-preview-2026" data-vars-content-id="603c5871-23d3-482e-a7b0-73d947ef1ffa" data-vars-headline="Longtime radio voice of the Blue Jackets has a new home" 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/columbus-blue-jackets-team-season-preview-2026" target="_self">back</a>, but a voice many have come to associate with the team is now covering the team in his own new capacity. Driving the news: Former play-by-play broadcaster Bob McElligott recently launched <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clear Breakaway" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47787214.95/aHR0cHM6Ly9jbGVhcmJyZWFrYXdheS5jb20vP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/61143c39cd4dcd37e13a7294B32583e05" data-vars-content-id="603c5871-23d3-482e-a7b0-73d947ef1ffa" data-vars-headline="Longtime radio voice of the Blue Jackets has a new home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47787214.95/aHR0cHM6Ly9jbGVhcmJyZWFrYXdheS5jb20vP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/61143c39cd4dcd37e13a7294B32583e05" target="_self">Clear Breakaway</a>, a website featuring pregame and postgame Q&amp;As, podcasts and other analysis.

Monday is Ohio's voter registration deadline

It's the deadline in order to vote in the 2026 general election on Nov. 3.

Monday is the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.How to register: You can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="do so online" data-vars-click-url="https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/" data-vars-content-id="16d18e4d-6261-438f-917f-1b1c6ddf2877" data-vars-headline="Monday is Ohio&#x27;s voter registration deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/" target="_blank">do so online</a> or at your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="county board of elections office" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ohiosos.gov/directories/county-boards-of-elections" data-vars-content-id="16d18e4d-6261-438f-917f-1b1c6ddf2877" data-vars-headline="Monday is Ohio&#x27;s voter registration deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ohiosos.gov/directories/county-boards-of-elections" target="_blank">county board of elections office</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.

Columbus residents and visitors walk half a mile a day

Even a short daily walk can do wonders for your health.

Health

Columbus residents and visitors walk about a half-mile per day on average, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new StreetLight report" data-vars-click-url="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/measuring-walking-and-biking-miles-traveled-ebook" data-vars-content-id="9c6eeb37-f35b-4445-866a-8942276d8907" data-vars-headline="Columbus residents and visitors walk half a mile a day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/measuring-walking-and-biking-miles-traveled-ebook" target="_blank">a new StreetLight report</a>.Why it matters: Even a short daily walk <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="can do wonders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/14/fast-walking-improve-longevity-prevent-death" data-vars-content-id="9c6eeb37-f35b-4445-866a-8942276d8907" data-vars-headline="Columbus residents and visitors walk half a mile a day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/08/14/fast-walking-improve-longevity-prevent-death" target="_self">can do wonders</a> for your health, and the data shows we could be lacing &#x27;em up a little more often.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Columbus

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="bad22329-c901-486b-b26c-835903dc0853" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in Columbus&#x27; Short North Arts District on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

It's a hard time to be an Ohio craft brewer

Three recent Central Ohio closures highlight an increasingly difficult brewery landscape.

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oktoberfest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/09/10/weekend-picks-oktoberfest-film-festival" data-vars-content-id="0b9cd396-c8f0-43a4-88d6-9c2c3ae4ebb8" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s a hard time to be an Ohio craft brewer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/09/10/weekend-picks-oktoberfest-film-festival" target="_self">Oktoberfest</a> season, though Ohio brewers have reason for concern alongside celebration.Why it matters: Central Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive craft beer boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2019/12/20/the-decade-in-review-how-the-columbus-craft-beer.html" data-vars-content-id="0b9cd396-c8f0-43a4-88d6-9c2c3ae4ebb8" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s a hard time to be an Ohio craft brewer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2019/12/20/the-decade-in-review-how-the-columbus-craft-beer.html" target="_blank">massive craft beer boom</a> in the 2010s became part of Columbus&#x27; image and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tourism industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/meetings-blog/post/ale-trail-launches-in-columbus/" data-vars-content-id="0b9cd396-c8f0-43a4-88d6-9c2c3ae4ebb8" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s a hard time to be an Ohio craft brewer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/meetings-blog/post/ale-trail-launches-in-columbus/" target="_blank">tourism industry</a>, but breweries are now struggling amid a post-pandemic decline in alcohol consumption.

Solo dining recommendations in Columbus

Tables for one are trendy, for quiet time or a chance to meet new people.

Food and Drink

We recently told you that tables for one <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="are trendy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/solo-dining-reservations-jump-opentable" data-vars-content-id="4bdf15e4-b3cd-46c0-bbf1-2369fc08a777" data-vars-headline="Solo dining recommendations in Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/solo-dining-reservations-jump-opentable" target="_self">are trendy</a>. But what makes a restaurant solo-friendly depends on why you&#x27;re going in the first place.Dining the news: Eating alone is increasingly a choice, not a stigma to avoid, especially among <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="younger diners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opentable.com/restaurant-solutions/resources/solo-dining-trends-and-tips/" data-vars-content-id="4bdf15e4-b3cd-46c0-bbf1-2369fc08a777" data-vars-headline="Solo dining recommendations in Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opentable.com/restaurant-solutions/resources/solo-dining-trends-and-tips/" target="_blank">younger diners</a>.

Weekend picks: Labor Day weekend is full of festivals

Obetz Zucchinifest, Columbus Greek Festival, GospelFest and more.

Business

We hope you&#x27;re in a festive mood, Columbus — this long weekend is packed with an almost absurd number of local festivals.🥳 Our pick: Why choose just one?

Our favorite restaurant patios in Columbus

This list is perfect for National Eat Outside Day or any day.

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Eat Outside Day" data-vars-click-url="https://nationaldaycalendar.com/celebrations/national-eat-outside-day-august-31" data-vars-content-id="2e3b3c00-991e-41cb-a8e8-5931ffcb2a20" data-vars-headline="Our favorite restaurant patios in Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nationaldaycalendar.com/celebrations/national-eat-outside-day-august-31" target="_blank">National Eat Outside Day</a>, and our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent trip to Amara" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/24/amara-restaurant-review-downtown-riverfront-menu" data-vars-content-id="2e3b3c00-991e-41cb-a8e8-5931ffcb2a20" data-vars-headline="Our favorite restaurant patios in Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/24/amara-restaurant-review-downtown-riverfront-menu" target="_self">recent trip to Amara</a> has us feeling inspired with its perfect patio vibes.Dig in: We&#x27;ve got a few recommendations if you&#x27;re looking to celebrate.

Amara makes a splash on the downtown riverfront

The ambiance is the main attraction — but the food is great, too.

I finally snagged a reservation at one of Columbus&#x27; buzziest new restaurants, the long-anticipated replacement of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Milestone 229" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/12/16/ohio-milestone-229-restaurant-closing" data-vars-content-id="5dc0be3c-5e37-46f8-9767-5bb4df99c70d" data-vars-headline="Amara makes a splash on the downtown riverfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/12/16/ohio-milestone-229-restaurant-closing" target="_self">Milestone 229</a>.Dining the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amara" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eatamara.com/" data-vars-content-id="5dc0be3c-5e37-46f8-9767-5bb4df99c70d" data-vars-headline="Amara makes a splash on the downtown riverfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eatamara.com/" target="_blank">Amara</a> opened about a month ago and tables have been filling fast. Billed as &quot;Mediterranean at Heart,&quot; it&#x27;s the latest concept from Josh Dalton, the chef behind Veritas and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Speck" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/06/16/speck-restaurant-review-downtown-italian" data-vars-content-id="5dc0be3c-5e37-46f8-9767-5bb4df99c70d" data-vars-headline="Amara makes a splash on the downtown riverfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/06/16/speck-restaurant-review-downtown-italian" target="_self">Speck</a>.

Anything Bagel keeps the classic Block's recipes alive

We tried the bagels Columbus has loved for decades.

Eighteen months after the beloved Block&#x27;s Bagels closed its doors, a second brand is taking its shot at reviving the Columbus shop&#x27;s recipes. Catch up quick: Block&#x27;s, which launched in 1967, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/dining/2025/02/10/blocks-bagels-of-columbus-closing-after-founders-death/78383298007/" data-vars-content-id="ebcb1b8d-4de0-448c-97c4-ba75977e7260" data-vars-headline="Anything Bagel keeps the classic Block&#x27;s recipes alive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/dining/2025/02/10/blocks-bagels-of-columbus-closing-after-founders-death/78383298007/" target="_blank">closed</a> in March 2025 after the death of founder Harold &quot;Hal&quot; Block.

The Hilltop Dairy Twist is back

New ownership revived the nostalgic spot after years of uncertainty.

It&#x27;s been a summer full of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fancy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/18/graeters-summer-ice-cream-flavors-2026-review" data-vars-content-id="b3dc795f-ad2f-4129-900d-cdd1b3f823bd" data-vars-headline="The Hilltop Dairy Twist is back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/18/graeters-summer-ice-cream-flavors-2026-review" target="_self">fancy</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ice cream" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/13/jenis-summer-ice-cream-flavors-smores-strawberry-chili" data-vars-content-id="b3dc795f-ad2f-4129-900d-cdd1b3f823bd" data-vars-headline="The Hilltop Dairy Twist is back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/13/jenis-summer-ice-cream-flavors-smores-strawberry-chili" target="_self">ice cream</a> at Axios Columbus, but here&#x27;s a nostalgic option that won&#x27;t break the bank.Why it matters: Longtime newsletter readers know I&#x27;ve long lamented Columbus&#x27; lack of mom-and-pop ice cream shops.

The Ohio State Fair's new food hall is a hit

Bypass the corn dogs and funnel cakes — eat local instead.

State Fair

Though fairs are synonymous with rows of traveling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vendors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/13/2026-ohio-state-fair-new-foods-schmidts-cream-puff" data-vars-content-id="1bdb937e-28d8-4550-bd46-8c93101b0964" data-vars-headline="The Ohio State Fair&#x27;s new food hall is a hit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/13/2026-ohio-state-fair-new-foods-schmidts-cream-puff" target="_self">vendors</a>, I actually didn&#x27;t visit one during my <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest Ohio State Fair trip" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/03/ohio-state-fair-new-buildings" data-vars-content-id="1bdb937e-28d8-4550-bd46-8c93101b0964" data-vars-headline="The Ohio State Fair&#x27;s new food hall is a hit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/03/ohio-state-fair-new-buildings" target="_self">latest Ohio State Fair trip</a>.Dining the news: I left stuffed after visiting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Food Hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/25/ohio-state-fair-food-hall-vendors-showcase-building" data-vars-content-id="1bdb937e-28d8-4550-bd46-8c93101b0964" data-vars-headline="The Ohio State Fair&#x27;s new food hall is a hit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/25/ohio-state-fair-food-hall-vendors-showcase-building" target="_self">new Food Hall</a> on the first floor of the Ohio Showcase building and a couple other stops for local eats.

The best Ohio State fair food deals

Coupons, $3 Thursdays and free water help your wallet at the 2026 fair.

The Ohio State Fair is known for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ridiculous food" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/25/ohio-state-fair-stick-food-guide" data-vars-content-id="237da338-7218-4eb2-9f70-73fc9afa1c5b" data-vars-headline="The best Ohio State fair food deals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/25/ohio-state-fair-stick-food-guide" target="_self">ridiculous food</a> — but if you&#x27;re not careful, it can hammer your wallet.Pro tip: A little strategy can help.

Food and Drink 🍽

What to expect when viral vegan chain Slutty Vegan comes to Ohio

Hot Takes: Two transplants debate Ohio vs. Georgia

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Columbus

It's a hard time to be an Ohio craft brewer

Solo dining recommendations in Columbus