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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.

News

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.

Franklin County home values keep going up

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

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.

Central Ohio nonprofits feel federal funding squeeze

39% of nonprofits are operating at a deficit, up from 22% in 2022.

Columbus-area nonprofits providing housing, food access and other basic services face growing financial strain as federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="funding cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/25/doge-trump-musk-budget-cuts-math" data-vars-content-id="0666a281-87d3-416c-ab9d-f8ddd5e2c8c9" data-vars-headline="Central Ohio nonprofits feel federal funding squeeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/25/doge-trump-musk-budget-cuts-math" target="_self">funding cuts</a> increase demand and intensify competition for private donations.Why it matters: A recent survey from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Center for Effective Philanthropy" data-vars-click-url="https://cep.org/report-backpacks/state-of-nonprofits-2026/" data-vars-content-id="0666a281-87d3-416c-ab9d-f8ddd5e2c8c9" data-vars-headline="Central Ohio nonprofits feel federal funding squeeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cep.org/report-backpacks/state-of-nonprofits-2026/" target="_blank">Center for Effective Philanthropy</a> found 66% of nonprofits are concerned about their financial stability as demand for their assistance rises and public support shrinks.<ul><li>The percentage of responding nonprofits operating at a deficit rose to 39%, up from 22% in 2022.</li></ul>

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>

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.

We tried the new Burger King sliders tested in Columbus

The King Size Sliders bring bold toppings but a higher price tag.

Columbus has a reputation for being a big <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fast food test market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/05/04/fast-food-test-market" data-vars-content-id="21afa146-407b-45fe-a441-f571a347215d" data-vars-headline="We tried the new Burger King sliders tested 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/2026/05/04/fast-food-test-market" target="_self">fast food test market</a>.Dining the news: I recently tried Burger King&#x27;s latest innovation tested locally and unfortunately walked away a little confused.

Why Columbus is a top food test market

Fast food chains like Burger King often try new items here first.

If Burger King sliders never go nationwide, you can blame — or thank — Columbus.Why it matters: Columbus&#x27; perceived <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="identity crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/08/05/yes-columbus-ad-campaign-tourism-ohio" data-vars-content-id="cd75de18-4c94-4f41-a913-91773369eba9" data-vars-headline="Why Columbus is a top food test market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/08/05/yes-columbus-ad-campaign-tourism-ohio" target="_self">identity crisis</a> is well documented. But as our city evolves, one bragging point has endured: It&#x27;s still a top test market, especially for food.

Burger demand still high as beef prices boom

Some Columbus restaurants are managing to hold the line on burger prices as beef costs surge nationwide.

Some local restaurants are managing to hold the line on burger prices as beef costs surge nationwide, but that may not last much longer.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Columbus loves burgers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/27/best-burgers-national-hamburger-day-ohio" data-vars-content-id="9bd6be35-21be-4525-8894-141f20c0409f" data-vars-headline="Burger demand still high as beef prices boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/27/best-burgers-national-hamburger-day-ohio" target="_self">Columbus loves burgers</a>. Shrinking supply and rising prices mean restaurants face increasing pressure to raise menu prices.

Vegan skeptic? This restaurant will make you a believer

Can't Believe It's Vegan's burgers taste better than the real thing.

Inspired by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vegan Dining Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/21/columbus-vegan-dining-week-deals-2026" data-vars-content-id="c1ffc584-73c3-48bb-85a7-0c7e220d074b" data-vars-headline="Vegan skeptic? This restaurant will make you a believer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/21/columbus-vegan-dining-week-deals-2026" target="_self">Vegan Dining Week</a>, I recently grabbed lunch at fast-casual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Can&#x27;t Believe It&#x27;s Vegan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/cbivegan/" data-vars-content-id="c1ffc584-73c3-48bb-85a7-0c7e220d074b" data-vars-headline="Vegan skeptic? This restaurant will make you a believer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/cbivegan/" target="_blank">Can&#x27;t Believe It&#x27;s Vegan</a> in Westerville.Formerly a delivery service, the 100% vegan brick-and-mortar restaurant opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in 2022" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/local-vegan-delivery-opens-brick-and-mortar-location-in-westerville/" data-vars-content-id="c1ffc584-73c3-48bb-85a7-0c7e220d074b" data-vars-headline="Vegan skeptic? This restaurant will make you a believer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/local-vegan-delivery-opens-brick-and-mortar-location-in-westerville/" target="_blank">in 2022</a> to fill a gap on Central Ohio&#x27;s northeast side. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="It&#x27;s been a hit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yelp.com/article/top-100-vegan-restaurants-2024" data-vars-content-id="c1ffc584-73c3-48bb-85a7-0c7e220d074b" data-vars-headline="Vegan skeptic? This restaurant will make you a believer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yelp.com/article/top-100-vegan-restaurants-2024" target="_blank">It&#x27;s been a hit</a>.

Columbus launches first Vegan Dining Week

Over 30 restaurants have plant-based deals, from pancakes to steaks.

Columbus is in the midst of its first Vegan Dining Week, with specials that&#x27;ll appeal to devoted vegans and the meatless-curious alike.Why it matters: Eating less meat and dairy is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="single biggest way" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/10/22/vegan-menu-fine-dining-fast-food" data-vars-content-id="cbcff8cb-e001-4b7f-857d-5250bb8d9a19" data-vars-headline="Columbus launches first Vegan Dining Week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/10/22/vegan-menu-fine-dining-fast-food" target="_self">single biggest way</a> an individual can reduce their carbon footprint.

Soul 2 Go restored my faith in Columbus fried chicken

The comfort food experts expanded to three locations with a Gahanna spot.

It&#x27;s a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tough time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/12/02/hot-chicken-takeover-ohio-rebranding-menu-review" data-vars-content-id="189e8c04-1700-4081-984e-487228a12ea5" data-vars-headline="Soul 2 Go restored my faith in Columbus fried chicken" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/12/02/hot-chicken-takeover-ohio-rebranding-menu-review" target="_self">tough time</a> for Columbus <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fried chicken" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/the-crispy-coop-to-close-at-the-end-of-the-month/" data-vars-content-id="189e8c04-1700-4081-984e-487228a12ea5" data-vars-headline="Soul 2 Go restored my faith in Columbus fried chicken" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/the-crispy-coop-to-close-at-the-end-of-the-month/" target="_blank">fried chicken</a>, so I tried an increasingly popular spot that restored my faith in my favorite comfort food.Dig in: In just a few years, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Soul 2 Go Café" data-vars-click-url="https://soul2goohio.com/" data-vars-content-id="189e8c04-1700-4081-984e-487228a12ea5" data-vars-headline="Soul 2 Go restored my faith in Columbus fried chicken" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://soul2goohio.com/" target="_blank">Soul 2 Go Café</a> has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expanded" data-vars-click-url="https://soul2goohio.com/columbus-soul-2-go-cafe-locations" data-vars-content-id="189e8c04-1700-4081-984e-487228a12ea5" data-vars-headline="Soul 2 Go restored my faith in Columbus fried chicken" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://soul2goohio.com/columbus-soul-2-go-cafe-locations" target="_blank">expanded</a> from a single carryout kitchen in Milo-Grogan to a full-service downtown spot.

Garage Beer is now Ohio's biggest brewery

The brand jumped to No. 12 nationwide with help from the Kelce brothers.

Business

The Kelce brothers can add another win to the record books — but this time, it&#x27;s for beer.Drinking the news: The pair&#x27;s quirky <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="star power" data-vars-click-url="https://people.com/jason-kelce-s-garage-beer-super-bowl-2026-commercial-stinks-11895751" data-vars-content-id="10eaadd6-c88a-4cc3-853f-f86a0dc2687a" data-vars-headline="Garage Beer is now Ohio&#x27;s biggest brewery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://people.com/jason-kelce-s-garage-beer-super-bowl-2026-commercial-stinks-11895751" target="_blank">star power</a> helped propel Garage Beer onto the Brewers Association&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest leaderboard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/a-year-of-correction-for-craft-beer-with-early-signals-of-recovery/" data-vars-content-id="10eaadd6-c88a-4cc3-853f-f86a0dc2687a" data-vars-headline="Garage Beer is now Ohio&#x27;s biggest brewery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/a-year-of-correction-for-craft-beer-with-early-signals-of-recovery/" target="_blank">latest leaderboard</a>.

Hoyo's Kitchen wants to make Somali food mainstream

Try their popular build-your-own bowls and sambusas at North Market.

Columbus has the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second-largest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/12/10/somali-community-trump-insults" data-vars-content-id="132afe6f-f9a8-4a9f-9d78-349cd2354a30" data-vars-headline="Hoyo&#x27;s Kitchen wants to make Somali food mainstream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/12/10/somali-community-trump-insults" target="_self">second-largest</a> Somali population in the U.S., so it&#x27;s no surprise we&#x27;re also a hotspot for authentic Somali cuisine.Dining the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hoyo&#x27;s Kitchen" data-vars-click-url="https://hoyoskitchen.com/" data-vars-content-id="132afe6f-f9a8-4a9f-9d78-349cd2354a30" data-vars-headline="Hoyo&#x27;s Kitchen wants to make Somali food mainstream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hoyoskitchen.com/" target="_blank">Hoyo&#x27;s Kitchen</a> is working to bring it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mainstream" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wosu.org/news/2017-12-06/hoyos-kitchen-wants-to-be-columbus-gateway-to-somali-culture" data-vars-content-id="132afe6f-f9a8-4a9f-9d78-349cd2354a30" data-vars-headline="Hoyo&#x27;s Kitchen wants to make Somali food mainstream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wosu.org/news/2017-12-06/hoyos-kitchen-wants-to-be-columbus-gateway-to-somali-culture" target="_blank">mainstream</a> with approachable, fast-casual build-your-own bowls.

Food and Drink 🍽

Columbus readers are fed up with Wendy's

Inside Columbus' new DIY ramen cafe

We tried the new Burger King sliders tested in Columbus

Why Columbus is a top food test market

Burger demand still high as beef prices boom