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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Columbus. Written by Alissa Widman Neese and Andrew King.

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You can now explore Columbus' newest Metro Park

Great Southern Metro Park on the South Side officially opens April 1.

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Columbus&#x27; newest Metro Park officially opens in a month — but visitors can already enjoy some of it as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="progress continues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/15/great-southern-bank-run-metro-parks" data-vars-content-id="2f4aceb8-8817-47d8-9f9d-274cedde0623" data-vars-headline="You can now explore Columbus&#x27; newest Metro Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/15/great-southern-bank-run-metro-parks" target="_self">progress continues</a>.Why it matters: Great Southern Metro Park adds green space to an underserved South Side neighborhood and will eventually connect to downtown via the Scioto Trail.

The O.H.I.O. Fund puts its money where its mantra is

The fund has raised $356 million and invested nearly $200 million across 12 counties.

Less than two years after its public launch, The O.H.I.O. Fund has invested nearly $200 million into companies and real estate projects in the state — and its leaders say that pace is going to speed up.Why it matters: Tech and startup investment remains <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concentrated on the coasts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/09/30/ohio-venture-capital-angel-investors-rev1-vc" data-vars-content-id="5a08bbd0-549d-41a1-a051-7096b63da213" data-vars-headline="The O.H.I.O. Fund puts its money where its mantra is" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/09/30/ohio-venture-capital-angel-investors-rev1-vc" target="_self">concentrated on the coasts</a> and on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI software" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/20/startup-funding" data-vars-content-id="5a08bbd0-549d-41a1-a051-7096b63da213" data-vars-headline="The O.H.I.O. Fund puts its money where its mantra is" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/20/startup-funding" target="_self">AI software</a>, but TOF is investing at home in fields ranging from manufacturing and dog food to biopharmaceuticals and finance.

Ohio's data center surge faces local resistance

Nearly 300 centers are operating or planned as lawmakers debate new limits.

Ohio&#x27;s data center <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/28/central-ohio-data-center-boom" data-vars-content-id="041f3b35-4c34-41f6-8068-7d9f9dbfc5ac" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s data center surge faces local resistance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/28/central-ohio-data-center-boom" target="_self">surge</a> isn&#x27;t slowing down any time soon.By the numbers: About 200 centers are currently operational and around 100 more planned or under construction, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/data-center-growth-map-states" data-vars-content-id="041f3b35-4c34-41f6-8068-7d9f9dbfc5ac" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s data center surge faces local resistance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/data-center-growth-map-states" target="_self">an analysis</a> shared with Axios in December.

Why Amazon's data centers face opposition in Hilliard

A proposal would use natural gas fuel cells to generate power.

As more Ohio communities <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="push back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/04/ohio-data-center-boom-moratorium-laws" data-vars-content-id="3e6fc170-23d8-4300-8e34-793065d938cd" data-vars-headline="Why Amazon&#x27;s data centers face opposition in Hilliard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/04/ohio-data-center-boom-moratorium-laws" target="_self">push back</a> against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/28/central-ohio-data-center-boom" data-vars-content-id="3e6fc170-23d8-4300-8e34-793065d938cd" data-vars-headline="Why Amazon&#x27;s data centers face opposition in Hilliard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/28/central-ohio-data-center-boom" target="_self">data centers</a>, a plan to power Hilliard&#x27;s new Amazon campus with natural gas fuel cells is the latest local flashpoint.Why it matters: The dispute highlights ongoing tension over how the energy-hungry centers popping up everywhere will be powered.<ul><li>It also raises a new question: How much can local officials control what&#x27;s built?</li></ul>

Weekend picks: Last-minute Valentine's Day plans

Things to Do

Forgot to plan something to do with your date this weekend? Maybe we can help.💝 Our picks: Some last-minute Valentine&#x27;s Day options, from upscale parties to casual entertainment.

Skip Valentine's Day dinner and go straight to dessert at these sweet spots

No reservation needed at these Columbus dessert picks.

Food and Drink

Valentine&#x27;s Day dinners are overrated — we fully endorse skipping the crowded restaurants and heading straight for dessert.Dig in: Impress your date and satisfy your sweet tooth with one of these unique Central Ohio spots.

We tried Land-Grant Brewing's new "Puck-Putt" game

Land-Grant Brewing&#x27;s latest outdoor game is a fun twist on putt-putt … but only if it&#x27;s cold.The vibe: The Franklinton brewery&#x27;s legendary outdoor space expanded in 2024 by adding &quot;The Extension&quot; across Chapel Alley, a new space for activities like pickleball.

Poll: When do you take down your Christmas lights?

Plus: Where to recycle Christmas lights and trees in Columbus.

Have you torn down all your festive decor and kicked your Christmas tree to the curb? <ul><li>We&#x27;re curious what time is the right time, so we&#x27;re polling our readers to find out.</li></ul>

Weekend picks: Festive celebrations abound

Lights, music, performances and more events in Central Ohio this weekend.

It&#x27;s the penultimate weekend of 2025 and the holly-jolliest time of the year, with an events landscape dominated by festive happenings.🎄 Our pick: Your last pre-Christmas chance for local holiday classics.

8 New Year's Eve events to put on your calendar

Ice bumper cars, a cowboy disco and an OSU watch party top our list.

If you&#x27;re still figuring out where to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ring in 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/12/16/airbnb-cracks-down-on-new-year-s-eve-parties" data-vars-content-id="3e64a2ad-5d87-4f41-b9c9-47755357124e" data-vars-headline="8 New Year&#x27;s Eve events to put on your calendar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/12/16/airbnb-cracks-down-on-new-year-s-eve-parties" target="_self">ring in 2026</a>, we&#x27;ve got you covered.

Our weekend picks: GalaxyCon, holidays and Oz

Check out one of the biggest fandom conventions of the year.

Need a break from the holiday onslaught? Embrace your fandom this weekend instead.🚀 Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GalaxyCon Columbus" data-vars-click-url="https://galaxycon.com/pages/galaxycon-columbus" data-vars-content-id="353d3fc8-ddec-41e4-afda-d86c7bca6c0f" data-vars-headline="Our weekend picks: GalaxyCon, holidays and Oz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://galaxycon.com/pages/galaxycon-columbus" target="_blank">GalaxyCon Columbus</a>.

JT's Pizza brings back The Gobbler for Thanksgiving

Catch this mashed potato and turkey pizza while it's available.

&#x27;Tis the season to eat outrageous <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thanksgiving monstrosities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/11/25/ohio-swensons-thanksgiving-on-a-bun-sandwich" data-vars-content-id="bbf09b5a-bb7e-4af4-8234-fbb5bb3efd9b" data-vars-headline="JT&#x27;s Pizza brings back The Gobbler for Thanksgiving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/11/25/ohio-swensons-thanksgiving-on-a-bun-sandwich" target="_self">Thanksgiving monstrosities</a>.Driving the chews: The very popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="JT&#x27;s Pizza &amp; Pub" data-vars-click-url="https://jtspizzacolumbus.com/" data-vars-content-id="bbf09b5a-bb7e-4af4-8234-fbb5bb3efd9b" data-vars-headline="JT&#x27;s Pizza brings back The Gobbler for Thanksgiving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jtspizzacolumbus.com/" target="_blank">JT&#x27;s Pizza &amp; Pub</a> has made an annual tradition out of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Gobbler" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/JTsPizzaPub/photos/you-asked-we-listened-the-gobbler-is-almost-here-thanksgiving-dinner-on-a-pizza-/1490044716457146/" data-vars-content-id="bbf09b5a-bb7e-4af4-8234-fbb5bb3efd9b" data-vars-headline="JT&#x27;s Pizza brings back The Gobbler for Thanksgiving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/JTsPizzaPub/photos/you-asked-we-listened-the-gobbler-is-almost-here-thanksgiving-dinner-on-a-pizza-/1490044716457146/" target="_blank">The Gobbler</a>, a limited-time pizza featuring your favorite Turkey Day ingredients.

Holiday lights shine across Columbus this weekend

Holiday events from the zoo to German Village.

Get ready for the holidays, because Columbus lights up this weekend as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="festive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/holidays" data-vars-content-id="4c934e67-50b3-472b-acf4-c0052f82693a" data-vars-headline="Holiday lights shine across Columbus this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/holidays" target="_self">festive</a> season gets underway.Why it matters: Central Ohio <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="goes all out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/holidays/" data-vars-content-id="4c934e67-50b3-472b-acf4-c0052f82693a" data-vars-headline="Holiday lights shine across Columbus this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/holidays/" target="_blank">goes all out</a> for the holidays — from downtown bars to public attractions, everyone is capitalizing on seasonal cheer as the region <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continues to grow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/articles/post/tourismus-celebrates-the-impact-of-the-local-travel-economy-and-stars-of-the-hospitality-industry/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="4c934e67-50b3-472b-acf4-c0052f82693a" data-vars-headline="Holiday lights shine across Columbus this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/articles/post/tourismus-celebrates-the-impact-of-the-local-travel-economy-and-stars-of-the-hospitality-industry/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">continues to grow</a> into a tourism destination.

The Junto's Santa Baby joins the holiday pop-up bar craze

The Franklinton boutique hotel has two different holiday pop-ups.

Franklinton&#x27;s boutique hotel The Junto joins the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday pop-up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/12/06/holiday-pop-up-bars-ohio-christmas-2024" data-vars-content-id="c1f05823-7c64-486b-a348-dd4af4216371" data-vars-headline="The Junto&#x27;s Santa Baby joins the holiday pop-up bar craze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/12/06/holiday-pop-up-bars-ohio-christmas-2024" target="_self">holiday pop-up</a> craze this year with a pair of themed experiences for festive friends.Why it matters: Seasonal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pop-up bars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/blog/post/holiday-pop-up-bars-restaurants-in-columbus/" data-vars-content-id="c1f05823-7c64-486b-a348-dd4af4216371" data-vars-headline="The Junto&#x27;s Santa Baby joins the holiday pop-up bar craze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/blog/post/holiday-pop-up-bars-restaurants-in-columbus/" target="_blank">pop-up bars</a> are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booming" data-vars-click-url="https://retailwire.com/discussion/why-so-many-holiday-pop-up-bars" data-vars-content-id="c1f05823-7c64-486b-a348-dd4af4216371" data-vars-headline="The Junto&#x27;s Santa Baby joins the holiday pop-up bar craze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://retailwire.com/discussion/why-so-many-holiday-pop-up-bars" target="_blank">booming</a>, as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struggling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/24/us-restaurant-industry-closures-cost-cutting" data-vars-content-id="c1f05823-7c64-486b-a348-dd4af4216371" data-vars-headline="The Junto&#x27;s Santa Baby joins the holiday pop-up bar craze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/24/us-restaurant-industry-closures-cost-cutting" target="_self">struggling</a> restaurants and bars look to capitalize on Christmas revelry.

Holidays

Weekend picks: Last-minute Valentine's Day plans

Skip Valentine's Day dinner and go straight to dessert at these sweet spots

We tried Land-Grant Brewing's new "Puck-Putt" game

Poll: When do you take down your Christmas lights?

Weekend picks: Festive celebrations abound