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Fat Arnie's a worthy competitor for Columbus' sandwich crown

A former Chapman's chef brings gourmet pedigree to pub sandwiches

Food and Drink

Columbus loves a good sandwich, and a relatively new contender is coming for the crown.Dig in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fat Arnie&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fatarnies.com/" data-vars-content-id="a20333cb-2af7-4fd8-925b-c2471bf8fcd5" data-vars-headline="Fat Arnie&#x27;s a worthy competitor for Columbus&#x27; sandwich crown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fatarnies.com/" target="_blank">Fat Arnie&#x27;s</a> opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="late last year" data-vars-click-url="https://614now.com/2025/food-drink/former-chapmans-eat-market-employee-launching-new-clintonville-sandwich-this-month" data-vars-content-id="a20333cb-2af7-4fd8-925b-c2471bf8fcd5" data-vars-headline="Fat Arnie&#x27;s a worthy competitor for Columbus&#x27; sandwich crown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://614now.com/2025/food-drink/former-chapmans-eat-market-employee-launching-new-clintonville-sandwich-this-month" target="_blank">late last year</a> in a humble window inside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rafter&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/raftersbeerpub/" data-vars-content-id="a20333cb-2af7-4fd8-925b-c2471bf8fcd5" data-vars-headline="Fat Arnie&#x27;s a worthy competitor for Columbus&#x27; sandwich crown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/raftersbeerpub/" target="_blank">Rafter&#x27;s</a> pub in Clintonville, but the kitchen has some pedigree.<ul><li>One of its founders, Christopher Beardman, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="was a chef" data-vars-click-url="https://columbusunderground.com/restaurant-review-sandwiches-and-more-at-fat-arnies-ma1/" data-vars-content-id="a20333cb-2af7-4fd8-925b-c2471bf8fcd5" data-vars-headline="Fat Arnie&#x27;s a worthy competitor for Columbus&#x27; sandwich crown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://columbusunderground.com/restaurant-review-sandwiches-and-more-at-fat-arnies-ma1/" target="_blank">was a chef</a> at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dearly departed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/10/06/chapmans-metsis-bj-lieberman-restaurant-ohio" data-vars-content-id="a20333cb-2af7-4fd8-925b-c2471bf8fcd5" data-vars-headline="Fat Arnie&#x27;s a worthy competitor for Columbus&#x27; sandwich crown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/10/06/chapmans-metsis-bj-lieberman-restaurant-ohio" target="_self">dearly departed</a> Chapman&#x27;s Eat Market.</li></ul>

Columbus part of Black-owned bookstore boom

Megan Turner says there's a right book for everyone and is opening a bookstore to help people find it.

Business

Megan Turner believes &quot;there&#x27;s a right book out there for everyone&quot; — she&#x27;s soon opening a local bookstore to help people find it.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rooted Books" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rootedbooksco.com/" data-vars-content-id="418ee5f5-41de-4ca5-a51b-337c776906e5" data-vars-headline="Columbus part of Black-owned bookstore boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rootedbooksco.com/" target="_blank">Rooted Books</a> joins a growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="number of Black-owned bookstores" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/07/black-owned-bookstores-survival" data-vars-content-id="418ee5f5-41de-4ca5-a51b-337c776906e5" data-vars-headline="Columbus part of Black-owned bookstore boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/07/black-owned-bookstores-survival" target="_self">number of Black-owned bookstores</a> nationwide.

Why Ohio banned the smelly, ubiquitous Bradford pear

Even after a ban, these pungent invasive trees are hard to stop.

News

The days are heating up, the sun is out longer and the smells of spring are in the air. Or is that just the smell of a Bradford pear tree?Why it matters: The tree is a troublesome invasive species, but it&#x27;s also one of the most noticeable plants in Central Ohio — among the first trees to bloom each spring and arguably the smelliest.

Save The Crew inspires national bill to keep teams local

Lawmakers want communities to get first shot at keeping their franchises.

The movement that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="saved the Columbus Crew" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2018/12/28/save-crew-timeline-columbus-efforts/6437639007/" data-vars-content-id="7a06f254-015a-47a2-95f4-7a60cad121a3" data-vars-headline="Save The Crew inspires national bill to keep teams local" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2018/12/28/save-crew-timeline-columbus-efforts/6437639007/" target="_blank">saved the Columbus Crew</a> has inspired national legislation to help other cities do the same.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Home Team Act" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/01/casar-sanders-bill-sports-team-relocation-spurs" data-vars-content-id="7a06f254-015a-47a2-95f4-7a60cad121a3" data-vars-headline="Save The Crew inspires national bill to keep teams local" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/01/casar-sanders-bill-sports-team-relocation-spurs" target="_self">Home Team Act</a>, newly introduced in the U.S. House, would require owners of professional sports teams to give their community a chance to buy the team before relocating — a move inspired by Save The Crew and an Ohio law.

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 business leaders warn: Adopt AI or fall behind

AI's economic impact was the focus of the ED411 conference in Columbus.

Amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="global artificial intelligence race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/05/ai-agent-box-ceo-aaron-levie" data-vars-content-id="3802999e-658f-435b-9b00-0f2922416b2a" data-vars-headline="Ohio business leaders warn: Adopt AI or fall behind" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/05/ai-agent-box-ceo-aaron-levie" target="_self">global artificial intelligence race</a>, Columbus investors and business leaders are urging each other to go all-in on AI before it&#x27;s too late.Why it matters: AI is reshaping Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/08/ohio-schools-require-ai-policy-artificial-intelligence" data-vars-content-id="3802999e-658f-435b-9b00-0f2922416b2a" data-vars-headline="Ohio business leaders warn: Adopt AI or fall behind" 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">public schools</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="universities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/10/21/ohio-state-university-ai-artificial-intelligence-plan" data-vars-content-id="3802999e-658f-435b-9b00-0f2922416b2a" data-vars-headline="Ohio business leaders warn: Adopt AI or fall behind" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/10/21/ohio-state-university-ai-artificial-intelligence-plan" target="_self">universities</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="law enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/24/ai-crime-ransomware-deepfakes" data-vars-content-id="3802999e-658f-435b-9b00-0f2922416b2a" data-vars-headline="Ohio business leaders warn: Adopt AI or fall behind" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/24/ai-crime-ransomware-deepfakes" target="_self">law enforcement</a> and more, and Central Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="business community" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/20/startup-funding" data-vars-content-id="3802999e-658f-435b-9b00-0f2922416b2a" data-vars-headline="Ohio business leaders warn: Adopt AI or fall behind" 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">business community</a> is likewise putting AI at the forefront of its plans.

Ginther's 2026 budget proposes hiring for police and fire

The $1.26B proposal also expands community safety programs and utility infrastructure.

Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Andrew Ginther" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/11/21/mayor-ginther-council-president-hardin-elections-ballot" data-vars-content-id="9b08aa7e-87ae-4f5b-af75-44006ec8fe14" data-vars-headline="Ginther&#x27;s 2026 budget proposes hiring for police and fire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/11/21/mayor-ginther-council-president-hardin-elections-ballot" target="_self">Andrew Ginther</a> is again pushing to bolster the ranks of Columbus police and firefighters, requesting funding for 120 new officers and 45 new firefighters in his proposed 2026 budget.Why it matters: Public safety remains the city&#x27;s biggest use of taxpayer dollars, and Ginther&#x27;s $1.26 billion proposal signals where he believes staffing gaps and political pressure are most urgent.

How to claim unclaimed funds before they go to the Browns

Unclaimed funds could be yours — or may pay for a new Cleveland Browns stadium.

You&#x27;ve probably heard a lot about Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unclaimed funds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/02/21/how-to-check-state-owes-you-money-reclaimed" data-vars-content-id="716264f1-017a-4b03-bdf3-1396442e8049" data-vars-headline="How to claim unclaimed funds before they go to the Browns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/02/21/how-to-check-state-owes-you-money-reclaimed" target="_self">unclaimed funds</a> lately — here&#x27;s a refresher on what they are and how to claim yours before it&#x27;s too late.Why it matters: Attention is on unclaimed funds after Gov. Mike DeWine signed a new state budget last week setting aside $1.7 billion for a &quot;Cultural and Sports Facility Fund,&quot; including $600 million for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Browns stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/07/01/dewine-ohio-budget-browns-stadium-funding-deal" data-vars-content-id="716264f1-017a-4b03-bdf3-1396442e8049" data-vars-headline="How to claim unclaimed funds before they go to the Browns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/07/01/dewine-ohio-budget-browns-stadium-funding-deal" target="_self">new Browns stadium</a>.

Inside Ohio's $60 billion state budget

The two-year budget features tax cuts for wealthy earners and Browns stadium funding.

Gov. Mike DeWine backed a tax cut for wealthy earners and sports stadium funding — while nixing his party&#x27;s attempt to reform <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school property taxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/30/ohio-tax-levies-election-2025" data-vars-content-id="47dc0b95-807d-4d76-a16e-d4835eae140c" data-vars-headline="Inside Ohio&#x27;s $60 billion state budget" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/30/ohio-tax-levies-election-2025" target="_self">school property taxes</a> — with the signing of a new two-year state budget this week.Zoom in: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="budget bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb96" data-vars-content-id="47dc0b95-807d-4d76-a16e-d4835eae140c" data-vars-headline="Inside Ohio&#x27;s $60 billion state budget" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb96" target="_blank">budget bill</a> passed with Republican supermajorities and no Democratic support.

Ohio group pushes to abolish property taxes

Organizers want the constitutional amendment on the 2025 ballot.

A group of Ohioans is seeking a statewide vote this November to eliminate property taxes statewide.Why it matters: Abolishing the tax would slash billions in funding for a variety of public services, including schools, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heavily rely" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/30/ohio-tax-levies-election-2025" data-vars-content-id="efc312ca-ffd2-406a-bc2c-488f87755933" data-vars-headline="Ohio group pushes to abolish property taxes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/30/ohio-tax-levies-election-2025" target="_self">heavily rely</a> on property tax levies.

Libraries urge Ohio to preserve dedicated funding

Libraries stand to lose $100 million over the next two years.

Ohio libraries are banding together in hopes of maintaining dedicated state funding House Republicans propose to eliminate.Why it matters: Libraries stand to lose $100 million in funding over the next two years, a figure the Ohio Library Council <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="says" data-vars-click-url="https://members.olc.org/news/Details/ohio-house-budget-reduces-public-library-funding-by-100-million-259735" data-vars-content-id="a1496556-08a4-4d44-a607-b86451b63242" data-vars-headline="Libraries urge Ohio to preserve dedicated funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://members.olc.org/news/Details/ohio-house-budget-reduces-public-library-funding-by-100-million-259735" target="_blank">says</a> &quot;could jeopardize the vital services that our communities rely on.&quot;

Scoop: New Rev1-backed angel fund launches in Columbus

Columbus software startups have a new local angel investment fund to woo.

Columbus software startups have a new local angel investment fund to woo.Why it matters: 71/70 Angels publicly launches Wednesday as a new funding source for startups in Central Ohio and beyond as Columbus works toward becoming a regional <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tech hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eda.gov/news/press-release/2023/10/23/Sustainable-Polymers-Tech-Hub" data-vars-content-id="7983f068-935c-4a7a-8d5e-338f95ef831a" data-vars-headline="Scoop: New Rev1-backed angel fund launches in Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eda.gov/news/press-release/2023/10/23/Sustainable-Polymers-Tech-Hub" target="_blank">tech hub</a>.

Ohio is fighting a shortage of accountants

The state is making it easier to become a CPA.

Ohio has started a national trend as the first state to make it easier to become a certified public accountant.Why it matters: The country faces a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crisis-level shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cpajournal.com/2023/12/01/the-accounting-profession-is-in-crisis/" data-vars-content-id="37893b7a-9cc5-4f63-b59f-30712e91692a" data-vars-headline="Ohio is fighting a shortage of accountants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cpajournal.com/2023/12/01/the-accounting-profession-is-in-crisis/" target="_blank">crisis-level shortage</a> of accountants, with the vast majority of the CPA workforce at or near retirement age and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="declining number of young accountants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2024/sep/how-academia-is-tackling-the-accounting-talent-shortage.html" data-vars-content-id="37893b7a-9cc5-4f63-b59f-30712e91692a" data-vars-headline="Ohio is fighting a shortage of accountants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2024/sep/how-academia-is-tackling-the-accounting-talent-shortage.html" target="_blank">declining number of young accountants</a> replacing them.

Adelphi offers "mission-driven" banking in King-Lincoln Bronzeville

It launched in 2023 as the only active Black-owned bank in Ohio.

Adelphi Bank launched in 2023 as the only active Black-owned bank in Ohio, headquartered at 800 E. Long St. in the heart of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="King-Lincoln Bronzeville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/18/bronzeville-ohio-black-history-month" data-vars-content-id="52de6526-f3f6-4e51-af32-1ca23afa6abb" data-vars-headline="Adelphi offers &quot;mission-driven&quot; banking in King-Lincoln Bronzeville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/18/bronzeville-ohio-black-history-month" target="_self">King-Lincoln Bronzeville</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The bank" data-vars-click-url="https://www.adelphibank.com/" data-vars-content-id="52de6526-f3f6-4e51-af32-1ca23afa6abb" data-vars-headline="Adelphi offers &quot;mission-driven&quot; banking in King-Lincoln Bronzeville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.adelphibank.com/" target="_blank">The bank</a> is a symbol of financial independence, a &quot;mission-driven&quot; organization aiming to close financial gaps not just for the Black community, but for all underserved people, co-founder and Franklin County Commissioner Kevin Boyce tells us.<ul><li>Both its name and location honor Adelphi Loan &amp; Savings Co., Columbus&#x27; first Black-owned bank formed just down the street in 1921.</li></ul>

🧾 What to know this tax season

What to know about 2026 tax changes

Axios Cleveland

Ohio workers set for New Year's pay bump as minimum wage rises to $11

Cleveland

A map showing U.S. states that are expected to raise the minimum wage in 2026. As of December 2025, 22 states will raise wages. Hawai'i will have the biggest increase, from $14 to $16 an hour. By the end of next year, 13 states will have wages of at least $15 an hour.

Money

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

What to know about 2026 tax changes

Ohio workers set for New Year's pay bump as minimum wage rises to $11

Report: Ohio is a hotspot in dollar store overcharging scandal

Ohio business leaders warn: Adopt AI or fall behind