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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.

Ohio suspends gas tax for 90 days

Drivers should expect savings to start this weekend.

Gov. Mike DeWine on Thursday approved a three-month suspension of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state gas tax" data-vars-click-url="https://tax.ohio.gov/business/motor-fuel-tax" data-vars-content-id="39c4ef05-9db6-4428-8918-4e739583e6f3" data-vars-headline="Ohio suspends gas tax for 90 days" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tax.ohio.gov/business/motor-fuel-tax" target="_blank">state gas tax</a>.Why it matters: Ohio gas prices <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="remain high" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/04/columbus-gas-prices-are-climbing-again" data-vars-content-id="39c4ef05-9db6-4428-8918-4e739583e6f3" data-vars-headline="Ohio suspends gas tax for 90 days" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/04/columbus-gas-prices-are-climbing-again" target="_self">remain high</a>, but the tax holiday gives relief of 38.5 cents per gallon of gas and 47 cents for diesel.

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.

Buying a Columbus home keeps getting pricier

Things aren't getting any easier for homebuyers with mortgage rates spiking to their highest level in nearly three years.

Real Estate

More Columbus homes are on the market, but it keeps getting harder to afford one. Why it matters: Things aren&#x27;t getting any easier for homebuyers with mortgage rates spiking to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="their highest level" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/mortgage-rates-housing-sales" data-vars-content-id="97f76549-f7c4-4b4c-8934-83d4a08c7b9d" data-vars-headline="Buying a Columbus home keeps getting pricier" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/mortgage-rates-housing-sales" target="_self">their highest level</a> in nearly three years.

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.

Why Ginther wants to increase Columbus' rainy day fund

The mayor aims for $140 million in the fund by 2032. Here's what the fund is for.

Amid broad <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economic uncertainty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/16/diesel-export-ban-problem-gas-prices" data-vars-content-id="209d8461-900f-45db-875f-d8bd55eb15e1" data-vars-headline="Why Ginther wants to increase Columbus&#x27; rainy day fund" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/16/diesel-export-ban-problem-gas-prices" target="_self">economic uncertainty</a>, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther wants to save tens of millions more for the city&#x27;s rainy day fund.Why it matters: In good times, a rainy day fund may seem like a large pool of unused funds — but without it, city services and essential operations are at risk and Columbus has less financial leverage.

Beam Benefits founder's new startup draws $21M seed funding

Stack Health aims to change the way employers offer health insurance.

Beam Benefits co-founder Alex Frommeyer is back with a new Columbus <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="startup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/20/startup-funding" data-vars-content-id="cb19d852-a214-4b23-acf4-f7b8224b8b9c" data-vars-headline="Beam Benefits founder&#x27;s new startup draws $21M seed funding" 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">startup</a> that just secured $21 million to rethink how employers provide health insurance.Why it matters: Frommeyer sees the impressive seed funding round as part of a rising tide for Columbus startups.

Bathrooms and bike paths: Ideas for Columbus' first participatory budget

Over 600 submissions included suggestions for streets, parks and families.

Public bathrooms, bike paths and trails and are among the million-dollar suggestions of Columbus&#x27; first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="participatory budget program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/06/city-council-participatory-budget-9-million" data-vars-content-id="783800dc-95f6-48db-9992-cdb9efa36e24" data-vars-headline="Bathrooms and bike paths: Ideas for Columbus&#x27; first participatory budget" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/06/city-council-participatory-budget-9-million" target="_self">participatory budget program</a>.Why it matters: &quot;Our Voice, Our Choice Budget&quot; lets residents choose how funds are allocated, and its success will determine whether Columbus gives them more say in the future.

Columbus ranks No. 24 on Indeed's "Best Cities for Work" list

Rather than focusing on businesses, Indeed's new list ranks cities based on employee prospects.

Columbus ranks among the top 25 cities in the country for work in a new report from job website Indeed.Why it matters: The new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Cities for Work" data-vars-click-url="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.indeed.com/bestcities__;!!Al82Z4c!zdFqg2o0kibZmGN6jY9bXxW7PEYZddoJ9po_6w04RwHRolPICAF5Kh9kY23syjDQC9erDg1z2uEZ1HKRyU88f8ZeAy8VLTg$" data-vars-content-id="8843a092-20cb-4ece-b89f-1c3a93115972" data-vars-headline="Columbus ranks No. 24 on Indeed&#x27;s &quot;Best Cities for Work&quot; list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.indeed.com/bestcities__;!!Al82Z4c!zdFqg2o0kibZmGN6jY9bXxW7PEYZddoJ9po_6w04RwHRolPICAF5Kh9kY23syjDQC9erDg1z2uEZ1HKRyU88f8ZeAy8VLTg$" target="_blank">Best Cities for Work</a> rankings aim to flip the script on lists that prioritize businesses — instead gauging whether a city is a good place to be an employee.

Columbus eyes revolving loan fund to boost housing

Program would aim to close the gaps for mixed-income housing projects.

Columbus leaders want to create a self-replenishing pool of funds to spur more housing development.Why it matters: Central Ohio faces a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/19/ohio-affordable-housing-gap-cost" data-vars-content-id="79503734-32fb-4807-837b-0e9563498c47" data-vars-headline="Columbus eyes revolving loan fund to boost housing" 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/ohio-affordable-housing-gap-cost" target="_self">housing crisis</a> and needs to build new units fast and strategically.

Columbus State proposes free tuition tax levy

The plan would cover costs for all new grads in Franklin County.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Columbus State Community College" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/09/25/columbus-state-ymca-child-care-vote" data-vars-content-id="949efa90-fa7e-4617-be5d-1f08cb672fc1" data-vars-headline="Columbus State proposes free tuition tax levy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/09/25/columbus-state-ymca-child-care-vote" target="_self">Columbus State Community College</a> plans to put a property tax levy before November voters to fund a free tuition program for all new high school graduates who live in Franklin County.Why it matters: College president David Harrison says this plan to expand free tuition would strengthen our local workforce by connecting more people with good-paying jobs.<ul><li>If approved, it would also offer discounted tuition to all other Franklin County residents —$1,000 less per academic year for a full-time student with 30 credit hours, per a news release.</li></ul>State of play: Columbus State has offered free tuition to all Columbus City Schools graduates since 2022 through its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Columbus Promise program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/06/13/columbus-promise-program-extended-ohio" data-vars-content-id="949efa90-fa7e-4617-be5d-1f08cb672fc1" data-vars-headline="Columbus State proposes free tuition tax levy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/06/13/columbus-promise-program-extended-ohio" target="_self">Columbus Promise program</a>.<ul><li>The college reports 80% of its graduates stay and work in Central Ohio.</li></ul>Follow the money: The proposal would cost all Franklin County homeowners $67 for every $100,000 of home value, per unofficial estimates.<ul><li>It would generate $95 million annually.</li></ul>The big picture: The request is a first for the college, made possible by a 2025 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="change in state law" data-vars-click-url="https://ccao.org/aws/CCAO/pt/sd/news_article/584740/_PARENT/layout_details/false" data-vars-content-id="949efa90-fa7e-4617-be5d-1f08cb672fc1" data-vars-headline="Columbus State proposes free tuition tax levy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ccao.org/aws/CCAO/pt/sd/news_article/584740/_PARENT/layout_details/false" target="_blank">change in state law</a> included in the biennial budget.<ul><li>In 2020, voters approved the college&#x27;s first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bond issue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2026/06/30/how-columbus-state-is-spending-its-300-million-bond-funds-on-redeveloping-campus/90591681007/" data-vars-content-id="949efa90-fa7e-4617-be5d-1f08cb672fc1" data-vars-headline="Columbus State proposes free tuition tax levy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2026/06/30/how-columbus-state-is-spending-its-300-million-bond-funds-on-redeveloping-campus/90591681007/" target="_blank">bond issue</a> to support ongoing capital improvements on campus.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Aug. 5 is the deadline to place the tax issue on the Nov. 3 ballot.<ul><li>If passed, the new tuition rates would take effect in fall 2027.</li></ul>

How to shop for a cheaper electricity supplier in Ohio

Switching could trim your monthly electric bill by a few bucks.

It&#x27;s the hottest time of the year and air conditioners are working overtime. I recently shopped around for a cheaper <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electricity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/11/ohio-electricity-prices-data-center-rules" data-vars-content-id="55ecdb3a-e2fb-4b01-bd51-93fe8f841c20" data-vars-headline="How to shop for a cheaper electricity supplier in Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/11/ohio-electricity-prices-data-center-rules" target="_self">electricity</a> supplier for the first time and here&#x27;s how others can do the same.Why it matters: You could save a handful of dollars monthly — which adds up as electricity prices keep <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surging" data-vars-click-url="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/05/01/ohios-electric-bills-are-high-and-so-are-utility-ceo-salaries/" data-vars-content-id="55ecdb3a-e2fb-4b01-bd51-93fe8f841c20" data-vars-headline="How to shop for a cheaper electricity supplier in Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/05/01/ohios-electric-bills-are-high-and-so-are-utility-ceo-salaries/" target="_blank">surging</a>.

New Columbus program lets residents decide the budget

Residents can submit community ideas for $9 million in city funding.

Columbus begins a financial experiment this week, handing over the keys to a portion of the city&#x27;s budget to the public for the first time.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s inaugural participatory budget represents a small fraction of its overall budget — but it&#x27;s meant to give residents a direct say in community investment.

A line chart that compares monthly average regular unleaded gas prices in Columbus and nationally from October 2025 to September 2026. Columbus ranges from $2.76 in December 2025 to $4.69 in May 2026. National prices range from $2.82 in January 2026 to $4.48 in May. Both rise sharply in spring.