Columbus

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Columbus with Alissa Widman Neese and Andrew King.

Axios Columbus

Standard

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

Axios Columbus Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios Columbus Partners

Columbus Alerts

Alert

Columbus Members

Membership

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

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

News

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.

Amy Acton incident spotlights threats public officials, candidates face

Hostility is changing how local leaders engage with civic life.

The recent confrontation involving an armed man and governor candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amy Acton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/01/07/amy-acton-ohio-governor-run-campaign" data-vars-content-id="3c2a1f63-d840-4cde-8532-5f40c9edc63c" data-vars-headline="Amy Acton incident spotlights threats public officials, candidates face" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/01/07/amy-acton-ohio-governor-run-campaign" target="_self">Amy Acton</a> at a campaign stop illustrates a broader climate of threats and harassment facing public officials nationwide.Why it matters: Physical violence is much less common, but research suggests concerns about hostility are having a chilling effect on how elected officials interact with the public.

Columbus schools see improvement in 2026 state report card 

Other Franklin County districts did well, too. Here's how to search for your rating.

Education

Columbus students are performing better in core subjects and graduating at a record-high rate, but the district is still not meeting the overall state standard.Why it matters: The annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state report card" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/09/15/ohio-school-report-cards-2025-district" data-vars-content-id="12d6b00e-cb4c-492b-bd58-23b7339d8107" data-vars-headline="Columbus schools see improvement in 2026 state report card " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/09/15/ohio-school-report-cards-2025-district" target="_self">state report card</a>, released Tuesday, offers another mixed bag for Ohio&#x27;s biggest school district.

Armadillos may be arriving in Ohio for the first time

The  mammals have been here before, but as hitchhikers rather than residents.

Researchers in southwest Ohio believe the state may have a new resident. Driving the news: A research team at Miami University has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="found" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wlwt.com/article/miami-university-ohio-first-naturally-occurring-armadillo/73657483" data-vars-content-id="7ccf1f87-e505-4443-abec-1b7f9053746c" data-vars-headline="Armadillos may be arriving in Ohio for the first time" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wlwt.com/article/miami-university-ohio-first-naturally-occurring-armadillo/73657483" target="_blank">found</a> what is possibly the first naturally occurring armadillo in the state.

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.

Hardin, Wyche propose new Columbus data center guardrails

Proposed changes affect environmental protection, water use and decommissioning plans.

Columbus leaders are proposing a set of new guardrails on future data center projects.Why it matters: Data centers are critical to AI infrastructure — they&#x27;re also facing major public backlash <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="locally" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/09/02/data-center-fight-could-change-the-future-of-grove-city" data-vars-content-id="0f2add0c-f215-47bd-8a77-293c19528225" data-vars-headline="Hardin, Wyche propose new Columbus data center guardrails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/09/02/data-center-fight-could-change-the-future-of-grove-city" target="_self">locally</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="statewide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/02/data-center-opposition-ohio-dewine-tax-breaks" data-vars-content-id="0f2add0c-f215-47bd-8a77-293c19528225" data-vars-headline="Hardin, Wyche propose new Columbus data center guardrails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/02/data-center-opposition-ohio-dewine-tax-breaks" target="_self">statewide</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationally" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/gop-data-center-memo-ai-election" data-vars-content-id="0f2add0c-f215-47bd-8a77-293c19528225" data-vars-headline="Hardin, Wyche propose new Columbus data center guardrails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/gop-data-center-memo-ai-election" target="_self">nationally</a>.

Worthington clashes over proposed redevelopment

Some residents say leaders aren't listening; leaders say neighbors' concerns don't outweigh broader goals.

Worthington leaders and residents are at odds over a redevelopment project that meets big-picture city goals but makes neighbors feel unheard.Why it matters: The clash is part of a Central Ohio theme of communities grappling with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continued regional growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/30/columbus-keeps-growing-at-a-rapid-pace" data-vars-content-id="99ae4969-0dd6-4083-a7bf-96e4919125dc" data-vars-headline="Worthington clashes over proposed redevelopment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/30/columbus-keeps-growing-at-a-rapid-pace" target="_self">continued regional growth</a>.

Ohio made it harder to challenge local decisions with a referendum

Residents now need far more signatures, but some communities are pushing to change that.

Worthington residents collecting signatures for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a development-related referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/09/10/worthington-clashes-over-proposed-redevelopment" data-vars-content-id="8583621a-fa3a-4585-84a2-9e941b6af106" data-vars-headline="Ohio made it harder to challenge local decisions with a referendum" 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/worthington-clashes-over-proposed-redevelopment" target="_self">a development-related referendum</a> face a much higher bar than they would have this time last year.Why it matters: Ohio&#x27;s latest state budget more than tripled the signatures required for local referendum petitions to reach the ballot — from 10% to 35% of the number of voters in the last gubernatorial election.

Ginther pauses Columbus' Flock use after more misuse

After multiple attempts to establish guardrails, the Columbus mayor announced a full Flock pause.

Public mistrust of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/flock-cameras-data-centers-ai-midterms-2026-tech" data-vars-content-id="bf1cab8e-69fe-4b55-9be5-4c4077fa3d06" data-vars-headline="Ginther pauses Columbus&#x27; Flock use after more misuse" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/flock-cameras-data-centers-ai-midterms-2026-tech" target="_self">Flock</a> cameras now includes Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, who has paused the city&#x27;s use of the AI-powered license plate reading network after yet another example of &quot;abuse&quot; of its technology.Why it matters: Ginther has praised Flock&#x27;s utility and tried to restrict rather than remove the use of the technology that residents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="loudly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/11/flock-camera-hearing-ohio-contract" data-vars-content-id="bf1cab8e-69fe-4b55-9be5-4c4077fa3d06" data-vars-headline="Ginther pauses Columbus&#x27; Flock use after more misuse" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/11/flock-camera-hearing-ohio-contract" target="_self">loudly</a> oppose.

Data center fight could change the future of Grove City

A proposed charter amendment would give residents say over major development projects.

Grove City residents and leaders are clashing over a proposed charter amendment that one side says would protect the city and the other says would destroy its economic prospects.Why it matters: The conflict is a microcosm of nationwide pushback against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unpopular" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/gop-data-center-memo-ai-election" data-vars-content-id="b6306326-a8eb-46e3-9664-09a669c1aac5" data-vars-headline="Data center fight could change the future of Grove City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/gop-data-center-memo-ai-election" target="_self">unpopular</a> data centers and one of the most extreme local attempts to stop them.

Two visions for Columbus council could clash in November

Although two conflicting issues can pass, only one can prevail.

Efforts to reform Columbus City Council&#x27;s election system could soon get more complicated, with two dueling ballot items looking increasingly likely in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="November" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/11/ballot-issues-2026-bexley-upper-arlington-south-western-levy" data-vars-content-id="c2f24cb4-e4a3-4a5d-9152-fb72943d5713" data-vars-headline="Two visions for Columbus council could clash in November" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/11/ballot-issues-2026-bexley-upper-arlington-south-western-levy" target="_self">November</a>.Why it matters: The situation could muddy a grassroots effort to overhaul how council is elected — and potentially trigger a legal battle if voters approve conflicting proposals.

What's on the Nov. 3 ballot in Central Ohio

Voters will decide school levies, bond issues, income tax and more.

Election

Races of national importance are already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heating up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/29/ohio-political-ads-brown-husted-acton-ramaswamy-2026" data-vars-content-id="da6a3416-c400-4998-a815-77d8846e95f1" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s on the Nov. 3 ballot in Central Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/29/ohio-political-ads-brown-husted-acton-ramaswamy-2026" target="_self">heating up</a> in Ohio, but several local issues are also worth watching as the Nov. 3 general election approaches.Reminder: The deadline to register to vote <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is Oct. 5" data-vars-click-url="https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/" data-vars-content-id="da6a3416-c400-4998-a815-77d8846e95f1" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s on the Nov. 3 ballot in Central Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/" target="_blank">is Oct. 5</a>, and you can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="view your sample ballot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ohiosos.gov/directories/sample-ballot" data-vars-content-id="da6a3416-c400-4998-a815-77d8846e95f1" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s on the Nov. 3 ballot in Central Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ohiosos.gov/directories/sample-ballot" target="_blank">view your sample ballot</a> now.

Columbus voters could change how they elect City Council

Organizers and City Council are still working out the Nov. 3 ballot language.

Columbus voters will soon get another say on how City Council members are elected, but what exactly they&#x27;ll vote on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in November" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/29/ohio-political-ads-brown-husted-acton-ramaswamy-2026" data-vars-content-id="e7f684d5-806a-4b3f-af36-9bcb13d673f7" data-vars-headline="Columbus voters could change how they elect City Council" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/29/ohio-political-ads-brown-husted-acton-ramaswamy-2026" target="_self">in November</a> is still in flux.Why it matters: Efforts to shift Columbus to ward-style elections have been a source of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/mayor-ginther-city-leaders-announce-review-city-council-structure/530-1082959b-d0cb-4904-a205-9160dae77e25" data-vars-content-id="e7f684d5-806a-4b3f-af36-9bcb13d673f7" data-vars-headline="Columbus voters could change how they elect City Council" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/mayor-ginther-city-leaders-announce-review-city-council-structure/530-1082959b-d0cb-4904-a205-9160dae77e25" target="_blank">debate</a> for decades.

A bar chart that shows the share of local elected officials less willing to do activities because of hostility concerns in Q1 2026. Social media ranks highest at 64%, followed by controversial topics at 47%. Going out in public when not working is lowest at 36%, with all activities ranging from 36% to 64%.

Politics 🇺🇸

Why Ginther wants to increase Columbus' rainy day fund

Hardin, Wyche propose new Columbus data center guardrails

Amy Acton incident spotlights threats public officials, candidates face

Worthington clashes over proposed redevelopment

Ohio made it harder to challenge local decisions with a referendum