Columbus

blue

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

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

Axios Columbus

Standard

Columbus Members

Membership

Franklin County home values keep going up

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

News

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.

Ohio's most popular baby names of 2025

Oliver and Charlotte are Ohio&#x27;s most popular baby names for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fourth year in a row" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/19/most-popular-baby-names-ohio-2024-olivia-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="b4355bf3-343f-4882-98e0-636cc6b9f9ba" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s most popular baby names of 2025" 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/most-popular-baby-names-ohio-2024-olivia-charlotte" target="_self">fourth year in a row</a>,<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" according to Social Security" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/" data-vars-content-id="b4355bf3-343f-4882-98e0-636cc6b9f9ba" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s most popular baby names of 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/" target="_blank"> according to Social Security</a> card applications submitted at birth.

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.

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.

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>

What reckless homicide means in the Jason Meade verdict

The jury's verdict reflects key legal differences around intent.

A reckless homicide verdict in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jason Meade&#x27;s retrial" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/16/jason-meade-retrial-casey-goodson-jr-jury-selection" data-vars-content-id="24e2983a-17aa-4da9-86eb-57352f446ba6" data-vars-headline="What reckless homicide means in the Jason Meade verdict" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/16/jason-meade-retrial-casey-goodson-jr-jury-selection" target="_self">Jason Meade&#x27;s retrial</a> underscores the high legal bar prosecutors face in securing murder convictions against law enforcement officers.Why it matters: Reckless homicide will bring a lesser punishment than murder when the former Franklin County deputy is sentenced this summer.

Columbus Zoo evacuates again amid nationwide trend of hoax threats

Zoos across Ohio and the country have evacuated over false threats of bombs and shooters.

Columbus Zoo visitors have had their trips interrupted twice in the last four days amid a national wave of violent threats.Catch up quick: The zoo closed for the day on May 2 when it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="received false threats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2026/05/02/columbus-zoo-evacuated-closed-as-sheriff-investigates-swatting-call/89910347007/" data-vars-content-id="4d3c2e89-ba10-47bd-9411-89ef597e4469" data-vars-headline="Columbus Zoo evacuates again amid nationwide trend of hoax threats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2026/05/02/columbus-zoo-evacuated-closed-as-sheriff-investigates-swatting-call/89910347007/" target="_blank">received false threats</a> of a bomb and an active shooter.

Murder retrial begins for Casey Goodson Jr. case

Jason Meade is getting another day in court after a 2024 mistrial.

Jury selection should start Thursday for the retrial of Jason Meade, the former Franklin County deputy charged with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="murder" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/12/02/ohio-casey-goodson-shooting-deputy-meade" data-vars-content-id="8778f793-03dd-43d9-862c-6ad9cb7e1b84" data-vars-headline="Murder retrial begins for Casey Goodson Jr. case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/12/02/ohio-casey-goodson-shooting-deputy-meade" target="_self">murder</a> in Casey Goodson Jr.&#x27;s 2020 shooting death.Why it matters: The case is among Central Ohio&#x27;s most prominent, drawing national attention during a time of civil unrest and racial reckoning.

Columbus voters could create police-free 911 options

A May 5 ballot measure would also expand crisis teams to 24/7.

When Columbus residents in crisis dial 911 in a few years, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="their options" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/25/police-alternatives-november-ballot-proposal-ohio" data-vars-content-id="8b0d4e32-8108-4c99-b966-df01b62f179c" data-vars-headline="Columbus voters could create police-free 911 options" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/25/police-alternatives-november-ballot-proposal-ohio" target="_self">their options</a> for help will look different if a ballot measure passes in May.Why it matters: The city charter amendment would establish a 24/7 program connecting some callers to resources beyond police, such as social workers and experts in mental and behavioral health.

Controversial school tradition Senior Tag is back

Police, parents and businesses hate it. Seniors love it.

Springtime at Central Ohio high schools means the return of traditions like prom, senior skip day and, surprisingly to some, students running around in their underwear with water guns.Why it matters: Depending on who you ask, &quot;Senior Tag&quot; is a beloved tradition and silly spectacle or a public nuisance and serious accident in the making. Either way, it&#x27;s likely coming to a suburban neighborhood near you this month.

Columbus women feel safer than men, survey finds

Researchers say Columbus stands out, but don't have an explanation.

Women feel less safe than men in most major cities <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="across the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/women-men-cities-safety" data-vars-content-id="44ff519f-d1f0-471f-a3b3-bce0f6a1c8ae" data-vars-headline="Columbus women feel safer than men, survey finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/women-men-cities-safety" target="_self">across the country</a> — but not in Columbus.Why it matters: We&#x27;re a glaring outlier among 27 select cities, and researchers aren&#x27;t sure why.

Ranking the safety of Columbus streets

Vision Zero leaders say lowering speeds is key to safer streets.

Columbus streets are relatively safe compared to other large cities, but still have room for improvement, a new study finds.Why it matters: Dozens are killed in local traffic crashes annually, and Columbus&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vision Zero plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/06/16/columbus-safer-streets-bicycling-2023" data-vars-content-id="3b4d8b33-f3bb-41e2-aab3-faa418b755c3" data-vars-headline="Ranking the safety of Columbus streets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/06/16/columbus-safer-streets-bicycling-2023" target="_self">Vision Zero plan</a> seeks to eliminate those deaths completely.

ABC News series recaps Tepe murder case

The Weinland Park couple's deaths have captured national attention.

The Weinland Park murders are getting more national attention, now featured on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest episode" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detpress.com/abcnews/pressrelease/impact-x-nightline-reports-on-the-double-murder-of-an-ohio-dentist-and-his-wife-streaming-feb-5-on-disney-and-hulu/" data-vars-content-id="6eac6280-6734-40ce-a491-77bf2c9773ba" data-vars-headline="ABC News series recaps Tepe murder case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detpress.com/abcnews/pressrelease/impact-x-nightline-reports-on-the-double-murder-of-an-ohio-dentist-and-his-wife-streaming-feb-5-on-disney-and-hulu/" target="_blank">latest episode</a> of the ABC News Studio series &quot;Impact x Nightline.&quot;Zoom in: The 28-minute episode recaps the circumstances surrounding the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dec. 30 killings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/07/dentist-homicide-police-investigation" data-vars-content-id="6eac6280-6734-40ce-a491-77bf2c9773ba" data-vars-headline="ABC News series recaps Tepe murder case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/07/dentist-homicide-police-investigation" target="_self">Dec. 30 killings</a> of Spencer and Monique Tepe, plus recent developments after the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="arrest" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-couple-killed-03f47d11f7d14f3a5581933b0f2a5013" data-vars-content-id="6eac6280-6734-40ce-a491-77bf2c9773ba" data-vars-headline="ABC News series recaps Tepe murder case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-couple-killed-03f47d11f7d14f3a5581933b0f2a5013" target="_blank">arrest</a> of Monique&#x27;s ex-husband, Michael McKee.

FBI investigates wave of Ohio bomb threats

Columbus and Springfield had hoaxes Monday, but no link is confirmed.

A wave of bomb threats <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hit Columbus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/bomb-threats-sent-to-dozens-of-central-ohio-locations-including-statehouse/" data-vars-content-id="a587b80c-b349-4e17-b394-ab91ddd17219" data-vars-headline="FBI investigates wave of Ohio bomb threats" 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/bomb-threats-sent-to-dozens-of-central-ohio-locations-including-statehouse/" target="_blank">hit Columbus</a> Monday morning, targeting over 30 elementary schools, the Statehouse and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, according to news reports.The big picture: The hoax messages came around the same time that suspicious packages and threats referencing Haitians shut down schools and other buildings <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in nearby Springfield" data-vars-click-url="https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/bomb-threats-suspicious-packages-in-springfield-prompt-evacuations/USM6T4IWIRCT3MG6JRGZETETDA/" data-vars-content-id="a587b80c-b349-4e17-b394-ab91ddd17219" data-vars-headline="FBI investigates wave of Ohio bomb threats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/bomb-threats-suspicious-packages-in-springfield-prompt-evacuations/USM6T4IWIRCT3MG6JRGZETETDA/" target="_blank">in nearby Springfield</a>.

Study: Ohio drivers are less distracted by phones than other Americans

Distracted driving leads to thousands of crashes in Ohio every year, but there's signs of improvement.

Buckeye State drivers spent less time on their phones than the average American in 2025, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/about-us/news/statewide/new-study-finds-ohio-below-national-average-for-distracted-driving" data-vars-content-id="462822b4-7838-47c7-af60-21f6310a0bfe" data-vars-headline="Study: Ohio drivers are less distracted by phones than other Americans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/about-us/news/statewide/new-study-finds-ohio-below-national-average-for-distracted-driving" target="_blank">a new analysis</a> from Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) shows.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Distracted driving" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/11/ohio-distracted-driving-cell-phone-dewine-law" data-vars-content-id="462822b4-7838-47c7-af60-21f6310a0bfe" data-vars-headline="Study: Ohio drivers are less distracted by phones than other Americans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/11/ohio-distracted-driving-cell-phone-dewine-law" target="_self">Distracted driving</a> leads to thousands of crashes in Ohio every year, though recent crash data shows signs of improvement.

Public Safety

What reckless homicide means in the Jason Meade verdict

Columbus Zoo evacuates again amid nationwide trend of hoax threats

Murder retrial begins for Casey Goodson Jr. case

Columbus voters could create police-free 911 options

Controversial school tradition Senior Tag is back