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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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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.

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.

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.

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>

Local office space holds steady as U.S. vacancies rise

National rates hit a record high, but Columbus bucked the trend.

Office vacancy rates nationwide hit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a record high" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/02/office-vacancies-moodys-real-estate" data-vars-content-id="99dcb2c7-a2e8-4537-a1fa-8d2dc85cab76" data-vars-headline="Local office space holds steady as U.S. vacancies rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/02/office-vacancies-moodys-real-estate" target="_self">a record high</a> in the first three months of the year — but not in Columbus.Why it matters: At a time when many companies <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="don&#x27;t need" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/16/work-from-home-offices-remote-work-census" data-vars-content-id="99dcb2c7-a2e8-4537-a1fa-8d2dc85cab76" data-vars-headline="Local office space holds steady as U.S. vacancies rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/16/work-from-home-offices-remote-work-census" target="_self">don&#x27;t need</a> as much office space, the local market appears to be holding steady.

Central Ohio home sales shift to the suburbs

Sales dropped in Franklin County last month while surrounding areas saw steady growth.

The Central Ohio <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/19/why-more-central-ohio-home-sales-are-falling-apart" data-vars-content-id="870e4a6b-0949-4994-82a7-27f8e4e462bc" data-vars-headline="Central Ohio home sales shift to the suburbs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/19/why-more-central-ohio-home-sales-are-falling-apart" target="_self">housing market</a> is shifting away from the city, with sales moving to the suburbs as prices continue to increase.Why it matters: After a harsh winter, the spring housing market is heating up.<ul><li>The market&#x27;s adjusting to pent-up demand and the reality of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high interest rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/fed-powell-interest-rate" data-vars-content-id="870e4a6b-0949-4994-82a7-27f8e4e462bc" data-vars-headline="Central Ohio home sales shift to the suburbs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/fed-powell-interest-rate" target="_self">high interest rates</a> and low inventory.</li></ul>

The latest on "Rambling House South" and City Winery

Here's where the two delayed South side projects stand now.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Great Southern Metro Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/02/great-southern-metro-park-soft-opening" data-vars-content-id="eee973ce-da5a-41a4-94e8-e52f748206aa" data-vars-headline="The latest on &quot;Rambling House South&quot; and City Winery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/02/great-southern-metro-park-soft-opening" target="_self">Great Southern Metro Park</a> is just one example of renewed interest in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Side redevelopment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/10/17/south-side-projects-to-watch.html" data-vars-content-id="eee973ce-da5a-41a4-94e8-e52f748206aa" data-vars-headline="The latest on &quot;Rambling House South&quot; and City Winery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/10/17/south-side-projects-to-watch.html" target="_blank">South Side redevelopment</a>.The latest: An entertainment venue, tentatively called &quot;Rambling House South,&quot; is preparing to break ground this summer following a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2022 announcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/business/2022/03/02/rambling-house-south-entertainment-complex-planned-south-side/6976634001/" data-vars-content-id="eee973ce-da5a-41a4-94e8-e52f748206aa" data-vars-headline="The latest on &quot;Rambling House South&quot; and City Winery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/business/2022/03/02/rambling-house-south-entertainment-complex-planned-south-side/6976634001/" target="_blank">2022 announcement</a>, John Lynch tells Axios in an email.

Les Wexner's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, explained

Wexner is set to testify as pressure mounts over the Epstein files.

Politics & Policy

Embattled billionaire Les Wexner is scheduled to testify Wednesday about his association with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jeffrey Epstein" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/epstein-files" data-vars-content-id="e56841ff-1263-428f-853c-f33094fc48c6" data-vars-headline="Les Wexner&#x27;s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, explained" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/epstein-files" target="_self">Jeffrey Epstein</a> as public pressure mounts on the L Brands founder and his many Columbus connections.Why it matters: Wexner permanently shaped Central Ohio. He&#x27;s Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="richest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/05/03/les-wexner-richest-ohio-billionaire-forbes-list" data-vars-content-id="e56841ff-1263-428f-853c-f33094fc48c6" data-vars-headline="Les Wexner&#x27;s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, explained" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/05/03/les-wexner-richest-ohio-billionaire-forbes-list" target="_self">richest</a> person and an international business titan whose influence extends well beyond our state.

Lake Erie private island hits the market for $5 million

Mouse Island once served as the "Summer White House" for President Hayes.

The Mar-a-Lago of the late 1800s was on Lake Erie — and if you&#x27;ve got a spare $5 million lying around, it could be yours.The intrigue: Mouse Island was once the &quot;Summer White House&quot; of Ohio-born President Rutherford B. Hayes, per a Lake Erie Shores and Islands <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blog post" data-vars-click-url="https://www.shoresandislands.com/blog/post/the-summer-white-house-rb-hayes-connection-to-shores-islands-ohio/" data-vars-content-id="5f7dc626-9fe5-4278-84d8-776147a3100a" data-vars-headline="Lake Erie private island hits the market for $5 million" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.shoresandislands.com/blog/post/the-summer-white-house-rb-hayes-connection-to-shores-islands-ohio/" target="_blank">blog post</a>.

Why more Central Ohio home sales are falling apart

Central Ohio homebuyers are walking away from more contracts amid shifting market dynamics.

More <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homebuying" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/04/homebuyer-age-first-time" data-vars-content-id="392ad6f1-d5a1-4146-a4f6-f74d32fc069b" data-vars-headline="Why more Central Ohio home sales are falling apart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/04/homebuyer-age-first-time" target="_self">homebuying</a> contracts in Central Ohio and beyond are being canceled, according to a new Redfin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/contract-cancellations-september-2025/" data-vars-content-id="392ad6f1-d5a1-4146-a4f6-f74d32fc069b" data-vars-headline="Why more Central Ohio home sales are falling apart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/contract-cancellations-september-2025/" target="_blank">report</a>.Why it matters: The uptick in cancellations is an indicator of a widening rift between the expectations of buyers and sellers, and could signal that buyers are clawing back some leverage.

Backyard apartments aim to ease Columbus housing shortage

The city may allow ADUs to boost affordable housing options.

Columbus may soon allow residents to turn their backyard garages and carriage houses into independent apartments.Why it matters: Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) like these could be a small, but useful step toward easing Columbus&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/23/mayor-andrew-ginther-500-million-bond-affordable-housing-ohio" data-vars-content-id="e81fc86a-baf9-41e4-8000-a26cce9ea47b" data-vars-headline="Backyard apartments aim to ease Columbus housing shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/23/mayor-andrew-ginther-500-million-bond-affordable-housing-ohio" target="_self">housing shortage</a>.

How investors affect Columbus' housing market

Investors often buy homes in cash and in bulk — outcompeting average families.

Over 7% of Columbus-area homes sold in Q1 2025 went to institutional investors, straining our already strapped <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/06/30/home-prices-fall" data-vars-content-id="1f42e32b-5f93-4565-8e1f-e6a9d9df5cf5" data-vars-headline="How investors affect Columbus&#x27; housing market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/06/30/home-prices-fall" target="_self">housing market</a>.Why it matters: Investors like hedge funds, private equity firms or real estate investment trusts often buy homes in cash and in bulk — outcompeting average families, especially first-time homebuyers.

Columbus weighs tougher short-term rental rules

See which Columbus area cities allow or ban Airbnb and Vrbo.

The city of Columbus is considering cracking down on short-term rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo while state lawmakers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="are again" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/05/12/ohio-cities-regulating-short-term-rentals-bill" data-vars-content-id="17419fa9-0eb7-4f9d-ba9b-728e563a755e" data-vars-headline="Columbus weighs tougher short-term rental rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/05/12/ohio-cities-regulating-short-term-rentals-bill" target="_self">are again</a> proposing taking that authority away.Why it matters: Several local communities have restrictions aiming to improve public safety, preserve residential neighborhoods&#x27; character and ease the local housing crisis.

A line chart that tracks quarterly office vacancy rates nationally and in Columbus from Q1 2016 to Q1 2026.It remains above the national rate throughout, until matching the national 21% in Q1 2026.

Office vacancy rates

Data: Moody's Analytics REIS; Note: National rate is based on rates in 79 markets; Chart: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios

Real Estate 🏠

Franklin County home values keep going up

Local office space holds steady as U.S. vacancies rise

Central Ohio home sales shift to the suburbs

The latest on "Rambling House South" and City Winery

Les Wexner's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, explained