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.

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>

Memorial Day weekend picks: Pay your respects

Walk among over 3,000 flags dedicated to veterans.

Things to Do

Central Ohioans will honor and remember fallen U.S. service members in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a variety of ways" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/central-ohio-news/central-ohio-memorial-day/" data-vars-content-id="6f77b621-b1ea-4ee3-8d76-775bd8048e0f" data-vars-headline="Memorial Day weekend picks: Pay your respects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/central-ohio-news/central-ohio-memorial-day/" target="_blank">a variety of ways</a> over Memorial Day weekend, but one tradition stands out for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="visually striking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2018/05/25/photos-westerville-s-field-of-heroes/522958007/" data-vars-content-id="6f77b621-b1ea-4ee3-8d76-775bd8048e0f" data-vars-headline="Memorial Day weekend picks: Pay your respects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2018/05/25/photos-westerville-s-field-of-heroes/522958007/" target="_blank">visually striking</a> tribute.🇺🇸 Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Westerville&#x27;s Field of Heroes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fieldofheroes.org/" data-vars-content-id="6f77b621-b1ea-4ee3-8d76-775bd8048e0f" data-vars-headline="Memorial Day weekend picks: Pay your respects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fieldofheroes.org/" target="_blank">Westerville&#x27;s Field of Heroes</a>

Weekend picks: Sonic Temple is back

Plus: The Dragon Boat Race, La Boheme, Piratefest and more.

Columbus&#x27; marquee music festival is back to dominate the weekend calendar.Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sonic Temple Art &amp; Music Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://sonictemplefestival.com/" data-vars-content-id="d7ff430b-c916-45d2-8944-efdc264329b0" data-vars-headline="Weekend picks: Sonic Temple is back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sonictemplefestival.com/" target="_blank">Sonic Temple Art &amp; Music Festival</a>.

Inside Columbus' new DIY ramen cafe

Ramyun EZ opened last month near Bethel Road.

Food and Drink

When the self-serve ramen cafe <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ramyun EZ" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ramyunez.com/" data-vars-content-id="38850866-0799-414a-b208-28800d205026" data-vars-headline="Inside Columbus&#x27; new DIY ramen cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ramyunez.com/" target="_blank">Ramyun EZ</a> opened last month off Bethel Road, some locals were skeptical: Can&#x27;t you just make that at home?Reality check: No, you can&#x27;t — unless you&#x27;ve got a buffet of fresh vegetables, a Korean convenience store and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a $700 ramen-cooking machine" data-vars-click-url="https://ez-bowl.com/products/ez-cook-machine?srsltid=AfmBOop3IgZg0ussDdpfXl2Q51IkiLBg2gfEwVGSZ--jq5XEilnaVbwa" data-vars-content-id="38850866-0799-414a-b208-28800d205026" data-vars-headline="Inside Columbus&#x27; new DIY ramen cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ez-bowl.com/products/ez-cook-machine?srsltid=AfmBOop3IgZg0ussDdpfXl2Q51IkiLBg2gfEwVGSZ--jq5XEilnaVbwa" target="_blank">a $700 ramen-cooking machine</a> in your kitchen.

Weekend picks: Ideas for celebrating moms

Plus: A 5K benefit, roller derby and indie music.

There&#x27;s no real headliner event in Central Ohio this weekend — so focus on what really matters.💝 Our pick: Spend Mother&#x27;s Day weekend with the moms in your life.

The Short North's most recognizable mural gets a facelift

A new Mona Lisa mural at the Moxy Hotel brings new color and energy.

The Short North is bidding farewell to its Mona Lisa mural in favor of a new reimagining of an old face.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mural" data-vars-click-url="https://www.columbusmakesart.com/place/8692-mona-lisa-mural" data-vars-content-id="ececa8a0-e304-4294-b039-9e452c045a0c" data-vars-headline="The Short North&#x27;s most recognizable mural gets a facelift" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.columbusmakesart.com/place/8692-mona-lisa-mural" target="_blank">mural</a> at the corner of Pearl Street and Cedar Alley has been one of the art district&#x27;s most recognizable public works for over three decades.

What we're watching in Columbus this May

An election, big outdoor activities and more.

School is wrapping up and people are ready to get outside — Columbus is in for a busy May.Here&#x27;s what we&#x27;re watching:

Weekend picks: Catch a hilarious act

Comedy, sports, performances for kids and even the circus.

Columbus stages big and small are full of people who want to make you laugh this weekend.😂 Our pick: Check out some standup comedy.

Vegan skeptic? This restaurant will make you a believer

Can't Believe It's Vegan's burgers taste better than the real thing.

Inspired by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vegan Dining Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/21/columbus-vegan-dining-week-deals-2026" data-vars-content-id="c1ffc584-73c3-48bb-85a7-0c7e220d074b" data-vars-headline="Vegan skeptic? This restaurant will make you a believer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/21/columbus-vegan-dining-week-deals-2026" target="_self">Vegan Dining Week</a>, I recently grabbed lunch at fast-casual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Can&#x27;t Believe It&#x27;s Vegan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/cbivegan/" data-vars-content-id="c1ffc584-73c3-48bb-85a7-0c7e220d074b" data-vars-headline="Vegan skeptic? This restaurant will make you a believer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/cbivegan/" target="_blank">Can&#x27;t Believe It&#x27;s Vegan</a> in Westerville.Formerly a delivery service, the 100% vegan brick-and-mortar restaurant opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in 2022" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/local-vegan-delivery-opens-brick-and-mortar-location-in-westerville/" data-vars-content-id="c1ffc584-73c3-48bb-85a7-0c7e220d074b" data-vars-headline="Vegan skeptic? This restaurant will make you a believer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/local-vegan-delivery-opens-brick-and-mortar-location-in-westerville/" target="_blank">in 2022</a> to fill a gap on Central Ohio&#x27;s northeast side. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="It&#x27;s been a hit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yelp.com/article/top-100-vegan-restaurants-2024" data-vars-content-id="c1ffc584-73c3-48bb-85a7-0c7e220d074b" data-vars-headline="Vegan skeptic? This restaurant will make you a believer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yelp.com/article/top-100-vegan-restaurants-2024" target="_blank">It&#x27;s been a hit</a>.

Make your yard pollinator-friendly this spring

Native plants help birds, bees and butterflies — and you can start small.

Spring planting season is nearly here — for those wanting to make their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="yard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/26/natural-organic-lawn-care-tips-ohio" data-vars-content-id="9c69f0f5-5188-4364-8068-d5c5d27ae19f" data-vars-headline="Make your yard pollinator-friendly this spring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/26/natural-organic-lawn-care-tips-ohio" target="_self">yard</a> more pollinator-friendly, there&#x27;s no better time to start.Why it matters: April is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Native Plant Month" data-vars-click-url="https://nationalnativeplantmonth.org/" data-vars-content-id="9c69f0f5-5188-4364-8068-d5c5d27ae19f" data-vars-headline="Make your yard pollinator-friendly this spring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nationalnativeplantmonth.org/" target="_blank">Native Plant Month</a>, drawing attention to Ohio&#x27;s native trees, shrubs and flowers as an important food and habitat source for local wildlife.

Things to Do 🗓

A new era for OSU's world-renowned cartoon museum

Memorial Day weekend picks: Pay your respects

Weekend picks: Sonic Temple is back

Inside Columbus' new DIY ramen cafe

Weekend picks: Ideas for celebrating moms