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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.

News

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.

Franklin County home values keep going up

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

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.

Central Ohio nonprofits feel federal funding squeeze

39% of nonprofits are operating at a deficit, up from 22% in 2022.

Columbus-area nonprofits providing housing, food access and other basic services face growing financial strain as federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="funding cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/25/doge-trump-musk-budget-cuts-math" data-vars-content-id="0666a281-87d3-416c-ab9d-f8ddd5e2c8c9" data-vars-headline="Central Ohio nonprofits feel federal funding squeeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/25/doge-trump-musk-budget-cuts-math" target="_self">funding cuts</a> increase demand and intensify competition for private donations.Why it matters: A recent survey from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Center for Effective Philanthropy" data-vars-click-url="https://cep.org/report-backpacks/state-of-nonprofits-2026/" data-vars-content-id="0666a281-87d3-416c-ab9d-f8ddd5e2c8c9" data-vars-headline="Central Ohio nonprofits feel federal funding squeeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cep.org/report-backpacks/state-of-nonprofits-2026/" target="_blank">Center for Effective Philanthropy</a> found 66% of nonprofits are concerned about their financial stability as demand for their assistance rises and public support shrinks.<ul><li>The percentage of responding nonprofits operating at a deficit rose to 39%, up from 22% in 2022.</li></ul>

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>

New guide maps out Ohio road trip ideas, from state parks to Bigfoot

Columbus ideas: Prototype, North Market and Red, White & Boom.

Travel

Columbus&#x27; baby elephants, COSI exhibits and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Quarry Trails climbs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/07/quarry-trails-via-ferrata-guide-park-climbing" data-vars-content-id="5b900f92-7943-4ea9-87e0-572af3552f71" data-vars-headline="New guide maps out Ohio road trip ideas, from state parks to Bigfoot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/07/quarry-trails-via-ferrata-guide-park-climbing" target="_self">Quarry Trails climbs</a> all get prime billing in Ohio&#x27;s new 2026 travel guide.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a good time to start planning summer getaways, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the guide" data-vars-click-url="https://issuu.com/greatlakespublishing/docs/ohio_travel_guide_2026?fr=xKAE9_zMzMw" data-vars-content-id="5b900f92-7943-4ea9-87e0-572af3552f71" data-vars-headline="New guide maps out Ohio road trip ideas, from state parks to Bigfoot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://issuu.com/greatlakespublishing/docs/ohio_travel_guide_2026?fr=xKAE9_zMzMw" target="_blank">the guide</a> offers plenty of options within driving distance.

At long last, Buc-ee's brings BBQ and hype to Ohio

The Huber Heights store marks Buc-ee's debut in Ohio — and the Midwest.

Business

Ohio has its first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Buc-ee&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/09/11/columbus-dayton-business-development" data-vars-content-id="0aa83960-fdc8-49bb-8070-6cb90afa08b0" data-vars-headline="At long last, Buc-ee&#x27;s brings BBQ and hype to Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/09/11/columbus-dayton-business-development" target="_self">Buc-ee&#x27;s</a> — the Texas-born mega travel center known for turning gas stops into full-blown day trips.Why it matters: The massive 74,000-square-foot gas station on steroids opened this week in Huber Heights (near Dayton), marking Buc-ee&#x27;s debut in Ohio — and the Midwest.

Columbus airports set new passenger record in 2025

New flights are coming in 2026, plus a new terminal in 2029.

While 2026 air travel is off to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rough start" data-vars-click-url="https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/snow-storm-cancels-200-flights-to-and-out-of-columbus-travelers-stuck-overnight" data-vars-content-id="da0a4ea5-42c4-4a8f-92d2-ca70816a7843" data-vars-headline="Columbus airports set new passenger record in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/snow-storm-cancels-200-flights-to-and-out-of-columbus-travelers-stuck-overnight" target="_blank">rough start</a> due to this weekend&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter storm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/26/winter-storm-fern-snow-record" data-vars-content-id="da0a4ea5-42c4-4a8f-92d2-ca70816a7843" data-vars-headline="Columbus airports set new passenger record in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/26/winter-storm-fern-snow-record" target="_self">winter storm</a>, based on recent trends, it shouldn&#x27;t take too long to rebound.By the numbers: The nearly 9.4 million passengers served at Columbus airports last year set another annual record, the Columbus Regional Airport Authority recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://flycolumbus.com/clear-skies-and-record-climbs-passenger-growth-gains-momentum/" data-vars-content-id="da0a4ea5-42c4-4a8f-92d2-ca70816a7843" data-vars-headline="Columbus airports set new passenger record in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://flycolumbus.com/clear-skies-and-record-climbs-passenger-growth-gains-momentum/" target="_blank">announced</a>.

What to see in Indy for the Big Ten title game

Our Axios Indianapolis team shares where to stay, eat and visit.

Headed to Indianapolis for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Big Ten title game" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/30/ohio-state-michigan-buckeyes-rivalry-game-2025" data-vars-content-id="7d2ae55c-1b33-4fb0-8abe-7a21b1bbf0cb" data-vars-headline="What to see in Indy for the Big Ten title game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/30/ohio-state-michigan-buckeyes-rivalry-game-2025" target="_self">Big Ten title game</a>? Our colleagues at Axios Indy have some hidden gem recs for you while you&#x27;re in town.

How two friends finished a "drunk marathon" around Columbus

Their walk went viral on Reddit and left them extremely sore.

OSU senior Ryan Polter and his roommate, Tyler Brown, were home after a Saturday night out when a challenge arose: Who could walk the farthest?Why it matters: We&#x27;ve written of other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unusual endurance tests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/02/07/columbus-chipotle-challenge-winner" data-vars-content-id="6669ef7e-6089-4642-9195-5718d93e6085" data-vars-headline="How two friends finished a &quot;drunk marathon&quot; around Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/02/07/columbus-chipotle-challenge-winner" target="_self">unusual endurance tests</a>, but this one caught our attention — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and Reddit&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/walking/comments/1ot3k8p/accidentally_walked_a_marathon_at_130_am_after/" data-vars-content-id="6669ef7e-6089-4642-9195-5718d93e6085" data-vars-headline="How two friends finished a &quot;drunk marathon&quot; around Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/walking/comments/1ot3k8p/accidentally_walked_a_marathon_at_130_am_after/" target="_blank">and Reddit&#x27;s</a>.

A first-timer's guide to Ohio's only via ferrata climb

Climbing Quarry Trails was harder — and more rewarding — than I expected.

Environment

I&#x27;ve never been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rock climbing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/01/indoor-climbing-central-ohio-quarry-trails-park" data-vars-content-id="bfd55fd1-ee71-453d-a81e-0e73b1671716" data-vars-headline="A first-timer&#x27;s guide to Ohio&#x27;s only via ferrata climb" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/01/indoor-climbing-central-ohio-quarry-trails-park" target="_self">rock climbing</a>, but with Ohio&#x27;s only via ferrata essentially in my backyard, I had to try it for another <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;never have I ever&quot; experience" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/01/columbus-symphony-orchestra-dress-rehearsal" data-vars-content-id="bfd55fd1-ee71-453d-a81e-0e73b1671716" data-vars-headline="A first-timer&#x27;s guide to Ohio&#x27;s only via ferrata climb" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/01/columbus-symphony-orchestra-dress-rehearsal" target="_self">&quot;never have I ever&quot; experience</a>.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Quarry Trails Metro Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/" data-vars-content-id="bfd55fd1-ee71-453d-a81e-0e73b1671716" data-vars-headline="A first-timer&#x27;s guide to Ohio&#x27;s only via ferrata climb" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/" target="_blank">Quarry Trails Metro Park</a> route is also the only urban via ferrata in the country, and two years since its opening, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hype" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/where-to-climb-via-ferratas-in-the-us" data-vars-content-id="bfd55fd1-ee71-453d-a81e-0e73b1671716" data-vars-headline="A first-timer&#x27;s guide to Ohio&#x27;s only via ferrata climb" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/where-to-climb-via-ferratas-in-the-us" target="_blank">hype</a> hasn&#x27;t died down.

Geocaching celebrates 25 years of treasure hunting

There are hundreds of caches across the Central Ohio region.

Brian Klinger has dug under bushes, climbed up trees and waded through swamps to find hidden treasure.The reward? Usually just the chance to sign his name in a logbook.

How to start geocaching: Tips from an expert with 10,000+ finds

A Columbus teacher with over 10,000 finds shares advice on how to get started.

Columbus teacher Brian Klinger has logged well over 10,000 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="geocaches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/11/geocaching-cache-25th-anniversary-ohio-group-find" data-vars-content-id="ff4e549d-9ee8-4e19-9392-fefa23d765fa" data-vars-headline="How to start geocaching: Tips from an expert with 10,000+ finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/11/geocaching-cache-25th-anniversary-ohio-group-find" target="_self">geocaches</a> since 2008. <ul><li>We asked him for advice on how to get started:</li></ul>

Stay sharp at this Ohio pencil sharpener museum

This odd little museum in Logan is free and right off a highway exit.

Things to Do

👋 Tyler here, channeling his inner Clark Griswold to suggest you visit the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.explorehockinghills.com/things-to-do/paul-a-johnson-pencil-sharpener-museum/" data-vars-content-id="0668176b-c8de-4ac4-8a53-4744e3ac5ba2" data-vars-headline="Stay sharp at this Ohio pencil sharpener museum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.explorehockinghills.com/things-to-do/paul-a-johnson-pencil-sharpener-museum/" target="_blank">Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum</a> the next time you&#x27;re down near Hocking Hills. Flashback: Johnson spent his retirement years collecting thousands of sharpeners in his shed.

Cedar Point and Kings Island feature new coasters in '25

Siren's Curse in Sandusky and the dueling RiverRacers in Mason are set to open.

Cedar Point and Kings Island amusement parks are set to debut new coasters this summer, and one of them looks absolutely terrifying.Why it matters: This is the first full season after the parks&#x27; parent company, Cedar Fair, completed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its merger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/02/six-flags-cedar-fair-merger-cedar-point" data-vars-content-id="abdc99f2-c289-4838-9ae3-100c987ca414" data-vars-headline="Cedar Point and Kings Island feature new coasters in &#x27;25" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/02/six-flags-cedar-fair-merger-cedar-point" target="_self">its merger</a> with rival Six Flags last July.

A column chart that shows annual passenger numbers at Columbus airports from 2019 to 2025. Passengers dropped from 8.9 million in 2019 to 3.5 million in 2020, then steadily rose to 9.4 million by 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.