Axios Columbus

November 26, 2025
Thanksgiving Eve has arrived.
π§οΈ Today's weather: Rainy, with temperatures plummeting into the 20s tonight.
π Happy early birthday to our Axios Columbus members Elizabeth Ballew and Mandy Minick!
ποΈ Programming note: We're off the rest of the week for Thanksgiving. See you Monday!
Today's newsletter is 1,020 words β a 4-minute read.
1 big thing: Tariffs are shaking up Ohio manufacturing
Tariffs are reshaping Ohio's manufacturing economy, creating clear winners and losers, according to a new report.
Why it matters: Manufacturing accounts for more than 17% of Ohio's GDP, and even small swings in costs can have ripple effects across the state's supply chains.
What they did: MAGNET, a nonprofit consulting group that focuses on manufacturing growth, surveyed 266 industry leaders across Ohio between August and October.
- It's the first large-scale look at how companies are faring roughly six months after President Trump's tariffs took effect.
Driving the news: One-third of Ohio manufacturers say tariffs have already affected their sales, according to the report.
- 18% report losing sales, while 15% say sales increased.
Yes, but: The average losses (-16%) were nearly double the average gains (+9%).
By the numbers: Two in five surveyed say rising raw material costs are hindering growth.
- Cases of "significant" cost pressure jumped from 7.7% in 2023 to 10.9% in 2025.
- 30% say political uncertainty is slowing growth, the highest level since tracking began in 2018.
- 9% have reshored production, more than double 2021 levels, with most coming from China.
Between the lines: Companies making proprietary products account for 73% of those reporting losses. But firms that build custom components for larger manufacturers have seen gains as domestic sourcing ticks up.
What they're saying: "Ohio's story is America's story," said MAGNET president and CEO Ethan Karp in a statement.
- "The gains are uneven and the path uncertain, yet manufacturers remain stubbornly optimistic that new opportunity will emerge from the disruption."
What's next: Despite the turbulence, 66% of manufacturers project growth in 2026, banking on new customers, new markets and stabilization in trade policy.
Read the report: Tariffs and Turbulence: How Ohio manufacturers are navigating a shifting trade landscape
2. π Buckeyes look to snap βichigan streak
Ohio State is in the midst of a dominant regular season β now, the biggest rivalry in college football offers the chance to put a cherry on top.
Why it matters: For very different reasons, the 2025 edition of "The Game" is the biggest Saturday of the year for both teams.
State of play: Head coach Ryan Day has been an unbelievable success since taking over the Buckeyes in 2019, but a four-game losing streak to That Team Up North represents his lone blemish.
- That includes a stunning upset by the 20-point underdogs last year.
Yes, but: The 2025 National Championship was a pretty good consolation prize.
This season, the Buckeyes are dominant and the Wolverines are hanging on.
- Led by Heisman-contending QB Julian Sayin, OSU arrives 11-0 after cruising through its schedule.
- Michigan (9-2) lost to Oklahoma and USC, and has been unconvincing in multiple close wins.
Win or lose, OSU is a lock for the College Football Playoff.
- But there's still a trip to the conference title game on the line, and no current Buckeye has beaten Michigan.
The other side: For the Wolverines, the season comes down to this.
- A victory could put them in postseason contention.
πΊ How to watch: The game, hosted in Ann Arbor, kicks off Saturday at noon on Fox.
π¬ What do you think: Reply to this newsletter with your score predictions. Whoever's guess is closest will win free Axios swag!
3. This wolverine is a Buckeyes fan
Central Ohio is Buckeye country β but since the '80s, 12 wolverines have called it home.
Zoom in: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of just a dozen U.S. zoos that cares for these fierce, solitary hunters, which are part of the weasel family.
The intrigue: Alvar, the zoo's 12-year-old wolverine, recently predicted the Buckeyes β not the Michigan Wolverines β will win on Saturday.
- Keepers presented him with two painted pumpkins and he picked the block "O."
What they're saying: "Our wolverines always have been and always will be Buckeye fans," North America Trek assistant curator Josh Keller told WCMH-TV.
- "... when you come here, just treat them with respect and just know that Alvar's rooting for the Buckeyes just like you are."
Fun fact: American wolverines don't live anywhere near here. They're out west, in the snowy Rocky Mountains.
- Alvar is a European wolverine, which may explain why he feels no obligation to root for Michigan.
4. πΆ Columbus' favorite jukebox tunes
Thanksgiving Eve is one of the best bar nights of the year, and with it comes a celebration of the music that sets the mood β National Jukebox Day.
The intrigue: To get a feel for this year's Thanksgiving Eve soundtrack, we consulted with jukebox purveyors TouchTunes.
Columbus' top 10 TouchTunes songs from the last year:
- Shaboozey, "A Bar Song (Tipsy)"
- Chappell Roan, "Pink Pony Club"
- Teddy Swims, "Lose Control"
- Chris Stapleton, "Tennessee Whiskey"
- Morgan Wallen, "I'm The Problem"
- Zach Top, "I Never Lie"
- Post Malone, "I Had Some Help" (feat. Morgan Wallen)
- Toby Keith, "I Love This Bar"
- Ella Langley, "You Look Like You Love Me" (feat. Riley Green)
- Garth Brooks, "Friends In Low Places"
5. π₯° What you're thankful for
Before we log off for the holiday: A reminder that we're thankful for each one of you.
- Thank you for making our newsletter a part of your daily routine.
- π We hope you have a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving with your loved ones.
What you're feeling grateful for:
β€οΈ Debra G.: That both my children are leading thoughtful adult lives.
π€ Tara G.: Still being employed even though I have long COVID β all due to a supportive employer and boss.
πΆ Andrew: My superstar wife Alexa and our first holiday season with a baby at the Thanksgiving table.
π Tyler: My happy, healthy family; for my great Axios reporting teams, including Columbus; and my Libby app.
β¨ Alissa: The "glimmers" that make ordinary days feel brighter β especially time with family, friends, and, of course, great food.
Thanks to Tyler Buchanan for editing today's newsletter.
Our picks:
π§ Alissa is on mac and cheese duty for tomorrow's feast (no complaints here).
π Andrew is feeling good about this one β¦ again.
π€ Tyler is iffy on the new Columbus Crew stadium name: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
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