As Columbus continues to recover from last summer's ransomware attack, a new special project from Axios' Visuals team explains how such data breaches occur.

Why it matters: Columbus isn't alone. Ransomware — in which hackers encrypt victims' computers and put sensitive information at risk until a ransom is paid — has plagued nearly every sector.

• Hospitals, schools, publicly traded companies and even auto dealers have also faced service disruptions or had to shut down due to its impact.

Stunning stat: Last year was likely the highest-grossing year for ransomware gangs in decades, with a company paying one gang a record-breaking $75 million.

Catch up quick: Though Columbus didn't pay a ransom to the group that claimed responsibility for the local breach, the city is now paying in other ways.

• The attack, which involved a malicious download, compromised the sensitive data of over 500,000 people.
• Residents and others are eligible to sign up for two years of free Experian credit monitoring on the city's dime.
• The city extended the credit monitoring enrollment deadline to March 31. Around 21,700 people had signed up as of last week, spokesperson Melanie Crabill tells Axios.

Follow the money: So far, City Council has allotted up to $7 million toward all of the costs related to the cyberattack's aftermath.

What's next: An investigation into what happened is ongoing. The city's law firm, Dinsmore & Shohl, will eventually release a report outlining the hack and the total cost to the city, Crabill says.

💻 Go deeper: How a ransomware attack works, an Axios Visuals story by Sam Sabin, Aïda Amer and Jared Whalen showcasing the tactics used by the prominent ransomware gang LockBit.

✈️ John Glenn International Airport served a record-high 9.2 million passengers in 2024, a nearly 7% increase over 2023. (Columbus Regional Airport Authority)

🚫 Franklin County Commissioner Kevin Boyce canceled his speech planned for the Columbus VA's Martin Luther King Jr. luncheon last Thursday, after organizers told him not to discuss "diversity, equity and inclusion." (WOSU)

• Earlier last week, President Trump signed an executive order dismantling DEI initiatives within the federal government.

💼 Ohio lawmakers are considering a bipartisan bill that would prohibit employers from enforcing noncompete clauses. (Statehouse News Bureau)

📝 Columbus NAACP president Nana Watson has been asked to step down amid allegations of mishandling member dues and other misconduct, according to a letter from the group's national office. (WCMH-TV)

🕰️ Euro Classics Antiques in Clintonville once again earned recognition from "Country Living" for its online storefront full of eye-catching vintage items. (614 Magazine)

In the depths of winter, a hearty bit of West Asian cuisine makes for some warm comfort food.

Dining the news: I popped into the quiet, cozy dining room of Yemeni Restaurant in Northland, heading a little southwest on the globe after an introduction to Pakistani food.

The vibe: I'm a novice to Yemeni food, but a curious and open eater. The staff made me feel very welcome, suggesting a good mix of authentic, but accessible flavors before bringing me a complimentary starter soup.

• New food can sometimes feel intimidating — don't worry about that here.

The menu: It would take a dozen visits to get truly familiar with this menu. It features a variety of lamb and chicken dishes along with appetizers, sides, breakfasts, desserts and kids meals.

• Signature mains generally involve a rice or potato base with slow-cooked and stewed meats — a middle ground between Indian and Mediterranean fitting of Yemen's geography.

What I ate: After warming up with the lamb soup (free when dining in), I started with hummus topped with lamb ($14) and worked my way to an enormous plate of chicken biryani ($15).

• I barely made a dent in the biryani — an excellent next-day lunch.
• As I left, a free Yemeni hot tea helped me brace for the cold.

Best bite: I enjoyed everything, but absolutely devoured the hummus with lamb — easily among the best hummus I've had.

The bottom line: If you're a veteran of Indian and Mediterranean food (Columbus has no shortage of either), you'll know some of these flavors, but Yemeni Restaurant is its own delicious mix.

• I'll be back, no question.

📍 Stop by: 11am-10pm daily. 5426 Cleveland Ave. Menu.

🌎 Worthy of your time: This trip was part of our Eating Around the World series. Check out the other international foods we've mapped so far.

🙏 Thanks to readers Adam N. and Elizabeth W. for the recommendation!

These are truly dark days. Graeter's Ice Cream and Skyline Chili have launched a limited-edition "Skyline Spice" ice cream.

The big picture: The abomination — er, collaboration — between Cincinnati companies was announced Friday and described as "sweet, savory, and unlike anything ice cream or chili lovers have tasted before."

What's inside: Graeter's combined its French Pot ice cream with Skyline's chili spice mix and oyster crackers.

If you dare: The special flavor is available online, plus in 5-ounce scoops in all Skyline restaurants and Graeter's scoop shops.

• Select Kroger stores throughout Columbus will carry pints.

💭 Our take: This meme about sums it up.

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The "best damn team in the land" returned to Ohio Stadium yesterday to revel in its big win with over 40,000 fans.

ICYMI — though we doubt you did: The Buckeyes earned their ninth national title last week in a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame.