Getting up-to-speed on passenger rails
We took a deep dive this month into the recent headlines + updates with passenger rails in central Ohio and beyond.
The corridors are sponsored by the Ohio Rail Development Commission, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, and Amtrak. | Photo via Canva
Announcements
$3+ billion tech investment in New Albany
The tech company QTS was approved for tax abatements for two sites in New Albany, and they plan to build eight more data centers.
Columbus to help with space research
The first-ever space lab will be located near Ohio State’s campus and will support Starlab, a global space platform planned to be the first continuously crewed, free-flying commercial space station.
JAMplification Night: Dance Jam | Wednesday, Nov. 29 | 8:30 p.m. | The Nest Theatre, 2643 N. High St., Columbus | $8 | Dance along to this hour-long set hosted by a local DJ.
Thursday, Nov. 30
Standup From the Waist Up | Thursday, Nov, 30 | 6 p.m. + 8:30 p.m. | Law Bird, 740 S. High St., Brewery District | $20-$25 | Listen to jokes from Maddie Weiner and Angela Healey while sipping local spirits and beers.
Friday, Dec. 1
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Ottawa Senators | Friday, Dec. 1 | 7 p.m. | Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District | $50-$305 | Both teams enter this matchup in last place of their respective divisions.
Saturday, Dec. 2
“Bad Santa” Beer Tasting | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 7-11 p.m. | Studio 35 Cinema and Drafthouse, 3055 Indianola Ave., Clintonville | $50 | Watch this comedy holiday movie while enjoying 10 beer samples in your custom pint glass.
Pentatonix | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 7 p.m. | Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District | $40-$250 | Spend an evening with this acapella group who will perform holiday classics like “Little Drummer Boy.”
Sunday, Dec. 3
Not Your Mama’s Village Light’s Craft Market | Sunday, Dec. 3 | 3-8 p.m. | Schiller Community Center, 1069 Jaeger St., German Village | Free | Shop 100+ curated makers, vintage shops, and boutiques.
Hollywood Casino held a groundbreaking for its 180-room hotel on Tuesday afternoon. The ceremony marks the start of this $100 million project that is expected to bring upwards of 200 construction jobs and nearly 100 permanent jobs. (NBC4)
Try This
Ohio Vintage Fest returns on Jan. 27, 2024 in Rhoades Center at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds. Shop 60+ local vendors offering vintage sports merch, workwear, and decade-specific clothes. Tickets are $5 and parking is $7.
Concert
Avenge Sevenfold, a critically acclaimed rock band, will perform at Nationwide Arena on March 26, 2024. The group will also be joined by Poppy and Sullivan King. Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m.
Ranked
When it comes to electric vehicle charging locations, Columbus is among the best in the nation. That’s according to the latest findings from Finn, an online car service. Other interesting facts from the study include Cleveland and Cincinnati in the top 10 for worst available parking. Ouch.
Edu
Columbus was ranked as the No. 26 best college town in the US by WalletHub. If you’re anything like us, you’re thinking, “That is way too low.” Send us your reasons why this list got it wrong.
Closed
Kroger has closed all three Mixed Food Hall locations in central Ohio. The to-go dining concept opened in January 2023 and formerly offered options like Hardee’s + Wing Zone. (614now)
Pets
Bella. That is the most popular dog name for the Buckeye State, according to dog data by the US News & World Report. Bella also takes the top spot in 37 other states, making it the No. 1 name for dogs in the US.
Finance
We aren’t given many 21-month grace periods. Oil checks, doctor appointments, Tax Day... time speeds by between them. But The Ascent found a credit card offering 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months — among the longest we’ve seen to avoid interest charges.Learn more.*
Wellness
Did you know some foods contribute to unwanted pounds, especially around your midsection? Three common breakfast foods can act like glue and attract fat — this video explains how.*
Shop
Which ugly Christmas sweater would you choose? We’re liking: the Santa hat-topped wine glass or the “Home Alone” print featuring Catherine O’Hara.*
Try This
⭐️ Star-studded weekend
GalaxyCon Columbus brings TV stars to Convention Center
Fandoms come in all different sizes — just check out GalaxyCon Columbus this weekend.
The three-day celebration spans 150+ different fandoms, ranging from late-night adult comedy to early morning childhood nostalgia. The convention runs Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 3, and this is what you need to know:
The show has star power with a celebrity guest list that includes Mike Tyson, Paula Abdul, Ric Flair, William Shatner, Amanda Bynes, and Steve Burns.
The weekend is for all ages, and the kid zone offers a safe way for children to meet the voice actors behind their favorite shows such as Dora the Explorer, Princess Peach, and Goofy.
Fans can get involved through Q+As, costume contests, and improv shows. They can also play video games in select entertainment areas.
Tickets are available now with a range of options, including single-day, two-day, and three-day VIP passes.
The Buy
The Buy 11.29.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Anything off of this year’s Oprah’s Favorite Things list. We’re seeing: luxury flaky sea salt, all-weather boots, fleece robes, and a baked brie board.
Happy Wednesday, CBUS. Not to alarm anyone, but the current 10-day forecast predicts snow showers on Tuesday, Dec. 12. Here’s your friendly reminder to lift your windshield wipers each night if you park outside — the cold is coming.
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