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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Columbus. Written by Alissa Widman Neese and Andrew King.

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Mushrooms are thriving in Central Ohio's wet August

Experts say they're probably nothing to worry about — but don't eat them.

News

As Central Ohio residents deal with an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abnormally stormy August" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/13/central-ohio-storm-rain-weather" data-vars-content-id="efb44b09-6488-460d-a0a3-49c75ac6311d" data-vars-headline="Mushrooms are thriving in Central Ohio&#x27;s wet August" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/13/central-ohio-storm-rain-weather" target="_self">abnormally stormy August</a>, our spore-bearing cousins are thriving.Why it matters: My normally green yard has become filled with dozens of large white mushrooms in recent days — some nearly as big as dinner plates.

Weekend picks: Take your dog to Bark Bash

Plus: ArborFest, ¡Festival Latino! and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks.

Things to Do

Well, hot dog — there&#x27;s a break in the rain in Saturday morning&#x27;s forecast, just in time for thousands of pups to go paddling at Prairie Oaks Metro Park.🐶 Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bark Bash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.metroparks.net/event/bark-bash/" data-vars-content-id="1397043f-a7e3-4e51-be1d-8d1ce66563e6" data-vars-headline="Weekend picks: Take your dog to Bark Bash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.metroparks.net/event/bark-bash/" target="_blank">Bark Bash</a>.

Teachers are AI-curious, but worried about screens

A Columbus-based education company surveyed teachers across the globe.

Teachers are struggling to embrace useful and increasingly unavoidable technology while keeping students focused, per a new global survey from a Columbus-based education company.Why it matters: Many Central Ohio students are back to school this week for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first school year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/08/ohio-schools-require-ai-policy-artificial-intelligence" data-vars-content-id="f450e040-cef1-4795-82c8-228982452ddb" data-vars-headline="Teachers are AI-curious, but worried about screens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/08/ohio-schools-require-ai-policy-artificial-intelligence" target="_self">first school year</a> in which all Ohio K-12 public districts must have policies in place related to AI in the classroom.

Micro Center doubles down on in-store experience

The retailer is debuting a new look at its flagship Columbus store.

Micro Center is adding AI development space and 3D printing tech as part of a reintroduction to its hometown this weekend. Why it matters: Micro Center&#x27;s flagship Columbus store is a notable outlier in the fading electronics <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="retail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/retail-sales-amazon-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="6beeaf75-f9e7-4979-bd3e-32a1156e4336" data-vars-headline="Micro Center doubles down on in-store experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/retail-sales-amazon-world-cup" target="_self">retail</a> space.Driving the news: The company is hosting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grand reopening" data-vars-click-url="https://www.microcenter.com/site/mc-news/article/micro-center-columbus-remodel.aspx" data-vars-content-id="6beeaf75-f9e7-4979-bd3e-32a1156e4336" data-vars-headline="Micro Center doubles down on in-store experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.microcenter.com/site/mc-news/article/micro-center-columbus-remodel.aspx" target="_blank">grand reopening</a> of its Bethel Road store Saturday, showing off a new look for its &quot;home base&quot; and oldest location.

Mount Vernon prepares for a population boom

A new food hall may seem small, but it's a big step for a community with a sense of urgency.

Forty miles from downtown Columbus, the small city of Mount Vernon is preparing for regional growth that has yet to reach it.Why it matters: As Central Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="exploding population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/30/columbus-keeps-growing-at-a-rapid-pace" data-vars-content-id="25b294f6-54b1-44d1-92f1-a4826892db37" data-vars-headline="Mount Vernon prepares for a population boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/30/columbus-keeps-growing-at-a-rapid-pace" target="_self">exploding population</a> reaches <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the suburbs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/26/central-ohio-home-sales-shift-suburbs-2026" data-vars-content-id="25b294f6-54b1-44d1-92f1-a4826892db37" data-vars-headline="Mount Vernon prepares for a population boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/26/central-ohio-home-sales-shift-suburbs-2026" target="_self">the suburbs</a>, the region needs its next ring of communities to be ready, because they&#x27;re next.

As cyclospora fears grow, Ohio farmers markets are having a moment

Demand for local lettuce is soaring as shoppers seek transparency.

One unexpected effect of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cyclosporiasis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/01/cyclospora-lettuce-outbreak-foodborne-illness-record" data-vars-content-id="632bf723-3c0a-41da-91e0-2883e3cabb15" data-vars-headline="As cyclospora fears grow, Ohio farmers markets are having a moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/01/cyclospora-lettuce-outbreak-foodborne-illness-record" target="_self">cyclosporiasis</a> outbreak: Ohioans are flocking to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="farmers markets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/04/a-central-ohio-farmers-market-for-every-day-in-the-week" data-vars-content-id="632bf723-3c0a-41da-91e0-2883e3cabb15" data-vars-headline="As cyclospora fears grow, Ohio farmers markets are having a moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/04/a-central-ohio-farmers-market-for-every-day-in-the-week" target="_self">farmers markets</a> for locally grown lettuce.Why it matters: The shift reflects a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="broader" data-vars-click-url="https://www.grocerydive.com/news/grocery-shoppers-transparency-sourcing-FMI/701512/" data-vars-content-id="632bf723-3c0a-41da-91e0-2883e3cabb15" data-vars-headline="As cyclospora fears grow, Ohio farmers markets are having a moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.grocerydive.com/news/grocery-shoppers-transparency-sourcing-FMI/701512/" target="_blank">broader</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/farmers-markets-local-produce-cyclospora-93f537c9" data-vars-content-id="632bf723-3c0a-41da-91e0-2883e3cabb15" data-vars-headline="As cyclospora fears grow, Ohio farmers markets are having a moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/farmers-markets-local-produce-cyclospora-93f537c9" target="_blank">trend</a> of U.S. consumers pushing for more transparency about where their food comes from.

Chase becomes first OSU jersey sponsor in lucrative deal

The financial institution's logo will adorn 36 different varsity sports jerseys.

A JPMorganChase logo is joining the Block O on all Ohio State Athletics uniforms this coming season.Why it matters: Chase is the first sponsor to adorn Ohio State uniforms amid a wave of new sponsorships across college athletics.

Anduril takes its first Ohio victory lap

The defense company continues to grow its Ohio operation amid the war in Iran.

Nearly 18 months after Anduril announced its presence in Ohio and 4 months after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beginning production" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/23/anduril-factory-rickenbacker-facility-production" data-vars-content-id="eff5a954-4d4c-4ab9-b2bc-b8b90b05f63f" data-vars-headline="Anduril takes its first Ohio victory lap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/23/anduril-factory-rickenbacker-facility-production" target="_self">beginning production</a>, the company is celebrating the first autonomous aircraft completed at its massive new factory.Why it matters: The defense company&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arsenal-1" data-vars-click-url="https://www.anduril.com/arsenal/arsenal-1" data-vars-content-id="eff5a954-4d4c-4ab9-b2bc-b8b90b05f63f" data-vars-headline="Anduril takes its first Ohio victory lap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.anduril.com/arsenal/arsenal-1" target="_blank">Arsenal-1</a> facility near Rickenbacker is anticipated to be one of Ohio&#x27;s largest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="job creation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/01/31/anduril-arsenal-1-project-plant-ohio-tax-breaks" data-vars-content-id="eff5a954-4d4c-4ab9-b2bc-b8b90b05f63f" data-vars-headline="Anduril takes its first Ohio victory lap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/01/31/anduril-arsenal-1-project-plant-ohio-tax-breaks" target="_self">job creation</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economic development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/anduril-weapons-factory-ohio-brose" data-vars-content-id="eff5a954-4d4c-4ab9-b2bc-b8b90b05f63f" data-vars-headline="Anduril takes its first Ohio victory lap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/anduril-weapons-factory-ohio-brose" target="_self">economic development</a> projects as war in Iran adds urgency to its work.

Columbus unemployment reaches new modern low

The region's 2.7% unemployment in May was second lowest in the country.

Columbus-area unemployment in May was at its lowest point in decades and the second lowest among major U.S. metros, new federal data shows.Why it matters: Unemployment rates gauge the labor market — extremely low numbers can indicate a strong economy but a stretched workforce with few options for employers.

This nostalgic diner's breakfast still costs under $10

Cherry Street Diner in Ashville serves up big nostalgia and an even bigger bargain.

Food and Drink

I&#x27;m convinced I recently time-traveled during a lunch trip <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="while exploring" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/21/south-bloomfield-ohio-growth" data-vars-content-id="13f4f539-7d73-486f-8348-39da53f3d6a1" data-vars-headline="This nostalgic diner&#x27;s breakfast still costs under $10" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/21/south-bloomfield-ohio-growth" target="_self">while exploring</a> the Pickaway County villages of Ashville and South Bloomfield.What I found: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cherry Street Diner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/p/Cherry-Street-Diner-61557738135106/" data-vars-content-id="13f4f539-7d73-486f-8348-39da53f3d6a1" data-vars-headline="This nostalgic diner&#x27;s breakfast still costs under $10" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Cherry-Street-Diner-61557738135106/" target="_blank">Cherry Street Diner</a>, an adorable greasy spoon.

Exploring the empty, iconic Longaberger basket building

The unique Newark landmark is up for sale again.

Real Estate

As a Central Ohio native, I have been fascinated by the Longaberger Basket Building for decades. I finally got a tour inside, and it felt like a pilgrimage. Why it matters: Long vacant and recently for sale once more, the basket is perhaps Ohio&#x27;s most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="well-known" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/18/realestate/ohio-basket-building-for-sale.html" data-vars-content-id="c0a7793e-d3fa-479d-bd04-6c0665460ff9" data-vars-headline="Exploring the empty, iconic Longaberger basket building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/18/realestate/ohio-basket-building-for-sale.html" target="_blank">well-known</a> oddity.

The Longaberger Basket Building's history and future

After a decade sitting vacant, what comes next for the basket with it up for sale?

History

The Longaberger Basket Building opened as the company&#x27;s Newark headquarters in 1997, welcoming hundreds of employees.Flashback: The $30 million building was the crown jewel of founder Dave Longaberger&#x27;s empire, founded in 1973 in nearby Dresden.

How the Columbus Zoo's new aquarium fits a bigger vision

A historic donation is reshaping the zoo's future.

For nearly three decades, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Columbus Zoo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/13/zoo-trumpeter-swans-nest-valentines-day" data-vars-content-id="ec47e5e6-daa2-477f-8351-4004f084a436" data-vars-headline="How the Columbus Zoo&#x27;s new aquarium fits a bigger vision" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/13/zoo-trumpeter-swans-nest-valentines-day" target="_self">Columbus Zoo</a> has carried &quot;and Aquarium&quot; in its name. Soon, it&#x27;ll finally have one that matches the billing.Why it matters: The newly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.columbuszoo.org/news/columbus-zoo-announces-vision-john-f-wolfe-aquarium" data-vars-content-id="ec47e5e6-daa2-477f-8351-4004f084a436" data-vars-headline="How the Columbus Zoo&#x27;s new aquarium fits a bigger vision" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.columbuszoo.org/news/columbus-zoo-announces-vision-john-f-wolfe-aquarium" target="_blank">announced</a> standalone John F. Wolfe Aquarium will be Ohio&#x27;s largest when it opens in 2029.

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Business 🏦

Micro Center doubles down on in-store experience

Flashback: Forbes' "Under 30" era in Ohio

PPG to invest $280M in Ohio expansion

Mount Vernon prepares for a population boom

As cyclospora fears grow, Ohio farmers markets are having a moment