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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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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.

How Columbus is making composting easier

We tried the city's free compost drop-offs. Here's what we learned.

News

Columbus residents have composted about 400,000 pounds of food waste since the city started rolling out free public drop-off sites <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three years ago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/06/12/ask-axios-columbus-ohio-composting-sites" data-vars-content-id="e7f685ed-d90d-4d12-8b0b-b6a3ce5e06a6" data-vars-headline="How Columbus is making composting easier" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/06/12/ask-axios-columbus-ohio-composting-sites" target="_self">three years ago</a>.Why it matters: Food is the most common divertible material dumped in the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill, at a rate of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly 1 million pounds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/22/columbus-landfill-trash-recycling-compost" data-vars-content-id="e7f685ed-d90d-4d12-8b0b-b6a3ce5e06a6" data-vars-headline="How Columbus is making composting easier" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/22/columbus-landfill-trash-recycling-compost" target="_self">nearly 1 million pounds</a> daily.

New Columbus program lets residents decide the budget

Residents can submit community ideas for $9 million in city funding.

Columbus begins a financial experiment this week, handing over the keys to a portion of the city&#x27;s budget to the public for the first time.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s inaugural participatory budget represents a small fraction of its overall budget — but it&#x27;s meant to give residents a direct say in community investment.

Ohio tops the nation in ACA enrollment drop

Expiring subsidies led Ohio to lose 32.4% of its enrollment between February 2025 and 2026.

Ohio has seen the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s largest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/where-obamacare-enrollment-is-plummeting?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="dd92196a-735c-4bfb-b54d-fdda25f0da68" data-vars-headline="Ohio tops the nation in ACA enrollment drop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/where-obamacare-enrollment-is-plummeting?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&amp;stream=top" target="_self">nation&#x27;s largest</a> percentage decline in residents covered by Affordable Care Act plans as a result of federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="subsidies allowed to expire" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/05/republicans-aca-health-care-subsidies" data-vars-content-id="dd92196a-735c-4bfb-b54d-fdda25f0da68" data-vars-headline="Ohio tops the nation in ACA enrollment drop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/05/republicans-aca-health-care-subsidies" target="_self">subsidies allowed to expire</a> this year, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal data" data-vars-click-url="https://data.cms.gov/summary-statistics-on-beneficiary-enrollment/health-insurance-marketplace/health-insurance-exchanges-monthly-effectuated-enrollment/" data-vars-content-id="dd92196a-735c-4bfb-b54d-fdda25f0da68" data-vars-headline="Ohio tops the nation in ACA enrollment drop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://data.cms.gov/summary-statistics-on-beneficiary-enrollment/health-insurance-marketplace/health-insurance-exchanges-monthly-effectuated-enrollment/" target="_blank">federal data</a>.Why it matters: Expiration of the subsidies has resulted in tens of thousands of Ohioans losing health care access in a state that already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struggles with health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/state-health-rankings-2026-healthiest-places-to-live" data-vars-content-id="dd92196a-735c-4bfb-b54d-fdda25f0da68" data-vars-headline="Ohio tops the nation in ACA enrollment drop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/state-health-rankings-2026-healthiest-places-to-live" target="_self">struggles with health</a>.

Dewz Crew wants adults to stop scrolling and start playing

The new channel has the potential to be a hit — and remind people of the importance of in-person fun.

A popular content creator with Columbus roots is launching a new project with the goal of reminding adults how much fun it is to play around in real life.Why it matters: The new channel has the potential to be a hit — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="remind people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/05/29/lonely-america-neighbor-connections-ohio" data-vars-content-id="9413b923-74da-4869-80e6-f5404a680314" data-vars-headline="Dewz Crew wants adults to stop scrolling and start playing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/05/29/lonely-america-neighbor-connections-ohio" target="_self">remind people</a> of the importance of in-person fun.

Columbus has different views on playing, living downtown

Just 45% of respondents who consider themselves "familiar with downtown" think it's a great place to live.

People are increasingly enjoying downtown Columbus for events and experiences, but feel less enthusiastic about living there, per a new national study.Why it matters: Columbus leaders have spent years and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="millions of dollars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/11/downtown-development-housing-apartments-construction" data-vars-content-id="21edae33-6f0c-4253-a740-87a59299bcb4" data-vars-headline="Columbus has different views on playing, living downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/11/downtown-development-housing-apartments-construction" target="_self">millions of dollars</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bring people back" data-vars-click-url="https://downtowncolumbus.com/about-us/plan/" data-vars-content-id="21edae33-6f0c-4253-a740-87a59299bcb4" data-vars-headline="Columbus has different views on playing, living downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://downtowncolumbus.com/about-us/plan/" target="_blank">bring people back</a> downtown and provide the amenities they need to be happy — the study suggests there&#x27;s a long way to go.

We ranked the 2026 Ohio State Fair concerts

The fair is scheduled for July 29-Aug. 9 and has nearly a dozen ticketed concerts.

Culture

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="that time again" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/11/2025-ohio-state-fair-concerts-foreigner-tpain-taylor-swift" data-vars-content-id="b1e9fbbe-173a-4455-a3eb-6ceecb0a99d1" data-vars-headline="We ranked the 2026 Ohio State Fair concerts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/11/2025-ohio-state-fair-concerts-foreigner-tpain-taylor-swift" target="_self">that time again</a> to rank the concerts at the 2026 Ohio State Fair, scheduled for July 29-Aug. 9.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Concerts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/entertainment/concerts1" data-vars-content-id="b1e9fbbe-173a-4455-a3eb-6ceecb0a99d1" data-vars-headline="We ranked the 2026 Ohio State Fair concerts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/entertainment/concerts1" target="_blank">Concerts</a> are held at the Celeste Center, and advance tickets include fair admission.

Stonewall CEO celebrates progress, Pride before departing

Densil Porteous says inclusion and community partnerships have been key.

Ahead of his final Pride as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stonewall Columbus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/27/stonewall-pride-march-sponsors-drop-out-dei" data-vars-content-id="4a8f9c70-0754-45bf-9379-4134b28354e1" data-vars-headline="Stonewall CEO celebrates progress, Pride before departing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/27/stonewall-pride-march-sponsors-drop-out-dei" target="_self">Stonewall Columbus</a> CEO, Densil Porteous is reflecting on how an uncertain chapter became one of his group&#x27;s most transformative.Why it matters: Porteous took over in 2020, when the world shut down and Pride was canceled. The arrests of four Black <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="protesters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.teenvogue.com/story/ohios-black-pride-4-were-arrested-at-the-stonewall-columbus-pride-festival-and-parade" data-vars-content-id="4a8f9c70-0754-45bf-9379-4134b28354e1" data-vars-headline="Stonewall CEO celebrates progress, Pride before departing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.teenvogue.com/story/ohios-black-pride-4-were-arrested-at-the-stonewall-columbus-pride-festival-and-parade" target="_blank">protesters</a> in 2017 had also exposed a fragmented local LGBTQ+ community.

Ahead of USA-Australia, Columbus's ties Down Under

From American football to Australian rules football and zoo animals, there's plenty of connections.

Did you know Australia is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="very nearly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.geodatos.net/en/antipodes/united-states/columbus" data-vars-content-id="372308fd-009d-4f0e-99f8-3402eaa38c5c" data-vars-headline="Ahead of USA-Australia, Columbus&#x27;s ties Down Under" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.geodatos.net/en/antipodes/united-states/columbus" target="_blank">very nearly</a> on the other side of the planet from Columbus?Why it matters: The U.S. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/11/world-cup-guide-watch-parties-central-ohio" data-vars-content-id="372308fd-009d-4f0e-99f8-3402eaa38c5c" data-vars-headline="Ahead of USA-Australia, Columbus&#x27;s ties Down Under" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/11/world-cup-guide-watch-parties-central-ohio" target="_self">World Cup</a> journey continues Friday, and we&#x27;re checking out some of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="our very international city&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/visuals/global-international-food-cuisine" data-vars-content-id="372308fd-009d-4f0e-99f8-3402eaa38c5c" data-vars-headline="Ahead of USA-Australia, Columbus&#x27;s ties Down Under" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/visuals/global-international-food-cuisine" target="_self">our very international city&#x27;s</a> ties to our opponents.<ul><li>🇦🇺 Up next: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Australia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ussoccer.com/competitions/fifa-world-cup-26/matches/united-states-australia-tickets-live-score-match-hub-lineups-highlights" data-vars-content-id="372308fd-009d-4f0e-99f8-3402eaa38c5c" data-vars-headline="Ahead of USA-Australia, Columbus&#x27;s ties Down Under" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ussoccer.com/competitions/fifa-world-cup-26/matches/united-states-australia-tickets-live-score-match-hub-lineups-highlights" target="_blank">Australia</a>.</li></ul>

Columbus weekend picks: An eventful time of year

Air Show, Pride weekend, jazz, tabletop games and much more.

Things to Do

If you&#x27;re bored this weekend, you&#x27;ll never be entertained — It&#x27;s one of the busiest times of the year.✈️ Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Columbus Air Show" data-vars-click-url="http://columbusairshow.com/" data-vars-content-id="1345c505-49f9-4ca2-9fb7-f21c74bf982f" data-vars-headline="Columbus weekend picks: An eventful time of year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://columbusairshow.com/" target="_blank">The Columbus Air Show</a>.

First jobs that launched Columbus leaders' careers

Lifeguards, servers and paperboys who became Columbus names you know.

A first summer job can be the start of a fascinating resume.Case in point: Look no further than some notable Columbus names who got their professional starts in pools, restaurants, retail stores and everything in between.

Central Ohio's odd connection to Paraguay

How an Ohio-born president became a hero to a South American nation.

Did you know one of Ohio&#x27;s presidents is a big deal in Paraguay?Why it matters: The United States begins its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/11/world-cup-guide-watch-parties-central-ohio" data-vars-content-id="9ae52a4a-cf6f-4adc-b4d4-a9b3ae6cf7f5" data-vars-headline="Central Ohio&#x27;s odd connection to Paraguay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/11/world-cup-guide-watch-parties-central-ohio" target="_self">World Cup</a> journey today, and Central Ohio has tons of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international representation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/visuals/global-international-food-cuisine" data-vars-content-id="9ae52a4a-cf6f-4adc-b4d4-a9b3ae6cf7f5" data-vars-headline="Central Ohio&#x27;s odd connection to Paraguay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/visuals/global-international-food-cuisine" target="_self">international representation</a>, so we planned to write about local ties to each opponent.<ul><li>🇵🇾 First up: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paraguay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ussoccer.com/competitions/fifa-world-cup-26/matches/united-states-paraguay-tickets-live-score-match-hub-lineups-highlights" data-vars-content-id="9ae52a4a-cf6f-4adc-b4d4-a9b3ae6cf7f5" data-vars-headline="Central Ohio&#x27;s odd connection to Paraguay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ussoccer.com/competitions/fifa-world-cup-26/matches/united-states-paraguay-tickets-live-score-match-hub-lineups-highlights" target="_blank">Paraguay</a>.</li></ul>

A Dubai chocolate croissant sold me on Maison Skalli

The scent of fresh-baked pastries fills the Short North.

Food and Drink

I wasn&#x27;t planning on breakfast during a recent trip to Columbus. Then the aroma of warm spices and fresh-baked pastries drifting onto High Street stopped me in my tracks.

Searching for creepy liminal spaces left in Columbus

Smash hit "Backrooms" brings the creepy concept to the forefront.

Like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="everyone else" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/02/backrooms-obsession-box-office" data-vars-content-id="fde123a2-5db9-499e-85b7-bf0101774cec" data-vars-headline="Searching for creepy liminal spaces left in Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/02/backrooms-obsession-box-office" target="_self">everyone else</a>, I saw &quot;Backrooms&quot; recently, and while it wasn&#x27;t my <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="favorite" data-vars-click-url="https://gatewayfilmcenter.org/movies/obsession-2026/" data-vars-content-id="fde123a2-5db9-499e-85b7-bf0101774cec" data-vars-headline="Searching for creepy liminal spaces left in Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gatewayfilmcenter.org/movies/obsession-2026/" target="_blank">favorite</a> horror movie of the year, its imagery and themes have stuck with me. The intrigue: The film (set in the &#x27;90s) is based on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fictional location invented by the internet" data-vars-click-url="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Backrooms" data-vars-content-id="fde123a2-5db9-499e-85b7-bf0101774cec" data-vars-headline="Searching for creepy liminal spaces left in Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Backrooms" target="_blank">fictional location invented by the internet</a> years ago.

Culture

Travel the world of film this summer at the Wexner Center for the Arts

Steven Moreira gets a hero's welcome in Cape Verde

Dewz Crew wants adults to stop scrolling and start playing

New Muse album inspired by Ohio's famous "Wow!" signal

Columbus has different views on playing, living downtown