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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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When is your community's trick-or-treat night?

Not every beggar's night is held on Oct. 31 here in Central Ohio.

News

It&#x27;s a split calendar for trick-or-treating this year, with some Central Ohio communities holding &quot;beggar&#x27;s night&quot; on the Thursday before Halloween and some holding it on Oct. 31 itself.Between the lines: Why isn&#x27;t everyone on Halloween?

Flu season is getting underway earlier than usual

What Ohio doctors are seeing and how you can keep yourself healthy.

The flu is getting an early start in Columbus and around the country this year.Why it matters: Does it feel like you keep hearing about friends and family getting sick? It&#x27;s a good reminder to get a flu shot.

Spirit Halloween haunts former local stores 

The Halloween retailer has been climbing inside the vacated homes of a Columbus original.

Spooky season means the return of Spirit Halloween — and here in Central Ohio, the purveyors of costumes and ghostly decor are haunting the former homes of one of Columbus&#x27; recently departed companies.Why it matters: It just doesn&#x27;t feel like October until you drive by a big-box store you once knew and think, &quot;Wait, that&#x27;s a Spirit Halloween now?&quot;

Banana Ball is headed back to Columbus in 2027

Two teams affiliated with the Savannah Bananas will come to Huntington Park.

Things to Do

Banana Ball hijinks are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="headed back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/05/29/savannah-bananas-banana-ball-ohio-tour-2024" data-vars-content-id="5c1f8d4a-965f-462c-955a-3ac0168970ed" data-vars-headline="Banana Ball is headed back to Columbus in 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/05/29/savannah-bananas-banana-ball-ohio-tour-2024" target="_self">headed back</a> to Huntington Park next summer.State of play: It won&#x27;t be the famous Savannah Bananas, but we&#x27;ll see two affiliated teams that play the same brand of wacky baseball.<ul><li>The Party Animals will take on the Texas Tailgaters on Aug. 6-7.</li></ul>

Columbus maps public land with an eye on housing

A new land inventory identifies 66 square miles of publicly owned and tax-exempt land.

Columbus has created its first-ever inventory of every square mile of public and tax-exempt land, which local leaders hope to use to spur development and housing projects.Why it matters: Columbus has $500 million in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bond funds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/05/columbus-city-council-tiara-ross-bond-issues-election-results-2025" data-vars-content-id="02025c8e-6ca0-4f93-a4e9-5c718bdad317" data-vars-headline="Columbus maps public land with an eye on housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/05/columbus-city-council-tiara-ross-bond-issues-election-results-2025" target="_self">bond funds</a> to help tackle a regional <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/19/ohio-affordable-housing-gap-cost" data-vars-content-id="02025c8e-6ca0-4f93-a4e9-5c718bdad317" data-vars-headline="Columbus maps public land with an eye on housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/19/ohio-affordable-housing-gap-cost" target="_self">housing crisis</a>. Better planning and knowledge of available space can help those funds go further.

Columbus convention authority needs a master plan 

The plan will impact the convention center, Nationwide Arena and more.

Columbus&#x27; convention authority is developing its first-ever comprehensive master plan to be a &quot;long-term roadmap&quot; over the next two decades.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="convention center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/30/greater-columbus-convention-center-general-manager" data-vars-content-id="664d9657-c562-4a08-8108-79beac53df74" data-vars-headline="Columbus convention authority needs a master plan " 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/greater-columbus-convention-center-general-manager" target="_self">convention center</a> alone needs $190 million in improvements, but the organization also controls other important downtown properties that could be revitalized or expanded.

Hardin, Wyche propose new Columbus data center guardrails

Proposed changes affect environmental protection, water use and decommissioning plans.

Columbus leaders are proposing a set of new guardrails on future data center projects.Why it matters: Data centers are critical to AI infrastructure — they&#x27;re also facing major public backlash <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="locally" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/09/02/data-center-fight-could-change-the-future-of-grove-city" data-vars-content-id="0f2add0c-f215-47bd-8a77-293c19528225" data-vars-headline="Hardin, Wyche propose new Columbus data center guardrails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/09/02/data-center-fight-could-change-the-future-of-grove-city" target="_self">locally</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="statewide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/02/data-center-opposition-ohio-dewine-tax-breaks" data-vars-content-id="0f2add0c-f215-47bd-8a77-293c19528225" data-vars-headline="Hardin, Wyche propose new Columbus data center guardrails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/02/data-center-opposition-ohio-dewine-tax-breaks" target="_self">statewide</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationally" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/gop-data-center-memo-ai-election" data-vars-content-id="0f2add0c-f215-47bd-8a77-293c19528225" data-vars-headline="Hardin, Wyche propose new Columbus data center guardrails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/gop-data-center-memo-ai-election" target="_self">nationally</a>.

Worthington clashes over proposed redevelopment

Some residents say leaders aren't listening; leaders say neighbors' concerns don't outweigh broader goals.

Worthington leaders and residents are at odds over a redevelopment project that meets big-picture city goals but makes neighbors feel unheard.Why it matters: The clash is part of a Central Ohio theme of communities grappling with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continued regional growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/30/columbus-keeps-growing-at-a-rapid-pace" data-vars-content-id="99ae4969-0dd6-4083-a7bf-96e4919125dc" data-vars-headline="Worthington clashes over proposed redevelopment" 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">continued regional growth</a>.

Data center fight could change the future of Grove City

A proposed charter amendment would give residents say over major development projects.

Grove City residents and leaders are clashing over a proposed charter amendment that one side says would protect the city and the other says would destroy its economic prospects.Why it matters: The conflict is a microcosm of nationwide pushback against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unpopular" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/gop-data-center-memo-ai-election" data-vars-content-id="b6306326-a8eb-46e3-9664-09a669c1aac5" data-vars-headline="Data center fight could change the future of Grove City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/gop-data-center-memo-ai-election" target="_self">unpopular</a> data centers and one of the most extreme local attempts to stop them.

Bathrooms and bike paths: Ideas for Columbus' first participatory budget

Over 600 submissions included suggestions for streets, parks and families.

Public bathrooms, bike paths and trails and are among the million-dollar suggestions of Columbus&#x27; first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="participatory budget program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/06/city-council-participatory-budget-9-million" data-vars-content-id="783800dc-95f6-48db-9992-cdb9efa36e24" data-vars-headline="Bathrooms and bike paths: Ideas for Columbus&#x27; first participatory budget" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/06/city-council-participatory-budget-9-million" target="_self">participatory budget program</a>.Why it matters: &quot;Our Voice, Our Choice Budget&quot; lets residents choose how funds are allocated, and its success will determine whether Columbus gives them more say in the future.

Ohio's state library moves into a digital era

The shift will change how you can browse its vast historical collection.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State Library of Ohio" data-vars-click-url="https://library.ohio.gov/" data-vars-content-id="256b765c-697f-4c1c-a258-ebed9ef31309" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s state library moves into a digital era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://library.ohio.gov/" target="_blank">State Library of Ohio</a> holds medieval manuscripts, letters from George Washington and thousands of government documents from Ohio&#x27;s earliest days. But its next chapter is looking increasingly digital.Why it matters: This isn&#x27;t your typical neighborhood <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="library" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/21/metropolitan-library-youth-program-adults" data-vars-content-id="256b765c-697f-4c1c-a258-ebed9ef31309" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s state library moves into a digital era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/21/metropolitan-library-youth-program-adults" target="_self">library</a>. The 209-year-old state agency preserves pieces of Ohio history, helps the state government with research and supports other libraries behind the scenes.

Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess

How Columbus leaders are grappling with impending growth.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock cameras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/11/flock-camera-hearing-ohio-contract" data-vars-content-id="6f806231-b1ce-42cb-a132-2977d352e5c2" data-vars-headline="Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/11/flock-camera-hearing-ohio-contract" target="_self">Flock cameras</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/gop-data-center-memo-ai-election" data-vars-content-id="6f806231-b1ce-42cb-a132-2977d352e5c2" data-vars-headline="Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/gop-data-center-memo-ai-election" target="_self">data centers</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="potential charter amendments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/20/columbus-city-council-reform-november-election" data-vars-content-id="6f806231-b1ce-42cb-a132-2977d352e5c2" data-vars-headline="Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/20/columbus-city-council-reform-november-election" target="_self">potential charter amendments</a> are grabbing headlines as Columbus City Council returns from summer recess, but members remain focused on preparing the city for massive change. Why it matters: Columbus is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/30/columbus-keeps-growing-at-a-rapid-pace" data-vars-content-id="6f806231-b1ce-42cb-a132-2977d352e5c2" data-vars-headline="Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess" 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">growing</a> as fast as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="anywhere in the country" data-vars-click-url="https://columbusregion.com/press-release/columbus-metro-growth-doubles-national-rate/" data-vars-content-id="6f806231-b1ce-42cb-a132-2977d352e5c2" data-vars-headline="Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://columbusregion.com/press-release/columbus-metro-growth-doubles-national-rate/" target="_blank">anywhere in the country</a>, and that requires important decisions from council that will shape our future.

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.

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.

Development 🏗️

Columbus maps public land with an eye on housing

Columbus convention authority needs a master plan

Hardin, Wyche propose new Columbus data center guardrails

Worthington clashes over proposed redevelopment

Data center fight could change the future of Grove City