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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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Ohio's first mountain coaster is coming to Hocking Hills

It's expected to open in 2027, offering a scenic 5-minute trip.

News

Construction is starting soon on Ohio&#x27;s first mountain coaster, just a short trip away in the Hocking Hills.For the unfamiliar: They&#x27;re scenic, gravity-driven <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rides" data-vars-click-url="https://anakeesta.com/blog/what-is-a-mountain-coaster/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="74f11562-b424-4d53-8212-b832212e1c20" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s first mountain coaster is coming to Hocking Hills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://anakeesta.com/blog/what-is-a-mountain-coaster/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">rides</a> on tracks built into mountainsides, with single-car riders using hand brakes to control the speed.

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.

Photos: A closer look inside the Longaberger basket building

A few extra looks inside the massive, fascinating basket.

The people are demanding more basket photos. The intrigue: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I wrote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/10/longaberger-basket-building-newark-ohio-building-inside-photos" data-vars-content-id="c2dec018-51f7-44df-9d09-4a9137149fad" data-vars-headline="Photos: A closer look inside the Longaberger basket building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/10/longaberger-basket-building-newark-ohio-building-inside-photos" target="_self">I wrote</a> about my recent exploration of the Longaberger basket building and a few readers asked to see more pictures from the trip.

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.

Where Central Ohio is growing the fastest may surprise you

Small towns are adding residents at the fastest rates.

Central Ohio&#x27;s explosive growth is no secret. What&#x27;s less obvious is where it&#x27;s mainly happening: smaller cities and villages on the fringes.Why it matters: The demographic landscape of the U.S. is undergoing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a dramatic outward shift" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/exurbs-urban-cities-growth-census" data-vars-content-id="d096db98-6da4-4b44-a62a-bc55e8852e00" data-vars-headline="Where Central Ohio is growing the fastest may surprise you" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/exurbs-urban-cities-growth-census" target="_self">a dramatic outward shift</a> to more affordable exurban communities — our region perfectly mirrors that trend.

The century-old LeVeque Tower needs some work

The signature silhouette of the Columbus skyline has become something of a pedestrian eyesore.

The signature silhouette of the Columbus skyline has become something of a pedestrian eyesore, wrapped in cheap metal and wood to ensure no one is hit by falling debris.Why it matters: The LeVeque Tower isn&#x27;t just any downtown building, it&#x27;s the city&#x27;s most iconic structure and a reminder of a time when we built skyscrapers with aesthetics in mind.

Columbus Landmarks wants help saving these historic buildings

The nonprofit has released its 2026 list of "Most Endangered Sites."

Development

Central Ohio <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/05/16/endangered-history-sites-local-face-demolition-preservation-ohio" data-vars-content-id="7f022da2-b901-4568-a97b-31b05cc70c65" data-vars-headline="Columbus Landmarks wants help saving these historic buildings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/05/16/endangered-history-sites-local-face-demolition-preservation-ohio" target="_self">historians</a> and preservationists have new marching orders this week, with the arrival of a new list of Columbus&#x27; &quot;Most Endangered Sites.&quot;Why it matters: The annual list attempts to save pieces of local culture and heritage at risk of disappearing, along with the histories within their walls.

As stock soars, good vibes are back for Intel in Ohio

The company is reaffirming its semiconductor plans after multiple delays.

A year after another <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="delay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/28/intel-ohio-one-chip-delayed-chip-factory-fab" data-vars-content-id="361cb923-968c-44d9-8342-4bf2b1ce4840" data-vars-headline="As stock soars, good vibes are back for Intel in Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/28/intel-ohio-one-chip-delayed-chip-factory-fab" target="_self">delay</a> to Intel&#x27;s pair of semiconductor plants in New Albany, the company is now riding a wave of momentum and doubling down on its new timeline.Why it matters: The $20 billion project known as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ohio One" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/01/22/intel-ohio-one-semiconductor-plant-columbus" data-vars-content-id="361cb923-968c-44d9-8342-4bf2b1ce4840" data-vars-headline="As stock soars, good vibes are back for Intel in Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/01/22/intel-ohio-one-semiconductor-plant-columbus" target="_self">Ohio One</a> is the state&#x27;s largest investment ever in a private company.

Help share your favorite Ohio building's story

The  "250 Buildings, 250 Stories" project is open for submissions statewide.

A new statewide initiative gives Ohio residents a chance to highlight historic buildings they care about and maybe even help keep them around for decades to come.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Heritage Ohio" data-vars-click-url="https://heritageohio.org/" data-vars-content-id="58aee458-a575-4432-816c-a6704d6b364a" data-vars-headline="Help share your favorite Ohio building&#x27;s story" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://heritageohio.org/" target="_blank">Heritage Ohio</a>, a historic preservation nonprofit, is using its &quot;250 Buildings, 250 Stories&quot; project to find sites that could be preserved, restored or redeveloped, especially ones that might otherwise be overlooked.<ul><li>The effort, tied to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America 250 celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/03/ohio-america-250-celebration-2026" data-vars-content-id="58aee458-a575-4432-816c-a6704d6b364a" data-vars-headline="Help share your favorite Ohio building&#x27;s story" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/03/ohio-america-250-celebration-2026" target="_self">America 250 celebration</a>, will spotlight 250 buildings across the state that are at least 50 years old.</li></ul>

Columbus explores recycling water for data centers

A water reclamation project could remove data centers from Central Ohio's drinking water supply.

Columbus is exploring a plan to use reclaimed wastewater to operate local data centers, removing the need to send drinking water to the facilities.Why it matters: The increasing number of Central Ohio data centers require <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive amounts of water" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/20/water-demand-data-centers-intel-ohio" data-vars-content-id="18a498b5-2edf-4b9a-82ad-80fcfc70c408" data-vars-headline="Columbus explores recycling water for data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/20/water-demand-data-centers-intel-ohio" target="_self">massive amounts of water</a>, but so does the area&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rapidly growing 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="18a498b5-2edf-4b9a-82ad-80fcfc70c408" data-vars-headline="Columbus explores recycling water for data centers" 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">rapidly growing population</a>.

Columbus pro women's soccer team announced

The league's 18th franchise reportedly cost ownership a $205 million expansion fee.

A day after the city of Columbus <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="approved a deal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2026/04/20/columbus-city-council-amendment-could-tie-nwsl-deal-to-mccoy-park-replacement/89662112007/" data-vars-content-id="a140eaed-04e2-4fc5-a6ce-363ea8d89cdf" data-vars-headline="Columbus pro women&#x27;s soccer team announced" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2026/04/20/columbus-city-council-amendment-could-tie-nwsl-deal-to-mccoy-park-replacement/89662112007/" target="_blank">approved a deal</a> paving the way for a National Women&#x27;s Soccer League expansion franchise, the league officially awarded the city a team that will start play in 2028.Why it matters: An NWSL franchise marks the biggest step toward the city&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women&#x27;s sports capital" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/06/columbus-builds-womens-sports-capital-momentum" data-vars-content-id="a140eaed-04e2-4fc5-a6ce-363ea8d89cdf" data-vars-headline="Columbus pro women&#x27;s soccer team announced" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/06/columbus-builds-womens-sports-capital-momentum" target="_self">women&#x27;s sports capital</a>&quot; ambitions. The announcement follows a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="contentious" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/20/nwsl-haslam-group-soccer-womens-mccoy-park" data-vars-content-id="a140eaed-04e2-4fc5-a6ce-363ea8d89cdf" data-vars-headline="Columbus pro women&#x27;s soccer team announced" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/20/nwsl-haslam-group-soccer-womens-mccoy-park" target="_self">contentious</a> exchange with the public over using city funds and park space for the team.

What's next for Columbus' old Greyhound station

The wheels keep turning, but redevelopment is slow going.

This month marks four years since Columbus&#x27; old <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greyhound" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/12/18/ohio-greyhound-bus-stop-controversy" data-vars-content-id="40fd3441-c0fe-4d64-92c2-3f88948b4bc5" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for Columbus&#x27; old Greyhound station" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/12/18/ohio-greyhound-bus-stop-controversy" target="_self">Greyhound</a> bus station shut down, and the wheels keep turning behind the scenes on its potential redevelopment.Why it matters: The site sits on 2.6 acres of prime real estate in the heart of downtown, but it was plagued with crime and violence in its final years as a transit terminal.

Axios Latino

A bar chart that shows percent change by geographic area. South Bloomfield has the largest increase at 93.95%, followed by West Jefferson at 40.31% and Lithopolis at 36.38%. Marysville is lowest among the listed places at 17.43%. The values range from 17.43% to 93.95%.

Fastest-growing cities and villages in Ohio

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 Population Estimates; Chart: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios

Development 🏗️

Exploring the empty, iconic Longaberger basket building

Columbus has different views on playing, living downtown

Where Central Ohio is growing the fastest may surprise you

The century-old LeVeque Tower needs some work

Columbus Landmarks wants help saving these historic buildings