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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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Worthington clashes over proposed redevelopment

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

News

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>.

Ohio made it harder to challenge local decisions with a referendum

Residents now need far more signatures, but some communities are pushing to change that.

Worthington residents collecting signatures for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a development-related referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/09/10/worthington-clashes-over-proposed-redevelopment" data-vars-content-id="8583621a-fa3a-4585-84a2-9e941b6af106" data-vars-headline="Ohio made it harder to challenge local decisions with a referendum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/09/10/worthington-clashes-over-proposed-redevelopment" target="_self">a development-related referendum</a> face a much higher bar than they would have this time last year.Why it matters: Ohio&#x27;s latest state budget more than tripled the signatures required for local referendum petitions to reach the ballot — from 10% to 35% of the number of voters in the last gubernatorial election.

Ginther pauses Columbus' Flock use after more misuse

After multiple attempts to establish guardrails, the Columbus mayor announced a full Flock pause.

Public mistrust of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/flock-cameras-data-centers-ai-midterms-2026-tech" data-vars-content-id="bf1cab8e-69fe-4b55-9be5-4c4077fa3d06" data-vars-headline="Ginther pauses Columbus&#x27; Flock use after more misuse" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/flock-cameras-data-centers-ai-midterms-2026-tech" target="_self">Flock</a> cameras now includes Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, who has paused the city&#x27;s use of the AI-powered license plate reading network after yet another example of &quot;abuse&quot; of its technology.Why it matters: Ginther has praised Flock&#x27;s utility and tried to restrict rather than remove the use of the technology that residents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="loudly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/11/flock-camera-hearing-ohio-contract" data-vars-content-id="bf1cab8e-69fe-4b55-9be5-4c4077fa3d06" data-vars-headline="Ginther pauses Columbus&#x27; Flock use after more misuse" 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">loudly</a> oppose.

Columbus schools join lawsuit against social media giants

The district says social media addiction has driven up costs for student support.

Columbus City Schools will join a sprawling national <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/11/social-media-addiction-lawsuits-case" data-vars-content-id="79195392-8602-4f3c-af12-69aa1d0e690a" data-vars-headline="Columbus schools join lawsuit against social media giants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/11/social-media-addiction-lawsuits-case" target="_self">lawsuit</a> that says social media platforms harm children and leave <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/08/ohio-education-classrooms-ai-phone-policy" data-vars-content-id="79195392-8602-4f3c-af12-69aa1d0e690a" data-vars-headline="Columbus schools join lawsuit against social media giants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/08/ohio-education-classrooms-ai-phone-policy" target="_self">schools</a> to deal with the consequences.Why it matters: It&#x27;s part of a growing push to hold the companies behind apps like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube accountable for what the lawsuit claims are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="addictive designs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/meta-youtube-verdict-social-media-addiction-trial?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="79195392-8602-4f3c-af12-69aa1d0e690a" data-vars-headline="Columbus schools join lawsuit against social media giants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/meta-youtube-verdict-social-media-addiction-trial?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_self">addictive designs</a>.

Mushrooms are thriving in Central Ohio's wet August

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

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.

Clawed visitors are appearing in Columbus backyards

They may be alarming, but they're not the crayfish we need to worry about.

The invasive red swamp crayfish is wandering into Central Ohio backyards and patios — but it&#x27;s not the scariest crustacean staring at us.Why it matters: Invasive species harm natural ecosystems by pushing out native life, spreading disease and harming vegetation — if uncontrolled, that can affect our waterways.

How Columbus is making composting easier

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

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.

"Human composting" may be coming to Ohio

An Ohio Senate bill would legalize the burial alternative that turns human remains into soil.

An Ohio legislator and national funeral company are working to give residents a new option for their remains: &quot;human composting.&quot;Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The burial method" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/21/human-composting" data-vars-content-id="7e5f8b90-762e-4f52-86a5-11b2e8af4c1c" data-vars-headline="&quot;Human composting&quot; may be coming to Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/21/human-composting" target="_self">The burial method</a> is gaining popularity across the country and drawing hundreds of curious Ohioans — but it&#x27;s not currently legal in the state.

Ticks set ER records as Lyme disease rises in Ohio

Once concentrated in the Northeast, around half of Ohio ticks now carry Lyme disease.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tick season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/tick-bite-rate-lyme-disease-what-to-do" data-vars-content-id="c8e10d80-a6a4-4398-9050-1dd08ebde5cd" data-vars-headline="Ticks set ER records as Lyme disease rises in Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/tick-bite-rate-lyme-disease-what-to-do" target="_self">Tick season</a> is in full force with summer approaching, and May being <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lyme Disease Awareness Month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.globallymealliance.org/about-lyme/prevention/lymeawareness/" data-vars-content-id="c8e10d80-a6a4-4398-9050-1dd08ebde5cd" data-vars-headline="Ticks set ER records as Lyme disease rises in Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.globallymealliance.org/about-lyme/prevention/lymeawareness/" target="_blank">Lyme Disease Awareness Month</a> helps remind us of the risks these pests pose.Why it matters: Tick-related <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="illnesses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2026-04-14/the-number-of-tick-related-illnesses-in-ohio-is-skyrocketing-heres-why" data-vars-content-id="c8e10d80-a6a4-4398-9050-1dd08ebde5cd" data-vars-headline="Ticks set ER records as Lyme disease rises in Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2026-04-14/the-number-of-tick-related-illnesses-in-ohio-is-skyrocketing-heres-why" target="_blank">illnesses</a> are skyrocketing this season, sending people to the ER in record numbers.

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>.

What's next for the Big Darby Accord

Columbus has paused a vote as partners and advocates push for changes.

Facing pressure from environmental activists and local government partners, the City of Columbus will delay voting to overhaul the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Big Darby Accord" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/14/big-darby-accord-update-development-limits" data-vars-content-id="8192ae72-6250-40ed-a6e3-8e56b986190c" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for the Big Darby Accord" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/14/big-darby-accord-update-development-limits" target="_self">Big Darby Accord</a> until later this year.Why it matters: As Central Ohio growth pushes west, the accord shapes development around Big Darby Creek — one of the Midwest&#x27;s most biologically diverse aquatic ecosystems.

Make your yard pollinator-friendly this spring

Native plants help birds, bees and butterflies — and you can start small.

Spring planting season is nearly here — for those wanting to make their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="yard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/26/natural-organic-lawn-care-tips-ohio" data-vars-content-id="9c69f0f5-5188-4364-8068-d5c5d27ae19f" data-vars-headline="Make your yard pollinator-friendly this spring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/26/natural-organic-lawn-care-tips-ohio" target="_self">yard</a> more pollinator-friendly, there&#x27;s no better time to start.Why it matters: April is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Native Plant Month" data-vars-click-url="https://nationalnativeplantmonth.org/" data-vars-content-id="9c69f0f5-5188-4364-8068-d5c5d27ae19f" data-vars-headline="Make your yard pollinator-friendly this spring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nationalnativeplantmonth.org/" target="_blank">Native Plant Month</a>, drawing attention to Ohio&#x27;s native trees, shrubs and flowers as an important food and habitat source for local wildlife.

Peek inside Columbus' AI-powered recycling center

Rumpke's tech sorts recyclables faster, reducing landfill waste.

A crushed bottle zips along a crowded conveyor belt, and in a split second, a puff of air blasts it into a pile of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plastics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/24/coke-pepsi-plastic-waste-study" data-vars-content-id="43871aaf-f2a8-4e68-955b-0e5e1344a4ff" data-vars-headline="Peek inside Columbus&#x27; AI-powered recycling center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/24/coke-pepsi-plastic-waste-study" target="_self">plastics</a>.Why it matters: Inside Rumpke&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Recycling &amp; Resource Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rumpke.com/about-us/service-areas/oh/franklin-county/columbus/recycling-resource-center" data-vars-content-id="43871aaf-f2a8-4e68-955b-0e5e1344a4ff" data-vars-headline="Peek inside Columbus&#x27; AI-powered recycling center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rumpke.com/about-us/service-areas/oh/franklin-county/columbus/recycling-resource-center" target="_blank">Recycling &amp; Resource Center</a>, an AI-powered system makes over 1,000 of these decisions per minute.

Why Ohio banned the smelly, ubiquitous Bradford pear

Even after a ban, these pungent invasive trees are hard to stop.

The days are heating up, the sun is out longer and the smells of spring are in the air. Or is that just the smell of a Bradford pear tree?Why it matters: The tree is a troublesome invasive species, but it&#x27;s also one of the most noticeable plants in Central Ohio — among the first trees to bloom each spring and arguably the smelliest.

Environment

Mushrooms are thriving in Central Ohio's wet August

Clawed visitors are appearing in Columbus backyards

How Columbus is making composting easier

An Axios Columbus reporter tries composting

"Human composting" may be coming to Ohio