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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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Jeni's drops a trio of new summer flavors

We tried Confetti Brownie Batter, Matchapolitan and Summer Berries & Passion Fruit.

Food and Drink

To kick off summer, Jeni&#x27;s dropped <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three seasonal flavors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DY4lVIOx_Cn/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="7d822318-f2cc-44f3-9c3d-02b645838115" data-vars-headline="Jeni&#x27;s drops a trio of new summer flavors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DY4lVIOx_Cn/?hl=en" target="_blank">three seasonal flavors</a> on Thursday — each familiar but new.I tried all three:

Where Central Ohio is growing the fastest may surprise you

Small towns are adding residents at the fastest rates.

News

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.

Harambe's death still echoes 10 years later

The death of the beloved Cincinnati gorilla set off a social media firestorm.

Ten years ago today, Cincinnati became the center of the internet after Harambe — a 17-year-old gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo — died in one of the strangest viral news cycles of the social media era.Flashback: On <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="May 28, 2016" data-vars-click-url="https://cincinnatizoo.org/cincinnati-zoo-devastated-by-death-of-beloved-gorilla/" data-vars-content-id="30ed0105-8a97-4307-bd80-7d7aa78b2de4" data-vars-headline="Harambe&#x27;s death still echoes 10 years later" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cincinnatizoo.org/cincinnati-zoo-devastated-by-death-of-beloved-gorilla/" target="_blank">May 28, 2016</a>, a 3-year-old boy entered the zoo&#x27;s Gorilla World exhibit.<ul><li>Fearing the child could be seriously hurt or killed, a zoo response team shot Harambe, an endangered western lowland silverback.</li></ul>

It's fruit picking season at Central Ohio farms

Set a reminder for peak season of your favorite fruit.

With warmer weather and sunny days comes Central Ohio&#x27;s pick-your-own-fruit season.Why it matters: Grocery store produce does the job, but it&#x27;s no substitute for ripe locally grown fruit — you can taste the difference.

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.

Outdoor recreation made Ohio $20 billion in 2024

The industry supports 150,000 jobs statewide.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Outdoor recreation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/07/12/ohio-state-parks-hocking-hills-free-summer" data-vars-content-id="fe16962b-307d-404b-bf83-8ce326cb9902" data-vars-headline="Outdoor recreation made Ohio $20 billion in 2024" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/07/12/ohio-state-parks-hocking-hills-free-summer" target="_self">Outdoor recreation</a> in parks, on waterways and elsewhere made Ohio $20 billion in 2024, and represents an increasingly large percentage of our state GDP.Why it matters: In addition to state revenue, the industry supports tens of thousands of Ohio jobs and billions in wages in fields ranging from boating and fishing to equestrian and snow sports.

A Columbus Zoo swan love story takes flight

Sloane and Stella could hatch the zoo's first cygnets this year.

Romance is in the air — and on the water — at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Columbus Zoo and Aquarium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/03/come-from-away-columbus-zoo-unga-bonobo" data-vars-content-id="af358b1c-806b-418a-8857-a108861d98a5" data-vars-headline="A Columbus Zoo swan love story takes flight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/03/come-from-away-columbus-zoo-unga-bonobo" target="_self">Columbus Zoo and Aquarium</a> this Valentine&#x27;s Day.Why it matters: The zoo&#x27;s pair of bonded trumpeter swans will likely build their first nest this spring — a love story and a comeback story all wrapped into one.

Decades after near-extinction, Ohio's bald eagles are thriving

Wetlands, lakes and local passion fueled the state's bald eagle rebound.

The next time you spot an eagle soaring through the Ohio sky, remember that sighting is because of successful conservation efforts that saved the majestic bird.Why it matters: Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bald eagle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/14/star-bald-eagle-release-ohio-bird-sanctuary" data-vars-content-id="78c39bfc-704e-4c2f-aba8-10830d9c285a" data-vars-headline="Decades after near-extinction, Ohio&#x27;s bald eagles are thriving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/14/star-bald-eagle-release-ohio-bird-sanctuary" target="_self">bald eagle</a> efforts are a rare but important conservation bright spot — and an indication of our ability to save endangered species.

A first-timer's guide to Ohio's only via ferrata climb

Climbing Quarry Trails was harder — and more rewarding — than I expected.

Environment

I&#x27;ve never been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rock climbing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/01/indoor-climbing-central-ohio-quarry-trails-park" data-vars-content-id="bfd55fd1-ee71-453d-a81e-0e73b1671716" data-vars-headline="A first-timer&#x27;s guide to Ohio&#x27;s only via ferrata climb" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/01/indoor-climbing-central-ohio-quarry-trails-park" target="_self">rock climbing</a>, but with Ohio&#x27;s only via ferrata essentially in my backyard, I had to try it for another <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;never have I ever&quot; experience" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/01/columbus-symphony-orchestra-dress-rehearsal" data-vars-content-id="bfd55fd1-ee71-453d-a81e-0e73b1671716" data-vars-headline="A first-timer&#x27;s guide to Ohio&#x27;s only via ferrata climb" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/01/columbus-symphony-orchestra-dress-rehearsal" target="_self">&quot;never have I ever&quot; experience</a>.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Quarry Trails Metro Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/" data-vars-content-id="bfd55fd1-ee71-453d-a81e-0e73b1671716" data-vars-headline="A first-timer&#x27;s guide to Ohio&#x27;s only via ferrata climb" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/" target="_blank">Quarry Trails Metro Park</a> route is also the only urban via ferrata in the country, and two years since its opening, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hype" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/where-to-climb-via-ferratas-in-the-us" data-vars-content-id="bfd55fd1-ee71-453d-a81e-0e73b1671716" data-vars-headline="A first-timer&#x27;s guide to Ohio&#x27;s only via ferrata climb" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/where-to-climb-via-ferratas-in-the-us" target="_blank">hype</a> hasn&#x27;t died down.

A column chart that shows U.S. emergency department visits for tick bites each April, measured per 100,000 visits. Rates rose from 56 in 2022 to 64 in 2023, dipped to 62 in 2024, then climbed to 68 in 2025 and 101 in 2026, the series high.

Tick bite ER visits in April

Data: CDC National Syndromic Surveillance Program; Note: 2026 data are preliminary; Chart: Carly Mallenbaum/Axios