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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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New Columbus program lets residents decide the budget

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

News

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.

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.

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>.

An ice cream showdown to be Central Ohio's best

It's Graeter's vs. Handel's for reader favorite.

Food and Drink

Earlier this week, we <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="asked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/06/central-ohio-best-ice-cream-flavor" data-vars-content-id="b7f9bd0f-1671-4fcc-b47c-f81f8c944cbc" data-vars-headline="An ice cream showdown to be Central Ohio&#x27;s best" 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/central-ohio-best-ice-cream-flavor" target="_self">asked</a> our readers for the best single ice cream flavor in Central Ohio to commemorate National Ice Cream Month.⚔️ The intrigue: It&#x27;s a scoop-off.

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.

The Crew sign new star Brais Méndez from Spain

Méndez is a La Liga veteran who just won the Spanish Cup with Real Sociedad.

The Crew is celebrating the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Summer of Soccer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/11/world-cup-guide-watch-parties-central-ohio" data-vars-content-id="bf219d85-93ee-4016-ae22-66ca03b89034" data-vars-headline="The Crew sign new star Brais Méndez from Spain" 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">Summer of Soccer</a> with a new star player.Driving the news: The team <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced Thursday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-acquire-brais-mendez-as-designated-player" data-vars-content-id="bf219d85-93ee-4016-ae22-66ca03b89034" data-vars-headline="The Crew sign new star Brais Méndez from Spain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-acquire-brais-mendez-as-designated-player" target="_blank">announced Thursday</a> it had signed Spanish midfielder Brais Méndez from La Liga club Real Sociedad.

Why Columbus is the most American city

Ohio's capital reflects where we're headed, not just where we've been.

The U.S. turns 250 on Saturday, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fewer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/24/americans-founders-disappointed-250th-anniversary" data-vars-content-id="6847e7d7-d893-419e-a7f7-9c903f4ec2af" data-vars-headline="Why Columbus is the most American city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/24/americans-founders-disappointed-250th-anniversary" target="_self">fewer</a> of us are feeling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proud" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/17/america-250-religion-race-patriotism" data-vars-content-id="6847e7d7-d893-419e-a7f7-9c903f4ec2af" data-vars-headline="Why Columbus is the most American city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/17/america-250-religion-race-patriotism" target="_self">proud</a> to be American these days.Why it matters: If we can&#x27;t unite around the state of our nation heading into the holiday weekend, maybe we can rally together around some civic pride.

Ginther: Ending TPS is "irresponsible and inhumane"

The Columbus mayor directed immigrants to community resources.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther called the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="potential ending" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/25/supreme-court-tps-ohio-haitian-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="e0c6dbe5-7ee7-4faa-8fad-1d43fc332075" data-vars-headline="Ginther: Ending TPS is &quot;irresponsible and inhumane&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/25/supreme-court-tps-ohio-haitian-immigrants" target="_self">potential ending</a> of protected status for Syrians and Haitians living legally in the U.S. is &quot;irresponsible and inhumane.&quot;Why it matters: Central Ohio is home to about 30,000 Haitian immigrants, including at least 12,000 who make up about a quarter of the Springfield population.

How the Columbus Zoo's new aquarium fits a bigger vision

A historic donation is reshaping the zoo's future.

For nearly three decades, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Columbus Zoo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/13/zoo-trumpeter-swans-nest-valentines-day" data-vars-content-id="ec47e5e6-daa2-477f-8351-4004f084a436" data-vars-headline="How the Columbus Zoo&#x27;s new aquarium fits a bigger vision" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/13/zoo-trumpeter-swans-nest-valentines-day" target="_self">Columbus Zoo</a> has carried &quot;and Aquarium&quot; in its name. Soon, it&#x27;ll finally have one that matches the billing.Why it matters: The newly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.columbuszoo.org/news/columbus-zoo-announces-vision-john-f-wolfe-aquarium" data-vars-content-id="ec47e5e6-daa2-477f-8351-4004f084a436" data-vars-headline="How the Columbus Zoo&#x27;s new aquarium fits a bigger vision" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.columbuszoo.org/news/columbus-zoo-announces-vision-john-f-wolfe-aquarium" target="_blank">announced</a> standalone John F. Wolfe Aquarium will be Ohio&#x27;s largest when it opens in 2029.

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.

Poll: Most Ohio lawmakers oppose the death penalty

Capital punishment is a talking point again after outgoing Gov. Mike DeWine declared opposition to the death penalty.

Most Ohio lawmakers say they&#x27;d vote to repeal the state&#x27;s death penalty and don&#x27;t want to see the next governor resume executions, per a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gongwer-Werth Legislative Poll" data-vars-click-url="https://gongwerwerthpoll.com/#about" data-vars-content-id="22a3f167-ef80-4761-abdd-c180210e3139" data-vars-headline="Poll: Most Ohio lawmakers oppose the death penalty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gongwerwerthpoll.com/#about" target="_blank">Gongwer-Werth Legislative Poll</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Capital punishment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/07/ohio-death-penalty-execution-dave-yost-ag" data-vars-content-id="22a3f167-ef80-4761-abdd-c180210e3139" data-vars-headline="Poll: Most Ohio lawmakers oppose the death penalty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/07/ohio-death-penalty-execution-dave-yost-ag" target="_self">Capital punishment</a> is a talking point again after outgoing Gov. Mike DeWine <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="declared his opposition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/16/governor-mike-dewine-ohio-abolish-death-penalty" data-vars-content-id="22a3f167-ef80-4761-abdd-c180210e3139" data-vars-headline="Poll: Most Ohio lawmakers oppose the death penalty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/16/governor-mike-dewine-ohio-abolish-death-penalty" target="_self">declared his opposition</a> to the death penalty.

Axios Cleveland

Ohio among states reporting stomach parasite infections

Cleveland

Choropleth map showing the change in ACA health care enrollments from February 2025 to February 2026. The U.S. rate is a decrease of 12%. Every state showed a decline except New Mexico, which increased 14%. Ohio and Oklahoma led the U.S. in largest decreases, both at nearly 32% over one year.

News 🗞

How Columbus is making composting easier

Ohio among states reporting stomach parasite infections

Ohio tops the nation in ACA enrollment drop

Dewz Crew wants adults to stop scrolling and start playing

New Columbus program lets residents decide the budget