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Tasting a trio of Graeter's summer flavors

We see how the Cincinnati limited-edition offerings stack up.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Summer ice cream" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/05/29/jenis-ice-cream-summer-2026-flavors-review" data-vars-content-id="7dfe946d-d3fc-486c-a939-1acabaa9b9c2" data-vars-headline="Tasting a trio of Graeter&#x27;s summer flavors" 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/jenis-ice-cream-summer-2026-flavors-review" target="_self">Summer ice cream</a> season is in full swing, and we&#x27;ve got a new batch of flavors to try.Scooping the news: Cincinnati&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Graeter&#x27;s Ice Cream" data-vars-click-url="https://www.graeters.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopOcmkDE4-2KGNd5K261lnxBVWpJfOstzaDq_OPWEecKhRqSXU8" data-vars-content-id="7dfe946d-d3fc-486c-a939-1acabaa9b9c2" data-vars-headline="Tasting a trio of Graeter&#x27;s summer flavors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.graeters.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopOcmkDE4-2KGNd5K261lnxBVWpJfOstzaDq_OPWEecKhRqSXU8" target="_blank">Graeter&#x27;s Ice Cream</a>, America&#x27;s oldest family-owned and operated ice cream maker, dropped its seasonal &quot;limited-edition bonus flavors&quot; this month.

We ranked the 2026 Ohio State Fair concerts

The fair is scheduled for July 29-Aug. 9 and has nearly a dozen ticketed concerts.

Culture

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="that time again" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/11/2025-ohio-state-fair-concerts-foreigner-tpain-taylor-swift" data-vars-content-id="b1e9fbbe-173a-4455-a3eb-6ceecb0a99d1" data-vars-headline="We ranked the 2026 Ohio State Fair concerts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/11/2025-ohio-state-fair-concerts-foreigner-tpain-taylor-swift" target="_self">that time again</a> to rank the concerts at the 2026 Ohio State Fair, scheduled for July 29-Aug. 9.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Concerts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/entertainment/concerts1" data-vars-content-id="b1e9fbbe-173a-4455-a3eb-6ceecb0a99d1" data-vars-headline="We ranked the 2026 Ohio State Fair concerts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/entertainment/concerts1" target="_blank">Concerts</a> are held at the Celeste Center, and advance tickets include fair admission.

Inside Ohio's gift to the future

The America250 time capsule will include a piece of the Wright brothers' Flyer and a "Heart of It All" pin.

America at 250

From a piece of the Wright brothers&#x27; Flyer to a &quot;Heart of It All&quot; pin, Ohio has picked the artifacts that will represent the state in a national time capsule honoring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s 250th birthday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/03/ohio-america-250-celebration-2026" data-vars-content-id="765335ae-d442-402d-995a-560a6690194a" data-vars-headline="Inside Ohio&#x27;s gift to the future" 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&#x27;s 250th birthday</a>.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America250-Ohio collection" data-vars-click-url="https://america250.org/time-capsule/contents/#OH" data-vars-content-id="765335ae-d442-402d-995a-560a6690194a" data-vars-headline="Inside Ohio&#x27;s gift to the future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://america250.org/time-capsule/contents/#OH" target="_blank">America250-Ohio collection</a> captures the Buckeye State in 2026 — its history, priorities and identity — for future Americans opening the capsule in 2276.

Columbus ranks among safer metros for pedestrians

Its fatality rate is nearly unchanged from a 2024 study.

News

Columbus <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/12/street-safety-ohio-report-pedestrian" data-vars-content-id="2a71ec91-abdc-48f5-9aa6-cf54edcf55e2" data-vars-headline="Columbus ranks among safer metros for pedestrians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/12/street-safety-ohio-report-pedestrian" target="_self">continues</a> to be one of the safer cities for pedestrians, though not as safe as its Ohio peers, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/12/pedestrian-safety-report-walkability-ohio" data-vars-content-id="2a71ec91-abdc-48f5-9aa6-cf54edcf55e2" data-vars-headline="Columbus ranks among safer metros for pedestrians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/12/pedestrian-safety-report-walkability-ohio" target="_self">report</a> from Smart Growth America.Why it matters: Making our region more walkable has remained a top priority for local leaders, from improving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sidewalks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/08/22/ohio-linkus-walkability-bikeability-proposal" data-vars-content-id="2a71ec91-abdc-48f5-9aa6-cf54edcf55e2" data-vars-headline="Columbus ranks among safer metros for pedestrians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/08/22/ohio-linkus-walkability-bikeability-proposal" target="_self">sidewalks</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traffic signals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/02/safer-left-turn-signals-pilot" data-vars-content-id="2a71ec91-abdc-48f5-9aa6-cf54edcf55e2" data-vars-headline="Columbus ranks among safer metros for pedestrians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/02/safer-left-turn-signals-pilot" target="_self">traffic signals</a> to reducing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="speed limits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/07/19/columbus-ohio-speed-limits-pedestrian-safety" data-vars-content-id="2a71ec91-abdc-48f5-9aa6-cf54edcf55e2" data-vars-headline="Columbus ranks among safer metros for pedestrians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/07/19/columbus-ohio-speed-limits-pedestrian-safety" target="_self">speed limits</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redesigning roads" data-vars-click-url="https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/livingston-avenue-safety-improvements-speeding-concerns/530-9edb9657-88ee-4076-9022-a78a4a9b0d73" data-vars-content-id="2a71ec91-abdc-48f5-9aa6-cf54edcf55e2" data-vars-headline="Columbus ranks among safer metros for pedestrians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/livingston-avenue-safety-improvements-speeding-concerns/530-9edb9657-88ee-4076-9022-a78a4a9b0d73" target="_blank">redesigning roads</a>.

Whitehall could reshape leadership with recall election

Residents will decide Tuesday whether three officials should stay in office.

The City of Whitehall faces a potential summer of change as residents consider reshaping city leadership.Why it matters: The motivation behind the recall efforts against the mayor and two city council members appears less focused on one issue or controversy and more the result of a growing schism between residents and leaders.

"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.

Federal officials unveil Ohio fraud crackdown

Allegations include over $50 million in fraud schemes involving Medicaid and other programs.

Federal officials were in Columbus this week to announce prosecution of a variety of alleged fraud schemes, along with a &quot;fraud-fighting enforcement partnership&quot; with Ohio.Driving the news: At a press conference Thursday, several high-ranking Trump administration officials announced what <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/04/trump-nominate-todd-blanche-attorney-general" data-vars-content-id="e88cb66a-6f47-4a51-a2b7-afbefcef99ad" data-vars-headline="Federal officials unveil Ohio fraud crackdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/04/trump-nominate-todd-blanche-attorney-general" target="_self">acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche</a> called &quot;significant fraud enforcement&quot; in the state that he says centers in Franklin County.

Ohio data center debate heats up

Residents push back as lawmakers consider new oversight.

Data center discourse is reaching a crescendo in Ohio, with public opposition <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mounting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/04/ohio-data-center-boom-moratorium-laws" data-vars-content-id="99853185-77c0-4b86-bfab-5091c08f70ef" data-vars-headline="Ohio data center debate heats up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/04/ohio-data-center-boom-moratorium-laws" target="_self">mounting</a> and Gov. Mike DeWine pausing state sales tax breaks.Why it matters: Central Ohio has been one of the country&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hottest spots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/28/central-ohio-data-center-boom" data-vars-content-id="99853185-77c0-4b86-bfab-5091c08f70ef" data-vars-headline="Ohio data center debate heats up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/28/central-ohio-data-center-boom" target="_self">hottest spots</a> for data center development, but shifts in perception and policy could change that.

Ohio AG Yost to resign next month

Yost is set to become a VP at a nonprofit law firm.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is resigning next month to take a leadership position at a nonprofit law firm, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="he announced Thursday" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/DaveYostOH/status/2052484836800274674" data-vars-content-id="ebf1dac5-bd66-4973-b13f-9cedf2eeb80c" data-vars-headline="Ohio AG Yost to resign next month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/DaveYostOH/status/2052484836800274674" target="_blank">he announced Thursday</a>.Why it matters: The departure likely marks the end of Yost&#x27;s decades-long career as an elected official and comes after a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="failed run for governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/16/attorney-general-dave-yost-governor-election-campaign" data-vars-content-id="ebf1dac5-bd66-4973-b13f-9cedf2eeb80c" data-vars-headline="Ohio AG Yost to resign next month" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/16/attorney-general-dave-yost-governor-election-campaign" target="_self">failed run for governor</a> last year.

Can Ohio sports betting changes curb problem gambling? Advocates doubt it

Proposed legislation would ban online sports betting and credit card deposits.

Ohio&#x27;s problem gambling advocates support new proposals to prohibit online sports betting and limit other wagers, but question whether they&#x27;ll be adopted or make a meaningful impact.Why it matters: Legalized sports gambling has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="made millions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/20/ohio-sports-betting-wager-legal-online-app" data-vars-content-id="ae309036-0f64-4788-a67e-129fed20cd89" data-vars-headline="Can Ohio sports betting changes curb problem gambling? Advocates doubt it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/20/ohio-sports-betting-wager-legal-online-app" target="_self">made millions</a> for Ohio, but it&#x27;s also created an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="explosion of problem gambling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/20/ohio-problem-gambling-betting-network-addiction-services" data-vars-content-id="ae309036-0f64-4788-a67e-129fed20cd89" data-vars-headline="Can Ohio sports betting changes curb problem gambling? Advocates doubt it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/20/ohio-problem-gambling-betting-network-addiction-services" target="_self">explosion of problem gambling</a>.

Save The Crew inspires national bill to keep teams local

Lawmakers want communities to get first shot at keeping their franchises.

The movement that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="saved the Columbus Crew" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2018/12/28/save-crew-timeline-columbus-efforts/6437639007/" data-vars-content-id="7a06f254-015a-47a2-95f4-7a60cad121a3" data-vars-headline="Save The Crew inspires national bill to keep teams local" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2018/12/28/save-crew-timeline-columbus-efforts/6437639007/" target="_blank">saved the Columbus Crew</a> has inspired national legislation to help other cities do the same.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Home Team Act" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/01/casar-sanders-bill-sports-team-relocation-spurs" data-vars-content-id="7a06f254-015a-47a2-95f4-7a60cad121a3" data-vars-headline="Save The Crew inspires national bill to keep teams local" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/01/casar-sanders-bill-sports-team-relocation-spurs" target="_self">Home Team Act</a>, newly introduced in the U.S. House, would require owners of professional sports teams to give their community a chance to buy the team before relocating — a move inspired by Save The Crew and an Ohio law.

Potential ICE presence at Columbus airport unclear

Airport officials don't know and federal officials won't say whether ICE will serve as a local TSA backup.

Columbus airport officials don&#x27;t know and a federal official won&#x27;t say whether ICE agents will be sent to bolster local TSA checkpoints.Why it matters: The last time Columbus felt a major ICE presence, in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="December," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/12/18/ice-immigration-agent-mayor-ginther-respond" data-vars-content-id="8c7af28c-ed4b-4f07-8445-ff718016a020" data-vars-headline="Potential ICE presence at Columbus airport unclear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/12/18/ice-immigration-agent-mayor-ginther-respond" target="_self">December,</a> there were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds of arrests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/12/ice-detainees-butler-county-jail-ohio" data-vars-content-id="8c7af28c-ed4b-4f07-8445-ff718016a020" data-vars-headline="Potential ICE presence at Columbus airport unclear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/12/ice-detainees-butler-county-jail-ohio" target="_self">hundreds of arrests</a>.

Massive Anduril weapons plant preps for production

Fury autonomous drone production is set to begin months ahead of schedule.

Anduril&#x27;s Arsenal-1 factory near Rickenbacker is about to start production, and leaders of the autonomous weapons manufacturer believe it will produce superior weaponry at a fraction of the cost and time other companies require.Why it matters: The project promises to be one of the biggest <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="447a9b30-d5e4-4c79-b224-9bb94678b677" data-vars-headline="Massive Anduril weapons plant preps for production" 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="447a9b30-d5e4-4c79-b224-9bb94678b677" data-vars-headline="Massive Anduril weapons plant preps for production" 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 in Ohio&#x27;s history and comes with a massive tax break from the state.

Ohio lawmakers grappling with how to regulate AI

The majority say they use AI in their work.

Some Ohio lawmakers are embracing AI, while others — including one Columbus Democrat — are working to limit harm done by the technology.Why it matters: Confusion and indecision persist on how AI <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="should be regulated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-columbus-3f925d20-d9da-11f0-87c3-ebe17279ed99.html?chunk=2&amp;utm_term=emshare#story2" data-vars-content-id="25e97a10-272b-48ef-8c76-75718321feaf" data-vars-headline="Ohio lawmakers grappling with how to regulate AI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-columbus-3f925d20-d9da-11f0-87c3-ebe17279ed99.html?chunk=2&amp;utm_term=emshare#story2" target="_self">should be regulated</a>, and who should do the regulating.

Politics 🇺🇸

Whitehall could reshape leadership with recall election

FBI raid and voter ID push fuel election fears in Ohio

"Human composting" may be coming to Ohio

Federal officials unveil Ohio fraud crackdown

Ohio data center debate heats up