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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.

Challenge Cup gives Columbus an NWSL preview

As the city readies its own team, it hosts a match between two of the NWSL's best during the Summer of Soccer.

Columbus soccer fans will get a preview this week of what we&#x27;ll look like as a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Women&#x27;s Soccer League member" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/21/nwsl-womens-soccer-franchise-new-team-expansion-announcement" data-vars-content-id="bedd3003-3c35-4258-affe-2a253e33f0d7" data-vars-headline="Challenge Cup gives Columbus an NWSL preview" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/21/nwsl-womens-soccer-franchise-new-team-expansion-announcement" target="_self">National Women&#x27;s Soccer League member</a> as the city hosts the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NWSL Challenge Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nwslsoccer.com/challengecup" data-vars-content-id="bedd3003-3c35-4258-affe-2a253e33f0d7" data-vars-headline="Challenge Cup gives Columbus an NWSL preview" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nwslsoccer.com/challengecup" target="_blank">NWSL Challenge Cup</a>.Why it matters: The match is a showcase for both the NWSL and for Haslam Sports Group leaders looking to capitalize on <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="bedd3003-3c35-4258-affe-2a253e33f0d7" data-vars-headline="Challenge Cup gives Columbus an NWSL preview" 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> buzz.

Columbus' NWSL team is working to build its brand

The team will have a new identity rather than emulating its "sibling" club the Crew.

The Haslam Sports Group team heading up National Women&#x27;s Soccer League (NWSL) operations is in a &quot;sprint&quot; toward the team&#x27;s 2028 launch.State of play: They&#x27;re soliciting fan and community input, planning branding and team identity and beginning the process of assembling a staff.

Where to find World Cup watch parties in Central Ohio

Check out where Columbus soccer lovers are watching.

Sports

Catching <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/11/world-cup-guide-watch-parties-central-ohio" data-vars-content-id="003111ce-518e-4bf6-9116-7b24daec34ee" data-vars-headline="Where to find World Cup watch parties in Central Ohio" 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">World Cup</a> fever? Watch Party Radar shows you where to catch the latest match from a host of places across Central Ohio.The context: Stefan and Dennis Tan <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="built the database" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/18/world-cup-watch-party-radar-chicago-soccer-bars-fan-meetups" data-vars-content-id="003111ce-518e-4bf6-9116-7b24daec34ee" data-vars-headline="Where to find World Cup watch parties in Central Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/18/world-cup-watch-party-radar-chicago-soccer-bars-fan-meetups" target="_self">built the database</a> and map because they often travel for work and found it difficult to find a place to watch sporting events with fellow fans.

Ahead of USA-Australia, Columbus's ties Down Under

From American football to Australian rules football and zoo animals, there's plenty of connections.

Did you know Australia is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="very nearly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.geodatos.net/en/antipodes/united-states/columbus" data-vars-content-id="372308fd-009d-4f0e-99f8-3402eaa38c5c" data-vars-headline="Ahead of USA-Australia, Columbus&#x27;s ties Down Under" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.geodatos.net/en/antipodes/united-states/columbus" target="_blank">very nearly</a> on the other side of the planet from Columbus?Why it matters: The U.S. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/11/world-cup-guide-watch-parties-central-ohio" data-vars-content-id="372308fd-009d-4f0e-99f8-3402eaa38c5c" data-vars-headline="Ahead of USA-Australia, Columbus&#x27;s ties Down Under" 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">World Cup</a> journey continues Friday, and we&#x27;re checking out some of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="our very international city&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/visuals/global-international-food-cuisine" data-vars-content-id="372308fd-009d-4f0e-99f8-3402eaa38c5c" data-vars-headline="Ahead of USA-Australia, Columbus&#x27;s ties Down Under" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/visuals/global-international-food-cuisine" target="_self">our very international city&#x27;s</a> ties to our opponents.<ul><li>🇦🇺 Up next: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Australia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ussoccer.com/competitions/fifa-world-cup-26/matches/united-states-australia-tickets-live-score-match-hub-lineups-highlights" data-vars-content-id="372308fd-009d-4f0e-99f8-3402eaa38c5c" data-vars-headline="Ahead of USA-Australia, Columbus&#x27;s ties Down Under" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ussoccer.com/competitions/fifa-world-cup-26/matches/united-states-australia-tickets-live-score-match-hub-lineups-highlights" target="_blank">Australia</a>.</li></ul>

Girls flag football is booming across Ohio

OHSAA could make it a sanctioned high school sport today.

For years, Hayden Dennis pepped up Westerville football players on the sidelines. But now the cheerleader competes on the field too — in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flag football" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/23/girls-flag-football-ohio-boom" data-vars-content-id="0ec414bc-4355-40ed-ba51-18f8f43481e7" data-vars-headline="Girls flag football is booming across Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/23/girls-flag-football-ohio-boom" target="_self">flag football</a>, which could soon become Ohio&#x27;s newest sanctioned high school sport for girls.Why it matters: The Ohio High School Athletic Association board is set to vote Friday, a big step in creating more opportunities for female athletes locally and at higher levels.

A Columbus fan's guide to the World Cup

What to expect and how to watch the monthlong tournament.

The world&#x27;s biggest sporting event begins Thursday, back on American soil for the first time in more than 30 years — and here&#x27;s what you need to know before it begins.Why it matters: Columbus isn&#x27;t hosting, but the men&#x27;s World Cup is the marquee event of the most popular sport in the world. About 6 million people will attend matches, while <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="billions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/500-days-to-go-milestone-excitement-builds" data-vars-content-id="4c12c71b-0967-4ea6-96b7-3d005e660982" data-vars-headline="A Columbus fan&#x27;s guide to the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/500-days-to-go-milestone-excitement-builds" target="_blank">billions</a> watch from home.

Why Columbus isn't hosting a World Cup match

We've got soccer facilities and a huge stadium, but not one suitable for the World Cup.

Columbus loves soccer, so why aren&#x27;t we hosting a World Cup match? Unfortunately, we don&#x27;t have a place for it.Across the country, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="11 U.S. cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/03/world-cup-host-cities-preparations" data-vars-content-id="02856d1c-0f34-4eac-a2d7-09a8cf861c75" data-vars-headline="Why Columbus isn&#x27;t hosting a World Cup match" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/03/world-cup-host-cities-preparations" target="_self">11 U.S. cities</a> host games at massive stadiums with capacities over 60,000.<ul><li>None are in Ohio, though <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cincinnati tried" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2022/06/17/why-cincinnati-missed-out-being-world-cup-host-city/7653541001/" data-vars-content-id="02856d1c-0f34-4eac-a2d7-09a8cf861c75" data-vars-headline="Why Columbus isn&#x27;t hosting a World Cup match" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2022/06/17/why-cincinnati-missed-out-being-world-cup-host-city/7653541001/" target="_blank">Cincinnati tried</a>.</li></ul>

The Memorial Tournament celebrates half a century

The tournament that began in 1976 is one of Central Ohio's marquee events.

Central Ohio becomes the center of the golf world this weekend when the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Memorial Tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thememorialtournament.com/" data-vars-content-id="3fa7b32b-0175-4679-b913-5635d95ece2d" data-vars-headline="The Memorial Tournament celebrates half a century" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thememorialtournament.com/" target="_blank">Memorial Tournament</a> brings tens of thousands of people to Dublin for an event that&#x27;s raised our national profile for half a century.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/03/how-to-win-free-2027-memorial-tournament-tickets" data-vars-content-id="3fa7b32b-0175-4679-b913-5635d95ece2d" data-vars-headline="The Memorial Tournament celebrates half a century" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/03/how-to-win-free-2027-memorial-tournament-tickets" target="_self">The event</a> has bolstered the region&#x27;s national image as a sports and event host city, and celebrates a major milestone this weekend.

Sports 🏅

Steven Moreira gets a hero's welcome in Cape Verde

Dewz Crew wants adults to stop scrolling and start playing

The Crew sign new star Brais Méndez from Spain

Challenge Cup gives Columbus an NWSL preview

Columbus' NWSL team is working to build its brand