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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.

A search for the best ice cream flavor in Central Ohio

We're seeking readers' top scoops for National Ice Cream Month.

Thanks <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ronald Reagan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.idfa.org/july-is-national-ice-cream-month" data-vars-content-id="8547065e-0763-4aba-8440-49bc832b9832" data-vars-headline="A search for the best ice cream flavor in Central Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.idfa.org/july-is-national-ice-cream-month" target="_blank">Ronald Reagan</a> — it&#x27;s National Ice Cream Month!The big scoop: Central Ohio has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="no shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/07/20/most-common-ice-cream-chains-columbus-ohio" data-vars-content-id="8547065e-0763-4aba-8440-49bc832b9832" data-vars-headline="A search for the best ice cream flavor 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/2023/07/20/most-common-ice-cream-chains-columbus-ohio" target="_self">no shortage</a> of excellent frozen dairy purveyors. But what&#x27;s the very best single bite of ice cream around?

Weekend picks: Fourth of July and semiquincentennial

Plus: Baseball, a legendary rock star and the Senior Open.

Things to Do

The sun is blazing and it&#x27;s America&#x27;s birthday — get outside and sweat with your countrymen.🇺🇸 Our pick: Have a patriotic weekend.

Queer Beans brews community in Short North

The new LGBTQ+ cafe is "about more than coffee."

During <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a recent interview" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/18/stonewall-columbus-ceo-densil-porteous-pride" data-vars-content-id="81f9640d-f496-4a65-bddd-96c5fb558cb3" data-vars-headline="Queer Beans brews community in Short North" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/18/stonewall-columbus-ceo-densil-porteous-pride" target="_self">a recent interview</a> with Stonewall Columbus&#x27; departing CEO, Densil Porteous mentioned a coffee shop is one of the organization&#x27;s recent successes.🏃‍♀️ Of course, I had to go investigate — for journalism.

Weekend picks: "Party with a Purpose" at ComFest

Plus: Westerville's Fourth Friday and Lionel Richie.

Some local traditions are easier to experience than explain — especially this weekend&#x27;s main event.☮️ Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ComFest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.comfest.com/" data-vars-content-id="2b45bce4-1dc4-441e-9a66-d643d3446e7d" data-vars-headline="Weekend picks: &quot;Party with a Purpose&quot; at ComFest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.comfest.com/" target="_blank">ComFest</a> at Goodale Park.

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.

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.

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.

Tasting a trio of Graeter's summer flavors

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

<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.

Columbus weekend picks: An eventful time of year

Air Show, Pride weekend, jazz, tabletop games and much more.

If you&#x27;re bored this weekend, you&#x27;ll never be entertained — It&#x27;s one of the busiest times of the year.✈️ Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Columbus Air Show" data-vars-click-url="http://columbusairshow.com/" data-vars-content-id="1345c505-49f9-4ca2-9fb7-f21c74bf982f" data-vars-headline="Columbus weekend picks: An eventful time of year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://columbusairshow.com/" target="_blank">The Columbus Air Show</a>.

The Delaware Diner doesn't disappoint

It opened last year in a longtime diner spot off of Route 23.

A few years back, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I called" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/11/eclectic-diner-delaware-restaurant-review" data-vars-content-id="20a2c5ad-aecf-4d9d-99fa-1673d9b4bac6" data-vars-headline="The Delaware Diner doesn&#x27;t disappoint" 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/eclectic-diner-delaware-restaurant-review" target="_self">I called</a> The Eclectic Diner &amp; Sweeterie &quot;the real deal&quot; … and it closed shortly after.I hope <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the same fate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/24/ohio-restaurant-review-axios" data-vars-content-id="20a2c5ad-aecf-4d9d-99fa-1673d9b4bac6" data-vars-headline="The Delaware Diner doesn&#x27;t disappoint" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/24/ohio-restaurant-review-axios" target="_self">the same fate</a> does not befall its replacement, the equally awesome <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Delaware Diner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/delawarediner/" data-vars-content-id="20a2c5ad-aecf-4d9d-99fa-1673d9b4bac6" data-vars-headline="The Delaware Diner doesn&#x27;t disappoint" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/delawarediner/" target="_blank">Delaware Diner</a>.

Things to Do 🗓

Travel the world of film this summer at the Wexner Center for the Arts

A search for the best ice cream flavor in Central Ohio

Weekend picks: Fourth of July and semiquincentennial

Queer Beans brews community in Short North

Weekend picks: "Party with a Purpose" at ComFest