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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Columbus. Written by Tyler Buchanan and Alissa Widman Neese.

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The Columbus Crew take the pitch Saturday for a chance to bring the MLS Cup trophy back to town.

Kicking the news: The Crew host Los Angeles FC at 4pm for the league championship at Lower.com Field.

Why it matters: This is the fourth time the MLS Cup has been held in Columbus, but the first time at the new stadium.

The Crew won titles in 2008 and 2020, with the latter match played at home.

State of play: This has been a magical first season for head coach Wilfried Nancy, who led the Crew to its first postseason berth since the 2020 championship.

Columbus has scored the most goals of any team and did not miss a beat after star midfielder Lucas Zelarayán left midseason for a Saudi Arabian league.

In the postseason, the Crew won a best-of-three series against Atlanta and then defeated Orlando to notch the franchise's first road playoff win since 2002.

Columbus earned a thrilling come-from-behind victory over in-state rival FC Cincinnati last weekend to reach the title game.

Between the goalposts: Our dominance at Lower.com Field makes us the favorites to win Saturday.

Columbus is unbeaten in its last 17 home matches and has lost there just once all season.

Yes, but: Los Angeles FC is the reigning MLS Cup champion, winning the dramatic 2022 title against Philadelphia in penalty kicks.

LAFC joined the league in 2014 and is the first franchise to be worth $1 billion.

The intrigue: LAFC also features a high-octane supporter group known as the 3252 that went a bit overboard during last week's conference final.

Fans lit nearly two-dozen flares without league permission that created so much smoke the game's start was delayed, ESPN reports.

MLS suspended the group and announced "supporter privileges" for those attending tomorrow's match would be "restricted."

The bottom line: The Crew is already scheduled to host next year's MLS All-Star Game.

Wouldn't it be extra sweet to do so as champions?

How to watch: Follow the action on Fox/Apple TV or listen on AM radio 1460.

Columbus Underground compiled this list of the best game day watch parties.

If you go: Verified resale tickets are available on Ticketmaster starting at $389. 😬

StubHub features ticket pairs starting at $314 apiece.

Columbus Crew playing for another MLS title

The Crew takes on defending champions Los Angeles FC.

Columbus Crew players celebrate after defeating FC Cincinnati in the MLS Eastern Conference Final last weekend. Photo: Jeff Dean/Getty Images

The Columbus Crew take the pitch Saturday for a chance to bring the MLS Cup trophy back to town.Kicking the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Crew" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/11/01/columbus-crew-atlanta-united-fc-score-schedule" data-vars-content-id="f0189f1f-c269-400a-930f-14669a159b09" data-vars-headline="Columbus Crew playing for another MLS title" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/11/01/columbus-crew-atlanta-united-fc-score-schedule" target="_self">The Crew</a> host Los Angeles FC at 4pm for the league championship at Lower.com Field.

Sports

🎭 Enjoy a Columbus tradition with "The Nutcracker" at the Ohio Theatre.

7:30pm Friday, noon and 5:30pm Saturday and Sunday. $39-118.

🎵 Catch another classic show, "Mr. Scrooge: The Musical," performed by the Columbus Children's Theatre.

1pm, 4pm and 7pm Saturday, 1pm and 4pm Sunday, Studio One at the Riffe Center, 77 S. High St. $19-29.

❄️ See Charles Dickens' world come to life at Ohio Village, which hosts an 1890s holiday celebration.

5:30-9pm Saturday, 1-5pm Sunday, 800 E. 17th Ave. $9-18, children under 4 free!

🎻 Hear "Elf in Concert" as the Columbus Symphony plays along to the family favorite shown on a giant Palace Theatre screen.

🕎 Join Chabad of Columbus for a menorah lighting and family party at Easton Town Square.

🎁 Find a last-minute gift at the annual Columbus Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show.

10am-4pm Sunday, 5462 Center St., Hilliard, $3, children under 12 free!

🎅 Take a holiday hayride, play games and say hi to Santa during the Westerville Winterfest & Carnival.

11:30am-3:30pm Sunday, 180 Center St. Free with registration, some activities are paid.

What to do this weekend: Dec. 8-10

On our list: The Nutcracker, a craft festival and Elf in Concert.

Illustration of lit marquee letters spelling "WEEKEND" sitting in a row of theater seats.

Weekend

🎭 Enjoy a Columbus tradition with &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Nutcracker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.balletmet.org/performances/the-nutcracker/" data-vars-content-id="6295dcce-ca91-47df-b091-9d89e627e23f" data-vars-headline="What to do this weekend: Dec. 8-10" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.balletmet.org/performances/the-nutcracker/" target="_blank">The Nutcracker</a>&quot; at the Ohio Theatre.<ul><li>7:30pm Friday, noon and 5:30pm Saturday and Sunday. $39-118.</li></ul>

Things to Do

Ohio's recreational marijuana law goes into effect Thursday, one month after Issue 2 was approved by 57% of voters.

Why it matters: State officials are considering changes to the law that could allow marijuana purchases much sooner than expected.

State of play: The new law permits those ages 21 and up to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis in most forms and grow plants at home.

It also legalizes recreational sales, but that isn't supposed to start until Ohio issues dispensary licenses next year.

Between the lines: Issue 2 was passed as an initiated statute, meaning state lawmakers are empowered to repeal or amend it.

Legislators hurriedly worked this week to change the law before it took effect, but faced disagreement on how far the reforms should go.

The latest: The Ohio Senate on Wednesday reached a bipartisan compromise, which has the governor's vocal support, but the House of Representatives adjourned for the week without considering the bill.

Zoom in: The Senate-approved proposal calls for speeding up the sales timeline by temporarily allowing recreational purchases at existing medical marijuana dispensaries.

The bill would restrict marijuana advertising toward children, impose a public smoking ban, lower THC content for extracts and limit home grow to six plants per household, down from 12.

It would also raise the sales tax on products from 10% to 15% and shift the revenue proceeds to benefit county jails, police training, addiction treatment and a legal aid service to expunge marijuana-related offenses.

What they're saying: DeWine, who opposed Issue 2, says Ohio should work to implement a legal marijuana program that respects the will of voters while protecting public health and children.

"I think it's a very, very good bill," he said Wednesday at a news conference. "It's imperative that this thing get passed. What we don't want is a situation where the black market grows, and we don't want a situation really where people don't know what the rules are."

What we're watching: House members are expected to debate the bill when they return to session next week.

A bill signed by the governor goes into effect after 90 days unless two-thirds of lawmakers approve an emergency clause for it to be immediately enacted.

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Ohio's recreational marijuana law now in effect

Recreational sales are not expected until next year unless lawmakers take action.

Illustration of a pattern of marijuana leaves filling the state of Ohio.

Ohio

Ohio&#x27;s recreational marijuana law goes into effect Thursday, one month after Issue 2 was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="approved by 57% of voters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/08/ohio-legalizes-weed-marijuana-law-issue-2" data-vars-content-id="dbfd5f7d-9b21-4590-9040-b68c3844abf5" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s recreational marijuana law now in effect" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/08/ohio-legalizes-weed-marijuana-law-issue-2" target="_self">approved by 57% of voters</a>.Why it matters: State officials are considering changes to the law that could allow marijuana purchases much sooner than expected.

News

Politics

Our Franklin County historical marker series takes us back to Whitehall to a site that helped America win World War II.

The marker: Columbus Depot at 3990 E. Broad St.

Flashback: Since 1918, the depot has served as a federal distribution point for military supplies.

The location was chosen because of its proximity to railroad lines.

By the numbers: It eventually grew into the world's largest military supply installation, with 10 million feet of storage spread across 635 acres.

During World War II, over 1,000 freight cars per week carried everything from combat trucks and weapons to food rations, uniforms and first aid kits from the depot to be shipped around the world.

The intrigue: Late in the war, hundreds of German prisoners worked "under the watchful eyes of armed guards," per the Whitehall Historical Society.

The Defense Supply Center, as it is now known, still supplies equipment to all branches of the armed forces to this day.

Watch WOSU's short documentary about the depot.

Thanks to our series sponsor Ohio History Connection. Sponsorship has no influence on editorial content.

This Columbus site helped win World War II

The Columbus Depot has been in operation for over 100 years.

A historical marker for the "Columbus Depot" 

The marker at 3990 E. Broad St. Photo: Tyler Buchanan/Axios

Our Franklin County historical marker series takes us back to Whitehall to a site that helped America win World War II.The marker: Columbus Depot at 3990 E. Broad St.

History

Whats Next

Axios What's Next

Share of Columbus area workers by commute time

Data: Census Bureau; Chart: Alice Feng/Axios

Columbus workers spent less time getting to work than the national average before the pandemic — and we still come out ahead, even as commute times have dropped nationwide.

Why it matters: Quicker commutes are tied to better mental health, greater job satisfaction and a host of other personal benefits. They're also better for the environment.

Meanwhile, city leaders have long touted our shorter commute times as an economic development advantage.

By the numbers: About 70% of Columbus workers reported a commute of under 30 minutes in 2022, up from just over 65% in 2019, per a new Axios analysis of census data.

That's above the national average of 63% of Americans who commuted less than 30 minutes in 2022.

Zoom in: Just 4.3% of Columbus workers spent an hour or more commuting in 2022 — about half of the nationwide average.

What's happening: Remote and hybrid work is persisting in large, fast-growing places like Columbus, with a high population of young people and jobs that lend themselves to flexibility.

That means fewer cars on the road, less traffic and quicker commutes.

Be smart: The number of Columbus-area workers who commute to a physical job location dropped by 12% between 2019-2022, even as our workforce grew 1.8% during the same time, per census data.

Between the lines: A "Great Reshuffling" over the past few years led many Americans to move or find new jobs — or both — as they began prioritizing shorter commutes in favor of more personal or family time.

Of note: Our findings don't include employees who work from home and thus have a commute time of zero minutes.

😉 Our thought bubble: Hey, the journey from the bed, to the coffeemaker, to the couch sometimes takes a few minutes!

Columbus enjoys shorter-than-average commutes

Remote and hybrid work is persisting in large, fast-growing places like Columbus.

Transportation

Columbus workers spent less time getting to work than the national average before the pandemic — and we still come out ahead, even as commute times have dropped nationwide.Why it matters: Quicker commutes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="are tied to" data-vars-click-url="https://hbr.org/2021/05/that-dreaded-commute-is-actually-good-for-your-health" data-vars-content-id="be96800d-cb5e-4ba0-9bc1-f00e30c46154" data-vars-headline="Columbus enjoys shorter-than-average commutes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hbr.org/2021/05/that-dreaded-commute-is-actually-good-for-your-health" target="_blank">are tied to</a> better mental health, greater job satisfaction and a host of other personal benefits. They&#x27;re also better for the environment.

Transit

The future is looking uncertain for Ohio's village of Valleyview.

The enclave of about 700 people surrounded by Columbus' Hilltop neighborhood currently doesn't have enough council members to conduct public business in 2024.

State of play: In the November election, nobody ran in two council races or to replace longtime Mayor Marzia Helton, who is retiring.

Current council president James Mattox will automatically become mayor next month per Ohio law, leaving three of six council seats vacant, Helton tells Axios.

Until at least one is filled, the council won't have a quorum in January.

Plus: The tiny village won't bring in any new operating funds in 2024, after a tax levy failed last month.

The council unanimously voted Monday to put the same question before voters again on the March presidential primary ballot.

Zoom in: The Nov. 7 tax issue failed by 15 votes: 122 to 107. It would've generated $51,000 annually for the village and cost homeowners about $115 for every $100,000 of home value, per the county auditor.

It was the only tax issue in Franklin County to fail in that election.

The intrigue: While listed as a new tax, it's actually funding the village has relied on for years — but an administrative oversight allowed it to expire in 2021, Helton says.

The big picture: Despite the challenges, officials aren't discussing dissolving Valleyview, as some small villages in other parts of Ohio have done.

Most residents enjoy having their own part-time police department and avoiding big-city politics, Helton says.

Valleyview, Ohio, needs council members — and more revenue

After a tough November election, the village is accepting resumes for new council members.

Illustration of a white shrug emoji over a divided blue and red background with elements of ballots.

Local elections

The future is looking uncertain for Ohio&#x27;s village of Valleyview.<ul><li>The enclave of about 700 people surrounded by Columbus&#x27; Hilltop neighborhood currently doesn&#x27;t have enough council members to conduct public business in 2024.</li></ul>State of play: In the November election, nobody ran in two council races or to replace longtime Mayor Marzia Helton, who is retiring.

Hanukkah celebrations begin Thursday night, and local organizers say the joyous annual traditions will take on an even deeper significance this year.

Why it matters: Rising reports of antisemitism and the Israel-Hamas war are complicating community celebrations nationwide.

Catch up quick: Hanukkah starts Thursday at sundown and lasts until nightfall on Dec. 15.

The Jewish Festival of Lights commemorates the story of a little bit of oil that miraculously provided light for eight days.

Zoom in: Chabad Columbus, which annually organizes Eight Nights of Fun for the holiday, will celebrate this year with "more light, love and Jewish pride, in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel," according to its website.

What they're saying: "The answer to darkness is light. The answer to war is peace, camaraderie and breaking down barriers between people. Doing acts of kindness," Rabbi Areyah Kaltmann, executive director of Chabad Columbus, tells Axios. "Darkness isn't a real existence — it's just an absence of light."

Even though the first Hanukkah happened over 2,000 years ago, its message is still relevant to anyone facing challenges or uncertainty today, he says.

What's next: Events, which are open to the public and people of any faith, kick off at 4:30pm Thursday in New Albany's Bevelhymer Park.

Judah, Hanukkah's Maccabee hero, will skydive from a plane, with a candy cannon and helicopter dreidel drop to follow. RSVP here.

Of note: While Chabad Columbus has always had security at its celebrations, it will be increased this year as a precaution, Kaltmann says.

The City of Bexley, an enclave with a large Jewish population, will provide security for its menorah lighting happening 6pm Sunday in Drexel Circle, Mayor Ben Kessler tells Axios.

The bottom line: "Obviously, it's a time of very deep distress for our Jewish communities," Kessler says. "I think it's more important today than ever to celebrate Hanukkah as a community ... and to make sure people feel safe during that celebration."

Make sure to check out the full list of local events.

Animated illustration of a dreidel spinning and moving across the screen.

To learn more about Hanukkah, check out these stories from our national team:

Hanukkah starts on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar, which is a different length than the Gregorian calendar used in most parts of the world.

The Hebrew calendar — also called the Jewish calendar — is timed according to the moon, with a "leap" month added seven times (including this year) in every 19-year cycle.

Go deeper: Axios' Erin Davis compares the two calendars visually.

"Hanukkah" — the spelling we use at Axios — comes from a Hebrew word, and there are a few ways people write it in English.

Worthy of your time: Axios' Carly Mallenbaum explains the differences with a helpful phonics lesson.

Celebrating Hanukkah in Columbus amid turmoil

"The answer to war is peace, camaraderie and breaking down barriers between people."

holidays

Hanukkah celebrations begin Thursday night, and local organizers say the joyous annual traditions will take on an even deeper significance this year.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rising reports of antisemitism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/29/antisemitism-college-campus-adl-survey-israel-hamas-war" data-vars-content-id="a245ee12-2b6b-4d2c-b752-5311b59753d4" data-vars-headline="Celebrating Hanukkah in Columbus amid turmoil" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/29/antisemitism-college-campus-adl-survey-israel-hamas-war" target="_self">Rising reports of antisemitism</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Israel-Hamas war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/11/16/israel-hamas-war-local-impact" data-vars-content-id="a245ee12-2b6b-4d2c-b752-5311b59753d4" data-vars-headline="Celebrating Hanukkah in Columbus amid turmoil" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/11/16/israel-hamas-war-local-impact" target="_self">Israel-Hamas war</a> are complicating community celebrations nationwide.

Holidays

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is celebrating the birth of a female Bornean orangutan, its first in over 60 years.

Why it matters: The tree-dwelling species, native to Southeast Asia, is critically endangered.

Details: The still-unnamed baby was born Nov. 28 to first-time mother Khali, 17, and both are doing well.

The father is 30-year-old Sulango, who sired two surviving male offspring at Zoo Atlanta before coming to Columbus.

Of note: The orangutan habitat's indoor viewing area is currently closed to guests while the newly expanded family continues to bond.

New orangutan mom Khali smiles at the camera while holding her baby

New mom Khali is all smiles while resting with her baby.

Columbus Zoo announces birth of first baby orangutan in 60 years

The tree-dwelling species, native to Southeast Asia, is critically endangered.

A baby Bornean orangutan nestles up against her mother and smiles

A baby orangutan, now 1 week old, nestles against her mother. Photos: Courtesy of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Animals

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is celebrating the birth of a female Bornean orangutan, its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first in over 60 years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/09/01/columbus-zoo-baby-orangutan" data-vars-content-id="ede7d592-9da3-43ec-9f0d-98be8f4c2c33" data-vars-headline="Columbus Zoo announces birth of first baby orangutan in 60 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/09/01/columbus-zoo-baby-orangutan" target="_self">first in over 60 years</a>.Why it matters: The tree-dwelling species, native to Southeast Asia, is critically endangered.

National

Workers on strike dropped by about a third in November

Labor

Top stories & latest news on the Federal Reserve, real-time data, plus the biggest shifts happening in the U.S. and global economy.

Economy

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

Business

U.S. F-16 fighter jet crashes off coast of South Korea

Military

China is becoming the most formidable rival America has faced, and the risk of confrontation with Russia, North Korea or Iran still looms. Authoritarians are rising, the chaotic Afghanistan exit revealed the limits of U.S. power, and the pandemic, climate change and other critical challenges continue to pose grave threats.

World

President Biden has made the COVID-19 crisis and a post-Trump return to national unity and traditional democratic ideals his top priorities. From vaccinations to stimulus to schools, Biden is seeking bipartisan compromise while showing a willingness to use executive authority and bare Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate to implement his policies. Republican leaders are navigating deep party divisions over if and how to move beyond former President Trump.

Politics & Policy

Biggest economic threat in '24? Geopolitics.

Geopolitics

On the cusp of history at the COP28 climate summit

COP28

Ominous forecasts about the impact of climate change serve as the backdrop for the world — led by U.S. lawmakers and companies — to debate big action on the problem, which could upend energy systems and our way of life.

Energy & Environment

Trump surges in Iowa, strengthening historic lead, new poll shows

2024 elections

Honeyguide birds respond to distinct calls of local human honey hunters

Evolution

A look at the scientific breakthroughs changing the world, explorations in space and in worlds beyond our own and the threats posed to us by our own planet, both out of our control and of our own making.

Last Buckeye Standing Backyard Ultra - Greenswell

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