The top Columbus stories we're watching in 2026
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As the new year begins, here are some of the 2026 storylines we're keeping an eye on:
🗓️ Trump, year two
The local impacts of President Trump's second term priorities fueled many of last year's most significant storylines.
What's next: We expect that to continue — especially ahead of November's midterm elections.
Go deeper: Project 2025 architects lay out 2026 policy vision
🗳️ A big election year
The midterms will be big, and in Ohio, all eyes will likely be on the governor's race.
State of play: Trump-backed entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, of Upper Arlington, is expected to face off against former state health director Amy Acton, of Bexley.
- Neither has been elected to a political office. Gov. Mike DeWine is term-limited.
🤖 AI's impact
AI isn't going anywhere, and debates will continue regarding the hype and how to regulate it.
Friction point: Central Ohio is a hotspot for the data centers that make our increasingly digital lives possible, but some local communities are temporarily pausing construction.
Go deeper: How energy powers your AI work and fun: a step-by-step guide
🥳 Happy 250th birthday, America!
Our nation turns 250 years old this summer and Ohio has been planning celebrations for years to coincide with the milestone.
What we're watching: The festivities will include unveiling a new women's suffrage monument at the Statehouse.
🌿 Marijuana modifications
The 2023 ballot initiative that legalized recreational marijuana in Ohio wasn't the last word.
Catch up quick: A new law overhauling the program, including a ban on intoxicating hemp products like THC drinks, is set to take effect in March — for now.
The latest: Voters are collecting signatures in hopes of delaying and ultimately repealing it.
🏫 School's out forever
Several Columbus City Schools buildings will close before the 2026-27 school year as part of ongoing efforts to cut costs and realign resources.
Zoom in: The district is also eliminating nearly 300 jobs, with specifics expected this month.
The big picture: All K-12 schools must now have a policy on the books banning cellphone usage "during the instructional day."
- By July 1, they must adopt one regarding appropriate AI use.
🏈 The new guys in town
A new United Football League team, the Columbus Aviators, will play at Historic Crew Stadium beginning this spring. Former Buckeye Ted Ginn Jr. is the head coach.
The other side: The Crew made Swedish manager Henrik Rydström the ninth head coach in team history following Wilfried Nancy's departure.