What we're watching in Columbus this May
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
School is wrapping up and people are ready to get outside — Columbus is in for a busy May.
Here's what we're watching:
🗳️ Primary election: The May 5 primaries will finalize key statewide races like governor and U.S. Senate and also decide local issues like a Columbus alternative 911 response program and tax levies.
⚖️ Jason Meade resolution: The murder retrial is underway for the former Franklin County deputy charged with Casey Goodson Jr.'s 2020 shooting death.
- Involved parties have waited years for a decision after multiple delays and a hung jury in 2024.
🚨 Downtown safety: Violent crime and homicides are trending down, but warm weather often brings an uptick.
- Will city efforts to improve safety keep working?
🍅 Farmers market season: For many communities, May marks the return of outdoor markets.
⚽️ A busy Crew month: After a disastrous start, the Crew have stabilized and play six matches ahead of the World Cup break.
💐 Mother's Day is May 10 — consider this your advanced notice! Here's some gift inspo.
🎸 Sonic Temple, Columbus' biggest annual music festival, returns to Historic Crew Stadium May 14, and Breakaway is a couple of weeks later.
☀️ Memorial Day is May 25 — the unofficial start of summer.
- Most community pools open for the season, and the Asian Festival and Ohio Black Expo return that weekend.
🗳️ Whitehall residents may vote to recall their mayor and two city council members May 28.