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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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Central Ohio filmmakers' new movie "The Cycle" streams this weekend

"ThanksKilling" director Jordan Downey is back with a more serious murder mystery.

News

A new horror film written, directed and produced by Central Ohio natives is wrapping up its festival circuit and is ready for its streaming launch just in time for Halloween.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;The Cycle&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32358390/?_ssoLoop=1" data-vars-content-id="45c3c2d7-3770-4bd0-b437-a23f756e34f7" data-vars-headline="Central Ohio filmmakers&#x27; new movie &quot;The Cycle&quot; streams this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32358390/?_ssoLoop=1" target="_blank">&quot;The Cycle&quot;</a> is the new (and a bit more serious) movie from Granville native Jordan Downey, who made the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="infamous" data-vars-click-url="https://collider.com/thankskilling-horror-movie/" data-vars-content-id="45c3c2d7-3770-4bd0-b437-a23f756e34f7" data-vars-headline="Central Ohio filmmakers&#x27; new movie &quot;The Cycle&quot; streams this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://collider.com/thankskilling-horror-movie/" target="_blank">infamous</a> horror-comedy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;ThanksKilling.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1129441/" data-vars-content-id="45c3c2d7-3770-4bd0-b437-a23f756e34f7" data-vars-headline="Central Ohio filmmakers&#x27; new movie &quot;The Cycle&quot; streams this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1129441/" target="_blank">&quot;ThanksKilling.&quot;</a>

Ramaswamy faces expanding blowback over Acton attack ad

Politicians and commentators from both sides of the aisle have been critical.

As Vivek Ramaswamy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="doubles down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/21/ramaswamy-ad-acton-mother-ohio" data-vars-content-id="1c441c31-61c6-4851-a87e-95688fe6855e" data-vars-headline="Ramaswamy faces expanding blowback over Acton attack ad" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/21/ramaswamy-ad-acton-mother-ohio" target="_self">doubles down</a> on his controversial ad attacking Amy Acton, backlash has grown to include Democrats, Republicans and political commentators across the country.Why it matters: Ohio&#x27;s gubernatorial race is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="projected" data-vars-click-url="https://maristpoll.marist.edu/polls/midterm-elections-in-ohio-october-2026/" data-vars-content-id="1c441c31-61c6-4851-a87e-95688fe6855e" data-vars-headline="Ramaswamy faces expanding blowback over Acton attack ad" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://maristpoll.marist.edu/polls/midterm-elections-in-ohio-october-2026/" target="_blank">projected</a> to be a tight one — Ramaswamy&#x27;s ad is garnering enough negative attention that it could affect the result.

Husted and Brown battle for high-profile Senate seat

The Ohio race may determine control of the Senate next year.

Election

All eyes are back on Ohio as Republican Sen. Jon Husted seeks to fend off former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in a race with big implications for the years ahead.Why it matters: The race may determine control of the Senate, and a good showing from Brown could return Ohio to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="swing-state status in 2028" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/13/2028-map-swing-states-democrats-red-conservatives" data-vars-content-id="c39cc54a-ee35-47fd-8254-962aa8c3b283" data-vars-headline="Husted and Brown battle for high-profile Senate seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/13/2028-map-swing-states-democrats-red-conservatives" target="_self">swing-state status in 2028</a>.

Why Columbus' first direct flight to Europe "raises the bar"

Lufthansa's Columbus-Frankfurt route will start flying in May 2027.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport is getting its first direct flight to Europe next year, with nonstop service to Frankfurt, Germany.Why it matters: The route will connect Columbus residents and businesses directly to Europe (and vice versa) — a new channel that leaders expect to bolster our economy and global reputation.

Armadillos may be arriving in Ohio for the first time

The  mammals have been here before, but as hitchhikers rather than residents.

Researchers in southwest Ohio believe the state may have a new resident. Driving the news: A research team at Miami University has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="found" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wlwt.com/article/miami-university-ohio-first-naturally-occurring-armadillo/73657483" data-vars-content-id="7ccf1f87-e505-4443-abec-1b7f9053746c" data-vars-headline="Armadillos may be arriving in Ohio for the first time" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wlwt.com/article/miami-university-ohio-first-naturally-occurring-armadillo/73657483" target="_blank">found</a> what is possibly the first naturally occurring armadillo in the state.

How much rain Columbus got in August

With a derecho, tornadoes and flash flooding, it was one for the record books.

August was a month for the record books, with the second-most rain ever recorded in Columbus.By the numbers: The city logged 9.94 inches of rain last month — more than 2.5 times what&#x27;s normal (3.74), per National Weather Service data.

Ask Axios: Why do we measure rain at the airport?

Your backyard rainfall may differ from Columbus' official total.

A few readers have asked: When you report rainfall totals or a certain number of 90-degree days in Columbus, where do those weather measurements come from? 👋 Alissa here, our resident weather nerd. Our reporting uses records from the National Weather Service, the federal agency that collects and maintains official U.S. weather observations.

Mushrooms are thriving in Central Ohio's wet August

Experts say they're probably nothing to worry about — but don't eat them.

As Central Ohio residents deal with an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abnormally stormy August" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/13/central-ohio-storm-rain-weather" data-vars-content-id="efb44b09-6488-460d-a0a3-49c75ac6311d" data-vars-headline="Mushrooms are thriving in Central Ohio&#x27;s wet August" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/13/central-ohio-storm-rain-weather" target="_self">abnormally stormy August</a>, our spore-bearing cousins are thriving.Why it matters: My normally green yard has become filled with dozens of large white mushrooms in recent days — some nearly as big as dinner plates.

Heavy storms are only getting more common

This summer's weather events are part of a broader trend.

It&#x27;s a stormy week in Columbus — unfortunately, we probably need to get used to it.Why it matters: Heavy, concentrated storms can cause <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flooding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/21/flash-floods-ohio-climate-2025" data-vars-content-id="091fbe76-a467-4974-b3f1-28ce1cdb5426" data-vars-headline="Heavy storms are only getting more common" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/21/flash-floods-ohio-climate-2025" target="_self">flooding</a>, disrupt travel and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stress infrastructure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/10/snow-melt-winter-central-ohio-flood" data-vars-content-id="091fbe76-a467-4974-b3f1-28ce1cdb5426" data-vars-headline="Heavy storms are only getting more common" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/10/snow-melt-winter-central-ohio-flood" target="_self">stress infrastructure</a> in a city that&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already sinking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/14/columbus-is-slowly-sinking-into-the-ground" data-vars-content-id="091fbe76-a467-4974-b3f1-28ce1cdb5426" data-vars-headline="Heavy storms are only getting more common" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/14/columbus-is-slowly-sinking-into-the-ground" target="_self">already sinking</a>.

Destructive Central Ohio storm leaves 100,000 without power

"I hope I have folks' attention," Mayor Andrew Ginther said. "This is very serious."

Central Ohio is reeling from a massive storm that left flooding and damage in its wake and around 100,000 residents without power.Catch up quick: The storm rolled in Tuesday morning around 10am, creating dangerous conditions in a matter of minutes.

Clawed visitors are appearing in Columbus backyards

They may be alarming, but they're not the crayfish we need to worry about.

The invasive red swamp crayfish is wandering into Central Ohio backyards and patios — but it&#x27;s not the scariest crustacean staring at us.Why it matters: Invasive species harm natural ecosystems by pushing out native life, spreading disease and harming vegetation — if uncontrolled, that can affect our waterways.

Ohio dodges drought as much of the U.S. dries out

A rainy spring has kept things moist, but hot, dry days are ahead.

Drought is sweeping across <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/07/07/water-falls-lake-drought-irrigation-demand" data-vars-content-id="ae037727-e6d3-45ed-8264-4d5273c6f29d" data-vars-headline="Ohio dodges drought as much of the U.S. dries out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/07/07/water-falls-lake-drought-irrigation-demand" target="_self">most</a> of the U.S. this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/07/09/monsoon-rains-colorados-wildfire-danger" data-vars-content-id="ae037727-e6d3-45ed-8264-4d5273c6f29d" data-vars-headline="Ohio dodges drought as much of the U.S. dries out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/07/09/monsoon-rains-colorados-wildfire-danger" target="_self">summer</a>, but for the first time in a while, Ohio is actually doing OK.Why it matters: Prolonged dry conditions have widespread impact, from damaged crops to crispy lawns and gardens and potentially <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="higher water bills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.drought.gov/sectors/water-utilities" data-vars-content-id="ae037727-e6d3-45ed-8264-4d5273c6f29d" data-vars-headline="Ohio dodges drought as much of the U.S. dries out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.drought.gov/sectors/water-utilities" target="_blank">higher water bills</a>.

The longest cold streaks in Columbus history

Our recent stretch of below-freezing days cracked the top 10.

It feels positively balmy outside this week. Or maybe it&#x27;s just been entirely too long since we&#x27;ve experienced above-freezing temperatures.By the numbers: Columbus&#x27; recent stretch of high temperatures of 32 degrees or below started Jan. 23 and lasted 18 days.

Slow thaw may help avoid dangerous winter flooding

Weather and soil conditions are working in the city's favor this week.

As slightly warmer weather moves into Columbus, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="piles of snow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/26/winter-storm-fern-snow-emergency" data-vars-content-id="0af82b40-373a-475d-abe1-b405cb6f0975" data-vars-headline="Slow thaw may help avoid dangerous winter flooding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/01/26/winter-storm-fern-snow-emergency" target="_self">piles of snow</a> outside will likely take all week to melt — and that gradualness would be a good thing.Why it matters: Under the right conditions, heavy snowfall followed by a quick warmup can lead to dangerous flooding that further stresses infrastructure.

A bar chart that ranks Columbusâ wettest Augusts from 1878 to 2026 by rainfall totals. August 2003 is highest at 11.46 inches, followed by 2026 at 9.94 and 1979 at 8.63. The lowest value shown is 1926 at 6.13 inches. Most listed years cluster between 6 and 8 inches.

Climate 🌿

Armadillos may be arriving in Ohio for the first time

How much rain Columbus got in August

Ask Axios: Why do we measure rain at the airport?

Mushrooms are thriving in Central Ohio's wet August

Heavy storms are only getting more common