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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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Pro football returns to Columbus for Aviators home debut

We took in the experience of watching Columbus' newest team.

News

Columbus has a professional football team again. Why it matters: In a town enthusiastic about the sport, Friday marked the first outdoor pro football game in Columbus <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in 34 years" data-vars-click-url="https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/tonight-34-years-later-professional-outdoor-football-is-back-in-columbus-nfl-ufl-sports-today-espn-broadcast-event-game-athletes" data-vars-content-id="dea41af6-b9b4-4cec-8b15-d9da299bea25" data-vars-headline="Pro football returns to Columbus for Aviators home debut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/tonight-34-years-later-professional-outdoor-football-is-back-in-columbus-nfl-ufl-sports-today-espn-broadcast-event-game-athletes" target="_blank">in 34 years</a>.

What's on the May 5 primary ballot

Voters face school levies, a police response amendment and more.

Early voting is underway for the May 5 primary election, kicking off a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="busy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/12/ohio-2026-elections-yost-larose-sprague-faber" data-vars-content-id="0a156d75-86bb-4a77-bc19-55e9c67eb430" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s on the May 5 primary ballot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/12/ohio-2026-elections-yost-larose-sprague-faber" target="_self">busy</a> midterm year.Why it matters: While statewide races like governor and U.S. Senate will likely grab the spotlight, there are plenty of local issues being decided now.

At long last, Buc-ee's brings BBQ and hype to Ohio

The Huber Heights store marks Buc-ee's debut in Ohio — and the Midwest.

Business

Ohio has its first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Buc-ee&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/09/11/columbus-dayton-business-development" data-vars-content-id="0aa83960-fdc8-49bb-8070-6cb90afa08b0" data-vars-headline="At long last, Buc-ee&#x27;s brings BBQ and hype to Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2023/09/11/columbus-dayton-business-development" target="_self">Buc-ee&#x27;s</a> — the Texas-born mega travel center known for turning gas stops into full-blown day trips.Why it matters: The massive 74,000-square-foot gas station on steroids opened this week in Huber Heights (near Dayton), marking Buc-ee&#x27;s debut in Ohio — and the Midwest.

How Columbus water helps breweries make better beer

On National Beer Day, take a moment to appreciate our water.

Enjoying a local beverage on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Beer Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brewersassociation.org/events/national-beer-day/" data-vars-content-id="8adf4f65-133b-41ee-9444-6d6fddf9a650" data-vars-headline="How Columbus water helps breweries make better beer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brewersassociation.org/events/national-beer-day/" target="_blank">National Beer Day</a>? Take a moment to consider the most important ingredient in Columbus beer: our water.Why it matters: Beer is over 90% water, and Columbus gives brewmasters — from small craft breweries to massive distributors — a big advantage.

Columbus women feel safer than men, survey finds

Researchers say Columbus stands out, but don't have an explanation.

Women feel less safe than men in most major cities <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="across the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/women-men-cities-safety" data-vars-content-id="44ff519f-d1f0-471f-a3b3-bce0f6a1c8ae" data-vars-headline="Columbus women feel safer than men, survey finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/women-men-cities-safety" target="_self">across the country</a> — but not in Columbus.Why it matters: We&#x27;re a glaring outlier among 27 select cities, and researchers aren&#x27;t sure why.

Natalie's Grandview is our readers' favorite small music venue

The final round of Axios Columbus' Music Madness bracket wasn't much of a contest.

Music

Give a round of applause to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Natalie&#x27;s Grandview" data-vars-click-url="https://nataliesgrandview.com/" data-vars-content-id="5e2caca5-0890-4ac7-ad83-0eb4e26198cc" data-vars-headline="Natalie&#x27;s Grandview is our readers&#x27; favorite small music venue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nataliesgrandview.com/" target="_blank">Natalie&#x27;s Grandview</a>, the undisputed champion of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="our Music Madness venue bracket" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/01/music-venues-bracket-ohio-final-round" data-vars-content-id="5e2caca5-0890-4ac7-ad83-0eb4e26198cc" data-vars-headline="Natalie&#x27;s Grandview is our readers&#x27; favorite small music venue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/01/music-venues-bracket-ohio-final-round" target="_self">our Music Madness venue bracket</a>.Reality check: The final matchup against The Bluestone wasn&#x27;t even a contest, with the crowd favorite claiming 84% of votes.

Do it yourself with these Central Ohio resources

From woodworking to crafts, local spaces offer tools and training.

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National DIY Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-diy-day-april-2" data-vars-content-id="f9ecbc14-ce23-4c02-adca-58a36863b84c" data-vars-headline="Do it yourself with these Central Ohio resources" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-diy-day-april-2" target="_blank">National DIY Day</a> — a good time to consider resources available to Central Ohioans who want to get their hands dirty.Why it matters: Costs are increasing for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/26/central-ohio-home-sales-shift-suburbs-2026" data-vars-content-id="f9ecbc14-ce23-4c02-adca-58a36863b84c" data-vars-headline="Do it yourself with these Central Ohio resources" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/26/central-ohio-home-sales-shift-suburbs-2026" target="_self">housing</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="goods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/03/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-fed" data-vars-content-id="f9ecbc14-ce23-4c02-adca-58a36863b84c" data-vars-headline="Do it yourself with these Central Ohio resources" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/03/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-fed" target="_self">goods</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="services" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/realestate/why-are-we-spending-so-much-money-on-home-renovations.html" data-vars-content-id="f9ecbc14-ce23-4c02-adca-58a36863b84c" data-vars-headline="Do it yourself with these Central Ohio resources" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/realestate/why-are-we-spending-so-much-money-on-home-renovations.html" target="_blank">services</a>. Doing some projects yourself could save you some significant cash.

Vote for Central Ohio's best music venues: Final Round

Natalie's and The Bluestone face off in the last round of our March Madness bracket.

After three rounds of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/27/music-venues-bracket-ohio-round-3" data-vars-content-id="9b2dae82-aad2-4a52-a2fe-7d812c72df41" data-vars-headline="Vote for Central Ohio&#x27;s best music venues: Final Round" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/27/music-venues-bracket-ohio-round-3" target="_self">voting</a>, it&#x27;s time for the big finale.State of play: Just two venues remain in our Music Madness bracket — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Natalie&#x27;s Grandview" data-vars-click-url="https://nataliesgrandview.com/" data-vars-content-id="9b2dae82-aad2-4a52-a2fe-7d812c72df41" data-vars-headline="Vote for Central Ohio&#x27;s best music venues: Final Round" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nataliesgrandview.com/" target="_blank">Natalie&#x27;s Grandview</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bluestone" data-vars-click-url="https://liveatthebluestone.com/" data-vars-content-id="9b2dae82-aad2-4a52-a2fe-7d812c72df41" data-vars-headline="Vote for Central Ohio&#x27;s best music venues: Final Round" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://liveatthebluestone.com/" target="_blank">The Bluestone</a>.<ul><li>These two have drawn some of the most votes all tournament long, and now they face off in a winner-take-all final.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Cast a vote for your favorite here before noon Friday. Check back Monday to see which venue won it all!<div><iframe name="opinionstage-widget" alt="Opinion Stage Embed" src="https://www.opinionstage.com/api/v2/widgets/4209c882-b0b6-48c8-9fc5-c5a8cdd0f65e/iframe" data-opinionstage-iframe="4209c882-b0b6-48c8-9fc5-c5a8cdd0f65e" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="embed-poll" data-vars-asset-id="4209c882-b0b6-48c8-9fc5-c5a8cdd0f65e" data-vars-content-id="9b2dae82-aad2-4a52-a2fe-7d812c72df41" width="100%" height="800" allow="fullscreen" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" class="gtmView" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><div style="display:none"></div></div>

Get your short film on one of Columbus' most unique screens

Submissions (with no entry fee) are open through May 15.

Culture

It may not be the big screen, but a new contest is bringing local films to a recognizable big screen in Columbus.Driving the news: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UnConventional Film Contest" data-vars-click-url="https://unconventionalfilmcontest.com/" data-vars-content-id="a06a20b4-25b8-4f09-ac1a-04bd593a1335" data-vars-headline="Get your short film on one of Columbus&#x27; most unique screens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://unconventionalfilmcontest.com/" target="_blank">UnConventional Film Contest</a>, presented by the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, is calling for artists to submit short films highlighting &quot;creativity, community and the spirit of Columbus and Central Ohio.&quot;

Vote for Central Ohio's best music venues: Round 3

In the semifinals: Natalie's, Dick's Den, Newport Music Hall and The Bluestone.

It&#x27;s time to vote in the next round of our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Music Madness bracket" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/24/music-venues-bracket-ohio-round-2" data-vars-content-id="4990f28e-0c99-4201-8331-0b7420b80062" data-vars-headline="Vote for Central Ohio&#x27;s best music venues: Round 3" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/24/music-venues-bracket-ohio-round-2" target="_self">Music Madness bracket</a>.State of play: Four fan favorites are headed to the semifinals and all won by similar margins, so it&#x27;s still anybody&#x27;s contest.

Central Ohio's Irish roots run deep

Ireland's influence in the region goes far beyond St. Patrick's Day.

St. Patrick&#x27;s Day is for everyone, but Columbus has plenty of Irish ties beyond green beer.Why it matters: Irish immigrants helped settle Central Ohio, and their influence can still be felt centuries later.

Columbus band Big Fat Head has a big, fat opportunity

The rockers are spending the week at South by Southwest in Austin.

Local rock band <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Big Fat Head" data-vars-click-url="https://bigfathead.bandcamp.com/album/mind-your-head" data-vars-content-id="e9ff4cea-17e7-4d68-a7ef-2c3ed6966912" data-vars-headline="Columbus band Big Fat Head has a big, fat opportunity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bigfathead.bandcamp.com/album/mind-your-head" target="_blank">Big Fat Head</a> is trading Columbus dive bars for the Austin spotlight this week as members head to Texas for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South By Southwest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/press-past-releases/axios-house-at-sxsw-2026-to-host-tech-media-culture-leaders" data-vars-content-id="e9ff4cea-17e7-4d68-a7ef-2c3ed6966912" data-vars-headline="Columbus band Big Fat Head has a big, fat opportunity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/press-past-releases/axios-house-at-sxsw-2026-to-host-tech-media-culture-leaders" target="_self">South By Southwest</a> (SXSW) adventure.Why it matters: From music and comedy to film and tech, SXSW is one of the country&#x27;s biggest festivals, and appearances can help boost careers.

Q&A with Vic and Christine, our "Love is Blind" stars

The newlyweds share life updates after the Season 10 finale.

Before the drama went down on Wednesday night&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Love is Blind&quot; reunion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/12/love-is-blind-season-10-reunion-recap" data-vars-content-id="29bcc5b4-f3c4-45e5-a772-ba4d6bde652c" data-vars-headline="Q&amp;A with Vic and Christine, our &quot;Love is Blind&quot; stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/12/love-is-blind-season-10-reunion-recap" target="_self">&quot;Love is Blind&quot; reunion</a>, Axios got a few minutes to talk to Season 10&#x27;s dream couple.

Columbus builds "women's sports capital" momentum

An NWSL bid and major events spotlight the city's ambitions.

Momentum appears to be building toward Mayor Andrew Ginther&#x27;s ambition of making Columbus the nation&#x27;s capital for women&#x27;s sports.Why it matters: Women&#x27;s sports are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="exploding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/08/22/womens-pro-sports-leagues-growing" data-vars-content-id="b9109615-06fa-4342-b06d-334cdfa893cf" data-vars-headline="Columbus builds &quot;women&#x27;s sports capital&quot; momentum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2025/08/22/womens-pro-sports-leagues-growing" target="_self">exploding</a> in popularity — and in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revenue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/44402483/2025-women-sports-revenue-projected-hit-235b" data-vars-content-id="b9109615-06fa-4342-b06d-334cdfa893cf" data-vars-headline="Columbus builds &quot;women&#x27;s sports capital&quot; momentum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/44402483/2025-women-sports-revenue-projected-hit-235b" target="_blank">revenue</a> — as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cities across the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/08/07/competition-womens-sports-capital" data-vars-content-id="b9109615-06fa-4342-b06d-334cdfa893cf" data-vars-headline="Columbus builds &quot;women&#x27;s sports capital&quot; momentum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/08/07/competition-womens-sports-capital" target="_self">cities across the country</a> vie for expansion franchises and the &quot;capital&quot; moniker.

A range plot showing the percentage of U.S. residents who feel "safe" or "very safe" in 27 cities. Responses were collected from 13,464 residents between July 18 and November 22, 2024. Boston leads with 80% of males and 77% of females saying they feel safe. Baltimore trails with 31% of females and 44% of males. In almost every city, fewer females report feeling safe than males.