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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.

Jason Day brings local ties to the Masters

The Australian-born golfer has lived in the suburb of Westerville since 2010.

Sports

Ohio golf fans tuning into The Masters don&#x27;t have to look far for a local rooting interest — even if he comes with an Australian accent.Zoom in: Australia native Jason Day, a 13-time PGA Tour winner, has lived in Westerville since 2010.

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.

A quick roundup of Central Ohio election results

Columbus voters OK'd bonds, tax levies and 4 endorsed Democrats.

Here&#x27;s a smart, fast recap of what you need to know regarding Tuesday&#x27;s local elections, according to unofficial results from the Franklin County Board of Elections.

Columbus voters approve bond issues, elect Ross

The District 7 race between Tiara Ross and Jesse Vogel was decided by a narrow margin.

Columbus voters approved nearly $2 billion in bond issues and named new city council and school board members, per unofficial results from the Franklin County Board of Elections.

Voters will decide Ginther's $1.9 billion bond plan

Five bond issues could fund housing, parks, safety and more — without raising taxes.

Ballots in Columbus are dominated by a quintet of bond issues that could shape the city&#x27;s future.Why it matters: The Nov. 4 election will decide five substantial issues totaling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.9 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/22/ohio-bond-package-november-ballot-housing-investment" data-vars-content-id="faf5e2ca-fa08-46b3-a426-36743b1d8db7" data-vars-headline="Voters will decide Ginther&#x27;s $1.9 billion bond plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/22/ohio-bond-package-november-ballot-housing-investment" target="_self">$1.9 billion</a> that will fund projects related to development, utilities, city services and infrastructure.

Voter guide 2025: What's on the ballot in Columbus

Election Day is Nov. 4. Brush up on council races, bond issues, a zoo levy and more.

With a week left until Election Day, we&#x27;re diving deeper into the Nov. 4 ballot — plus how to vote early.

Insider vs. outsider in City Council District 7 race

Jesse Vogel and Tiara Ross offer sharply different visions for Columbus.

Columbus voters will have a rare choice at the ballot box next week: a one-on-one showdown for a vacant city council seat.Why it matters: The City Council District 7 race has become a broader referendum about our local politics, pitting a council-endorsed city prosecutor against an immigration attorney with criticisms of the insider nature of Columbus leadership.

Scoop: Ramaswamy raised over $8.5M in campaign for governor

It's a massive haul this early in the election cycle.

Election

Republican Vivek Ramaswamy has raised over $8.5 million since February toward his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="campaign for governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/24/vivek-ramaswamy-ohio-governor-bid-launch" data-vars-content-id="18c0ea72-ac13-4072-b324-eaf64f23a839" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Ramaswamy raised over $8.5M in campaign for governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/24/vivek-ramaswamy-ohio-governor-bid-launch" target="_self">campaign for governor</a>, Axios has learned.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a massive haul this early in the election cycle, with the primary nearly a full year away.

AG Yost drops out of governor's race

The decision makes fellow Republican Vivek Ramaswamy the favorite to win the party nomination.

Attorney General Dave Yost is dropping out of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/12/ohio-2026-elections-yost-larose-sprague-faber" data-vars-content-id="aee1a09c-723c-4026-bad5-9e098a69e051" data-vars-headline="AG Yost drops out of governor&#x27;s race" 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">the governor&#x27;s race</a> a week after failing to secure the state party&#x27;s endorsement, per an email sent Friday to supporters.Why it matters: The decision makes Upper Arlington entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy the clear favorite to win the GOP primary, which is still nearly a year away.

Why Ohio voters face so many tax levies

Ohio laws force communities to seek new property tax levies often — leading to voter fatigue.

Tuesday&#x27;s primary may feel like déjà vu for some local voters: three tax issues rejected in November are back on the ballot.Why it matters: These repeat requests risk causing &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="levy fatigue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ideastream.org/education/2024-05-13/tired-of-being-asked-to-approve-ohio-school-levies-blame-state-law-some-say" data-vars-content-id="d16511de-818d-47d1-bb26-c325af7acf10" data-vars-headline="Why Ohio voters face so many tax levies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ideastream.org/education/2024-05-13/tired-of-being-asked-to-approve-ohio-school-levies-blame-state-law-some-say" target="_blank">levy fatigue</a>&quot; among frustrated homeowners. But communities typically don&#x27;t have another option to keep funding essential operations, due to the complexities of Ohio&#x27;s tax laws.

Your guide to the May 6 primary candidates

Three local races have more candidates and buzz than usual.

Politics

Local primaries during an off year are historically sleepy affairs, but the May 6 election is bucking that trend.Why it matters: Voters will elect candidates to Columbus&#x27; two most significant governing bodies: City Council and the Board of Education. Both nonpartisan races are marked by drama and unusual circumstances.

🗳 How the SAVE Act could affect Ohio

How the SAVE Act could affect Ohio voters

A map of the United States showing the estimated driving time to the nearest election office, without traffic, as of March 2026. Distance varies significantly by state. Much of New England, Wisconsin and Michigan are within 30 minutes of an election office. However, the closest election office can be three or more hours away in parts of the West.

Axios Visuals: 2026-03-26-save-distance

Axios Cleveland

Ohio passes new congressional map ahead of 2026 election

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Election 🗳️

What's on the May 5 primary ballot

How the SAVE Act could affect Ohio voters

A quick roundup of Central Ohio election results

Columbus voters approve bond issues, elect Ross

Ohio passes new congressional map ahead of 2026 election