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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.

Ohio State grad leads Artemis II return

The NASA mission's lead flight director, Jeff Radigan, is a Buckeye.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artemis II" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/artemis-ii-distance-record-apollo-13" data-vars-content-id="f0a93341-efd8-4661-9396-212f95c41269" data-vars-headline="Ohio State grad leads Artemis II return" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/artemis-ii-distance-record-apollo-13" target="_self">Artemis II</a> crew is set to return to Earth today — and the person from mission control ensuring everything goes smoothly learned the ropes in Ohio.Catch up quick: Jeff Radigan, the mission&#x27;s lead flight director, earned his bachelor&#x27;s and master&#x27;s degrees at Ohio State in the early 2000s. He joined NASA in 2008.

Why Ohio banned the smelly, ubiquitous Bradford pear

Even after a ban, these pungent invasive trees are hard to stop.

The days are heating up, the sun is out longer and the smells of spring are in the air. Or is that just the smell of a Bradford pear tree?Why it matters: The tree is a troublesome invasive species, but it&#x27;s also one of the most noticeable plants in Central Ohio — among the first trees to bloom each spring and arguably the smelliest.

Outdoor recreation made Ohio $20 billion in 2024

The industry supports 150,000 jobs statewide.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Outdoor recreation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/07/12/ohio-state-parks-hocking-hills-free-summer" data-vars-content-id="fe16962b-307d-404b-bf83-8ce326cb9902" data-vars-headline="Outdoor recreation made Ohio $20 billion in 2024" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/07/12/ohio-state-parks-hocking-hills-free-summer" target="_self">Outdoor recreation</a> in parks, on waterways and elsewhere made Ohio $20 billion in 2024, and represents an increasingly large percentage of our state GDP.Why it matters: In addition to state revenue, the industry supports tens of thousands of Ohio jobs and billions in wages in fields ranging from boating and fishing to equestrian and snow sports.

A Columbus Zoo swan love story takes flight

Sloane and Stella could hatch the zoo's first cygnets this year.

Romance is in the air — and on the water — at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Columbus Zoo and Aquarium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/03/come-from-away-columbus-zoo-unga-bonobo" data-vars-content-id="af358b1c-806b-418a-8857-a108861d98a5" data-vars-headline="A Columbus Zoo swan love story takes flight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/03/come-from-away-columbus-zoo-unga-bonobo" target="_self">Columbus Zoo and Aquarium</a> this Valentine&#x27;s Day.Why it matters: The zoo&#x27;s pair of bonded trumpeter swans will likely build their first nest this spring — a love story and a comeback story all wrapped into one.

Decades after near-extinction, Ohio's bald eagles are thriving

Wetlands, lakes and local passion fueled the state's bald eagle rebound.

The next time you spot an eagle soaring through the Ohio sky, remember that sighting is because of successful conservation efforts that saved the majestic bird.Why it matters: Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bald eagle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/14/star-bald-eagle-release-ohio-bird-sanctuary" data-vars-content-id="78c39bfc-704e-4c2f-aba8-10830d9c285a" data-vars-headline="Decades after near-extinction, Ohio&#x27;s bald eagles are thriving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/14/star-bald-eagle-release-ohio-bird-sanctuary" target="_self">bald eagle</a> efforts are a rare but important conservation bright spot — and an indication of our ability to save endangered species.

A first-timer's guide to Ohio's only via ferrata climb

Climbing Quarry Trails was harder — and more rewarding — than I expected.

Environment

I&#x27;ve never been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rock climbing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/01/indoor-climbing-central-ohio-quarry-trails-park" data-vars-content-id="bfd55fd1-ee71-453d-a81e-0e73b1671716" data-vars-headline="A first-timer&#x27;s guide to Ohio&#x27;s only via ferrata climb" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/01/indoor-climbing-central-ohio-quarry-trails-park" target="_self">rock climbing</a>, but with Ohio&#x27;s only via ferrata essentially in my backyard, I had to try it for another <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;never have I ever&quot; experience" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/01/columbus-symphony-orchestra-dress-rehearsal" data-vars-content-id="bfd55fd1-ee71-453d-a81e-0e73b1671716" data-vars-headline="A first-timer&#x27;s guide to Ohio&#x27;s only via ferrata climb" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/03/01/columbus-symphony-orchestra-dress-rehearsal" target="_self">&quot;never have I ever&quot; experience</a>.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Quarry Trails Metro Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/" data-vars-content-id="bfd55fd1-ee71-453d-a81e-0e73b1671716" data-vars-headline="A first-timer&#x27;s guide to Ohio&#x27;s only via ferrata climb" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/quarry-trails/" target="_blank">Quarry Trails Metro Park</a> route is also the only urban via ferrata in the country, and two years since its opening, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hype" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/where-to-climb-via-ferratas-in-the-us" data-vars-content-id="bfd55fd1-ee71-453d-a81e-0e73b1671716" data-vars-headline="A first-timer&#x27;s guide to Ohio&#x27;s only via ferrata climb" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/where-to-climb-via-ferratas-in-the-us" target="_blank">hype</a> hasn&#x27;t died down.

Why Columbus doesn't have a pigeon problem: They're dinner

Peregrine falcons are thriving downtown — and feasting on pigeons.

If you&#x27;ve <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ever wondered" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Columbus/comments/8lvgfx/why_does_downtown_columbus_not_have_a_pigeon/" data-vars-content-id="13869c6e-4dad-41c0-9e0e-ffd00fcc7ace" data-vars-headline="Why Columbus doesn&#x27;t have a pigeon problem: They&#x27;re dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Columbus/comments/8lvgfx/why_does_downtown_columbus_not_have_a_pigeon/" target="_blank">ever wondered</a> about Columbus&#x27; apparent lack of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pigeons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/05/22/seattle-urban-birds-crows-pigeons-gulls-expert" data-vars-content-id="13869c6e-4dad-41c0-9e0e-ffd00fcc7ace" data-vars-headline="Why Columbus doesn&#x27;t have a pigeon problem: They&#x27;re dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/05/22/seattle-urban-birds-crows-pigeons-gulls-expert" target="_self">pigeons</a>, here&#x27;s a fun fact: They&#x27;re here. They&#x27;re just getting eaten.Why it matters: Pigeons have become an unofficial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mascot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thehighline.org/art/projects/ivan-argote/" data-vars-content-id="13869c6e-4dad-41c0-9e0e-ffd00fcc7ace" data-vars-headline="Why Columbus doesn&#x27;t have a pigeon problem: They&#x27;re dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thehighline.org/art/projects/ivan-argote/" target="_blank">mascot</a> of major American cities.<ul><li>But our clear downtown skies are actually another bird&#x27;s success story — a thriving population of once-endangered peregrine falcons is keeping pigeons in check, experts tell Axios.</li></ul>

Humans couldn't stop the spotted lanternfly. Wildlife might.

Ohio researchers wonder: Can new predators help us curb the SLF invasion?

Humans haven&#x27;t been able to stop the spotted lanternfly (SLF) from overrunning Ohio. Now, it&#x27;s wildlife&#x27;s turn to try.Why it matters: The invasive species <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/12/spotted-lanternfly-ohio-bug-insect-invasive" data-vars-content-id="b4861fc7-9fa1-4603-9bd2-168e86afaed6" data-vars-headline="Humans couldn&#x27;t stop the spotted lanternfly. Wildlife might." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/12/spotted-lanternfly-ohio-bug-insect-invasive" target="_self">is here</a>, and it&#x27;s a problem — the bug threatens billions of dollars in agricultural devastation if unimpeded.

Ohio's war against the spotted lanternfly is already lost

Officials have shifted from eradicating to managing their threat to crops.

Climate

You can keep <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="squishing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/09/18/spotted-lanternfly-ohio-trees-plants" data-vars-content-id="e1ef3907-f176-439c-9d05-94f29c1264a5" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s war against the spotted lanternfly is already lost" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2024/09/18/spotted-lanternfly-ohio-trees-plants" target="_self">squishing</a> spotted lanternflies on sight, but it appears that Ohio&#x27;s war against the invasive species has already been lost.Why it matters: The insect is a destroyer of ecosystems. It feeds on a wide variety of plant life, producing a substance that attracts other insects and fosters the growth of a damaging fungus.<ul><li>Spotted lanternflies threaten billions of dollars in agricultural devastation to crops like apples, hops and almonds, and are a nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="existential threat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/09/spotted-lanternfly-china-california-wine-grapes" data-vars-content-id="e1ef3907-f176-439c-9d05-94f29c1264a5" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s war against the spotted lanternfly is already lost" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/09/spotted-lanternfly-china-california-wine-grapes" target="_self">existential threat</a> to vineyards.</li></ul>

Columbus climbers make the most of limited elevation

Even in a flat city, climbers peak via ferratas, gyms and walls.

Culture

This week marks a pair of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climbing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-climb-a-mountain-day-july-30" data-vars-content-id="24c5ae35-d0d3-47ac-b0dc-26d7c7b78ba1" data-vars-headline="Columbus climbers make the most of limited elevation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-climb-a-mountain-day-july-30" target="_blank">climbing</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holidays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-summit-day-first-saturday-in-august" data-vars-content-id="24c5ae35-d0d3-47ac-b0dc-26d7c7b78ba1" data-vars-headline="Columbus climbers make the most of limited elevation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-summit-day-first-saturday-in-august" target="_blank">holidays</a>, making it the peak season for Central Ohio mountaineers to hit new heights — if they can find something to climb.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indoor climbing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/climbing-gym-market-to-grow-by-usd-7-72-billion-2025-2029-driven-by-rising-outdoor-sports-popularity-report-with-market-evolution-powered-by-ai---technavio-302365539.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="24c5ae35-d0d3-47ac-b0dc-26d7c7b78ba1" data-vars-headline="Columbus climbers make the most of limited elevation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/climbing-gym-market-to-grow-by-usd-7-72-billion-2025-2029-driven-by-rising-outdoor-sports-popularity-report-with-market-evolution-powered-by-ai---technavio-302365539.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">Indoor climbing</a> and outdoor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bouldering" data-vars-click-url="https://boulderingonline.com/bouldering-popularity/" data-vars-content-id="24c5ae35-d0d3-47ac-b0dc-26d7c7b78ba1" data-vars-headline="Columbus climbers make the most of limited elevation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://boulderingonline.com/bouldering-popularity/" target="_blank">bouldering</a> are more popular than ever, thanks to climbing&#x27;s introduction to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reuters.com/sports/olympics/climbers-hope-paris-paves-way-smoother-ascent-future-games-2024-07-22/" data-vars-content-id="24c5ae35-d0d3-47ac-b0dc-26d7c7b78ba1" data-vars-headline="Columbus climbers make the most of limited elevation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reuters.com/sports/olympics/climbers-hope-paris-paves-way-smoother-ascent-future-games-2024-07-22/" target="_blank">the Olympics</a> and the evolution of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climbing gyms" data-vars-click-url="https://scotscoop.com/the-ascent-of-indoor-climbing/" data-vars-content-id="24c5ae35-d0d3-47ac-b0dc-26d7c7b78ba1" data-vars-headline="Columbus climbers make the most of limited elevation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://scotscoop.com/the-ascent-of-indoor-climbing/" target="_blank">climbing gyms</a>.

Corn is making Ohio's heat feel worse

Crops release gallons of moisture, making the air in Ohio feel hotter.

You know Midwest summer has reached its peak when even the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="corn starts sweating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/08/24/corn-sweat-midwest-humidity-iowa-nws" data-vars-content-id="19b37761-b165-4b39-ac41-d9964dc24c0e" data-vars-headline="Corn is making Ohio&#x27;s heat feel worse" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/08/24/corn-sweat-midwest-humidity-iowa-nws" target="_self">corn starts sweating</a>.Why it matters: While not solely to blame for this month&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dangerous heat and humidity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/heat-wave-dome-corn-sweat-forecast" data-vars-content-id="19b37761-b165-4b39-ac41-d9964dc24c0e" data-vars-headline="Corn is making Ohio&#x27;s heat feel worse" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/heat-wave-dome-corn-sweat-forecast" target="_self">dangerous heat and humidity</a>, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="viral" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tiktok.com/@scientificamerican/video/7407959005789818143" data-vars-content-id="19b37761-b165-4b39-ac41-d9964dc24c0e" data-vars-headline="Corn is making Ohio&#x27;s heat feel worse" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@scientificamerican/video/7407959005789818143" target="_blank">viral</a> weather phenomenon isn&#x27;t helping the situation.

A choropleth map of the U.S showing outdoor recreation's share of state GDP in 2024. Hawai'i leads at 6.1%, while Washington, D.C. trails at 1%. The nationwide figure is 2.4%.

Outdoor recreation as share of GDP, 2024

Data: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; Map: Alex Fitzpatrick/Axios

Axios Cleveland

Ohio filmmaker examines Underground Railroad through nature

Cleveland

A choropleth map of Ohio counties shows the change in the number of verified active bald eagle nests from 2012 to 2025. All counties but one saw an increase, mostly a change of 1-10 new nests. Ottawa County went from 46 nests in 2012 to 112 in 2025, an increase of 66.