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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.

Ohio's new women's monument takes shape

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the new Statehouse statues.

Decades before women won the right to vote, Ohio was a hub for progressive conventions where they pressed for equal rights.Why it matters: That <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="history" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/13/ohio-statehouse-ladies-gallery-women-legislators" data-vars-content-id="af6b4be5-6df7-4882-9d66-ed86139aafd1" data-vars-headline="Ohio&#x27;s new women&#x27;s monument takes shape" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/03/13/ohio-statehouse-ladies-gallery-women-legislators" target="_self">history</a> of activism isn&#x27;t reflected on Capitol Square, where monuments and portraits mostly honor men. But soon, that will change.

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.

A brief history of recent Ohio State presidents

The university starts the search for its 18th president after Ted Carter Jr.'s resignation.

Ted Carter Jr.&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resignation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/10/ohio-state-president-search-ted-carter-resignation" data-vars-content-id="40f69b9c-c874-4e69-80ac-ae6d8f774660" data-vars-headline="A brief history of recent Ohio State presidents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/10/ohio-state-president-search-ted-carter-resignation" target="_self">resignation</a> is yet another in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/ohio-state-university/no-ohio-state-president-has-exited-as-planned-since-1981/amp/" data-vars-content-id="40f69b9c-c874-4e69-80ac-ae6d8f774660" data-vars-headline="A brief history of recent Ohio State presidents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/ohio-state-university/no-ohio-state-president-has-exited-as-planned-since-1981/amp/" target="_blank">long line</a> of unplanned leadership transitions for Ohio State, which now begins the search for its 18th president.Flashback: The university appointed its first president, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Edward Orton" data-vars-click-url="https://library.osu.edu/edward-francis-baxter-orton-sr." data-vars-content-id="40f69b9c-c874-4e69-80ac-ae6d8f774660" data-vars-headline="A brief history of recent Ohio State presidents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://library.osu.edu/edward-francis-baxter-orton-sr." target="_blank">Edward Orton</a>, way back in 1873, when it was known as Ohio A&amp;M College.

The latest on Columbus' new Black history museum

The future museum will preserve part of historic Poindexter Village.

Surrounded by blocks of matching, modern apartments, two historic brick buildings on Champion Avenue stand as anchors to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="another era" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/18/bronzeville-ohio-black-history-month" data-vars-content-id="94455647-9ce7-4d7e-b64a-b914b317829d" data-vars-headline="The latest on Columbus&#x27; new Black history museum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/02/18/bronzeville-ohio-black-history-month" target="_self">another era</a>.Why it matters: They&#x27;re the last remnants of Poindexter Village, one of the country&#x27;s first public housing projects and a cornerstone of the local Black community.

Who was James Preston Poindexter?

Columbus' new museum honors a pastor, activist and civic leader.

The namesake of Columbus&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newest museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/25/poindexter-village-museum-black-history" data-vars-content-id="39875f5d-8723-45fd-a465-ba289d7902b0" data-vars-headline="Who was James Preston Poindexter?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/25/poindexter-village-museum-black-history" target="_self">newest museum</a> was an &quot;exceptional leader&quot; who built &quot;a progressive legacy in Columbus,&quot; per a sign outside the building.Catch up quick: The Rev. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Preston Poindexter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.columbus.gov/Government/Mayors-Office/City-of-Columbus-Hall-of-Fame/Rev.-Dr.-James-Preston-Poindexter" data-vars-content-id="39875f5d-8723-45fd-a465-ba289d7902b0" data-vars-headline="Who was James Preston Poindexter?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.columbus.gov/Government/Mayors-Office/City-of-Columbus-Hall-of-Fame/Rev.-Dr.-James-Preston-Poindexter" target="_blank">James Preston Poindexter</a> was born in Richmond in 1819 and moved to Columbus in 1838.

A look back at Jesse Jackson's visits to Columbus

The civil rights icon died Tuesday. He rallied here for years.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights icon who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="died Tuesday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/17/jesse-jackson-dies-civil-rights-leader" data-vars-content-id="17a7195e-6291-4349-8dc9-964dbc678053" data-vars-headline="A look back at Jesse Jackson&#x27;s visits to Columbus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/17/jesse-jackson-dies-civil-rights-leader" target="_self">died Tuesday</a> at age 84, visited Columbus several times over his lengthy career of fighting against racial inequality and injustice.

The Columbus Zoo's surprising ties to a Broadway musical

A stranded bonobo is part of the true story behind "Come From Away."

The Broadway hit &quot;Come From Away&quot; is at the Short North Stage this month, and its story comes with a surprising Columbus connection.Catch up quick: The heartwarming musical is inspired by the true story of what happened when 7,000 unexpected guests arrived in Gander, Newfoundland, during the 9/11 attacks.

Inventions from Ohio that changed everyday life

From traffic signals to beer tabs, the Buckeye State has a history of innovation.

Most of us are familiar with life-changing Ohio inventions like Thomas Edison&#x27;s light bulb and the Wright Brothers&#x27; airplane.Yes, but: There are lots of less-recognized innovations with Buckeye State origins, too.

Take a nostalgic virtual tour of the old COSI

A fan-made site revives beloved exhibits from the Memorial Hall days.

History

COSI is making headlines due to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="layoffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wosu.org/2026-01-14/cosi-lays-off-15-of-staff-citing-attendance-and-funding" data-vars-content-id="6e57f377-be6a-431a-9dab-c8f2b2930291" data-vars-headline="Take a nostalgic virtual tour of the old COSI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wosu.org/2026-01-14/cosi-lays-off-15-of-staff-citing-attendance-and-funding" target="_blank">layoffs</a> and funding woes, but if you want to reminisce about the museum&#x27;s better days, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="we&#x27;ve found a website" data-vars-click-url="https://oldcosi.com/" data-vars-content-id="6e57f377-be6a-431a-9dab-c8f2b2930291" data-vars-headline="Take a nostalgic virtual tour of the old COSI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://oldcosi.com/" target="_blank">we&#x27;ve found a website</a> for you.Flashback: &quot;The Old COSI&quot; uses old images to recreate the original museum at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Memorial Hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.franklincountyohio.gov/County-Government/Buildings/Buildings-Folder/Memorial-Hall" data-vars-content-id="6e57f377-be6a-431a-9dab-c8f2b2930291" data-vars-headline="Take a nostalgic virtual tour of the old COSI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.franklincountyohio.gov/County-Government/Buildings/Buildings-Folder/Memorial-Hall" target="_blank">Memorial Hall</a>, which opened in 1964 and closed in 1999.