If you're feeling drowsy and sneezing more often lately, you're not alone.

Driving the news: On average, Columbus' allergy season is 30 days longer now than it was in 1970, per an analysis from Climate Central, a nonprofit climate news organization.

• That's double the average increase of 15 days across about 200 U.S. cities.

Why it matters: Nearly one-quarter of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. Now they're relying on antihistamines for longer periods of time to relieve their watery eyes and scratchy throats, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick and Alice Feng write.

How it works: Climate Central measured allergy season as the number of days between the last freeze each spring and the first freeze each fall.

• That time period's lengthening is tied to climate change, as "longer periods of freeze-free days mean that plants have more time to flower and release allergy-inducing pollen."

The big picture: From 1990-2018, pollen counts increased by 21% nationwide, with the greatest increases in the Midwest and Texas, a 2021 study found.

What's next: Ongoing climate change means even further deviation from what was once considered the norm.

• "We do expect that areas that haven't previously had substantial pollen seasons will potentially start to experience pollen seasons," William Anderegg, director of the Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy at the University of Utah, told Axios.

The bottom line: When springtime comes around, have tissues at the ready. Gesundheit!

Share with a sniffly friend

Airbnb rolled out several new features this month meant to boost price transparency and guest experiences.

Driving the news: The company is trying to better compete with hotels ahead of what's expected to be a record-setting summer travel season, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick reports.

• The changes include more privacy features, clearer guest checkout instructions and, if enabled by the user, upfront listing prices that include fees.

💭 Alissa's thought bubble: I used to be an Airbnb-exclusive traveler, but I mostly use hotels now due to surging costs amid the pandemic.

• These changes are making me consider giving Airbnb one last chance, though.

Zoom in: We scanned listings across Ohio and found a few one-of-a-kind summer getaways if you're considering booking one too.

Of note: Prices are for mid-June, include fees, and may vary depending on dates booked.

⛵ Two-bedroom condo on Lake Erie

• $649 for two nights (minimum stay).
• Just a short trip from Put-in-Bay and Cedar Point, or stay and enjoy the private beach.

🤑 106-year-old Dayton mansion

• $1,597 nightly — but not bad for nine fancy bedrooms and a pool!
• Gather family or friends inside a luxurious historical landmark that reportedly entertained presidents and a Belgian king.

🏕️ Off-grid tiny cabin near Hocking Hills

• $137 nightly.
• Unplug your devices, connect with nature and camp inside the "world's nicest tent."

🎼 Ronald Jenkins, the Columbus Symphony Chorus director since 1982, will conduct his final concert this weekend, a collection of springtime works. (WSYX-TV)

🚓 Columbus City Council approved $500,000 in funding last night toward special duty police officers and other "safety enhancements" in the Short North and downtown as a response to recent gun violence. (City Council)

Columbus mayoral candidate Joe Motil filed a criminal complaint against a city spokesperson for allegedly grabbing his arm during a press conference.

• A Whitehall prosecutor is reviewing the case. (Dispatch)

🎯 Ohio's Senate seat remains a top target for Republicans as they prepare for the 2024 election. (Axios)

🏌️‍♂️ Local golfer Ben Kern is about to compete in his second PGA Championship, while still managing Grove City's Hickory Hills Golf Club full time. (WCMH-TV)

The present Ohio State Fairgrounds date back to 1886, but some lawmakers evidently think it's time for a change.

Driving the news: The pending state budget proposes to study a potential move to another site in Central Ohio and consider the redevelopment benefits of the current site.

State of play: The proposal comes as Gov. Mike DeWine pushes an "Expo 2050" project that would renovate the fairgrounds to create more entertainment, vendor and education space.

• The budget, passed by the House and awaiting Senate consideration, includes $190 million for Expo 2050 funding, but it could not be spent until the fairgrounds relocation study is conducted.

Reality check: With nearly 150 years of history and a prime location near I-71, it's unlikely the fairgrounds will be moved — even if the land is worth $161 million, as the county auditor reports.

• "I think it's a nonstarter," Ohio Farm Bureau spokesperson Ty Higgins told WOSU.

⚽️ Get the ball rolling. Check out these openings from our Job Board.

1. Pilot at Scott’s.
2. Regional Director GME, MCRI, CIL at Mount Carmel.
3. Director, Content Acquisition Strategy & Operations at ACS.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Use code FIRST50 for $50 off your first job post.

In honor of American Craft Beer Week, we've created a bracket to decide the best brewery in Central Ohio.

State of play: We narrowed the competition to a Wheat 16 to launch our tournament.

• Vote here for Round 1 (before 4pm today).

Disclaimer: Like March's burger bracket, this is just for fun. Use whatever criteria is important to you when voting — a great taproom, taste or variety of beers, branding, events or something else.

• Hit reply to advocate for your favorite, and check back tomorrow for the first round results.

🍻 The bottom line: Cheers!