America's veteran population is getting younger, and those returning to civilian life face a much different social transition than past generations did.

Why it matters: Concerns over veterans' well-being get a spotlight with the approach of Veterans Day on Monday.

• Veterans are more likely to experience loneliness, substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder than the general population, making them a significantly higher risk for suicide.

The big picture: There were around 15.8 million living veterans nationwide in 2023, per U.S. Census data, about 6% of the adult population.

• Around 93,000 veterans live in the Columbus metro area, or 5.6% of the local population.

By the numbers: Fewer veterans are joining social organizations like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, whose membership skews toward seniors.

• JD Robinson, adjutant for American Legion Department of Ohio, tells Axios that Legion membership statewide has dropped from about 186,000 in 1993 to about 75,000 today, with attrition of 3,000-5,000 members each year — a trajectory that matches national trends.

What they're saying: Robinson says Legions and other veteran groups are "great at doing and horrible at promoting."

• He fears younger service members don't see the purpose of groups that impact their rights, connection to community and mental health.
• "I've witnessed where we've sat and talked to someone who was upset and we had no idea. But then the next week they come in and thank us for talking with them because they thought this would have been their last Marine Corps birthday."

Between the lines: Public support may be waning too.

• The Ohio branch of the Military/Veterans Educational Foundation hosted a Veterans Day parade in downtown Columbus until 2023, when it was canceled because of decreasing attendance, donations and corporate support.
• The parade has been replaced this year by a rally at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum from 11:30am-3:30pm Sunday.

What we're watching: Ohio State's Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative for Veterans, a national leader in veterans suicide research, has seen reduction in suicide attempts and improved PTSD recovery among its patients.

If you or a veteran you know needs support now, dial the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 plus 1, or call or text 988 or chat with someone at 988lifeline.org. En español.

📚 The Southwest Public Libraries tax levy that failed Tuesday was one of just two library levies that failed statewide (voters approved 26 out of 28). (WSYX-TV)

Black Americans are being spammed with racist spoof text messages across Ohio and in multiple other states. (Dispatch)

🎶 The Columbus Symphony's 73-year history is full of lows and crescendos.

• The latest: A campaign to build a state-of-the-art concert hall on the Scioto Peninsula, to the tune of $275 million. (Columbus Monthly)

🥙 A recent investment from Chipotle will help fuel growth for Brassica, a local fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant chain. (Columbus Business First 🔒)

👋 Tyler here. After every election, I comb Ohio's 88 counties to find eye-catching oddities.

The latest:

💀 Races to die for: Amanda Fisher won a rare contested coroner race in rural Belmont County and celebrated with a pajama party. As one does.

• Peter Schuler was unopposed as Wyandot County's write-in coroner candidate, but hundreds of votes were ruled invalid (presumably because they misspelled Schuler). 

😬 The closest calls: Your regular reminder that every vote counts.

• A village property tax in Hanover (pop. 1,300) ended in a 374-374 tie. (If it stays that way, it loses.)
• New Matamoras (pop. 700) voters were also split on allowing a local gas station to sell alcohol on Sundays, 156-156. 
• In tiny Fairview (pop. 70), just 19 voters cast ballots on a village levy renewal — it lost 10-9. 

💤 The Z's have it: Belmont County voters apparently prefer Z last names in the criminal justice system, electing Clerk of Courts Laura Zupko and Sheriff James Zusack.

• Z also proved to be a lucky initial for county treasurer candidates like Jeannie Zurmehly (Clermont), Scott Zumbrink (Darke) and Michael Zuren (Lake).

More fun with names

"There could be the next LeBron James out there … You don't know that. But you hate to see something like a pay-to-play fee stop somebody from pursuing their dream."

State of play: Cowan's business is raising money for student-athletes following another Marysville school tax levy failure.

• The district is hiking its extracurricular pay-to-play fees from $200 to $770 per activity due to unsuccessful votes in 2023 and on Tuesday.

It's been a stressful, whiplash election year — take a breather or blow off some steam.

🌊 Try float therapy at Ebb & Float, with hour-long appointments offered all weekend long.

• 231 N. 5th St. (downtown) and 675 Worthington Road (Polaris). $90.

🪓 Hurl an axe and release your stress at Dueling Axes.

• 309 S. Fourth St. (downtown) and 5780 N. Hamilton Road (New Albany). $35 per thrower for one hour.

🐈 Cuddle some cats during a Colony Cats (& dogs) 15th anniversary party.

• Noon-4pm tomorrow, 2740 Festival Lane, Dublin. Free! 

🧘 Find your zen in the Park of Roses during Autumn Yoga in the Park.

• Noon-1pm Sunday, 3901 N. High St. Free! 
• Pro tip: Bring your own mat or blanket.

🎤 Laugh with local comedians performing at Summit Music Hall's open mic night.

•  5pm Sunday, 2210 Summit St. Free!

Two more events