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Intel will open a new manufacturing mega-site near Columbus, Ohio, costing at least $20 billion, Time magazine first reported on Thursday night.

Why it matters: There's been a global chip shortage during the pandemic, which has impacted the manufacturing of products including vehicles and consumer electronics.

A government portal for ordering free, at-home rapid COVID-19 tests is live.

👍 We submitted our orders and are happy to report it's a simple, smooth process.

Columbus is one of the best state capitals, and there's now data to back that opinion up.

• The Arch City is the 8th-best capital city in America, per rankings from WalletHub.

Columbus City Schools will use some of its federal pandemic relief funds to give free books to every student monthly.

Why it matters: Children in low-income families have less access to books at home, which can negatively impact academic achievement. This helps level the playing field.

Local startup funding skyrocketed in Columbus in 2021.

• The region recorded 61 venture capital deals worth a combined $1.5 billion, an Axios Columbus review of Pitchbook data finds.

👋 Say hello to Lizzo, Cardi-Tee, MaryKate and Ashley.

What's happening: The Columbus Zoo welcomed four rescued manatee calves from SeaWorld over the weekend. It now houses nine manatees, its most ever.

Ohio leaders could do a lot more to make driving here safer, recent research shows.

It's not the most appealing list to be on, but facts are facts: Columbus is apparently a hotspot for bed bugs.