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Remembering Dolly Parton through her books

The Imagination Library was the legacy the music icon hoped to leave.

Education

When I heard the news that country music icon Dolly Parton had <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="died" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/25/dolly-parton-has-died-at-80-obit" data-vars-content-id="d0e0747e-73df-4e91-bdb8-2c976322ccf9" data-vars-headline="Remembering Dolly Parton through her books" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/25/dolly-parton-has-died-at-80-obit" target="_self">died</a>, I didn&#x27;t think about her songs. I thought about her books.Why it matters: Parton&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Imagination Library" data-vars-click-url="https://imaginationlibrary.com/" data-vars-content-id="d0e0747e-73df-4e91-bdb8-2c976322ccf9" data-vars-headline="Remembering Dolly Parton through her books" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://imaginationlibrary.com/" target="_blank">Imagination Library</a> has sent free books to children worldwide since she launched the program 31 years ago.

Micro Center doubles down on in-store experience

The retailer is debuting a new look at its flagship Columbus store.

News

Micro Center is adding AI development space and 3D printing tech as part of a reintroduction to its hometown this weekend. Why it matters: Micro Center&#x27;s flagship Columbus store is a notable outlier in the fading electronics <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="retail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/retail-sales-amazon-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="6beeaf75-f9e7-4979-bd3e-32a1156e4336" data-vars-headline="Micro Center doubles down on in-store experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/retail-sales-amazon-world-cup" target="_self">retail</a> space.Driving the news: The company is hosting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grand reopening" data-vars-click-url="https://www.microcenter.com/site/mc-news/article/micro-center-columbus-remodel.aspx" data-vars-content-id="6beeaf75-f9e7-4979-bd3e-32a1156e4336" data-vars-headline="Micro Center doubles down on in-store experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.microcenter.com/site/mc-news/article/micro-center-columbus-remodel.aspx" target="_blank">grand reopening</a> of its Bethel Road store Saturday, showing off a new look for its &quot;home base&quot; and oldest location.

Ohio explores 3-year bachelor's degrees

They could launch as early as 2028 at Ohio State and other universities.

Ohio higher education leaders are exploring options for three-year bachelor&#x27;s degrees, including at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ohio State University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/22/ohio-state-civics-center-mandate" data-vars-content-id="08a91add-d3a0-4e36-a191-32f79971064a" data-vars-headline="Ohio explores 3-year bachelor&#x27;s degrees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/22/ohio-state-civics-center-mandate" target="_self">Ohio State University</a>.Why it matters: Graduates could enter the workforce a year sooner, while potentially saving thousands in tuition and living expenses.

Weekend picks: Take your dog to Bark Bash

Plus: ArborFest, ¡Festival Latino! and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks.

Things to Do

Well, hot dog — there&#x27;s a break in the rain in Saturday morning&#x27;s forecast, just in time for thousands of pups to go paddling at Prairie Oaks Metro Park.🐶 Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bark Bash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.metroparks.net/event/bark-bash/" data-vars-content-id="1397043f-a7e3-4e51-be1d-8d1ce66563e6" data-vars-headline="Weekend picks: Take your dog to Bark Bash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.metroparks.net/event/bark-bash/" target="_blank">Bark Bash</a>.

Hospital delivery rooms are disappearing across Ohio

Nearly half of Ohio counties lack a hospital with labor and delivery services.

Nearly half of Ohio counties lack a hospital with labor and delivery services, per a new March of Dimes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/reports/united-states/maternity-care-deserts" data-vars-content-id="13d36401-98a1-4417-940d-11df6396678f" data-vars-headline="Hospital delivery rooms are disappearing across Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/reports/united-states/maternity-care-deserts" target="_blank">report</a> — and that now includes Delaware County, after Grady Memorial Hospital stopped delivering babies this month.Why it matters: OhioHealth&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversial" data-vars-click-url="https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/advocates-rally-grady-memorial-labor-delivery-unit-closure-nears/530-2b11a6c6-176c-44d0-87be-3fde7e87fd9f" data-vars-content-id="13d36401-98a1-4417-940d-11df6396678f" data-vars-headline="Hospital delivery rooms are disappearing across Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/advocates-rally-grady-memorial-labor-delivery-unit-closure-nears/530-2b11a6c6-176c-44d0-87be-3fde7e87fd9f" target="_blank">controversial</a> decision in one of the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fastest-growing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/30/columbus-keeps-growing-at-a-rapid-pace" data-vars-content-id="13d36401-98a1-4417-940d-11df6396678f" data-vars-headline="Hospital delivery rooms are disappearing across Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/30/columbus-keeps-growing-at-a-rapid-pace" target="_self">fastest-growing</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wealthiest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/03/23/ohio-median-household-income-2020-census-data" data-vars-content-id="13d36401-98a1-4417-940d-11df6396678f" data-vars-headline="Hospital delivery rooms are disappearing across Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/03/23/ohio-median-household-income-2020-census-data" target="_self">wealthiest</a> counties illustrates how loss of maternity care isn&#x27;t just a rural issue.

As cyclospora fears grow, Ohio farmers markets are having a moment

Demand for local lettuce is soaring as shoppers seek transparency.

One unexpected effect of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cyclosporiasis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/01/cyclospora-lettuce-outbreak-foodborne-illness-record" data-vars-content-id="632bf723-3c0a-41da-91e0-2883e3cabb15" data-vars-headline="As cyclospora fears grow, Ohio farmers markets are having a moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/01/cyclospora-lettuce-outbreak-foodborne-illness-record" target="_self">cyclosporiasis</a> outbreak: Ohioans are flocking to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="farmers markets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/04/a-central-ohio-farmers-market-for-every-day-in-the-week" data-vars-content-id="632bf723-3c0a-41da-91e0-2883e3cabb15" data-vars-headline="As cyclospora fears grow, Ohio farmers markets are having a moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/08/04/a-central-ohio-farmers-market-for-every-day-in-the-week" target="_self">farmers markets</a> for locally grown lettuce.Why it matters: The shift reflects a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="broader" data-vars-click-url="https://www.grocerydive.com/news/grocery-shoppers-transparency-sourcing-FMI/701512/" data-vars-content-id="632bf723-3c0a-41da-91e0-2883e3cabb15" data-vars-headline="As cyclospora fears grow, Ohio farmers markets are having a moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.grocerydive.com/news/grocery-shoppers-transparency-sourcing-FMI/701512/" target="_blank">broader</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/farmers-markets-local-produce-cyclospora-93f537c9" data-vars-content-id="632bf723-3c0a-41da-91e0-2883e3cabb15" data-vars-headline="As cyclospora fears grow, Ohio farmers markets are having a moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/farmers-markets-local-produce-cyclospora-93f537c9" target="_blank">trend</a> of U.S. consumers pushing for more transparency about where their food comes from.

Ohio cyclosporiasis cases top 1,200

Here's when — and how — to get tested.

The number of cyclosporiasis cases in Ohio has ballooned beyond 1,200 in about a month, including a few dozen in Franklin County, per an Ohio Department of Health <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dashboard" data-vars-click-url="https://data.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/data/view/summary-of-infectious-diseases-in-ohio" data-vars-content-id="2841b85b-d42e-4e21-b268-8d98d782eb72" data-vars-headline="Ohio cyclosporiasis cases top 1,200" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://data.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/data/view/summary-of-infectious-diseases-in-ohio" target="_blank">dashboard</a>.Caveat: Actual case numbers are likely much higher because of delayed federal health tracking and limited testing. Michigan and Ohio are currently most affected.

Ohio tops the nation in ACA enrollment drop

Expiring subsidies led Ohio to lose 32.4% of its enrollment between February 2025 and 2026.

Ohio has seen the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s largest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/where-obamacare-enrollment-is-plummeting?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="dd92196a-735c-4bfb-b54d-fdda25f0da68" data-vars-headline="Ohio tops the nation in ACA enrollment drop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/where-obamacare-enrollment-is-plummeting?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&amp;stream=top" target="_self">nation&#x27;s largest</a> percentage decline in residents covered by Affordable Care Act plans as a result of federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="subsidies allowed to expire" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/05/republicans-aca-health-care-subsidies" data-vars-content-id="dd92196a-735c-4bfb-b54d-fdda25f0da68" data-vars-headline="Ohio tops the nation in ACA enrollment drop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/05/republicans-aca-health-care-subsidies" target="_self">subsidies allowed to expire</a> this year, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal data" data-vars-click-url="https://data.cms.gov/summary-statistics-on-beneficiary-enrollment/health-insurance-marketplace/health-insurance-exchanges-monthly-effectuated-enrollment/" data-vars-content-id="dd92196a-735c-4bfb-b54d-fdda25f0da68" data-vars-headline="Ohio tops the nation in ACA enrollment drop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://data.cms.gov/summary-statistics-on-beneficiary-enrollment/health-insurance-marketplace/health-insurance-exchanges-monthly-effectuated-enrollment/" target="_blank">federal data</a>.Why it matters: Expiration of the subsidies has resulted in tens of thousands of Ohioans losing health care access in a state that already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struggles with health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/state-health-rankings-2026-healthiest-places-to-live" data-vars-content-id="dd92196a-735c-4bfb-b54d-fdda25f0da68" data-vars-headline="Ohio tops the nation in ACA enrollment drop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/state-health-rankings-2026-healthiest-places-to-live" target="_self">struggles with health</a>.

Federal officials unveil Ohio fraud crackdown

Allegations include over $50 million in fraud schemes involving Medicaid and other programs.

Federal officials were in Columbus this week to announce prosecution of a variety of alleged fraud schemes, along with a &quot;fraud-fighting enforcement partnership&quot; with Ohio.Driving the news: At a press conference Thursday, several high-ranking Trump administration officials announced what <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/04/trump-nominate-todd-blanche-attorney-general" data-vars-content-id="e88cb66a-6f47-4a51-a2b7-afbefcef99ad" data-vars-headline="Federal officials unveil Ohio fraud crackdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/04/trump-nominate-todd-blanche-attorney-general" target="_self">acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche</a> called &quot;significant fraud enforcement&quot; in the state that he says centers in Franklin County.

Demand is high at Franklin County's new Crisis Care Center

The Franklinton facility has already helped 4,400 people.

Franklin County&#x27;s Crisis Care Center helped more than 4,400 people in its first eight months of operations, officials tell Axios.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="center" data-vars-click-url="https://adamhfranklin.org/crisis-center/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_columbus&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="1682c757-46e9-4b8b-be92-3b8db319a1dd" data-vars-headline="Demand is high at Franklin County&#x27;s new Crisis Care Center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://adamhfranklin.org/crisis-center/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_columbus&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">center</a> gives adults facing behavioral health crises and addiction an alternative to hospital emergency rooms.

What's next for Columbus' new non-police 911 response team

The Civilian Response Team will operate 24/7 by 2030.

Following Issue 5&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="passage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/05/06/may-primary-election-results-2026" data-vars-content-id="be6726db-e507-40ec-84fa-08295123e796" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for Columbus&#x27; new non-police 911 response team" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/05/06/may-primary-election-results-2026" target="_self">passage</a> earlier in May, Columbus now has just under four years to establish an entirely non-police 911 response team.Why it matters: The team of trained behavioral health experts will respond to nonviolent emergencies to offer help and connect callers with resources.

Ticks set ER records as Lyme disease rises in Ohio

Once concentrated in the Northeast, around half of Ohio ticks now carry Lyme disease.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tick season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/tick-bite-rate-lyme-disease-what-to-do" data-vars-content-id="c8e10d80-a6a4-4398-9050-1dd08ebde5cd" data-vars-headline="Ticks set ER records as Lyme disease rises in Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/tick-bite-rate-lyme-disease-what-to-do" target="_self">Tick season</a> is in full force with summer approaching, and May being <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lyme Disease Awareness Month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.globallymealliance.org/about-lyme/prevention/lymeawareness/" data-vars-content-id="c8e10d80-a6a4-4398-9050-1dd08ebde5cd" data-vars-headline="Ticks set ER records as Lyme disease rises in Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.globallymealliance.org/about-lyme/prevention/lymeawareness/" target="_blank">Lyme Disease Awareness Month</a> helps remind us of the risks these pests pose.Why it matters: Tick-related <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="illnesses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2026-04-14/the-number-of-tick-related-illnesses-in-ohio-is-skyrocketing-heres-why" data-vars-content-id="c8e10d80-a6a4-4398-9050-1dd08ebde5cd" data-vars-headline="Ticks set ER records as Lyme disease rises in Ohio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2026-04-14/the-number-of-tick-related-illnesses-in-ohio-is-skyrocketing-heres-why" target="_blank">illnesses</a> are skyrocketing this season, sending people to the ER in record numbers.

Columbus homelessness hits new high

Franklin County's homeless population rose to a record high for the fourth straight year.

Columbus&#x27; homeless population rose to a historic high for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fourth straight year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/11/20/ohio-hunger-homelessness-awareness-week" data-vars-content-id="d9ae0890-5b43-4275-88cd-da1487693290" data-vars-headline="Columbus homelessness hits new high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/11/20/ohio-hunger-homelessness-awareness-week" target="_self">fourth straight year</a>, 2026 data shows.Why it matters: Our region&#x27;s housing crisis is becoming impossible to ignore, as a lack of affordable options is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary driver" data-vars-click-url="https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/Causes-and-Solutions-to-Homelessness.pdf" data-vars-content-id="d9ae0890-5b43-4275-88cd-da1487693290" data-vars-headline="Columbus homelessness hits new high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/Causes-and-Solutions-to-Homelessness.pdf" target="_blank">primary driver</a> of homelessness.

Black and Hispanic Ohioans face stark health disparities

New national study finds Black and Hispanic Ohioans lagging far behind in key health indicators.

Black and Hispanic Ohioans continue to experience massive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disparities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/28/racism-public-health-crisis-ohio" data-vars-content-id="82c4197a-fec5-44c3-a6a8-ed6f71ff0430" data-vars-headline="Black and Hispanic Ohioans face stark health disparities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/28/racism-public-health-crisis-ohio" target="_self">disparities</a> in health care, according to a new national study.Why it matters: Health disparities leave thousands of Ohioans suffering from preventable conditions, financial strain and a lack of trust in the health care system, with stark gaps across racial groups.

Axios Vitals

Axios Cleveland

Ohio kindergarten vaccine rates decline

Cleveland

A line chart that shows kindergartner vaccine exemption rates and the U.S. average from 2011-12 to 2025-26. The local rate rose from 0.6% to 3%, with faster gains after 2020. It remained below the national average each year, which increased from 1.6% to 4.2%.

Ohio kindergartner vaccination exemptions

Data: CDC; Note: Data collection methods can vary from state to state; Brad Jennings/Axios

Health 🩺

Ohio kindergarten vaccine rates decline

Hospital delivery rooms are disappearing across Ohio

How Columbus hospitals stack up in national rankings

As cyclospora fears grow, Ohio farmers markets are having a moment

Ohio cyclosporiasis cases top 1,200