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Mushrooms are thriving in Central Ohio's wet August

Experts say they're probably nothing to worry about — but don't eat them.

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As Central Ohio residents deal with an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abnormally stormy August" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/13/central-ohio-storm-rain-weather" data-vars-content-id="efb44b09-6488-460d-a0a3-49c75ac6311d" data-vars-headline="Mushrooms are thriving in Central Ohio&#x27;s wet August" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/13/central-ohio-storm-rain-weather" target="_self">abnormally stormy August</a>, our spore-bearing cousins are thriving.Why it matters: My normally green yard has become filled with dozens of large white mushrooms in recent days — some nearly as big as dinner plates.

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.

Teachers are AI-curious, but worried about screens

A Columbus-based education company surveyed teachers across the globe.

Teachers are struggling to embrace useful and increasingly unavoidable technology while keeping students focused, per a new global survey from a Columbus-based education company.Why it matters: Many Central Ohio students are back to school this week for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first school year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/08/ohio-schools-require-ai-policy-artificial-intelligence" data-vars-content-id="f450e040-cef1-4795-82c8-228982452ddb" data-vars-headline="Teachers are AI-curious, but worried about screens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/08/ohio-schools-require-ai-policy-artificial-intelligence" target="_self">first school year</a> in which all Ohio K-12 public districts must have policies in place related to AI in the classroom.

Micro Center doubles down on in-store experience

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

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.

Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess

How Columbus leaders are grappling with impending growth.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock cameras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/11/flock-camera-hearing-ohio-contract" data-vars-content-id="6f806231-b1ce-42cb-a132-2977d352e5c2" data-vars-headline="Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/11/flock-camera-hearing-ohio-contract" target="_self">Flock cameras</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/gop-data-center-memo-ai-election" data-vars-content-id="6f806231-b1ce-42cb-a132-2977d352e5c2" data-vars-headline="Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/gop-data-center-memo-ai-election" target="_self">data centers</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="potential charter amendments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/20/columbus-city-council-reform-november-election" data-vars-content-id="6f806231-b1ce-42cb-a132-2977d352e5c2" data-vars-headline="Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/20/columbus-city-council-reform-november-election" target="_self">potential charter amendments</a> are grabbing headlines as Columbus City Council returns from summer recess, but members remain focused on preparing the city for massive change. Why it matters: Columbus is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="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="6f806231-b1ce-42cb-a132-2977d352e5c2" data-vars-headline="Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess" 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">growing</a> as fast as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="anywhere in the country" data-vars-click-url="https://columbusregion.com/press-release/columbus-metro-growth-doubles-national-rate/" data-vars-content-id="6f806231-b1ce-42cb-a132-2977d352e5c2" data-vars-headline="Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://columbusregion.com/press-release/columbus-metro-growth-doubles-national-rate/" target="_blank">anywhere in the country</a>, and that requires important decisions from council that will shape our future.

A Hilliard man built "20-0," one of summer's most addictive games

The NFL game began as an "overnight" project and took the internet by storm.

One of the summer&#x27;s hottest time-killing games came from an overnight project in Central Ohio.Why it matters: NBA season simulator &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="82-0" data-vars-click-url="https://82-0.com/" data-vars-content-id="c861fa99-e83f-4b51-ba37-0fc3095e91fe" data-vars-headline="A Hilliard man built &quot;20-0,&quot; one of summer&#x27;s most addictive games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://82-0.com/" target="_blank">82-0</a>&quot; started the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="craze" data-vars-click-url="https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/82-0-broke-nba-twitter-203607095.html" data-vars-content-id="c861fa99-e83f-4b51-ba37-0fc3095e91fe" data-vars-headline="A Hilliard man built &quot;20-0,&quot; one of summer&#x27;s most addictive games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/82-0-broke-nba-twitter-203607095.html" target="_blank">craze</a>, and copycat versions for nearly every sport followed — the popular NFL version was built for fun by a Hilliard software engineer.

Two visions for Columbus council could clash in November

Although two conflicting issues can pass, only one can prevail.

Efforts to reform Columbus City Council&#x27;s election system could soon get more complicated, with two dueling ballot items looking increasingly likely in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="November" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/11/ballot-issues-2026-bexley-upper-arlington-south-western-levy" data-vars-content-id="c2f24cb4-e4a3-4a5d-9152-fb72943d5713" data-vars-headline="Two visions for Columbus council could clash in November" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/11/ballot-issues-2026-bexley-upper-arlington-south-western-levy" target="_self">November</a>.Why it matters: The situation could muddy a grassroots effort to overhaul how council is elected — and potentially trigger a legal battle if voters approve conflicting proposals.

Columbus Commons unveils new "Heartscape" sculpture

The new artwork was designed by a Brooklyn-based Ohio native.

Downtown Columbus debuted a new piece of public art this week. Driving the news: &quot;Heartscape&quot; is the newest permanent addition to the Columbus Commons.

Growing UFL-to-NFL pipeline sends dozens to training camps

That list includes a number of Columbus Aviators.

NFL training camps give aspiring players a chance to prove they belong in the big leagues — and the United Football League a chance to prove its players do, too.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aviators" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/06/columbus-aviators-pro-football-ufl-debut-game" data-vars-content-id="ce3fb405-75ee-4798-b3d0-b7adcdfa6b1a" data-vars-headline="Growing UFL-to-NFL pipeline sends dozens to training camps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/06/columbus-aviators-pro-football-ufl-debut-game" target="_self">Aviators</a> are football-hungry Columbus&#x27; first professional outdoor team in 30 years. The league&#x27;s long-term success depends on proving it can develop NFL talent.

Heavy storms are only getting more common

This summer's weather events are part of a broader trend.

It&#x27;s a stormy week in Columbus — unfortunately, we probably need to get used to it.Why it matters: Heavy, concentrated storms can cause <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flooding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/21/flash-floods-ohio-climate-2025" data-vars-content-id="091fbe76-a467-4974-b3f1-28ce1cdb5426" data-vars-headline="Heavy storms are only getting more common" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/21/flash-floods-ohio-climate-2025" target="_self">flooding</a>, disrupt travel and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stress infrastructure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/10/snow-melt-winter-central-ohio-flood" data-vars-content-id="091fbe76-a467-4974-b3f1-28ce1cdb5426" data-vars-headline="Heavy storms are only getting more common" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/10/snow-melt-winter-central-ohio-flood" target="_self">stress infrastructure</a> in a city that&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already sinking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/14/columbus-is-slowly-sinking-into-the-ground" data-vars-content-id="091fbe76-a467-4974-b3f1-28ce1cdb5426" data-vars-headline="Heavy storms are only getting more common" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/05/14/columbus-is-slowly-sinking-into-the-ground" target="_self">already sinking</a>.

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

News 🗞

Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess

Ohio kindergarten vaccine rates decline

Micro Center doubles down on in-store experience

Flashback: Forbes' "Under 30" era in Ohio

A Hilliard man built "20-0," one of summer's most addictive games