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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Columbus. Written by Alissa Widman Neese and Andrew King.

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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.

Ohio explores 3-year bachelor's degrees

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

News

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.

Rite Rug owner's stunning collection goes to auction

Hundreds of items are a "portrait of a man of broad interests and boundless curiosity."

A Columbus carpet kingpin&#x27;s memorabilia collection is up for auction, with a selection of dazzling showpieces set to fetch tens of thousands of dollars.Why it matters: The collection belongs to Michael Goldberg, who owned Columbus-based Rite Rug and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="died" data-vars-click-url="https://epsteinmemorialchapel.com/obituaries/michael-goldberg-2025" data-vars-content-id="6353cd15-d317-4f32-bc8d-96ccdd01d817" data-vars-headline="Rite Rug owner&#x27;s stunning collection goes to auction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://epsteinmemorialchapel.com/obituaries/michael-goldberg-2025" target="_blank">died</a> in December.

Ridership steadies as Columbus fine-tunes micromobility deal

After a drop in year one, Veo and Spin ridership is stabilizing for scooters and bikes.

Usage of rentable scooters and bikes is stabilizing in Columbus, but the city and its partners are still trying to make their presence on streets and sidewalks less disruptive.Why it matters: Cities like Columbus encourage the alternatives to car travel, but are still grappling with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="safety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/03/e-scooters-injuries-kids" data-vars-content-id="383346cb-794d-46d5-9829-8e951e2c886b" data-vars-headline="Ridership steadies as Columbus fine-tunes micromobility deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/03/e-scooters-injuries-kids" target="_self">safety</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="logistics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/communities/2026/08/02/which-columbus-area-cities-have-e-bike-scooter-restrictions/90973878007/" data-vars-content-id="383346cb-794d-46d5-9829-8e951e2c886b" data-vars-headline="Ridership steadies as Columbus fine-tunes micromobility deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/communities/2026/08/02/which-columbus-area-cities-have-e-bike-scooter-restrictions/90973878007/" target="_blank">logistics</a>.

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.

Flock's future in Columbus is uncertain

Public pressure is building as the city's contract nears expiration.

Pressure is mounting on Columbus City Council to decide whether to keep using Flock cameras as public backlash grows and an expiring contract looms.Catch up quick: A Monday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hearing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/16/columbus-schedules-a-public-hearing-on-flock-cameras" data-vars-content-id="3d4ab7b2-df77-48d2-a077-e8c9730d69a5" data-vars-headline="Flock&#x27;s future in Columbus is uncertain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/16/columbus-schedules-a-public-hearing-on-flock-cameras" target="_self">hearing</a> about the controversial license plate readers lasted nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="six hours" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dpUcQ-qDsM&amp;list=PLF527D6F94123C17B&amp;index=1" data-vars-content-id="3d4ab7b2-df77-48d2-a077-e8c9730d69a5" data-vars-headline="Flock&#x27;s future in Columbus is uncertain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dpUcQ-qDsM&amp;list=PLF527D6F94123C17B&amp;index=1" target="_blank">six hours</a>, where feedback from 55 residents was overwhelmingly negative.

Destructive Central Ohio storm leaves 100,000 without power

"I hope I have folks' attention," Mayor Andrew Ginther said. "This is very serious."

Central Ohio is reeling from a massive storm that left flooding and damage in its wake and around 100,000 residents without power.Catch up quick: The storm rolled in Tuesday morning around 10am, creating dangerous conditions in a matter of minutes.

Columbus schedules a public hearing on Flock cameras

A recent audit discovered 15,000 immigration-related searches.

Columbus will hold a special public hearing with its Public Safety &amp; Criminal Justice Committee in August to examine police use of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock Safety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/all-deals/2026/04/13/flock-safety-fundraising-surveillance-tech" data-vars-content-id="7c7c1325-5702-498d-8b88-e4ed35d5264b" data-vars-headline="Columbus schedules a public hearing on Flock cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/all-deals/2026/04/13/flock-safety-fundraising-surveillance-tech" target="_self">Flock Safety</a> license plate readers.Why it matters: Flock has become a lightning-rod issue nationwide. Its technology is opposed by groups like the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ACLU" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aclu.org/campaigns-initiatives/get-the-flock-out" data-vars-content-id="7c7c1325-5702-498d-8b88-e4ed35d5264b" data-vars-headline="Columbus schedules a public hearing on Flock cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aclu.org/campaigns-initiatives/get-the-flock-out" target="_blank">ACLU</a>, and a growing number of cities are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="suspending use" data-vars-click-url="https://www.businessinsider.com/flock-safety-cameras-police-departments-lapd-2026-7" data-vars-content-id="7c7c1325-5702-498d-8b88-e4ed35d5264b" data-vars-headline="Columbus schedules a public hearing on Flock cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/flock-safety-cameras-police-departments-lapd-2026-7" target="_blank">suspending use</a> over civil rights and privacy concerns.

Local bike infrastructure lacking, but progress underway

While some suburbs score well, Columbus lags behind most of Ohio in new study.

Columbus&#x27; biking infrastructure is average at best and below average in Ohio, per a bicycle advocacy group&#x27;s new study.Why it matters: The city and region are at a mobility inflection point — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spending tens of millions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/08/22/ohio-linkus-walkability-bikeability-proposal" data-vars-content-id="f2d9c777-0531-45af-9976-d0fe13e7ed3c" data-vars-headline="Local bike infrastructure lacking, but progress underway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/08/22/ohio-linkus-walkability-bikeability-proposal" target="_self">spending tens of millions</a> to improve and expand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="paths" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/07/01/ohio-state-capital-budget-projects-statehouse" data-vars-content-id="f2d9c777-0531-45af-9976-d0fe13e7ed3c" data-vars-headline="Local bike infrastructure lacking, but progress underway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/07/01/ohio-state-capital-budget-projects-statehouse" target="_self">paths</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="changing bike-share vendors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/19/veo-spin-ohio-report-bike-scooter" data-vars-content-id="f2d9c777-0531-45af-9976-d0fe13e7ed3c" data-vars-headline="Local bike infrastructure lacking, but progress underway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/19/veo-spin-ohio-report-bike-scooter" target="_self">changing bike-share vendors</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trying to incentivize" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/05/14/ebike-rebate-program-subsidy-ohio-2024-bicycle" data-vars-content-id="f2d9c777-0531-45af-9976-d0fe13e7ed3c" data-vars-headline="Local bike infrastructure lacking, but progress underway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/05/14/ebike-rebate-program-subsidy-ohio-2024-bicycle" target="_self">trying to incentivize</a> ridership.

Helping older people avoid costly scams in a digital world

AI, cryptocurrency and digital communication are making scams harder to prevent, spot and track.

JPMorgan Chase is recognizing this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Elder Abuse Awareness Month" data-vars-click-url="https://aging.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/aging/see-news-and-events/news/ohio-recognizes-world-elder-abuse-awareness-month-day" data-vars-content-id="eeb81a0a-89b5-4f8d-a613-014914e7dc4b" data-vars-headline="Helping older people avoid costly scams in a digital world" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://aging.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/aging/see-news-and-events/news/ohio-recognizes-world-elder-abuse-awareness-month-day" target="_blank">Elder Abuse Awareness Month</a> by trying to help seniors avoid devastating and increasingly common phone and online scams.Why it matters: Older adults are losing billions of dollars a year to scammers.

As curfews rise and hangouts disappear, where do teens go?

Youth advocates say teens need places to gather, not just restrictions.

As Columbus leaders consider expanding youth curfew rules later this month, they&#x27;re also confronting a broader question communities face nationwide: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Where do teenagers go?" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/05/teens-takeovers-curfew-public-spaces" data-vars-content-id="73f00adb-6e1c-49eb-94dd-0163286d58d5" data-vars-headline="As curfews rise and hangouts disappear, where do teens go?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/05/teens-takeovers-curfew-public-spaces" target="_self">Where do teenagers go?</a>Why it matters: The decline of malls, cheap hangout spots and welcoming public spaces has left teens with few safe places to gather without money or access to a car, urban designers and youth researchers say.

What reckless homicide means in the Jason Meade verdict

The jury's verdict reflects key legal differences around intent.

A reckless homicide verdict in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jason Meade&#x27;s retrial" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/16/jason-meade-retrial-casey-goodson-jr-jury-selection" data-vars-content-id="24e2983a-17aa-4da9-86eb-57352f446ba6" data-vars-headline="What reckless homicide means in the Jason Meade verdict" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/16/jason-meade-retrial-casey-goodson-jr-jury-selection" target="_self">Jason Meade&#x27;s retrial</a> underscores the high legal bar prosecutors face in securing murder convictions against law enforcement officers.Why it matters: Reckless homicide will bring a lesser punishment than murder when the former Franklin County deputy is sentenced this summer.

Columbus Zoo evacuates again amid nationwide trend of hoax threats

Zoos across Ohio and the country have evacuated over false threats of bombs and shooters.

Columbus Zoo visitors have had their trips interrupted twice in the last four days amid a national wave of violent threats.Catch up quick: The zoo closed for the day on May 2 when it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="received false threats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2026/05/02/columbus-zoo-evacuated-closed-as-sheriff-investigates-swatting-call/89910347007/" data-vars-content-id="4d3c2e89-ba10-47bd-9411-89ef597e4469" data-vars-headline="Columbus Zoo evacuates again amid nationwide trend of hoax threats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2026/05/02/columbus-zoo-evacuated-closed-as-sheriff-investigates-swatting-call/89910347007/" target="_blank">received false threats</a> of a bomb and an active shooter.

Murder retrial begins for Casey Goodson Jr. case

Jason Meade is getting another day in court after a 2024 mistrial.

Jury selection should start Thursday for the retrial of Jason Meade, the former Franklin County deputy charged with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="murder" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/12/02/ohio-casey-goodson-shooting-deputy-meade" data-vars-content-id="8778f793-03dd-43d9-862c-6ad9cb7e1b84" data-vars-headline="Murder retrial begins for Casey Goodson Jr. case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/12/02/ohio-casey-goodson-shooting-deputy-meade" target="_self">murder</a> in Casey Goodson Jr.&#x27;s 2020 shooting death.Why it matters: The case is among Central Ohio&#x27;s most prominent, drawing national attention during a time of civil unrest and racial reckoning.

Public Safety

Council eyes big challenges in return from summer recess

Flock's future in Columbus is uncertain

Destructive Central Ohio storm leaves 100,000 without power

Columbus schedules a public hearing on Flock cameras

Jason Meade could face third murder trial