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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.

News

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.

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.

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.

CBJ cutting its radio voice deserves a penalty

Bob McElligott will no longer call games for Columbus on radio.

Sports

Count me <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="among those disappointed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueJackets/comments/1va3we5/blue_jackets_to_simulcast_games_on_tv_and_radio/" data-vars-content-id="289effd3-200a-440c-b503-5aaaed25c660" data-vars-headline="CBJ cutting its radio voice deserves a penalty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueJackets/comments/1va3we5/blue_jackets_to_simulcast_games_on_tv_and_radio/" target="_blank">among those disappointed</a> in the Blue Jackets&#x27; recent decision to get rid of radio broadcaster Bob McElligott.State of play: Columbus <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plans to simulcast" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-to-simulcast-games-on-tv-and-radio" data-vars-content-id="289effd3-200a-440c-b503-5aaaed25c660" data-vars-headline="CBJ cutting its radio voice deserves a penalty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-to-simulcast-games-on-tv-and-radio" target="_blank">plans to simulcast</a> the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TV broadcast" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/23/blue-jackets-announce-new-tv-production-plans" data-vars-content-id="289effd3-200a-440c-b503-5aaaed25c660" data-vars-headline="CBJ cutting its radio voice deserves a penalty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/23/blue-jackets-announce-new-tv-production-plans" target="_self">TV broadcast</a> audio feed on its radio network starting this season, including flagship station 97.1 The Fan.

A baseball fan's dream: I raced as a Clippers hot dog

The costumes are hot, the race is chaotic, and the crowd makes it unforgettable.

I&#x27;m a lifelong <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="baseball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/26/happy-opening-day-ohio-baseball-fans" data-vars-content-id="4d725e05-c863-43d1-b5e5-32ef90956305" data-vars-headline="A baseball fan&#x27;s dream: I raced as a Clippers hot dog" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/26/happy-opening-day-ohio-baseball-fans" target="_self">baseball</a> fan, but for me, the sport&#x27;s biggest stars don&#x27;t come out till after the sixth inning.Why it matters: The Clippers&#x27; three racing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hot dogs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/07/21/columbus-clippers-let-fans-pick-hot-dog-race-winner-generate-ticketing-leads/" data-vars-content-id="4d725e05-c863-43d1-b5e5-32ef90956305" data-vars-headline="A baseball fan&#x27;s dream: I raced as a Clippers hot dog" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/07/21/columbus-clippers-let-fans-pick-hot-dog-race-winner-generate-ticketing-leads/" target="_blank">hot dogs</a> are almost as beloved as the team itself.

Chase becomes first OSU jersey sponsor in lucrative deal

The financial institution's logo will adorn 36 different varsity sports jerseys.

A JPMorganChase logo is joining the Block O on all Ohio State Athletics uniforms this coming season.Why it matters: Chase is the first sponsor to adorn Ohio State uniforms amid a wave of new sponsorships across college athletics.

OSU has no plans to accommodate World Cup soccer at Ohio Stadium

It appears Columbus still won't have a plausible host stadium for a future tournament.

America&#x27;s World Cup was a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="huge success" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/12/world-cup-2026-usmnt-loss-usa-soccer" data-vars-content-id="c85f2f37-6144-4796-b010-d87827195ef6" data-vars-headline="OSU has no plans to accommodate World Cup soccer at Ohio Stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/12/world-cup-2026-usmnt-loss-usa-soccer" target="_self">huge success</a> — but don&#x27;t expect 100,000 soccer fans watching games in Columbus any time soon.Why it matters: The United States is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already being floated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cqx13p4q8wvo" data-vars-content-id="c85f2f37-6144-4796-b010-d87827195ef6" data-vars-headline="OSU has no plans to accommodate World Cup soccer at Ohio Stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cqx13p4q8wvo" target="_blank">already being floated</a> as a host country again in 2038, but the World Cup demands massive stadiums.

MLS and the Crew try to capitalize on World Cup buzz

The team's World Cup watch parties drew more than 15,000 fans.

America&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/12/world-cup-2026-usmnt-loss-usa-soccer" data-vars-content-id="8861605d-72c4-4844-b38d-5cf87229fdb2" data-vars-headline="MLS and the Crew try to capitalize on World Cup buzz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/12/world-cup-2026-usmnt-loss-usa-soccer" target="_self">World Cup</a> experience is over, but it&#x27;s just the beginning for Major League Soccer and the Crew.Why it matters: The World Cup put the sport in the spotlight on American soil — now, teams are trying to turn casual viewers into more than &quot;every four years&quot; fans.

Dewz Crew wants adults to stop scrolling and start playing

The new channel has the potential to be a hit — and remind people of the importance of in-person fun.

A popular content creator with Columbus roots is launching a new project with the goal of reminding adults how much fun it is to play around in real life.Why it matters: The new channel has the potential to be a hit — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="remind people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/05/29/lonely-america-neighbor-connections-ohio" data-vars-content-id="9413b923-74da-4869-80e6-f5404a680314" data-vars-headline="Dewz Crew wants adults to stop scrolling and start playing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/05/29/lonely-america-neighbor-connections-ohio" target="_self">remind people</a> of the importance of in-person fun.

The Crew sign new star Brais Méndez from Spain

Méndez is a La Liga veteran who just won the Spanish Cup with Real Sociedad.

The Crew is celebrating the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Summer of Soccer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/11/world-cup-guide-watch-parties-central-ohio" data-vars-content-id="bf219d85-93ee-4016-ae22-66ca03b89034" data-vars-headline="The Crew sign new star Brais Méndez from Spain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/11/world-cup-guide-watch-parties-central-ohio" target="_self">Summer of Soccer</a> with a new star player.Driving the news: The team <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced Thursday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-acquire-brais-mendez-as-designated-player" data-vars-content-id="bf219d85-93ee-4016-ae22-66ca03b89034" data-vars-headline="The Crew sign new star Brais Méndez from Spain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.columbuscrew.com/news/columbus-crew-acquire-brais-mendez-as-designated-player" target="_blank">announced Thursday</a> it had signed Spanish midfielder Brais Méndez from La Liga club Real Sociedad.

Challenge Cup gives Columbus an NWSL preview

As the city readies its own team, it hosts a match between two of the NWSL's best during the Summer of Soccer.

Columbus soccer fans will get a preview this week of what we&#x27;ll look like as a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Women&#x27;s Soccer League member" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/21/nwsl-womens-soccer-franchise-new-team-expansion-announcement" data-vars-content-id="bedd3003-3c35-4258-affe-2a253e33f0d7" data-vars-headline="Challenge Cup gives Columbus an NWSL preview" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/04/21/nwsl-womens-soccer-franchise-new-team-expansion-announcement" target="_self">National Women&#x27;s Soccer League member</a> as the city hosts the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NWSL Challenge Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nwslsoccer.com/challengecup" data-vars-content-id="bedd3003-3c35-4258-affe-2a253e33f0d7" data-vars-headline="Challenge Cup gives Columbus an NWSL preview" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nwslsoccer.com/challengecup" target="_blank">NWSL Challenge Cup</a>.Why it matters: The match is a showcase for both the NWSL and for Haslam Sports Group leaders looking to capitalize on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Summer of Soccer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/11/world-cup-guide-watch-parties-central-ohio" data-vars-content-id="bedd3003-3c35-4258-affe-2a253e33f0d7" data-vars-headline="Challenge Cup gives Columbus an NWSL preview" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/11/world-cup-guide-watch-parties-central-ohio" target="_self">Summer of Soccer</a> buzz.

Sports 🏅

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

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

CBJ cutting its radio voice deserves a penalty

A baseball fan's dream: I raced as a Clippers hot dog

Chase becomes first OSU jersey sponsor in lucrative deal