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Ohio hospitals fail price transparency review
A tiny fraction of Ohio hospitals are fully complying with new federal price transparency rules, per the latest review by advocacy group Patient Rights Advocate.Why it matters: Price transparency was supposed to usher in a future where patients could shop around for the best deal on medical procedures.But true competition between healthcare providers remains impossible because so many hospitals are failing to comply, per advocates.What they're saying: "Ohio is probably one of the worst in the country in terms of making prices readily available for patients to see," Cynthia Fisher, the founder and director of Patient Rights Advocate, told Axios....
Ohio hospitals fail price transparency review
A tiny fraction of Ohio hospitals are fully complying with new federal price transparency rules, per the latest review by advocacy group Patient Rights Advocate.Why it matters: Price transparency was supposed to usher in a future where patients could shop around for the best deal on medical procedures.But true competition between healthcare providers remains impossible because so many hospitals are failing to comply, per advocates.What they're saying: "Ohio is probably one of the worst in the country in terms of making prices readily available for patients to see," Cynthia Fisher, the founder and director of Patient Rights Advocate, told Axios....
Estimating Ohio's LGBTQ population
Data: UCLA Williams Institute; Chart: Axios VisualsAn estimated 6.2% of adult Ohioans identify as LGBT, compared with 5.5% nationally.Context: The estimates come by way of the Williams Institute, a UCLA Law think tank.They're based on combined 2020-2021 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.Zoom in: Younger Ohio residents are more likely to self-identify as LGBT than older residents.17.4% of Ohio adults ages 18-24 identify as LGBT, compared with 3.1% of those 50-64.Reality check: These findings are based on self-reporting, and people in states with hostile attitudes toward queer and transgender communities may be less forthcoming about their identity.What they're saying: "The world is changing around us, and we have to think about what that means to shift environments and policies so that everybody can live well and live safely," Williams Institute research director Kerith Conron tells Axios.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Ohio State gears up for March Madness
The Buckeyes' quest for a national title begins Thursday with a favorable match-up in front of hometown fans.State of play: OSU (25-5)'s women's team is a No. 2 seed in the March Madness bracket, making it one of the favorites for a deep tournament run.The team first takes on No. 15 Maine at noon tomorrow inside Value City Arena. Last-minute tickets are still available.ESPN gives the Buckeyes a 98% chance of victory.Assuming they win, OSU then would host the winner of No. 7 Duke vs. No. 10 Richmond on Sunday.The big picture: It takes six consecutive wins to earn the national trophy.The Buckeyes are said to have around a 29% chance of reaching the Final Four in Cleveland.Unfortunately, the men's team did not qualify for this year's March Madness tournament.Yes, but: It did make the secondary National Invitation Tournament bracket and is still alive after narrowly defeating Cornell on Tuesday.They next face Virginia Tech this weekend. Time and date TBD.What we're watching: If we'll get any last entries to our newsletter bracket challenges for the men's and women's tournaments.Submit picks before the tourneys tip off … Sign-up details here.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Throwback Thursday: The Ohio highway sniper was caught
Twenty years ago this week, the Ohio highway sniper was arrested in Las Vegas — ending a lengthy shooting spree that left one dead and the region paralyzed with fear.Flashback: Charles McCoy spent months firing at moving cars from bridges overlooking some of the area's busiest highways, as well as at several homes and an elementary school.In total, two dozen shootings were reported across Central Ohio between May 2003 and February 2004, per news archives from the Dispatch, which won an award for its sniper coverage.Gail Knisely, 62, of Washington Court House, was shot and killed while riding in a...
Shayla Favor wins Franklin County's Democratic prosecutor primary
In another closely watched race down ballot, Columbus City Council member Shayla D. Favor won the Democratic primary for Franklin County prosecutor, according to unofficial results.Why it matters: If elected in November, Favor pledges to reform the local criminal justice system as the first woman and first Black prosecutor in county history.State of play: The seat is open after incumbent Democrat Gary Tyack decided to retire after one term.As of Tuesday night, Favor had earned 41% of the total vote, defeating Natalia S. Harris, the Delaware city attorney, and Anthony Pierson, deputy chief counsel for the prosecutor's office.What's next: She...
A 2024 primary election guide for Central Ohio
Contested races for U.S. Senate and Franklin County prosecutor headline today's primary election ballot for Columbus-area voters.Why it matters: Voters will decide the eventual balance of the Senate, a new approach to criminal justice and numerous issues affecting their pocketbooks.How it works: All registered voters are eligible for this primary, not just those tied to a political party.Voters select a Democratic or Republican ballot, or can ask for an issues-only ballot.Find your polling place and view a sample ballot.Remember to bring a valid ID to vote.Zoom in: Entrepreneur Bernie Moreno, state Sen. Matt Dolan and Secretary of State Frank LaRose...
Ohio saw a 35% increase in 18-year-old voters over the last few months of 2023
A surge of new Gen Z voters in Ohio has caught the attention of the Civics Center, a nonpartisan group aiming to boost voter registration numbers.By the numbers: From late August to Jan. 6, the number of 18-year-old Ohioans registered to vote increased by 35%, to nearly 50,000 people, the group reports.That's an average of about 3,000 new voters per month.Between the lines: High-stakes political issues — including gerrymandering, abortion access and trans rights — could be a motivator, the group hypothesizes.Yes, but: Just under 32% of eligible 18-year-olds statewide are registered.Franklin County's numbers are slightly higher, at about 34%.What's next: It's too late to register for today's primary election, but there's plenty of time to do it before November's general election.Anyone who will be 18 by Nov. 5 can register now.Register online in a matter of minutes.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Most Ohioans are getting enough exercise
Data: Brigham and Women's Hospital; Map: Axios VisualsMore than half of Ohio's population gets at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week.The big picture: That's right on par with the national average, per new data from Apple and Brigham and Women's Hospital.Why it matters: The data shows that, while we compare well to the U.S. as a whole, too many adults aren't getting the recommended minimum of 150 minutes of exercise a week.But they could hit that number with five 30-minute brisk walks a week. So, yeah. It might be time for a walk break.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Ohio Senate Republican primary: Live results
Data: Associated Press; Chart: Axios VisualsOhio voters are deciding which Republican will challenge Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown in what's considered a toss-up November election. Polls close at 7:30 pm.Catch up quick: Brown has been in office since 2007, all while the state has moved towards the right. Three Republicans — state Sen. Matt Dolan, Secretary of State Frank LaRose and entrepreneur Bernie Moreno — are hoping to defeat him in November.Between the lines: Former president Trump threw his support behind Moreno and rallied for him last weekend, but Moreno is seen as the only Trump-backed Senate candidate at risk of losing in a GOP primary.Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine supports Dolan, whose family owns the Cleveland Guardians baseball team.LaRose oversees the state's election system and helped organized Trump's inauguration, but could not secure the former president's endorsement.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Ohio EV drivers enjoy a cheap charging rate
Data: Stable Auto; Note: Does not include Tesla charging stations; Map: Erin Davis/Axios VisualsOhio is one of the cheapest states for charging up an electric car.Why it matters: It turns out there can be big price differences depending on where EV owners are plugging in their autos, Alan Neuhauser reports for Axios Pro: Climate Deals.Those gaps suggest EV charging companies are still figuring out how to price a top-off.By the numbers: In Ohio, it costs an average of $0.38 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to charge an electric car at public charging stations — a price that makes us the 13th least...
Dublin's Irish campaign pays off
We were honestly skeptical about Dublin's ambitious marketing idea to entice travelers from Ireland during St. Patrick's Day festivities.We're eating crow and corned beef, though, because it actually worked.What happened: "The Other Dublin" campaign offered Irish citizens three days of free beer if they visited the Columbus suburb between March 8 and March 18."What we lack in size, we make up for with charm … and shameless offers of free beer," read Visit Dublin Ohio's promo page."Plus, you'll be the madman (or madwoman) of your friend group who really flew to America for booze. And that's priceless."Incredibly, around 10 madmen...
Join the Axios Columbus bracket challenges, win swag
Selection Sunday has come and gone and the brackets for the NCAA men's and women's tournaments are set.State of play: Let the madness begin. Each year hundreds of thousands of people set out to correctly predict the winner of the Big Dance.Now it's time for Axios Columbus readers to give it a shot.How it works: Sign up for our newsletter group on ESPN and enter a bracket for the men's or women's side (or both!).If it asks, use "Axios" for a password.Entries must be completed by noon Thursday.What's next: Once the tournaments wrap up, we'll see who had the most accurate predictions and select the winners — who will earn bragging rights and a piece of swag.Reality check: Tyler will be entering, too. You will almost certainly fill out better brackets than him.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
We toured the next two Metro Parks opening in 2024
The newest additions to the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Park system will offer unique nature experiences nestled between quarries and industrial spaces.Why it matters: The ongoing construction of Great Southern and Bank Run Metro Parks fulfill a pledge to build new parks following a successful 2018 levy campaign.Driving the news: We toured the future park sites with Metro Parks executive director Tim Moloney, who emphasizes they are not yet open to the public.The parks are expected to open by the end of 2024 and remain works in progress over the coming years.The big picture: These are parks No. 21...
New canopy walk coming to Blacklick Woods
Metro Parks' newest trail is suspended 35 feet off the ground.The big picture: The canopy walk at Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Reynoldsburg is opening this spring, per park officials.The eighth-of-a-mile catwalk through the treetops includes a 55-foot-tall observation tower, a cargo-net hammock and a kids play area with a firefighter's pole.The structure includes an elevator, making it accessible for people with disabilities.What they're saying: "I think bird watchers are going to especially love it," Metro Parks visitor engagement manager Jill Snyder tells Axios.Catch up quick: The project was originally proposed at the end of 2020, but delayed by supply chain problems.A new nature center planned for the park was scrapped amid rising construction costs.The catwalk project cost about $1.5 million, Snyder said.What's next: Workers are putting the final touches on the project and wrapping up site work, which includes paved trails to the new structure, per Snyder.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Columbus weekend events: St. Patrick's Day bar crawl, jazz music, line dancing
🎵 Day + Shay return to town on their Heartbreak on the Map Tour.7pm tonight, Nationwide Arena. $20+.🎭 Take a chance on the touring performances of "Mamma Mia!"8pm tonight, 2 and 8pm Saturday, 1 and 6:30pm Sunday, Ohio Theatre. $38+.🐰 Enjoy Easter-themed events and children's games during KidsFest at the county fairgrounds.9am-1pm Saturday, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard. Free with registration!🍺 Get in the festive Irish spirit with the St. Paddy's Day Pub Crawl.1pm Saturday, downtown Dublin. Free, especially if you're from Dublin, Ireland!📕 Find great reads on the cheap at Columbus Metropolitan Library's Spring Big Book Sale.10am-5pm today and Saturday, 1-4pm Sunday, 96 S. Grant Ave. Books start at $1.🎷 Celebrate women in jazz with a concert at Natalie's Grandview benefiting the nonprofit group Femergy.9pm Saturday, 945 King Ave. $25.🕺 Learn how to line dance at an intro group class inside the Crystal Ballroom Dance Center.1pm Sunday, 402 E. Wilson Bridge Road. Free with registration!Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Biden, Trump both older than past Ohio presidents
Data: The Miller Center at University of Virginia; Chart: Simran Parwani/AxiosThe 2024 presidential rematch is a race between two of the oldest contenders in American history, Axios' Sareen Habeshian writes.State of play: Both 81-year-old President Biden and 77-year-old former President Trump are older than any past president hailing from the Buckeye State.Flashback: The average Ohioan president was 53½ years old when taking his last oath of office.William McKinley was the oldest at 58 during his second inauguration in 1901.Other presidents and their inauguration ages: Benjamin Harrison (55 years), Warren G. Harding (55), Rutherford B. Hayes (54), William Howard Taft (51), Ulysses S. Grant (50) and James A. Garfield (49).Fun fact: William Henry Harrison was not born here, but was an Ohio resident when elected.He was 68 years old during his fateful, frigid inauguration address.The intrigue: Upper Arlington's Vivek Ramaswamy, who unsuccessfully sought the GOP presidential nomination, would have been just 39 on inauguration day next January.Fellow Ohioan Tim Ryan, who ran for president last cycle, would have been 47 on inauguration day in 2021.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
What Ohio consumers complained about most in 2023
The Ohio Attorney General's Office fielded over 25,000 consumer complaints last year, per data shared with Axios.Why it matters: These complaints can sometimes lead to state lawsuits against entities accused of deceptive and unlawful practices.Zoom in: The top categories for complaints in 2023 were, in order:Motor vehiclesShopping, food or beveragesProfessional servicesHome improvementCollections, credit reporting or financial servicesUtilities, phone, internet or TV servicesHow it works: You can file complaints online, by calling 800-282-0515 or mailing this completed form.Worthy of your time: The AG's website warns of various scams and offers tips for buying a used car.Sign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Columbus Zoo debuts new "Unextinct" light show
Vanishing animals will be revived at the Columbus Zoo when an immersive new nighttime light show debuts Thursday.Catch up quick: "Unextinct" uses digital projections and sound effects to showcase 70 endangered and extinct species while underscoring the importance of conservation.Live animals aren't part of the experience, but there will be cocktails, s'mores, shopping and other interactive activities on zoo grounds.The show, created by former Disney Imagineers, debuted in December at the Sacramento Zoo.If you go: 7:30-10:30pm on select dates through April 27. $26-29.Tickets are separate from zoo admission and members get a $4 discount.Watch a promo videoSign up for Axios Columbus for free.
Where IVF stands in Ohio after the Alabama ruling
Note: Assisted reproductive technology refers to all treatments or procedures that include the handling of human eggs or embryos to help a woman become pregnant; Reproduced from the CDC; Chart: Axios VisualsIn vitro fertilization led to 2,226 births in Ohio in 2021 — accounting for 1.7% of all births that year, according to the most recent CDC data.Why it matters: IVF is top of mind for many after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos created through IVF are children under state law, Axios' Carly Mallenbaum writes.The Alabama Legislature recently countered by passing legislation to protect patients and doctors...
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Axios Columbus, anchored by Tyler Buchanan and Alissa Widman Neese, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
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