Alissa Widman Neese

2 days ago | axios.com | Alissa Widman Neese |Maxwell Millington

Photo: Courtesy of the NHLThe Jackets aren't competing in the Stanley Cup this year, but we can still root for the team's adorable and adoptable "Stanley Pup:" goalie Elvis Merleashkins. How it works: Furry hockey players, each representing an NHL team, will compete in canine hockey on synthetic ice during the 2025 Stanley Cup between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. The 90-minute television special premieres 5:30pm Friday on TruTV.

5 days ago | axios.com | Alissa Widman Neese

Illustration: Maura Losch/AxiosThe city of Columbus is working to replace thousands of lead water lines ahead of a federal deadline, though the full scope of the project isn't yet known. Why it matters: Ingesting lead causes health problems and no amount is safe, per the CDC and EPA. Officials estimate the Lead Service Line Replacement Program will cost the city about $1 billion. How it works: Service lines connect homes to city water mains, usually under a street.

5 days ago | axios.com | Alissa Widman Neese

A large iced hazelnut latte ($6.70) in a refillable cup ($5) and a breakfast burrito ($6 — prepackaged, but still good) at the new Bitty & Beau's in Upper Arlington. Photos: Alissa Widman Neese/AxiosA coffee chainthat's gained national attention for employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities recently opened its first Ohio location in Upper Arlington.

1 week ago | axios.com | Alissa Widman Neese

Data: NOAA; Map: Axios VisualsYes, it's been a little chilly this spring — but we may be wishing for these temperatures again once summer heats up. State of play: This summer has a 33% chance of being hotter than average in most of Ohio, according to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center. The latest: Columbus temperatures throughout May have been about 1 degree cooler than normal, per NWS data.

1 week ago | axios.com | Alissa Widman Neese

Illustration: Allie Carl/AxiosPublic health departments are reporting progress in incorporating racial equity into their ongoing initiatives. Catch up quick: Local and state officials made 2020 declarations condemning racism as a public health crisis. Data has long illustrated the health disparities between white and Black communities, including life expectancy. The problem gained renewed focus when the COVID-19 pandemic and protests happened simultaneously.