Your week in Columbus: News to help you navigate life

Dear subscriber,

It's been a newsy week in Columbus and our reporters have given readers in-depth stories on a variety of topics, including the Supreme Court Roe v. Wade leak and its potential impact; Democrat Nan Whaley breaking the political glass ceiling to became the first woman in Ohio history to win a major party nomination to run for governor; and Dr. Amy Acton taking on what she says will be the "ultimate public health project" connecting Franklin County's parks and waterways.

While abortion remains legal in Ohio for now, a lot of people are wondering what will happen if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade later this year and how the leak might impact Supreme Court decisions on many other topics down the line. Public safety and breaking news reporter Cole Behrens broke the story for us and the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau continues to explore the nuances.

In Ohio's 219-year history, voters have never nominated or elected a woman for the top executive post, one of the reasons political observers are calling Nan Whaley's defeat over former Cincinnati mayor John Cranley in the Democratic gubernatorial primary so significant. USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau Laura Bischoff explores how Whaley could serve as an inspiration for other women and girls looking to someday run for public office.

So why would someone go from being director of the Ohio Department of Health to eventually leading a new nonprofit group that will guide a plan to connect Franklin County's trail network with five stream corridors? It's a question Columbus neighborhood/urban issues reporter Mark Ferenchik asked Dr. Amy Acton when it was announced that she would become president and CEO of RAPID 5. You might be surprised by her answer.

It could turn out to be a "challenging summer," according to at least one Columbus police leader, as the division faces a significant shortage of officers as the city heads into warmer months — when crime historically rises. Within days of crime reporter Bethany Bruner's story running, three people were killed over 12 hours, including the third homicide at a city park this year. Is it a sign of what's to come?

And don't miss this story on Jimmy Sotos. Sotos spent two seasons as a backup point guard who battled a significant injury and filled a reserve role in the rotation. But the social media influencer and TikTok phenom was successful in using his final season at Ohio State to leave his mark, start a modeling career and pave the way for his next chapter in life, writes OSU men's basketball beat writer Adam Jardy.

Thank you for being a loyal subscriber.

Encarnacion Pyle

Enterprise editor/interim managing editor

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Your week in Columbus: A newsletter for Dispatch subscribers