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🚋 Trolley tribute

Franklin County • June 4, 2025

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Good morning, Franklin County. A piece of Columbus history is getting a second act as the iconic Spaghetti Warehouse trolley prepares for its transformation. Before restoration begins, residents can bid farewell to this beloved restaurant fixture during Tuesday's free viewing event. Soon, it will honor Granville T. Woods, the "Black Father of Electricity," proving that sometimes the most meaningful preservation projects combine nostalgia with education.

Meanwhile, at the Statehouse, religious and secular groups recently found themselves at odds during a prayer rally sponsored by the Ohio Christian Legislators Caucus. And in healthcare developments, a new study reveals Ohio's Medicaid expansion program might be more fiscally beneficial than previously thought, potentially generating $1 billion in state revenue while covering nearly 770,000 low-income adults—almost half of whom are active members of Ohio's workforce.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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⚖️ Religious and secular groups clash at Ohio Statehouse prayer rally. The Secular Education Association protested an event sponsored by the Ohio Christian Legislators Caucus that featured LifeWise Academy CEO Joel Penton as a speaker. The June 3 prayer rally brought together religious attendees who participated in prayers and patriotic ceremonies at the government building. LifeWise Academy, which offers Bible-based education programs, was represented by its founder Penton, who sat alongside members of the Christian legislative group during the controversial event.

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💰 Ohio's Medicaid expansion could generate $1 billion in state revenue. A new study found the program, which covers nearly 770,000 low-income adults, effectively costs the state only 1.4% after accounting for economic benefits. Republican lawmakers are considering a budget provision that would eliminate coverage if federal funding drops below 90%. Eliminating the expansion would reduce federal funds to Ohio by $42 billion over five years and leave approximately 435,000 Ohioans uninsured. Almost half of those covered under the expansion are part of Ohio's workforce, including students and people with chronic health conditions.

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🚋 Historic trolley saved from Spaghetti Warehouse demolition gets one last viewing. Columbus residents can see the iconic trolley from the former Franklinton restaurant during a free event Tuesday evening before restoration begins. The Rickenbacker Woods Foundation rescued the trolley and plans to transform it into an interactive exhibit honoring Granville T. Woods, known as the "Black Father of Electricity." "This isn't just a trolley, it's a symbol of community pride," said foundation director Michael Aaron. The exhibit will showcase Woods' contributions to electrical engineering while also preserving the legacy of the beloved Spaghetti Warehouse restaurant.

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🎤 Featured Event of the Week

Columbus Arts Festival

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Where: Bicentennial/Galbreath Park 233 S Civic Center Dr Columbus, OH 43215

When: June 6, 2025 - June 8, 2025

🎨 The Columbus Arts Festival transforms downtown's riverfront into a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture from June 6-8, 2025. This summer kickoff event, presented by the American Electric Power Foundation, showcases 250 professional, juried visual artists alongside multiple performing arts stages throughout Bicentennial/Galbreath Park. Visitors can immerse themselves in hands-on kids' activities, fascinating demonstrations, and culinary delights from dozens of food vendors including popular local food trucks, all while enjoying craft brews and cocktails. The Greater Columbus Arts Council has created the perfect weekend destination where art enthusiasts can experience the best of Columbus's creative community in one spectacular riverside setting.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Bank Owned Auction Coming Soon: This $0 listing is a bank-owned property heading to online auction on Auction.com starting June 3, 2025. Interested buyers should save the property on the platform to receive auction updates and details.
Real estate listing image Spacious Ohio home zero dollars: Listed at $0, this spacious 1776 sq ft Westerville home boasts 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, located at 3700 Managua Dr in a convenient Ohio neighborhood.
Real estate listing image Tranquil pond views hot tub: This $379,900 home in a quiet cul-de-sac offers three beds, two baths, a hot tub for star-gazing, and views of a tranquil pond, all in a neighborhood where residents tend to stay long-term.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎭 Jun. 4 - Kaonashi Live: Hardcore band Kaonashi brings their intense energy to Ace of Cups on June 4th! Catch all the action starting at 6:30 PM at 2619 N High St in Columbus.
🎨 Jun. 6 - Downtown Arts Festival: Celebrate creativity at the Columbus Arts Festival 2025, transforming the downtown riverfront into a vibrant artistic playground! Explore the Scioto Mile on June 6-8 at 333 W Broad St, Columbus.
🎨 Jun. 6 - Columbus Arts Festival: Immerse yourself in art and culture at the Columbus Arts Festival 2025! Downtown's Genoa Park Main Stage kicks off with Cultivate Dance Project on June 6 at the Greater Columbus Arts Council.
🎤 Jun. 6 - Insane Poetry Live: Horrorcore legends Insane Poetry bring their raw energy to Classic's Victory's Sports Bar on June 6. Catch the underground hip-hop mayhem starting at 7:00 PM at this High Street hotspot.
🎸 Jun. 6 - Charlie John Live: Catch rising star Charlie John live at Columbus's Bicentennial Park Amphitheater on June 6! Soak up summer vibes along the Lower Scioto Greenway as the music kicks off at noon.
🍷 Jun. 7 - Columbus Summer Wine Fest: Sip and savor at the Columbus Summer Wine Festival on June 7, 2025! McFerson Commons Park transforms into a vineyard paradise where you can sample delicious wines while enjoying the summer atmosphere.
🩰 Jun. 7 - BalletMet BLACK VOICES Performance: BalletMet graces Bicentennial Park with stunning selections from their BLACK VOICES production at the Columbus Arts Festival. Catch this free performance on June 7 and experience breathtaking dance in the heart of downtown.
🍗 Jun. 7 - Chicken & Beer Festival: Cluck and chug at the Chicken and Beer Festival! Savor delicious poultry paired with craft brews on June 7, 2025 at Dodge Park and Community Center (667 Sullivant Ave, Columbus).
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