Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Franklin County / June 19, 2025

🏍️ Highway heartache

Franklin County • June 19, 2025

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Good morning, Franklin County. The roar of emergency vehicles echoed across I-70 Wednesday as a critical motorcycle-truck collision shut down major interstate sections, sending one rider fighting for their life at Mount Carmel East. The dramatic highway closure continues as investigators piece together what happened between the motorcyclist and the uninjured dump truck driver—a stark reminder of the vulnerability two-wheeled travelers face on our busy roadways.

Meanwhile, construction crews are performing a remarkable balancing act in downtown Columbus, where OhioHealth Grant Medical Center's ambitious expansion is taking shape just inches from neighboring buildings. The seven-story, 270,000-square-foot addition will significantly boost central Ohio's medical capacity when completed in 2028. In courthouse news, Hamilton County's clerk received a unanimous rebuke from Ohio's Supreme Court, which ordered the immediate restoration of thousands of eviction records that were removed from public view—settling a taxpayer-funded legal battle over who controls access to these sensitive documents.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🏍️ Motorcyclist fights for life after dump truck collision on I-70. The crash occurred Wednesday on eastbound lanes just east of Interstate 270 in Columbus, Ohio. Emergency responders rushed the critically injured motorcyclist to Mount Carmel East hospital, while the dump truck driver remained uninjured at the scene. The accident forced closure of eastbound I-70 and the north and southbound I-270 ramps connecting to I-70 east. Officials have not announced when the interstate will reopen as the investigation continues.

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🏥 Columbus's busiest trauma center is getting a massive upgrade. OhioHealth Grant Medical Center is building a seven-story, 270,000-square-foot expansion to meet central Ohio's growing population needs. The challenging construction project is being built in an extremely tight space—with neighboring buildings just five feet away from the property line. Construction teams are using innovative approaches, including building around the crane system and using quieter saw blades to minimize disruption. The project, which began in 2023, will continue until mid-2028, ultimately enhancing the second-largest OhioHealth hospital's capacity beyond its current 650 beds.

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⚖️ Court rules clerk must restore eviction records online immediately. The Ohio Supreme Court unanimously ordered Hamilton County Clerk Pavan Parikh to put thousands of older eviction cases back on the public website. Parikh had removed cases older than three years without consulting judges, claiming he wanted to prevent landlords from using the information against potential tenants. The court determined only judges have authority to restrict public records access, not clerks. Both parties incurred legal fees at taxpayer expense after Parikh refused to comply with earlier judicial orders.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Cozy ranch near transit options: This east Columbus ranch, listed at $199,900 and sold AS-IS, boasts hardwood floors, finished lower level, two full baths, and minimal traffic. It's conveniently located near public transit options.
Real estate listing image Vintage heights needs fresh updates: Listed at $489,900, this historic 1840 Worthington home boasts 3 bedrooms, 12' ceilings, and recent updates after 57 years with one family, though it needs fresh paint and kitchen renovations.
Real estate listing image Modern luxury downtown tax break: This modern $385,000 condo near downtown Columbus offers an urban lifestyle with resort amenities, two parking spaces, upscale finishes, and tax abatement until 2033, creating a luxurious yet low-maintenance living experience.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎉 Jun. 20 - Juneteenth Freedom Festival: Celebrate 160 years of African American freedom at the 28th Annual Juneteenth Ohio Festival! Join the festivities at Genoa Park on June 21-22 for just $15 in advance. Visit JuneteenthOhio.com for details.
🤠 Jun. 20 - Buckeye Country Superfest: Saddle up for country music's biggest bash at Buckeye Country Superfest! Ohio Stadium transforms into a boot-stompin' paradise on June 20, featuring chart-topping artists and down-home fun. Grab tickets now!
🎉 Jun. 21 - WeRISE Juneteenth Celebration: Celebrate freedom and community at WeRISE's Juneteenth festivities! Join the vibrant celebration at The Point at Otterbein University on Saturday, June 21 from 10am-1pm for music, food, and cultural connections.
🎤 Jun. 21 - Madison McGhee Live: Rising star Madison McGhee takes the stage at Two Dollar Radio Headquarters on June 21! Catch this must-see performance at 7:00 PM in Columbus's vibrant Parsons Avenue arts venue.
🍷 Jun. 21 - Uncorked Columbus Wine Fest: Raise your glass at COSI for the 4th annual Uncorked: Columbus on June 21! Sip, sample, and celebrate summer at this beloved wine festival in the heart of the city.
🌟 Jun. 21 - Better Than Before Activate: "Activate" your potential at Better Than Before 5! Shop with vendors before Friday's doors open and all day Saturday at the magnificent Sheraton Suites Columbus, conveniently located near Polaris Mall. June 21.
🎵 Jun. 22 - SOUL FEST Family Freedom: Feel the rhythm at SOUL FEST, where freedom, flavor and family unite at Flint Station on June 22. Bring your groove to 225 Park Rd, Columbus for this soulful community celebration!
📚 Jun. 22 - Juneteenth Black Authors Bash: Celebrate literary excellence at the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Author Bash! Browse works from 50+ Black authors, enjoy live readings, music, art, and refreshments at MLK Library Branch on June 22.
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