Thursday, January 25, 2024

Author

Chelsea Wiley
January 25, 2024

Sponsored the Greater Columbus Arts Council
Columbus is lucky to have some incredible public art installations. They’re beautiful, easily accessible, and important to our city’s culture. Learn more about public art in Columbus by visiting columbusmakesart.com. 🎨

Hello, Thursday! Chelsea here.

I’m so excited to start my morning off by talking about my favorite Olympic sport: figure skating. I’ve been in love with figure skating since I was a kid. From watching Cutting Edge nearly on repeat with my sisters to a deep dedication to everything Michelle Kwan did, it’s a dream come true that this year’s championships are right here in Columbus. I already had the chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour at Nationwide Arena this week, and I’ll be back there tonight for the Championship Women Short Program. Tickets are super affordable and if you’re hoping to be in the audience, I’ve got good news. You can get 20% off tickets to any session with the code LOCSKATE.

👨‍🍳 Two Columbus Chefs Named Semifinalists For James Beard Awards 
It’s always nice to see Columbus residents get the praise they deserve, and that’s especially true for these two chefs. Having had the pleasure of eating both of their food, I can honestly say that no one deserves this more.

🎢 Kings Island Unveils Three Renamed Rides in Exciting 2024 Kid-Friendly Expansion
I want to go on my roller coasters this summer, but I’m fairly terrified of them. Maybe I can start slow on Snoopy's Soap Box Racers. In all honesty, this new area looks incredibly cool and I probably would have been obsessed with it as a kid. I visited the Mall of America as a kid and being too short to ride the roller coaster at their version of Camp Snoopy was devastating to 7-year-old me, so it’s time for some redemption! Plus it looks super cool.

🏅 Columbus Named One Of The Most Walkable Cities In U.S. 
Columbus has joined the likes of New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. as one of the most walkable cities in the country. But we weren’t the only city in Ohio to have the honor.

Headlines 📰 

🚨 A state law banning gender transition treatment for minors and prohibiting trans athletes from competing in girls' sports will go into effect, despite a veto from Gov. Mike DeWine. (WOSU)

💸 Tax abatements can be a polarizing topic. When used to champion affordable housing, they can be effective, but it’s not always the best way. Franklin County has given out more abatements than Cuyahoga and Hamilton counties combined and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Perhaps it’s time for Columbus to start taking a different approach. (Matter News)

💔 33 years ago, Elaine Johnson vanished on a December day in Parma, OH, seemingly without her coat, shoes, or any security camera footage showing her leaving her apartment building. Today, her daughter is still searching for answers. (NBC4)

Weather: 52 with fog and rain

Sponsored Short North Stage 🎭
Spotlight on Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music, and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love, and a celebration of life. This powerful musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel will leave a lasting impression. The show runs through February 18th at the Garden Theatre. To purchase your tickets, visit shortnorthstage.org. 

Coming Up 📆

Today's Photo 🤳

❄️ Were you happy to see the snow go? I love the way Schiller Park looks in the snow, but I can’t say that I’m sad about the warm-up.
 
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- Chelsea