Getting Excited for America's Anniversary, The Most American Beer, and More

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

Good morning! Welcome to The Tradesman, a 5-minute newsletter tailored just for America’s tradesmen.

Typically, on Thursdays, we do a gas card giveaway. However, with the Fourth of July being next Saturday, we want to help with one of your cookouts.

Click here to enter our $50 grocery gift card giveaway! (NOTE: only one entry per person)

If it feels like this month has flown by, you aren't alone. But believe it or not, the Fourth of July is next Saturday.

This isn't shaping up to be any regular old Independence Day, however. It's America's 250th, and the country is going all out.

Whether you plan to stay in the state or travel, we promise you'll find festivities happening somewhere nearby all week.

See the lineup of America 250 events across Ohio, or check out what Kentucky has planned for the Fourth.

Want to be even more part of the action? Visit America250's official celebration site to see the planned ball drop in New York City, the Great American Block Party, and more.

Speaking of America's 250th, the beer company Pabst Blue Ribbon has released its official America 250th anniversary edition, and it's making a bold claim: Its cans now carry a blue banner that reads "Most American Beer."

Along with the image of a bald eagle surrounded by fireworks and the American flag, Pabst has also released a 250-ounce pack to further stay on theme.

Do you agree that Pabst is the most American beer, or does another company come to mind? Let us know in today's poll below!

Taking the family out for the day in Ohio can run $150 to $400 before anyone eats lunch. The zoos are the exception, and the gap is bigger than most people expect.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium costs $24 to $29 per adult and $16 to $19 for children, with parking around $14. A family of four gets out for $80 to $100. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is similarly priced. The Cincinnati Zoo, home of Fiona the famous hippo, comes in at $22 to $25 per adult.

Every major Ohio zoo sells a family membership in the $120 to $170 range that pays for itself in two visits and carries reciprocal admission benefits at hundreds of zoos nationwide.

On June 10, a jury sentenced 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison for murder. In April 2025, Anthony fatally stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a track meet. The two had reportedly been arguing before Anthony pulled out a $13 Walmart knife and stabbed Metcalf in the heart.

Since then, the trial has gained heavy public attention, with Anthony's family leading the charge in claiming he acted in self-defense and has yet to receive a fair trial free of racial bias.

Meanwhile, the other side, including Jeff Metcalf, Austin Metcalf's father, continues to maintain that Anthony had no reason to bring a knife to the track meet and that he was never in danger before stabbing Austin.

A motion to substitute counsel for Anthony, which means to change attorneys, was filed on Monday, as several attorneys — including veteran criminal defense attorney Russell Wilson II and the president of the Texas NAACP, Gary Bledsoe — have agreed to work pro bono on Anthony's appeal.

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