Local
Similar to local Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) offices and programs, Columbus’s 21 area commissions could someday be shuttered by those in power, several housing advocates and activists told the Free Press.
While fundamentally different, DEI offices and area commissions share similar missions: They are pro-people by giving one and all a chance to speak out against those who control the strings and pocketbooks.
From the Near East to the Hilltop to the Far South Side to the Far West Side, these 21 area commissions are resident-based and strictly recommending bodies, they have no legal authority. But they have a consequential purpose: To represent their neighborhood(s) when City officials try to force unwanted development into their community. Commissions are also committed to preservation and enhancement of parks, streets and traffic. And during this time of unprecedented growth, logic suggests these commissions are needed more than ever.
Tuesday, March 11, all day
March 11, 2025 is the 14th anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
It's time for our annual boycott of grid electricity as a protest against nuclear power and to remember the victims of the Fukushima meltdowns, past, present, and future. March 11 is the 14th anniversary of the nuclear disaster that contaminated so much of Japan, rendering parts uninhabitable forever. That is a fate that could await any community near a nuclear plant anywhere in the world.
That's why, for the 24 hours of March 11, Fukushima Day, people will be boycotting grid power as much as possible. There are four Levels, from simple conservation through to putting more power on the grid using solar or wind than your household uses that day.
The March 2025 Free Press Salon was held over Zoom on March 8. This is what happened.
Free Press Board member Mark Stansbery started out the March 2025 salon by wishing everyone a happy International Women’s Day and relating a message from our friend Yurii Sheliazhenko in Ukraine, highlighting the day’s Ukrainian roots and connection to anti-war efforts.
Sunday, March 9, 2025, 3:00 – 4:30 PM
RSVP for the location and details.
Join Never Again Action's field director, Shayna Solomon, to explore what fighting for immigrant rights can look like in Central Ohio, to learn about Central Ohio's new Community Response Hub, and to identify what you and your community can do.
Let me start by saying that I am not a doctor. I have more experience than many in this particular area, but my words are based on real life experience and not science. My trainings are long behind me. I do check in for new thoughts and techniques, but i have yet to lose anyone and quite a few were flatlined when I started.
The opioid epidemic, as it has been named, has touched pretty much everyone in one way or another. I am one of them. I have reversed 23 overdoses so far. Two of those were dogs that got into a stash.
I used fentanyl for quite a while. I didn’t particularly want to. I liked smoking heroin tar on foil. Sadly, fentanyl became so pervasive that it was economically and practically impossible to avoid. Many people fall in this way. Prescription pills are so expensive, and frequently fake, that sustaining a habit is impossible except for the very wealthy. Even the wealthy will eventually get a pressie (fake pills) if they aren’t fastidious about testing.
The Lincoln Theatre will present standout local performers and engaging discussion in three of the theatre’s ongoing series -- Backstage at the Lincoln, Club Lincoln, and Community Conversations.
All programs will be held at the Lincoln Theatre (769 E. Long St.). Tickets can be purchased at www.LincolnTheatreColumbus.com or by phone at (614) 469-0939.
Community Conversations
The Lincoln’s Community Conversations series is designed to generate local and global discussion on a variety of interesting questions surrounding the arts. Admission is free.
The next Community Conversations features:
If I find out Matt Miner is in a band. I know I will like the music. I saw the Third Pyramid Band included Matt Miner. Matt’s portfolio is unparalleled. The Columbus skateboard legend played in Three Studies For A Crucification and Teeth of the Hydra. Three Studies were an important band during Hardcore Columbus’ formative years in the 90’s. After Three Studies, his next group Teeth of the Hydra were a nationally known doom metal band once the punks decided Sabbath is the ultimate working man’s music in the early aughts. I loved Matt’s next band, Nukkkehammer.
I attended the Third Pyramid Band show. I know the Third Pyramid Band show wouldn’t be wack. I was impressed. Third Pyramid landed hardcore’s progression into saving rock’n’roll. A lady singer named Nic crooned like Janis Joplin or Grace Slick while a band plays with black sabbath accent.
The Third Pyramid Band is the best newish band in Columbus. It ain’t even a contest.
I recommend The Third Pyramid Band @ Cafe Bourbon Street/March 8th.
I interviewed our favorite hessian about Third Pyramid band and Columbus countercultures.
Saturday, March 8, 7-8pm
This event will be occurring via Zoom
A plant manufacturing hypersonic missiles is planned for an area near Rickenbacker Air Force Base in central Ohio. There is a chance these weapons could be used to carry small nukes. A group of peace and environmenal activists are fighting this Anduril plant.
Speakers:
• Rick Wilhelm, Veterans for Peace
• Pat Marida of the Ohio Nuclear Free Network
• Darrin Broering, Veterans for Peace organizer
Many prominent and otherwise admired people in this country live off fear. They promote it widely in official communiqués and through a compliant media. Sometimes the fears have a basis in reality, sometimes not. Even when they are real, those involved exaggerate them for public consumption. These practices have gone on for so long now that fear has come to dominate the public square. And this has been done and continues to be done because frightened people yearn for guidance and protection and will yield personal decision making, prerogatives, and power to elites and experts who claim to have answers for their anxieties. Accordingly, elites in government, business, and intellectual circles have for decades gathered around a range of issues to frighten the public enough to allow these elite elements to jointly wield power.
Dr. Bob Fitrakis and Dan-o Dougan talk about women-led and all-women music groups from the rock era and some other genres including Heart, the Runaways, Sweet Honey and the Rock, TLC and more!
Listen live at 11pm Friday, March 7 and 14 streaming at wgrn.org or on the radio at 91.9FM
and
Monday at 2pm streaming March 10 and 17 at wcrsfm.org or on the radio at 92.7 or 98.3FM
Archived on Mixcloud here