Local
Tuesday, June 30, Franklin County agreed to a historic $7 million settlement with the family of Casey Goodson Jr., resolving the civil claims arising from the tragic events of December 4, 2020. This settlement marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for Casey and his loved ones.
Since that fateful day, Casey's family has endured immense pain and hardship, navigating a long and challenging journey toward justice. Over three years have passed since Casey was senselessly murdered by former Sheriff's Deputy Michael Jason Meade. Throughout this period, the family has remained steadfast in their fight for accountability and reform.
The settlement allows Casey's family to resolve their civil claims against Franklin County, enabling them to concentrate fully on the upcoming murder retrial of Michael Jason Meade. While no amount of money can ever compensate for the loss of Casey, this settlement is a crucial acknowledgment of the profound impact his death has had on his family and the broader community.
After two years and over $3 million later, Ginther and City Council once again showed their true colors and genuflected to those who have historically continued to control development policies in Columbus: the developers and the development community. And after all the bragging about how many people sent in comments, attended public meetings, and the creation of the Zone In propaganda gallery, that there were virtually no changes made to the city’s initial Zone In policy. Yes, a two-year dog and pony show that resulted in ignoring public comment.
Prices keep increasing. Some states have not only put in place a decent minimum wage but indexed it to automatically keep pace with the cost of living, so that we don't all have to waste time demanding that it be "increased" each year.
Click here to tell OH to create a $15 minimum wage and set it to increase with the cost of living.
In Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Washington, the minimum wage is, or is set to soon be, at least $15 per hour, and it is set to keep pace with the cost of living. Why should such an obvious policy be limited to those states?
When value is restored to the minimum wage, even those making over the minimum wage tend to see pay increases as well.
Joe Biden recently made history by endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential race after dropping out. With Harris likely to secure the nomination, the focus shifts to her choice of running mate.
The list of potential candidates includes Governors Newsom (CA), Whitmer (MI), Beshear (KY), Shapiro (PA), Pritzker (IL), and Cooper (NC), along with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (AZ). Although Newsom and Whitmer are strong candidates, Whitmer has reportedly declined the spot. Newsom, meanwhile, is from California, just like Harris. The Constitution prohibits a ticket with two people from the same state, and while they could solve that by having one of them change their official residence, it may come off as manipulative and unpopular, especially when MAGA Republicans paint California as a “woke” state.
I am a historian and preservationist in Columbus, and I am generally in support of the proposed legislation and support the clarification that historic districts won’t be disregarded with the new code. I nevertheless deeply urge a delay or even a “no” vote at this time, in order for a solution to be found for an alarming issue. I have raised this issue with the zoning team multiple times and have yet to hear a response. Your vote is the last potential for affecting change.
Columbus has an incredible array of historic, and architecturally significant, houses, churches, fire stations, schoolhouses, and more. The vast majority of these are not on any register, and will immediately be at a much higher risk of demolition if Zone In were to pass as is currently written. We will be at threat of losing much of our remaining historic heritage, and especially the most visible sites on these well-traveled corridors.
From The Presbyterian Church USA
The Cuban people are facing shortages of clean water, medicine, and medical equipment, and the price of food has skyrocketed. These conditions are causing families to go hungry and flee the island. Over a million Cubans have left the island in the past two years. At the same time, it is nearly impossible for U.S. humanitarian and faith organizations to provide humanitarian aid to the Cuban people. The main obstacle is the fact that Cuba is on the State Department’s State Sponsors of Terrorism List (SSOT).
Because banks fear running afoul of U.S. anti-terrorism laws and regulations, it can take years for groups to get much-needed aid and finances into the country. In 2015, President Obama removed Cuba from the SSOT list as part of the opening of diplomatic relations with Cuba. However, in 2021, the Trump Administration returned Cuba to the SSOT list after Cuba served as a neutral host for international peace talks between the government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army (ELN), a rebel group.
Sunday, July 28, 1-5pm
Zacatecas Mexican Grill, 1175 Worthington Woods Blvd.
Victoria Parks was a folk beacon in our local community and abroad. Please join us in this Fiesta of Life to celebrate Victoria.
Victoria loved Cinco de Mayo; however, she missed out on the last two years celebrating it so we would like to share it with you.
We will celebrate her life with her music, pictures, and memorabilia of her humorous days in music and in politics.
Please feel free to bring a dessert. We will be providing food periodically for a limited time. There will also be a cash bar with one of her favorites, margaritas.
Hosted by Victoria’s close friend Kelly Bowman.
Saturday, July 27, 2024, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
905 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus
Come join Columbus Stand Up for a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of climate justice. Our event aims to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on marginalized communities and the urgent need for equitable solutions.
Listen to inspiring speakers, engage in interactive workshops, and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about creating a more sustainable future for all.
Let's come together to explore why climate justice matters and how we can make a difference! !
A 140-plus year old cemetery lost to time and mostly forgotten could be dug up, built upon, and the remains thrown out, all with help from “Zone In,” says South Side activist and preservationist Bruce Miller.
“There are documents showing slaves who escaped on the underground railroad buried there, plus the least of our brothers and sisters are buried there,” says Miller, president of the Scioto Southland Civic Association. Miller and his mother also sat on the City-affiliated Far South Columbus Area Commission, but both were forced out by City officials for pushing back on “Zone In” – the City’s overhaul of zoning codes so to create more density (taller condos).
Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28, Wisteria Event Site and Campground, 39825 Ohio Rte. 684, Pomeroy, Ohio
Experience three days of love and weed at the inaugural Stargazer Cannabis Festival! Held on 80 acres of picturesque beauty near the stunning Hocking Hills area of Ohio, this event is a must-attend for cannabis users, activists, and supporters alike.
Immerse yourself in the natural surroundings as you camp under the stars and groove to the sounds of talented artists. Join us from July 26 to July 28 for an unforgettable weekend of music and community.
Secure your spot at the festival on our website, stargazerfest.com. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity; get your tickets today!
RSVP for this event by using this link.
Hosted by Stargazer Cannabis Festival and Sensible Movement Coalition.