Local
In a lopsided 88-2 vote (with 10 not voting, including Sen. Richard Durbin), the Senate passed S.870 – the so-called ADVANCED Act, a bill which quite literally takes the lid off of the nuclear safety box, both domestically and internationally.
So proud and confident were the Senators in nuclear power’s promises, rather than being introduced as stand-alone legislation, the 93-page bill had to be snuck into the three-page Fire Grants and Safety Act – a bill reasonably assured to pass at a time when huge parts of the nation are again in the process of burning to the ground.
Using the logic similar to that of an adolescent purchasing a first car (“If it’s red, fast, and a convertible – that’s it! What could go wrong?”), bill advocates trotted out the usual litany of at best contestable at worst discredited arguments for its passage: nuclear is clean and green, is needed to fight the climate crisis, creates jobs, and is over-regulated.
Saturday, June 22, 11am-3pm, Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS), 4645 Executive Dr.
This will be a family-friendly celebration of the strength, beauty, and cultures of the refugees and immigrants in our community, featuring global arts and crafts activities for families, as well as music, food, and dance from around the world.
Hosted by Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS).
RJD2 is one of Columbus, Ohio’s most beloved local creatives.
RJD2’s newest album, Visions Out Of The Limelight is break heavy, which should please people who loved Dead Ringer’s “Let The Good Times Roll.” I’ve known RJD2 for years. My usual RJD2 interview would mention RJD2’s graffiti friends – me, Wands, and Cram. Or I would ask him if someone who reads Howard Zinn would critique advertising circa Mad Men era? I figured I would avoid my usual questions.
Instead, we find where out where the party’s at.
RJD2’s Visions Out of the Limelight’s release party is Saturday June 22, 2024. Tickets 25 dollars.
We discuss a couple of my favorite RJD2 rap songs. We deconstruct a review I didn’t write with a written podcast.
I quote Playboy’s description of RJD2 – “Hipster Hop.”
I forgot about soliciting RJD2’s opinion about Campus Target.
Wes Flexner: Did you know there is a street called Ramblewood near Bethel Road?
RJD2: Ramblewood. I don’t think so.
Thursday, June 20, 6pm, Columbus Metropolitan Library [Main Branch], 96 S. Grant Ave., Rm. 1-A
Join us on Thursday, June 20, 6pm, at the Columbus Metropolitan Library [Main Branch], Rm. 1-A, for a screening of Bamako (2006), a film depicting a trial of the World Bank for the crime of exploiting African peoples.
Attend online at tinyurl.com/CORSmeeting.
Hosted by Central Ohio Revolutionary Socialists.
Green Party of the United States
www.gp.org
The U.S. Green Party condemns the recent House passage of legislation to automatically register all males ages 18-26 for potential military conscription through the Selective Service System.
The German Village Society, in a letter sent on May 28 to the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and “Zone In” officials, has requested to not be a part of the City’s massive zoning code overhaul.
The Society’s request only covers those German Village properties on East Livingston Avenue, across the street from Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Zone In has left the rest of German Village untouched, arguably Central Ohio’s most unique community.
The Society has yet to receive an answer from City officials. Put succinctly, Zone In seeks density with taller condominiums and apartment buildings in popular Columbus corridors, as high as 16 stories. Zone In has designated this part of East Livingston a “main corridor” where the properties are historically designated. But property owners have absolute ownership and can do as they please.
“Every block along Livingston in the Zone In proposal within our boundary already has historic properties either in place onsite or immediately adjacent, so the height restrictions stated in the Guidelines would be firmly in place,” stated the Soceity’s letter.
Wednesday, June 19, 10am, Cleveland Ave. between E. Hudson St. and E. 11th Ave.
We are thrilled to announce our Second Annual Juneteenth Parade, a celebration that pulsates through the vibrant spirit of our local community. As we gear up for another spectacular year, we recognize the invaluable role that everyone plays in transforming this event into an unforgettable experience for all. Your support goes beyond the parade route, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those who call this place home.
The Second Annual Juneteenth Parade is not just a parade; it’s a tapestry of joy, diversity, and shared experiences that brings our community together. With its roots firmly grounded in our local heritage, this parade has evolved into an annual tradition that unites residents, businesses, and organizations in a celebration of our unique identity. Join us in creating memories and fostering community spirit.
https://thirdact-org.zoom.us/j/89736701201We will be shoring up plans for our Ohio actions during the Summer of Heat ELDERS WEEK - July 8-12
Senator Brown is a key target to ask to oppose the Fire Grants and Safety Act (S. 870).
That bill - only 4 pages that have nothing to do with nuclear - has had the Nuclear ADVANCE Act attached!
The ADVANCE bill has 3 major provisions:
(1) support for new nuclear reactors – think big public $$,
(2) international engagement and deployment – think nuclear weapons proliferation, and
(3) NRC streamlining. This would fast-track licensing of reactors and their new fuel, decrease safety measures on both existing and new reactors, and unbelievably, turning the NRC’s mission to promoting nuclear power.
Contact Senator Brown’s office (202) 224-2315 in DC and (614) 469-2083 Columbus.
Tell him NO on S. 870 until the money-wasting, dangerous nuclear bill is removed.
On the first anniversary of when the inspiring whistleblower and peace activist Daniel Ellsberg passed away -- we’re inviting you to watch and share the new film “A Common Insanity: A Conversation with Daniel Ellsberg About Nuclear Weapons.”
You can watch the documentary for free by clicking here.
Powerful and concise in little more than half an hour, A Common Insanity provides never-before-seen footage as Ellsberg explains what he learned as a nuclear war planner, and as an independent researcher during the five decades after he revealed the Pentagon Papers.
The new documentary was directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Judith Ehrlich, who co-directed and co-produced The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers.