Local

I've never dabbled in stock trading, but after watching Craig Gillespie's "Dumb Money," based on a remarkable true story, I regret sitting out of the 2021 GameStop frenzy. During that pivotal moment, a pack of average Joe's flipped the script on Wall Street, turning GameStop, a declining company, into a cultural phenomenon.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Keith Gill, known as "Roaring Kitty" on the WallStreetBets subreddit, invested his life savings in GameStop stock. As his posts gained traction, what began as a simple stock tip evolved into a David vs. Goliath movement, enriching millions until the billionaires fought back.

This tale of disruption in the financial world, sparked by a band of Redditors, highlights the influence of social media when a group of people are united for the same cause. Craig Gillespie captures the highs and lows of trading during that period. Especially when Robinhood (a trading app) suddenly restricted its users from buying GameStop stock. Gillespie sheds light on a world grappling with isolation, economic disparities, and rising social movements.

The GOP-controlled Ohio Redistricting Commission voted to adopt Statehouse district maps that tip the scales for Republican candidates and solidify GOP majorities in both chambers. The two coalitions, Equal Districts and Fair Districts condemn the latest political power-grab by both the Republican and Democratic members of the commission.

“Politicians are getting in our way,” said Molly Shack and Prentiss Haney, Co-Executive Directors of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative speaking on behalf of Equal Districts. “It has become obvious that we cannot trust politicians to deliver the fair maps Ohioans deserve. We must remove politicians from the process and give power back to the people. We look forward to making that change by amending the Ohio Constitution in November 2024.”

Press release from Joe Motil 

Rumors have swirled for some time that the City’s Development Department is preparing another bulldozing of an encampment near Williams Road on the city’s far southside.

The City of Columbus has spent more than $200,000 this year to bulldoze more than a dozen encampments. I was recently informed by a homeless advocate that a couple of months ago, city hired contractors struck a tent with a front loader while the tent was occupied by an unhoused citizen who could have been seriously injured or killed. This incident occurred at Wilson Park.  

Columbus’ shelters are understaffed and far over capacity. The waiting list for those in need of temporary shelter numbers is in the hundreds. With winter approaching, where are our warming centers?

After last year’s failure by Ginther to provide properly staffed and adequate warming centers, I proposed that the city begin constructing its own warming and cooling centers instead of addressing the issue with knee jerk solutions at the last minute while trying to find suitable temporary warming centers.  

Fair Food Nation asks you to call on Kroger to demand they join the Presidential Medal-winning Fair Food Program in light of well-documented cases of modern-day slavery in Kroger’s supply chain. 

Ready to go? Here are five ways YOU can join farmworkers and the Fair Food Nation to easily participate on September 27:

1. Call Kroger 

Dial 1-800-576-4377

To speak with a service representative, press 8 then 3 after listening to the menu options. Once they are on the line, let them know that it’s time for Kroger to join the Fair Food Program! We have a suggested script below, which you can read to the representative.

2. Start a live chat with Kroger and copy/paste script

Free Public Livestream on September 26

In an endless war with already a half million casualties, is it more helpful to continue it -- risking nuclear apocalypse and guaranteeing impediments to addressing climate collapse -- or to demand a ceasefire, peace negotiations, and a commitment to sending no more weapons?

A public discussion featuring Medea Benjamin, Helena Cobban, Ray McGovern, and David Swanson.

Video footage of Rayshawn Meeks' shooting

“Obviously, this is a terrible situation that I inadvertently caused. It’s on me. Because it was my weapon, I’ve thought about this for many nights. Trust me. I consider myself a professional and I’m not pleased about this occurring whatsoever,” Clinton Township Detective Terrance Phillips told investigators from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) during an interview two months after the death of Rayshawn Meeks. 

“Obviously, this is a terrible situation that I inadvertently caused. It’s on me. Because it was my weapon, I’ve thought about this for many nights. Trust me. I consider myself a professional and I’m not pleased about this occurring whatsoever,” Clinton Township Detective Terrance Phillips told investigators from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) during an interview two months after the death of Rayshawn Meeks. 

Franklin County Prosecutor Gary Tyack did not take the case to a grand jury. In his office’s letter closing the case on January 29, 2023, Jeff Blake, Deputy Chief Counsel of the Criminal Special Units wrote:

Solidarity Ships
September 30, 2023
Goodale Park
Donation Drop-off 2-5pm.
Rider meetup at 5pm, Ride at 5:30pm
RSVP: solidarityships.eventbrite.com

Additional information, including participant guidelines, can be found on the event page at solidarityships.eventbrite.com
Updates will be posted on the ride’s Instagram page at @solidarity.ships"

We’re infuriated to announce that the 2nd annual group cargo ride of mutual aid is back! At the end of the month, community and supporters will come together in challenge to haul supplies in support of the City’s houseless residents.

Long-time committed community organizer and activist Liz Andromeda will host Solidarity Ships on September 30, 2023 at Goodale Park. All are invited to ride with or donate supplies for us to carry, in an adventure of solidarity, community, and camaraderie.

Shelia Brady glanced up the street through the yellow curtains that she had brought when she first moved into this apartment. When was that?  It must have been about ten years ago. The windows needed cleaning, and the paint on the frame was chipped. A woman’s work is never done, Shelia thought as she picked at a paint chip. She noticed that her red fingernail polish was also chipped. She glanced again out the window and saw Mr. Henry walking his dog with a piece of clothesline that was wrapped around his right wrist. The grey mangy looking dog was trotting behind him, sniffing the ground for just the right spot to drop his dump. It stopped and lifted his leg to pee on the ground while Mr. Henry picked at his nose and wiped his finger on his black dress pants.

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