Local
A council and mayor of anti-democratic, unrepresentative, unknowledgeable empty sloganeers is bad enough. But they oversee a City government uniquely lacking in both expertise and ethical concern for either residents or the laws. Walk or drive around the city. There is no evidence that the City employs a qualified, certified, experienced urban planner, traffic engineer, zoning inspector or enforcement officers, city attorney, or neighborhoods services. Columbus has none.
Trash, broken pavement, and out of control scooters and motor vehicles are the first things that visitors to the city notice. They rank high in framing Columbus’ identity and identification. That is, other than the many visitors who only see Ohio Stadium or the Convention Center for the illegal steroid spewing The Arnold.
"Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" is a film adapted from a book by Judy Blume, first published in 1970, and directed by Kelly Freeman Craig, the filmmaker behind "Edge of 17." It's a coming-of-age story where we follow Margaret, an 11-year-old girl played by Abby Ryder Fortson. Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie convincingly play her parents, with Kathy Bates, as captivating as ever, starring as her grandmother.
Margaret and her family move from New York City to New Jersey, where she forms a friendship with her new neighbor, Nancy Wheeler, played by Elle Graham. Nancy proudly proclaims that her family lives in the bigger house down the road, hinting at her social status and personality.
Throughout the movie, Margaret is seen grappling with adolescence and wrestling with the concepts of faith, love, and self-identity. A significant part of the plot also revolves around a secret club that Margaret and her friends form, with a set of rules they must abide by, like stating their latest boy crush, wearing bras, and not wearing socks.
To the editor:
According to Article I of the Ohio Constitution, all power is inherent in the people. Unfortunately, our legislators – or at least, nearly the entire Republican caucus of both houses – have forgotten this basic fact.
Without a hint of irony, Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman has stated that “citizens don’t always know what they want” and that we must always be on guard against the “tyranny of the majority.” But at least Huffman understands that those who oppose the legislature’s effort to make it more difficult for the people to amend the state constitution are, in fact, a majority.
The Ohio Immigrant Alliance is a group of immigrants and citizens working together to protect the dignity and rights of all individuals who choose to make Ohio their home. We engage in activism and volunteerism that connect communities across the state, and include people currently living abroad due to our inhumane immigration laws.
Here are six ways you can help make Ohio a better home for everyone, including immigrants and refugees.
Anyone who completes all six will receive a FREE COPY of Ohio Migration Anthology, Volume 2! Email proof of completion to admin@ohioimmigrant.org, with your name and address.
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Thursday, May 25, 6-9pm, Halt Violence [Hilltop location], 2360 W. Broad St.
“We don’t wait for the white chalk or the yellow tape. We use our street cred to save lives by squashin’ beef in the streets when tensions are high, and without snitching to the police.”
“If you want to stop beef before it starts and make nonviolence a way of life, you gotta get to the root cause. That means changing how you think, how you deal with emotions, and providing real alternatives to violence.”
“You have to meet youth where they’re at. When you listen instead of looking down on ’em, you can address their real needs. It’s a positive domino effect that has proven to save lives and change minds on the streets of Columbus.”
This event will include free food, resources for parents with youth to avoid gun violence, and live entertainment.
Hosted by Halt Violence.
When it comes to major road projects in Central Ohio, MORPC – the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission – is a big power player. So is ODOT, of course. As Columbus and its suburbs continue to grow seemingly out-of-control, one question raised by residents is: What comes first, massive development and then surrounding road improvements, or improved roads first and then massive development?
Widening or adding lanes, for instance, before thousands move in. But there’s confusion over what comes first or what should come first. A West Side housing activist, who did want to offer their name for publication, says they heard this during an area commission meeting.
“One of the weird things I learned from MORPC is that development comes first followed by street improvements later,” said the unnamed source. “You would think that streets should be improved first but that’s not how it works in Ohio.”
When presented with this quote, MORPC spokesperson Melissa Rapp stated in an email, “That statement is not a factual statement. MORPC supports local governments with regional planning, tools, and funding but does not prescribe local policies, processes, or ordinances.”
Wednesday, May 24, 7-10pm, The Citadel, 1761 Parsons Ave.
Stand in solidarity with Cuba at our upcoming “Cuba Night” with IFCO [Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization] and Pastors for Peace!
On Wednesday May 24, 7-10pm, we’ll be coming together at The Citadel to raise funds to send medical supplies to Cuba this summer!
Catch speakers coming back from their recent brigades discuss Cuba’s successes and socialism, the genocidal blockade imposed by the U.S., their healthcare system, and more. We’ll have games, prizes, raffles, and cultural activities.
IFCO/Pastors for Peace has been working to support Cuba for more than 30 years and will be joining us for a stop on their Friendshipment Caravan. Come hear more about their efforts at our event, and help us raise money to buy medical supplies to send with them during their July caravan!
Stay tuned for more info. Let’s do our part and stand with Cuba!
Masks will be required and will be provided.
Hosted by PSL [Party for Socialism and Liberation] Columbus.
In order to witness firsthand Andy Ginther’s show of force and willingness to “spend whatever it takes to make our city safe” I walked the sidewalks of the Short North for nearly one hour on Friday night.
The police presence was overwhelming. I was informed that 150 members of law enforcement were present. Motorcycles, bikes, foot patrol, horses, canine units, helicopter, and cruisers. And it was also reported that drones were used. And I am certain that many Short North residents were not thrilled about the hours of constant noise from a helicopter. One officer told me he was being paid double time. $120 an hour. And although the Short North was probably the safest place to be in Columbus last night, the excessive use of law enforcement along with the sound of a police helicopter overhead presented a feeling of uneasiness.
What did all of this accomplish and was it worth the cost? Did the Short North business district warrant heightened police presence after back-back weekends of violence? If I were Mayor I would agree. But to the extent of Friday night? No way.
