Since the blockade began, humanitarian organizations like UNICEF have warned that children are at an increasing risk of starvation, illness, and death. Over 9,000 children have been admitted for treatment for acute malnutrition since the start of the year, highlighting the urgent need for food and medical assistance. The blockade has been described as a "silent killer," with families resorting to sharing minimal food supplies, such as a single can of beans among several members of one family according to Al Jazeera report.
 
Personal stories from families in Gaza illustrate the heartbreaking reality of this crisis. For instance, a mother described her five-year-old son, who has become emaciated and is suffering from severe malnutrition, stating that he hasn't eaten meat in months due to the unaffordability of food.
Black man surrounded by white cops

On May 1, 2025, 18-year-old Ryan Hinton was fatally shot by a Cincinnati police officer in East Price Hill. This tragedy highlights the controversial legal doctrine of qualified immunity that often protects officers from accountability, acting as a veritable “get out of jail free card” in cases of alleged misconduct. 

Meanwhile, the community grapples with the aftermath of two connected tragedies: Hinton’s shooting and the subsequent death of Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Henderson, struck and killed by Hinton’s father, Rodney Hinton Jr., the following day. While Rodney Hinton faces charges of aggravated murder, his actions are described as those of a grieving father distraught after watching footage of his son’s death.

The Incident

Sign saying climate justice now

“You are not alone. Far from it. If you are concerned about the climate crisis and want your national government to do something about it, you are part of an enormous global majority.”

Sign saying Politicians, mainstream media, just well dressed criminals

Dozens of activists for the rights of nature who traveled to the United Nations to participate in a high-level meeting were unexpectedly barred from speaking on April 22nd, Earth Day, due to a supposed “security breach.” 

The attendees, each of whom was personally invited by the Bolivian Foreign Minister, had previously been cleared by UN security personnel and issued access passes. Many had traveled thousands of miles — coming from Brazil, Poland, Canada, the UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Chile, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Colombia — to attend the meeting. 

Shot of Zoom screen

Watch video of salon here.

Free Press Board member Mark Stansbery opened the session, mentioning it's the Columbus Free Press May Day version of the Second Saturday Salon, focusing on immigrant and worker rights. He noted recent events like May Day protests and anniversaries of Kent State and Jackson State.

Bob Krasen of Healthcare For All Ohioans announced a new initiative by Columbus Community Bill of Rights to contest state pre-emption through a city charter amendment, with signature gathering to begin at Comfest June 27-29.

Kids playing at childcare center

Day Without Child Care Statehouse Rally
Monday, May 12,
WHO: Ohio Organizing Collaborative, 1000 providers, parents, advocates, and children
WHEN: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm ET
WHERE: Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Sq, Columbus, OH 43215
RSVP: https://act.communitychangeaction.org/a/ceo-project-dwocc-statehouse-rally

Families walking down a road with all their belongings

In the 1930s and 40s, many Jews escaped persecution in Europe by sailing to Palestine for safety. Palestinians treated them then with open hearts but later the Jewish refugees took arms and attacked Palestinians by committing massacres to drive them out of their lands. 

Each year on May 14, Israel celebrates Independence Day and Palestinians commemorate Nakba Day (catastrophe in Arabic). Prior to 1948, Israel has never existed on the map. Israel was planted in the heart of the Arab world by Western imperial powers. I still have a picture of my village taken by a New York Times photographer on May 14, being erased by Jewish terror groups. My village was totally flattened, the only remaining part left intact was part of the village mosque. My village name al-Sumayriyya- السميريه , Akka District, is located about 6 North of Akka and 6 miles south of the Lebanese borders. 

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