On the far west side of Columbus, where never-ending prairie land was replaced with a never-ending stretch of corporate plaza hell, a young African American woman was assaulted. A witness who saw the assault and called 911 told the Free Press the Columbus police response was inadequate – something the Free Press has heard about the Columbus police for many years. The Columbus Division of Police (CPD) response seems to change depending on who the victim is and the nature of the crime.

The assault in many ways may be the result of a broken Columbus and how far it is from being fixed, even though Mayor Ginther and City Council seem more concerned about pushing growth – through Zone In, for instance – yet which is out of control.  

 Klutch Cannabis, one of the Midwest’s premier vertically integrated cannabis companies, announced that its Ohio dispensaries were among the first to receive Dual Use Dispensary licenses from the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control on Friday, August 2. The licenses will be effective on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Sales to eligible adults will begin at 10 AM Tuesday morning at the following locations:

The Citizen by Klutch in Canton – 401 Cherry Ave NE, Canton, Ohio 44702

The Citizen by Klutch in Lorain – 5152 Grove Ave, Lorain, Ohio 44055 

Both stores are open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days per week.

Project 2025, labeled the Presidential Transition Project, is the 920-page Republican Party plan to be implemented after (not if) they “win” the presidential and congressional elections in November. It describes how Trump and his allies intend to destroy America’s democracy and create something like a monarchy or fascist political order. Independently of the 2025 Project, Trump believes he will win the election and then become the absolute leader. The federal government will then be under his control, obviating the need for elections and the rule of law. The rich and powerful will be the chief beneficiaries.

According Project 2025, opponents of Trump will be imprisoned or deported, as will millions of undocumented workers residing in the country. Thousands of Trump loyalists will be appointed to executive branch jobs. And a full-blown right-wing agenda will be instituted, involving lowered taxes on the rich, deregulation, and privatization of critical public institutions. The social safety net will be eviscerated. The production and consumption of fossil fuels will be maximized and global warming will increase.

This article first appeared on Reel Time with Richard.

Kneecap is a movie about Irish rappers who deliver their rhymes in their native Irish. As such, it can be a lot for American viewers to absorb, especially since it unfolds at a take-no-prisoners pace.

Once you get your bearings, though, writer/director Rich Peppiatt’s debut flick is a blast and a hoot.

The title refers to an actual Northern Ireland hip-hop band that took its name from the painful punishment often meted out by republican enforcers during the period of upheaval known as “The Troubles.” Set in 2019 or so, long after relative peace has arrived, the film purports to be the band’s origin story.

I say “purports” because Peppiatt’s clever script no doubt takes massive liberties with reality. If the story still has an air of authenticity, it’s partly because the band members all play themselves, and they do so with panache and conviction.