Local

Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio (PPGOH) has finally unionized after a card count in which 65 percent of eligible employees voted to unionize on Thursday, February 7, 2025.

After the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), which is a government agency that helps mediate and resolve labor-management disputes, confirmed that the cards were authentic and had 65 percent support, leadership voluntarily recognized that the union had unequivocally garnered overwhelming support, clearly more than the majority that was needed, according to Olivia Oney, Regional Field Manager of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio.

Patricia Ryan Nixon has been repeatedly described as the most enigmatic of the post-World War II First Ladies. Preternaturally poised, attractively dressed and coiffed, relentlessly cheerful, and an indefatigable campaigner, she appears to have never put a foot wrong in her public life. For all these things, she earned the sobriquet “Plastic Pat.” Even as her heart must have been shattered, she stoically stood by as her husband endured the humiliation of being forced to resign the office of the President of the United States – an office she had been so instrumental in his winning twice. Since she was almost pathologically private, it’s good to see a modern biography of her.           

Tuesday February 11th, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
In this meeting we’ll take a look at Third Act Central’s priorities for 2025 which have been adjusted based on the new administration, then discuss how to align with these priorities, what needs customized for Ohio and if there are Ohio specific interests or concerns we’d like to add.   

Link for February meeting.

Save Ohio Parks and 29 environmental and advocacy organizations from across the state have delivered a letter to Gov. Mike DeWine demanding a moratorium on new or pending nominations, bids and leases to frack under Ohio’s beloved and pristine state parks and public lands.

“The Oil and Gas Land Management Commission has never discussed in a public meeting nine criteria it is mandated by statute to considered in deciding whether to frack Ohio’s state parks, wildlife areas and other public lands,” said Cathy Cowan Becker, president of the board at Save Ohio Parks. “An explosion last month at Gulfport well pad just five miles from Salt Fork State Park demonstrates how dangerous this industry can be. Public records show an average of 250 reported gas and oil accidents per year since 2015- one every 1.5 days.”

Save Ohio Parks is a statewide 501c(4) organization dedicated to educating the public about fracking under state parks and public lands. A lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a 2023 law requiring fracking under Ohio public lands has not yet been decided.

Monday, February 10, 2025, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Columbus Metropolitan Library, Main Branch, 96 S Grant Ave, Meeting Room 1B, Columbus, 43215.  Register here. 

Join Sunrise Cbus for an in-person full hub meeting!  This will be a chance to check in with one another and discuss new roles and goals for the next 3 months. We are a youth-led advocacy group dedicated to pushing for environmental justice in our communities. 

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s recent executive order mandating that nearly all state employees return to the office full-time—five days a week by March 17, 2025—has ignited a debate over its potential to disrupt workforce retention and efficiency.

The February 2025 Free Press Salon was held over Zoom on February 8. This is what happened.  

Link to salon video

Please like Share Subscribe The Feb, 2025 Freep Salon!

Free Press Board member Mark Stansbery started out the February 2025 salon by leading a discussion on the topic of Black History Month, highlighting the importance of understanding the struggle for liberation and recognition.

Sunday, February 9 at 1pm
Start: 301 Washington Blvd, Columbus, OH (behind COSI)
End: Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Sq, Columbus, OH 43215
Follow on Instagram: @larazamovement
Asking attendees to wear white or pink to be identified as with the group.  Use your voice to speak up for the community and immigrants!

People in Columbus Ohio gathered on Saturday, February 8 at the Ohio Statehouse to defend immigrant families and end the war on Black America.

Video here

People in Columbus Ohio gathered on Saturday, February 8 at the Ohio Statehouse to defend immigrant families and end the war on Black America.

Video here