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Anti-LGBTQI+ bills being introduced across the country are inspiring violent threats and attacks against LGBTQI+ communities. Such attacks on transgender people — who already face a heightened risk of violence, homelessness, and poverty — are terrifying and heartbreaking.  

The time is now: Call on your Senators and Representative today to pass the Transgender Bill of Rights, a resolution that provides a comprehensive framework for protecting the rights of transgender and nonbinary people. 

Take action here. 

Did you know that the upcoming total solar eclipse is intimately connected to the Octagon at the Newark Earthworks?

East of Columbus sit the Newark Earthworks, designed and built by those we call the Indigenous Peoples of the Hopewell Culture, who thrived throughout the Midwest around the years 1-400 CE. The Newark Earthworks are one of the earthwork constructions that were recently enrolled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, now called the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks. They have been recognized as a “masterpiece of human creative genius.”

Another component of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks is at Fort Ancient near the Little Miami River, and the remaining components are sites around Chillicothe along the Scioto River. All of these sites show that these Indigenous Peoples were experts at observational astronomy, for the Earthworks are designed and built to recognize the movements of the heavens. For instance, there is good evidence for a Great Hopewell Road that ran from Chillicothe to Newark and aligned with the Milky Way at the summer solstice. These were special locations.

Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 7:00 PM

April is Earth Month, and we’re bringing you the tools you need to make a difference this April — for the planet, and for our health.

This year’s Earth Day theme, Planet vs. Plastics, calls on individuals, businesses, and governments to unite in combating plastic pollution. We demand a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040 and the elimination of single-use plastics by 2030, paving the way for a plastic-free future.

The Earth Day movement depends on each and every individual to take action, and we’re bringing you an easy way to spread the word. Simply visit, share, and comment on our social media posts to help drive awareness and engagement around the world.

We’re highlighting 3 key actions you can take this month:

I Hear Things 

On the way home from the police station, she asked Jimmy several times why he was being questioned by Richardson. Jimmy wouldn’t give her a straight answer at first, causing Shelia to raise her voice at him, so he finally gave in, before she cursed him out, and told her it was about Smooth. “What about Smooth?” Shelia asked as Jimmy parked the car in front of their home.

“Nothing, really, just about cab rides.”

Shelia looked at him with a look of uncertainty “That doesn’t make sense. He could have got that information from Sissy. It’s her job to keep track of cab runs, isn’t it?” Jimmy nodded his head in the affirmative, got out of the cab and walked into the house, leaving Shelia in the cab alone.

Monday, April 1, 2024, 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Those who admonish Palestinian Resistance, armed or otherwise, have little understanding of the psychological ramifications of resistance, such as a sense of collective empowerment, honor and hope. 

 But resistance is not just a rifle, a rocket launcher. The latter are but one manifestation in resistance and, if not backed by strong popular support, they hardly have much impact. 

 Indeed, all forms of sustainable resistance have to be rooted in culture, which helps it generate new meanings, over time. 

 In the case of the Palestinian struggle, the concept of resistance is multifaceted and strongly embedded in the collective psyche of generations of Palestinians, which allows it to surpass the ideological and political confines of factions and political groups.  

 Though the symbols of this resistance - for example, the kuffiyeh, the flag, the map and the key - are part of this generation of meanings, they are mere signifiers of ideas, beliefs and values that are truly profound. 

Sunday, March 31, 5-8:45pm, Ohio Union [Archie Griffin Grand Ballroom], 1739 N. High St.

Join Students for Justice in Palestine at The Ohio State University, the Muslim Students Association at The Ohio State University, and several other organizations in the Archie Griffin Ballroom from 5pm to 8:30pm for a community Iftar Relief banquet for Gaza with HEAL [Health, Education, Aid, and Leadership] Palestine and Palestine Aid Society that will be hosted by Abdurrahman Wood.

There will be guest speakers, an auction, and a dinner catered by Zaytoon Mediterranean Grill and Lavash Cafe! All proceeds will be donated to HEAL [Health, Education, Aid, and Leadership] Palestine and the Palestine Aid Society. Everyone is welcome; formal or traditional attire is encouraged! We hope to see you there!

Tickets are on sale now at bit.ly/register4gaza.

Hosted by Students for Justice in Palestine at The Ohio State University.

Facebook Event

In 2016, an unlikely candidate defeated the incumbent Franklin County Treasurer, Ed Leonard in the primary. As an incumbent with the backing of the Democratic Party, Leonard ran a reserved campaign for what he thought would be an easy win. His opponent had a lack of resources and participated in none of the meddlesome activities associated with running a hopeful political campaign: no door-knocking, fundraising, speeches, or media interviews were conducted. 

The Free Press Second Saturday Salon will present an Earth Day Birthday celebration for WGRN 91.9 FM community radio on Saturday, April 13, 2024. WGRN will honor it’s “Volunteer of the Year,” Board member Joe Keehner. And “Producer of the Year,” Felice Thomas.

The doors will open at 5:30 with light refreshments, socializing and an awards ceremony. It is followed by a 7:00 PM concert by folk musician Tom Neilson.

The celebration and award event will be held in Beach Hall at the First Unitarian Universalist Church at 93 West Weisheimer Rd. in Columbus. For information, contact: spatzer1959@gmail.com.

WGRN is pleased to present the “Volunteer of the Year” award to Joe Keehner, a continuing and one the first members of the Central Ohio Green Education Fund (COGEF) that operates the WGRN community radio station.