Some observers in the lead-up to last week’s meeting between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage Alaska hoped that a dialogue might be established where the broader issue of creating a new European security model that would reduce tensions and make it unlikely that a conflict like Russia-Ukraine would be repeated. Both Trump and Putin came away from the three-hour plus meeting with positive remarks though little of substance, at least in terms of what they were prepared to reveal. Trump did indicate that the idea of a ceasefire had been sidelined in favor of further discussions for a comprehensive peace plan to end the war at the next bilateral talks in Moscow, but it has been suggested by critics that he was speaking only for himself personally. If he has come around to the view that a ceasefire will not work in the current context, he is probably correct.

End Starvation. Divest Now

Residents of Ohio will hold a rally and press conference on Friday, August 22 at 11:30 AM outside the Ohio Statehouse to demand an end to the forced starvation in Gaza and Ohio’s investments in Israel Bonds and private affiliates.

● Gaza is facing mass starvation, and aid is being intentionally restricted
● Israel Bonds have dropped below investment grade—yet Ohio counties still buy
in
● Pending legislation (SB 87, HB 188) threatens to silence divestment campaigns
● Ohioans are saying

Friday, August 22, 2025 |
Rally begins 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Press Conference: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Ohio Statehouse – 1 Capital Sq, Columbus

Speakers—including Gazans and those directly affected, veterans, lawyers, faith leaders, students, and healthcare workers—will call for divestment from entities
complicit in Gaza’s starvation and Israel’s war crimes.

The event follows rising public pressure on counties like Franklin for financially and ethically questionable investments in Israel.

Watch video here

An emergency "pop up" protest brought nearly 200 people to the Ohio Statehouse this afternoon to condemn Governor Mike DeWine's announcement that he's sending 150 of the state's National Guard to Washington DC. Since August 13, National Guard troops in D.C. have taken over the police department because Trump claims there's a crime increase, although data shows crime is down in the nation's capital. Ohio now has the dubious distinctionf of joining West Virginia and South Carolina as states supporting the action.

The impromptu rally today mirrored the large ongoing Washington DC protests against the unprecedented National Guard mobilization. Speakers at the event chastised DeWine for capitulating to Trump's power grab, pointing out that the troops will target immigrants, the homeless and people of color.

People in cars passing by honked and waved to the protestors. An impressive number of demonstrators showed up and spoke out, with signage ready to denouce DeWine's decision. One memorable sign stated, "Trump said he couldn't call the National Guard on Jan. 6."