The Columbus Dispatch reported (City finances purchase of Idea Foundry and Gravity Experience Park in Franklinton January 13, 2025) that the City of Columbus has purchased The Idea Foundry and Gravity Experience Park for $7.5 million. The purchase was made with taxpayer grant agreements made out to Columbus Next Generation which is the City’s non-profit development arm. Next Generation Executive Director Boyce Safford, who is a former City of Columbus Development Director has served in his role since 2013 and is paid $168,062 annually. Some may recall that Director Safford told a group of minority business contractors at an April 2009 meeting that “they need to contribute to Columbus officials’ political campaigns if they expect to win contracts from City Hall” (Columbus Dispatch City officials advice upsets contractors, April 11, 2009.)

Tuesday, January 14, 4-5pm, this on-line event requires advance registration

This past November, world leaders gathered at the United Nations annual climate talks (COP29) with the main goal of securing an ambitious climate finance agreement, alongside reaffirming that nations will take meaningful steps to cut emissions and transition away from fossil fuels as was agreed upon last year.

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) invites you to join a virtual discussion to learn more about our efforts to highlight scientifically necessary outcomes at COP29, how we engaged on the ground during these contentious international climate negotiations and called out the malign influence of fossil fuel interests, and where we go from here — including the impact of the incoming Trump administration which has threatened to exit the Paris Agreement.

Monday, January 13, 2025, 6:00 PM
Columbus Public Library, Main Branch, 96 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215, meeting room A
As Trump takes office on January 20th, Martin Luther King Jr Day, the mass movement is reigniting to say NO to the billionaire agenda! A mass protest in defense of immigrant families, in support of women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, against the war machine and for people’s needs, and more, will be held at the Ohio Statehouse at 12PM.

Sponsored by the ANSWER Coalition, PSL Columbus, JVP Central Ohio, Columbus DSA, the Gateway Film Center union, Black Men Build Columbus, and more, this action aims to fight for our people’s rights on Day 1 of this new presidency.  

In preparation for this action, weekly organizing meetings are being held and are open to all. Now is the time to get organized and join the working-class fight-back movement!