All Publications

Livestreaming local meetings brings new accessibility

But also some embarrassing moments for local officials.
(Originally published in The Indiana Capital Chronicle)

The Election Guide: Republican Cory Bowman Mounts Long-Shot Challenge to Mayor Aftab Pureval

Bowman, in his own amateur way, is pointing out vulnerabilities among local Democrats in two areas — public safety and the housing market.
(Originally published in CityBeat)

Was Israel part of the conspiracy to kill JFK?

Israel’s leaders perceived JFK’s presidency as an existential threat to their fledgling nation. And there is mounting historical evidence that Israel’s intelligence services likely played a key role in financing and covering up JFK’s assassination.
(Originally published in Electronic Intifada)

Advocates Say Butler County Jail Locked Down Detainees During Protests; Sheriff’s Office Disputes Claim

Butler County Sheriff’s Office says protests pose security risk
(Originally published in CityBeat)

Who profited off 7 October?

Suspicious short selling, a prime minister unwilling to form an independent commission, and revelations from the military suggests Israel’s story on 7 October is not the full picture.
(Originally published in Electronic Intifada)

It’s Time to Restrain AIPAC

In a case of odd bedfellows, progressive Democrats and MAGA dissidents are spurning donations from the American Israel Political Action Committee.
(Originally published in the Progressive)

Carmel police pursuit ends in death of Indianapolis man; reignites debate on chases

Indiana ranks 10th nationally in fatalities caused by police chases.
(Originally published in the Indiana Capital Chronicle)

UC Neurologist Challenges 30-Year Alzheimer’s Theory, Pushing for Safer, More Effective Treatments

Dr. Alberto Espay’s research suggests the long-dominant “plaque hypothesis” driving billions in Alzheimer’s drug development may be wrong — and that restoring a healthy brain protein could slow the disease more effectively.
(Originally published in CityBeat)

US Media Barely Touches Epstein Links with Israeli Intelligence

Noticeably absent from US news coverage of US President Donald Trump’s waffling over the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files is any mention of the child sex predator’s apparent ties to Israeli intelligence.
(Originally published in Electronic Intifada)

Rural counties aren’t escaping gun violence

Gun control advocates say the problem is often more prevalent than in urban areas – and growing.
(Originally published in the Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Faith Leaders Travel To the West Bank

(Originally published in Progressive Magazine)

Thirty members of the U.S. Interfaith Journey of Justice witnessed Israeli violence first hand—along with the complicity of the United States government.

Oh, The Humanities

(Originally published in Indianapolis Monthly

Getting To The Bottom Of Indy’s Pothole Palooza

(Originally published in Indianapolis Monthly)

The sorry condition of our city’s streets is old news to residents and an unpleasant surprise to visitors. The wild swings in our winter weather— 20 degrees one day, 50 the next—are murder on roadways, it’s true. But that’s only one cause of this perpetual problem.

RESTAURANT AND BAR WORKERS REACH A TIPPING POINT

(Originally published in Cincinnati Magazine)

Servers, bartenders, and line cooks left the hospitality industry during the pandemic. Those who remain are banding together to push restaurant and bar owners to improve pay, protect tips, and find a better work/life balance.

Cincinnati City Council missed the point of Gaza ceasefire resolution | Opinion

(Originally published in The Cincinnati Enquirer)

As long as the killing continues in Gaza, neither side wins nor breaks the generations-long cycle of revenge.

Are alleged sex claims enough for Ohio State to sever ties with Wexner and his millions?

(Originally published inThe Columbus Dispatch)

Virginia Giuffre’s testimony has shed new and disturbing light on the years of rumors swirling around billionaire retail magnate and Columbus-area resident Les Wexner and his decades-long relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein, the notorious sex predator and trafficker of underage teens like Giuffre

Bethlehem Diary

An American in Palestine
(Fall of 2022)

A Lapsed Catholic Finds Faith Again in the Occupied West Bank

A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY BEARS FRUIT FOR PALESTINIAN ARTIST JASON AL GHUSSEIN

(Originally published in Cincinnati Magazine)

Jason Al Ghussein plants his Palestinian roots in Over-the-Rhine, hoping a bright mural can open minds and bring people together.

FILLING THE LOCAL NEWS VOIDS

(Originally published in Cincinnati Magazine)

A new digital newsroom in Cleveland using “community documenters” is looking to spread across the state.

WIN, LOSE, DRAW: INSIDE OHIO’S REDISTRICTING BATTLE

(Originally published in Cincinnati Magazine)

Ohio Republican lawmakers submitted unconstitutional election maps five different times in order to run out the clock on fair redistricting, and they prevailed. A second primary this month cost taxpayers $20 million.

U.S. ATTORNEY KEN PARKER STRIVES FOR JUSTICE WITH HUMANITY

(Originally published in Cincinnati Magazine)

The new chief law enforcement official for the Southern District of Ohio is focused on finding the root causes of crime and partnering with communities to prevent those crimes from ever happening.

UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED: HOW WE FAILED TO FIX THE BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE

(Originally published in Cincinnati Magazine)

The Brent Spence Bridge’s traffic chokehold has taken a back seat to political cowardice and misplaced priorities for decades. Will the federal infrastructure bill finally bail out regional leaders who fiddled while the bridge burned?

HOW THOM ATKINSON BECAME THE BEST AUTHOR YOU’VE NEVER READ

(Originally published in Cincinnati Magazine)

Atkinson has been serving up scenes and characters from his short stories and plays for decades in insightful, unforgettable ways.

INSIDE THE HIGHLY PROFITABLE AND SECRETIVE WORLD OF PAYDAY LENDERS

(Originally published in Cincinnati Magazine)

Nasty divorce proceedings between Jared Davis, the founder of Check ’n Go, and his wife Bridget reveal a salacious sideshow of rich people behaving badly.

RED STEWART AIRFIELD IN WAYNESVILLE KEEPS TAIL WHEEL AVIATION ALIVE

(Originally published in Cincinnati Magazine)

People come from all over to experience “flying like a bird” at the old-fashioned, family-run airfield.