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Top of Mind
WE’RE MOVING TO MONDAYS…
Why not start the week with us instead?!
Let’s get this week started off hot.
On September 10th, during the second presidential debate, Donald Trump pushed the false claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are stealing and eating pets—a conspiracy thoroughly debunked by local law enforcement. Despite this, Trump stuck to his guns, trying to stoke fear, while Kamala Harris appeared to remain composed - We put our boots on the ground, well, our vans on the ground in Springfield to see for ourselves…
Springfield, Ohio: From "Champion City" to “American Dream”
Once upon a time, Springfield, Ohio, was the "Champion City,” and in 1983, Newsweek dubbed it “The American Dream.” Back then, the city was a manufacturing powerhouse, where the hum of industry filled the air and factory whistles signaled progress. But fast-forward to the 21st century, and Springfield found itself facing a 21st-century problem—what happens when the factories close and the jobs disappear?
We drove 43 miles west Friday morning to really see how the wild claims are affecting the Ohio town of about 58,000.
Welcome to Little Haiti: Springfield Edition
In 2017, news spread among Haitians residing in Florida, South America, and even Haiti itself: Springfield had employment opportunities, a low cost of living, and was evolving into a new land of opportunity. What initially started as a small movement quickly turned into a significant migration, and within just five years, Springfield's population increased by 15,000 Haitians. They have become a vital part of the local economy, working in establishments such as Dole Fresh Vegetables and McGregor Metal, while also establishing their own enterprises, including restaurants, grocery stores, and more.
But here’s the thing: Springfield wasn’t exactly ready for this influx. The onlyincbus team headed down to Springfield to get the scoop. We stopped by City Hall, where other amateur reporters were still lingering around (just like us haha). When we finally got a chance to speak with a worker at a local Caribbean grocery store, she said, “Haitians work hard to afford chicken and beef; we have no interest in your pets”
On September 11th, Governor Mike DeWine stepped in with a $2.5 million boost to expand healthcare and improve road safety, saying, “We will continue to do everything we can to help the community deal with this surge of migrants.” But even with the cash infusion, Springfield is struggling to keep up. And let’s face it, rumors aside, not everyone’s thrilled about the new arrivals.
Tensions Rising: Not Just About Jobs Anymore:
Let’s address the, cat? in the room… In the summer of 2024, a facetious Facebook rumor about Haitian immigrants "stealing and eating pets" spiraled out of control. Then it hit the big leagues when Trump spouted the baseless claims during a presidential debate, and suddenly, Springfield was making national headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Let’s be clear: no, Haitian immigrants in Springfield are not abducting or eating anyone’s pets. Local authorities have debunked these rumors repeatedly, but in the age of conspiracy theories, who cares about facts? The fallout has been intense. After these wild claims spread, Springfield saw a rash of bomb threats targeting City Hall and local schools. Thankfully, none of the threats were credible, but the community was left shaken, and tensions were pushed even higher.
Despite the chaos, Springfield is not down for the count. The influx of immigrants has brought new life to a struggling town, but the growing pains are real. Schools are overcrowded, healthcare providers are stretched, and housing is a big concern.
But there’s hope. Immigrant-owned businesses are thriving, and Springfield is offering resources, like English classes and driving courses, to help its new residents. The city is no longer the industrial giant it once was, but it’s still fighting for its future. What kind of future will Springfield build? That remains to be seen.
Scarlet Letter Trivia
Question: The legend R.L. Stine (the writer of Goosebumps, a horror fiction novel series that has sold over 400 million copies globally in 35 languages, becoming the second-best-selling book series in history.) Was born in Columbus in?
A. 1969
B. 1935
C. 1940
D. 1943
Watch Out For The…
Move Over, Cicadas: It’s Spotted Lanternfly Summer…
We thought cicadas would be the summer bug, but now we’ve got a new pest in town—the spotted lanternfly (SLF). These invasive little nightmares have officially taken over Ohio. First spotted in 2020, they’ve made themselves comfortable, and now Columbus and Toledo are on high alert.
Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, Mahoning, and Muskingum counties are the latest to fall under quarantine zones. According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), these guys aren’t just here for a summer vacation. Their targets? Grapes, apples, and hops, making them a serious threat to Ohio’s $6 billion wine and beer industry. Now it's personal.
Native to Asia, SLFs were first spotted in Pennsylvania in 2014, likely hitching a ride here via imported goods. These pests have a particular fondness for the invasive tree of heaven, but they’ll happily snack on over 70 different plant species. They’re now gearing up for egg-laying season, so expect to see their waxy grey egg masses stuck to trees, buildings, and your patio furniture. The state has asked that if you see these eggs you scrape them into a bag of rubbing alcohol and throw it out in an outside garbage can.
So Columbus, it’s time to step up your bug-squashing game.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST!
National Cheeseburger Day is coming up on Sept. 18, and Wendy’s is practically giving away burgers. You can grab a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger with any purchase for just one cent - a single penny. Just make sure to order through the app because nothing’s that easy.
While you’re at it, don’t miss out on $1 Frostys and their newly rebranded “Honey Buddies” (Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits), both available until the end of the month.
SL Family, Let us know how you feel about the switch to Mondays…
How Do You Feel AboutMoving To Mondays? |
Trivia Answer
B. 1943 — He also wrote the teenage horror fiction series Fear Street, which has sold over 80 million copies and has been adapted into a trilogy of films.
Signing Off
