Andy Downing
@andydowning33.bsky.social
director/editor @matternews
Reposted by Andy Downing
November 22, 2025 at 2:07 PM
you think I haven’t heard of felching? I worked at the lakeview specialty video in chicago for like six years in my 20s. I’ve seen and heard things you couldn’t dream.
November 22, 2025 at 2:03 PM
you think I haven’t heard of felching? I worked at the lakeview specialty video in chicago for like six years in my 20s. I’ve seen and heard things you couldn’t dream.
donations to @matternews.bsky.social are doubled through december thanks to the institute for nonprofit news.
i promise i don’t mean to high horse this but if you’re thinking about giving lizza ten bucks there are a lot of good independent journalists whose work you could subscribe to for a month instead
November 22, 2025 at 1:57 PM
donations to @matternews.bsky.social are doubled through december thanks to the institute for nonprofit news.
Reposted by Andy Downing
Columbus City Council’s failure to discuss the allegations against Emmanuel Remy until after November’s election reads as a deliberate decision to protect those in power while keeping residents in the dark.
A bonus Local Politics column this week from Rachel Wenning.
matternews.org/voices/local...
A bonus Local Politics column this week from Rachel Wenning.
matternews.org/voices/local...
Local Politics: Accountability can’t exist without transparency – Matter News
Columbus City Council’s failure to discuss the allegations against Emmanuel Remy until after November’s election reads as a deliberate decision to protect those in power while keeping residents in the...
matternews.org
November 21, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Columbus City Council’s failure to discuss the allegations against Emmanuel Remy until after November’s election reads as a deliberate decision to protect those in power while keeping residents in the dark.
A bonus Local Politics column this week from Rachel Wenning.
matternews.org/voices/local...
A bonus Local Politics column this week from Rachel Wenning.
matternews.org/voices/local...
“When I first really started playing out in 2019 … I remember saying to somebody, ‘I feel like it’s a political act even to go out there in public and sing in Spanish.’ And now of course it’s 2025, and that feeling is even more so.”
matternews.org/culture/musi...
matternews.org/culture/musi...
Bee Humana’s musical act of defiance – Matter News
The Columbus trio of Bee Shuman, David Holm, and Sam Brown will celebrate the release of their debut EP in concert at Secret Studio on Saturday, Nov. 22.
matternews.org
November 21, 2025 at 5:27 PM
“When I first really started playing out in 2019 … I remember saying to somebody, ‘I feel like it’s a political act even to go out there in public and sing in Spanish.’ And now of course it’s 2025, and that feeling is even more so.”
matternews.org/culture/musi...
matternews.org/culture/musi...
Columbus City Council’s failure to discuss the allegations against Emmanuel Remy until after November’s election reads as a deliberate decision to protect those in power while keeping residents in the dark.
A bonus Local Politics column this week from Rachel Wenning.
matternews.org/voices/local...
A bonus Local Politics column this week from Rachel Wenning.
matternews.org/voices/local...
Local Politics: Accountability can’t exist without transparency – Matter News
Columbus City Council’s failure to discuss the allegations against Emmanuel Remy until after November’s election reads as a deliberate decision to protect those in power while keeping residents in the...
matternews.org
November 21, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Columbus City Council’s failure to discuss the allegations against Emmanuel Remy until after November’s election reads as a deliberate decision to protect those in power while keeping residents in the dark.
A bonus Local Politics column this week from Rachel Wenning.
matternews.org/voices/local...
A bonus Local Politics column this week from Rachel Wenning.
matternews.org/voices/local...
This institutionalism is, in part, historical. ... In 1912, voters passed the city’s first charter, which switched the model from ward-based to fully at-large. In order to run city-wide, candidates would need substantially more resources than previously required.
New from @julesaroscoe.bsky.social.
New from @julesaroscoe.bsky.social.
Local Politics: A step away from the status quo – Matter News
The District 7 City Council race stands as the most progress Columbus has made toward a democratic election in years.
matternews.org
November 21, 2025 at 12:40 PM
This institutionalism is, in part, historical. ... In 1912, voters passed the city’s first charter, which switched the model from ward-based to fully at-large. In order to run city-wide, candidates would need substantially more resources than previously required.
New from @julesaroscoe.bsky.social.
New from @julesaroscoe.bsky.social.
Reposted by Andy Downing
Politics this month in Columbus: an unassuming end to the city's most contentious election this year might not be as disappointing as you think. matternews.org/voices/local...
Local Politics: A step away from the status quo – Matter News
The District 7 City Council race stands as the most progress Columbus has made toward a democratic election in years.
matternews.org
November 21, 2025 at 3:54 AM
Politics this month in Columbus: an unassuming end to the city's most contentious election this year might not be as disappointing as you think. matternews.org/voices/local...
Reposted by Andy Downing
30 minutes left to bid!
Did you miss out on the auction last night? Here's your second chance to snag some killer art.
Bidding closes at 4 pm, with pickup at Streetlight Guild (1367 E. Main St.) between 4:30 and 6 pm today (preferred) or at 934 Gallery either Friday (6-9 pm) or Saturday (noon to 3 pm).
Bidding closes at 4 pm, with pickup at Streetlight Guild (1367 E. Main St.) between 4:30 and 6 pm today (preferred) or at 934 Gallery either Friday (6-9 pm) or Saturday (noon to 3 pm).
Sorry, GalaBid took too long to load. Please check your internet speed or try again.
app.galabid.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:33 PM
30 minutes left to bid!
“At the time that I was writing, or as I would say, finding these songs, I just felt a lot of gratitude, and I enjoyed it just for the sake of singing a song. ... And for me, that’s a pretty profound experience.”
Saintseneca hits Rumba this weekend for a pair of shows
matternews.org/culture/musi...
Saintseneca hits Rumba this weekend for a pair of shows
matternews.org/culture/musi...
Saintseneca returns with gratitude – Matter News
The Zac Little-fronted Columbus band will celebrate the release of new album ‘Highwallow & Supermoon Songs’ in concert at Rumba Cafe this weekend.
matternews.org
November 20, 2025 at 7:37 PM
“At the time that I was writing, or as I would say, finding these songs, I just felt a lot of gratitude, and I enjoyed it just for the sake of singing a song. ... And for me, that’s a pretty profound experience.”
Saintseneca hits Rumba this weekend for a pair of shows
matternews.org/culture/musi...
Saintseneca hits Rumba this weekend for a pair of shows
matternews.org/culture/musi...
“If we give in and we hide, then we are giving them what they want, and that’s not something I’m personally okay with. I’m proud of who I am. I’m proud of who my friends are. And I don’t want to let them win.”
matternews.org/community/tr...
matternews.org/community/tr...
Trans Day of Remembrance helps to keep alive the memories of those lost – Matter News
‘I don’t want any of to be forgotten, because that’s one of my fears for myself, where if anything happens to me, I’ll simply be gone, and it won’t make a difference.’
matternews.org
November 20, 2025 at 5:46 PM
“If we give in and we hide, then we are giving them what they want, and that’s not something I’m personally okay with. I’m proud of who I am. I’m proud of who my friends are. And I don’t want to let them win.”
matternews.org/community/tr...
matternews.org/community/tr...
Did you miss out on the auction last night? Here's your second chance to snag some killer art.
Bidding closes at 4 pm, with pickup at Streetlight Guild (1367 E. Main St.) between 4:30 and 6 pm today (preferred) or at 934 Gallery either Friday (6-9 pm) or Saturday (noon to 3 pm).
Bidding closes at 4 pm, with pickup at Streetlight Guild (1367 E. Main St.) between 4:30 and 6 pm today (preferred) or at 934 Gallery either Friday (6-9 pm) or Saturday (noon to 3 pm).
Sorry, GalaBid took too long to load. Please check your internet speed or try again.
app.galabid.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Did you miss out on the auction last night? Here's your second chance to snag some killer art.
Bidding closes at 4 pm, with pickup at Streetlight Guild (1367 E. Main St.) between 4:30 and 6 pm today (preferred) or at 934 Gallery either Friday (6-9 pm) or Saturday (noon to 3 pm).
Bidding closes at 4 pm, with pickup at Streetlight Guild (1367 E. Main St.) between 4:30 and 6 pm today (preferred) or at 934 Gallery either Friday (6-9 pm) or Saturday (noon to 3 pm).
The Matter News 2025 Silent Art Auction is live, closing at 8 p.m. Winning bids must be picked up either at close of auction tonight or tomorrow between 4:30 and 6 p.m. at Streetlight Guild (1367 E. Main St.). No shipping options are available.
See folks tonight!
app.galabid.com/matter-news-...
See folks tonight!
app.galabid.com/matter-news-...
Sorry, GalaBid took too long to load. Please check your internet speed or try again.
app.galabid.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:22 PM
The Matter News 2025 Silent Art Auction is live, closing at 8 p.m. Winning bids must be picked up either at close of auction tonight or tomorrow between 4:30 and 6 p.m. at Streetlight Guild (1367 E. Main St.). No shipping options are available.
See folks tonight!
app.galabid.com/matter-news-...
See folks tonight!
app.galabid.com/matter-news-...
Here's a direct link to the silent art auction. Bids open at noon.
You must be able to pick up winning bids at Streetlight Guild at the 8 p.m. close of the auction tonight, or between 4:30 and 6 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 20).
No shipping options are available.
app.galabid.com/matter-news-...
You must be able to pick up winning bids at Streetlight Guild at the 8 p.m. close of the auction tonight, or between 4:30 and 6 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 20).
No shipping options are available.
app.galabid.com/matter-news-...
Sorry, GalaBid took too long to load. Please check your internet speed or try again.
app.galabid.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Here's a direct link to the silent art auction. Bids open at noon.
You must be able to pick up winning bids at Streetlight Guild at the 8 p.m. close of the auction tonight, or between 4:30 and 6 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 20).
No shipping options are available.
app.galabid.com/matter-news-...
You must be able to pick up winning bids at Streetlight Guild at the 8 p.m. close of the auction tonight, or between 4:30 and 6 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 20).
No shipping options are available.
app.galabid.com/matter-news-...
Reposted by Andy Downing
Support this work with a donation today. Through Dec. 31, all donations to Matter are matched by NewsMatch and this year's Local Match partners: Johnstone Fund for New Music, the Wiley Family Foundation, and Rebecca J. Perry and Ben Towle. matternews.org/donate/
Donate – Matter News
Frequently Asked Questions
matternews.org
November 18, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Support this work with a donation today. Through Dec. 31, all donations to Matter are matched by NewsMatch and this year's Local Match partners: Johnstone Fund for New Music, the Wiley Family Foundation, and Rebecca J. Perry and Ben Towle. matternews.org/donate/
Reposted by Andy Downing
“It’s taking what’s been built here and what exists here and helping it grow even more.”
Less than two months after Rambling House Music Bar closed in late September, the space is moving toward reopening under new owners but with a familiar look and feel.
matternews.org/culture/musi...
Less than two months after Rambling House Music Bar closed in late September, the space is moving toward reopening under new owners but with a familiar look and feel.
matternews.org/culture/musi...
The return of Rambling House Music Bar – Matter News
Less than two months after the Old North venue closed in late September, the space is moving toward reopening under new owners but with a familiar look and feel.
matternews.org
November 18, 2025 at 12:33 PM
“It’s taking what’s been built here and what exists here and helping it grow even more.”
Less than two months after Rambling House Music Bar closed in late September, the space is moving toward reopening under new owners but with a familiar look and feel.
matternews.org/culture/musi...
Less than two months after Rambling House Music Bar closed in late September, the space is moving toward reopening under new owners but with a familiar look and feel.
matternews.org/culture/musi...
“It’s taking what’s been built here and what exists here and helping it grow even more.”
Less than two months after Rambling House Music Bar closed in late September, the space is moving toward reopening under new owners but with a familiar look and feel.
matternews.org/culture/musi...
Less than two months after Rambling House Music Bar closed in late September, the space is moving toward reopening under new owners but with a familiar look and feel.
matternews.org/culture/musi...
The return of Rambling House Music Bar – Matter News
Less than two months after the Old North venue closed in late September, the space is moving toward reopening under new owners but with a familiar look and feel.
matternews.org
November 18, 2025 at 12:33 PM
“It’s taking what’s been built here and what exists here and helping it grow even more.”
Less than two months after Rambling House Music Bar closed in late September, the space is moving toward reopening under new owners but with a familiar look and feel.
matternews.org/culture/musi...
Less than two months after Rambling House Music Bar closed in late September, the space is moving toward reopening under new owners but with a familiar look and feel.
matternews.org/culture/musi...
“I’m on a tour bus, touring and playing all of these songs. And it’s all been such a blur. And it’s hard to believe all of this has even happened, because I remember being so frozen when he passed away. It’s such a weird thing to move on – I hate the phrase move on – but to go on, to move forward.”
Ben Kweller works through grief with the help of friends on ‘Cover the Mirrors’ – Matter News
The Texas musician, who visits A&R Music Bar on Wednesday, Nov. 19, wrote and recorded his latest album following the death of his teenage son, Dorian.
matternews.org
November 17, 2025 at 5:38 PM
“I’m on a tour bus, touring and playing all of these songs. And it’s all been such a blur. And it’s hard to believe all of this has even happened, because I remember being so frozen when he passed away. It’s such a weird thing to move on – I hate the phrase move on – but to go on, to move forward.”
have myself down to write seven features the same week as the art auction because I am an idiot.
November 16, 2025 at 2:21 PM
have myself down to write seven features the same week as the art auction because I am an idiot.
Reposted by Andy Downing
"For Johnson, these pressures are further magnified by what Zora’s House represents...'We can’t fail because we can’t allow people to use Zora’s House as a reason to not fund something else another Black woman wants to do five years from now, 10 years from now,' she said."
“People need to realize the impact this moment is having and not assume their favorite organizations are going to be okay, because there are things happening now, where if they’re allowed to continue, we’re talking about ramifications that will be echoing on for years and years to come.”
‘There’s power when we come together’: Zora’s House adjusts to the political moment – Matter News
The co-working and community space recently closed its cafe and laid off employees in response to a loss of philanthropic funding. Founder LC Johnson said the erosion of this equity infrastructure cou...
matternews.org
November 13, 2025 at 9:35 PM
"For Johnson, these pressures are further magnified by what Zora’s House represents...'We can’t fail because we can’t allow people to use Zora’s House as a reason to not fund something else another Black woman wants to do five years from now, 10 years from now,' she said."
“People need to realize the impact this moment is having and not assume their favorite organizations are going to be okay, because there are things happening now, where if they’re allowed to continue, we’re talking about ramifications that will be echoing on for years and years to come.”
‘There’s power when we come together’: Zora’s House adjusts to the political moment – Matter News
The co-working and community space recently closed its cafe and laid off employees in response to a loss of philanthropic funding. Founder LC Johnson said the erosion of this equity infrastructure cou...
matternews.org
November 13, 2025 at 7:49 PM
“People need to realize the impact this moment is having and not assume their favorite organizations are going to be okay, because there are things happening now, where if they’re allowed to continue, we’re talking about ramifications that will be echoing on for years and years to come.”
Reposted by Andy Downing
November 12, 2025 at 12:29 PM
November 12, 2025 at 12:29 PM
“I’m turning 50 in a couple months. My second marriage ended last year. My son’s turning 22, about to graduate from college. And it felt like I needed to face up to the things I was struggling with, and I needed to do the work now.”
matternews.org/culture/musi...
matternews.org/culture/musi...
Hayes Carll takes an inward turn with ‘We’re Only Human’ – Matter News
The Texas singer and songwriter visits Columbus for a show at A&R Music Bar on Thursday, Nov. 13.
matternews.org
November 11, 2025 at 5:07 PM
“I’m turning 50 in a couple months. My second marriage ended last year. My son’s turning 22, about to graduate from college. And it felt like I needed to face up to the things I was struggling with, and I needed to do the work now.”
matternews.org/culture/musi...
matternews.org/culture/musi...
On Veterans Day, columnist Jack Shuler remembers the people like his grandfather, an Army Air Corps pilot who experienced tragedy but still held to joy as he worked to move the world forward.
matternews.org/voices/a-det...
matternews.org/voices/a-det...
A determined joy – Matter News
On Veterans Day, columnist Jack Shuler remembers the people like his grandfather, an Army Air Corps pilot who experienced tragedy but still held to joy as he worked to move the world forward.
matternews.org
November 11, 2025 at 1:53 PM
On Veterans Day, columnist Jack Shuler remembers the people like his grandfather, an Army Air Corps pilot who experienced tragedy but still held to joy as he worked to move the world forward.
matternews.org/voices/a-det...
matternews.org/voices/a-det...