In this episode of Gaslit: The Power of Story, I sat down with two small business owners who’ve decided they’re not going to stay quiet anymore: Carl Arnheiter from Arcademie and Adam Morris from Your Brother’s Bookstore. Both have seen the cost of doing business in Evansville rise far beyond what makes sense. And like a lot of people in this city, they’ve hit their limit.

Carl told me about his recent “blackout” event, a night when he shut off the lights and games at Arcademie to draw attention to how much small businesses are being squeezed. He said, “E is for Enough.” That phrase stuck. It’s a nod to the city’s “E is for Everyone” campaign, but with a new meaning that fits the mood right now: enough rate hikes, enough excuses, enough pretending small businesses can absorb endless costs while others profit.

Adam’s bookstore sits just a few blocks away on Main Street. He’s been outspoken too, posting about the rising energy bills and the lack of accountability from state regulators. Like Carl, he’s not trying to be a political voice: he’s a business owner who wants to keep the lights on and serve his community. But both have become part of a bigger story, a story about how monopoly power and policy choices made in Indianapolis are showing up in the day-to-day survival of people here in Evansville.

These two had a lot to say, but part of their recent call to action has been about listening to the people living through the fallout. These small business owners are committed to creating community and giving that community a voice. Alongside their peers and patrons who are paying local taxes, keeping our downtown alive, and realizing that everyone is struggling to afford to stay open and thrive in Evansville.

That’s what Gaslit is here for: to connect the dots between the decisions made far above our heads and the real-world consequences for the people right here at home.

Because, as Carl said that night at Arcademie, E is for Enough.