(2019-04-30). Rep. Ilhan Omar Is a Courageous, Bold Black Woman. truthout.org Two of the founders of Black Lives Matter, as well as professor Angela Davis and scores of other black women, are holding a rally today on Capitol Hill to defend Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and to urge Congress to censure President Trump for his attacks on her. Omar made history earlier this year when she and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan became the first Muslim women in Congress. She is also the first member of Congress to wear a hijab. Omar, who was born in Somalia and came to the United States as a refugee, has been at the center of numerous right-wing attacks since taking office. Omar recently said d…
(2019-04-30). Angela Davis & Barbara Ransby: We Stand with Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Courageous, Bold Black Woman. democracynow.org 
Two of the founders of Black Lives Matter, as well as professor Angela Davis and scores of other black women, are holding a rally today on Capitol Hill to defend Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and to urge Congress to censure President Trump for his attacks on her. Omar made history earlier this year when she and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan became the first Muslim women in Congress. She is also the first member of Congress to wear a hijab. Omar, who was born in Somalia and came to the United States as a refugee, has been at the center of numerous right-wing attacks since taking office. Omar recently said deat…
(2019-04-30). We Got U.S. Border Officials to Testify Under Oath. Here's What We Found Out. aclu.org ICE and CBP allow unfettered, warrantless searches of travelers' digital devices, and empower officers to dodge the Fourth Amendment | In September 2017, we, along with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, sued the federal government for its warrantless and suspicionless searches of phones and laptops at airports and other U.S. ports of entry. | The government immediately tried to dismiss our case, arguing that t…
(2019-04-30). With U.S. Support, Venezuelan Opposition Launch a Coup in Latest Attempt to Oust Maduro. democracynow.org 
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó says a coup is underway in Caracas. Guaidó appeared this morning, in a video posted online, standing among heavily armed soldiers, proclaiming he is "starting the final phase of Operation Liberty." He appeared alongside formerly jailed opposition leader Leopoldo López, who said he'd been freed from house arrest by military officers loyal to the opposition. Venezuela's defense minister said the government of Nicolás Maduro remains in control and that military units reported "normality" at barracks and bases across Venezuela. We speak to attorney Eva Golinger, who who served…
(2019-04-30). Angela Davis: I Would Like to Accept Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Award After BDS Controversy. democracynow.org 
In February, Angela Davis returned to her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. She originally planned the visit to receive the Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, but the institute withdrew the award in January, soon after the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center sent a letter urging the board to reconsider honoring Davis due to her support of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement targeting the Israeli government and Israeli institutions. Facing swift and widespread outcry, the institute then reversed its decision and reinstated the award. While Angela Davis…
(2019-04-30). The United States of Incarceration. truthdig.com This piece originally appeared in anti-war.com. | You've got to give it to the Defense Department — they're assiduous planners. I know: I used to be one. So the latest news that the DOD is preparing its 40 remaining forever prisoners at the extralegal detention center of Guantanamo Bay for nursing home and hospice care, should come as little surprise. It still shocks the senses a bit, though, doesn…
(2019-04-30). Seeking Justice at Home. progressive.org Virginia juvenile justice advocates envision a correctional system not about police and prisons but about stability, families, and a continuum of care.
(2019-04-30). Pentagon fires Guantanamo prison commander for calling attention to US crimes. wsws.org Vice Admiral Ring was removed from his post after telling the media that the US prison camp had to prepare for "end-of-life" care for detainees.
(2019-04-30). A Military Uprising is Unfolding in Venezuela. mintpressnews.com A military coup attempt is underway in Venezuela on Tuesday, April 30, with imprisoned right wing leader Leopoldo Lopez, and self-proclaimed "Interim President" Juan Guaido and some members of the armed forces blocking a highway in Caracas and calling on the military to rise up. | According to reports, a group from Venezuela's Sebin intelligence service freed Leopoldo Lopez from house arrest early Tuesday morning. Lopez then joined Guaido and a handful of members from different branches of the armed forces in the Altamira highway in eastern Caracas close to La Carlota airbase. Lopez and Guaido published videos on…
(2019-04-30). Remembering the Revelations of US Torture at Abu Ghraib. globalresearch.ca The infamous Abu Ghraib prison complex in Iraq was revealed to be the centre of an extensive network run by the US military after the coalition's invasion of the country in 2003. Abuse and torture of largely innocent civilian Iraqi …
(2019-04-30). Free Julian Assange, Free Chelsea Manning! wsws.org The SEP (UK) is hosting a public meeting in London on May 12 to demand the release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, held in Belmarsh prison, and the release of Chelsea Manning, who has been imprisoned for refusing to testify against Assange.
(2019-04-30). How Private Equity Is Turning Public Prisons into Big Profits. thenation.com How Private Equity Is Turning Public Prisons into Big Profits…
(2019-04-30). As Bernie Sanders Says 'No Apologies' for His Position, 70+ Rights Groups Back Call for Prisoner Voting Rights. commondreams.org The advocacy organizations called on all 2020 presidential candidates to "publicly commit to ending felony disenfranchisement" | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/voting_rights.jpg…
(2019-04-30). Long Beach, CA rally stands against far right. liberationnews.org 
"We have the power, as people, to stop racists from organizing and having a platform."
(2019-04-30). Court certifies class action in lawsuit on behalf of children detained by Trump administration. splcenter.org A federal court certified as a class action an SPLC lawsuit challenging the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement's (ORR) policies and practices regarding the release of unaccompanied minors and the reunification of immigrant families — a ruling with the potential to help end the prolonged detention of immigrant children across the United States.
(2019-04-30). Trump Sues Two Banks to Block Federal Investigation. telesurenglish.net U.S. President Donald Trump, along with three of his children and seven of his companies, filed a federal lawsuit on Monday, April 29, against Deutsche Bank and Capital One Financial Corp in an attemp to block the banks from complying with federal subpoenas investigating his financial dealings. | RELATED: | Democrat O'Rourke Accuses Trump Of Controlling Fox News Content | The subpoenas — which the Trumps described in their suit as "intrusive and overbroad" — were i…
(2019-04-29). Bernie Sanders Supports Voting Rights for the Imprisoned. therealnews.com 
Corporate media's twisted narrative frames voting rights as "letting terrorists and rapists vote."; Anoa Changa and Norman Solomon join host Jacqueline Luqman to discuss the battle over voting rights for people in jail…
(2019-04-29). Trump orders officials to refuse congressional subpoenas. wsws.org The Democrats have responded by threatening to withhold funds from noncomplying agencies and to jail administration officials who are in contempt of Congress.
(2019-04-29). NAACP Participates in Congresswoman Marcia Fudge's Voting Rights Hearings. naacp.org 
The NAACP joined leading civil rights and voting rights advocates in Halifax, North Carolina and Cleveland, Ohio to bring attention to voter suppression barriers in those states. Headed by Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH), the House Subcommittee on Elections hosted the hearings on voting rights and election administration and will continue to do so for the upcoming month. The NAACP …
(2019-04-29). Why Everyone Should Care About Mass E-carceration. thenation.com Why Everyone Should Care About Mass E-carceration…
(2019-04-29). 50,000 Palestinian Children Imprisoned by Israeli Kangaroo Courts Since 1967. mintpressnews.com While Israel's government often touts itself as the "only democracy" in the Middle East, it is also the only government in the entire world that detains children through military courts with a near 100 percent conviction rate, something that even Saudi Arabia does not do.
(2019-04-29). Guantanamo prison chief sacked 'due to loss of confidence,' 1.5 months before his term's end. rt.com 
US Navy Rear Adm. John Ring, a commander in charge of the infamous Guantanamo bay prison has been fired over the "loss of confidence in his ability to command" after a monthlong probe details of which the Pentagon didn't disclose.
(2019-04-29). UAE Spy Suspect Committed Suicide in Istanbul Prison: Turkey. telesurenglish.net A man held by Turkey on suspicion of spying for the United Arab Emirates has committed suicide by hanging himself in prison, the Istanbul prosecutor's office said Monday. | RELATED: | Killers of Saudi Journalist Khashoggi Trained in US: Report | The suspect, named as Zaki Y. M. Hasan, was found hanging from the bathroom door in his one-person cell in Silivri prison, west of Istanbul, when guards arrived to give him food on Sunday morning, the prosecutor's office statement said.
(2019-04-29). How Movement To Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Prevailed Over Obstruction Of A Progressive Prosecutor. shadowproof.com A late December ruling by the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas Judge Leon Tucker re-opened pathways for long-time political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal to litigate his freedom. | "Progressive prosecutor" Larry Krasner's appeal of the ruling stood in the way until Wednesday, April 17. At issue was whether Ronald Castille—a former Philadelphia District Attorney, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice, and Krasner transition team member—had a constitutional duty to recuse himself from Mumia's appeals of…
(2019-04-29). NAACP Mourns the Loss of John Singleton. naacp.org 
John Singleton was an amazing director and a great storyteller who was never afraid to show African Americans in complex, multi-dimensional roles. From Boyz n the Hood to Poetic Justice to the Fast and Furious franchise, Singleton helped usher in a new "Black Renaissance" of filmmaking that brought the joys and pains of the Black community into the …
(2019-04-29). Crucial Climate change bill coming to the House floor this week! naacp.org Primarily as a result of human activities, the earth's climate is now changing faster and more extremely than at any point in the history of modern civilization. In response, in 2016, a large number of countries, including the U.S., signed onto the Paris Agreement. Sadly, in June of 2017 President Trump announced his intention to withdraw the …
(2019-04-29). NAACP Releases Toolkit and Launches Compton Pilot Project. naacp.org 
"Our Communities, Our Power: Advancing Resistance and Resilience in Climate Change Adaptation" Compton, CA. April 20th, 2019—On Tuesday, April 30th at 9: 30amPT on the steps of the Compton City Hall at 205 S Willowbrook Ave, Compton, CA 90220, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will release the Our Communities, Our Power: Advancing Resistance and Resilience …
(2019-04-29). International Workers Day to be celebrated in Chicago. fightbacknews.org Chicago, IL — Freedom Road Socialist Organization will host a major celebration of International Workers Day, on May 2, 6 p.m. at the UE Hall, 37 S. Ashland. | A teachers and support staff strike is set to begin on May 1, and leaders of the strike will be participating in the event. | Other speakers at the May Day event will include Frank Chapman, Field Organizer of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression; Aurelius Raines, a Chicago Teachers Union leader in the charter school strike that starts May 1; Anne Kirkner, Co-President of the Graduate Employees Organization, fresh from their st…
(2019-04-29). Primero de mayo 2019: Derroquemos a Trump y al 1%. fightbacknews.org El primero de mayo, el día internacional de los trabajadores, es una celebración de la lucha heroica por un mundo mejor por los trabajadores y los oprimidos de todo el mundo. El imperialismo es el sistema contra que luchamos. Este sistema está en todas partes, desde nuestros bajos salarios y la falta de atención médica, hasta las leyes racistas e intolerantes, hasta la interminable guerra y opresión que se siente en todo el mundo. | El imperialismo es un sistema condenado que está destinado a dar paso al socialismo, un sistema que pone a los trabajadores primero. El camino hacia la revolución y el socialismo se a…
(2019-04-29). Selected Articles: Terror Attack in Sri Lanka by ISIS. globalresearch.ca 
A future without independent media leaves us with an upside down reality where according to the corporate media "NATO deserves a Nobel Peace Prize", and where "nuclear weapons and wars make us safer" | . | . | | | If, like us, this is …
(2019-04-29). Satanic Temple sues city for withdrawing permission for DEVILISH monument (PHOTO). rt.com 
The controversial Satanic Temple is giving its lawyers another workout, this time suing a city in Minnesota for withdrawing permission for a monument dedicated to the devil.
(2019-04-27). The Shameful Moralizing On Prisoner Voting Rights. shadowproof.com Editor's Note: We're pleased to publish this preview of our member newsletter, "Keeping The Issues Alive," which provides a closer look at the stories we're following at Shadowproof. | Subscribe for $9/month and receive this weekly newsletter: SUBSCRIBE NOW | For this week's newsletter, Shadowproof publishing editor Brian Sonenstein responds to the backlash against the notion of allowing prisoners to vote, including those convicted of "violent offenses." | Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sander…
(2019-04-27). ICE's Attempt to Deport a Critic Was "Outrageous" and "Egregious," Appeals Court Rules. theintercept.com The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that activist Ravi Ragbir's lawsuit against ICE for violating his First Amendment rights can move forward.
(2019-04-26). Social Media Blackouts Are an Authoritarian Power Move. aclu.org When Americans see governments shutting down Internet communications, they should see nothing but counterproductive, authoritarian exercises of power. | In the wake of the terrible Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka, that government shut down access to Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and other social media services. The shutdown garnered praise from some within the United States and other democratic countries, but as tragic as the circumstances may be, Americans must never come to see social media or other Internet shutdowns as anything other than an authoritarian power move and/or a mistake. | Some commentators …
(2019-04-26). Filipina Journalist Maria Ressa Helped Expose Duterte's Deadly Drug War; He's Now Trying to Jail Her. democracynow.org 
The award-winning Filipina journalist Maria Ressa has been arrested twice in recent months by the Philippines government as President Rodrigo Duterte cracks down on critics and the media. In February, she was detained in a cyber libel case that's widely seen as politically motivated. She was arrested again in late March for allegedly violating a ban on foreign media ownership. Duterte has long attempted to shut down Rappler, which has published groundbreaking work on Duterte's deadly war on drugs that has killed thousands. Duterte has repeatedly described the site as fake news outlet. We speak with Maria Ressa, t…
(2019-04-26). SPLC: Louisiana's title of incarceration capital of the world an opportunity for reform. splcenter.org Louisiana once again has the highest incarceration rate, imprisoning 719 of every 100,000 residents, according to a report released this week by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics.
(2019-04-26). Assange's Imprisonment Arguably Reveals Even More Corruption Than WikiLeaks Did. consortiumnews.com By locking up Assange, the U.S, its allies and corporate media have inadvertently exposed themselves for what they are, and we're now able to point that out for everyone to see, writes Caitlin Johnstone. By Caitlin Johnstone CaitlinJohnstone.com Consortium News has launched… Read more →
(2019-04-26). Death Can be a Slow Traveler: Peltier, Mumia and Rap Brown. mintpressnews.com 
While movements such as the Black Panther Party, the BLA, AIM and MOVE still resonate among some in a new generation of activists, many of their former members, now riddled with poor health and buried in prison, have been all but lost to the passage of time.
(2019-04-26). BAXTER, NAACP AND THE ALLIANCE FOR HOME DIALYSIS EXPAND PROGRAM TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF KIDNEY CARE AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS. naacp.org 
Partnership focuses on educating at-risk individuals about kidney disease and treatment options so they are inspired to make informed choices DEERFIELD, Ill., April 26, 2019 — Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX), a global leader in renal care, along with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Alliance for Home Dialysis, today announced that the Dialysis Health Imperative for Access, Choice, and Equity (ACE) program will be expanded for …
(2019-04-26). Smoke, mirrors and the old shell game. workers.org 
Capitalist politics have long been a shell game. While the masses of people are told to look to elections to address their myriad of grievances — the real issues of poverty, racism, lack of good-paying permanent jobs and affordable health care, the struggle for women's and LGBTQ rights — these . . . | Continue reading Smoke, mirrors and the old shell game at Workers.org
(2019-04-25). Headlines for April 25, 2019. democracynow.org President Trump Vows to Fight "All the Subpoenas" from Congress, U.S. Forces and Allies Killed More Afghan Civilians in Early 2019 Than the Taliban, U.S.-Led Coalition Killed 1,600 Syrian Civilians in Raqqa, Syria, China Jails Hong Kong Activists Who Led 2014 Pro-Democracy Rallies, Wealthy Sri Lankan Spice Trader Among Those Arrested over Easter Bombings, U.N. Condemns Saudi Arabia's Mass Execution of 37 Prisoners, Texas Executes White Supremacist Behind 1998 Lynching of James Byrd Jr., Joe Biden Enters 2020 Presidential Race, Kirstjen Nielsen Warned Against Discussing Russian Election Meddling with Trump, Thousa…
(2019-04-25). Sen. Warren Wants to Jail Those Who Caused 2008's Meltdown. therealnews.com 
BIll Black examines the historical context of Warren's bills for easier prosecution of banks and corporate leaders…
(2019-04-25). From Crime Bill to Iraq War Vote, Biden's Legislative History Under Scrutiny as He Enters Race. democracynow.org 
Former Vice President Joe Biden has entered the 2020 race for the White House, becoming the 20th Democrat to seek the nomination in the largest and most diverse field of Democratic candidates ever to run for president. Biden will face scrutiny for his long and checkered record in the coming weeks, including his 1994 crime bill, that helped fuel mass incarceration with financial incentives to keep people behind bars, and his handling of Anita Hill's sexual harassment allegations against Supreme Court justice nominee Clarence Thomas in 1991. Biden is also known for close ties to the financial industry and voting to…
(2019-04-25). Refugee sends plea from Manus Island. greenleft.org.au 
Thousands turned out for refugee rights rallies across the country on Palm Sunday, April 14. | Kurdish refugee Farhad Bandesh, who is detained on Manus Island, addressed the rally in Newcastle by phone. Below is an edited transcript of his speech. | *** | My name is Farhad Bandesh. | I speak to you from Manus Island, where I have been imprisoned and tortured with others, like our friends on Nauru, for nearly six years. | I wish to acknowledge the land of the Awabakal people of the Kulin Nation, stolen land, and I pay respect to Indigenous people, past, present and future. | I want to thank you all so very much fo…
(2019-04-25). A Dangerous global trend (part two). uwidata.com The Belgian intelligence service (VSSE) had earlier warned that members of a far-right racist group, mainly based in Austria and Belgium, were "actively arming themselves." According to the VSSE, the far-right in Western Europe began to "call on their members to learn to shoot and acquire weapons both legally and illegally." This information, alongside a …
(2019-04-25). Still in detention after 10 years, Tamil refugee must now fight cancer. greenleft.org.au 
Sivaguru Navanitharasa is a Tamil refugee who fled Sri Lanka in 2008. After staying for a year in Malaysia with no legal status, he set out for Australia, where he has been detained for nearly 10 years, first on Christmas Island and then in Villawood detention centre. | Navanitharasa is now in MITA immigration detention centre in Broadmeadows, Melbourne, where he faces a new challenge: overcoming cancer. | Navanitharasa has been recognised as a refugee, but remains in detention because ASIO classified him as a security risk. This was due to his previous membership of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a…
(2019-04-24). An Indictment in All But Name. aclu.org The report dispassionately lays out the facts, which are an indictment in all but name. | Special Counsel Robert Mueller's long-awaited report, released to the public in a redacted version on April 18, lays out in meticulous detail both a blatantly illegal effort by Russia to throw the 2016 presidential election to Donald Trump and repeated efforts by President Trump to end, limit, or impede Mueller's investigation of Russian interference. Trump's efforts included firing or attempting to fire those overseeing the investigation, directing subordinates to lie on his behalf, cajoling witnesses not to cooperate, and…
(2019-04-24). Headlines for April 24, 2019. democracynow.org Trump Says White House Aides Should Not Testify to Congress, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin Ignores Congressional Deadline on Trump's Tax Records, U.S. Uses Veto Threat to Gut U.N. Resolution on Sexual Violence, Death Toll from Sri Lanka Easter Bombings Climbs to 359, Saudi Arabia Carries Out Mass Execution of Prisoners, Including Public Crucifixion, Hasan Minhaj Confronts Jared Kushner over His Support of Saudi Crown Prince, Kim Jong-un Arrives in Russia for First Meeting with Vladimir Putin, Malawi Begins First-Ever Malaria Vaccination Campaign, NYT Report: Navy SEALs Were Ordered to Remain Silent on War Crimes, Dr…
(2019-04-24). Bernie Sanders Spurs Debate on Prisoner Voting Rights, But the Idea Is "Not as Radical as It Seems" democracynow.org 
Presidential candidate and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders said at a town hall Monday that he believed in restoring voting rights for prisoners, sparking a national discussion about re-enfranchisement for the more than 2 million Americans behind bars. Presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg has spoken out against prisoner voting rights, while Senator Elizabeth Warren said "I'm not there yet" on the issue. Senator Kamala Harris said "there has to be serious consequence for the most extreme types of crimes," referencing her background as a prosecutor. We speak with Ari Berman, senior writer at Mother Jones, about the pu…
(2019-04-23). Right-Wing Vigilantes Hold Migrants Hostage on U.S. Border. Did Border Patrol Give Tacit Approval? democracynow.org 
The FBI has arrested the head of an armed vigilante group that has repeatedly filmed itself detaining migrant border crossers at gunpoint. Sixty-nine-year-old Larry Mitchell Hopkins is the leader of the far-right, pro-Trump group calling itself United Constitutional Patriots, which the American Civil Liberties Union described as an "armed fascist militia organization." His arrest came just days after the ACLU accused the vigilantes of illegally detaining 300 migrants, including young children, near Sunland Park, New Mexico, last week. We speak to Peter Simonson, executive director of the ACLU of New Mexico.