(2020-10-20). Headlines for October 20, 2020. democracynow.org Trump Continues Attack on Fauci as U.S. Coronavirus Cases Surge and Death Toll Mounts, SCOTUS Deadlock Hands Victory to Voters in Pennsylvania as Floridians Break Early Voting Record, Debate Commission Announces Changes Ahead of Final Presidential Face-Off, Evo Morales Celebrates Victory of MAS Party, Says He Will Return to Bolivia, Trump Admin to Remove Sudan from U.S. List of Terrorist States, At Least 15 People Killed as Nigerian Protests Against Police Violence Continue, WSJ: U.S. Held Talks with Syrian Intelligence About Missing U.S. Citizens, Palestinian Prisoner in Critical Condition After Nearly 3 Months…
(2020-10-20). "A Fire That Has Spread Across the Country": Jelani Cobb on Voter Suppression in the 2020 Election. democracynow.org 
As tens of millions of people across the U.S. cast their ballots in early voting ahead of the November 3 election, we look at voter suppression efforts with journalist and academic Jelani Cobb. His new "Frontline" documentary "Whose Vote Counts" examines the long lines, record number of mail-in ballots and the legal fights that have marked voting during the pandemic, with a focus on Wisconsin. "This is a state where the presidency was essentially decided in the last election," says Cobb, a professor of journalism at Columbia University and a contributor to The New Yorker. He describes voter suppression as "a fire…
(2020-10-20). Afghanistan, Black Lives Matter, and Antiwar Activism. zcomm.org Interview on a variety of topics…
(2020-10-20). Google and Justice Department headed for legal showdown over monopoly practices. liberationnews.org 
The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against tech giant Google today, claiming the company was functioning as an illegal monopoly. The DoJ claims that Google is "a monopoly gatekeeper for the internet" through its dominance in the field of online search and related businesses. The case against Google is based on antitrust law — …
(2020-10-20). Oregon prisoners resist denial of Covid-19 protocol. workers.org 
Portland, Ore. On four successive days in late September, four prisoners in Oregon state prisons died of Covid-19. On Oct. 17, two more prisoners died of the virus. Family members protest Covid conditions in Oregon prisons, Pendleton, July. Credit: Bob Lonergan In mid-September more than 3,000 prisoners, including over 1,000 . . . |
(2020-10-20). US Justice Department & 11 states file antitrust lawsuit against Google, say giant pays 'billions each year' to sideline rivals. rt.com 
Google has been hit by a lawsuit which alleges that the internet giant engaged in anticompetitive behavior, giving its search engine an unfair advantage over rival services. | The US government has accused Google, a unit of the tech giant's umbrella company Alphabet Inc., of paying "billions" each year to distributors, including mobile phone companies and web browser developers, to secure default status for its search engine. | For years, Google has entered into exclusionary agreements, including tying arrangements, and engaged in anticompetitive conduct to lock up distribution channels and block rivals. | T…
(2020-10-20). US Seeks to Prolong Terrorism in Syria, Not Defeat It. globalresearch.ca Recent attacks on Syrian positions from terrorists of the self-proclaimed "Islamic State" (ISIS) and the release of thousands of prisoners in US-occupied eastern Syria illustrate how Washington is demonstratably prolonging instability in Syria as part of its promise to transform …
(2020-10-20). Nigerian anti-police protests continue and garner international support. wsws.org The dire social conditions are the product of colonial and neocolonial oppression by the imperialist powers on behalf of their banks and corporations, exacerbated by the venal and corrupt rule of the national bourgeoisie.
(2020-10-20). Poughkeepsie march against violence facing Black women and Black trans women. fightbacknews.org Poughkeepsie, NY – More than 100 people gathered in Poughkeepsie in upstate New York for a vigil and protest march, October 17, centered on the endemic violence facing Black women and Black trans women in the United States. | Protesters came from across the Hudson Valley, a popular tourist destination 90 minutes north of New York City. The Hudson Valley is noted for its spectacular fall foliage, its apple orchards, microbreweries, rock climbing and hiking trails. But the Hudson Valley is also a prison economy with nine of the largest prisons in the state of New York. Many of the towns suffer economic underdevelop…
(2020-10-19). Large San Francisco Counter-Protest Overwhelms Tiny Ultra-Right Rally. indybay.org On Saturday, October 17, 2020, labor union members, anti-police brutality campaigners, advocates for release of prisoners affected by COVID-19, and leftists from Oakland and San Francisco came together to form a counter-demonstration against a rally of far-right demonstrators.
(2020-10-19). Democrats urge Egypt's Sisi to free dissidents before jail terms 'become death sentences'. middleeasteye.net 
Democrats urge Egypt's Sisi to free dissidents before jail terms 'become death sentences' | More than 50 lawmakers issued a letter to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi urging him to release prisoners of conscience during the coronavirus pandemic | Mon, 10/19/2020 – 17: 02 | An Egyptian police officer at the entrance of the Tora prison in the Egyptian capital Cairo on 11 February (AFP/File photo) | More t…
(2020-10-19). People Need to Reclaim the Internet. globalresearch.ca No matter how much you dislike Trump, only a fool can fail to see the implications for public access to information of the massive suppression on the internet of the Hunter Biden leaks. | This blog has been suffering a ratcheting …
(2020-10-19). Eye on Civil Liberties: Where You Can Have an Impact in Elections Closer to Home. aclu.org The intense focus on the presidential race can easily obscure policies that could have more of a direct impact on communities in both red and blue states, but they are no less important. Many voters don't engage with the electoral process because they don't think their votes make a difference or count for much. Down-ballot races are where voters can make a real impact in shaping policies and spark a broader public debate. , , The ACLU is nonpartisan, so our goal with down-ballot campaigns is to ensure that voters are educated about the potential consequences of an election, not to support specific candidates.
(2020-10-19). The Long Tail of Voter Suppression. zcomm.org As the growing number of Black and Latinx voters threaten the GOP's stranglehold on power, attempts to limit safe voting options during the pandemic reveal a deeper sickness in Texas politics…
(2020-10-19). Embracing The Gifts Of Conflict For Social Change. popularresistance.org As a collective, we are living in unprecedented times. The triple pandemic of COVID-19, white supremacy, and capitalist-driven climate crisis has intensified survival fears and made the structural oppression we are living under more palpable and unbearable. We are coming face to face with the fact of our interdependence, and the stakes are high. Either we as a species learn to live well with each other and the earth now, or die trying. | As so many wise souls are reminding us, our liberation is bound together, and we need each other, now, more than ever.
(2020-10-19). Thursday 10/22: Immigration, Equal Protection, and the Promise of Racial Justice (Day 1). indybay.org Virtual conference (FREE)…
(2020-10-19). Friday 10/23: Immigration, Equal Protection, and the Promise of Racial Justice (Day 2). indybay.org Virtual conference (FREE)…
(2020-10-19). At least 56 US lawmakers urge Egypt's Sisi to release prisoners. yenisafak.com In a letter being sent to the Egyptian leader on Monday, the 55 Democrats and one Independent — Senator Bernie Sanders — said al-Sisi should free detained lawyers, activists, journalists and other prisoners of conscience amid a COVID outbreak in Egypt's prison system.Led by Democratic lawmakers Ro Khanna, Jim McGovern and Sherrod Brown, the bicameral letter urges Sisi "to immediately and unconditionally release those prisoners whose cases we have cited, and all other prisoners of conscience unjustly detained for exercising their fundamental human rights.""These are people who should never have been im…
(2020-10-19). Sydney Black Lives Matter rally called for October 26. greenleft.org.au First Nations advocates and families of people who have died in custody are planning a Black Lives Matter protest in Sydney on October 26, reports Jim McIlroy.
(2020-10-18). Large San Francisco Counter-Protest Overwhelms Tiny Proud Boys Rally. indybay.org On Saturday, October 17, 2020, labor union members, anti-police brutality campaigners, advocates for release of prisoners affected by COVID-19, and leftists from Oakland and San Francisco came together to form a counter-demonstration against a rally by the far-right Proud Boys.
(2020-10-18). COVID Hit Alabama Hard. State Officials Funneled CARES Act Relief to Donors. truthout.org Now in its seventh month, Covid-19 still snakes across America. It first attacked densely packed, blighted areas like New York City and Chicago, along with prisons, immigrant jails, meat slaughterhouses, and nursing homes. It then swerved south and west — again to heavily populated areas in Florida, Texas, and Arizona. In all these areas, frontline "essential" workers and those living with them were the hardest hit. | In the second month, the virus stormed into insulated American towns we…
(2020-10-18). Egypt court releases satirist and blogger Shady Abu Zaid. middleeasteye.net 
Egypt court releases satirist and blogger Shady Abu Zaid | Cairo's Criminal Court orders release of Abu Zaid with probationary measures after more than two years in detention | Sun, 10/18/2020 – 12: 18 | Abu Zaid's release was met with jubilation and scepticism as thousands continue to languish in Egypt's jails (Screengrab/Facebook) | A Giza criminal court ordered the release of satirist and video blogge…
(2020-10-18). Former Los Angeles Angels employee could face LIFE in prison after being INDICTED over giving drug to pitcher who DIED of overdose. rt.com 
A former communications director at MLB team the Los Angeles Angels has been indicted on charges of giving a coctail of opioids to pitcher Tyler Skaggs, whose body was found to contain high levels of the controlled substance. | Eric Prescott Kay, whose attorney confirmed the accuracy of a story reporting that he had spent years supplying oxycodone to Skaggs, faces a count of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and serious bodily harm. | The charge could see troubled Kay sentenced to life in prison, while he is also suspected of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled…
(2020-10-17). Minneapolis protest demands legalization for immigrants. fightbacknews.org Minneapolis, MN – Around 100 people marched through downtown Minneapolis, October 14, from Senator Amy Klobuchar's office to the Hennepin County Jail. The march was part of an ongoing campaign by the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) demanding legalization for all immigrants including those eligible for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status), and DED (Deferred Enforced Departure) status. More than a million immigrants that hold these statuses are in increasing danger of deportation because of recent court rulings that open the door to the Trump administra…
(2020-10-17). Black Civil Rights Leaders Fear Barrett "Invites a Return to a Racist Past" truthout.org After four days of confirmation hearings, Black leaders of five major civil rights organizations are lining up in opposition to the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme court and the "deeply flawed" process Senate Republicans are using to secure her confirmation just weeks ahead of a contentious presidential election. | Testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, Kristen Clarke, president of the National Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law, said Barrett…
(2020-10-17). HHS Must Release Billion Dollar Coronavirus Vaccine Contracts, Public Citizen Lawsuit Says. globalresearch.ca Public Citizen today The suit, filed in the U.S. …
(2020-10-17). Bolivian security forces detain Argentine deputy Federico Fagioli. peoplesdispatch.org The deputy from Frente de Todos coalition in Argentina was detained at the airport in El Alto by immigration officials, police and unidentified individuals and taken to a detention center in the airport…
(2020-10-17). Former correctional officer sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. nationofchange.org "As a correctional officer, Lakesia Harden knew what she was doing when she engaged in drug trafficking and associated with Tremayne Linder, a convicted felon."
(2020-10-17). Thai students continue protests in face of government repression. wsws.org The demonstrators have three core demands: the prime minister's resignation, a new constitution, and an end to the suppression of government critics; as well as the reform of the monarchy.
(2020-10-17). Dying Inside: The Hidden Crisis in America's Jails. zcomm.org Why 4,998 died in U.S. jails without getting their day in court…
(2020-10-17). Jail Uber/Lyft CEO's: Workers & Unions In Rally in SF at Uber World HQ. indybay.org Hundreds of workers and trade unionists rallied at the world HQ of UBER in San Francisco to oppose their $200 million ballot initiative to undercut AB5. | UBER, Lyft and other gig workers spoke out about their conditions.
(2020-10-17). East Africa: Social service penalties replacing prison terms. yenisafak.com Two years ago, award-winning Tanzanian actress Elizabeth Michael was seen cleaning hospitals, picking up rubbish, and taking care of shrubs in public gardens.The rich actress was not doing it as a hobby but was serving a prison sentence after being convicted of a homicide that killed her fellow actor. Though the court had gave her a two-year prison sentence, afterwards she got engaged in community service, with her sentence reduced to just six months.In 2013 the actress, 25, won the Zanzibar International Film Festival award for Best Actress for Woman of Principles.Over the past many years, many East African coun…
(2020-10-16). Israel bans Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf from entering Jerusalem, Gaza. middleeasteye.net 
Israel bans Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf from entering Jerusalem, Gaza | Israel has imposed a travel ban on Assaf, revoking his entry permit, which he earned as an UNRWA ambassador | Fri, 10/16/2020 – 12: 12 | Palestinian "Arab Idol" winner Mohammed Assaf described the Israeli travel ban as "a continuation of the policies of oppression" (AFP/file photo) | Israel has imposed an entry ban on Mohammed Assaf,…
(2020-10-16). ICE is Trying to Deport My Husband While I Treat COVID Patients. aclu.org 
I work as a registered nurse in an intensive care unit in Southern California. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, I've been working alongside my colleagues as we try to save the lives of the sickest patients and comfort their families. The hours have been long, and we have all seen more than our share of sorrow., , Fortunately, for most of the pandemic I had my husband to lean on. It was comforting to know that while I was in the unit, he was at home caring for our two young children and that when I came home he would be there to support me., , That changed in July, when ICE detained him during a routine check…
(2020-10-16). Bullets are not the seeds of life. mronline.org 
Bullets, as Mahjoub sang in prison, are not the seeds of life. The answers to our misery are so obvious, but they would cost the minority who control power, privilege, and property; they have a lot to lose, which is why they hold on so desperately.
(2020-10-16). Chester County, PA activists hold "Skate for Black Lives" event. liberationnews.org 
Dozens came out to Skate for Black Lives on October 10 at the skatepark in Downingtown, Penn. The event was organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation and Chester County Stands Up. Attendees brought handmade Black Lives Matter signs to show support for the national uprising against racism. The event was planned after skateboarder …
(2020-10-16). The arrest of a cop watcher shows injustice is the American way. therealnews.com 
Disabled free speech activist Blind Justice has been held in solitary confinement for a failure to appear charge, while George Floyd's alleged murderer Derek Chauvin was released from prison.
(2020-10-16). Seattle police officers LEAVING department at 'unprecedented' rate amid budget calls and ongoing protests. rt.com 
At least 118 officers have left the Seattle Police Department (SPD) following mass Black Lives Matter protests and city budget cuts. It currently has around 1,200 officers on its force — the lowest number in a decade. | According to
(2020-10-16). Palestinian administrative detainee on 'verge of death' as his hunger strike nears 90 days. peoplesdispatch.org Israeli human rights group B'Tselem says more than 350 Palestinians are currently being held under the illegal colonial-era policy of administrative detention adopted by the state of Israel…
(2020-10-16). Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed Hadi government begin prisoner swap deal in Yemen. peoplesdispatch.org The two sides had agreed to a prisoner swap deal in Switzerland last month, involving 1,081 prisoners, including 15 Saudi nationals. The deal is being implemented over Thursday and Friday…
(2020-10-16). Texas Is Limiting Ballot Drop-Off Locations. Activists Are Pushing Back. zcomm.org "Education has been key to part of the success of our campaign. We're trying to educate people on every single thing that we possibly can that could happen that falls under the guise of voter suppression"
(2020-10-16). Why America Still Needs to Abolish ICE. commondreams.org A silent protest in New York's World Trade Center on Jan. 6, 2020 in support of children who have died in ICE custody. (Photo: Erik McGregor / LightRocket via Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/201014-think-ice-detention-center-protest-se-438p_93b98671d80bfef8c91310c978532281.fit-2000w.jpg …
(2020-10-16). U.S. Pirg, Environment America, and Other Advocacy Groups File Federal Lawsuit Over New Process to Determine the Stringency of Energy Efficiency Standards. commondreams.org ______________________________…
(2020-10-16). Texas and the Long Tail of Voter Suppression. thenation.com Texas and the Long Tail of Voter Suppression…