(2019-07-26). Headlines for July 26, 2019. democracynow.org Trump Administration to Bring Back Federal Executions After 16-Year Hiatus, 44-Year-Old Mexican Immigrant Dies in ICE Custody, Trump Threatens to Impose Travel Ban on Guatemalans, Oklahoma Suspends Plans to Jail 1,600 Migrant Children at Fort Sill, 150 Migrants Feared Dead in Shipwrecks Off Libyan Coast, Five Dead as Europe Swelters Under Record-Setting Heat, "Unprecedented" Wildfires Scorch Over 1 Million Acres of Alaskan Forest, California and Automakers Agree to Fuel Efficiency Targets Opposed by Trump, Rep. Ilhan Omar Introduces Zero Waste Act as Part of Green New Deal, GOP Blocks Election Security Bills as S…
(2019-07-26). Foreign Correspondent: Elizabeth Warren on War and Peace. progressive.org Warren's troubling foreign policy history includes uncritical support of Israel, supporting sanctions on Venezuela, and vilifying Russia and China as national security threats. But her views are also evolving.
(2019-07-26). Child Separation & Prison Camps: China's Campaign Against Uyghur Muslims Is "Cultural Genocide" democracynow.org 
Chinese authorities have been accused of systematically separating Muslim children from their families in the far western region of Xinjiang. According to a new report commissioned by the BBC, China is rushing to build boarding schools where children, mostly from the Uyghur community, are deliberately removed from their families, as well as their language and culture. This comes as an estimated 1 million adults from the Uyghur community are being imprisoned in camps that China claims are "vocational training centers" designed to combat extremism. We speak with independent researcher Adrian Zenz, who did the resea…
(2019-07-26). Despite Faulty Drugs & Racist Implementation, Trump Is Bringing Back the Federal Death Penalty. democracynow.org 
Attorney General William Barr announced Thursday that the federal government is resuming the death penalty after nearly two decades. The execution of five death row prisoners were immediately ordered beginning in December. There are currently 62 prisoners on federal death row, including white supremacist Dylann Roof, who murdered nine black worshipers at the historic Emanuel AME Church in June 2015, and Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. Federal prosecutors are expected to push for the death penalty in both cases. This news comes despite a growing movement opposing the death penalty in the United States. T…
(2019-07-26). Corporate Media's Trashing of Bernie Sanders Starts Anew. counterpunch.org In 2016, we learned that the Democratic National Committee and the Hillary Clinton Campaign, even before the primary season began, conspired to sabotage the campaign of her leading opponent for the presidential nomination, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). The conspiracy, that ranged from obtaining campaign debate questions in advance for Clinton and front-loading primaries in states More
(2019-07-26). Judge Halts Trump's Asylum Ban That Represents a "Relentless Attack on the Very Idea of Asylum" democracynow.org 
A federal judge in San Francisco has temporarily blocked President Trump's plan to bar nearly all migrants from seeking asylum in the United States. In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar of California ordered Trump to continue accepting asylum claims, issuing a preliminary injunction against a rule that would block anyone who passes through a third country before arriving in the U.S. from applying for asylum. The rule would effectively stop people from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala from seeking refuge in the United States. The preliminary injunction came just hours after a federal judge in Washington…
(2019-07-26). How the People Change History. counterpunch.org 
The Electoral College is a far greater obstacle to democracy in the United States than the laughably minor problem of "Russian interference in our [supposed great] democracy" — the matter that Democrats and their many media allies sadly chose to roil the nation about, dangling the threat of impeachment, for the last two and half years. More
(2019-07-26). Vote Blue for Better Wage Slavery. counterpunch.org 
Democrats of all stripes continue to funnel workers into dead-end reformism Some night soon, after you've finished clanging your pots and pans in the streets, calling for regime change in Washington, take a stroll through your local chain bookstore. If you look in the right places, you'll find quality reading, of political, literary, and spiritual More
(2019-07-26). Ohio Republicans Balked at a Nuclear Bailout, so the Industry Elected New Republicans — and Walked Away with $1.1 Billion. theintercept.com 
A newly elected state legislature, backed by a dark-money effort linked primarily to the nuclear industry, overcame years of opposition to pass the bailout.
(2019-07-26). We Tested Europe's New Lie Detector for Travelers — and Immediately Triggered a False Positive. theintercept.com 
€4.5 million has been pumped into the virtual policeman project meant to judge the honesty of travelers. An expert calls the technology "not credible."
(2019-07-26). Activists Confront 2020 Candidates in Iowa About Drones and War. truthout.org | | In late July, the MQ-9 Reaper drone, the U.S.'s foremost killer drone, will enter the Iowa presidential primary contest in a cable TV ad that challenges 2020 Democratic presidential candidates to pledge to end all U.S. drone attacks, close U.S. drone bases and work for a global ban on weaponized drones. | The ad, due to appear on MSNBC, CNN and Fox News, will urge support for the End Drone War Pledge campaign plann…
(2019-07-26). The Demonization of Slobodan Milosevic. globalresearch.ca This article was originally published in 2003. | U.S. leaders profess a dedication to democracy. Yet over the past five decades, democratically elected governments—guilty of introducing redistributive economic programs or otherwise pursuing independent courses that do not properly fit into the …
(2019-07-26). Cuba Honors Castro-led Rebels on the "National Rebellion Day" telesurenglish.net Millions of Cubans are celebrating Friday the "National Rebellion Day", a holiday that recalls the "Assault on the Moncada Barracks", a failed military operation which triggered the most important Latin American anti-imperialist revolution of the Twentieth Century. | RELATED: | Cuba Has 9 Doctors Per 1000 Citizens, Highest in Its History | At dawn on July 26, 1953, lawyer Fidel Castro and a group of young revolutionaries stormed the military fortresses of Guillermon Moncada in Santiago de Cuba a…
(2019-07-26). Day of Action: Shut Down 850 Bryant at SF City Hall. indybay.org Front Steps of City Hall | San Francisco…
(2019-07-26). Despite Mueller debacle, Democrats step up call for crackdown on "foreign meddling" wsws.org Wednesday's testimony by former Special Counsel Robert Mueller before Congress, staged by the Democrats in the hope of reviving their discredited anti-Russia campaign, blew up in their faces.
(2019-07-26). Is It Time To Nationalize The Fossil Fuel Industry? therealnews.com 
In part 2 of her interview, Democracy Collaborative's Johanna Bozuwa argues that the fastest way for the U.S. to lower greenhouse gas emissions and create a just transition is to buy out the entire fossil fuel industry…
(2019-07-26). AIPAC's Anti-BDS Resolution Easily Wins Bipartisan Support. indybay.org Palestine remains the litmus test issue and once again, the Democrats showed their true colors on July 23, 2019 with 209 Democrats joining 189 Republicans in voting for pro Zionist Israel AIPAC's HRes 246, Roll Call 497 opposing the Boycott Divest Sanctions Movement of the Palestinian Liberation Struggle. See http: //clerk.house.gov/evs/2019/roll497.xml. The bill may be found at www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/246/all-actions?overview=closed&q=%7B%22roll-call-vote%22%3A%22all%22%7D…
(2019-07-26). Roaming Charges: And Then There Were Three. counterpunch.org 
+ Trump wants to make AOC, Ayanna Pressley, Rashida Tlaib and Than Omar the faces of the Democratic Party. The Democrats, whose current faces of the party are Schumer, Pelosi, Hoyer and Biden, should say, thank you very much, Mr. President, for doing what we should've done ourselves. (Curiously, they haven't shown such gratitude.) + More
(2019-07-25). "A Victory for the People of Puerto Rico": Gov. Ricardo Rosselló Resigns Following Mass Protests. democracynow.org 
Celebrations were held throughout the night in Puerto Rico after Governor Ricardo Rosselló announced he would resign, following 12 days of mass protests. This came two days after more than 500,000 Puerto Ricans took to the streets in one of the largest protests in Puerto Rico's history. The protests began after Puerto Rico's Center for Investigative Journalism published close to 900 pages of shocking text messages between Rosselló, staffers and advisers. The group chat messages were riddled with misogyny, homophobia, profanity and violence. Some of the messages mocked victims of Hurricane Maria and joked about sh…
(2019-07-25). Robert Mueller Testimony Disappoints Democrats Who Bet on Special Counsel to Help Sink Trump. democracynow.org 
Special counsel Robert Mueller gave his much-anticipated testimony on Capitol Hill Wednesday, where he spoke for the first time about his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential elections. Over the 7-hour hearing, Mueller stressed to the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees that despite Donald Trump's claims, he had not exonerated the president of obstruction of justice. Mueller's report was handed in 124 days ago, but only a redacted version was made available to the public. Ahead of Mueller's testimony, the Justice Department warned Mueller in a letter to "remain within the bound…
(2019-07-25). Mueller's Congressional Testimony Lays an Egg. globalresearch.ca His 7-hour Wednesday Q & A spectacle was much ado about nothing. | Undemocratic Dems wanting grist for their rage to impeach Trump got nothing to make their case. | The charade was an embarrassment to the maestro of malign intent, unable …
(2019-07-25). Tulsi Gabbard, Ayanna Pressley Votes in Favor of Anti-BDS Bill. telesurenglish.net The 2020 U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard came under fire for voting in favor of condemning the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. | RELATED: | Ilhan Omar Introduces Bill Backing Pro-Palestine BDS Movement | The U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday passed (398-17) a nonbinding resolution condemning the BDS…
(2019-07-25). Puerto Rico's Governor Resigns in Face of Protests. truthdig.com 
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico—Anger turned to jubilation in the streets in a flash as Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló announced his resignation overnight, ceding power after nearly two weeks of furious protests and political upheaval touched off by a leak of insulting chat messages. | A crowd of thousands outside the governor's mansion in Old San Juan erupted in cheers and song over his announcement on Facebook, made just before midnight on Wednesday. | "Despite expecting to serve the term that the people democratically elected me to, today I feel that continuing in this position represents a threat to the succes…
(2019-07-25). Fearing Chinese competition, U.S. government will never break up big tech. peoplesworld.org 
In recent months, reports have been swirling that U.S. monopolies Amazon, Apple, Google, and Facebook—so-called "Big Tech"—may soon be broken up. Presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren has proposed a plan to do so using antitrust law. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission are reportedly preparing for antitrust investigations into the four firms, and …
(2019-07-25). Ryan Grim: Tom Perez Was Elected Head of DNC Thanks to a "Silent Coup" in Puerto Rico in 2017. democracynow.org 
As Puerto Ricans celebrate the imminent departure of disgraced Governor Ricardo Rosselló, we speak with Intercept reporter Ryan Grim about how Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez benefited from what's been described as a "coup" within the Democratic Party in Puerto Rico. In his recent book, Grim revealed pro-statehood politicians—including some Republicans—quietly took over the Puerto Rico Democrats in 2017 and then offered full support for Perez in exchange for his support for statehood. This helped give Perez enough delegates to beat Keith Ellison in the race to head the DNC.
(2019-07-25). Trump's DOJ Is Resuming the Death Penalty. Bernie Sanders Vows to Abolish It. truthout.org | | Sen. Bernie Sanders on Thursday vowed to abolish the death penalty at the federal level if elected president after news broke that Attorney General William Barr has directed the Bureau of Prisons to resume capital punishment for the first time in nearly two decades. | "There's enough violence in the world. The government shouldn't add to it," tweeted Sanders, the first 2020 Democratic presidential candidate to respond to the news. "When I am president, we will abolish the death penalty."
(2019-07-25). We Need a People's Globalization to Defeat Global Neoliberalism. truthout.org | | As Donald Trump negotiates his way through one trade deal to another, we must recognize that free trade agreements have always benefited the elite class at the expense of the world's workers. In this excerpt of "Privatized Planet: Free Trade as a Weapon Against Democracy, Healthcare and the Environment," author T.J. Coles offers some insight into how we can mobilize globally.U.S. governments have always put big business first. Despite Donald Trump's unique presidential style, including his shouting…
(2019-07-25). Nicaragua: Telling the Truth as a Revolutionary Act. globalresearch.ca "The (soft coup) effort (June 2018) to topple the democratically-elected government of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega was originally led by students trained by US-funded "democracy promotion" programs (USAID). US-funded nongovernmental organizations, the Sandinista Renovation Movement political party, the Catholic Church …
(2019-07-25). Bolivian Opposition Plan Protests to Destabilize Elections. telesurenglish.net A senior figure of Bolivia's right-wing opposition has announced plans for a 'national revolt' to destabilize the upcoming presidential elections, citing that the incumbent, leftist President Evo Morales should not be on the ballot paper. Social movements have denounced the plans as 'undemocratic.' | RELATED: | Bolivian Opposition Will Privatize Gas Reserves, Minister Warns | Opposition lawmaker Rafael Quispe announced on Wednesday a fresh round of national mobilizations, star…
(2019-07-25). Robert Mueller testimony disappoints democrats who bet on special counsel to help sink trump. nationofchange.org Special counsel Robert Mueller gave his much-anticipated testimony on Capitol Hill Wednesday, where he spoke for the first time about his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential elections. Over the 7-hour hearing, Mueller stressed to the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees that despite Donald Trump's claims, he had not exonerated the president of …
(2019-07-25). Chile: Crucial Investigation Into Death of Poet Pablo Neruda. telesurenglish.net The prolonged investigation into the death of the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda finds itself at a crucial point, now that the sediment samples that the Legal Medical Service (SML) had refused to hand over, have appeared. | RELATED: | 'A Creature Called Revolution: ' Castro And Allende Think LatAm | The day before, Judge Mario Carroza, in charge of the case, appeared at the SML headquarters together with representatives of the Investigative Police and the expert Gloria Ramír…
(2019-07-25). How to Get Children Out of Cages. progressive.org The evidence is consistent, and damning—children are being hurt. We don't have to agree on the outcome in order to do the right thing.
(2019-07-25). Puerto Ricans Are Fighting for the Democracy That They've Been Denied. thenation.com Puerto Ricans Are Fighting for the Democracy That They've Been Denied…
(2019-07-25). Need a 'Blueprint to Remove Trump'? Look at What Puerto Ricans Did in Just 16 Days. commondreams.org While many progressives were dismayed to learn on Thursday that Democratic leaders remain reticent to call for impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump, some looked with admiration at the hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans who successfully forced their governor from office with days of non-violent protests. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/picmonkey_image28_0.jpg …
(2019-07-25). Time to forget the word Russiagate & look into FBI-gate instead — Ron Paul. rt.com 
The Democrats' dream of impeaching President Trump over the Russiagate scandal has "totally failed," its fate confirmed by special counsel Robert Mueller's disastrous showing in Congress, former congressman Ron Paul told RT.
(2019-07-25). Mueller testimony: Another debacle for the Democrats' anti-Russia campaign. wsws.org The Democrats staged two House committee hearings with the former FBI head and special counsel in an attempt to revive their discredited claim that Putin stole the 2016 election for Trump.
(2019-07-25). Eric Garner's Killer Got a Raise—and de Blasio Did Nothing. thenation.com Eric Garner's Killer Got a Raise—and de Blasio Did Nothing…
(2019-07-25). Protests Erupt in London as Boris Johnson Is Sworn In as New Prime Minister, Promising Hard Brexit. democracynow.org 
Boris Johnson was sworn in as the new British prime minister Wednesday, pledging to deliver a swift Brexit and spending his first full day in office Thursday packing his Cabinet with hard-line Brexiteers. His election was the first time that a party's membership directly chose the prime minister. The membership of the Conservative Party who voted for Johnson represents less than 1% of the British population. Johnson, who previously served as mayor of London and foreign secretary, replaces outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May. Boris Johnson is a highly contentious figure in the United Kingdom who has built his care…
(2019-07-25). New York Blackout Prompts Call for Publicly Owned Energy. therealnews.com 
Energy mismanagement in New York City and California has sparked questions about their ownership models. Democracy Collaborative's Johanna Bozuwa says making utilities public would help foster democracy and fight the climate crisis…
(2019-07-25). Alleging Censorship and Condemning Outsized Power, Tulsi Gabbard Sues Google for 'Threat to Free Speech, Fair Elections, and Democracy'. commondreams.org Arguing that Google's total control over internet searches presents a danger to democracy, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard filed a lawsuit in California against the tech giant on Thursday over its alleged censorship of her campaign. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/48011616441_0c4bd339dd_o1.jpg …
(2019-07-25). Tulsi Gabbard sues Google for 'election meddling' over blocked campaign ads. rt.com 
Google is already interfering in the 2020 US presidential election, Democratic candidate Tulsi Gabbard claims — and she's suing the search behemoth for blocking her campaign ads from appearing after the first primary debate.
(2019-07-25). Americans Must Do More Than Simply Reject Trump's Racism, Ilhan Omar Argues in 'Absolute Must Read' NYT Op-Ed. commondreams.org "Not enough to condemn the corruption and self-dealing," says Democratic Congresswoman. "We must support policies that unmistakably improve working people's lives." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/ilhan_omar-trump-incite-violence_0.jpg …
(2019-07-25). Headlines for July 25, 2019. democracynow.org Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló Resigns Amid Mass Protests, Trump Vetoes Pave Way for U.S. Weapons Sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Robert Mueller Tells Congress His Report Did Not Exonerate Trump, Federal Court Puts Trump's Asylum Ban on Hold, Federal Regulators Fine Facebook $5 Billion for Massive Privacy Breaches, New U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson Downplays Threat of Hard Brexit, Thousands Protest as Boris Johnson Begins Term as British Prime Minister, North Korea Test-Fires Missiles Ahead of U.S.-South Korea War Games, House Lawmakers Approve Resolution Opposing Boycotts of Israel, China's Military Warns It…
(2019-07-25). Denouncing misleading attacks and lack of 'fact-based analysis,' Sanders campaign fires back at MSNBC. nationofchange.org 
Sen. Bernie Sanders has never been shy about criticizing MSNBC, but the senator's 2020 Democratic presidential campaign is becoming increasingly vocal in calling out the self-styled liberal cable news network in response to a spate of attacks and misleading coverage from the outlet's hosts and contributors. "There's no effort to push for fact-based analysis," an anonymous Sanders …
(2019-07-25). Tear Gas Company Owner Resigns From Whitney Museum Board. truthdig.com 
Artists, activists and museum staff launched protests after learning that chemicals made by Warren Kanders' company were used on migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
(2019-07-25). Hey, Democrats: Robert Mueller Still Isn't Going to Do Your Job For You. commondreams.org God only knows what Trump might try under those conditions, but one thing is for sure: Nancy Pelosi is not going to do anything to stop him. (Photo: Illustrated | Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images, Strawberry Blossom/iStock) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/screen_shot_2019-07-25_at_3.45.53_pm.png …
(2019-07-24). A fateful tug-of-war. mronline.org 
On June 2nd Christian Democrat Walter Làºbcke was shot dead in front of his home. Stimulated by fascist blogs, one of them that of a prominent adherent of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), the murderer, a dyed-in-the-wool fascist, had been plotting the attack ever since hearing Làºbcke's fierce reply to vicious anti-foreigner catcalls at a public event […] | Source
(2019-07-24). Puerto Rico Enters Uncharted Territory as Ricardo Rosselló Prepares to Resign as Governor. democracynow.org 
Facing mass civil unrest and a growing protest movement, Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló is expected to resign today. El Nuevo Día first reported the news late Tuesday night. Rosselló has faced nearly two weeks of demonstrations—each one larger than the last—demanding he step down, following a massive leak revealing sexist, homophobic and violent text messages exchanged between the governor and government officials, in which he mocked victims of Hurricane Maria and joked about shooting San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz. We speak with Democracy Now! co-host Juan González on the significance of Ros…
(2019-07-24). Climate Change Is Impacting Every Aspect of Modern Life, But the Press Fails to "Connect the Dots" democracynow.org 
July is slated to become the hottest month in recorded history, as extreme weather fueled by global warming wreaks havoc across the globe, from extreme heat waves in Europe and the U.S. to deadly monsoon flooding in South Asia. Severe rains have killed at least 660 people across India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan in a monsoon that is expected to continue throughout the week. A record heat wave is hitting Europe for the second time this summer, with Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam all at risk of hitting all-time high temperatures, and Spain facing the threat of severe fires. We speak with climate scientist Michae…
(2019-07-24). North Korea navigates economic reform in a sea of sanctions. peoplesworld.org 
PYONGYANG—In April, a Japanese newspaper revealed a policy document purportedly detailing the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's economic strategy for the 2016-2020 period. The text's authors stressed the need to step-up technological development, diversify the country's trade, chiefly toward Russia, and proceed with the "full introduction of a new economic management method." What "new management …
(2019-07-24). The Young Lords: Exploring the Legacy of the Radical Puerto Rican Activist Group 50 Years Later. democracynow.org 
Fifty years ago this week, a group of young radical Puerto Ricans took to the streets of New York City to announce the formation of the New York chapter of the Young Lords. Formed in the same radical tradition of the Black Panther Party, the activists soon became a force in the community that inspired people around the nation. The Young Lords occupied churches and hospitals to offer services to the community, and educated people about Puerto Rican culture and history. They called for self-determination for all Puerto Ricans, independence for the island of Puerto Rico, community control of institutions and land, f…
(2019-07-24). What Do Black Voters Want? NYT's Edsall Says It's What 'Conservative' Democrats Want. fair.org 
"The Democratic Party," a new column by Thomas Edsall ( 7/24/19) declares, "Is Actually Three Parties." | Fascinating! Tell us more, New York Times columnist on "politics, demographics and inequality." | Well, based on data from a CBS poll of "battleground states," there are "three roughly equal groups": Democrats who call themselves "very liberal," Democrats who call themselves "somewhat liberal," and Democrats who call themselves "moderate" or "conservative." | That's it—those are the "three parties" that the Democr…
(2019-07-24). The exploitation time bomb. mronline.org 
Worsening economic inequality in recent years is largely the result of policy choices that reflect the political influence and lobbying power of the rich. There is now a self-reinforcing pattern of high profits, low investment, and rising inequality—posing a threat not only to economic growth, but also to democracy. | Source
(2019-07-24). Media Can't Quit 'Trump Supporters Support Trump' Stories. fair.org As we hurtle into coverage of a presidential election that is still over a year away, media have returned to their timeworn tradition of going to rural, white communities to take the pulse of the nation (FAIR.org, 5/20/19). | Under the web headline "These Michigan Voters Show How Trump's 'Go Back' Attack May Help Him," the New York Times ( 7/22/19) ventured to a Trump stronghold in Michigan to bring readers the front-page…
(2019-07-24). Joe Biden's New Foreign Policy Adviser Supported Iraq War and Dubbed Edward Snowden a "Traitor" theintercept.com Nicholas Burns worked under presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush before leaving public service and becoming a lobbyist.
(2019-07-24). Israeli forces injure UK activists in 'sadistic' and 'violent' attack amid demolition of Palestinian homes. thecanary.co Israeli soldiers have injured a number of Palestinian and British activists in occupied East Jerusalem. According to the International Solidarity Movement ( ISM), the activists "were stamped on, dragged across the floor by the hair, strangled with a scarf and peppe…
(2019-07-24). John McDonnell drops a truth bomb about Jo Swinson's refusal to work with Jeremy Corbyn. thecanary.co On 23 July, BBC Newsnight shared a clip from an interview with shadow chancellor John McDonnell. In it, he expertly highlighted the absurdity of new Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson's refusal to work with Jeremy Corbyn. | Responding to a question about Swinson's hostile stance, McDonnell said: Isn't it interesting? Jo Swinson was willing to work with the Tories, introduce some of the most savage austerity cuts that cost people their lives… But she won't work with a Labour leader who opposed all those austerity measures. | And he…
(2019-07-24). Key Moments From Robert Mueller's Congressional Testimony. theintercept.com Robert Mueller, the former special counsel, testified on Wednesday morning to the House Judiciary Committee and on Wednesday afternoon to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence on his report on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, and President Donald Trump's efforts to obstruct that inquiry. Updates on key moments in the hearings appear below. | Did Mueller's Replies to Rep. Adam Schiff Provide Enough Cover for Democrats to Impeach Trump?: | At the end…
(2019-07-24). Successful elections and 'political dialogues' push democracy forward in West Africa and the Sahel. un.org Progress has been made in consolidating democracy in West Africa and the Sahel, according to the United Nation's Special Representative in the region on Wednesday, who cited successful elections and "political dialogues" as part of the advances made.
(2019-07-24). 'Deadly environment' plus 'political and social' obstacles hinder Ebola fight in DR Congo, Security Council hears. un.org The problems of eradicating Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are not only medical, but also linked "to a variety of political and social factors", the head of the UN mission in the country told the Security Council on Wednesday.
(2019-07-24). Headlines for July 24, 2019. democracynow.org Robert Mueller Testifies Before Congress, Trump Rails Against Squad, Mueller Report in Speech to Teenagers, Disgraced Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló Expected to Step Down, ORR Says Unaccompanied Migrant Children Could Be Detained for Years, Immigration Agents Detain Texas Teen for 3+ Weeks Despite Being a U.S. Citizen, Tennessee Community Blocks ICE from Taking Neighbor by Forming Human Chain, Trump Threatens Guatemala with Tariffs and Other Penalties After Failure of Immigration Deal, DOJ Pursues Antitrust Probe into Big Tech, Reports: FTC to Accuse Facebook of Misleading Consumers on Personal Data Use, F…
(2019-07-24). In one made up story Jo Swinson shows the Lib Dems are still the same old power hungry chancers. thecanary.co It's only two days into Jo Swinson's Liberal Democrat leadership and she's already admitted telling a major porky on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme. | And the made-up story suggests the Lib Dems are still the same old power hungry chancers. | Nonsense: | Swinson said of Corbyn: Let's remember in the last referendum he went on holiday for two weeks in the middle…
(2019-07-24). 'They are a mess': Trump unloads on Russiagate cultists' post-Mueller stress disorder. rt.com 
US President Donald Trump slammed former special counsel Robert Mueller's long-awaited House testimony, reserving his harshest words for the Democrats who "knew it was a hoax" — and the media who enabled them.
(2019-07-24). Mueller Report 'mostly just regurgitated press stories' — Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko. rt.com 
With Robert Mueller's report partly relying on media stories to paint a picture of alleged obstruction, Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko asked the special counsel why she couldn't have got a "$50 cable news subscription" instead.
(2019-07-24). Mueller hearing 'very big mistake' for anti-Trump #Resistance, but will they give up? rt.com 
President Donald Trump's Democratic opponents have shot themselves in the foot by forcing Robert Mueller to testify publicly, not realizing he already done his best to make the probe look credible, journalist Aaron Maté told RT.
(2019-07-24). Mueller's testimony was a major anti-climax. Will Democrats finally realize he won't save them? rt.com 
Democrats expected Russiagate fireworks from former special counsel Robert Mueller's long-awaited testimony on Capitol Hill, but were once again disappointed, witnessing only the last fizzles of a dying conspiracy theory.
(2019-07-24). Mueller's sluggish testimony turns out to be 'disaster' for disappointed Democrats. rt.com 
Former special counsel Robert Mueller's testimony to congress was supposed to bring new clarity to the Russiagate drama — but Americans tuning in quickly realized the much-hyped event was turning into a "disaster" for Democrats.
(2019-07-24). What is the OLC opinion? The policy that forbade Mueller from charging Trump. rt.com 
With Democrats questioning Robert Mueller on whether he would have indicted President Trump for obstruction were he not elected to the White House, Mueller repeatedly deferred to the OLC opinion. But what does the opinion mean?
(2019-07-24). Fusion who? Mueller doesn't seem to know the name of firm that compiled infamous 'Steele Dossier'. rt.com 
With Republicans questioning the origins of former special counsel Robert Mueller's 'Russiagate' investigation, Mueller claimed he was not familiar with one of the key players behind the whole affair: Fusion GPS.
(2019-07-24). One hearing down, 'Shifty Schiff' to go: Trump mocks Democrat Intelligence Chairman. rt.com 
As former Special Counsel sat down to his second Congressional hearing of the day, President Donald Trump mocked House Intelligence Committee chairman Rep. Adam Schiff, calling him an "embarrassment to our country."
(2019-07-24). Airline Caterers Authorize Strike Action, Supported by Presidential Candidates. therealnews.com 
Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, Sherrod Brown, and Mayor Bill DeBlasio, among others, all came out to the DC National Airport to express their support for airline food workers, who intend to strike for higher wages and health care…
(2019-07-23). "Sharpening the Knives": iLe of Calle 13 on Recording the Anthem of the Puerto Rico Protests. democracynow.org 
Many of Puerto Rico's most famous performers have been out in the streets in full force this week to show support for the growing movement calling for the immediate resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló. Singers Ricky Martin and Bad Bunny were in the streets of San Juan Monday, along with Grammy-winning artists Residente and iLe of the band Calle 13. They've also joined the protest through song. Last week, Residente, iLe and Bad Bunny released the song "Afilando Los Cuchillos," or "Sharpening the Knives." It quickly became the anthem of the movement. We speak with iLe, who says, "I've been waiting all my life…
(2019-07-23). "Ricky Renuncia": Half a Million Puerto Ricans Flood San Juan Demanding Resignation of Gov. Rosselló. democracynow.org 
An estimated half a million Puerto Ricans took to the streets of San Juan Monday to demand the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló. It was the largest demonstration yet since the massive leak of nearly 900 text messages—many of them graphic and offensive—between Rosselló and some of his closest advisers broke 11 days ago. Protesters blocked a major Puerto Rican highway for hours, chanting "Ricky renuncia!"—"Ricky resign!"—banging on drums and waving Puerto Rican flags. Several businesses and banks closed in solidarity with the national mobilization, with many taking the day off work t…
(2019-07-23). How "Ricky Leaks" Exposed Puerto Rico's Governor and Sparked a Movement to Oust Him. democracynow.org 
Half a million people took to the streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Monday in a historic protest, more than a week after the Center for Investigative Journalism in Puerto Rico published 889 pages that included violently misogynistic and homophobic online chats between Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rosselló and other government officials. The leaked documents revealed Rosselló had mocked victims of Hurricane Maria and joked about shooting San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz. It also exposed rampant corruption within the Puerto Rican government. Governor Rosselló and the 11 others implicated in the message scandal…
(2019-07-23). Trump vs. the Squad, or the Fascist Use of Zionism. dissidentvoice.org 
The strategy is clear. Whether Trump confronts Sleepy Joe, Crazy Bernie, Pocahontas or some other Democratic opponent in the presidential race, he will target the "Squad" of newly elected freshman congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and Ayanna Pressley. Trump has decided to (1) depict them as the real face of the Democratic Party; …
(2019-07-23). Headlines for July 23, 2019. democracynow.org Half a Million Puerto Ricans Take Over San Juan Streets to Call for Gov. Rosselló to Resign, Boris Johnson Becomes New British Prime Minister, Trump Admin Expands Deportation Powers, Putting 100,000s of Undocumented Immigrants at Risk, ICE Now Using DNA Testing on Asylum-Seeking Families, DOJ Tells Mueller His Testimony Must "Remain Within Boundaries" of Redacted Report, Trump Says He Can "Wipe Afghanistan Off the Face of the Earth" as He Meets Pakistani PM Imran Khan, Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte Calls for the Death Penalty for Drug Offenders, Syrian Airstrikes Kill At Least 50, Amid Ongoing Violence in Id…
(2019-07-23). Puerto Rico: 400,000 flood streets to demand governor resign. greenleft.org.au Hours after Governor Ricardo Rosselló resisted calls to step down over leaked messages — mocking victims of Hurricane Maria and attacking fellow politicians with misogynistic slurs — an estimated 400,000 Puerto Ricans took to the streets on July 22 and demanded Rosselló's resignation. | "The people have spoken," New York Democratic representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — whose mother was born in Puerto Rico —…
(2019-07-22). He Was Told to Go Back to Africa. Instead, He May Go to the U.S. Senate. theintercept.com 
Helena, Montana, mayor Wilmot Collins was reminded by Donald Trump's recent comments of the racism he faced when he first came to the U.S. from Liberia.
(2019-07-22). EPA Refuses to Ban Dangerous Pesticide Chlorpyrifos Linked to Brain Damage in Children. democracynow.org 
The Environmental Protection Agency will not ban the widely used pesticide chlorpyrifos—even though the agency's own research shows that it can cause brain damage in children. The substance is sold under the commercial name Lorsban and is banned for household use. But it's still used by farmers on more than 50 fruit, nuts, cereal and vegetable crops. The announcement came Thursday. The Obama administration said it would ban the use of the toxic chemical in 2015, but the rule never took effect. It was suspended in 2017 by then-EPA head Scott Pruitt. We go to Seattle to speak with Patti Goldman, a managing at…
(2019-07-22). "All Sides Need to Begin to De-escalate": Tensions Between Iran, U.K. & U.S. Spark Fears of War. democracynow.org 
In Iran, authorities say they've arrested 17 Iranian citizens and charged them with being CIA-trained spies for the United States. Iranian media reports that some have already been executed. This comes as tensions in the Persian Gulf continued to mount over the weekend following Iran's seizure of a British oil tanker and its 23 crew members Friday in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said it seized the tanker in retaliation for the British impounding of an Iranian tanker earlier this month off the coast of Gibraltar. The Iranian National Guard released video Sunday showing the vessel flying an Iranian flag. Britain says…
(2019-07-22). "If Not Now, When Will We Stand?" Native Hawaiians Fight Construction of Telescope on Mauna Kea. democracynow.org 
A historic indigenous resistance is unfolding on the Big Island of Hawaii, where thousands have descended on Mauna Kea, a sacred Native site, to defend it from the construction of a $1.4 billion telescope. Scientists say the Thirty Meter Telescope will help them peer into the deepest corners of space, but indigenous resisters say the construction was approved without their consent and will desecrate their sacred lands. Last week, police arrested 33 people—most of them Hawaiian elders—as they blocked a road to prevent work crews from reaching the site of the telescope being planned atop Mauna Kea. And…
(2019-07-22). Headlines for July 22, 2019. democracynow.org Iran Says It Has Captured and Killed Spies as Oil Tanker Standoff Intensifies, Trump Revs Up Racist Attacks on Squad as AOC Hits Back: "We're Not Going Anywhere", Heat Wave Grips U.S. as July on Track for Hottest Month Ever Recorded, Fire Breaks Out at Brooklyn Jail as Prisoners Face Dangerous Heat Without Relief, Puerto Ricans Continue Mass Protests as Gov. Rosselló Says He Will Not Seek Re-election, Boris Johnson Expected to Become New U.K. Prime Minister, Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Protesters Face Police Tear Gas and Violent Mob, Israel Begins Razing Palestinian Homes in Occupied Territories, Mueller to Testify B…
(2019-07-22). Republicans Are Transforming Federal Courts for the Next Generation. therealnews.com 
The Nation's Elie Mystal says Conservative think tanks and Senate Majority Leader McConnell are creating a right-wing federal court system with Trump's help that will affect generations to come…
(2019-07-21). How the Border Patrol Began Its Investigation Into No More Deaths Volunteer Scott Warren. theintercept.com 
Newly unsealed documents detail the tip that led the Border Patrol to zero in on humanitarians rescuing migrants in the Arizona desert.
(2019-07-20). Trump's Racist Lies About Ilhan Omar Define the Republican Party. therealnews.com 
The Ilhan Omar quote Trump bastardized came from her conversation with John Nichols, who joins us to look at US history for inspiration and understanding…
(2019-07-19). Headlines for July 19, 2019. democracynow.org 70 Catholics Arrested in Capitol Hill Protest of Trump's Immigration Policies, Asylum Seekers in Texas ICE Jail Launch Hunger Strike, House Democrats Grill Acting DHS Chief over Migrant Deaths and Squalid Jails, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Confronts DHS Chief over Racist & Sexist Border Patrol Posts, Trump Disavows "Send Her Home" Chant After Racist Attacks on Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rep. Ilhan Omar Greeted in Minnesota with Chants of "Welcome Home", House Approves Minimum Wage Hike to $15 an Hour, Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Would Bring Overtime Pay, Union Rights, Trump to Nominate Anti-Union Lawyer Eugene Scalia as Labor S…
(2019-07-19). In 2003, This U.K. Whistleblower Almost Stopped the Iraq Invasion. A New Film Tells Her Story. democracynow.org 
In 2003, Katharine Gun, a young specialist working for Britain's Government Communications Headquarters, exposed a highly confidential memo that revealed the United States' collaboration with Britain in collecting sensitive information on United Nations Security Council members in order to pressure them into supporting the Iraq invasion. Gun leaked the memo to the press, setting off a chain of events that jeopardized her freedom and safety, but also opened the door to putting the entire legality of the Iraq invasion on trial. ‚Ä®‚Ä®Acclaimed Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsb…
(2019-07-19). The Billionaires v. Bernie. progressive.org The democratic socialist candidate is under attack from the super rich, their corporations, lobbyists, and think tanks. Some are even backing his 2020 Democratic primary rivals.
(2019-07-19). The Real Trouble with Ilhan Omar. progressive.org While others on the left waffle on questions of imperial power and foreign relations, the freshman Democrat takes on American hegemony.
(2019-07-19). A Pro-Israel Democrat Withdrew Her Support for a Bill Supporting Palestinian Rights. She Now Claims Her Name Was Added by Accident. theintercept.com 
Rep. Rosa DeLauro's reversal on the legislation is only the latest illustration of how charged the debate over Israel has become in Washington.
(2019-07-19). Anti-Racist Historian: Attacks on Rep. Omar Rooted in Belief "America Is for White People" democracynow.org 
On Thursday, President Trump attempted to distance himself from the racist chant of "send her back" about Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar at a Trump campaign rally Wednesday in North Carolina. The chants rang across the rally in response to Trump's own verbal attack against the congresswoman. He did nothing to intervene. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives narrowly passed a resolution condemning Trump's racist remarks against Congressmembers Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressley and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. We speak with Ibram X. Kendi, founding director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at A…
(2019-07-19). NDFP condemns Duterte for giving Israel's IDF Nahal Brigade a role in his war against the people. fightbacknews.org Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from Luis G. Jalandoni, Chief International Representative, National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). | The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) strongly condemns the Duterte regime's having the notorious Israel Defense Forces (IDF) give a specialized training by the Nahal Brigade of the IDF to 175 elite troops of the Philippine Army. This is despicable collaboration with Israeli Zionism, longtime partner of US imperialism, in horrendous acts of aggression against the Palestinian and Arab peoples. | Col. Dan Goldfus, commande…
(2019-07-18). Headlines for July 18, 2019. democracynow.org House Lawmakers Vote to Table Trump Impeachment Resolution, Trump Renews Racist Attacks on Four Progressive Congresswomen, Rep. Ilhan Omar Introduces Bill Affirming the Right to Boycott, House Votes to Bar Trump's Planned Weapons Sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE, U.S. to Deploy 500 Troops to Saudi Air Base, Sudan's Military Rulers Agree to Share Power with Civilian Protesters, United Nations Declares Global Health Emergency as Ebola Spreads, Puerto Ricans Demand Resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló over Hateful Messages, AG Barr & Commerce Secretary Ross Held in Contempt of Congress, Sen. Rand Paul Blocks Vote on S…
(2019-07-18). "It Is Not Just War. It Is Life": Acclaimed Doc "For Sama" Offers Rare Glimpse into War-Torn Syria. democracynow.org 
We look at the award-winning documentary feature titled "For Sama," a devastating account of war-torn Syria told through the eyes of director Waad al-Kateab. She filmed hundreds of hours of footage in her native Aleppo to create a stunning depiction of life during wartime. Amid airstrikes and attacks on hospitals, Waad falls in love with one of the last remaining doctors in Aleppo, gets married and has a baby girl, Sama, to whom the film is dedicated. When protests against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad first began in 2011, Waad al-Kateab was a young economics student who began filming on a cellphone. Fo…
(2019-07-18). Nearly 100,000 in Puerto Rico Protest Demanding Gov. Rosselló Resign over Lewd Texts & Corruption. democracynow.org 
Close to 100,000 Puerto Ricans took to the streets Wednesday chanting "Ricky Renuncia!" as they called for the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló, following the leak by Puerto Rico's Center for Investigative Journalism of hundreds of misogynistic, homophobic and violent text messages between Rosselló and members of his Cabinet. On Monday, Denis Márquez of the Puerto Rican Independence Party introduced formal complaints against the governor and called for his impeachment. All of this comes as former Education Secretary Julia Keleher and five others have been arrested on charges of steering federal money to u…
(2019-07-17). Happiest Place on Earth? Meet the Disney Heiress Speaking Out Against Disneyland's Abuse of Workers. democracynow.org 
Abigail Disney, the heiress of the Disney fortune, is once again speaking out against the company's unfair labor and wage practices. She recently spoke to Disneyland employees in California, where they shared their experiences with the theme park's work environment. In the past, Abigail Disney has criticized Disney CEO Bob Iger's obscene salary and the drastic pay gap between Iger and other Disney employees. Abigail Disney also testified in May at the House Committee on Financial Services during a hearing on strengthening the rights and protections of workers. We speak with Abigail Disney, filmmaker and granddaug…
(2019-07-17). Amazon Workers Demand Fair Pay & Conditions as Company Continues Undercutting Rivals. democracynow.org 
While online shoppers around the world flocked to Amazon's mega-sale "Prime Day" this week, the retail giant faced growing outrage from protesters, workers and lawmakers for its unsafe working conditions and collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Demonstrators in Seattle delivered a petition with over 270,000 signatures to Amazon headquarters demanding it stop exploiting workers and cooperating with ICE. Lawmakers, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Ilhan Omar, co-signed a letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration demanding a full investigation into Amazon's wor…
(2019-07-12). The Glaring Holes in Michelle Bachelet's Venezuela Human Rights Report. mintpressnews.com 
UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Michelle Bachelet's report on Venezuela echoes the US government's talking points, which are designed to terminate the two-decade-old Bolivarian Revolution in Venezuela. The report fails to acknowledge Venezuela's manifest accomplishments or even recognize victims of US-backed right-wing violence in Venezuela. The US economic war against Venezuela, US threats of a "military option," and opposition violence are treated in the Bachelet report as figments of the imagination, "alleged internal and external threats." | Mean…
(2019-07-12). Weekend Read: Jim Crow's fingerprints are on Florida's new voting law. splcenter.org Voting is not a privilege but a right that is essential for a healthy, well-functioning democracy.