2021-01-27: News Headlines

Stephanie Pavlick (2021-01-28). After landmark international treaty, anti-nuclear demonstrators rally in Pittsburgh. liberationnews.org On Jan. 22, a broad coalition of organizations including PSL Pittsburgh, ANSWER Coalition, the Green Party of Allegheny County, Code Pink, and others joined for a rally and speakout at the PNC Bank headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh. This action was the latest in years of work on the part of local activists in a movement …

Devonte Sullivan (2021-01-28). St. Pete protests Desantis' draconian anti-BLM protester bill. liberationnews.org Dozens of activists gathered along Central Avenue in St. Petersburg on Saturday, rallying in the streets against the fascist policies introduced by Ron Desantis and the Florida Legislature this past September.

Howard Lisnoff (2021-01-27). At the End of the Barrel of a Gun: From Voluntown, Connecticut to D.C. counterpunch.org Understanding the attack against antiwar activists and protesters at "The Farm" in Voluntown, Connecticut in late August 1968, without the larger context of the antinuclear and antiwar movement, would be like viewing the insurrection in Washington, DC on January 6, 2021, as an aberration. The attack against members of the group the Committee for Non-Violent

Tina Gerhardt (2021-01-27). Stopping the Keystone XL Pipeline Is Just the First Step Toward Environmental Justice. progressive.org Indigenous groups and environmental activists are also calling on President Biden to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline and Enbridge Line 3.

_____ (2021-01-27). UK Turns To 'Counterterror' Law To Repress Palestine Action. popularresistance.org Solidarity campaigners shut down an Israeli drone parts factory in the UK for several hours last week. | Three activists from Palestine Action were arrested outside the Elbit Systems factory in Shenstone in the Midlands on 18 January. This is the third time the factory has been hit in five months. | Red paint symbolizing the deaths of Palestinians was also sprayed across the factory front yard. In a Palestine Action video, an unnamed activist said she was "here today because Britain has been complicit in the colonization of Palestine since over 100 years ago with the Balfour Declaration." | Elbit is Israel's larg…

Staff (2021-01-27). Movement for Black Lives Activists Respond to Biden's Orders on Racial Equity. truthout.org President Joe Biden was elected with massive support from people of color, and in his second week in office he issued four executive orders to advance what the White House calls his "racial equity" agenda. The orders aim to strengthen anti-discrimination policies in housing, end Justice Department contracts with private prison companies, reaffirm sovereignty of Native American tribes and combat xenophobia against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Biden's racial justice push comes as COVID-1…

People's Voice (2021-01-27). Philippines' Duterte plans to take anti-communist campaign global. peoplesworld.org TORONTO—Progressive Filipino organizations in North America and Europe are warning that the government of Rodrigo Duterte is preparing to export its deadly campaign against left-wing activists to those regions. Duterte's "National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict" (NTF-ELCAC) was formed in December 2018 to implement what he calls a "whole nation approach" for …

RJ Red (2021-01-27). Defiant protesters challenge the Biden administration in Buffalo, N.Y. workers.org Buffalo, N.Y. Jan. 21 — On Biden's first full day as president of the U.S. empire, activists and community members here wasted no time in putting pressure on his administration. At a demonstration called by Workers World Party-Buffalo, people gathered at the corner of Niagara Street and Porter Avenue to . . . |

Sheren Khalel (2021-01-27). NYC mayoral candidate Andrew Yang doubles down on anti-BDS remarks. middleeasteye.net NYC mayoral candidate Andrew Yang doubles down on anti-BDS remarks | After accusing BDS of 'unfair economic punishment', Yang asserts his opposition is based on the movement's 'refusal to condemn violence' | Wed, 01/27/2021 – 19: 18 | Andrew Yang, a NYC mayoral candidate, has drawn criticism for his stance against the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement (AFP/File photo)…

Ali Harb (2021-01-27). Incoming US envoy Thomas-Greenfield vows to 'stand with Israel' at UN. middleeasteye.net Incoming US envoy Thomas-Greenfield vows to 'stand with Israel' at UN | Linda Thomas-Greenfield said at confirmation hearing she would pressure normalising Arab countries to support Israel at UN | Wed, 01/27/2021 – 20: 14 | The nominee denounced BDS, saying the Palestinian-led movement 'verges on antisemitism' (AFP) | Incoming US envoy to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield has pledged to shield Israel from what she c…

Online News Editor (2021-01-27). Taliban reject US treasury report over Al Qaeda links. laprensalatina.com Kabul, Jan 27 (efe-epa).- The Taliban on Wednesday rejected a report by the United States Treasury Department claiming that Al Qaeda was gaining strength in Afghanistan with the collaboration and protection of the Taliban. "We strongly reject this report. The report has been compiled by partisan and warmongering circles based on false information," Taliban spokesperson …

Sara Flounders (2021-01-27). Biden appoints warmongers. workers.org The Senate confirmation hearings for Biden's cabinet appointees — which began the week of Jan. 18 — should serve as a sharp warning of the continuation of dangerous U.S. war policies. Jan. 25, 2020, Philadelphia. The corporate media has focused on Biden's promise to overturn many of former-President Trump's policies. . . . |

The Canary (2021-01-27). HS2 protesters reportedly still inside secret tunnel network despite evictions. thecanary.co Protesters campaigning against the HS2 rail development are continuing to dig tunnels in a central London park despite evictions taking place, fellow demonstrators have claimed.At least four people are said to still be in the 100 foot network of tunnels that activists have dug under Euston Square Gardens as bailiffs attempt to clear the area.HS2 Rebellion, an alliance of groups and individuals campaigning against the planned high-speed railway, claims the small green space outside Euston Station will be built over with a temporary taxi rank before being sold to developers.A protester with a megaphone outside the…

_____ (2021-01-27). Activists Block Trucks Of Company Transporting Weapons To Saudi Arabia. popularresistance.org Hamilton, Ontario – Members and allies of anti-war organizations World BEYOND War and Labour Against the Arms Trade are blocking trucks at Paddock Transport International, a Hamilton-area transportation company involved in shipping Canadian-made, light armoured vehicles to Saudi Arabia. | The activists are calling on Paddock to end its complicity in the brutal Saudi-led war in Yemen, which has killed almost a quarter of a million people, and calling on the Canadian government to end arms exports to Saudi Arabia. | "The demonstration is part of a global day of action against the war on Yemen featuring more than 30…

Dr. Rudolf Hà§nsel (2021-01-27). International Warmongers Beat the War Drums for War Against Russia. globalresearch.ca This article can be read in 27 languages including Russian and Chinese by activating the Translate Website Drop Down Menu on the top banner of our home page. | The author's article in German is available on our German language page….

Medea Benjamin and Ariel Gold (2021-01-26). Rob Malley for Iran Envoy: A Test Case for Biden's Commitment to Diplomacy. dissidentvoice.org (Photo credit: National Press Club) President Biden's commitment to re-entering the Iran nuclear deal—formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA—is already facing backlash from a motley crew of warhawks both domestic and foreign. Right now, opponents of re-entering the deal are centering their vitriol on one of the nation's foremost experts …

Medea Benjamin, Ariel Gold (2021-01-26). Rob Malley for Iran Envoy: A Test Case for Biden's Commitment to Diplomacy. counterpunch.org President Biden's commitment to re-entering the Iran nuclear deal—formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA—is already facing backlash from a motley crew of warhawks both domestic and foreign. Right now, opponents of re-entering the deal are centering their vitriol on one of the nation's foremost experts on both the Middle East

Staff (2021-01-26). Biden's First Climate Actions Are a Result of Years of Indigenous Activism. truthout.org Indigenous activists emerged as leaders of a climate movement that put increasing pressure on Joe Biden, who revoked a key permit for the Keystone XL pipeline shortly after becoming president. So, what happens next? Mike Ludwig speaks with Jade Begay, the Climate Justice Director of NDN Collective, an Indigenous led-organization building Indigenous power by working with front line activists. | Music by TRANSCRIPT: | Note: This a rush…

Umar A Farooq (2021-01-26). US court issues summons for MBZ over hacking of Al Jazeera anchor via Twitter. middleeasteye.net US court issues summons for MBZ over hacking of Al Jazeera anchor via Twitter | Al Jazeera presenter Ghada Oueiss says she hopes lawsuit will reveal UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading 'campaign of terror against journalists and activists' | Tue, 01/26/2021 – 18: 49 | The summonses were previously issued to MBZ through mail last month (AFP) | The crown prince of Abu Dhabi and top Saudi officials have…

Dana Taib Menmy (2021-01-26). Iraq: Kurdish presidency files defamation lawsuit against poet. middleeasteye.net Iraq: Kurdish presidency files defamation lawsuit against poet | Activists warn of risk to freedom of speech after KRG launch legal action over critical rap video | Tue, 01/26/2021 – 13: 23 | A still from Helgord Qehar's video 'Confusion', in which he berates the KRG parliament on a digital stage (screenshot) | The presidency of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region has filed a legal case against…

Dana Taib Menmy (2021-01-26). Iraq: Kurdish parliament presidency files defamation lawsuit against poet. middleeasteye.net Iraq: Kurdish parliament presidency files defamation lawsuit against poet | Activists warn of risk to freedom of speech after KRG launches legal action over critical rap video | Tue, 01/26/2021 – 13: 23 | A still from Helgord Qehar's video 'Confusion', in which he berates the KRG parliament on a digital stage (screenshot) | The presidency of parliament in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region has…

Eds. (2021-01-26). NYC mayoral candidate Andrew Yang blasted for comparing BDS to 'fascist boycotts'. mronline.org One-time presidential hopeful faces backlash over op-ed saying BDS movement 'rooted in antisemitic thought and history'.

Staff (2021-01-26). Schumer Calls on Biden to Declare a Climate Emergency as Ice Loss Accelerates. truthout.org Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) called on President Joe Biden to declare the climate crisis a national emergency, echoing calls that other Democratic lawmakers and activists have been making in past months and years. | "I think it might be a good idea for President Biden to call a climate emergency,"

VINS (2021-01-26). Pro-BDS Activists Blacklisted and Labeled as Terrorist Supporters by Canary Mission. projectcensored.org Created in 2015, the anonymously-run, pro-Israel website CanaryMission.org aims to "document individuals and organizations that promote hatred of the USA, Israel and Jews on North American college campuses." The site is being used to…

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2021-01-26). NYC Pension Funds Set 'New Bar for Climate Finance Action' With Approval of $4 Billion Fossil Fuel Divestment. commondreams.org "Fossil fuels are not only bad for our planet and our frontline communities, they are a bad investment," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files…

Jeff Mackler (2021-01-26). Convict Donald Trump and the Bipartisan System That Put Him Into Power. counterpunch.org The world noticed when two billionaires, Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey, pushed a button and de-platformed Donald Trump from their social media empires. "After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the content around them," Twitter wrote, "we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence."

Fight Back (2021-01-26). Facebook shuts down community, women's groups and activists' pages without cause. fightbacknews.org Minneapolis, MN – On January 22, Facebook disabled the main pages of two major community organizations, Peoples Power Assembly and Women In Struggle/Mujeres En Lucha, as well as activists around the country who have played roles in either group, including Puerto Rican activist Berta Joubert-Ceci; Greg Butterfield, Struggle La Lucha writer; Cheryl La Bash, co-chair, National Network on Cuba; Maggie Vascassenno, Los Angeles Harriet Tubman Center for Social Justice; and others. | It also banished Peoples Power Assembly page editor Charlene Lady J. Jenkins, a founder of "What's Up Baltimore," whose Baltimore grassroo…

Fight Back (2021-01-26). Facebook shuts down community, women's groups and activists' pages without cause. fightbacknews.org Minneapolis, MN – On January 22, Facebook disabled the main pages of two major community organizations, Peoples Power Assembly and Women In Struggle/Mujeres En Lucha, as well as activists around the country who have played roles in either group, including Puerto Rican activist Berta Joubert-Ceci; Greg Butterfield, Struggle La Lucha writer; Cheryl La Bash, co-chair, National Network on Cuba; Maggie Vascassenno, Los Angeles Harriet Tubman Center for Social Justice; and others. | It also banished Peoples Power Assembly page editor Charlene Lady J. Jenkins, a founder of "What's Up Baltimore," whose Baltimore grassroo…

Medea Benjamin (2021-01-25). Robert Malley for Iran Envoy: A Test Case for Biden's Commitment to Diplomacy. mintpressnews.com Biden's response to the far-right uproar against Malley will be a test of his fortitude in standing up to the hawks and charting a new course for U.S. policy in the Middle East.

Medea Benjamin, Ariel Gold (2021-01-25). Rob Malley for Iran Envoy: A Test Case for Biden's Commitment to Diplomacy. commondreams.org Biden's response to the far-right uproar against Malley will be a test of his fortitude in standing up to the hawks and charting a new course for U.S. policy in the Middle East. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files…

Peoples Dispatch (2021-01-25). Activists demand justice for Giulio Regeni who was kidnapped and murdered in Egypt. peoplesdispatch.org Giulio Regeni, a 28-year-old Ph.D. student at Cambridge University, was kidnapped on January 25, 2016 from Cairo. His body was found a few days later with torture marks. He had been working on Egyptian trade unions for his dissertation…

Azad Essa (2021-01-25). Pressure builds on Biden to end support for Saudi-led war in Yemen. middleeasteye.net Pressure builds on Biden to end support for Saudi-led war in Yemen | As humanitarian crisis deepens, campaigners from around world rally for end to protracted conflict | Mon, 01/25/2021 – 17: 40 | Dozens of activists rallied outside office of Congressman Gregory Meeks to protest war in Yemen (MEE/Kawthar Abdullah) | In what is being described as one of the biggest coordinated anti-war efforts since the 2003 in…

Staff (2021-01-25). As an Eviction Crisis Looms, Tenant Organizing Explodes Across the Country. truthout.org It started last June with squatting. Quietly and without fanfare, Philadelphia activists affiliated with OccupyPHL and the Black Renter's Cooperative broke into long-vacant public housing buildings and supported houseless families moving in. Then came the massive, barricaded protest encampment on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a tree-lined oasis in the middle of the Pennsylvania city surrounded by some of Philadelphia's most expensive housing. | "They totally could have used the cops to disperse the…

RT (2021-01-25). Pro-LGBTQ anti-war activists, or right-wing extremists? Internet goes ballistic after Jimmy Dore interviews 'Boogaloo' member. rt.com Jimmy Dore has found himself at the center of an ideological internet feud after the left-wing pundit suggested that progressives share many common causes with the Boogaloo movement, often denounced as a far-right militia. | The popular political commentator and comedian interviewed a self-described "Boogaloo Boi," Magnus Panvidya, after seeing a video of the gun-toting radical denouncing US wars and corporate power during a speech in front of the Michigan State Capitol. | Noting that he couldn't find anything in the speech that he disagreed with, Dore explained that he decided to invite Panvidya onto his show…

commondreams (2021-01-25). NYC Pension Funds Begin Historic Fossil Fuel Divestment. commondreams.org ______________________________…

Amanda Marcotte (2021-01-25). Trump's coup didn't fail just from incompetence — credit the progressive activists who stopped him. salon.com To defeat the GOP's assault on democracy, it's critical for everyday voters to understand that they do have power…

Pip Hinman (2021-01-25). Activists take aim at Santos' greenwashing. greenleft.org.au Fossil Free SA and Extinction Rebellion SA organised a week of climate action from January 24 to draw attention to the disastrous impact of gas on the climate and to call for the Tour Down Under to #BreakAwayFromGas, reports Kerry Smith.

Rev. John Dear (2021-01-25). The beginning of the end for nuclear weapons. nationofchange.org Few antiwar activists ever thought they'd see nuclear weapons banned, but thanks to dedicated organizing, a historic UN treaty goes into effect today.