AFL-CIO, SEIU leaders take off gloves in Solis fight
Original source: After keeping a low profile while GOP legislators blocked Obama's Labor Secretary nominee Hilda Solis because of her support of the Employee Free Choice Act, top labor leaders today came out swinging. The right-wing has seized on the newly revealed tax problems of her husband and her unpaid, ceremonial position with a pro-union organization, American Rights at Work, claiming a conflict of interest.
Prague, Washington meet on anti-missile shield
Prague, (Prensa Latina) Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg traveled to the US Sunday to discuss the projected positioning of part of the anti-missile shield, encouraged by former US President George W. Bush, in the central European nation.
Russia permits US forces on territory
Reposted from Morningstar RUSSIA said on Friday that it will allow US military supplies for Afghanistan to cross its territory. Moscow has agreed to open routes for 'non-lethal' supplies. It will provide an important alternative to roads through Pakistan, where locals have frequently attacked convoys.
600,000 jobs lost: How bad does it have to get for Republicans to act?
Original source: With today’s unemployment report showing nearly 600,000 jobs lost in January—worsening the U.S. unemployment rate from 7.2 percent to 7.6 percent—will obstructionist Republicans in Congress finally move the economic recovery bill?
Race to fill congressional seat draws wide attention
CHICAGO — The special election to fill the congressional seat vacated by new White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel has generated widespread interest here. Nowhere was that more evident when over 550 people jammed into a Super Bowl Sunday candidate forum at DePaul University, Feb. 1. Another 100 people, prevented from entering by fire marshals, listened to a live broadcast by the local Air America affiliate.
Seeger—at any age—is sheer inspiration
Pete Seeger’s “At 89” presents new recordings by the inspirational artist and his personal reflections from a life’s work still in progress. For Seeger fans — and newcomers — it is all that you would expect: a wonderful tribute to a man whose principled life spans almost nine decades.
Rally calls for moratorium on school closings
CHICAGO — Hundreds of teachers, parents, students, union leaders and local activists rallied here Jan. 28th at the Chicago Board of Education building against the board’s plan to close, consolidate, phase out and “turn around” more than 20 schools. Protesters led a march downtown chanting, with signs in hand, speaking out against the measure which, they say, will displace students and teachers, throw communities in turmoil, put hundreds out of work and undermine public education in Chicago.
Veterans, families and unionists testify to Iraq War's true cost
CHICAGO -- Unionists, elected officials and several hundred assorted spectators gathered in downtown Chicago at the Teamster City Auditorium, recently, to hear testimony from Iraqi war veterans and others directly affected by the war. The hearing, entitled “War's Real Impact: Our Voices”, sought to bring attention to the hardship and suffering incurred on veterans, workers, military families and students.
Sudan: Conditions getting worse for Darfur civilians
NAIROBI, 4 February 2009 (IRIN) - Conditions for civilians caught up in fighting between the Sudanese government and rebels in the South Darfur town of Muhajiriya are getting worse, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned.
