Illinois: Panel proposes changes in death penalty
The report of a special panel appointed by Illinois Governor George Ryan to study application of the death penalty was released last month. Although the report's 80 recommendations for change stop short of recommending abolition, many people are now drawing the conclusion that the only way innocent people can be saved from execution is by ending the death penalty. For the entire article, click on the headline. For backgrouhnd information, visit the Illinois Coalition Against the Death Penalty.
Demand at rally: 'No cuts in education'
SACRAMENTO - Students, teachers and parents came to the state capitol here May 9 to demand that there be no cuts in state funding for education in the state's budget for 2003.
In Tel Aviv: 100,000 rally for peace
TEL AVIV - Over 100,000 demonstrators filled Rabin Square here May 11 under the slogans, 'End the occupation that kills us all,' and 'Sharon leads us to a catastrophe.'
Death penalty foes win in Maryland
BALTIMORE - Maryland Gov. Parris Glendening's May 9 decision to halt executions pending completion of a study of racial bias in capital punishment drew strong praise from death penalty opponents this week. In announcing his decision, Glendening cited reports showing that 101 death row inmates across the nation have been exonerated since 1978, raising concerns that innocent people have been wrongfully convicted and executed.
Steelworker wins key election
GARY, Ind. - A grassroots campaign by steelworker and union leader Mary Elgin resulted in what is being called the biggest political upset in decades in this solidly working-class community. Elgin defeated Dozier Allen for Calumet Township Trustee with 48 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary. A victory in the primary here is tantamount to being elected, since there is rarely a Republican challenge. For the entire article, click on the headline. Elgin is also a local leader of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists.
Election battle heats up as Bush met by protest
CHICAGO - Over 300 demonstrators representing 35 organizations denounced Bush administration policies outside the Sheraton Hotel here May 13, while the President was inside wining and dining with Republican fat cats. Bush was here to tout his welfare reform proposals and raise campaign funds for Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Ryan, who is battling Democrat Rod Blagojevich.
Afghanistan, Central Asia, Caucasus: Key to oil profits
A picture is emerging of what is behind Bush's 'war on terrorism.' For the entire article, click on the headline. To see a background article from the Asia Times, click here.
International Notes
China condemns new U.S.-Taiwan military cooperation / Mexican hunger strikers demand amnesty law / Peace advocate: U.S. develops laser arms in Australia / Sri Lanka to rebuild economy in former war zone / Canadian public workers win strike
Immigration reform launched in 30 cities
LOS ANGELES - Leaders from community, labor and religious organizations launched a major campaign for immigration reform in 30 cities across the nation May 15.
Carter in Cuba: 'End U.S. embargo'
In a speech on Cuban TV May 14, former President Jimmy Carter called for an end to the U.S. blockade against Cuba. His remarks came as Bush administration claims that Cuba is making biological weapons and sharing information about them continued to unravel.
