Murders fuel anti-immigrant tirades
On Aug. 4, four African American Delaware State University students, Dashon Harvey, Iofemi Hightower, Terrance Aeriel and his sister, Natasha Aeriel, were shot execution-style in a Newark, N.J., elementary schoolyard. Only Natasha survived. Newark Mayor Cory Booker called the victims “good kids with bright futures who had never been in trouble.”
Key civil liberties case on trial
DALLAS — One of the most important civil liberties trials in recent times has been under way here since July 26. Each day, government prosecutors inundate the jury with evidence of the Holy Land Foundation’s involvement in providing assistance to the suffering people of Palestine without any mention of actual crimes.
UN says Gaza Strip facing economic collapse
UNITED NATIONS — The Gaza Strip is in danger of a general economic collapse, said a high level UN official, unless Karni crossing, the main point of entry for commercial goods into the territory, is reopened soon.
REFLECTIONS ON SOCIALISM
Is socialism dead or on the rise? What’s the Communist Party USA got to say about a socialist revolution in the United States? Read “Reflections on Socialism” by Sam Webb, CPUSA national chair, to find out.
Corbin Harney, Western Shoshone leader, 87
Corbin Harney, a spiritual leader of the Western Shoshone nation and internationally-renowned anti-nuclear activist, died near Santa Rosa, Calif., on July 10, of complications from cancer.
Fridamania
Across the globe, celebrations and exhibitions are marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907–1954). In contrast with the modesty of her art, the celebrity-style hype about her life has elevated the artist to iconic status — reminiscent of the Mexican religions icons and retablos (altarpieces) that she collected.
Anti-immigrant politician provokes crisis
SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — This populous suburban/rural county on eastern Long Island, on the outskirts of the New York City metropolitan area, has a large and increasingly politicized immigrant population. Lately, they have often found themselves at odds with the strident anti-immigrant rhetoric and actions of Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy.
Women unite vs. domestic violence
PITTSBURGH — Domestic violence takes place behind drawn shades and frequently in front of children, who are often victims, and falls into the “dirty little secret” category of the law, where women’s voices and pleas fall on deaf ears. That’s about to change here.
Salsa anyone?
Ricardo Lemvo performed Congolese soukous, rumba, Cuban son and salsa at the 11th annual Chicago SummerDance in the city’s downtown, June 28. Lemvo, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, moved to Los Angeles at age 15 to live with his father and pursue his studies.
Puerto Rico remains a colony, panel says
The colonial status of Puerto Rico is once again coming up for review by the United Nations General Assembly. The UN’s Special Decolonization Committee placed the issue on the larger body’s agenda by unanimously adopting a resolution June 14. The resolution was sponsored by Cuba and Venezuela.
