Archive

• Health care reform nears critical weekend vote in Congress
• Cuban ‘Ladies in White’ demand release of imprisoned relatives
• Marking Iraqi invasion, protesters turn toward broader anti-war strategy
• Nations wrap up round of free trade talks in Asia Pacific region
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• Disarmament deal in Niger Delta stalls over government inaction

On the national mall.  This is a tent on the campsite Cindy Sheehan built. 
Photo credit: Reporter, Karen Miller.

• Israel initiates air strikes on Gaza after rocket fire kills Thai national
• US, UN, EU and Russia condemn Israeli settlements
• Fighting in Yemen’s north possibly resolved
• Report: Mercury pollution on the rise
• Lt.  Dan Choi in court after Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell protest arrest

The clock is counting down to what could be one of the final votes on the massive health care bill. A vote in the House is expected this weekend. Much of the conversation has revolved around whether or not the Democrats have the support to pass it. FSRN’s Leigh Ann Caldwell reminds us what’s in the health care bill.

A group of Cuban women known as the "Ladies in White" continued their week of protests today to commemorate the seventh anniversary of a series of political arrests known as "Black Spring.” The women, who wear all white during their demonstrations, are mothers, wives, and friends of government critics.  

(Sounds of protest)

Cuban security forces broke up a demonstration on Wednesday and pro-government residents of Havana have booed and chanted down the Ladies in White every day this week.

The Ladies in White are demanding the release of over 50 imprisoned relatives. The Castro government calls the prisoners "counter-revolutionaries" and "mercenaries".  

One of the prisoners, Orlando Zapata Tamayo, died last month after an 85-day hunger strike. His death drew international condemnation and attention to prisoners supported by the Ladies in White. The women plan to continue their demonstrations through Sunday.

Today marks the 7th anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq. Activists are gearing up for anti-war rallies on Saturday in Washington DC, Los Angeles and San Francisco. But as FSRN’s Karen Miller reports, the activists are not only focusing on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan but also on the future of the anti-war movement.

On the national mall.  This is a tent on the campsite Cindy Sheehan built.  Photo credit: Reporter, Karen Miller.

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Today wraps up an early round of free trade negotiations in Melbourne, Australia. Eight countries are working toward a deal that would cover the Asia Pacific region. The Transpacific Partnership Trade deal would impact 470 million people in the eight countries with a combined GDP of around $16 trillion. Those countries are Australia, Peru, Vietnam, Chile, Singapore, New Zealand and Brunei. Also joining the talks is the United States – in what could be the first trade agreement of the Obama Administration.

We’re joined by Lori Wallach. She’s the director of Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch division, a nongovernmental organization based in Washington DC.

Today wraps up an early round of free trade negotiations in Melbourne, Australia. Eight countries are working toward a deal that would cover the Asia Pacific region. The Transpacific Partnership Trade deal would impact 470 million people in the eight countries with a combined GDP of around $16 trillion. Those countries are Australia, Peru, Vietnam, Chile, Singapore, New Zealand and Brunei. Also joining the talks is the United States – in what could be the first trade agreement of the Obama Administration.

We’re joined by Lori Wallach. She’s the director of Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch division, a nongovernmental organization based in Washington DC.