Archive - Apr 28, 2009

• Supreme Court round-up
• Congress considers hate crimes legislation
• Democrats debate cap and trade provision
• Black farmers still waiting for payment
• Violence displaces civilians in Pakistan
• Commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal

• Federal Appellate Court reopens suit in “rendition” flights
• Swine Flu – FDA: Tamiflu can be given to younger kids, all schools in Mexico closed
• US Senator Arlen Specter changes political parties
• Venezuela recalls Ambassador to Peru in asylum row
• Hope for Homeowners gets more hopeful
• Nigerian soldiers get life in prison – for protesting for back pay

The Supreme Court ruled today that a death row resident in Tennessee was denied key evidence in his trial, and ordered a Federal review of his sentence. Gary Bradford Cone was found guilty of murder in 1980. While Cone’s guilt has never been at issue, he invoked an insanity defense citing post traumatic stress disorder following his service in Viet Nam and subsequent drug addiction. The high court found that the prosecution withheld information about Cone’s mental state that may well have resulted in a life sentence – rather than the death penalty.

Congress is set to take up hate crimes legislation. The law would be expanded to protect gay, lesbian, transgender, and people with disabilities. Advocates are championing the bill, calling it long overdue. But as FSRN’s Leigh Ann Caldwell reports, some LGBT advocates say legislation is not the best way to stop hate crimes.

As FSRN reported yesterday, the battle to curb greenhouse gas emissions is heating up in Washington. Today, we take a closer look at one provision – the controversial cap and trade program. As FSRN’s Yanmei Xie reports, before Democrats face off with Republicans, they have to slug it out among themselves.

Black farmers demonstrated in front of the Department of Agriculture in Washington today, telling the Obama administration to move on payouts for past discrimination. FSRN’s Karen Miller has more.

Pakistan’s government forces have opened a new battlefield – just 100 miles from the capitol, Islamabad. As the military extends its fight against Taliban militants, the latest offensive threatens a delicate peace deal between the Taliban and government – and is displacing hundreds of civilians in the process.  FSRN’s Rose Ketabchi reads for our correspondent in Peshawar, Gabe Mathews.