Newscast for Thursday, February 21, 2013

Trial begins for alleged Stratfor leaker Jeremy Hammond as US government announces further crackdown on hacktivists

Citing an increased hacking threat from groups like Anonymous, Lulzsec and Wikileaks, the Obama Administration unveiled a plan this week to protect what they call the “trade secrets” of US corporations. The document calls for companies to implement voluntary cybersecurity protections, and promises more investigations and prosecutions of activists who, quote, “use the tools of economic espionage.” The announcement comes as one prominent “hacktivist” begins a trial in New York City that could result in life in prison. Lawyers for alleged e-mail leaker Jeremy Hammond say the federal Judge weighing his case has a serious conflict of interest. FSRN’s Alice Ollstein has more.

Toxic fracking dump in Ohio river reveals weak oversight, gaps in regulation

Clean up continues on an Ohio river where tens of thousands of toxic waste from hydraulic fracturing was dumped two weeks ago. Ohio’s Environmental Protection Agency said tests confirmed that the waste includes hazardous chemicals such as benzene and that the waste reached the Mahoning River near Youngstown. Ben Lupo, CEO of D&L Energy and owner of Hardrock Excavating faces charges of violating the Clean Water Act and dumping more than a quarter million gallons of fracking waste in the area. Lupo pleaded not guilty last week after his arrest. According to Ohio’s attorney general the state received an anonymous tip on January 31 and inspectors arrived to find a hose, connected to a storage tank, discharging black waste water into a storm water drain at the facility. For more we’re joined by Julian Boggs policy advocate with Environment Ohio. He joins us from Columbus.

Detroit anti-eviction campaign keeps families in their homes

In Detroit, Michigan, the city many consider the epicenter of the nation’s subprime loan and foreclosure crisis, banks continue to evict residents from their homes at an alarming pace. Wayne County has the second highest foreclosure rate in the state, according to RealtyTrac. But citizens are fighting back. Over the past year a growing grassroots movement has used community action to block evictions and keep families in their homes. Now, some of those helped by the movement are taking the reins of its leadership. FSRN’s Jaisal Noor has more from Detroit.