Newscast for Thursday, July 9, 2009

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Negotiations begin over Honduras crisis
International mediation over the political crisis in Honduras began in Costa Rica Thursday. Deposed President Manuel Zelaya and de facto President Roberto Micheletti  flew to the Central American nation this morning. And although it´s still not clear whether both men will meet head to head they will discuss their demands with Costa Rican president Oscar Arias.
Zelaya has demanded his immediate return to power and the resignation of the de facto government within the next 24 hours. Micheletti says he will not have the ousted President back in power under any circumstances.  Arias is trying to broker a deal between both sides, but will he succeed?
FSRN took this question to Larry Birns, a former diplomat and Latin America expert, who currently directs the Washington based Council on Hemispheric Affairs.

Supporters of ousted President Zelaya take to Honduras streets
In Honduras, supporters of Manuel Zelaya are denouncing the coup and demanding the deposed President´s return.  Thousands gathered in the streets of Tegucigalpa today, with many saying that they have nothing to negotiate with the de facto government.  FSRN´s Tim Russo reports.

Rebuilding of Gaza undermined by Israeli blockade
Six months after the Israeli army attacks on Gaza stopped, hundreds of Palestinian families are still either living in tents, with relatives or in rented houses, after their homes were destroyed by the violence.  The international community pledged some $4 billion to help rebuild, but the Israeli government isn´t allowing building materials into the Palestinian territory. FSRN´s Rami Almeghari reports.

Progressive congressmembers oppose White House on health care reform
In Washington DC today, progressive members of the House of Representatives took a hard stance on health care reform, telling the White House that new legislation must include a strong public option.  The coalition of progressive lawmakers is large enough and united enough to influence the final outcome.  FSRN’s Leigh Ann Caldwell reports.

US Senate backs controversial hiring scheme
On Wednesday, the US Senate passed an amendment to make the controversial E-Verify program permanent for federal contractors. The program requires employers to electronically verify if a potential employee is eligible to work.  Critics say the program is flawed and will make hiring costly and cumbersome. FSRN´s Karen Miller has more.

Report says violence against LGBT community rises in US
The New York Anti-Violence project recently released a report that shows an uptick in violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people in the US. Recent gay bashing incidents in New York highlight this trend.  WBAI'S Rebecca Myles reports.

Travelling art exhibit shows Iraq violence
The UCLA Hammer museum in Los Angeles hosted a traveling exhibit by British artist Jeremy Deller in May. The exhibit, titled “It is what it is: Conversations about Iraq” featured the remains of a car-bomb explosion wreck brought out from the war-torn country. It will make its way to Chicago in October. FSRN reporter Leo Paz has more from Los Angeles