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In December 2022, an intentional attack on the electrical grid in Moore County, North Carolina, caused a widespread blackout that lasted for five days. The attack, which involved high-powered firearms at two electrical substations, resulted in significant disruptions to daily life, including school closures and the death of an elderly woman who relied on an oxygen machine. Despite a state of emergency being declared and a reward offered for information leading to an arrest, no suspects have been named and there have been no arrests. The incident occurred in the context of a debate surrounding a drag show in the area, which faced opposition and threats from anti-LGBTQ groups. The attack on the grid is part of a larger trend of white supremacist groups advocating for attacks on critical infrastructure. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the views of several individuals on the next steps that progressives should take following the victory of Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. According to Suzanne Kahn, vice president of the think tank at the Roosevelt Institute, progressives must develop an agenda that uses every available tool to address the structural causes of the rising costs driving the anger of Americans. Educator Rann Miller suggests ways of strategizing for future elections.

The article discusses present economic and environmental crisis is closely related with and is a part and parcel of the capitalist economic system, as of August 2018. It explores how British Labour Party is planning to transform the economy. It reports that how, Across the world, capitalist and socialist practices and policies vary, from land trusts and community gardens to local-first contracting and public takeovers of private utilities.

The article offers information on the challenges faced by the U.S. on several topics including due to legislative bill to restrict transgender access to public restrooms and prevent municipalities from enacting new anti-discrimination ordinances, and violence at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. It highlights a report "Go There Ready for War" which highlighted a growing "paramilitary industrial complex" fueled by a virtually unmonitored stream of military-grade weapons, training, and ideology.

The article discusses the Irish political party Sinn Féin within the context of the centennial of the 1916 Easter Rebellion in Dublin, Ireland, Sinn Féin's policy on austerity, an election in Northern Ireland and the Troubles of Northern Ireland from the late 1960s through 1998. An overview of Belfast, Northern Ireland politics, including the image of Irish independence leader James Connolly on building facades in the city, is provided.

The article discusses initiatives to improve the labor conditions of workers in the restaurant industry as of September 2013, focusing on the initiatives of the advocate Saru Jayaraman and the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United (ROC) organization. Topics include lawsuits, Jayaraman's book "Behind the Kitchen Door," and the National Restaurant Association in the U.S.

A profile of activist playwright Eve Ensler is presented, who wrote the play "The Vagina Monologues" and who sponsors anti-violence protests and the organization V-Day. Violence against women, a 2002 profile of Ensler that ran in "The New York Times" newspaper, and a speech she gave for Amnesty International are discussed. Ensler's 2012 play "Emotional Creature," based on her book "I Am an Emotional Creature," was produced by Carole Black and Pat Mitchell, and the rehearsals for the play are described. Ensler's goal to encourage one billion women to protest on February 14, 2013, titled One Billion Rising (OBR), is also mentioned.

The article focuses on the provision of care at home to elderly, ill, or disabled people, which it notes is a rapidly growing industry. As the U.S. population ages, the demand for home care workers will rise, offering the potential to create millions of new jobs. It profiles the activist organization Caring Across Generations, which is organizing both home care workers and consumers to improve the training, working conditions, and wages of home care workers, along with the organization's co-director Ai-jen Poo. A campaign to extend federal minimum-wage and overtime rules to home care workers is noted. Others working on the issue are discussed, including Ellen Bravo of Family Values @ Work, Deepak Bhargava of the Center for Community Change, and Sarita Gupta of Jobs With Justice.

The article discusses public participation by Democratic voters in U.S. presidential elections. The author states that former president Bill Clinton won the election through television advertising and direct mail. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has several new sources for the 2008 election including a functioning computerized voter file accessible through a single online tool. How candidate Barack Obama is benefiting from this is also discussed.

The article discusses the grassroots organizers behind the candidates that have been elected to office in Montana. The author visits with founders of the Montana Women Vote coalition and organizers of Native American voter turnout organizations to discover the political strategies that brought their issues and candidates to voters. The author attributes the success of the "Montana Miracle" to the progressive movement that worked hard to get votes throughout the state.

The author claims that the Bush administration is trying to soften its hard-core conservative image by employing supposedly moderate women such as Condoleezza Rice, Elaine Chao, Ann Veneman and Laura Bush. The Bushwomen are the Administration's way of sending two contradictory messages at once. Even as her husband courts social conservatives, Laura Bush lulls moderate voters into believing that the White House is not really in the clutches of the extreme right. Likewise, when the President declared the University of Michigan law school's affirmative action policy unconstitutional, Rice came out with a different line: "I believe that while race-neutral means are preferable it is appropriate to use race as one factor among others in achieving a diverse student body." As election 2004 approaches, the Bushwomen are on the march. The President's re-election requires appealing to as many constituencies as possible. On the campaign trail, the Bushwomen's mission is to help the GOP solve its female problem. For twenty years, a smaller percentage of women than men have cast their votes for Republicans for President. As the President's promises on job creation fall flat, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao fronts the Administration line that the economy is full of opportunity. Who better for that job than a self-described Chinese immigrant who is perceived to have risen to high office by dint of family determination, smarts and hard work alone? As US fatalities crossed the 500 mark this January, Chao turned up in Baghdad with a message for Iraqi women. "In a democracy the most important factor is energy," she said.

The article presents information related to political situation in the U.S., as of December 22, 1997. Attorney General Janet Reno opted against appointing an independent counsel to investigate U.S. President Bill Clinton and Vice President Albert Gore for phoning for funds from the White House. In the narrowest sense, Reno was correct. The murderous Thanksgiving Day assault that left crusading Tijuana editor Jesus Blancornelas gravely wounded and cost the life of a valued assistant should come as no surprise. Three Mexican journalists have met violent deaths this year and a score more have been beaten, bullied or otherwise intimidated a consequence of the diligent practice of their profession.

This article presents several socio-political developments in the U.S. and at international level, as of March 17, 1997. It is by now a commonplace to point out that the centrifugal forces in publishing that created the juggernauts depicted, also created opportunities for publishers not in the mainstream. Of course, "independent" publishing is no more independent of the economic and political climate than anything else. Literary houses have frequently become nonprofit and supplicant to outside funding. Another development focuses on the effects of economic transition of China from Maoism to free market. In the countryside, land and water shortages brought on by rapid urbanization have created 100 million "surplus farm workers," an economically desperate army of displaced transient laborers whose numbers are sure to grow as China follows its plan to build 600 new cities in the next fourteen years.

The article discusses the women's rights movement in the U.S. as of 2013, with information on collective bargaining for gender equality. Topics include pay equity; sex discrimination against women; reproductive rights; premiums for women's healthcare; and the extreme poverty rate among women in the U.S. The proposed updates to the Violence Against Women Act are discussed, with information on law and legislation related to abortion, the rights of pregnant women, and women in labor union leadership positions at the Chicago Teachers Union.

The article reports that U.S. feminist groups are helping to advocate on behalf of undocumented women after several states instituted stricter anti-immigrant laws. Organizations such as the National Domestic Workers Alliance and the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum have pressured lawmakers on issues such as domestic violence and child welfare. Battered immigrant women are often denied the protections and resources they need because of concern for their legal status and risk losing custody of their children. The numbers of U.S.-born children of undocumented parents in foster care are rising with the increases in deportations.

The article examines the concept of the U.S. Patriot Act, with regard to the conduction of library surveillance. With the section 215 of the Act in hand, law enforcement agents are appealing to the patriotism of librarians in order to gather information on people the government suspects of having ties to terrorists or plotting an attack. According to the data collected by library sciences professor Leigh Estabrook, 85 of the libraries surveyed report that authorities requested information about their patrons pursuant to the events of September 11. In accordance with the passage of the Act, the American Library Association released a set of guidelines to inform librarians of what search warrants and subpoenas were and how they could react if in fact they were presented with such documents.

Presents several letters to the editor. Information about civil rights laws in the U.S.; Controversial views about race in the U.S.; Information about nonprofit healthcare providers.

This article presents information on political developments in different parts of the world. As the periodical "The Economist" pointed out, the real lifelines, water and power, will remain under Serbian control. Nor will bombing halt ethnic cleansing, which persists in areas likely to remain securely in Serbian hands. To pay for expanded job programs for welfare recipients, the Administration is considering taxing welfare benefits, food stamps and housing assistance in the United States. The tax suggestions, in line with the 1990 Budget Act, were accompanied by other Swiftian modest proposals, such as lopping off monthly $434 payments to elderly or disabled indigent immigrants.

This article focuses on the United Nations World Conference on Human Rights, which was held this June in Vienna. The historic gathering in Vienna cultivated precisely the kind of panic-mode polemics in which the U.S. antiporn litigator excels. Getting an audience in Vienna was no small feat. Twenty- five years alter the last such event, the conference was besieged by more than 2,000 human rights groups all battling to have a say in the world's definition of right and wrong. Their targets were the delegates from 160 countries who were mustered to draft a 1990's addendum to the U.N.'s canon on human rights. The strength of the women lay in their advance planning. More than two years ago an international coalition came together to strategize for Vienna.

An interview with Steven Oh the chief business officer of online news show "The Young Turks" and its host Ana Kasparian is presented. When asked why they have banned the American presidential candidate Donald Trump and Ann Coulter the political commentator, Oh said that they do not think that both of them are honest in all their opinions. When asked what makes a young Turk, Ana replies he or she is a passionate, assertive, strong individual not worried about suppressing him/herself.

The article discusses "Jackson Rising: New Economics Conference," a gathering held in May, 2014 in Jackson, Mississippi. Former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba conceived of the conference, which sought to address the concerns of the worker cooperatives that were part of Lumumba's plans to revive Jackson's economy.

An interview with street artist Caledonia Curry Swoon is presented. Topics discussed include her interest in fine arts and paintings which made her drive toward street art, her collaboration with the artist-driven arts nonprofit New Orleans Airlift for an cultural art project in New Orleans, Louisiana, and her support to Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.

Highlights the alleged stealth tactics by the United States ideological right and conservatives. Link up with women, people of color and marginalized Americans to cast themselves as anti-establishment; Working with the left and co-opting its positions; Focus on 'civil rights'; Caution against so-called new-right legal activists including Linda Chavez, Ann Coulter and Ward Connelly.

Lists the ten laws reported in the report `Words and Deeds: Holding Governments Accountable in the Beijing + 5 Review Process' that affect a broad range of women. Includes marital status; Economic status; Marital rape; Domestic violence.

The article offers commentary about the prospect that the 2008 U.S. presidential election will be decided by superdelegates, and how political parties pander to their interest groups. The U.S. Republican Party courts religious leaders, while Democratic candidates pander to the political center and swing voters. Many political organizations do not endorse candidates for fear of losing their tax status.

Reports on the involvement of the Independent Women's Forum, the right wing's antifeminist front, in Iraq. Plan of the State Department to promote freedom, faith and free markets through promoting women's issues in Iraq; Service by the IWF of an economic agenda based on free market capitalism, corporate rights, and government deregulation; Concern that efforts in Iraq must be focused on such things as the provision of clean water rather than such issues as government deregulation.

An interview with multimedia artist Laurie Anderson is presented. The topics of the interview include the telepresence project of Anderson and Mohammed el Gharani, a former child prisoner at the Guantánamo Bay detention Camp in Cuba, entitled "Habeas Corpus," the U.S. government's policy against all former Guantanamo detainees and how el Gharani learned the English language.

An interview with the poet, rapper, and filmmaker Boots Riley is presented. He discusses his views on U.S. social movements, including his involvement in the movement Occupy Oakland in Oakland, California. He offers an opinion on the film "Straight Outta Compton" and the rap group NWA. His views on political elections and capitalism are addressed.

An interview is provided with the science fiction scholar Adrienne Brown and poet, filmmaker and activist Walidah Imarisha. When asked about the themes of the black science fiction writer Octavia Butler within Brown and Imarisha's book "Octavia's Brood," Imarisha comments on the relationship between activism and science fiction. Brown discusses community organizing in Detroit, Michigan. Imarisha comments on the role that science fiction stories play in conceptualizing social justice.

Interviews feminist activists on the advances made by feminism during 1999. Includes Ellen R. Malcolm; Kavita Ramdas; June Zeitlin; Views on women in politics; Discussion on women's reproductive rights and discrimination. INSETS: Pedal pusher.;Sweden's skeleton..

Focuses on efforts by international women's, religious, and reproductive rights groups to challenge the Roman Catholic Church's status as nonmember state permanent observer at the United Nations during the Cairo+5 conference on population and development held June 1999. Holy See's influence on the United Nations' health policies; Activities of the Holy See delegation at the conference.

Focuses on crimes against humanity, looking at the experiences of Rwandan women and the rape of approximately 250,000 to 500,000 in less than 100 days. Who was responsible for the rape; Who has offered medical treatment and counseling to women; Details on the issue. INSET: Rwanda tribunal.

During the Gulf War, Major General Ronald Blanck was director of professional services in the office of the Army's Surgeon General. He was in charge of formulating the Army's "medical operations" policy, he says. Now he is commander of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, one of two specialized care centers that on December 13, 1994, were granted up to $20 million between them for new research into "Gulf War Syndrome." "Of paramount concern to us is the safety of our patients," Blanck said. He said the same thing about the soldiers under his care during the war. Back then he approved the use of pyridostigmine bromide, an experimental drug issued to soldiers as a "pretreatment" against the effects of a possible nerve gas attack.

Presents several letters to the editor. Criticism to Carlin Romano's review of Catharine MacKinnon's Only Words; Misleading impression of the book "Democracy and the Problem of Free Speech;" Creation of a rape fantasy.

An interview with writer Eve Ensler is presented. Topics include her role in the theatrical production "O.P.C." at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts beginning on November 28, 2014, her authorship of the theatrical production "The Vagina Monologues," and her creation of V-Day, a day protesting violence against women.

The article presents an interview with Winona LaDuke, a member of the Native American Anishinaabe nation from the White Earth Reservation in Minnesota. Topics include her activism for women, indigenous people, and the environment, why she opposes the Keystone XL pipeline project, and why she blames oil companies for diverting water and drilling on Native American reservation land.

An interview with Green Party Richmond, California, Mayor Gayle McLaughlin is presented. Asked about the mortgage relief being provided to borrowers by U.S. banks, she says too little of the relief is in a form that allows families to stay in their homes. Other topics include petroleum company Chevron and the possible use of eminent domain to acquire and restructure mortgage loans.

An obituary is presented for Bob Edgar, head of the nonprofit government watchdog organization Common Cause and a former U.S. Congressman.

The article discusses the project "Loopholes for All" by activist-artist Paolo Cirio, who offers offshore tax havens for U.S. taxpayers seeking to protest tax evasion as a form of civil disobedience, with information on the response of the electronic payment company PayPal.

Relates the views of feminists living in Afghanistan on how the Taliban government treat Afghan women. How the Taliban treated women; Background on the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan; Comparison between the Northern Alliance and the Taliban with regards to women's rights policy.

Profiles feminist Amber Hollibaugh. Information on her book 'My Dangerous Desires, A Queer Girl Dreaming Her Way Home'; Her participation in movements for civil rights, women, people with AIDS, gays and lesbians, bisexuals and transgender persons; Her family background.

Reports on developments regarding feminist activism worldwide as of June 1999. Cessation of the Women in Black Against War's public vigils in Belgrade, Yugoslavia; Highlights of the Women of Burma Day; Details on the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital's efforts to treat and prevent fistula in Ethiopia; Profile of Lois Gibbs, founder of the Center for Health, Environment and Justice.

Focuses on the role of various feminist women talk show hosts in American radio broadcasting. Ratio of women radio commentators; Most widely heard women talk show hosts in the United States; Top 25 women talk show hosts cataloged by `Talkers Magazine.'

Looks at evidence of worker dissatisfaction at a Fruit of the Loom factory in Derry (Londonderry), Ireland. The quota system, in which mostly female workers are paid according to what they produce; Criticisms of the union agreement; Trade union organizing in Ireland.

Presents several letters to the editor. Discussion on feminist activism at the World Human Rights Conference; Emphasis on monthly employment numbers that disguises real long-term economic decline in the quality of jobs; Comments on the role of sexual violation in women's economic subordination.

If you look at the whole country during this time period, the murder rate is 40 percent higher in red states, which comes from a couple things. - Laura Flanders LF: Homicide rates are higher than they've been in decades in Philadelphia. Q&A On the last day of business before the 2022 midterms, Martina White, a Republican state representative, filed articles for Krasner's impeachment. [Extracted from the article]

The article considers nine people who put equal rights at risk by their actions or inactions therefore affecting the gay community in the U.S. The list include Sean O'Malley, Randall Tobias, Terry McAuliffe, Laura Bush, Tom Coburn, Marilyn Musgrave, James Dobson, Antonin Scalia and Karl Rove. Sean O'Malley, archbishop of Boston. Even as his archdiocese is closing three dozen parishes to pay for legal settlements in the worst child abuse scandal in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, O' Malley's pouring money into fighting marriage equality in Massachusetts. Randall Tobias, U.S. global AIDS coordinator, faces pressure from the World Health Organization and international AIDS groups to spend U.S. AIDS money on cheaper generic drugs. But Tobias, former CEO of Eli Lilly & Co., resists. With 40 million people infected with HIV worldwide, Tobias disparages generics and sexual transmission education and supports condoms only as a last resort for high-risk populations. Terry McAuliffe, chair of the Democratic National Committee, counts on incoming dollars from loyal LGBT voters. Democrats pledged to kill the antigay Federal Marriage Amendment with 48 senators and an unpopular measure, defeat should be a snap. But now they're going weak over lesser-not-equal civil unions. Laura Bush, first lady and former librarian. She lulls socially moderate voters into believing that the White House is not in the clutches of an extremist religious cult.