Author: From the Wire
Trump-connected lobbyists have raked in $10 billion in Covid-19 aid for corporate clients
“The crisis offered an especially lucrative opportunity for those lobbyists who enjoy close ties to President Donald Trump and his administration—and they seized it.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Tuesday, July 7 In yet another sign…
Some small businesses received just $1 in Covid-19 Relief loans as Kushner family, Wall Street investors raked in millions
“Serious questions remain about whether PPP funds were equitably distributed to minority-owned businesses, and there is an alarming rate of small-dollar loans.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Tuesday, July 7 The Kushner family, large chains backed…
As colleges resort to online learning, ICE issues rule pushing international students out of US
“The Trump administration is using ICE to threaten universities into teaching in person by threatening international students with deportation if they’re all online.” by Julia Conley, staff writer Monday, July 6 Immigrant rights advocates were angered…
On Wednesday, Nationwide Day of Action to target GOP Senators for going on vacation as pandemic surges
‘They Are Failing’ “Millions of workers—essential and unemployed—do not have the luxury of a vacation and our elected officials are not entitled to take one during this crisis.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Monday, July 6…
Trump Administration discloses some recipients of $670 billion small business bailout
After resisting its release, the administration revealed information on companies that received more than $150,000 in PPP funds. by Paul Kiel and Justin Elliott Monday, July 6, 8:35-AM MST After months of delays and outright refusals,…
‘The future does not belong to you,’ climate campaigners say to big oil after cancellation of 600-Mile Atlantic Coast Pipeline
“Duke and Dominion did not decide to cancel the Atlantic Coast Pipeline—the people and frontline organizations that led this fight for years forced them into walking away.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Monday, July 6 Following…
US Covid infection rate hits record high for 27th straight day
Fears of Going ‘Through Hell Again’ “With American lives on the line, the question now is whether members of the Republican Party will continue to stand by in silence as the President peddles fiction about a…
‘Monumental Victory’: Tribes and climate activists celebrate court-ordered shutdown of Dakota Access Pipeline
“If the events of 2020 have taught us anything, it’s that health and justice must be prioritized early on in any decision-making process if we want to avoid a crisis later on.” by Jessica Corbett, staff…
Sanders calls on ‘Do-Nothing’ Senate to approve $2,000 monthly checks, cancel rent, and expand Medicare
“This I know: nothing will happen unless the American people stand up, fight back, and demand, in overwhelming numbers, that the Senate act.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Monday, July 6 Sen. Bernie Sanders on Sunday…
How — and when — can the coronavirus vaccine become a reality?
It is likely we’ll eventually have a coronavirus vaccine — but perhaps not as quickly as some expect. From development, to clinical trials and distribution, ProPublica reporter Caroline Chen explains the tremendous challenges that lie ahead….
Stone Mountain, Georgia: The flashpoint now at center of Confederate monument removals
The mountain, known for its massive Confederate memorial carving, was the location of the rebirth of the Ku Klux Klan in 1915. by Common Dreams staff Sunday, July 5 The planet’s largest Confederate monument—Stone Mountain outside…
With new infections soaring, the Trump’s host a July 4th Pandemic Party at the White House
The White House is preparing to change its messaging on the coronavirus, to tell Americans it simply has to be lived with. by Common Dreams staff Saturday, July 4 Hundreds of thousands of people converged…
Ethical challenges loom over decisions to resume in-person college classes
Texas, California, Arizona and Florida are already low on spare intensive care hospital beds, without universities in session. A large outbreak among students, faculty and staff might quickly overwhelm campus health centers and local hospitals. by…
‘Trump Death Clock’ unveiled to spur accountability for President’s fatal Covid-19 failures
“This suffering cannot be forgotten,” says project’s creator. by Jessica Corbett, staff writer Drawing inspiration from the billboard-sized National Debt Clock in New York City, American filmmaker and author Eugene Jarecki on Wednesday launched an…
Cuban asylum seeker describes vicious pepper spray attack on hunger strikers at ICE detention facility
More than 2,000 migrants and refugees in U.S. detention facilities have contracted Covid-19 as advocates demand their release. by Julia Conley, staff writer Saturday, July 4 A Cuban asylum-seeker on Thursday described a “shocking” pepper spray…
Corporate sponsors join Native American call for Washington Redskins name change
Investor coalition worth $620 billion pushed FedEx, Pepsi, and Nike to change stance, prompting team owner to announce a review of the name. by Julia Conley, staff writer Friday, July 3 Washington Redskins owner Dan…
‘An Attack on Indigenous People’: Mount Rushmore Trump event denounced as racist, dangerous, and disrespectful
“We won’t be social distancing,” said the South Dakota governor. by Andrea Germanos, staff writer Friday, July 3 President Donald Trump’s planned July 3 fireworks ceremony at Mount Rushmore is facing sustained criticism over its risks…
US Military confirms bayonets were issued to troops responding to George Floyd protests
“It is insane to issue bayonets to soldiers for crowd control.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Friday, July 3 “Are they supposed to stab protesters?” That was Rep. Ted Lieu’s (D-Calif.) response Thursday to a letter…
Contracts show Trump giving Big Pharma free rein to price gouge taxpayer-funded Coronavirus drugs
“The amount of money the government is throwing at companies is unprecedented. Normally when you write bigger checks, you should have more leverage, not less leverage.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Thursday, July 2, 10:30am MST…
How social media amplifies political activism and threatens election integrity
TikTok teens and the Trump campaign by Anjana Susarla, Michigan State University Thursday, July 2 The lower-than-expected attendance at President Trump’s rally in Tulsa on June 20 was attributed, at least in part, to an online…
He built a privately funded border wall and it’s already at risk of falling down.
Trump supporters funded a private border wall on the banks of the Rio Grande, helping the builder secure $1.7 billion in federal contracts. Now the “Lamborghini” of border walls is in danger of falling into…
In Arizona race, McSally makes health care pledge at odds with track record
“Of course I will always protect those with preexisting conditions. Always,” — McSally in a TV ad released June 22. Martha McSally, who was appointed by the governor to take over John McCain’s Senate seat in…
As Arizona coronavirus cases surge from early reopening, Indigenous nations suffer not only more COVID-19 but also wrongly from blame
At the Navajo Nation town of Fort Defiance, Arizona, staff pack food boxes. The Navajo Nation now has the highest per capita COVID-19 infection rate in the U.S. (Getty Images/Mark Ralston) by Lisa Hardy, Northern Arizona…
FEMA warning states not to use COVID-19 testing kits ordered for them.
The faulty lab equipment sold by a company whose owner has faced fraud allegations is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general. by Ryan Gabrielson and J. David McSwane June 26, 2020 The…
