Spanish judge who pursued human rights cases disbarred by Supreme Court
2012-02-09Download MP3
The Spanish judge who took on criminal cases against international figures accused of torture and crimes against humanity was disbarred by Spain’s Supreme Court today. Hundreds gathered in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol to protest the decision, according to El Pais. Critics say the sentence is retribution for his high profile pursuit of international law. Judge Baltasar Garzon ordered the arrest of Augosto Pinochet in 1998, arguing that international standards of justice apply across national borders.
In Gaza, demolitions of homes displace hundreds
2012-02-09Download MP3
In Gaza, municipal bulldozers are destroying dozens of homes and hundreds of people are now homeless. Local authorities say the demolitions are necessary to make room for better infrastructure, but families are angry, saying they have been forcefully displaced. FSRN's Rami Almeghari has more.
Feds, states reach mortgage deal with banks but many struggling homeowners still not covered
2012-02-09Download MP3
In Washington, the House of Representatives passed the STOCK Act today. The ethics reform legislation is designed to prevent members of Congress and their staff from using inside information about the financial market for their own personal profit. The bill passed 417 to 2—but Democrats criticized the Republican leadership for making last minute changes, including stripping a provision forcing political intelligence consultants to register as lobbyists.
LA school district could cut entire Adult Education program, affecting hundreds of thousands of students
2012-02-09Download MP3
The US recession has had a big impact on education across the country. Budget cuts have forced schools to scale back programs while many students grapple with increasing tuition. But in one city, leaders aren’t just considering cut backs -- they’re proposing to eliminate an entire education program. In Los Angeles, hundreds of thousands of students enroll each year in adult education programs, taking courses in the English language, basic education, and job training. But the Los Angeles Unified School District is considering plans to cut funding for all adult education.
Clashes erupt in the Maldives as ousted leader describes forced removal
2012-02-08Download MP3
- Clashes erupt in the Maldives as ousted leader describes forced removal
- Super PACs rely on wealthy individuals for outside money in elections
- Lawmakers push for military service as route to citizenship though DREAM Act
- New York communities express outrage at police violence on black youths
Super PACs rely on wealthy individuals for outside money in elections
2012-02-08Download MP3
In a blow to Republican candidate Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum won all three primary contests Tuesday night—in Colorado, Missouri and Minnesota. But the results were non-binding —and no candidate is anywhere near the number of delegates needed to lock in the party nomination. Meanwhile, supporters of Barack Obama received an e-mail earlier this week announcing that the President’s reelection campaign will now formally support the Super PAC “Priorities USA”—despite President Obama’s public stance against the influence of outside spending in politics.
Lawmakers push for military as route to citizenship though DREAM Act
2012-02-08Download MP3
Immigrant rights groups continue to call for lawmakers to pass the DREAM Act, which would provide undocumented youth with a path to citizenship if they fulfill requirements for attending college or serving in the military. In recent weeks, some Republicans have expressed support for eliminating the education component and requiring military service. Last month, Congressmember David Rivera of Florida introduced the Adjusted Residency for Military Service or ARMS Act, which would do just that.
New York communities express outrage at police violence on black youths
2012-02-08Download MP3
We turn now to New York, to look at a string of police shootings and a beating involving young black males that has community members outraged. FSRN’s Jaisal Noor reports.
Court rules California’s Prop 8 ban on same sex marriage unconstitutional
2012-02-07Download MP3
Today, a US appeals court ruled that California’s Proposition 8 measure that bans same sex marriage is unconstitutional. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling upheld a previous decision that also struck down the state measure. Backers of Proposition 8 vowed to challenge the decision and the case may make its way to the US Supreme Court. After the ruling was issued, Sandra Stier, one of the lead plaintiffs in the case along with her partner, Kristin Perry, spoke about the decision in reference to the couple’s two teenage sons.
Civil rights groups say voting laws disenfranchise poor, people of color, women
2012-02-07Download MP3
The race for a Republican presidential nominee continues today, with a primary in Missouri and caucuses in Colorado and Minnesota. As the contest for the 2012 elections heats up, more and more states are passing laws requiring residents to present photo ID at the ballot box, which supporters say is in response to voter fraud. But civil rights groups are joining with unions to launch a national campaign today to combat these efforts, saying such laws will disenfranchise people of color, women, students, the elderly and the poor.