Minneapolis, MN – Trade unionists, historians, community members and descendants of strikers held several events in Minneapolis this past weekend, July 18 -20 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the historic strikes by truck drivers and helpers, members of Teamsters Local 574. The three successive strikes in 1934 resulted in the defeat of the Citizen's Alliance, an anti-labor group of employers that controlled city government. The strikes established the industrial form of union organization for the first time in the trucking industry and set the stage for the organization of over-the road drivers throughout an 11-state area, eventually transforming the International Brotherhood of Teamsters into a million-plus member union.

Chicago, IL – Over 10,000 marched here, July 20, to condemn Israel’s murderous assault on Gaza. The protest began with a die-in of young people. They held the names of Palestinian civilians who have been killed. The names of all the over 400 dead were read. One of the readers was Ahmed Hamad, a member of Students for Justice in Palestine-Chicago, who lost six family members in Gaza when Israel bombed their house.

Fort Lauderdale, FL – 400 people protested outside the U.S. Federal Courthouse here to demand an end to the Israeli massacre in Gaza. The large demonstration called for the U.S. to end all military aid to Israel. Also, protesters denounced biased U.S. corporate news reporting about the Israeli war on Palestine.

Washington, DC – Data released by the federal government July 18 show that many states continue to suffer from consistently high rates of unemployment. House Republican leaders are blocking efforts to restore emergency benefits for the long-term unemployed.

Grand Rapids, MI – Close to 100 people celebrated Nelson Mandela Day here over the weekend. Some gathered on July 18 to view posters from the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and the work of local artists portraying Nelson Mandela and Maya Angelou. Local artist Paul Collins shared a large canvas of hands reaching across the world portraying King, Gandhi and Mandela. On July 19, the Institute for Global Education hosted a jazz band, church choir, African dance and the poetry of Maya Angelou.

Tallahassee, FL – On July 17 nearly 80 protesters from the Tallahassee community and student groups gathered outside the Florida State Capitol building to demand freedom for Palestine and an end to U.S. support for Israel. Protesters held a banner proclaiming “We say to Israeli occupation!” They crowd chanted “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” and “Viva, viva, Palestina!” The Palestinian community in Tallahassee, including families, came out in large numbers to speak out against Israeli apartheid.

Columbia Heights, MN – More than 1500 people joined a massive rally and march here, July 18, to stand in solidarity with Gaza and to demand an end to Israel’s attacks. Crowds lined the sidewalks for blocks and then took the street, marching down Central Avenue, one of the busiest thoroughfares in the Twin Cities.

Chicago, IL – In a major development, attorneys for Palestinian community leader Rasmea Odeh filed a motion July 14, calling for Judge Paul D. Borman to recuse himself from the case. The supporting brief argues that Borman, as a life-long and dedicated supporter of Israel, cannot play the “neutral and detached” role that the law requires.

Milwaukee, WI – Nearly 500 people marched to Senator Tammy Baldwin's office in downtown here, July 18. The emergency rally was organized in opposition to Israel's ground invasion of Gaza, which began July 17. The Milwaukee Palestine Solidarity Coalition, who organized the emergency response, said it was the largest rally for Palestine ever held in Milwaukee.

Dallas, TX – About 700 people gathered on the Grassy Knoll in 100-degree weather to denounce the Israeli assault on Gaza, July 13. Protesters chanted “Free, free Palestine,” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” and other slogans. The protest lasted about two hours, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Milwaukee, WI – Over 400 people rallied in solidarity with Palestinians who are resisting the wave of Israeli violence here, July 11. Protesters spoke out against the ongoing bombings in Gaza, kidnappings and murders in the West Bank and the continued illegal occupation of Palestine. They demanded an end to the $3.1 billion the U.S. provides to Israel every year.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following interview that appeared on the website of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

Tampa, FL – 60 people gathered outside the office of U.S. Senator Bill Nelson at the Sam Gibbons Federal Courthouse July 11. They were there to demand Senator Nelson actively support bringing home Tariq Khdeir, the 15-year-old Tampa resident brutally beaten and arrested by Israeli police while in Jerusalem.

San Salvador, El Salvador – Protesters gathered in front of the Israeli embassy in San Salvador on July 11 to express solidarity with the Palestinian people, and to protest against Israel's military assault on Gaza. The protesters waved Palestinian flags and held signs condemning the attack on Palestine. This was the second protest in front of the Israeli embassy here this week.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Over fifty people protested U.S. backed Israeli violence on July 6 at the U.S. Federal Building in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. The Israeli government is using airstrikes and the army to attack Palestinians. In tandem, Israeli settlers kidnapped, tortured, and burned to death a teenager. Then an Israeli police intelligence unit was caught on video, brutally beating a fifteen-year-old boy from Tampa, Florida.

Washington, DC – Conservative pundits are praising Republican lawmakers for blocking legislation in Congress to restore Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC). More than 3 million workers have lost benefits since Congress allowed benefits to lapse in late December. Many of the unemployed are facing home foreclosures, have had their car repossessed and have lost their health coverage.