An April 8 report by the Korea Central News Agency states that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) brought together representatives of the international media, along with experts on space science and technology, to visit the Sohae Satellite Launching Station.

Six weeks until war makers arrive in Chicago

Chicago, IL – Once again bowing to public pressure, on April 4 the city of Chicago granted permits for a rally and march against the NATO summit planned here in May. The Coalition Against NATO/G8 War and Poverty Agenda (CANG8) also demanded the city waive the nearly $40,000 in fees to use a public park,and give a more favorable march route as well.

Tallahassee, FL – More than 200 students from Florida State University (FSU) marched on the streets here, March 26, to demand justice for Trayvon Martin. The marched started off at the FSU Integration Statue with organizer of the march, Michael Sampson, reflecting on “why we are marching for justice.”

Chicago, IL – After losing an appeal for a preferred march route for the May 20 protest at the NATO summit in Chicago, activists held a press conference, March 30, to criticize the city and announce their next steps.

Milwaukee, WI- 100 people protested Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel in Milwaukee as he spoke at a $400 dollar-a-plate fundraiser for Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett’s run for governor. Community members drove from Chicago and across Wisconsin for a chance to bring their anger over Rahm Emanuel’s policies to him directly.

Stamford, CT – Over 500 people gathered here, March 23-25, for a conference of the United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC). The conference brought together activists from up and down the East Coast and from across the country.

Sacramento, CA – Several dozen activists came together for an Occupy Sacramento community activist and urban outreach conference on March 24 at the SEIU United Healthcare Workers West office. A panel of speakers included representatives from the Los Rios Federation of Teachers, International Faith Based Coalition, Sierra Club, ACLU, Occupy Foreclosures, Women’s Health Specialists and Safe Ground and others.

Movement builds to drop remaining 4 charges

Los Angeles, CA – In the first significant victory in the case of veteran Chicano leader Carlos Montes, Superior Court Judge George Lomeli handed down a ruling March 27, dismissing two of the six felony charges that are pending against Montes. Thanking supporters outside the courtroom, Montes said, “The success we have had here today is due to your efforts and to those of my attorney, Jorge Gonzalez. Two charges down, we need to get the other four dropped.”

Minneapolis, MN – A large number of protests and events are planned for this upcoming week, March 26 through April 1, to demand “Justice for Trayvon Martin.” A few are listed below.

Los Angeles, CA – Veteran Chicano leader Carlos Montes will be back in court March 27. The LA Committee to Stop FBI Repression urges activists to join them at the Superior Courts Building to picket and pack the court hearing. They will raise the demand, “Drop the charges against Carlos Montes.”

*Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement of support in defense of veteran Chicano activist Carlos Montes from the State Association of Mexican American Educators (AMAE).*

New York, NY – Dozens packed into a standing-room only panel discussion at the Left Forum called, “U.S. Imperialist Wars, Political Prisoners, Past & Present, and the Anti-War Struggle” on March 18. The Left Forum, one of the largest gatherings of left and progressive thinkers in the country, hosted thousands of activists and academics organizing for social justice.

St. Louis, MO – From March 15 -18, over 100 organizers from the Midwest Occupy movement met here to discuss future plans and actions.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following joint statement from the Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel and Al-Haq. Hana Shalabi on her 34th day of hunger strike: Israeli Prison Service refusing to transfer her to hospital despite Immediate risk of death “To all the free and loyal Palestinian people, I direct my words to you—while I and all my brothers and sisters in the occupier’s prisons are on hunger strike, we call on you to continue your solidarity and for the issue of prisoners to be on the highest priority list […] I call on foreign states to continue action in applying pressure [on Israel] towards the release of all our courageous prisoners.”

Minneapolis, MN – Several Twin Cities anti-war organizations held an emergency protest on here, March 17, in response to the murder of 16 Afghan civilians by a U.S. soldier. The protest, in the West Bank neighborhood of Minneapolis, was organized under the call, “End the U.S. War in Afghanistan now!”

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the Minnesota Committee to Stop FBI Repression on repression against Julian Assange.

The Korean Central News Agency reported on March 16, that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), “is to launch a working satellite, Kwangmyongsong-3, manufactured by itself with indigenous technology to mark the 100th birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung.”

Chicago, IL – A press conference was held here today, March 15, to announce a change of plans for anti NATO/G8 marchers.

Minneapolis, MN – On March 8, President Obama signed the Federal Restricted Building and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011. This bill has been called the “anti-Occupy bill” and it specifically targets protests at national security events where the Secret Service is in charge.

St. Paul, MN – In a packed hearing room, more than a dozen legislators heard testimony March 14 on proposed legislation to put a moratorium on home foreclosures and the eviction of tenants from foreclosed properties. Representative Karen Clark and Senator Scott Dibble, authors of the ‘Foreclosure Moratorium, Neighborhood Stabilization & Tenant Protection Bill’ (SF1521 and HF1886) chaired the hearing. The moratorium bill is an initiative of the Minnesota Coalition for a People’s Bailout (MCPBO).