Los Angeles, CA – On the evening of April 14, dozens gathered at the Echo Park Methodist Church in Los Angeles at a fundraiser in support of Carlos Montes. The event, dubbed a “Night of Solidarity,” featured speakers from a variety of social justice movements, political poetry, music and a multiple course dinner. All proceeds and donations supported the LA Committee to Stop FBI Repression’s defense work.

Winston-Salem, NC – On April 16, local residents and members of Occupy Winston-Salem held a demonstration at the U.S. Post Office in the Waughtown area. Protesters demanded that the only post office in the community not be closed down.

St. Paul, MN – Members the Welfare Rights Committee and the Minnesota Coalition for a People’s Bailout gathered at the State Capitol Building, April 16, demanding that legislators tax the rich and stop cutting programs that serve poor and working people. “We are here – the day before Tax Day – to demand that the politicians in this capitol stop balancing the budget on the backs of working and poor Minnesotans. We say it is time for politicians to tax the rich,” said Kristin Rafferty of the Welfare Rights Committee.

Trenton, NJ – In March, the Coalition to Save Our Homes asked New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa for a meeting. Many of our members have been harmed by predatory lending. We want Chiesa to hear their complaints. His office can do many things to help them. He said no.

23 arrested in effort to stop clinic closing

Chicago, IL – The Mental Health Movement is fighting Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s plans to close six clinics this month. On April 12, at 4:00 p.m., 30 people chained the doors shut and erected barricades. Over 100 unionized nurses and community members, including patients and members of Occupy Chicago, formed lines in front of the doors. “Health care is a right!” chanted the crowd.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the Committee to Stop FBI Repression.

Minneapolis, MN – About 100 rallied in front of City Hall here, April 9, and then occupied the office of Mayor R.T. Rybak, demanding a public meeting with the mayor in response to the April 7 police attack on occupiers. Initially, representatives of the mayor’s office threatened arrests. After about an hour of chanting and mic checks in the office reception area, Mayor Rybak agreed to an April 10 meeting.

Tampa, FL – The Coalition To March On The RNC showed up in force at the Tampa City Council April 5, to demand permits and oppose Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s ‘Clean Zone.’ Many spoke in opposition to the mayor’s attempts to repress protests. They included Coalition representatives Dave Schneider of Fight Back Florida – a multi-city group that demands jobs, income and public spending – and Corey Uhl of Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society (SDS).

Chicago, IL – 1000 people took to the streets in an unpermitted march from the Chicago Board of Trade Building at Jackson and LaSalle and over to Grant Park for the April 7 Spring to Action by Occupy Chicago.

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.

Orange, NJ – Over 30 people turned out, March 30, to protest the scheduled eviction of Susie Johnson, 77, from the home in which she has lived for 30 years. Their strong stand drew media coverage to the case. The eviction was not carried out today because the protest exposed injustice. A postponement until May 15 is in effect.

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.

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.”

Un grupo de manifestantes se reunió el 17 de septiembre del 2011 en el Parque Zuccoti, en el distrito financiero de la ciudad de Nueva York, EEUU. Su intención era exponer la avaricia y dominación de Wall Street sobre las vidas de la gente de la clase media y la clase obrera, que forma el 99% de la población. Casi inmediatamente la policía respondió con represión y gas pimienta. Esto provocó que miles de habitantes de Nueva York, en solidaridad, inundaran el Parque Zuccoti dándole inicio al movimiento Ocupar Wall Street [Occupy Wall Street en inglés].

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 article from Workers World.