SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER
Daily news & progressive opinion—funded by the people, not the corporations—delivered straight to your inbox.
5
#000000
#FFFFFF
To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.
Daily news & progressive opinion—funded by the people, not the corporations—delivered straight to your inbox.
An official State of Emergency is now in effect in Maryland and the state's National Guard has been dispatched to the city of Baltimore following a wave of violence that kicked off between police officers and individuals in the streets on Monday and continued overnight.
As several large fires burned in the city, Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, at a press conference just before 9 pm on Monday, said he signed the executive order (pdf) declaring the emergency just thirty seconds after it was requested by Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. The purpose of the order, Hogan said, is "to address the growing violence and unrest in Baltimore City."
Adjutant General Linda Singh, the commanding officer of Maryland's National Guard, told reporters that up to 5,000 reservist soldiers could be deployed to Baltimore.
"We will be out in massive force," Singh said, "and that just basically means that we are going to be patrolling the streets and out to ensure that we are protecting property." She said troops would arrive in "up-armored humvees," accompanied by other vehicles to move personnel and unspecified equipment. "I would recommend," Singh continued, as she spoke directly to those in Baltimore, "that we all go in and take cover for the night, go to sleep, get some rest, and let things settle down so that we can restore order to the city."
Singh said that if there were any concerns people had over the declaration of martial law in the city, she said she wanted to make it clear this was not what the State of Emergency has authorized so far. "We are in a supporting mode," she said and explained her troops would be taking direction from the State Police and local officials. "Martial law means," she explained, "at that point the military full takes over, so we are not at that point. I repeat not at that point."
Some soldiers began arriving Monday night with the stated mission of assisting local law enforcement to defend specific neighborhoods or private property. More soldiers are expected to arrive through Tuesday, though the exact number actually deployed so far is not clear. Just after midnight on Tuesday morning, the Maryland National Guard tweeted:
\u201cSoldiers from the Maryland @UsNationalGuard prepare for missions in #Baltimore City. +5,000 troops available\u201d— MD National Guard (@MD National Guard) 1430195135
Watch the press conference here:
Monday's clashes between civilians and police occurred following the funeral of 25-year-old Freddie Gray who died following severe injuries he sustained while in police custody on April 12.
Trump and Musk are on an unconstitutional rampage, aiming for virtually every corner of the federal government. These two right-wing billionaires are targeting nurses, scientists, teachers, daycare providers, judges, veterans, air traffic controllers, and nuclear safety inspectors. No one is safe. The food stamps program, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are next. It’s an unprecedented disaster and a five-alarm fire, but there will be a reckoning. The people did not vote for this. The American people do not want this dystopian hellscape that hides behind claims of “efficiency.” Still, in reality, it is all a giveaway to corporate interests and the libertarian dreams of far-right oligarchs like Musk. Common Dreams is playing a vital role by reporting day and night on this orgy of corruption and greed, as well as what everyday people can do to organize and fight back. As a people-powered nonprofit news outlet, we cover issues the corporate media never will, but we can only continue with our readers’ support. |
An official State of Emergency is now in effect in Maryland and the state's National Guard has been dispatched to the city of Baltimore following a wave of violence that kicked off between police officers and individuals in the streets on Monday and continued overnight.
As several large fires burned in the city, Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, at a press conference just before 9 pm on Monday, said he signed the executive order (pdf) declaring the emergency just thirty seconds after it was requested by Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. The purpose of the order, Hogan said, is "to address the growing violence and unrest in Baltimore City."
Adjutant General Linda Singh, the commanding officer of Maryland's National Guard, told reporters that up to 5,000 reservist soldiers could be deployed to Baltimore.
"We will be out in massive force," Singh said, "and that just basically means that we are going to be patrolling the streets and out to ensure that we are protecting property." She said troops would arrive in "up-armored humvees," accompanied by other vehicles to move personnel and unspecified equipment. "I would recommend," Singh continued, as she spoke directly to those in Baltimore, "that we all go in and take cover for the night, go to sleep, get some rest, and let things settle down so that we can restore order to the city."
Singh said that if there were any concerns people had over the declaration of martial law in the city, she said she wanted to make it clear this was not what the State of Emergency has authorized so far. "We are in a supporting mode," she said and explained her troops would be taking direction from the State Police and local officials. "Martial law means," she explained, "at that point the military full takes over, so we are not at that point. I repeat not at that point."
Some soldiers began arriving Monday night with the stated mission of assisting local law enforcement to defend specific neighborhoods or private property. More soldiers are expected to arrive through Tuesday, though the exact number actually deployed so far is not clear. Just after midnight on Tuesday morning, the Maryland National Guard tweeted:
\u201cSoldiers from the Maryland @UsNationalGuard prepare for missions in #Baltimore City. +5,000 troops available\u201d— MD National Guard (@MD National Guard) 1430195135
Watch the press conference here:
Monday's clashes between civilians and police occurred following the funeral of 25-year-old Freddie Gray who died following severe injuries he sustained while in police custody on April 12.
An official State of Emergency is now in effect in Maryland and the state's National Guard has been dispatched to the city of Baltimore following a wave of violence that kicked off between police officers and individuals in the streets on Monday and continued overnight.
As several large fires burned in the city, Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, at a press conference just before 9 pm on Monday, said he signed the executive order (pdf) declaring the emergency just thirty seconds after it was requested by Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. The purpose of the order, Hogan said, is "to address the growing violence and unrest in Baltimore City."
Adjutant General Linda Singh, the commanding officer of Maryland's National Guard, told reporters that up to 5,000 reservist soldiers could be deployed to Baltimore.
"We will be out in massive force," Singh said, "and that just basically means that we are going to be patrolling the streets and out to ensure that we are protecting property." She said troops would arrive in "up-armored humvees," accompanied by other vehicles to move personnel and unspecified equipment. "I would recommend," Singh continued, as she spoke directly to those in Baltimore, "that we all go in and take cover for the night, go to sleep, get some rest, and let things settle down so that we can restore order to the city."
Singh said that if there were any concerns people had over the declaration of martial law in the city, she said she wanted to make it clear this was not what the State of Emergency has authorized so far. "We are in a supporting mode," she said and explained her troops would be taking direction from the State Police and local officials. "Martial law means," she explained, "at that point the military full takes over, so we are not at that point. I repeat not at that point."
Some soldiers began arriving Monday night with the stated mission of assisting local law enforcement to defend specific neighborhoods or private property. More soldiers are expected to arrive through Tuesday, though the exact number actually deployed so far is not clear. Just after midnight on Tuesday morning, the Maryland National Guard tweeted:
\u201cSoldiers from the Maryland @UsNationalGuard prepare for missions in #Baltimore City. +5,000 troops available\u201d— MD National Guard (@MD National Guard) 1430195135
Watch the press conference here:
Monday's clashes between civilians and police occurred following the funeral of 25-year-old Freddie Gray who died following severe injuries he sustained while in police custody on April 12.
The impacted students and graduates are accused of participating in the occupation of a university building that protesters renamed in honor of a child killed by Israeli forces in Gaza.
As the Trump administration's effort to deport Mahmoud Khalil sparks legal battles and demonstrations, Columbia University announced Thursday that it has revoked degrees from some other pro-Palestinian campus protesters.
A campuswide email reported by The Associated Press and shared on social media by Drop Site News says that "the Columbia University Judicial Board determined findings and issued sanctions to students ranging from multiyear suspensions, temporary degree revocations, and expulsions related to the occupation of Hamilton Hall last spring."
According to both news outlets, the university's email did not say how many students and graduates were impacted by each action.
As part of nationwide protests over the U.S. government and educational institutions' complicity in Israel's assault on the Gaza Strip, Columbia students took over the building last April and renamed it Hind's Hall, in honor of a young Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces. With support from the university's leadership, New York Police Department officers stormed the campus.
Columbia's new sanctions against protesters were widely condemned on social media. Iowa-based writer Gavin Aronsen quipped, "This is a great PR strategy, come to Columbia where you'll get a solid education as long as you never speak your mind."
News of the university's latest action on Thursday came after over 100 people were arrested outside Trump Tower in New York City during a Jewish-led protest over the government's attempt to deport Khalil, a green-card holder who finished his studies at Columbia in December.
"The Trump administration's outrageous detention of Mahmoud Khalil is designed to sow terror and stop people of conscience from calling for Palestinian freedom," said Ros Petchesky, an 82-year-old MacArthur fellow and Columbia alumna. "We are Jewish New Yorkers and we remain steadfast in our commitment to Palestinian freedom, to protecting free speech and the right to protest, and to defending immigrants and all under attack by the Trump regime."
Meanwhile, during a Thursday interview with NPR about Khalil's detention, Troy Edgar, deputy homeland security secretary, equated protesting and terrorism.
"It is a sad day when our government would fire some good employee and say it was based on performance when they know good and well that's a lie."
A U.S. judge on Thursday ruled that the Trump administration must reinstate thousands of government workers fired from half a dozen federal agencies based on the "lie" that their performance warranted termination.
U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of California William Alsup—an appointee of former President Bill Clinton—granted a preliminary injunction supporting a temporary restraining order against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and acting Director Charles Ezell on the grounds that the mass firing of probationary federal employees is "unlawful" because the agency lacked the authority for the move.
Alsup—who last month also found the OPM firings illegal—ordered the Trump administration to immediately reinstate all probationary employees terminated from the departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs.
"The reason that OPM wanted to put this based on performance was at least in part in my judgment a gimmick to avoid the Reductions in Force (RIF) Act, because the law always allows you to fire somebody for performance," Alsup said, referring the process used by federal agencies reduce the size of their workforce during reorganizations or budget cuts.
Last month, Trump signed an executive order directing Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to institute RIFs across federal agencies as part of a so-called "workforce optimization initiative."
"It is a sad day when our government would fire some good employee and say it was based on performance when they know good and well that's a lie," Alsup wrote. "That should not have been done in our country. It was a sham in order to try to avoid statutory requirements."
While the White House blasted Alsup's ruling as "absurd and unconstitutional" and lodged an appeal, advocates for government workers cheered the decision.
Everett Kelley, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), said in a statement that the union "is pleased with Judge Alsup's order to immediately reinstate tens of thousands of probationary federal employees who were illegally fired from their jobs by an administration hellbent on crippling federal agencies and their work on behalf of the American public."
"We are grateful for these employees and the critical work they do, and AFGE will keep fighting until all federal employees who were unjustly and illegally fired are given their jobs back," Kelley added.
Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), said: "Public service workers are the backbone of our communities in every way. Today, we are proud to celebrate the court's decision which orders that fired federal employees must be reinstated and reinforces they cannot be fired without reason."
"This is a big win for all workers, especially AFSCME members of the United Nurses Associations of California and Council 20, who will be able to continue their essential work at the Department of Agriculture, Veterans Affairs Department, and other agencies," Saunders added.
Violet Wulf-Saena, founder and executive director of Climate Resilient Communities—a California-based nonprofit that "brings people together to create local solutions for a healthy planet"—also welcomed Thursday's ruling.
"The mass firing of public service employees is a direct assault on the environmental justice movement and will harm people living in heavily polluted communities," she said. "Today's decision represents a key win for our movement because our lifesaving work cannot proceed without the vital infrastructure and support of our federal employees."
"Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle," his staff said. "He passed away this morning due to complications of his cancer treatments."
Condolences and remembrances swiftly mounted on Thursday after the staff of U.S. Congressman Raúl Grijalva announced that the Arizona Democrat died at the age of 77, following a fight with lung cancer.
"Rep. Grijalva fought a long and brave battle. He passed away this morning due to complications of his cancer treatments," according to the office of the late congressman, who announced his diagnosis last April.
Grijalva, who represented Arizona's 7th District, was first elected to Congress in 2002. While on Capitol Hill, he rose to leadership roles, including co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and chair of the House Natural Resources Committee.
"From permanently protecting the Grand Canyon for future generations to strengthening the Affordable Care Act, his proudest moments in Congress have always been guided by community voices," Grijalva's staff said. "He led the charge for historic investments in climate action, port of entry modernization, permanent funding for land and water conservation programs, access to healthcare for tribal communities and the uninsured, fairness for immigrant families and Dreamers, student loan forgiveness, stronger protections for farmers and workers exposed to extreme heat, early childhood education expansion, higher standards for tribal consultation, and so much more."
"From Tucson to Nogales and beyond, he worked tirelessly for transformational improvements. Rep. Grijalva pushed for new public parks, childcare centers, healthcare clinics, local businesses, and affordable housing [that] breathed new life into neighborhoods across Southern Arizona. Improvements to our roads, bridges, and streetcar system have improved our daily lives and attracted new businesses and industries to the area," the office added. "Rep. Grijalva's passion was not only for his community, but for preservation of the planet."
Grijalva's colleagues also highlighted key parts of his legacy. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), a former House member, said that "I am heartbroken by the news of Congressman Raúl Grijalva's passing. For climate justice, economic justice, health justice—Raúl fought fearlessly for change. We served a decade together on the Natural Resources Committee, and I will forever be grateful for his leadership and partnership."
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who also previously served in the lower chamber, said that "I mourn the death of Rep. Raúl Grijalva, a former colleague of mine and one of the most progressive members of the U.S. House. Raúl was a fighter for working families throughout his entire life. He will be sorely missed."
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) called his death "a genuinely devastating loss," adding: "Raúl Grijalva stood as one of the biggest champions for working people in all of Congress. His leadership was singular. He mentored generously and was an incredible friend. I will always be grateful for his lifelong courage and commitment."
Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) said that "today we lost a dedicated progressive leader in Raúl Grijalva. The son of a bracero, Rep. Grijalva's 12-term commitment to our environment, to immigrant communities, and to his constituents in Tucson enriched this country. His passing is a monumental loss for our caucus and communities."
Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-Fla.) wrote: "Wow. This is such a loss for Arizona and our country. Chair Raúl Grijalva has been a champion for progressive change his entire life. From the school board to Congress, his leadership and voice inspired so many. Myself included. Rest in power, Chairman Grijalva."
Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), elected to Congress in November, said that "I'm devastated to hear of the passing of my colleague Raúl Grijalva. He was a fighter for Arizonans and a champion for Indigenous communities and our planet. We will all miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his family, friends, loved ones, and constituents."
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), who switched chambers after the last election, said that "Congressman Grijalva was not just my colleague, but my friend. As another Latino working in public service, I can say from experience that he served as a role model to many young people across the Grand Canyon State. He spent his life as a voice for equality."
"In Congress, I was proud to see firsthand his leadership as chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee as he stood up for Arizona's water rights, natural beauty, and tribes," Gallego added. "I am praying for his family during this time of grief, and I hope that they find comfort knowing his legacy is one that will stand tall for generations."
Advocacy group leaders also weighed in, with Kierán Suckling, executive director and founder of the Center for Biological Diversity, calling his death "a heartbreaking, devastating loss for the people of Southern Arizona and everyone around this nation who loves the natural world."
"Raúl was a great friend and partner in our fight for clean air and water, our beautiful public lands, and wildlife great and small," Suckling said. "We can all look to him as the model of what every member of Congress and every person of dignity and hope should aspire to be."
"From Mexican wolves to spotted owls to the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse, every creature in this country had a friend in Raúl," Suckling added. "He was as fierce as a jaguar, and that's why we called him our Macho G. I'll miss him dearly."
According to KVOA, the NBC affiliate in Tucson, Grijalva's office "will continue providing constituent services during the special election" to fill his seat.
Grijalva's death follows that of Congressman Sylvester Turner (D-Texas), who died on March 5. His seat will also need to be filled by a special election.