United States (Conversation) – Today, there are twice as many people supervised on parole or probation as are incarcerated in the U.S. Parole is a period of being supervised in the community following early release from prison for following the…
(TFC)– In mid-October, US Army Major General James B Jarrard of a joint spec ops task force operating throughout Syria and Iraq attended a press conference. He made headlines for accidentally stating America has 4000 boots in Syria, not a…
Washington DC, (TFC)— Overseas, Trump’s administration has conjured looming clouds of unease over US military operations. As tensions mount with Russia and North Korea, US Special Operations pepper earth with raids, airstrikes, and disappearances. Increases in the frequency and intensity…
Washington DC, (TFC)– In a shocking twist, murder charges for three Blackwater military contractors have been dropped. The men have been embroiled in lengthy court proceedings since infamously massacring civilians during Iraq’s 2003 invasion. The Nisour Square Massacre has haunted…
Washington DC, (TFC)– Two formerly CIA-contracted psychologists may face trial for their roles in torture programs during the war on terror. Despite defense attempts, a federal judge ruled against dropping a lawsuit against the duo. The legal action was filed…
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (TFC)– Wisconsin ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) is challenging moves to intensify immigration enforcement in Milwaukee. In an apparent surrender to federal pressure, the Milwaukee Police Department is revamping its own policies. These new procedures will replace old…
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (TFC)— With so little transparency inherent in police surveillance programs, some were excited to hear of Seaglass. The new technology–developed by University of Washington researchers–aimed to empower citizens to detect cell tower simulators. These shadowy devices, sometimes called…
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (TFC)— Researchers at the University of Washington have attempted to produce an unprecedented technology. Aiming to shed light on IMSI catchers, aka cell site simulators or “Stingrays”, researchers developed a device that detects possible surveillance activity. Their invention…
North Dakota, (TFC)— Swaths of former Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) protesters have been cleared of charges over the last month. Despite this, Morton County prosecutors forewarn that some may be recharged. These courtroom drama’s continue a saga of failed, controversial…
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (CopBlock)— After over 60 days, the Wauwatosa (Tosa) Police Department finally released an ex-detective’s 2013 resignation letter. However, WPD redacted large swaths in an admitted effort to protect their officers’ reputations. Its unaltered portions included accusations of systematically…
Millions around the world are again gawking over police brutality against water protectors. Following DAPL’s (Dakota Access Pipeline’s) corporation dishonoring Obama’s requests the to halt construction, a new wave of violence hit the protest camps. However, whereas these acts are obvious, those of contracted intelligence firms remain more insidious.
“Do not believe that your cellphones or your computers are clean and uncompromised”, said journalist Jeremy Scahill. “I guarantee you that they’re using the entire suite of surveillance devices.” Scahill was giving water protectors, and fellow journalists in Standing Rock advice on Democracy Now.
“I know that people have been complaining that their cellphones have been down”, he continued, “their internet has been down. That can be caused by surveillance weaponry targeting their devices.” Scahill describes how phones and computers belonging to water protectors can be used as “geo-tracking devices.”
Authorities have only amplified an already ultra-militarized presence against water protectors at Standing Rock. Supporters and journalists are targeted, arrested, and charged with various crimes on a daily basis including renowned reporter Amy Goodman. Amy’s charges were recently dropped, but surveillance and abuse continue without halt by the government.
Democracy Now! has been on the forefront of Dakota Access coverage since construction of the pipeline began. The $3.8 billion dollar project has already destroyed sacred Native American lands and threatens water supplies. Although focus on water tainting revolves around native communities, they certainly aren’t the only one’s in danger. Dakota Access also flies in the face of pleas by climate scientists that literally no more oil or gas can be harvested from the earth, if we want to prevent climate catastrophic.
In 2014, a Pew Research Center study revealed something perhaps viewed as impossible 10 years ago. Two-thirds of Americans felt that people shouldn’t be prosecuted for possession of heroin and cocaine. That trend has only spread, with even some police departments proposing radical new drug reforms. Seattle just raised the bar, however, and proposes safe spaces for addicts to use, and even get help.
City officials across the country are finding “radical” ideas like safe spaces more mainstream. Simply put, the body count of America’s opioid epidemic is ungodly staggering. In Gloucester, Massachusetts for example, police experimented with not sending addicts to jail. Instead, addicts are offered option to seek rehabilitation through it’s Angel Program.
