On Thursday, a group of organizations sent nearly 1 million petition signatures to Congress, demanding that Steve Bannon be prevented from serving as chief White House strategist and senior counsel in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Amongst the group of progressive organizations included MoveOn.org, MomsRising, Demand Progress, ClimateTruth.org, National Black Justice Coalition, and African American Ministers In Action. “Our diversity is what makes our nation strong and prosperous. The fact that the people in our country, who come from all walks of life and tapestries of backgrounds, are free to live, love and worship as they will, is enshrined in our Constitution—and is why America has long prospered,” said Gloria Pan, National Campaign Director at MomsRising.org. “Bannon’s role in the Trump White House poses a clear and present danger to millions of Americans and to our economy, and we will not stand for it.” Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley backed the coalition as they delivered the petition to Capitol Hill.
Sheriff David Clarke Blames Inmates For Their Own Deaths
Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, President-elect Donald Trump’s potential choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security, has come under fire for the alarming death rate at the jail facility that he oversees. According to reports, there have been four deaths at the Milwaukee County Jail over the past few months. Among those who passed away was a new born baby. The deaths have prompted Milwaukee County auditors to launch a probe related to the healthcare practices at the facility. Clarke says that the inmates are to blame for their own deaths. “Two inmates suffered from … cardiac disease, which became critical when coupled with the effects of hardcore drug usage prior to their incarceration, with their extensive drug histories independently noted in their death investigations,” said Clarke. He also blamed the medical staff. “If there is a shortcoming here, people have to direct these questions at the medical staff. That [private] contract is run out of the House of Correction, and they report to the county executive.” According to data, the jail’s death rate is nearly three times the national average. Read more.
Airport Workers In Washington To Go On Strike
Employees at Reagan National and Dulles International airport are banning together to fight for higher hourly wages and improved working conditions. The group has decided to walk off their jobs at some point this month, which could potentially make holiday travels chaotic. The workers, who are a part of the Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, made the decision to move forward with organizing a walkout on Thursday. “This was not an easy decision to make,” says Vice president of Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, Jaime Contreras. “But the overwhelming majority have made a choice to strike because they are fed up with making poverty wages and these employers are not listening to them.” There are approximately 400 employees at both airports. Some of the workers only earn $6.15 an hour. Many of them are looking to earn at least $15 per hour. There is no word on exactly when the strike will take place. Read more.
LaLa Anthony’s Book To Be Adapted As New Lifetime Series
Television personality LaLa Anthony is bringing her New York Times bestseller The Power Playbook to television. Anthony has joined forces with Queen Latifah and Meryl Poster to transform the book into a drama series for Lifetime. The book, which was published in 2015, is centered on how she created entrepreneurial success despite coming from “humble beginnings.” The series will capture the chronicles of women who “use sports strategies to help in both their personal and professional lives. Through incredible highs and devastating lows, they stick together through life’s twists and turns.” Anthony, Latifah, Poster, Shakim Compere, and Neena Beber will all serve as executive producers for the project. Beber will also pen the script. “I’m beyond thrilled to be partnering with Meryl Poster, who I’ve admired as the ultimate power player for many years,” said Anthony. Read more.
New Documentary Will Delve Into Flint Water Crisis
A new documentary about the Flint water crisis is in the works. Producer Paul Haggis, best known for the film Crash, Michael Nozik and William Hart have joined forces to create a film about the issue that has plagued Michigan residents since 2014. The documentary, which is titled Lead and Copper, will illustrate how much of an impact that the contaminated water has had on the lives of Flint residents. “Once I learned of the depth of the problem and the extent of the cover-up, I was compelled to take a closer look and tell this story in the way it deserved to be told,” said Hart in a statement. The film, which is being created under Highway 61 Films, is slated to debut at festivals in 2017. Read more.
SEE ALSO:
Black Clergy Call For Ouster Of Steve Bannon
Michigan Officials Claim Flint Water Bottle Delivery Would Require A ‘Herculean Effort’
NEWS ROUNDUP: 1 Million Sign Petition Demanding Steve Bannon White House Ouster…AND MORE was originally published on newsone.com
