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Worcester school cafeteria workers demonstrated at City Hall this afternoon against a plan to cut their hours, at the same time that school administator pay may be increased.

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At a pre-trial hearing in Worcester's federal court today, Judge Timothy S. Hillman set a court date for 5 Roman Catholics arrested for praying the rosary for an end to the Iraq War inside the lobby of the federal building March 19.

The trial will be 9am, September 23, 2008. The defendants will be representing themselves, and encourage supporters to gather outside the courthouse or to come inside for the trial.

Judge Hillman said the 5 cases would be tried at the same time, and that the defendants, who will be representing themselves, will be allowed to question each other and witnesses. He is considering whether to allow them to attempt a "necessity defense," and will be issuing a written decision.

Links: More about the pre-trial hearing, more about the trial

On Saturday, June 7th, local transgender rights organizers joined others from across New England for the First New England Transgender Pride March, which was held in Northampton, MA.

"Remember Stonewall?" That was us!"stood as the march and rally's theme. Bet Power, Director Sexual Minorities Archives in Northampton, and a event steering committee member highlighted that history, "A transgender woman, Sylvia Rivera threw a bottle at a cop in 1969 after being prodded by his nightstick, and the whole world changed. Her's . . . Sylvia's, was the first act of resistance at the Stonewall Inn, sparking several nights of riots that started Gay pride."

Event participants focused on statewide efforts to pass House Bill 1722, which seeks to end gender-based discrimination and hate crimes. Additionally, Worcester organizers announced plans to hold a July fundraiser for Worcester's Transgender Emergency Fund.

Past: a personal journey

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On Tuesday, May 27th, Claire Schaeffer-Duffy, a member of the SS.Francis and Therese Catholic Worker and mother of four, will enter the Washington DC Superior Court and into a legal debate over the fate of America's detention at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Along with 34 Americans from cities and towns across the country, Claire will stand trial for a protest at the U.S. Supreme Court on January 11, 2008. The activists face charges of either "unlawful free speech" or "causing a harangue" or both. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail, as well as fines and court fees.

More about the trial.

An interview with Claire.

The Worcester Public School children need your support. Please sign our on-line petition that reguests the city council fund more than just 0.5% over the minimum mandated by the state.

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Dozens of Worcester residents, including several politicians, gathered at City Hall this morning to kickoff a march by the ex-prisoners group EPOCA, who are walking to Boston in support of reform of Criminal Records (CORI) laws. They will arrive in Boston Thursday.

Political figures speaking at the kickoff included Worcester City Councilor Gary Rosen, State Rep. Jim O'Day, and former gubernatorial and City Council candidate Grace Ross.

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After years of complaints by inmates and former inmates about the Worcester County House of Correction in West Boylston, the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice has concluded an investigation and issued a strong report on the jail's failures and abuses. The DOJ states unambiguously in their 40 page report "that certain conditions at the Jail violate the constitutional rights of persons confined there".

The DOJ report documents a lengthy list of issues at the jail ranging from the "unlawful" and "excessive" use of restraints, misuse of chemical agents, and calling for an end to the use of isolation rooms for restraint because of they are "Dungeon-like in appearance". Additionally, the report catalogs the jail's failure to protect inmates, provide appropriate health and mental health services.

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According to WCCA, Charter Communications has announced a plan to track the browsing habits of their Worcester internet customers to give them "more relevant" ads, as part of what they call "an enhanced online experience."

According to their frustratingly vague FAQ on the subject, customers will have to opt-out of this supposed service, which will require customers to "install" a cookie on their computer.

Worcester residents and politicians held a press conference today at City Hall to express support for 3 items of legislation being considered at the state level to deal with the foreclosure crisis.

Essentially Worcester's entire state delegation supports the three bills: Senate Bill 2664, "An Act Requiring Just Cause for Eviction in Foreclosed Properties"; Senate Bill 2663, "An Act Relative To A Temporary Moratorium On Foreclosures"; and Senate Bill 2662, "An Act To Require Judicial Foreclosures."

For more information, see the Mass Alliance Against Predatory Lending.

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Real Solutions and Main South community workers held a May 5th press conference recognizing the Worcester Police Department's on-going investigative work in the Main South murders and calling on Worcester leaders to take this opportunity to end the continuing climate of prejudice and fear mongering.

With recently announced progress in solving the murders of Betzaida Montalvo, Carmen Rudy, Dinelia Torres, Wendy Morello and Lineida Olivera organizers called for changing the attitudes that persist in our community against those who have addictions to drugs or alcohol, experience homelessness, or who are engaged in sex work.

"As we work to change these prejudices, we challenge ourselves and all community members to look at how we contribute to this climate through our words and actions."

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