Minneapolis, MN – The Freedom Road Socialist Organization fall membership drive is picking up speed. The campaign, which began on October 15, has resulted in 260 new general members as of November 5. In San Jose, California, 45 people have joined FRSO.
Dallas, TX – The Dallas District of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization began with a steady flow of General Membership recruitment, starting with No Kings on October 17. It now ranks second in the FRSO nationwide campaign to recruit 300 new members in 30 days. Currently, the San Jose District is in the lead.
The Dallas District set an initial target of 20, but that goal was smashed within 15 days. The goal was then increased to 50. The district has currently recruited 24 new general members, achieving 48% of its goal.
Minneapolis, MN – Over 100 people gathered for a celebration of Día de los Muertos on Sunday, November 1. The event is hosted annually by El Colegio High School and Danza Ketzal Coatlicue and supported by the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC).
This year the event included dance performances, a display of altars created by the hosting organizations and community members, and food. The main altar honored those who were killed at the hands of ICE since Trump started his second term. The altar had 108 candles, one for each person killed, each with their name and photograph.
Lawrenceburg, IN – Striking workers at Batesville Products Inc. (BPI) won a major victory through a ruling by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Region 9 on October 27. Workers at BPI have been on strike since May 11 after a supermajority signed authorization cards with Teamsters Local 135, and BPI management refused to recognize the union. The workers are now on strike alleging unfair labor practices by the company.
Chicago, IL – The Leighton Courthouse in Chicago, known by most people as simply “26th and California,” is the court that handles most of Cook County’s felony cases. On October 29, a dramatic hearing took place in Courtroom 304, involving a 35-year-old case of a man tortured into a confession by a police detective from the Jon Burge gang of cops.
In 1991, 15-year-old Johnny Plummer was picked up as a suspect in a murder, taken to the Chicago Police Area Three Detective Division, and questioned for a day and a half without being allowed to see his mother. Beaten around the face and stomach, he confessed to a crime he didn’t commit. He is now 50 years old, having spent 35 years behind bars.
