Portside

About 40 mothers being held at the privately-run Karnes Family Detention Center in southern Texas launched a hunger strike this week to demand their release and the release of their families, vowing on Tuesday not to eat, work, or use the services at the facility until they are freed. Some 80 Central American women held at the center have signed a letter stating they were refused bond despite having established a credible fear of violence if they are deported.

Fight for 15 organizers say the protests planned for April 15 will be “the largest low-wage worker mobilization in modern history.” Actions are planned in 200 U.S. cities with allied demonstrations in countries such as Italy, Switzerland, France, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan and Bangladesh. U.S. fast food workers organizing for $15 per hour minimum wages will be joined by other low-wage workers as well as students from 170 U.S. universities.

According to Pew Research, most Americans believe the economic system unfairly favors the wealthy, but 60% believe that most people can make it if they’re willing to work hard.

In which the Senator Professor makes all the right people nervous.

Emails between officers and city official – including one joking about stoning Muslim women and image used to mock Michelle Obama – now made public