Daniel Ellsberg, who leaked ‘Pentagon Papers,’ dies at 92
Daniel Ellsberg, the former military analyst who leaked the Pentagon Papers to the New York Times and other newspapers in 1971, died on June 17 at the age of 92. Ellsberg, a former Marine Corps officer and economist, was working as a RAND Corporation analyst when he obtained the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret government study of the Vietnam War. The papers revealed that the U.S. government had been systematically lying about the war, and their publication helped to galvanize public opposition to the war. Ellsberg was charged with espionage, but the charges were later dropped. He went on to become a peace activist and author, and his work helped to shape the public debate about the war.
US imposes visa restrictions on Uganda officials after anti-LGBTQ law
The Biden administration on June 16 imposed visa restrictions on Ugandan officials who are responsible for implementing or supporting the country’s anti-LGBTQ law. The law, which was passed in 2014, makes it a crime to be gay or lesbian. It also allows for the death penalty for those convicted of “aggravated homosexuality.” The U.S. government has condemned the law and has called on Uganda to repeal it. The visa restrictions are the latest in a series of measures taken by the Biden administration to pressure Uganda to change its laws.
US Supreme Court allows Justice Department to toss whistleblower cases
The Supreme Court on June 16 ruled that the Justice Department can toss whistleblower cases without giving the whistleblowers an opportunity to defend themselves. The case involved a whistleblower who alleged that the Justice Department had improperly withheld information from Congress about a surveillance program. The Court ruled that the whistleblower did not have a right to a hearing, even though the case involved a matter of public importance. The ruling is a major victory for the Justice Department and could make it more difficult for whistleblowers to come forward with information about government wrongdoing.
Pentagon leak suspect Teixeira to appear in court on Wednesday
A former Pentagon analyst who is accused of leaking classified information to the media is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. John Henry Teixeira, 51, was arrested in March on charges of leaking classified information to the New York Times and other news organizations. Teixeira is accused of leaking information about the Navy’s use of drones and other weapons systems. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
US House Speaker McCarthy threatens to block funding for Chile waiver program
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on June 16 threatened to block funding for a program that allows Chile to import dairy products from the United States. The program, known as the Generalized System of Preferences, was created to help developing countries export their goods to the United States. McCarthy said he would block funding for the program unless Chile agrees to stop importing avocados from Mexico. Mexico is a major producer of avocados, and McCarthy has been under pressure from the Mexican government to block Chile from importing avocados from Mexico.
Protests planned for Modi’s US visit over India’s human rights.
Protests are planned for the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States. Modi is scheduled to visit Washington, D.C., on June 25-26. The protests are being organized by human rights groups who are concerned about India’s human rights record. The groups are particularly concerned about the treatment of Muslims in India.
Family sues Akron and 8 officers who shot Jayland Walker.
The family of Jayland Walker, the 25-year-old Black man who was shot and killed by police in Akron, Ohio, on June 27, has filed a lawsuit against the city and eight police officers. The lawsuit alleges that the officers used excessive force and that Walker was unarmed when he was shot. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.
Minneapolis police face federal oversight for excessive force, discrimination.
The Minneapolis Police Department is facing federal oversight for excessive force and discrimination. The Justice Department announced on June 16 that it would conduct a civil rights investigation into the department. The investigation will focus on the department’s use of force, its treatment of people of color, and its policies and procedures.
Judge orders Enbridge to shut down portions of Wisconsin pipeline within three years.
A federal judge on June 17 ordered Enbridge to shut down portions of its Line 5 oil pipeline within three years. The pipeline runs through Wisconsin and Michigan. The judge ruled that the pipeline is a threat to the environment and that Enbridge has not done enough to protect it.
