Home » World » Recent Articles:

Israeli Military Arrests Slows Run Across Palestine

February 5, 2012 by Jacob Wheeler Israel, Palestine, War/Peace No Comments

Click on Photo for Video About Run Across Palestine

The Run Across Palestine had gone no more than 10 kilometers between At-Tuwani and Beit Omar, in the southern West Bank, when the Israeli military and border control stopped the run in its tracks.

Confusion over whether the runners had the right to walk on the side of the road culminated in the arrest of a Run Across Palestine supporter and two French activists. Police originally gave no reasons for the arrests. Later, Run Across Palestine supporter Nasser Abufarha was charged with organizing an illegal demonstration, a charge he says is “false” because there was no demonstration.

After a melodramatic two-hour delay, the runners continued to Beit Omar. Their spirits and drive to plant olive trees remain high. Read more about the military stopping the run here.

UpTake journalist Jacob Wheeler is teaming up with Michigan videographer Aaron Dennis to document the Run Across Palestine. See more here.

The People and the Olive: At the Starting Line

February 5, 2012 by Jacob Wheeler Israel, Palestine, War/Peace No Comments

Click on Photo for Video About the Run Across Palestine's Arrival in At-Tawani

In the second installment of “The People and the Olive” series, the runners participating in the Run Across Palestine travel south from Jerusalem to the small hillside community of At-Tuwani in the Hebron Hills of the West Bank.

On the day before the run begins, the runners plant 500 olive saplings with the villagers, and forge a bond with their welcoming hosts.

Ready, set … Run Across Palestine

February 5, 2012 by Jacob Wheeler Israel, Palestine, War/Peace No Comments

Click Photo to View Preview Video of Run Across Palestine

The Run Across Palestine — a project of Michigan-based On the Ground and the Palestine Fair Trade Association — began this weekend.

Between now and Feb. 8, half a dozen runners will traverse 129 miles (approximately a marathon every day) across the West Bank to raise awareness about the challenges facing Palestinian olive farmers. Along the way, they’ll interact with farmers, families, activists and curious onlookers.

Follow the Run Across Palestine through the daily web series, The People and the Olive, by UpTake journalist Jacob Wheeler and Michigan-based videographer Aaron Dennis, at http://runacrosspalestine.org/

Super Bowl Will Reach US Troops In Afghanistan

February 3, 2012 by Michael McIntee Afghanistan, War/Peace No Comments

AFN worker installs satellite dish in Afghanistan so US troops can watch Super Bowl

Click on photo to watch story about Super Bowl viewing by US Troops in Afghanistan

When the Giants and the Patriots meet in the Super Bowl, US troops in Afghanistan will be able to watch the show thanks to some extra work by the Armed Forces Network.

Video by Staff Sgt. Shannon Ofiara

Palestinian Priest Lambasts Newt Gingrich’s “Invented People” Charge

February 2, 2012 by Jacob Wheeler 2012, Israel, Palestine, War/Peace No Comments

Father Ibrahim Shomali

Click on photo to view video of Father Ibrahim Shomali Rebuking Gingrich

Bethlehem Catholic Priest Ibrahim Shomali said, “I am here, born here, and my ID says I am from Bethlehem” in response to U.S. presidential candidate Newt Gingrich’s claim in December that Palestinians are an “invented people”.

Shomali speaks for his congregation in opposition to Israel’s settlements and the Separation Wall in the West Bank.

He spoke to the Run Across Palestine’s media team Tuesday. Follow the upcoming Run Across Palestine at www.RunAcrossPalestine.org

Video by Aaron Dennis

Palestinian Farmers Struggle to Continue Harvesting Olives

February 2, 2012 by Jacob Wheeler Environment, Israel, Palestine, War/Peace No Comments

Click on Photo to See Video Previewing Series on Palestinian Olive Farmers

Farmers in the Palestinian West Bank have harvested olives for generations. A full 45 percent of agricultural land in the territory is used to grow olives, employing 100,000 Palestinians. But that livelihood is in danger, as the Israeli military has uprooted olive trees to make room for new settlers, and those Israeli settlements have seized much of the Palestinian water supply.

“The olive tree plays a very important role as a symbol of our perseverance,” said Vivien Sansour from the Canaan Fair Trade network which supports Palestinian fair-trade olive farmers. “Planting an olive tree is a huge message of hope. When you plant an olive tree, you’re planting a vision for the future.”

The UpTake’s Jacob Wheeler and Michigan-based videographer Aaron Dennis will travel across the West Bank in early February to document the struggles of Palestinian olive farmers in conjunction with the Run Across Palestine — a philanthropic effort that will feature half a dozen Midwestern athletes running 129 miles in five days — virtually a marathon every day — across the West Bank to raise money for those farmers.

Wheeler and Dennis will post their videos and blog updates on The UpTake. Look for them this month.

MN Red Bulls Looking Forward To Coming Home In 2012

January 1, 2012 by Michael McIntee Iraq, War/Peace Comments Off

Red Bulls, National Guard troops from Minnesota, celebrate the new year

Click photo to watch the Red Bulls ring in the new year from Kuwait

After months of being deployed in Kuwait, members of Minnesota’s “Red Bulls”, the 1-125 Field Artillery of the Minnesota National Guard, are looking forward to heading home soon. The thoughts of going home buoyed the troops as they rang in the new year from Camp Patriot, Kuwait.

1st Sgt. James Benson and his fellow soldiers symbolically burned their Christmas trees as midnight approached.

“Another new year and we’re really looking forward. We’re hitting that benchmark to start looking at heading on back home and getting all that stuff. So (burning the) Christmas trees kind of signify moving on and moving forward”.

Even though the Iraq war officially ended in December, about 2,600 Minnesota National Guard troops remain on duty in the region until May 2012.

Round the clock work to prepare for going home
… Continue Reading

Last US Troops Out Of Iraq- Interviews With The Greywolf Brigade

December 26, 2011 by Michael McIntee Iraq, War/Peace Comments Off

The last of US Troops leave Iraq

Click on photo to watch interviews with the last US troops to leave Iraq

Interviews with the troops of the last unit out of Iraq. The last unit is the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division, also known as the Greywolf Brigade.

In this video: interviews with PV2 Adam Hendrix & Pfc. Sean Deranger, Combat Engineers, Charlie Co, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division; Staff Sgt. Donald Clark, Combat Engineer, Charlie Co, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division; Sgt. Daniel Martin, Heavy Construction Equipment Operator, Charlie Co, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division; Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Ochs, Platoon Sgt., Charlie Co, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division; Maj. Gen. Kenneth S. Dowd, Commanding General, of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command and Maj. Gen. Mohammad Al Yosef Al Sabah, Assistant Under Secretary of the Interior for Border Security.

Producer of video: Spc. Kelsey Jeffers

Obama Sells “Made In America” Overseas

November 19, 2011 by Michael McIntee DC, Economy/Jobs, Indonesia Comments Off

Obama delivers his weekly address while in Indonesia

Click photo to watch President Obama Obama deliver his weekly address from Indonesia

In this week’s address, President Obama speaks from Indonesia and tells the American people that during his trip to the Asia Pacific, he has made progress opening up markets to support thousands of American jobs and keep us on track to double American exports by 2014. The President’s trip underscores his belief that our businesses will always be successful competing around the world and that he will continue to do everything possible to create jobs for the American people.

Transcript of President Obama’s weekly address … Continue Reading

Pushing Israel To Get Out Of Palestine

November 5, 2011 by Michael McIntee Palestine, War/Peace Comments Off


(Skip video ahead to 15:25 to where event begins)

Palestine is facing possible U.S. sanctions for seeking United Nations membership. Meanwhile the US continues to pump more military aid to Israel which is occupying Palestinian territory.

Josh Ruebner, the National Advocacy Director for The U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation talks about what you can do to promote a U.S. policy toward Israel/Palestine based on human rights, international law, and equality.

DC Latest

DC

Obama announces Housing Settlement with banks

Obama on Landmark Housing Settlement with Banks

The federal government and 49 state attorneys general have reached a landmark $25 billion agreement with the nation’s five largest mortgage servicers to address mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure abuses.

President Obama announces exemptions from "No Child Left Behind" law

States Get Exemptions To “No Child Left Behind” Law

President Obama announces ten states have agreed to implement bold reforms around standards and accountability will receive flexibility from the most burdensome mandates of the federal education law known as No Child Left Behind.

Obama helps with marshmallow launch at White House Science Fair

Marshmallow Launch at the White House Science Fair

The President meets an 8th grader named Joey from Phoenix, AZ at the White House Science Fair and the two launch a marshmallow across the state dining room with Joey’s science project – an air cannon.

President Obama delivers his weekly address

Obama’s Fair Fix For Responsible Homeowners

The housing crisis has been the single largest drag on America’s economic recovery. President Obama wants to fix that fairly for homeowners who have been responsible, but not the ones who took out huge mortgages or bought multiple homes.

Netflix General Counsel David Hyman testifies to a US Senate committee

Netflix Facebook App Would Be Legal In US

Netflix’s top lawyer tries to convince a US Senate committee that laws need to be changed so it can offer a video sharing app on Facebook. A University of Minnesota Law Professor says that’s not so.

Senator Al Franken

Who Should Know Which Videos You Watch?

A bill recently passed in the US House could make it easier for video companies to disclose viewer information. Who should know what you’re watching? Senator Al Franken leads a hearing.

President Obama blasts Utah Senator Mike Lee in his weekly address

Obama Blasts Utah Senator For Causing Gridlock

“One senator gumming up the works for the whole country is certainly not what our founding fathers envisioned.”— President Obama about Utah Senator Mike Lee in his weekly address

President Obama Speaks at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Replay-Obama’s Blueprint For Keeping College Affordable

President Obama unveils his proposal to keep college costs lower and provide students with enough financial aid so they can attend. He speaks at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

President Obama on his State of the union tour

Obama’s State Of The Union Tour Hits Five States

President Obama is on a five state tour promoting the economic proposals he made in his State of The Union address. He started in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at Conveyer Engineering and then into Arizona to an Intel plant. Thursday he want to Las Vegas and Denver.

Click on photo to hear President Obama's speech in Arizona

Obama Praises Gabby Giffords In Arizona

Representative Giffords recently resigned from congress to focus on her recovery from an assassination attempt last year.

Latest MN

MN

Vote No against Voter Photo ID

No To Voter ID With Silence and Cheers

More than 300 Minnesotans gathered at the State Capitol and at Wells Fargo Place in downtown Saint Paul to raise their voices in opposition to the proposed photo ID amendment.

2012  MN Legislative Session

MN Legislative Leaders React To Dayton Veto

Governor Dayton announced he is vetoing a set of Republican authored bills aimed at making it harder to sue in court. Legislative leaders react to the Governor’s veto.

Joe Webb says budget cuts are preventing his mentally ill son from moving closer to home

Mental Health Budget Cuts Costing MN More (CC)

Joe Webb wants his mentally ill son to live closer to home. But cuts made last year in Minnesota’s mental health budget are preventing that.

Senator Barb Goodwin objects to gun bill

Objections To MN Gun Bill Fail

Senator Barb Goodwin raises objections to H.F. 1467 Defense of Dwelling and Person Act.
She says it should have another hearing since a New York Times article showed that Minnesota has problems with felons easily getting back their firearms once they are released from prison.

Senator Julianne Ortman

Unsure, MN GOP Senator Votes To Limit Your Right To Sue

Senator Julianne Ortman’s bill to shorten Minnesota’s statute of limitations passes despite her saying some of the issues in it could go back to the Judiciary committee

DFL SD 42 Caucus Goer

DFL Caucus Goers Want Jobs and Personal Freedom

Hear what DFL caucus goers are concerned and optimistic about.

Larry Pogemiller answers questions during confirmation hearing

Vouchers For College? MN Education Head Says Maybe

Vouchers for college? Minnesota’s Higher Education Director Larry Pogemiller says he’s open to the idea.

TakeAction Minnesota's Dan McGrath Diagrams how bank money goes to Republican legislators

Banks Backing GOP Attempt To Suppress MN Votes

TakeAction Minnesota releases a report outlining Minnesota-based financial interests behind efforts to secure a photo ID amendment on the state’s November 2012 ballot.

Pastor Grant Stevens

Religious Leaders Jam Senator’s Office On MN Voter Photo ID

It’s not often that a half dozen religious leaders come calling with a cadre of television cameras in tow to Senate Majority Leader David Senjem’s office.

Religious Leaders Opposing MN Voter Photo ID

Religious Leaders Oppose MN Voter Photo ID

Religious leaders of various faiths hold a press conference at the Minnesota State Capitol voicing their opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment requiring a photo ID for the purpose of voting.

Sustaining Solutions

Sustaining Solutions

Click on Photo to View Video of Northside Economic Opportunity Network

Northside Economic Opportunity Network Boosts Business in North Minneapolis

The Northside Economic Opportunity Network works with small businesses and micro-businesses in North Minneapolis to help them achieve success.

Workers' Rights Supporter In Madison Wisconsin

2011 UpTake Stories With The Most Impact

If we didn’t cover these stories, who would have?

City Pages Cover-The Forgotten Neighborhood

The Forgotten Neighborhood

As we’ve been reporting for the past six months, many tornado victims who need help still haven’t gotten it.

Click on Photo to View Video of Occupy MN in Monique White's Home

Occupy MN Moves into Foreclosed Home in North Minneapolis

Occupy MN is occupying Monique White’s house at 3310 N. 6th St. in the city’s downtrodden North Minneapolis neighborhood. In doing so, Occupy MN instantly made itself more diverse, and more relevant.

Click on Photo to Watch Video About Campaign to Save North High School

Saving North High School, Preserving a Community Stalwart

When administrators revealed a plan last spring to shut down North High School — one of only two public schools on Minneapolis’ embattled north side — MN Neighborhoods Organizing for Change and other activists answered the call.

Click on Photo to View Kindred Kitchen Video

Kindred Kitchen Empowers North Minneapolis Through Food

North Minneapolis food entrepreneurs use Kindred Kitchen to learn about starting their own business, making their food safely and legally in a commercial kitchen, and marketing it within the community.

Citizen participates in Draw The Line Minnesota session

Citizens, Not Politicians Drawing Redistricting Lines

Voters should pick their politicians, not the other way around. That’s the thought behind Draw The Line Minnesota, a citizen group that is working to draw the maps for congressional and legislative districts.

FLOW: Northside Arts Crawl

FLOW Shows Bright Future For Tornado-damaged Northside

This year’s FLOW art crawl was all about recognizing thousands of volunteers that helped with the clean-up and recovery efforts after the May 22nd tornado. Leaders hope the positive can-do attitude of the cleanup can power a rebirth of the Northside.

Click to watch Stories of Need: Dennis

“We’re Treated like Bums” Despite Holding Jobs, Paying Taxes

After their home in North Minneapolis was destroyed by the May 22 tornado, Dennis and Deborah were forced to seek refuge in the local Armory and at the North Commons Recreation Center. For weeks, they and their five children slept on cots on the floor of a gymnasium.

Click on Picture to View Video of Joyce Chineth

“I’m sure I need it worse than you, because I have nothing.”

Her home destroyed and now condemned, north Minneapolis tornado victim Joyce Chineth feels abandoned by the system.

Donate

RSS The UpTake’s Livestream Schedule

Categories

Archives