Latest news with #MayDay
Hindustan Times
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
The Devil Wears Prada 2: Spotted — Anne Hathaway back in her Andrea Sachs era!
"Andy Sachs 2025 #dwp2". Anne Hathaway as Andrea Sachs, now and then(Photos: X) That's what Anne Hathaway captioned her first drop from the sets of The Devil Wears Prada sequel. Dressed in a casually-fitted but cinched pinstriped waist coat and trousers, the 42-year-old was gleaming and beaming. If you're wondering, this wasn't just a cute photo-op. The same fit, later in the day, made it to the streets of New York City. In the midst of what appears to be a filler shot. Anne, channeling her inner Andy, can be seen flitting across the street, hurriedly putting on a pair of sunnies as she makes it across on-coming traffic. The clip is an absolute dead ringer for the chaotic but fashion-forward montages of the original 2006 release, wherein panicked runs through New York City made up about 40 percent of the plot — and we mean that in the most flattering manner possible. Coming back to the production under way, besides the OG trio of Anne, Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt, returning to reprise their roles, the supporting cast has significantly expanded with names like Kenneth Branagh, (set to play Miranda Priestly's husband), Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak and Pauline Chalamet having come on board, albeit in undisclosed roles (save for Kenneth's). For anybody who believed just the sheer hype for The Devil Wears Prada sequel would make it a hush-hush affair with any leaks being cleaned up from the internet before they're circulated, just know that Anne seems to be in full fangirl mode, already having updated fans, twice (!) since filming commenced. Just a little while back, dressed in a motley mosaic maxi dress with a crochet bucket hat, she cool-ly sauntered in front of a giant '2' and struck a pose. As we wait for the sequel's May Day release next year, the OG is always available for streaming on OTT for the nostalgic hits.
News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh: A Legacy Of 70 Years, A Future Of Hope
Over the decades, the BMS has played a vital role in transforming India's labour sector Dattopant Thengadiji, the founder of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), often remarked that BMS was a 'Sangh Srushti" – a creation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He founded the organisation under the able guidance of Guruji Golwalkar, the second Sarsanghchalak of the RSS. Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh was the last of the major central trade union organisations to be formed, after AITUC, INTUC, HMS, and others. Yet, within just 34 years, it rose to become the largest Central Trade Union in the country. Throughout its journey, the BMS championed issues often ignored by other unions. India has a rich tradition of a powerful trade union movement. Much of the progress and rights enjoyed by workers today are the result of tireless struggles led by towering figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Dr BR Ambedkar, and Dattopant Thengadiji, who were also eminent leaders of the trade union movement. The BMS has been at the forefront in ensuring decent wages and working conditions for the workers. But it always thought beyond bread and butter. It has been distinguished by its deeply nationalist character. Its rallying call in the labour sector was 'Nationalise the Labour'. It firmly rejected both 'political unionism" and mere 'bread and butter trade unionism". In negotiations, the BMS advocated not just for the workers but considered society at large as a third and most critical stakeholder in all industrial matters, apart from workers and employers. While striving for better wages and improved working conditions, the BMS consistently emphasised that workers' efforts must contribute meaningfully to nation-building. This balancing vision was captured in its inspiring slogan: 'Desh ke hit mein karenge kaam, kaam ke lenge poore daam' ('We shall work in the nation's interest, and receive full wages for our work'). In times of national crisis, the BMS consistently called upon Indian labour to rise in service of the nation. During the Chinese aggression in 1962, the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, and the liberation of Bangladesh, the BMS mobilised like-minded trade unions to form the Rashtriya Mazdoor Morcha to support the government's war efforts. It also suspended all protests and demands during these periods. True to its cultural roots, the BMS has promoted a trade union movement grounded in the Bharatiya ethos. It celebrates Vishwakarma Jayanti on September 17 as National Labour Day—an alternative to May Day. May Day is observed in remembrance of a failed struggle that ultimately weakened the trade union movement in the United States, where the events associated with May Day originally took place. In India, Vishwakarma symbolises the dignity and noble status of labour in society. Today, several states officially observe a holiday on this day. Landmark contributions in the service of labour The BMS has been at the forefront of many groundbreaking labour reforms. Wages constitute the most critical element in fulfilling the economic aspirations of the labour. The BMS was the first to critically study and expose flaws in the calculation of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the basis for determining Dearness Allowance. Despite initial opposition from other unions like INTUC and HMS, who later came to endorse it, the movement gained momentum, culminating in a successful Mumbai Bandh on 20th August 1963. The government eventually appointed the Lakdawala Committee to revise CPI methodology. The BMS championed the principle that the bonus is a deferred wage, advocating the slogan 'Bonus for All" – a position later adopted by all major stakeholders in the labour sector. The First National Commission on Labour, chaired by Justice Gajendragadkar, was established in 1967. The BMS made an exhaustive submission before the Commission outlining a comprehensive set of demands for the welfare of labour. In 1971, the BMS took up the issue of domestic workers, recognising that they lacked both legal protection and formal recognition within the labour framework. The BMS established the Gharelu Kamgar Sangh in Mumbai. A massive rally of around 60,000 domestic workers took place during BMS's third national conference on 22-23 May 1972. In 1974, the Bharatiya Railway Mazdoor Sangh played a pivotal role in the national railway strike along with other unions. While some other unions contemplated damaging national property during the strike, the BMS firmly insisted that the strike be carried out without harming any national assets. The struggle continued without causing any loss of national property. A voice of resistance in times of oppression On July 26, 1976, Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency. In response, the Lok Sangarsh Samiti was formed, and a joint circular was issued by BMS, CITU, HMS, and HMKP. While leaders of other central trade unions were later afraid and reluctant to continue the agitation against the autocratic rule, the BMS took to the streets, resulting in the arrest of more than 5,000 of its activists, with around 111 imprisoned under the oppressive MISA law. The courageous resistance and the sacrifices made by the BMS during the Emergency won the confidence of workers across the country. It led to a period of growth for the organisation after the Emergency was lifted in 1977. Representing the BMS for the first time, Thengadiji attended the 63rd session of the International Labour Conference of the ILO in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1977 as part of the Indian delegation. By 1980, the BMS was declared the second-largest Central Trade Union in the country by the Congress Government, next to INTUC. Following this, the BMS was officially included in every Indian trade union delegation to international conferences and forums such as the ILO. Finally, based on the 1989 verification conducted by the then Congress government, the BMS was declared the largest central trade union in the country by the same Government. Consequently, in the 1990s, the BMS was entrusted with the responsibility of leading Indian delegations to the ILO and other international forums. By 1980, the Government officially recognised the BMS as the second-largest central trade union, after INTUC. Following the 1989 verification conducted by the Congress government, the BMS was declared the largest central trade union in the country. From the 1990s onwards, the BMS began leading Indian delegations to global labour fora, including the ILO. In 1980, leaders from various trade unions were invited to participate in the Viswakarma Jayanti celebrations, which BMS observed as Labour Day. On June 4, 1981, a National Campaign Committee comprising eight Central Trade Unions and National Industrial Federations, including the BMS, was formed to counter the government's flawed anti-labour policies. In 1986, 10 central trade unions once again united to form a common platform to address broader issues such as national unity, disarmament, and racial discrimination. The BMS welcomed this initiative and played a leading role in these activities with the vision of advancing world peace and harmony. During its seventh national conference in 1984, held in Hyderabad, BMS declared a 'War of Economic Independence Against Imperialism.' Technology, yes, but not at the cost of jobs The BMS firmly believes that technology and machines should assist, not replace, human workers. Given India's status as a labour-surplus country, the BMS asserts that technologies should be 'adapted' to suit Indian conditions rather than 'adopted' in their original form, as uncritical adoption may adversely impact employment. In line with this, the 1981 Hyderabad conference resolved to observe 1984 as 'Anti-Computerisation Year' in protest against labour-displacing devices. However, the BMS did not object to the use of computers in complex domains such as research, defence, meteorology, oceanography and the like. It also demanded a Round Table Conference involving all stakeholders to deliberate on the job-displacing impacts of computerisation, particularly in sectors like banking. Four decades later, the world is once again engaged in the same debate, raising similar concerns and arguments in response to the growing spread of artificial intelligence and robotics. The BMS has adopted a distinctive policy of 'responsive co-operation" toward successive governments, regardless of political affiliation. Replacing class conflict with harmony On the international front, the BMS replaced the class-divisive Communist slogan 'Workers of the World, Unite!' with its message of harmony: 'Workers, Unite the World!' The BMS has maintained positive relationships with global trade union movements. Notably, the BMS was invited as a special guest to the pro-Communist Conference of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) in Moscow in November 1991. At this conference, Prabhakar Ghate presented before the World, the BMS's apolitical ideals for a genuine trade union movement. When the ILO proposed incorporating a social clause in trade agreements with developing countries, the BMS strongly opposed the move. The social clause, which aimed to prohibit imports from countries allegedly using child labour, would have jeopardised export prospects for nations like India and Nepal. The then BMS representative, R Venugopal, mobilised many developing nations against it. To empower women workers, the BMS established its women's wing during the 1981 conference in Kolkata. In April 1994, the Sarvapanth Samadar Manch was founded to foster religious harmony in India's diverse cultural landscape. In 1995, the 'Paryavaran Manch' was launched to address rising environmental concerns, such as the rising levels of industrial pollution and their adverse effects. The initiative championed the Bharatiya ethos that 'Mother Nature should be milked, not exploited'. To safeguard the nation's economic interests in global forums, the BMS organised a massive rally on April 16, 2001 at Ram Lila Grounds in New Delhi, attended by lakhs of workers. The rally highlighted the potential dangers of blindly following WTO policies, with the slogan: 'WTO Modo, Todo, Ya Chodo (Change WTO, Break It, or Quit It)'. The BMS regards labour as the true capital and promotes the concept of 'Labourisation of Industry'. This approach was successfully piloted in Calcutta Jute Mills and other industries for a considerable period. Labourisation encompasses three components: a share in capital investment, participation in management, and proportional profit sharing. The BMS asserted that labour participation should go beyond tokenism on boards of directors; workers should be prioritised in the allotment of company shares and in the distribution of profits. The Vajpeyi Government constituted the Second National Commission on Labour under the chairmanship of Ravindra Verma. While leftist trade unions boycotted the commission, the BMS submitted a comprehensive memorandum addressing labour's varied needs in June 2001. When the commission made anti-worker recommendations on eight key issues, Saji Narayanan CK, a member of the Commission and representative of the BMS, submitted a dissenting note that drew widespread attention in labour circles. One media outlet wrote, the dissenting note of BMS would be remembered more than the Commission's report itself. A leader in modern labour movements On November 23, 2011, the BMS held a historic rally in Delhi, attended by nearly 2 lakh workers, which was an unprecedented show of strength in recent decades. In that event, BMS declared the beginning of a sustained agitation. The show of strength inspired other trade unions, and on the very next day, their leaders came to the BMS office to plan joint actions, accepting the leadership of BMS. Two nationwide strikes followed on 28th March 2012 and 20-21 February 2013, by all the central Trade Unions together under BMS leadership. These actions had a significant impact, drawing serious attention from the government, employers, media and all those related to labour. For the first time, then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh directly intervened at the eleventh hour and appointed a group of four ministers to engage with trade unions and address their demands. During the Indian Labour Conference held in Delhi on May 17, 2013, the Prime Minister openly recognised the demands of trade unions, rekindling hope and enthusiasm among workers across the country. The 46th Indian Labour Conference, held on July 20-21, 2015 after a gap of more than two years, marked a turning point amid turbulent labour conditions. During the conference, in a committee on 'Labour Law Reforms' chaired by the BMS representative, all three social partners — employers' organisations, the 11 central trade unions, and government representatives from both the Centre and the States — unanimously agreed upon three foundational pillars for all future labour legislations: (i) the rights and welfare of workers; (ii) the sustainability of enterprises and job creation; and (iii) industrial peace. When the four Labour Codes were in the drafting stage, a team of BMS activists actively participated in the Government's consultation process, while other Central Trade Unions belonging to opposition parties chose to boycott it. As a result of BMS's proactive engagement, several major pro-labour reforms, particularly steps toward the universalisation of labour benefits, were successfully incorporated into the Codes. However, certain clauses still contain provisions that remain a cause of serious concern. Thus, the Code on Wages and the Code on Social Security are considered historic and revolutionary in many respects. Nevertheless, BMS remains committed to its ongoing struggle to amend the anti-worker provisions in the remaining two Codes. Under the leadership of BMS, the Central Trade Unions raised a 12-point joint Charter of Demands (as revised on June 24, 2014) before the Government and declared a national strike on September 2, 2015. In response, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, constituted a Group of Five Ministers, led by Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley, to engage in wide-ranging consultations with all 11 Central Trade Unions regarding the demands. These consultations were held on August 26 and 27, 2015. After extensive discussions, the Government took a historic step by either fully or partially accepting nearly 10 out of the 12 demands. Emphasising the critical role of trade unions, the Finance Minister assured all Central Trade Unions that any labour law reforms would be undertaken only after thorough tripartite consultations. In light of the Government's proactive efforts to address the Charter of Demands, BMS decided to postpone the strike. However, the central trade unions affiliated with opposition political parties chose to proceed with the strike, despite the majority of demands having been accepted. The strike, without the participation of the BMS, failed to make any significant impact. This development marked a clear separation between 'labour welfare" and 'labour politics." Since then, opposition trade unions have continued to organise frequent politically motivated strikes ceremoniously, without BMS involvement and without making any meaningful impact on the labour landscape. During 2015-2016, the International Labour Organization (ILO) undertook a historic initiative to 'formalise the informal sector", conducting two years of global discussions on the matter. BMS delegate Shri Saji Narayanan C.K. was selected to represent the Asia-Pacific region in the ILO Workers' Group Steering Team for the two year period. He was invited to attend the key preparatory meeting of the workers' team held in Copenhagen, organised by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), ahead of the ILO Conference. In 2020–21, while the world was in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, BMS carried out one of the largest service initiatives in the history of the trade union movement. District-level helplines were established, and extensive service activities were carried out at the grassroots level across the country. Tragically, the BMS lost around 600 of its senior activists in the process. BRICS and L20: An Indian voice in the global labour arena The BMS has also taken on a new role in global leadership. In 2016, for the first time, the BMS assumed the Presidency of the BRICS Trade Union Forum. The BRICS conference held in India that year received high praise from international delegates for its organisation and hospitality. In 2021, amid the pandemic, the BRICS TUF conference was once again held, this time online, under BMS's presidency. The year 2023 was a significant milestone as India hosted the G20 Summit under the Presidency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Labour20 (L20), one of the key verticals of the summit, was chaired by BMS as India's largest central trade union. The L20 conference saw participation from representatives of 20+9 countries, making it the most widely represented L20 event to date. During both the BRICS and L20 conferences, the BMS proposed the idea of universalisation (antyodaya) of labour benefits, an idea that received unanimous appreciation and endorsement from all participating countries. During the Indo-Pak conflict in May 2025, the BMS declared its unwavering support for the soldiers guarding the nation's borders. Towards Antyodaya: A future to be built on firm foundations Today, the BMS comprises over 5,700 unions spanning approximately 60 labour sectors. These have been consolidated into 42 all-India federations active across diverse domains. Going forward, India will face two critical challenges in its labour sector: the vast size of the unorganised sector and the growing trend of contractualisation within the organised sector. India, unfortunately, holds the ignominious distinction of having the world's largest unorganised labour force. According to government statistics, 93.7% of the working population is in unorganised sector, falling outside the protection of labour laws and social security frameworks. Moreover, the increasing use of contract labour within the organised sector has created a vast number of 'islands" of unorganized labour within it. A stagnant manufacturing sector further pressured by the influx of Chinese goods and a non-profitable agricultural economy have placed a disproportionate burden on the already falling real wage levels and deteriorating working conditions of Indian labour. At its 2011 Jalgaon conference, the BMS resolved to focus all efforts on addressing issues in the unorganised sector by launching two key initiatives: 'March to Villages' and 'Organise the Unorganised'. The BMS has established a separate wing for unorganised workers, coordinated by senior members and supported by 12 national-level federations. Among them is the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Gramin Mazdoor Mahasangh, one of the largest tribal federations, actively working in Madhya Pradesh and surrounding states. A nation cannot claim development while the majority of its working population languishes in low economic standards, poverty and vulnerability. Therefore, the BMS has steadfastly promoted the philosophy of antyodaya—upliftment of the last worker—as an essential component of its foundational ideology, Ekatma Manav Darshan'. The Bharatiya social order envisioned by Thengadi was deeply rooted in this concept. top videos View all Over the decades, the BMS has played a vital role in transforming India's labour sector and will continue this struggle until the vision of antyodaya is fully realised. Saji Narayanan CK is Former President, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 22, 2025, 18:24 IST News opinion Opinion | Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh: A Legacy Of 70 Years, A Future Of Hope Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Cave tourism in China's Guizhou is buzzing with underground wonders
Helmet strapped and headlamp shining, 14-year-old Wang Zichen zipped into the shadowy depths of a karst cave, part of a growing wave of underground adventure tourism in southwest China's mountainous regions. Beneath the towering peaks of Guizhou Province stretches a vast karst world filled with tens of thousands of ancient caves. Formed over hundreds of millions of years by persistent water erosion, these caves hold dramatic geological formations, rich biodiversity and traces of early human activity. In February, Guizhou rolled out a plan to promote classified management, ecological restoration and responsible development of cave resources, aiming to enhance their ecological, scientific and tourism values. An expanding range of cave-based ventures is now flourishing across the province, drawing visitors and boosting local economies. The province's efforts align with the theme of the ongoing Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025, which recently took place in the provincial capital, highlighting the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Cave economy 'It is both exciting and informative,' said Wang, who explored the Forest Coolpark scenic spot nestled in Libo Karst – part of the South China Karst, a Unesco World Heritage Site – with friends during his summer vacation. Inside the cave, he admired the stunning stalactites while learning about karst geology. According to Ren Peng, general manager of the scenic site, a variety of cave-based activities have been developed to suit diverse terrain, including caving adventures, sightseeing tours, cave camping and even cave hotpot dining. Since the May Day holiday this year, the site has welcomed nearly 10,000 tourists, generating over CN¥7mil (RM4.15mil) in revenue. 'We follow an ecology-first principle in our development,' Ren said. He added, 'We preserve the caves' natural features while designing tour routes, and avoid any construction in deeper sections. All waste is strictly managed and removed from the caves daily.' 'It's necessary to develop caves based on solid scientific cave research,' said Jean Bottazzi, a French caver and representative of the French Federation of Speleology in China, in an interview during the eco forum. He has spent over three decades studying Shuanghedong Cave, the longest known cave in Asia, located in Guizhou's Suiyang County. Over the years, Bottazzi has worked with local authorities and developers to provide expert guidance on balancing cave tourism with conservation. 'It's encouraging to see that responsible development not only preserves the cave environment, but also brings economic benefits to local villagers by creating new job opportunities,' he added. Karst caves in Guizhou are gaining more attention among tourists. — ESIYMBRO/Wikimedia Commons According to incomplete statistics, the direct market size of Guizhou's cave tourism sector has reached an estimated CNY¥1bil (RM593mil). In addition to tourism, many caves have been creatively repurposed for commercial use. Some have been transformed into restaurants, bars and homestays, while others serve as sites for winemaking, mushroom cultivation, or even data storage, taking advantage of their naturally stable temperature and humidity. 'These caves, once dormant in the depths of the mountains, are now awakening as unique assets of the region. They are no longer just natural wonders, but also cultural and economic symbols,' said Qin Xiaokang, deputy director of the culture, radio, television and tourism bureau of Libo County. Modern tech Speaking at a sub-forum of the ongoing event, Hassina Mouri, president of the International Union of Geological Sciences, emphasised the role of innovative technologies in promoting environmental engagement. 'By using tools like big data and artificial intelligence, we detect, predict and better comprehend the interactions among different parts of our natural environment.' In an interview, Zhou Wenlong, deputy director of the Guizhou Institute of Mountain Resources, said high-tech tools are playing a key role in addressing the challenges of karst cave conservation and development. 'Some caves have fragile ecosystems and complex terrains that are difficult to access,' Zhou said. 'We use terrestrial laser scanning technology to produce high-precision 3D models of cave interiors, and leverage digital tools to offer virtual access to these delicate sites.' These technologies have already been applied in Zhijindong Cave Unesco Global Geopark in Guizhou's Bijie City. According to Liu Haibo, general manager of Guizhou Zhijindong Cave Tourism Development, the geopark first completed a full laser scan of the caves in 2015, with a second scan planned for next year. 'By comparing the records, we can monitor the condition of each stalactite, whether it's growing or damaged, and adjust our conservation and development strategy accordingly,' Liu said. Since 2019, the geopark has also introduced an intelligent tourism system to monitor cave temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels and visitor flow in real time, helping to ensure both landscape protection and tourist safety. China's green development practices are drawing international recognition. 'The ideas and approaches taken in China's green provinces to balance economic growth and environmental protection are applicable everywhere,' said Erik Solheim, former United Nations under-secretary-general. 'Many cities in the developing world could look to China for inspiration.' – Xinhua
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Good Trouble: The Latest Anti-Trump Protest Is on July 17. Here's Why.
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. National anti-Trump demonstrations will take place across the United States on July 17 under the moniker "Good Trouble Lives On," honoring the late civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis, and continuing a spate of national demonstrations that have been well-attended by Trump detractors in nearly every pocket of the country. Why It Matters "We hope to build off the incredible momentum anti-authoritarian protests including No Kings Day, Hands Off and May Day and bring in communities already engaged in organizing into the fold of Good Trouble Lives On," group spokesperson Katie Garcia told Newsweek on Wednesday. Good Trouble Lives On National Day of Action has been an annual event for the past five years in memoriam of Lewis, and was already scheduled for July 17—the day of his death. Other protests like "No Kings" have been successful. That took place in countless cities on June 14, as part of a rebuke of Trump on his 79th birthday, which also saw the president attend a military parade in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. An estimated 4 to 6 million people made their voices heard. In April, Hands Off! protests also galvanized opponents of Trump and billionaire Elon Musk during the throes of his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) work in the federal government. The group described itself as a pro-democracy, pro-worker movement taking place "in defiance of the Trump-Musk billionaire takeover and the Republican assault on our freedoms and our communities." Good Trouble Lives On is described as "a national day of action to respond to the attacks on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration." Good Trouble Lives On is described as "a national day of action to respond to the attacks on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration." Photo-illustration by Newsweek/AP Who is Organizing the 'Good Trouble' Protests? Good Trouble Lives On is led by Transformative Justice Coalition, Black Voters Matter, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, League of Women Voters, Public Citizens, the Declaration for American Democracy Coalition, National Urban League, American Constitution Society, Indivisible, 50501, Third Act, Mi Familia En Acción and many more organizations. Who was John Lewis? Lewis, a Georgia Democrat and advocate of peaceful protests, who famously called for "good trouble" during the civil rights era. He rose to political infamy even before stepping into office. In March 1965, he led more than 600 peaceful protesters across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, as a public outcry for voting rights ultimately transformed into violence between protesters and police, now known as "Bloody Sunday." Lewis was elected to the U.S. House in 1986, representing constituents largely based in Atlanta. The 2017 Trump inauguration was the first that Lewis ever skipped. Lewis died in 2020. Protest locations across the U.S. As of the early afternoon of July 16, event organizers told Newsweek that they had confirmed more than 1,600 events and 162,000 RSVPs, adding that they "expect at least several hundred thousand people will attend across the country with a few international events also confirmed." A map on the organization's website shows events planned nationwide in every state, including Alaska and Hawaii. Locations include major cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Dallas, Austin, Columbus and Charlotte. Palm Beach, Florida, the home city of Trump family's home, will also host events. Bigger Turnout Than Ever Public Citizen Co-President Robert Weissman told Newsweek on Wednesday that although this event has drawn interest in past years, he and organizers felt this year would be different. "We're thrilled," Wiessman said. "It's vastly greater than what we had anticipated. We actually shut off the registration a few days ago. ... This is a very different kind of thing than we've done in the past. We've done it in partnership with the Transformative Justice Coalition. And in the past it's been 75 relatively small events around the country. "We obviously knew this one is going to be bigger, but at this point 1,600 is vastly more than we had anticipated." This event differs from other aforementioned protests in terms of format and scheduling. Thursday's events will include protests, marches and vigils, in addition to panel discussions and even some barbecues. It's also unique in that it's taking place on a weekday, rather than weekends where millions came out for other protests within the past few months. Weissman said Lewis' "courage, commitment and persistence" acts as a backdrop for this particular day, acknowledging how the former congressman endured physical threats and life-altering challenges. "[Lewis] literally marched ahead and inspired others with his words, and even more with his example to be courageous," he said. "We saw his commitment to push and demand what was that victories aren't permanent, but that fighting for justice is permanent and lifelong." What People Are Saying Speaking to Newsweek, Lorella Praeli, co-president of Community Change Action, which has backed anti-Trump demonstrations, said: "Look around—Trump and his allies are deploying the tools of authoritarianism: silencing dissent, targeting immigrants, punishing oversight, and even staging military displays for personal glorification. These aren't isolated incidents; they're part of a broader effort to delegitimize democratic norms." In a statement sent to Newsweek Declaration for American Democracy, a campaign group backing the protest, said: "This isn't the government our founders envisioned, nor the democracy generations of Americans have fought to realize. As the Trump administration continues violating civil liberties and attacking fundamental freedoms, pro-democracy groups are staying vigilant. The power lies with the American people to unify and 'Make Good Trouble.'" What Happens Next It remains to be seen what organizers plan next in terms of protests and anti-Trump sentiment.
New York Post
7 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
French PM Francois Bayrou wants to cut public holidays to help economy — including one commemorating victory over Nazis
France's prime minister proposed on Tuesday the elimination of two public holidays from the country's annual calendar — possibly Easter Monday and the day marking the Allied victory over the Nazis — to save money in next year's budget. That's among a raft of spending cuts laid out by Prime Minister Francois Bayrou in a sweeping, and potentially doomed, budget plan. He argued that removing two state holidays would bring in tax revenues generated from economic activity, contributing to around 44 billion euros ($51.3 billion) in overall savings. Advertisement 3 French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou proposed the elimination of two public holidays from the country's annual calendar to save money in next year's budget. AFP via Getty Images President Emmanuel Macron tasked Bayrou with crafting a budget that shaves costs to bring down France's staggering debt and deficit, while also adding billions in new defense spending to face what Macron says are resurgent threats from Russia and beyond. Bayrou questioned the religious importance of Easter Monday. And Victory Day, celebrated on May 8, comes in a month that has become a 'veritable Gruyere,' or holey cheese, of days off that includes May Day and the Catholic holiday of Ascension, he said. Advertisement He said that those holidays were just suggestions, and that he was open to other ideas. France currently has 11 official holidays per year. With no parliamentary majority, Macron's centrist grouping must win support from adversaries on the left and right to pass the budget this fall. 3 President Emmanuel Macron tasked Bayrou with crafting a budget that shaves costs to bring down France's staggering debt and deficit, according to reports. REUTERS 3 Bayrou argued that removing two state holidays would bring in tax revenues generated from economic activity, contributing to around 44 billion euros ($51.3 billion) in overall savings. REUTERS Advertisement Bayrou's proposals, which are just a first step in the budget process, were quickly assailed by unions and the far-right National Rally, the largest single party in the lower house of Parliament. Bayrou's job is precarious, and he could be voted out if he fails to reach a compromise on the budget.
