Chinese EV maker BYD faces allegations of ‘slavery-like’ conditions
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is facing allegations of “slavery-like” conditions at a construction site for its upcoming plant in Brazil, prompting authorities to shut down the project. Investigators claim workers, brought from China by a contractor, were forced to work excessively long hours, sometimes over seven consecutive days.
Brazil’s public labor prosecutor’s office has accused BYD of subjecting more than 160 workers to inhumane treatment. Over 600 workers were reportedly housed with only eight portable toilets. These toilets were described as being in a “deplorable state,” lacking toilet paper and water.
Food was stored in unsanitary conditions, with meals left exposed on the floor. Additionally, over 100 workers allegedly had their passports withheld, preventing them from leaving without permission.
The prosecutor’s office began investigating the situation in November. Authorities found workers were subjected to forced labor and that basic safety standards were violated.
The plant, intended to be BYD’s first electric vehicle manufacturing facility outside of Asia, was initially scheduled to open by March 2025.
In response to the allegations, BYD stated that it “does not tolerate disrespect for Brazilian law and human dignity.”
The company announced it had severed ties with the contractor responsible and is reviewing working and living conditions for other contractors involved in the project. BYD also said affected workers will be relocated to hotels in the region, and it reaffirmed its commitment to ethical practices.
Alabama inmates sue state, say alleged forced labor is ‘modern-day slavery’
Current and former inmates in Alabama are suing the state, alleging they were forced to work at jobs for “next to nothing.” The lawsuit claimed the prisoners were forced into “modern-day slavery” by working jobs at fast food restaurants, meat packing plants and city offices.
Though inmates make at least $7.25 an hour, the state siphons 40% off the top of all wages and charges fees, including $5 a day for rides to their jobs and $15 a month for laundry, according to The Associated Press.
The AP report found the cheap and reliable labor has generated more than $250 million for the state since 2000 just through money garnished from prisoners’ wages.
While the inmates can refuse to work, they face punishment if they do. Inmates can be denied family visits or sent to higher-security prisons in the state. Those prisons are so dangerous that the federal government filed a lawsuit four years ago, calling Alabama’s treatment of prisoners unconstitutional. That lawsuit is still pending.
Turning down work can also impact an inmate’s chances of getting an early release, with only 8% of eligible prisoners granted parole in 2023. The lawsuit also said the prisoners forced into this “modern-day slavery” are disproportionately Black.
Forced prison labor will stay in California after ballot measure fails
Californians rejected a state ballot initiative in which would have eliminated involuntary servitude for those serving prison sentences. Nearly 54% of voters rejected Proposition 6. The Associated Press reported that 72% of the vote has been counted so far.
Some residents refer to the conditions in the state’s prisons as modern-day slavery or forced labor.
Jobs given to prisoners may net them less than $1 an hour. Declining these jobs can even reportedly cause delays in parole eligibility or other severe consequences.
Instead of involuntary work assignments, Proposition 6 would have encouraged prisons to set up a volunteer work assignment program, taking time off sentences in the form of credits. Cities and counties would have also been encouraged to set up pay scales for inmates.
This proposition wasn’t the only reform initiative in front of voters on Election Day. Proposition 36, the “tough-on-crime” measure, voters overwhelmingly backed the legislation, passing with nearly 70% of voter’s support.
According to the California Legislative Analyst’s Office, Proposition 36 will change a number of things in the state. Some misdemeanors will become felonies for those with past convictions. The proposal will also lengthen some felony sentences, like theft or damage of property and some felonies are now required to be served in prison, such as sentences for selling certain drugs.
Advocates for Proposition 6 said voters were not educated enough about the measure and had a hard time separating it from Proposition 36. California would have joined 15 other states which have already closed forced labor loopholes.
Nevada voted to close the a loophole, with around 60% of voters supporting the measure on Election Day in 2024. It removed language from the state’s constitution, which allowed slavery and indentured servitude as a type of punishment.
Calif. proposal aims to ban involuntary servitude in prisons
A proposal on California’a ballot could end what critics call government-sanctioned slavery in prisons. The state is one of 20 where incarcerated people can be forced to do work ranging from kitchen and janitorial duties to fighting wildfires. They typically make less than $1 per hour.
California State Rep. Lori Wilson, D, and the state’s legislative Black caucus are behind Proposition 6, which would stop forced labor as a criminal punishment in the state’s prisons and prevent inmates who refuse to work from being penalized.
The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution did abolish slavery and involuntary servitude more than a century ago, but not for people who have been convicted of crimes.
Wilson’s proposal would allow inmates to choose their jobs and give them access to programs she says would help them thrive. Supporters of Proposition 6 say forcing inmates to work is both a moral issue and a public safety concern.
However, they’re struggling to explain the proposal to voters, as another crime-related measure, Proposition 36, gets a lot of attention. This other proposition would increase penalties for repeat offenders of certain theft and drug-related crimes.
While the two measures aren’t directly connected, backers of Proposition 6 are worried their measure will get lost in the tough-on-crime theme of the “Yes on 36” campaign.
Harris, Trump field questions during town halls as Election Day nears
With less than three weeks until the presidential election, the candidates are blitzing battleground states and the airwaves with town halls. And in a possible blow to small businesses hoping to rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, one federal agency is running out of money. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024.
Harris, Trump field questions during town halls as Election Day nears
With less than three weeks to go until Election Day, the candidates fielded questions on Tuesday, Oct. 15, in two different town hall settings.
Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris took part in a town hall in Detroit hosted by radio personality Charlamagne tha God as she looks to reach Black voters. During the town hall, the vice president said she believes slavery reparations should be studied.
Harris said while she is running for “president for everyone” she is “clear-eyed about the history and the disparities that exist for specific communities.”
The vice president also urged Black Americans not to sit out on Election Day.
Vice President Harris: Ask Donald Trump what his plan is for Black America. I'll tell you what it is. Project 2025 wants to implement stop-and-frisk. It wants to make it more difficult for workers to receive overtime pay. He wants to terminate the Constitution, which includes… pic.twitter.com/ZAQNgRkRyq
“The solutions that we all want are not going to happen in totality because of one election but here’s the thing: the things that we want and are prepared to fight for won’t happen if we’re not active and if we don’t participate,” she said. “We cannot allow circumstances to take us out the game because then basically what we’re saying is all those people who are obstructionist, who are standing in the way of change, they’re winning because they are convincing people that it can’t be done so take yourself out, don’t participate. Look at that circle, look at that vicious circle, then so let’s not fall for it.”
Meanwhile, Republican nominee former President Donald Trump participated in a Fox News town hall in Georgia moderated by host Harris Faulkner.
The town hall had an all-female audience, with the women posing questions to Trump on issues such as the economy, immigration, and abortion. According to reports of the event, which will air later Wednesday, Oct. 16 on Fox News, Trump said some states are “too tough” when it comes to restrictions on abortion and those laws “are going to be redone.”
“The African American community and the Hispanic community are being devastated with the jobs, the numbers are down 6, 7, 8, 9%. They are going to work, and they’re saying, ‘I’m sorry, we’re not going to take you any more.’ People that have worked there and worked there well for years are now being told that they no longer have a job because they have illegal immigrants coming in and taking their job,” Trump said. “Any African American or Hispanic, and you know how well I’m doing there, that votes for Kamala, you got to have your head examined, because they are really screwing you.”
Early voting begins in Georgia with record turnout
Early voting has begun in the battleground state of Georgia and it’s already seeing a record turnout. Voting for the Nov. 5 presidential election started Tuesday and by the late afternoon, at least 252,000 voters had already cast ballots at early voting sites.
That’s nearly double the 136,000 who voted on the first day of early voting in the 2020 election, according to a top Georgia election official.
Also Tuesday, a judge blocked a new rule requiring Georgia Election Day ballots to be counted by hand after the close of voting. That ruling came just a day after the same judge ruled county election officials must certify election results by the deadline set in law.
Small Business Administration runs out of disaster relief funding
The Small Business administration has run out of funding for its disaster assistance loans right after the one-two punch of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. That means much-needed financial assistance will be delayed for people applying for help right now.
After a disaster, the SBA provides loans to businesses and people who need them. The organization had warned it expected to run out of money by the end of the month.
Congress can approve more funding, but lawmakers are not set to reconvene until Nov. 12. The SBA administrator said in the meantime, people that need them should keep applying for the loans.
HURRICANE #MILTON SURVIVORS: Business owners and residents in declared disaster areas can now apply for SBA assistance.
Israel strikes Beirut despite U.S. opposition; vows to avoid nuclear sites in Iran
At least one Israeli air strike rocked a Beirut, Lebanon suburb early Wednesday morning, killing at least 15 people according to the Associated Press. The strike came just hours after a State Department spokesperson said the U.S. told its key ally it opposed the bombing campaign there in recent weeks.
On Tuesday, the United Nations’ Human Rights Office called for an investigation into an Israeli air strike that happened on Monday which killed at least 21 people in northern Lebanon, saying it posed “real concerns” because it may have violated international laws governing war.
This comes as a Biden administration official said Israel has assured the U.S. it will not hit nuclear or oil sites when it retaliates against Iran for its missile barrage earlier this month.
However, that does not mean Israel will keep its word. In the past, the country’s track record of sticking to what it tells the U.S. has been mixed.
Just last month, U.S. officials were told by their Israeli counterparts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would welcome a U.S.- and French-led temporary cease-fire initiative in Lebanon, only for Israel to launch a massive airstrike that killed a Hezbollah leader two days later.
Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay $15M in baby powder cancer case
A jury has ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $15 million to a Connecticut man who says he developed a rare form of cancer after using the company’s baby powder for decades. The man says he contracted mesothelioma from inhaling the talc powder.
The jury also said Johnson & Johnson should pay additional punitive damages, which will be determined later by the judge overseeing the case.
After the ruling, Johnson & Johnson’s vice president of litigation said the company will be appealing the decision, saying “erroneous” rulings by the judge kept the jury from hearing critical facts about the case.
Tom Brady approved to become minority owner of Raiders
Tom Brady has been called many names: the GOAT, Super Bowl champion, and NFL commentator, to name a few. Now, he can add team owner to that list.
On Tuesday, NFL team owners voted to approve Brady’s purchase of a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. The former NFL quarterback said in a statement he is eager to contribute to the Raiders organization in any way.
Because of his new title, Brady faces some restrictions in his other role as a Fox broadcaster, including being barred from weekly production meetings with the players and coaches in the games he will cover.
Israel strikes Lebanon as Hezbollah vows revenge for device explosions
Israel unleashes heavy strikes on Lebanon as Hezbollah vows revenge for the recent device explosions. And a sheriff has been charged with the murder of a judge in Kentucky. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
More strikes in Lebanon as fears of an escalating war grow
Israel carried out its strongest strike yet against Hezbollah in Lebanon Thursday night, Sept. 19, intensifying the conflict between the two that started almost a year ago after Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel.
The strikes, which were part of a bigger exchange of fire between the Israeli military and the militant group, came after two days of attacks targeting wireless devices in Lebanon.
Those attacks, which caused thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies to explode, are widely believed to have been orchestrated by Israel against Hezbollah. However, hundreds of civilians were also hurt, some even killed. Israel has not commented on the explosions.
Hezbollah’s leader said Thursday Israel has “crossed all the red lines” and vowed revenge.
Attacks have been ramping up between the Iranian-backed militant group and Israel since the start of the war in Gaza with Hezbollah claiming it’s part of a “supportive front” for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Israel is turning more of its military attention toward the border with Lebanon. Soldiers have taken up a new artillery position in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. Residents there have been warned by Israel’s military to stay inside or close to a bomb shelter for the time being.
The heightening tensions in the Middle East come as President Joe Biden looks to help secure a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas. The Wall Street Journal, however, has reported senior U.S. officials don’t expect a cease-fire to be reached by the end of Biden’s term.
Harris talks with Oprah, Trump speaks with Jewish supporters
Thursday was a busy day for both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump with both presidential candidates participating in campaign events.
The Vice President took part in an evening live-stream from Michigan hosted by Oprah Winfrey. During the event titled United for America — which also featured celebrities like Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lopez — Harris spoke about stepping up to be the Democratic presidential nominee once President Biden dropped out of the race.
“I felt a sense of responsibility, to be honest with you, and with that comes a sense of purpose,” Harris said. “But we’re all here, and you all are taking time of out of your busy lives because there really is so much at stake.”
Harris also touched on her stances on gun violence, abortion rights, and cutting costs for the middle class.
Meanwhile, Republican presidential nominee former President Trump spoke to a group of Jewish donors during an event in Washington called Fighting Antisemitism in America.
“With your vote, I will be your defender, your protector, and I will be the best friend Jewish Americans have ever had in the White House,” he said. “Sadly, and I have to say this, and it hurts me to say it; you’re going to still vote for Democrats, and it doesn’t make sense. I say all the time that any Jewish person that votes for her — especially now — her or the Democrat Party should have their head examined.”
During his address, Trump also criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the war in Gaza and the protests on college campuses.
Kentucky sheriff charged with killing judge inside courthouse
Kentucky State Police said Mullins died at the scene and Stines surrendered to authorities. Stines has been charged with one count of first-degree murder.
Law enforcement officials are still investigating what led up to the killing.
Mark Robinson vows to stay in NC governor race after CNN report
Controversy is surrounding the race for governor in North Carolina. Republican candidate Mark Robinson has vowed to remain in the race after CNN published a story Thursday alleging he made lewd and inflammatory statements on the message board of a pornographic website more than 10 years ago.
Robinson denies these allegations.
Among the accusations in the report, CNN said Robinson expressed support for reinstating slavery. The comments were made between 2008 and 2012, before Robinson entered politics. He was elected North Carolina’s lieutenant governor in 2020.
In an interview with CNN, Robinson called the report “tabloid trash” and said, “I’m not going to get into the minutia of how somebody manufactured this, these salacious tabloid lies.”
He had a similar message in a social media video posted before the CNN report was made public.
“Let me reassure you: the things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson,” he said. “You know my words, you know my character, and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before.”
Robinson added, “We are staying in this race, we are in it to win it, and we know that, with your help, we will.”
Nike replaces CEO with former executive to shake up brand
Big changes are coming to Nike as the sneaker brand is looking to get back on the right foot with a switch in leadership. Nike announced Thursday it will replace CEO John Donahoe with a company veteran: former senior executive Elliot Hill.
The move comes as Nike is hoping to revive sales amid growing competition. Hill is set to take over as CEO on Oct. 14.
Shohei Ohtani becomes first MLB player to reach 50/50 milestone
History was made on the baseball diamond Thursday night by Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.
During Thursday night’s game against the Miami Marlins, Ohtani became the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. But he didn’t stop there.
All in all, Ohtani was 6 for 6 in the game with three home runs and 10 RBIs in the Dodgers’ 20 to 4 rout of the Marlins, clinching a playoff spot for LA.
California sets aside $12 million for nation’s largest reparations effort
The state of California announced on Friday, June 28, that it will be allocating $12 million in its next budget to provide compensation to Black residents for racial injustices. Th effort would be the largest government-funded reparations effort of its kind in the country.
The money is a far cry from the billions of dollars that a reparations task force recommended earlier this year. However, considering the state is facing a $50 billion budget shortfall, some advocates said that they were pleased any money got allocated for reparations. Still, some said that while the money is a step in the right direction that “it’s not enough” but added that this is “the first time ever” reparations “will be a line item in a state budget.”
Movements to compensate Black people for the wounds of slavery and segregation in the United States gained new steam following the 2020 death of George Floyd at the hands a Minneapolis police officer and the ensuing protests.
The movement has prompted expanded efforts to explore reparations across the United States. For instance, the District of Columbia’s 2025 budget proposal includes $1.5 million to study the feasibility of reparations and to come up with proposals to address the harms of slavery.
However, some efforts to compensate Black people for a history of racism have hit a roadblock. In late May, a conservative advocacy group sued to halt the country’s first ever government-funded reparations program in Evanston, Illinois. The plaintiffs argue that the effort to compensate Black residents through reparations discriminates against other ethnicities. Despite the challenge, around $5 million has already been paid out to 193 Black residents.
In another setback for reparations advocates, the Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down a lawsuit seeking reparations for the last two survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
California’s effort to deliver on its reparations promise still face opposition from Republicans as well as some Asian and Latino lawmakers, who argue that it’s unfair to make current residents pay for the wrongs of the past.
The Golden State’s budget still doesn’t outline how the reparations will be paid out to Black residents, but state lawmakers said that it will be worked into reparations-related bills currently circulating in the Legislature.
Removing the Confederate statue won’t change Arlington’s complicated history
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order to halt the removal of the Confederate memorial scheduled to take place this week at Arlington National Cemetery. Judge Rossie Alston Jr. is waiting to hear more from both parties before he makes a decision about extending the order past Wednesday, Dec. 20.
“The removal will desecrate, damage and likely destroy the Memorial longstanding at ANC as a grave marker and impede the Memorial’s eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places,” the organization Defend Arlington said in its suit.
Why is the statue being removed?
In 2022, an independent commission recommended to Congress that the statue be taken down as part of an effort to remove Confederate names from military bases and assets. However, the statue wasn’t put there merely to honor the Confederacy.
Why was it erected?
The statue was erected during Reconstruction in an effort to aid reconciliation between the North and South.
When former President William McKinley kicked off his Peace Jubilee in Atlanta, Georgia, after the Spanish-American war, he stated, “In the spirit of fraternity we should share with you in the care of the graves of Confederate soldiers.”
On June 6, 1900, Congress appropriated $2,500 to have Confederate soldiers reinterred at Arlington National Cemetery. Ultimately, more than 400 Confederate soldiers were buried in a designated section called Section 16.
Arlington National Cemetery describes the statue as “a nostalgic, mythologized vision of the Confederacy” containing “highly sanitized depictions of slavery.” That includes a depiction of an enslaved woman holding a white officer’s infant and an enslaved man following his owner to war.
Arlington’s official historical record also shows the statue and the interment of Confederate soldiers was intended to show the South that America was one nation. Even if this Confederate memorial is removed, reminders of America’s complicated history will remain.
Robert E. Lee’s history at Arlington
Arlington was built on the former property of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. His home remains there to this day as a memorial that honors him for “his role in promoting peace and reunion after the Civil War,” according to the National Park Service.
Lee abandoned the property after Virginia seceded from the Union, and the U.S. government confiscated the estate. An Army general authorized the property for use in military burials, partly hoping to deter Lee from ever returning.
Down the hill from Lee’s old mansion lies Section 27 — the designated resting place for Black people and poor white people from 1864 until 1948, when former President Harry S. Truman desegregated the armed forces with an executive order.
Approximately 5,300 “colored troops” and African American “freedpeople,” as identified by Arlington Cemetery, were buried there.
For these reasons and more, Arlington considers itself to be a microcosm of American history.