AltWeeklies Wire
History Will Not Absolve Jesse Helmsnew
Those who fought for progressive causes during the 40 years or so of Helms' public life have their own recollections of him. While some nod their heads in respect for his passing, they also mourn the impact of his political influence on the state, the nation and the world. We offer their voices, here, as a counterpoint and a remembrance.
A Cruel Summer: Probing the Attack on Camp Summerlanenew

A four-part investigative series tells the short, hard history of a summer camp that went down in flames, fights and fear-mongering.
Mountain Xpress |
Jon Elliston |
06-20-2008 |
History
Voting Rights Elusive for Ex-Felons in Virginianew

The Sentencing Project estimates that one in 41 adults have lost their voting rights because of a felony conviction. And while each state has its own laws regarding the restoration of a felon's civil rights, Virginia has one of the harshest sets of laws that make restoring your civil rights after a felony conviction a slog through a bureaucratic wasteland.
C-Ville Weekly |
Scott Weaver |
05-21-2008 |
Politics
Rev. Wright & the Truthnew
We have a duty to ourselves to listen to the real Jeremiah Wright, to try to understand this complex mix that is America. He puts the patriotism of most politicians to shame.
Metro Times |
Jack Lessenberry |
05-01-2008 |
Commentary
The Dubious Merits of Being America's Civil Rights Citynew
How many times can a city review a man's life and rededicate itself to his ideals before inviting apathy, hucksterism, and self-indulgence instead of activism? Memphis has become America's racial guilt trip and America's civil rights city. Less would be more. Share the guilt. Atlanta, Detroit, and New York don't have racial histories?
The Memphis Flyer |
John Branston |
04-11-2008 |
Race & Class
Subverting Dr. Kingnew
Has it really been 40 years since the death and martyrdom of Dr. Martin Luther King on that shattering April evening here in Memphis?
The Memphis Flyer |
Staff |
04-04-2008 |
Commentary
Southern Hospitalitynew
The people surprised by how well Dallas' massive immigration rally went must be Yankees.
Dallas Observer |
Jim Schutze |
04-17-2006 |
Commentary
Cross the Thresholdnew
Gay couples in Connecticut ask a judge to open the door to full marriage rights.
New Haven Advocate |
Carole Bass |
04-03-2006 |
LGBT
Don't Ask, Don't Benew

A Houston-area man leads the fight against the ban on gays in the military.
Houston Press |
Craig Malisow |
01-09-2006 |
LGBT
Trans Rights Come of Agenew
California has come a long way on rights for transgendered people in the last 15 years, but still has a long way to go.
San Francisco Bay Guardian |
Chris Daley |
01-06-2006 |
Commentary
Infamous Manhunt Leads to Struggle for Justicenew
Twelve years after a dragnet for a rapist targeted blacks in Oneonta, N.Y., a class action lawsuit is going to trial.
The Village Voice |
Chisun Lee |
08-04-2005 |
Race & Class
The Road to Meadville seriesnew

AltWeeklies Award - Investigative Reporting
Jackson Free Press |
Donna Ladd |
07-20-2005 |
Media
The Voice of Red-State Christianity Battles Gay Marriagenew
The Rev. Jerry Johnston and other preachers who oppose same-sex marriage want lawmakers to let the people of Kansas vote on a constitutional amendment to "protect" marriage.
The New COINTELPROnew
The feds are spying on – and harassing – political activists with a fury not seen since the 1960s. Under John Ashcroft's direction, opposing the Bush administration translates to state terrorism.
San Francisco Bay Guardian |
Camille Taira |
10-20-2004 |
Civil Liberties
Doping Up the Rabblenew
With the use of less-lethal force on the rise and scary new weapons in the pipeline, such as high-voltage land mines, it's prime time to take a quick look at the gadgetry police departments are using to herd humans.
San Francisco Bay Guardian |
A. C. Thompson |
10-20-2004 |
Civil Liberties