politics 11 - The Latremie Post

‘Healing and justice’: Stevenson brothers talk hidden hurts, hostilities in today’s political climate

Two brothers, psychologist and educator Howard Stevenson and civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, held a compelling conversation on race and justice on Thursday at the Fitler Club in Center City.

The discussion, titled “Healing & Justice: A Journey Through Story, Conflict, & Collective Care,” centered around the power of storytelling to address hidden hurts and hostilities in order to unite communities in America’s current political climate. The event was moderated by Robin Smith, a psychologist, New York Times best-selling author, and SiriusXM host.

Howard Stevenson, currently the Constance E. Clayton Professor of Urban Education and director of the Resilience Empowerment Collaborative at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasized the urgency of the moment. “People in this country are stunned and paralyzed about what to do with all their hate that’s coming at them,” he told The Tribune. “We’ve been working for quite a long time at Lion’s Story trying to help people get out of that paralysis.”

Howard added, “When you want to do something, you have a purpose, but you can’t find the courage. We think about healing as a way to get you unstuck. We’re a place where they can start to use their voice and instead of just watching, the hate just wins.”

The event was a part of a fundraiser for Lion’s Story, the nonprofit co-founded by the Stevenson brothers to help individuals and organizations manage identity-based stress and conflict.

Robin Smith stressed the importance of creating safe spaces for truth-telling, especially for Black communities. “The reason I say that so much of truth-telling is being stripped from our communities, and it is being stripped from our country,” she said.

Lisa Nelson-Haynes, executive director of Lion’s Story who joined the organization last spring, highlighted the significance of community voices in the healing process. “You need to get into communities, and really allow them to tell their own story, and all of that, and that they are experts of their own experience,” she explained. “I don’t need to tell their story. If you don’t have racial literacy, you don’t understand what these microaggressions or biases are and don’t have the language for it.”

Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative and Legacy Museum and author of the New York Times best-selling book *Just Mercy*, reminded the audience of the courage Black people showed during Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement. He reflected on the new challenges faced during integration. “That was a whole new thing, and we were going into spaces where we knew people didn’t want us. That was a whole different kind of courage that we need to tap into,” he said.

Moderator Robin Smith shared her hopes for the evening. “What I hope most is an inner discomfort with the status quo, that we are not helpless. And that when we believe that we are helpless, we are speaking that into existence.”

The Fitler Club event space was filled to capacity as attendees engaged in this vital conversation aimed at healing and justice through storytelling, conflict resolution, and collective care.

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**About Lion’s Story**

Lion’s Story is a nonprofit organization co-founded by Howard and Bryan Stevenson. The group’s mission is to help individuals and organizations address identity-based stress and conflict by fostering racial literacy and empowering communities to share their truths.

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On Thursday evening, September 18, 2025, *The Philadelphia Tribune* also hosted its 2025 Most Influential African Americans event — a celebration honoring Black Philadelphians making significant impacts across the region.
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/healing-and-justice-stevenson-brothers-talk-hidden-hurts-hostilities-in-todays-political-climate/article_6acb7b5e-ff7c-4722-99fd-c5842103c9b0.html

Defiant Netanyahu says Israel ‘must finish the job’ against Hamas in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations General Assembly, insisting that Israel must “finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza despite growing international pressure to end the devastating conflict. His address came as dozens of delegates from multiple countries staged a mass walkout from the assembly hall on Friday, signaling their disapproval of Israel’s ongoing military actions.

Netanyahu criticized Western leaders, saying they may have “buckled under the pressure,” but he guaranteed that Israel would not. He also condemned recent decisions by several countries to recognize Palestinian statehood, warning that such moves would encourage terrorism against Jews and innocent people worldwide.

As Netanyahu spoke, shouts echoed throughout the hall, though the US delegation—an ardent supporter of Israel’s campaign against Hamas—remained seated. Notably, some major world powers, including the US and the UK, were represented by lower-level diplomats rather than their senior officials or UN ambassadors.

“Antisemitism dies hard. In fact, it doesn’t die at all,” Netanyahu declared, a frequent refrain he uses to accuse his critics of antisemitism while underlining Israel’s position.

Facing increasing international isolation, accusations of war crimes, and mounting pressure to halt the conflict, Netanyahu used the UN platform to push back firmly. He presented a visual aid—a map of the region titled *The Curse*—and wore a special hostage pin featuring a QR code linking to a site about the October 7 attack aimed at international public diplomacy. Members of his delegation wore identical pins.

Throughout his speech, Netanyahu praised US President Donald Trump as his chief ally in the region’s political and military landscape. He highlighted new opportunities arising from shifting dynamics in the Middle East, stating that Israel had begun security negotiations with Syria’s new government.

Back home, Israel took extraordinary measures to broadcast Netanyahu’s speech to Gaza. The Israeli military installed loudspeakers along the Israel-Gaza border to project his words into the territory. In an unprecedented move, the Prime Minister’s office announced that the Israeli army would take over mobile phones of Gaza residents and Hamas operatives to broadcast the speech live. It remains unclear to what extent this operation was successfully carried out.

Netanyahu said these efforts aimed to reach Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. At one point, he read aloud in Hebrew the names of the 20 hostages believed to be alive.

However, much of his address also targeted an international audience increasingly critical of Israel’s actions. The UN General Assembly speech is traditionally a focal point for high-profile statements, protests, and bold claims. This year, the stakes were especially high.

In recent days, several countries—including Australia, Canada, France, and the UK—have recognized Palestine as an independent state. The European Union is considering tariffs and sanctions against Israel. The General Assembly passed a nonbinding resolution calling on Israel to commit to an independent Palestinian nation, a proposal Netanyahu has categorically rejected.

The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant accusing Netanyahu of crimes against humanity, charges he denies. Meanwhile, the UN’s highest court is reviewing South Africa’s allegation that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, which Israel vehemently disputes.

Outside the UN, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the heavily secured building. Nidaa Lafi, an organizer with the Palestinian Youth Movement, stated, “Israel has chosen war against every conscientious human being in this world. The masses have come to the irreversible realization that this war was always about the complete ethnic cleansing of Palestine, about the exploitation and the stealing of Palestinian land.”

Earlier this week, at a special UN Security Council session, many nations expressed horror over the October 2023 Hamas attack that killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel, took 251 hostages, and sparked the current war. However, most also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a flow of humanitarian aid.

Israel’s sweeping offensive has so far killed more than 65,000 Palestinians in Gaza and displaced 90% of the population, with many facing starvation. While over 150 countries recognize a Palestinian state, the US remains a staunch supporter of Israel and has not extended official recognition.

Despite US backing, former President Trump indicated limits to support, telling reporters he would not allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank—a move some of Netanyahu’s government members have advocated. Israeli officials recently approved a controversial settlement project that critics warn could divide the West Bank and undermine prospects for a Palestinian state.

Trump and Netanyahu are scheduled to meet during Trump’s visit to the region. Speaking from the White House lawn before attending the Ryder Cup, Trump expressed optimism about achieving a deal to ease the fighting in Gaza, secure the hostages’ release, and end the war. “I think we have a deal,” he told reporters, though previous suggestions of imminent agreements have failed to materialize.

The ongoing conflict remains deeply complex, with tensions high on all sides as the international community watches closely for developments.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/defiant-netanyahu-says-israel-must-finish-the-job-against-hamas-in-gaza-1811414.html

Netanyahu’s UN pin features QR code linking to Oct. 7 horror film

**Netanyahu’s UN Pin Features QR Code Linking to Oct. 7 Horror Film**

As part of a broader Israeli public-diplomacy push in New York this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pin at the United Nations features a QR code that links to a film depicting the horrors of October 7.

Dozens of billboard trucks and digital screens have been deployed near the UN headquarters to support this initiative, amplifying Israel’s message during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered his address at the UN headquarters in New York City on September 26, 2025. The coordinated campaign underscores Israel’s effort to raise awareness and convey the gravity of recent events on an international stage.

*Photo credit: REUTERS/JEENAH MOON*
*By JERUSALEM POST STAFF*
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-868689

MP News: Unique Jabalpur Durga Puja Pandal Promotes Swadeshi Campaign, Mocks Donald Trump’s Tariffs

**Jabalpur’s Unique Goddess Durga Pandal Promotes ‘Swadeshi’ and Satirizes US Policies**

Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh — This year, the city of Jabalpur is witnessing a distinctive celebration of Goddess Durga Puja that goes beyond traditional grandeur. The pandal showcases a powerful message promoting India’s ‘Swadeshi’ campaign while humorously critiquing American policies and former US President Donald Trump.

Known for elaborate and socially themed pandals, Jabalpur has once again attracted attention with its creative display at the city’s Shahi Naka. The central theme of the pandal emphasizes:
**“One doesn’t need to carry a gun on the border to prove patriotism – choosing Swadeshi makes us true nationalists.”**

### Satirical Depiction of US President Donald Trump

The tableau features a cartoonish portrayal of Donald Trump engaged in quirky activities. One scene shows Trump selling ‘Tariff Bars’ from a cart, distributing tariffs to countries like Russia, China, and others, highlighting the impact of US trade policies worldwide.

Another humorous depiction shows him dressed like a child, crying and demanding a Nobel Prize. Through such symbolism, the committee aims to spotlight how US policies apply pressure not only on India but also on the global economy.

### Encouraging Support for Local Products

The pandal also calls for boycotting popular American brands such as Amazon, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Pizza Hut, urging visitors to support Indian-made products instead. This message aligns with India’s larger push toward economic self-reliance.

### Emphasizing ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’

The committee has tied the theme closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship campaigns — *Make in India* and *Atmanirbhar Bharat* (self-reliant India). The display stresses that true independence lies in strengthening Indian industries and reducing reliance on foreign companies.

Rajkishore Srivastava, the committee’s director, mentioned that their team has been creating socially relevant tableaux for the past 15 years. This year, the focus is on highlighting America’s tariff policies and the recent 100% hike in H1B visa fees that impact Indian youth and the country’s economic growth.

### Public Reaction and Impact

The tableau has sparked discussions and admiration among visitors. People appreciate the satire for its entertainment value while also being prompted to reflect on pressing national and international issues.

This innovative approach to celebrating Durga Puja not only honors tradition but also integrates contemporary socio-political commentary, making Jabalpur’s pandal a must-see this festive season.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-news-unique-jabalpur-durga-puja-pandal-promotes-swadeshi-campaign-mocks-donald-trumps-tariffs

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath Distributes ₹89.96 Crore Scholarships To 3.96 Lakh Students, Praises New Education Policy

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday transferred Rs 89.96 crore to 3.96 lakh students during a scholarship distribution program held in Lucknow.

Addressing the public meeting, CM Yogi praised the Centre’s New Education Policy and announced the upcoming launch of the ‘One Nation, One Scholarship’ system. “Education is a fundamental right in our country, and education has been made inclusive through the New Education Policy introduced by Prime Minister Modi in 2020. In the coming times, the ‘One Nation, One Scholarship’ system will also be introduced. Students will receive the scholarship amount with a click as soon as they take admission in the school,” he said.

Taking a subtle dig at the Opposition, CM Yogi claimed that students from Scheduled Tribes did not receive scholarships before 2017. He stated, “More than 4,00,000 students are receiving scholarships today, and this program is organised to ensure they receive scholarships on time. Before 2017, students were often discriminated against, and Scheduled Tribes were not given scholarships in 2016-17, which we distributed after our government came to power. I have received complaints that Scheduled Tribes were not receiving scholarships in some areas because data was not uploaded.”

He further added, “However, we are going to decide to provide scholarships to these students before Diwali. The role of the officials responsible for the delay in scholarships has been determined, and action will be taken.”

Earlier, sharing a post on X, CM Yogi lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, writing, “Education plays a significant role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Under the illustrious leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, over the past 11 years, the path to development for the underprivileged has been paved by connecting them with scholarships and fee reimbursement arrangements through excellent and superior education.”

He continued, “On the sacred occasion of Shardiya Navratri, today in Lucknow, under the scholarship distribution ceremony, an amount of Rs 89.96 crore was transferred to more than 3 lakh 96 thousand students. Heartiest congratulations to all students and best wishes for a bright future.”

(Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/uttar-pradesh-cm-yogi-adityanath-distributes-8996-crore-scholarships-to-396-lakh-students-praises-new-education-policy

Labour accused of by-election hypocrisy on libraries

**Labour’s Caerphilly By-Election Candidate Accused of “Hypocrisy” over Library Closures**

Labour’s Caerphilly by-election candidate, Richard Tunnicliffe, has been accused of hypocrisy after pledging to fight for the protection of public libraries, despite previously expressing sympathy for plans to close some of them.

The local Labour-run council had proposed library closures as part of efforts to address a £29 million budget gap. However, these proposals were paused in August following significant public backlash and a legal challenge.

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### Previous Statements on Library Closures

At the start of the campaign, Tunnicliffe described the council’s approach as “consolidating” services to “maximise the services we can provide,” while noting that “a lot of people” are no longer using libraries as much as in the past.

In an interview with BBC Wales on 8 September, Tunnicliffe, who is also a book publisher, said:
> “People’s consumption of books has changed. Digital media has taken on a huge amount, and the whole structure has altered. A lot of people are not using libraries as much as they had in the past.”

He also mentioned that many library buildings are aging and require increasing maintenance. Tunnicliffe defended the council’s consolidation strategy by citing 15 years of cuts from previous UK Conservative governments but added:
> “We are meeting the council later, so we will continue to try and provide as many services as possible as close to people’s communities as possible.”

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### A Change in Tone During the Campaign

Despite these earlier comments, in a video posted on social media just days later, Tunnicliffe vowed to:
> “Fight to keep our libraries open… with your support… to make sure our libraries stay open for generations to come.”

He promised to work with the council to ensure any extra funding would be directed towards preserving these vital community facilities.

On Thursday, following an announcement that Caerphilly would receive an extra £20 million over 10 years from a UK government scheme aimed at boosting high streets, parks, and public spaces, Tunnicliffe released another video. He said:
> “We’ve been out canvassing people about what their major issues are, and people want their libraries, these key local amenities, saved. And so that’s what we’re campaigning for now. So add your voice. Please sign the petition so we can tell the board this is where we want the money spent.”

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### Criticism from Rival Parties

Reform UK by-election candidate Llyr Powell sharply criticised Tunnicliffe’s position, saying:
> “The hypocrisy from the Labour candidate is staggering. While he feigns concern for our communities, his Labour-run council is fighting tooth-and-nail to close our libraries and strip residents of essential services.”

Reform UK says it would cut what it calls “wasteful” Welsh government spending and push Caerphilly council to use its reserves to keep libraries open.

Plaid Cymru also condemned the Labour candidate. A spokesperson stated:
> “Mere weeks ago Richard Tunnicliffe was defending Caerphilly council’s plans to close our libraries. Now, with an election looming, Labour is suddenly launching petitions and promising to ‘save’ them with a new funding pot. It’s cynical, last-minute pork-barrel politics from a party that’s taken Caerphilly for granted for decades.”

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The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have been approached for comment.

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### By-Election Candidates Announced So Far

– **Labour:** Richard Tunnicliffe
– **Conservatives:** Gareth Potter
– **Green Party:** Gareth Hughes
– **Gwlad:** Anthony Cook
– **Plaid Cymru:** Lindsay Whittle
– **Welsh Liberal Democrats:** Steve Aicheler

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*This by-election is attracting significant attention amid budget cuts and debates over the future of public services in Caerphilly.*
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyd147rz9do?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

Dhule: Senior Congress Leader Rohidas Patil Dies at 84

Senior Congress leader Rohidas Patil passed away on Friday morning at his residence in Dhule, Maharashtra, after a brief illness, party sources confirmed. The 84-year-old breathed his last around 11 am. His last rites are scheduled to take place on Saturday.

Patil is survived by his sons, MLA Kunal Patil and Vinay Patil, and daughter Smita. During his recent visit to the state, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, met with Patil and inquired about his health.

A seasoned politician, Rohidas Patil served as a cabinet minister in multiple Congress governments. He represented the Dhule Rural assembly seat for many years, a legacy now continued by his son Kunal, who is the current legislator from the same constituency.

Expressing condolences on Patil’s demise, Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole described him as a cultured and experienced leader whose loss is deeply felt by the party.

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar also paid tribute to the senior leader through a message on ‘X’, revealing that Patil had been suffering from a lung ailment. Pawar lauded Patil’s efforts in strengthening the Congress party in Dhule and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/dhule-senior-congress-leader-rohidas-patil-dies-at-84

RSS On Nadda Remarks: ‘Family Matters’ Should Not Be Discussed In Public

**RSS Seeks to Downplay Rift with BJP, Emphasizes Family Matters Should Remain Private**

On Wednesday, September 25, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) addressed perceptions of a rift between the organisation and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), urging that internal matters be kept within the family.

Speaking at the India Today conclave, Sunil Ambekar, a senior RSS functionary and the organisation’s Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, responded to questions regarding comments made by BJP president JP Nadda ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Nadda had remarked that the BJP had become self-sufficient and capable of running its own affairs, referring to the RSS as an “ideological front.”

Ambekar stated, “We solve family matters like family matters. We don’t discuss such issues on public platforms.” He sought to downplay the significance of any perceived differences between the RSS and the BJP, emphasizing the importance of discretion.

Highlighting the RSS’s broad appeal, Ambekar noted that people from all walks of life join the organisation. “Even if anyone joined the BJP for political gains, they begin doing good work because of their association with the RSS,” he added.

On questions regarding the role of women within the RSS, Ambekar explained that the Rashtra Sevika Samiti has been carrying out similar work to the RSS since the 1930s.

“As a structure on the ground, the RSS shakhas are only for boys. But the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, an all-women organisation affiliated with the RSS, has been doing the same work since the 1930s,” he said. Ambekar elaborated that the basic structure of the RSS is the “shakha,” which is designed for the “man-making process.”

He further stated that there currently is no demand from society for men and women to participate together in RSS activities. “‘Man-making and nation-building is RSS’ mission. Hence, shakhas have only males, while Rashtra Sevika Samiti has women as members,” he explained.

“When residents of a locality say that girls and boys can play together, we will make necessary changes in our structure. But society is not asking for it,” Ambekar added.

He concluded, “Society is not asking for girls and boys to play together. The current structure is a matter of convenience, and that is why there is such an arrangement of the Sangh having only boys as volunteers.”
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/rss-on-nadda-remarks-family-matters-should-not-be-discussed-in-public

MP News: Jailed For 4 Months, BJP Leader Made Rewa Unit Vice President

**Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Controversy Erupts Over BJP District Executive Committee Appointments**

A fresh controversy has emerged in the formation of the BJP district executive committee in Bhopal. The party has appointed a leader who was imprisoned for four months as the vice president of the district unit. This leader was jailed for assaulting the chief executive officer of the Rewa Janpad.

Manish Shukla, who had previously been expelled from the BJP, has now been reinstated and appointed as the district vice president. This move has sparked significant debate and controversy within the party ranks.

In addition, Vivek Gautam, nephew of former Vidhan Sabha Speaker Girish Gautam, has been appointed as the general secretary of the district unit. Despite the party receiving resignations from relatives of various leaders to avoid conflicts, such appointments continue to take place.

The recent decisions have raised questions about the internal dynamics of the BJP’s district leadership and its approach to handling controversies within the party structure.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-news-jailed-for-4-months-bjp-leader-made-rewa-unit-vice-president

Maharashtra Minister Dattatray Bharane Directs Officials To Ensure Krishi Samruddhi Yojana Benefits Reach Villages

**Mumbai:** The Agriculture Department’s review meeting of the ambitious **Krishi Samruddhi Yojana** was held today at the Maharashtra Agricultural Education and Research Council.

Minister Dattatray Bharane instructed officials to ensure that the scheme’s benefits reach the last farmer at the village level and provide relief to those affected by natural calamities.

During the meeting, a detailed review of ongoing projects under the scheme was conducted. The program aims for the holistic and sustainable development of farmers while strengthening agricultural infrastructure.

Under the scheme, an annual capital investment of ₹5,000 crore is planned, with a total of ₹25,000 crore earmarked for farmers’ agricultural projects over five years.

Minister Bharane highlighted key objectives of the scheme, including:

– Increasing capital investment
– Building infrastructure
– Enhancing productivity
– Promoting crop diversification
– Strengthening the value chain
– Supporting climate-resilient and sustainable farming
– Increasing farmers’ income

Officials were also instructed to implement necessary sub-schemes to ensure effective execution.

The review meeting was attended by several senior officials, including:

– Agriculture Department’s Additional Chief Secretary
– Pune Agriculture Commissioner
– Director of Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjeevani Project Phase-2
– Managing Director of MahaBeej
– Managing Director of Maharashtra State Agricultural Industrial Development Corporation
– Director-General of Maharashtra Agricultural Education and Research Council
– Vice-chancellors and registrars of all agricultural universities
– Directors of various departmental divisions including extension, education, quality control, and resource development

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-minister-dattatray-bharane-directs-officials-to-ensure-krishi-samruddhi-yojana-benefits-reach-villages