Missing 43 Students Part of Mexico's Violent Legacy, Parents Say

A long way from Mexico, a discourse on the state of human rights in the country-with the missing 43 students at the center of it-took place. Activists and parents of the students held a vigil outside the Yale office building of former Mexican president Ernesto Zerdillo -a current Yale professor who has been accused of human rights violations himself- yesterday afternoon. More here.

Malik and the Missing 43: March Calls Attention to Police Brutality

Anti-police brutality demonstrators marched from 451 Grand Avenue-where 18 years ago, Malik Jones was killed by an East Haven police officer-to the downtown area yesterday in an effort to draw attention to what they say is a problem that continues to this day. They were joined by a group from Guerrero, Mexico, where 43 student activists are missing-allegedly due to police involvement. More here.

About that Review Board...

Yesterday's police station protest prompted references to the city's ongoing civilian review board discussion. Here's some background on how that process has played out in other cities around the country.

Uncertainty Looms for Warming Center Homeless

Columbus House's Church on the Rock-based warming center closes after this weekend, but some of the 50-60 people that have been staying there through the worst of winter want to keep it going. That's because come Monday, many are unsure of where they will go if they can't secure a shelter bed. More here.

The Debate Over Drug Free Zones

This is your city, on drug free zone policy. In Hartford, some legislators want to change a law that imposes mandatory minimums on drug offenders arrested within 1500 feet of any of these locations-schools, daycare centers, and public housing projects. Others oppose the proposed reforms-reductions int the size of the zones-over concerns regarding child safety. More here. 

Newhallville Grant Moves Forward

It took more than 3 hours, but a Board of Aldermen joint committee moved a proposal to accept a $1 million grant for crime deterrence in Newhallville to a January vote by the full Board. The questions that remain: how will the Department of Justice funding be utilized for the direct benefit of one of the city's most impoverished neighborhoods? More here.

New Haven Chief, ACLU Talk Police Militarization

Automatic rifles. Armored vehicles. Even helicopters. This is just some of the surplus military equipment police departments throughout Connecticut, as well as the country-have been getting from the Federal government. A couple of weeks ago, ACLU attorney David McGuire sat down with New Haven Police Chief Dean Esserman at Yale to discuss the issue. More here. 

Push for Yale Union Back Twofold, University Won't Budge

Yale University got a special delivery Tuesday night. An estimated 2,000 demonstrators-members of the Yale Graduate College of Arts and Sciences unrecognized chapter of the GESO union-marched to bring administrators their second petition for collective bargaining rights. More here. 

DCF Head Met by Jane Doe Supporters in New Haven

DCF Commissioner Joette Katz spoke to a class at Yale last night, but a group of activists wanted to show her that they haven't forgotten about Jane Doe, the transgender teen girl sitting in solitary confinement at the Connecticut Juvenile Training School for Boys.

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New Haven Assaults Targeting Immigrants, Activists Say

Alberto Serrano Corrano, an immigrant and New Haven resident, almost died the night he was assaulted in the Hill, and he's not alone. In a city where attacks on immigrants are common, victims are having trouble finding help, community activists say. 

Check out The New Haven Beat for more. 

Jane Doe Flees DCF Custody

Word from The Associated Press is that Jane Doe, the transgender teen who has been in solitary confinement at the Juvenile Training School for more than two months, has fled from DCF custody. The New Haven Beat has that, as well as some history regarding the matter, here.

As Gourmet Heaven Era Nears Its End, Owner's Court Battles Push On

With Gourmet Heaven's lease with Yale scheduled to terminate next summer, owner Chung Cho is going to trial on wage theft allegations. Meanwhile, his former employees and their supporters from Unidad Latina en Accion (ULA) prepare for their next move in what they see as a wider campaign. The New Haven Beat joined them outside Gourmet Heaven, and at court this past Thursday. More here.

Not Beholden: The New Haven Beat

Public focus is on snow removal, except the NewHavenBeat.  

In light of social justice issues such as fair workers' wages, mass incarceration, unemployment benefit cuts, and a town green ordinance, one new journalism outlet has hard-pressing reporting and real stories to tell about the lives of New Haven citizens.

Currently on its 9th article, the site, published entirely anonymously, has the tell-tale skills of experienced investigative and socially conscious journalism.