Trump’s Get-Tough Speech to Police Touches Off a Backlash

Emily Wells / Truthdig Jul 30, 2017 A number of police departments and rights groups are condemning the language the president used in calling for destruction of the MS-13 gang and deportation of its foreign members. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Life in the Poorest Parts of America Is Not All ‘Urban Carnage’

Bill Boyarsky / Truthdig Feb 2, 2017 A new book about the conflict between police and residents in South Los Angeles paints a much more humane, complex picture of poverty than President Trump does. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Standing Your Ground in a Trump Presidency: ‘Loss Will Always Be a Teacher’

BLANK Dec 20, 2016 "This is actually a time of great loss," said the Rev. Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries. Now more than ever, we need to use compassion to heal the demonization and hate that have divided America. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Tom Hayden Fought for the Rights of All Living Things

Bill Boyarsky / Truthdig Oct 29, 2016 The progressive activist compiled an impressive record in California and local politics—from 18 years in the state Capitol to a variety of community crusades. Even shelter animals benefited from his work. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

How Can America’s Wealthy Sleep at Night When Some Teens Must Sell Sex or Drugs in Order to Eat?

Natasha Hakimi Zapata / Truthdig Sep 12, 2016 A harrowing new study sheds light on the extreme measures some American children between ages 13 and 18 are taking in order to feed themselves. The report also calls into question the welfare policies of former President Bill Clinton. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

The Film ‘In an Ideal World’ Offers a Glimpse Inside Our Broken Prison System

Thor Benson / Truthdig Apr 22, 2016 Noel Schwerin spent seven years documenting the lives of a prison warden, a separatist murderer and a former gang member at California's Soledad Correctional Facility. The resulting film not only looks at the lives of these men but also gives viewers a sense of the enormity of the problems facing the American correctional system. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

‘Homeboy Creative’ Showcases Poetry by At-Risk Youths and Former Gang Members (Multimedia)

Staff / Truthdig Mar 22, 2016 The nonprofit organization in Los Angeles provides hope for at-risk youths, former gang members and previously incarcerated men and women. Truthdig will be featuring writers from Homeboy Industries in a series called “Homeboy Creative.” Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Our Gang Problem Is Bigger Than We Think

Sonali Kolhatkar / Truthdig May 30, 2015 The word "gang" has often been associated with groups of poor young men of color. But the recent deadly shootout in Waco, Texas, among five largely white motorcycle clubs has drawn attention to the fact that gangs come in a variety of forms and colors. Fraternities, sports fans and even the police and military bear many of the same hallmarks.The recent deadly shootout in Texas, among five largely white motorcycle clubs, has drawn attention to the fact that gangs come in a variety of forms and colors. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Rapper Faces Life in Prison Over His Lyrics

Donald Kaufman / Truthdig Dec 4, 2014 San Diego rapper Brandon Duncan, aka Tiny Doo, has no criminal record, yet he is now facing trial on nine counts of participating in “criminal street gang conspiracy.” Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Jon Stewart: Time to Update the ‘List of Innocent Things Black People Do That Look Suspicious’

Natasha Hakimi Zapata / Truthdig Nov 13, 2014 It appears that pointing is now a serious offense in the state of Minnesota. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Classroom Seating Chart

David Fitzsimmons, Cagle Cartoons, The Arizona Star Aug 17, 2013 Dig deeper

The Interrupters

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Sep 8, 2012 For roughly two hours, acclaimed filmmakers Steve James and Alex Kotlowitz give us a deep and intimate glimpse into the persistent epidemics of violence in America’s inner city black communities. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )