The Northland Anti-War Coalition is collecting  donations of tools and building materials for Cuba as part of a nationwide challenge to the 50-year US blockade. The aid will help ongoing efforts to rebuild some 500,000 homes damaged during the 2008 hurricane season; and send a collective statement against Washington’s cruel and failed Cuba policy.

Provided our aid isn’t seized by US border agents, it will be received and distributed by a non-governmental council of Cuban religious leaders.

Pastors for Peace, the group sponsoring the blockade challenge, will visit Duluth on July 6. Between now and then, you can leave donations at the Duluth Labor Temple (2002 London Road) or Peace Church (1111 N 11th Ave E). We can use almost any new or gently used carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and masonry tools/supplies, as well as new safety equipment (dust masks, etc). You can check out a complete needs list and details here.

A coalition of student activists from LSC, UMD and CSS have called for an anti-war protest in Duluth on Thursday, the day President Obama is scheduled to receive his Nobel Peace Prize. “You’ve got your prize, now earn it!” is the theme… they’ll be calling out the new Nobel Laureate on escalating the war in Afghanistan, as well as his recent decisions to launch more drone attacks inside Pakistan and station hundreds of US troops on the other side of the globe in Colombia.

No dreary speakers at this protest, just a little noise and fun street theater. Meet up at 4:30 PM at Lake and Superior in front of the Christmas… um, Holiday tree. Bring drums or buckets to bang on, and reflective clothes if you’ve got ’em for safety’s sake. And be ready to take it to the streets.

photo: Dan Branovan

Get your monster on and support Nukewatch with DJ Focus. 10pm. Come as your favorite mutant or biologist. The bar is mixing up glowing martinis, and we’ll have a toxic barrel photo booth and prizes for most creative, most realistic and most uncomfortable costumes. Freewill donations at the door will help Nukewatch raise hell about the military waste in Lake Superior.