Olivia Rose Empson

London, New York

Producer at Reuters

currently producer @TheNewsMovement | words @guardianus @vice @thenationalnews @thetimes | prev @columbiajourn

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Articles

IRS nears deal with Ice to share data of undocumented immigrants - report

1 month ago | theguardian.com | Olivia Rose Empson

The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reportedly nearing a deal to allow immigration officials to use tax data to support Donald Trump’s deportation agenda, according to reports by the Washington Post.
Activists ‘fight against censorship’ in the largest US book bans: prisons

Sep 27, 2024 | theguardian.com | Olivia Rose Empson

In recent years the issue of book bans has become a major story in the US, often driven by socially conservative pressure groups, but nowhere has the impact of bans been felt more acutely than in America’s enormous prison population, activists and campaigners say. Books can serve as vital connections to the outside world for incarcerated individuals, yet they are frequently censored in US prisons. Campaigners are advocating for public library catalogs to be accessible on carceral tablets.
South Carolina students oppose Kamala Harris ‘roast’ featuring far-right host

Sep 17, 2024 | theguardian.com | Olivia Rose Empson

Students at the University of South Carolina are calling on their school to cancel a scheduled “roast” of Kamala Harris,an event they believe “encourages racism, homophobia, and sexism” on campus, especially as one of the speakers is the founder of the far-right Proud Boys.
California bill aims to end ‘dangerous barrier’ to menstrual care in prisons

Sep 5, 2024 | yahoo.com | Olivia Rose Empson

When Kimberly Haven struggled to acquire a tampon in prison, she made one, which she said led to her getting toxic shock syndrome and needing an emergency hysterectomy. Haven’s case – emblematic of an issue thousands of incarcerated women still face today – underscores the pressing need for improved menstrual product access in facilities across the US. States like California are addressing this issue with recent strides to improve prison menstrual equity.
White House will work ‘every single day’ to free US teacher from Russian prison

Aug 4, 2024 | theguardian.com | Olivia Rose Empson

Deputy US national security adviser Jonathan Finer said Sunday that the White House worked hard to get Pennsylvania schoolteacher Marc Fogel included in the recent landmark prisoner swap involving Russia and western American allies – and though those efforts were unsuccessful, government officials continue doing “what they can” to bring him home as soon as possible.
‘It’s a snowball effect’: the generation Z book club making waves in New York

Jul 5, 2024 | theguardian.com | Olivia Rose Empson

Reading nights and avant-garde literary groups are rapidly emerging as platforms for younger generations to foster community and creatively share personal narratives – and one new series is making waves in New York. Literary events are on the rise across the US, with citing that book club listings have grown 24% in 2023 from the previous year.
South Carolina implements one of US’s most restrictive public school book bans

Jun 30, 2024 | theguardian.com | Olivia Rose Empson

South Carolina has implemented one of the most restrictive book ban laws in the US, enabling mass censorship in school classrooms and libraries across the state. Drafted by Ellen Weaver, the superintendent of education and close ally of the far-right group Moms for Liberty, the law requires all reading material to be “age or developmentally appropriate”.
New York’s Fat Beach Day gives plus-size people a space to be themselves

Jun 22, 2024 | theguardian.com | Olivia Rose Empson

Fat Beach Day events are springing up across the US in an effort to fight back against fat-phobia, reclaim safe spaces for the community and honor plus-size culture. Today, one of these celebrations is being held to coincide with Pride month at Jacob Riis Beach in New York, a location deeply ensconced in the city’s activism space. “We’re going through something culturally that is impacting us every day on an individual level and a systemic level,” said Jordan Underwood, the event organizer.
‘I’ve waited a long time for this’: woman earns Stanford master’s degree at 105

Jun 19, 2024 | theguardian.com | Olivia Rose Empson

Virginia Hislop took 83 years to get her master’s degree from Stanford University. Now, at 105 years old, she’s finally graduated. “My goodness, I’ve waited a long time for this,” she said, walking across the stage on Sunday to receive her diploma. She was cheered on by her family, grandchildren and the 2024 graduating class. Hislop had to leave Stanford early in 1941 when her fiance, George, was called to serve in the second world war.
Oklahoma law to allow resentencing for incarcerated domestic violence survivors

Jun 17, 2024 | theguardian.com | Olivia Rose Empson

Oklahoma’s governor, Kevin Stitt, signed Senate Bill 1835 at the end of last month – marking a radical change for incarcerated domestic violence survivors in the state. Also known as Oklahoma’s Survivors Act, the law will be signed into effect on 1 September and will grant hundreds of people who experienced abuse the opportunity to be resentenced with more leniency in what is one of the most extensive reforms to the state’s justice system following years of advocacy.