 Edición Semanaria de Noticiero Latino |
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April 2003
April 4th | Listen to the program
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION - This week the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on two cases that are being closely followed around the country. These cases may determine whether the country’s universities may continue to enforce affirmative action programs in order to increase the number of enrollments of Latino, African American and other minorities. Patricia Guadalupe reports.
LIFE FOR CITIZENSHIP - Mexican immigrants that were among the first casualties of the war in Iraq received U.S. citizenship after their death. However, the father of one of the dead soldiers asks himself whether his son’s sacrifice is being adequately valued. Marco Vinicio Gonzalez reports.
MEXICO LEADS UN SECURITY COUNCIL - Apparently the country will not further question the decision of the U.S. and allies to go war against Iraq without the support of the Security Council. What is clear, is that the debate on Mexico’s role in the UN is happening amidst continuous protests against the war and cautious statements from business leaders. Raul Silva reports.
April 11th | Listen to the program
IMMIGRANT SOLDIERS - The death of several immigrant soldiers at Iraq’s battlefront has prompted bills and resolutions that affect them but, as Guadalupe Carrasco reports, the parents of some of these Latinos killed in action say they would prefer options so that their sons may attend universities, instead of enlisting in the armed forces, or if necessary, a funeral ceremony according to their cultural traditions.
BRACERO PROTEST - Thousands of former Braceros marched to Mexico’s Legislative Palace, and the presidential residence, Los Pinos, to demand possible compensation agreement that benefits them all. Recently, a legislative commission announced a proposal that will only support those who worked in the U.S. from 1942 to 46. Raul Silva shares the initial results of this effort by veteran Braceros.
WORKERS PROTECTION - Recently, officials from the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA, heard testimonies by farm workers exposed to pesticides. In order to avoid farm worker exposure to poisons being used in agricultural fields, the EPA is considering whether it should strengthen rules to protect workers. However, as Maria Luisa Rossel reports, the agency already recognizes that they do not have enough influence to bring about these changes.
April 18th | Listen to the program
BUDGET CRISIS - The Pentagon has recently announced that approximately 20 billion dollars have been spent so far to pay for the costs of war against Iraq. It is estimated that during the upcoming months, costs related to the war will exceed 2 billion dollars per month. At the same time, many cities here in the U.S. are haunted with the possibility of severe budget cuts. A special case is New York City, which although still suffering the effects of September 11th, faces a 3.8 billion dollar deficit. Marco Vinicio Gonzalez reports.
MEXICAN PACIFISTS - Several days ago, Mexican legislators from every political party in the country, joined in a march in Mexico City, along with 50,000 demonstrators, to show their opposition to the war in Iraq. One of the proposals mentioned during the event calls for the Mexican Congress to invite legislators in other countries to push for the activation of the UN’s General Assembly, in order to promote peace. Raul Silva reports.
TRADITIONAL HEALTHY COOKING - For an increasing number of immigrants in the U.S., life in this country bring diet changes that are resulting in obesity and in an increased risk of illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure. As a result, some Mexican immigrants are reassessing the nutritional qualities, and even, the healing properties of some of their traditional meals. Silva Parra reports.
April 25th | Listen to the program
PRESIDENTIAL PLAN - President Bush went on a tour to several U.S. cities to promote his new economic plan. The President's proposal has been approved by the House of Representatives. However, it faces opposition in the Senate, including by some Republican moderates who feel they can't justify cuts exceeding $500 billion, especially when the economy is weak and unemployment high. Before taking his trip, the President defended his plan before media invited to the White House, including our correspondent Patricia Guadalupe.
JANITORS' DEMANDS - Approximately 1,000 janitors who clean offices in Washington, DC are requesting medical coverage and increased hourly wages. On April 30th, workers must renew their contract with the largest contracting association in the nation's capital. However, janitors have announced that they will go on strike if their demands are not met on the new contract. Maria Luisa Rossel reports.
MEXICAN PLAZA - Residents of San Francisco's Mission district are proud to see the clean up process of one of the city's most dangerous street corners. Restoration efforts include replacing blight with flowers, tamales, colors and coffee. The artist in charge of accomplishing this new Mexican plaza, spoke to our correspondent, Silvia Parra, about this public space's transformation.