![]() Edición Semanaria de Noticiero Latino |
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August 2005
August 5th | Listen to the program
MORE DAY LABORER CENTERS - Day Laborers ended their national assembly in New York with one purpose in mind: to create more Employment Centers. These centers allow them to get hire by contractors in a safe environment and protect them from abuses. There, workers also receive training and help on applying for various services. Marco Vinicio Gonzalez explains how the workers plan to expand these employment centers, and what the authorities in New York are planning to do to support their efforts.
MEGA-DAIRIES (PART I) - California's Central Valley is the largest dairy region in the whole United States. More than a million cows are concentrated especially in the mega-dairies, huge stables of industrial proportions that seem to be growing rapidly in the valley. However, some say that cows can produce more smog than passenger cars, and that the dairies boom is happening on the backs of its neighbor’s health. Alma Martinez presents the first of three special reports on the mega-dairies and the air we breathe.
August 12th | Listen to the program
BORDER DEBATE ON SMELTER - Closed since 1999, Asarco, the smelter located in El Paso, Texas is in the middle of an international debate. The company, now owned by the transnational Grupo Mexico, is in the process of renovating an environmental permit to reinitiate operations. Despite having support from Texan authorities, the company is facing opposition from mayors and activists from Ciudad Juarez and New Mexico, who are opposed to its reopening. Our correspondent in El Paso, Texas, Kent Paterson files the report narrated by Maria Eraña.
STATES AGAINST REAL ID - The federal law that will ban drivers’ licenses to undocumented immigrants as of 2008 is facing tough opposition from a group of governors. The act, known as REAL ID, was signed by President Bush last May. However, several days ago, New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson warned that his state and other governors will impugn the law. Dolores M. Bernal shares details from Las Cruces, New Mexico.
CONTROVERSIAL PILL - In Mexico, as of next week, any woman having doubts about an unwanted pregnancy within 24 hours of conception may seek a prescription for the morning-after pill. The federal government authorized these emergency birth-control pills among basic free medications. However, some Catholic Church authorities claim that the pill is abortive and warn that they will not sit still. Citlali Saenz reports from Mexico City.
August 19th | Listen to the program
CASE REVIEW FOR INDIGENOUS PRISONERS - The Mexican government announced that it will review cases of several indigenous women for crimes against health. Meanwhile, Mexico’s Public Security Ministry and the National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples signed an agreement to analyze the files of thousands of indigenous prisoners all over the country. In both cases, authorities believe that serious irregularities might have occurred. Raul Silva spoke to some women that may benefit with the agreement, and shares details.
MILLIONS LACK WATER IN CALIFORNIA - In California, wealthy world power, millions lack drinkable water. The state has modern irrigation and water distribution systems, but the poorest residents struggle to obtain clean and safe water. This was the conclusion of a report released this week by a coalition of environmental justice groups. Sara Shakir spoke to neighbors of a Central Valley town and presents the first of two reports on the issue.
MEGA-DAIRIES FACE FINES - According to official reports, in California’s Central Valley, the second most polluted area in the nation, dairy cows produce more smog than cars. Pressured by health and environmental groups, government inspectors have begun to fine dairy owners accused of contributing to the polluted air. One such notice of violation went to an affluent mega-dairy that is new to the Valley. Alma Martinez shares details.
August 26th | Listen to the program
STATE OF EMERGENCY - Arizona and New Mexico have declared state of emergency along the US/Mexico border region. Democratic governors Janet Napolitano and Bill Richardson, say that the drastic measures were put in place due to the increase of undocumented crossings, violence and crime. Our correspondent in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Dolores M. Bernal is located at a main conflict zone and files the report.
MILLIONS LACK WATER- PART 2 - If you are a resident in a community in which the water smells bad or looks so suspicious that it is undrinkable, you are not alone. According to a recent study, in California millions lack clean water in their homes. In the second part of this series, Sara Shakir explains the efforts by official agencies and non-governmental groups to alleviate this lack in the Golden state.
HISTORIC LABOR VICTORY - David Ortez, an undocumented Guatemalan immigrant, one day had enough of working 14-hour shifts without receiving overtime pay at the New York carwash service where he worked. Ortez became even more frustrated when he started suffering aliments that he blamed on the harmful chemicals that he was exposed to on a daily basis, without protection. More than a year ago, Ortez filed a lawsuit against his employer and is now pleased that he took such step. Our correspondent in New York, Marco Vinicio Gonzalez explains why.