 Edición Semanaria de Noticiero Latino |
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February 2004
February 6th | Listen to the program
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES - Sen. John Kerry became the clear Democratic presidential front-runner, after winning five states in the seven primaries this week. Arizona and Nuevo México, two states with large Latino electorates, reported an unprecedented voter turnout. Analysts suggest that Democrat voters were energized by a desire to elect a candidate capable of defeating president Bush in November. Contributor Pilar Marrero, political editor of Los Angeles-based newspaper La Opinión, was at the primaries in Arizona.
VOTING RIGHTS ABROAD - Mexican president, Vicente Fox, is working on a bill to allow Mexicans living abroad to vote in Mexico's 2006 presidential elections. Recently, a member from the Fox administration met in Los Angeles with leaders of Mexican organizations to hear the emigres views on the issue. Community leaders attending the meeting reacted with a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism as Ruben Tapia reports.
HEALTHY MEXICAN RESTAURANTS - Mexican restaurant owners in California have taken steps to reconcile their profits with their clients health. Without giving up the special taste of traditional dishes, these responsible businessmen have started to make changes in their menus and recipes to match healthy standards that can help avoid developing diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. Marco Vinicio González shares the story of two Mexican-food restaurants in Salinas, California.
February 13th | Listen to the program
FEDERAL BUDGET - This week, Latino organizations assured that President Bush’s proposed budget for the upcoming year cuts funding to vital services for minorities. Congressional committees from both houses are currently evaluating the details in the proposal. This budget increases funding to the Defense Department homeland security agencies, and cuts funds for social programs. Patricia Guadalupe reports from Washington, DC.
FEDERAL AGENTS LINK TO DRUG TRAFFICKING - The recent discovery of tortured and murdered men in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico has stirred a new public safety concern in that border city. Federal investigators suspect that the perpetrators of the killings may be state police agents paid by drug traffickers. Meanwhile, human right activists denounce that the case is rooted in the dirty war of the 70s. Our correspondent Kent Paterson files this report narrated by Guadalupe Carrasco.
MORNING-AFTER PILL - In order to avoid unwanted pregnancies, Mexico’s Health Ministry authorized the use of the morning-after pill. This decision sparked an immediate public condemnation by the Roman Catholic Church and other conservative groups that insist on classifying it as an abortion method, and threaten users with excommunication. Citláli Sáenz shares the details.
February 20th | Listen to the program
DAY LABORER EVICTION - In San Diego, a group of day laborers from Oaxaca, Mexico were lodged out of their makeshift homes built on land owned by their employers, area farmers. Now homeless, the day laborers have also been denied the new housing that they were promised a few months ago. Marco Vinicio Gonzalez reports from San Diego, California.
¡VIVA EL MARIACHI! - The legendary Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan visits California to kickoff its tour of the most important U.S. scenes for traditional Mexican music. Bringing the best from their century-old repertoire, the mariachi's fifth generation, will be highlighting the ¡Viva el Mariachi! Festival in Fresno, California. As Musical Director, Pepe Martinez explains to Samuel Orozco, it was at a similar festival in the U.S. where Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan debuted their unique style that is now an institution.
IMPACT BILL - Heart disease continues to be the nation's first killer. In response, medical organizations and congressional leaders from both political parties declare red alert and seek that the federal government take action. They urge support for communities and schools to fight obesity and prevent other associated risks. Despite the advancement the IMPACT bill, an anti-obesity initiative, in the Senate, few believe the government will make large investments against the growing epidemic. Meanwhile, it is up to patients and families alone to continue the battle against heart attack and stroke.
February 27th | Listen to the program
DEMOCRAT RACE - Teresa Heinz, wife of Democratic presidential front-runner, Senator John Kerry, visited La Placita Olvera, located in downtown Los Angeles. Accompanied by Latino leaders and activists, Heinz emphasized that her husband supports immigration reform. Senator Kerry holds the lead in national race, and if he wins California, the state with the most electoral delegates, it may guarantee him the party’s nomination. Marco Vinicio Gonzalez reports from Los Angeles.
FORMER BRACEROS BEFORE MEXICO'S CONGRESS - Legislators from Mexico’s House of Representatives begin talks with former Braceros who claim payment of nearly 500 million dollars. The money was deducted as part of a pension fund while they worked on U.S. railroads during the 1940s. These talks begin several days after a group of Braceros invaded President Fox’s ranch. Citlali Saenz reports from Mexico City.
SOCCER MOMS - Women’s soccer is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. And Latinas deserve a lot of credit for this sudden change. One such example is the many women’s and co-ed leagues in California’s San Joaquin Valley. The women that meet on the sports field each week insist that they never miss practice, despite fatigue, weather, duties and gossip. Each day, more and more housewives and farm workers from this agricultural zone, get together to have fun, and why not, to lose a few extra pounds. Today, we take a look at the “Real de San Luis” team.