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Noticiero Latino Highlights for December 2002
Monday, December 2nd, 2002
- President Bush doubts Iraqi compliance to UN weapons inspections.
- U.S. Supreme Court to review if University of Michigan’s Affirmative Action programs for admissions.
- UN observes World AIDS Day and reveals that worldwide; 42 million people are infected with HIV.
- During weekend visit to his Texas Ranch, President Bush urged Americans to volunteer during holiday season.
- American Academy of Pediatrics recommends flu shots for healthy children from 6 to 24 months.
- Mexican authorities reject plan to build a gas distribution plant near Tijuana-San Diego border, claiming it would pollute.
- Surface Transportation Policy Project finds that Florida’s streets are among nations most dangerous for pedestrians.
- Several forums in Los Angeles discuss AIDS epidemic in city; CDC estimates that 1 in every 280 Californians are HIV positive.
- Head of Mexico’s Agricultural Worker’s Union says President Fox’s Administration does not have a good plan in place to support small farmers.
Wednesday, December 4th, 2002
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reminds employers that it is illegal to discriminate employees of Middle-Eastern descent.
- Bush Administration urges Venezuelan President Chavez to begin dialogue with opposition to end protests.
- California Governor Gray Davis announces cuts in education to compensate state's budget crunch.
- Mayor of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico delivers letter to Mexican Consuls in Texas denouncing unfair treatment of Mexican immigrants by INS officers at port of entry.
- Study by National Insurance Association finds 60,000 jobs have been lost due to company bankruptcies caused by lawsuits over asbestos.
- INS officials in Florida face further delays in processing of citizenship applications due to requirements added by new Homeland Security law.
- Remodeling project begins at offices of Mexican Consulate in Chicago.
- Mexican Commissioner for Northern Border Region, Ernesto Ruffo suggests verification of traveler’s residency by police officers at border airports.
- Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture says protests by small farmers demanding a moratorium of NAFTA provisions are an exaggeration.
Thursday, December 5th, 2002
- President Bush does not believe Iraqi contention that it does not have weapons of mass destruction.
- Federal Judge decides that “enemy combatant” Jose Padilla, has a right to meet with his attorney.
- Illinois state legislators approve reforms to death penalty system, including a ban on capital punishment for mentally ill inmates.
- Coalition for homeless rights protest at New York City Council the lack of shelters and appropriate services, which is especially dangerous due to cold wave.
- Study by Pew Hispanic Center finds that Latino immigrants that enroll in nation’s high schools have increased academic performance.
- Leader of a Tijuana popular “colonia” escapes arrest; Hortencia Hernandez allegedly stole water from a local aqueduct and sold it to residents.
- Several counties in Florida create new system to reinforce safety in public areas.
- HIV/AIDS activists in Mexico protest at annual national conference; activists claim Health Secretary, Julio Frenk has not done enough for patients.
Friday, December 6th, 2002
- Iraqi President Hussein says that his country welcomes UN arms inspectors to disprove U.S. allegations that country harbors weapons of mass destruction.
- U.S. Treasury Secretary, Paul O’Neil submits resignation.
- Illinois Governor, Jim Ryan, meets with families of victims killed by death row inmates.
- Hundreds of Central American residents in Florida fear loosing their employments due to INS delays in returning of TPS extensions.
- UCLA begins “Medicos del Pueblo” Program, which aims to increase number of Latino graduates in health care careers.
- Representatives of Texas water district and ranchers remain upset by lack of solutions for border water conflict after meeting with North American Development Bank.
- Undersecretary of Mexico’s Small Businesses, Juan Bueno Torio, says that a decade after NAFTA’s signature, country is not a first world nation, as promised by former President Salinas de Gortari.
Monday, December 9th, 2002
- President Bush nominates John W. Snow as new Treasury Secretary; he is chairman of CSX Corporation, a transportation company.
- Iraqi government demands that President Bush present proof that country still has weapons of mass destruction.
- Iraqi government sends 12,000-page arms report to UN headquarters in New York City.
- U.S. Census Bureau announces that close to 3.5 million people were not counted in 2000.
- Florida’s Children and Families Agency may close telephone line that records child abuse claims.
- Under new Department of Homeland Security, INS will no longer grant humanitarian visas.
- Around 364,000 Texas residents were not counted during 2000 Census; close to half are Latinos.
- Two police officers in Los Angeles are being blamed for death of a Latino youth killed by a rival gang.
- Luis de la Calle, Mexico’s Undersecretary for International Negotiations, says that NAFTA has created a “positive balance” .
Wednesday, December 11th, 2002
- Lead UN weapons inspector anticipates that Iraqi arms report will be translated by Friday.
- After two years of negotiations, U.S. and Chile reach a free trade agreement.
- New York Mayor, Michael Bloomberg warns he will fine transportation employees that choose to strike.
- California health officials request 50,000 dosages of small pox vaccines to comply with new homeland security law.
- Florida’s Secretary of Education requests increase in education budget to hire more teachers.
- Close to 40,000 Texas health workers receive immunizations against small pox.
- INS arrests 25 airport employees in Chicago for working with fake documentation.
- Visitors crossing San Ysidro border checkpoints experience increased delays due to holiday shopping season.
- Farm workers and teachers took Mexico’s Congress under siege for several hours demanding increase in government support.
Thursday, December 12th, 2002
- UN inspectors widen search in Iraq, while translation of Iraqi arms report continues in the U.S.
- Number of groups calling for resignation of Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) increases.
- Participation in Bi-National torch race that honors the Virgin Guadalupe and insists on need for an amnesty for undocumented immigrants arrives in New York City’s Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.
- Six individuals are arrested for stealing suitcases containing electronics and money in Miami’s International airport.
- For first time in more than a century, Republicans occupy close to all public offices in Texas.
- Center for the Future of Learning finds that California teachers without credentials contribute to poor academic performance by students.
- Several Latino Council members in Chicago demand city’s police chief address increasing crime in poor neighborhoods.
- Coalition of Good Samaritan groups in San Diego collects blankets, pencils and notebooks for needy children in Tijuana.
- Mexican Congressmen will present claim against those responsible for damages to legislative building after last Tuesdays siege.
Friday, December 13th, 2002
- President Bush announces plan for small pox immunization with voluntary access to health related workers.
- President Bush will not meet next week with President of Spain, in effort to secure country’s cooperation in case of war against Iraq.
- New Mexico’s Governor-elect, Bill Richardson announces creation of a special commission to strengthen economy by increasing trade with neighboring Chihuahua, Mexico.
- MALDEF sues Orange County.
- Thousands of third grade students in Florida might have to repeat year due to testing changes introduced by Governor Bush.
- San Diego student finishes a 72-hour fast to protest deaths caused by Operation Gatekeeper.
- Chicago’s Latino Union and Pilsen Alliance call for creation of a hiring hall for day laborers.
Monday, December 16th, 2002
- Former Vice President Al Gore announces he will not run for President in 2004.
- Republican leaders discuss whether Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott should be replaced.
- New York City transportation authorities and union leaders continue negotiations for a contract agreement.
- Florida Governor Jeb Bush and a special commission may set limit for malpractice suits at 250,000 dollars.
- Healthcare workers in Los Angeles reject federal government plan to immunize all public health employees; workers say government must explain risks.
- Close to 15,000 high school students attend University of Texas-Pan American educational conference in Edinburg.
- Venezuelans in Los Angeles to stage rally in support of President Hugo Chavez.
- Group of motorcyclists from U.S. and Canada travel to Tijuana to give new toys to city’s needy children.
- Several Mexican legislators criticize congressional request of 100,000 dollars for bonuses.
Tuesday, December 17th, 2002
- President Bush will not intervene to help Senator Trent Lott in his leadership struggle.
- Bush Administration supports new referendum, not new elections in Venezuela.
- New York City transportation authorities and union leaders reach contract agreement.
- Texas prepares for Governor Rick Perry’s new term in office.
- More than 30 former death row inmates in Illinois stage march to end capital punishment in state.
- California’s public university system announces tuition fee increases.
- City of Los Angeles will pay 2.5 million to woman who lost eye after being shot by cop.
- Seasonal snow along San Diego’s hills has put authorities under alert; area is common route for undocumented migrants.
- Mexico’s Population Council estimates that 8.5 million nationals live in the U.S.
Wednesday, December 18th, 2002
- President Bush meets with President Aznar from Spain seeking support for a military attack against Iraq.
- President Bush instructs UN envoys to declare that Iraq has not complied with disarmament requirements.
- New York Senator, Joseph Bruno accused of racism after showing support for embattled Senate Majority Leader, Trent Lott.
- Immigrant rights groups in Illinois plan events in observance of International Migrant’s Day.
- INS officers detain 72 foreigners in San Diego and Orange Counties as part of anti terrorist operation.
- Education groups in California criticize Governor Gray Davis for planned budget cuts.
- Mexican nationals travel in caravans to their country for holiday season.
- Florida’s child and family agency remains under investigation for disappearances of about 300 children.
- Mexico’s President Vicente Fox calls for respect for immigrant’s rights by international community in observance of International Migrant’s Day.
Thursday, December 19th, 2002
- President Bush questions that Iraq submitted legitimate weapons report to UN inspectors.
- President Bush plans to deploy 60,000 soldiers to Persian Gulf area by next month.
- Former President Bill Clinton says Republicans that denounce remarks by Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott are hypocrites.
- Report finds that close to 8,000 California school buildings are subject to collapse during earthquakes.
- ACLU announces that close to 700 immigrants of Middle Eastern origin have been arrested in Southern California while renewing visas.
- Los Angeles’ economy has remained stable despite national recession: UCLA study.
- Close to 1,000 Florida soldiers under alert for possible deployment in case of war against Iraq.
- In Nuevo Laredo, Mexico’s President Fox welcomes Mexican nationals returning home for holidays at Texas/Mexico border.
- Illinois Governor Jim Ryan has not decided which death row inmates will receive clemency; Ryan leaves office on January 13th.
- President of Mexico’s Human Rights Commission describes country’s immigrant policies as lukewarm.
Friday, December 20th, 2002
- Republican Senator Trent Lott resigns as Senate Majority Leader after remarks praising segregationist presidential run.
- U.S. Secretary of State, Collin Powell says that Iraq has once again violated UN resolutions.
- California Department of Justice’s, Jorge Martinez confirms that 200, not 700, Middle Eastern immigrants were arrested.
- Thousands of low-income families, mainly Latinos, will be affected by increasing housing fees in Los Angeles.
- Illinois Governor, Jim Ryan pardons three wrongfully accused death row inmates.
- Florida Governor, Jeb Bush says family unity will be his main focus in next term.
- Mexican Consulate in San Antonio, Texas launches mobile offices to help Mexican nationals.
- Mexican Senator, Rutilio Escandon asks federal government to act cautiously when relocating indigenous Chole tribes from Chiapas highlands.
Monday, December 23rd, 2002
- President Bush meets with military advisors to discuss options on possible attack against Iraq.
- Republican Senators hold teleconference to elect Bill Frist new Majority Leader.
- Dozens of job less New York City residents demonstrate in favor of extending of unemployment benefits.
- More than 20 U.S. cities draft resolution asking federal government to respect residents’ civil liberties under current war on terrorism.
- Florida Governor Jeb Bush names Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood as State’s Secretary.
- Watchdog group finds that 25 police departments in Southern Texas failed to provide complaint forms.
- Lawyer for Southern California immigrants arrested during INS interviews says clients were subject to inhumane treatment.
- Federal authorities arrested three individuals in Calexico, California for selling false papers to undocumented immigrants.
- Mexican groups observe five-year anniversary of Acteal massacre in Chiapas; they blame paramilitary forces linked to former ruling party.
Tuesday, December 24th, 2002
- Bush Administration discusses plans to protect oil supplies citing political turmoil in Venezuela and possible war against Iraq.
- Consumer confidence in the U.S. increases in December for the second consecutive month, according to government data.
- Human rights watchdog group asks U.S. government to extend temporary visas to undocumented Colombian immigrants.
- Citigroup bank announces it will pay 1.5 billion to face pending lawsuits on financial woes.
- Mexican nationals in Houston blame Mexican Consulate for new requirements that prevented many from traveling to Mexico for the holidays.
- Mexico’s Customs Administration in Tijuana estimates that over 240,000 vehicles may enter Mexico during holiday season.
- Survey finds that 80 percent of Latinos in Florida feel that they do not advance in labor market due to discrimination.
- San Diego Human Rights groups march to protest against eviction of more than 100 farm workers.
- According to Mexico’s Meat Board, 80 percent of turkey meat consumption comes from imports.
Thursday, December 26th, 2002
- FBI asks universities to provide personal information of foreign students as part of anti terrorism measures.
- NATO’s Spokesperson says organization will support U.S. in case of war against Iraq, despite disagreement of several members.
- Pharmaceutical companies oppose federal government measure that restricts gifts and rewards to doctors and insurance companies.
- Several human rights organizations in California file lawsuit against INS for arresting people from Middle Eastern countries that may be linked to terrorism.
- Extreme cold temperatures in Northeastern U.S. result in 15 deaths.
- Florida’s Department of Health to begin program offering voluntary small pox immunizations.
- Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces that 100 representatives living in U.S. will form the advisory council of the Institute for Nationals Abroad.
- Mexican government will air radio program, “El Norte,” at border cities to discuss issues faced by migrants.
- President of a coalition of Mexican farmers says that country can only compete with subsidized U.S. products with increased government support.
Friday, December 27th, 2002
- The Pentagon spends close to 500,000 dollars to train reporters that would cover a war against Iraq.
- Coalition seeks to meet with new Senate Majority Leader, Bill Frist to discuss pending civil rights issues before new congressional session begins.
- Human rights coalition files lawsuit against U.S. Attorney General, John Ashcroft and INS for arrests in Southern California of immigrants from Middle Eastern countries.
- Activists for low-income families in New York City criticize authorities for failing to grant food stamps to 4,000 needy residents.
- Florida’s National Guard continues mobilization of troops to the Middle East.
- Authorities close migrant camp in San Diego’s North County, alleging workers pollute local lake.
- New law providing mediation between United Farm Workers and some farmers in California will go into effect next Tuesday.
- Close to 80 percent of the Rio Grande Valley residents in Texas speak Spanish, according to a local English language newspaper.
- Mexican officials agree to draft plan to work on a plan to support small farmers affected by U.S. subsidized agricultural products.
Monday, December 30th, 2002
- Bush Administration says there is no crisis between U.S. and North Korea after country announced it would renew its nuclear arms programs.
- U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell says U.S. is willing to begin talks with North Korean government to solve nuclear reactor issue.
- More than 800,000 people lose unemployment benefits because Congress did not vote on extension.
- New law requires New York City employers to provide extended medical insurance benefits including frequent mammograms, osteoporosis screenings and other preventative exams.
- Truck drivers that work in Texas/Mexico border fear picking up cargo around Nuevo Laredo due to extensive drug trafficking in the area.
- Florida Congressman Dave Weldon drafts a resolution to ban cloning after Clonaid claims it has cloned the first human.
- University of California Riverside begins course for teachers of English immersion programs.
- New law that allows 60 doctors and dentists from Mexico to work in California’s rural communities goes into effect January 1st.
- Spokesperson for Mexico’s Department of Agriculture says farmers should not fear competition of subsidized U.S. and Canadian agricultural products.
Tuesday, December 31st, 2002
- Bush Administration suggests economic embargo against North Korea after government announced it would not allow monitors from International Atomic Energy in country.
- U.N. Security Council limits number of imports from international community into Iraq, including chemical products, medications, and electronics.
- President Bush returns to Washington this weekend after brief stay at his Texas ranch; Bush prepares his agenda for new legislative session.
- California’s Budget Project finds that 50,000 state residents will lose welfare assistance beginning January 2003.
- Texas airports will require passengers to carry boarding passes before security inspections as part of heightened measures for tomorrow’s holiday.
- Close to 4 million Florida residents will travel due to New Year celebrations; airports to increase security measures.
- California officials try to reach agreement on extension of contract that allows state use of Colorado River water.
- Mexico’s government and agricultural coalition reach agreement that delay for 20 days farmers’ mobilizations against NAFTA provisions that will kick in tomorrow.
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