Archive - Nov 2, 2007

• Clashes between Police and Protesters Mar Day of the Dead Celebrations in Oaxaca
• Demonstrators in DC Protest a New US Anti-Narcotics Agreement with Mexico
• Hollywood Screen Writers Announce Intentions to Strike
• Presidential Candidates Go After Democratic Front runner Clinton
• Senate Commerce Committee Approves the Local Community Radio Act

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• Burmese Junta Expells Top UN Diplomat
• LRA Rebels Arrive in Kampala
• Millions of Veterans Uninsured
• Hurricane Noel Heads Towards Eastern Seaboard
• Climate Actions Planned for the Weekend
• Niger Delta Militants Target Navy Ship

Clashes between Police and Protesters Mar Day of the Dead Celebrations in Oaxaca (4:30)

After a period of relative calm, social unrest has once again erupted in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. At least 20 people were arrested today when hundreds of state and local police descended on an intersection, where protesters were building a traditional Day of the Dead altar. The intersection was the site of a 7-hour street battle fought one year ago today between federal riot police and anti-government demonstrators. Vladimir Flores takes a look at the intersection of social unrest and tradition as Oaxaca enters into a weekend of customary festivities.

Demonstrators in DC Protest a New US Anti-Narcotics Agreement with Mexico (3:00)

The Mexican and US governments have negotiated a new anti-narcotics aid package that would send over 1 billion dollars in financial and military assistance to Mexico. The money is earmarked to fight Mexican drug cartels and drug trafficking between both countries. Critics of the plan converged today at the Mexican embassy in Washington, DC to call for an end to the US-bankrolling of the Mexican military. Katharine Jarmul reports from DC...

Hollywood Screen Writers Announce Intentions to Strike (5:00)

Hollywood writers have pronounced that they intend to call a strike. The leadership of the Writers Guild of America made the announcement last night after contract negotiations with studios hit an impasse. At issue is how writers should be compensated for digital distribution of their work. The Guild's contract expired Wednesday. If a deal is not reached over the weekend, the walk-out could begin as early as Monday, effecting talk shows and other topical programming immediately. Leilani Albano has more on the story.

Presidential Candidates Go After Democratic Front runner Clinton (3:00)

Presidential politics went on the offensive this week. During an NBC debate Democratic candidates ratcheted up pressure on front-runner Hillary Clinton. She has become the target of some campaigns and responded that politics was an all-men's club. Barak Obama is the latest to join the post-debate maneuvering, speaking on the morning show, "Today." He said, "I am assuming, and I hope that Senator Clinton wants to be treated like everybody else, and I think that that's why she's running for President." This tit-for-tat is leaving many people wondering where the issues went. Matt Laslo has this week's Political Roundup.

Senate Commerce Committee Approves the Local Community Radio Act (4:30)

Seven years ago, the Federal Communications Commission recognized the need for more diversity in programming on the radio airwaves. The FCC began taking applications for new Low Power FM radio stations. But the new broadcasting window was immediately closed due to lobbying by powerful corporate radio interests. Educational institutions, labor unions, churches, towns, and community groups seeking to start Low Power radio stations have faced restrictive license requirements that limit community access to the airwaves.