Archive - Apr 30, 2009

• Swine flu continues to spread around the world
• San Diego/Tijuana border remains calm despite imminent pandemic
• Progressives call for accountability for authors of U.S. torture
• Bank lobby blocks mortgage reform for those facing foreclosure
• Pakistani troops take town out of Taliban control
• Reporter’s notebook: covering Aceh’s separatist movement turned political party

• US automaker Chrysler announces bankruptcy
• Hate crimes legislation passes US House
• Nigeria fuel shortage continues
• Ciudad Juarez “Femicide” trial in wraps up in Chile
• Rights group urges peaceful May Day in Turkey

New cases of the so-called swine flu indicate the virus is spreading. Authorities in Britain confirmed three new cases today, and Switzerland and the Netherlands both confirmed their first cases today. So far, the potentially deadly strain has reached 11 countries around the world. World Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan told reporters in Geneva that every nation is at risk. Back in the U.S., the Pentagon has confirmed its first case of the virus – although so far, it is impossible to tell how the servicemember contracted the flu. Marine Commandant General James Conway said the Marine has not traveled to Mexico but has moved around the San Bernardino Valley in California, which is close to Los Angeles. The 37 Marines that came into contact with the carrier are now on restricted duty and are being treated – his roommate is in quarantine.  The Centers for Disease Control confirmed today 109 cases in 11 states throughout the country, up from its previous count of 91 cases in 10 states yesterday.

Now to the U.S.-Mexico border, a place that in spite of the imminent pandemic, has seen little in the way of policy changes. FSRN’s Victoria Martinez is in Tijuana, and reports on the lack of screenings or public health surveillance efforts in that border area.

Last night, President Obama said that the waterboarding used on detainees in US custody authorized by former President Bush was torture.Today, progressive activists and lawmakers say “moving on” is not an option. As FSRN’s Karen Miller reports, some want the perpetrators of US torture policy to be held accountable and brought to justice.

Intense lobbying from the banking industry successfully blocked mortgage reform that would have benefited homeowners facing foreclosure. The Senate rejected the measure known as “cramdown”, which would have allowed homeowners to renegotiate with banks. It is the one proposal that would have given struggling homeowners an opportunity to rectify a troubled housing situation.  FSRN’s Leigh Ann Caldwell reports.

Violence continues to grip parts of Pakistan, where government troops took control of the town of Dagger, in the Buner district, after Taliban militants took the town hostage. The militants have gained control of a police station, and are holding several officers hostage in the town, some 80 miles away from the capital of Islamabad.
Meanwhile, in Pakistan’s tribal areas, Taliban militants are conducting door-to-door campaigns to garner public support. They’re also offering young people key positions and money – lucrative propositions for the region’s jobless youth. Among the chaos, some groups are developing options for young people. One of those options is organized sports – and the matches in Pakistan are providing an alternative to athletes, fans and musicians. FSRN’s Catherine Komp reads for out reporter in Peshawar, Gabe Matthews.