Archive - Mar 31, 2010

• Haiti’s government outlines recovery plan at international donor conference
• Activists call for Haitian women to have role in reconstruction
• Obama announces expansion of off shore drilling
• March 31st to honor Chicano labor leader, Cesar Chavez
• Violence in Pakistan threatens musical traditions

• Philadelphia nurses strike over unsettled contract
• Two more suicide bombs rip through Russia
• Top nuclear experts cite safety hazards at infamous Japanese nuclear plant
• Mumbai terror suspect waits on verdict, possible death sentence
• Islamic court bans social media debate in northern Nigeria

Today world leaders gathered in New York to outline the next steps for the recovery efforts in Haiti and call for an increase in financial assistance to the devastated country. UN Secretary Ban Ki Moon opened the donor conference by outlining the goal of the day.

As the international donors held high level meetings to pledge billions for Haiti’s reconstruction, some activists called for more transparency and accountability in that country’s government. Some women activists also appealed to donors to include Haitian women at every level of the rebuilding and reconstruction process. FSRN's Salim Rizvi reports.

President Obama announced a major expansion of off shore drilling. The politically charged debate has environmentalists decrying the move and the oil and natural gas industry praising it. But as FSRN’s Leigh Ann Caldwell reports, this could be an attempt to build consensus for comprehensive energy legislation.

The late Chicano labor leader Cesar Chavez would have turned 83 today. Celebrations are being held around the country to honor his legacy and impact on farm workers' rights.  Meanwhile, President Obama signed a declaration today declaring March 31st Cesar Chavez day nationally.  FSRN’s Matt Pearson reports.

Photo by Gabe Matthews

In Peshawar, Pakistan the growing frequency of suicide bombings over the past year has affected daily life in the city. Many avoid going to parks and large gatherings. In the wake of a deadly attack on a volley ball game which killed some 200 people, many types of recreation and entertainment have disappeared, from sporting events to film screenings to concerts. People have also stopped inviting musicians to wedding ceremonies to avoid being targeted by militants. The change is not only affecting the long tradition of music at weddings, but also the singers and drum masters who make a living performing at weddings. Today, FSRN begins a two-part series exploring the impact of the current conflict in Pakistan on ancient traditions and livelihoods. FSRN’s Scott Pham reads for our reporter in Peshawar, Gabe Mathews.