Monday, October 27, 2008

• Bailout Expands to Insurance Companies
• Early Voting Reveals Trouble at the Booth
• Clergy Against Florida Gay Marriage Ban Amendment
• Anniversary of Brad Will's Murder
• Colombian Cane Cutters on Strike, Other May Join
• Indonesia Prepares to Execute Three Convicted in Bali Bombings

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The G7 countries have pledged to work together to stabilize troubled
markets. First on their agenda will likely be actions to stabilize
currencies. The move was precipitated by the sudden rise of the
Japanese yen against the dollar and the euro. The strength of the yen
hurts Japan because it makes their goods more expensive to buyers,
which in turn decreases exports. This news sent Japanese markets into a
tailspin – their stock index hit a 26-year low just as their currency
hit a 13-year high. The Japanese stock index has lost half its value so
far this year.

Meanwhile, the scope of the bailout in the US is expanding. It's not just for banks anymore – now insurance companies are getting a piece of the pie. Individual mortgages might be next. And experts say the auto industry is in line right behind them. Tanya Snyder reports.

Early Voting Reveals Trouble at the Booth

With early voting is under way, problems with voting machines at the polls are also underway. Voters around the country have complained of so-called "vote switching" – that's when a machine logs a different candidate from the voters' choice.  Washington Editor Leigh Ann Caldwell reports.

Clergy Against Florida Gay Marriage Ban Amendment

Voters in California, Arizona, and Florida will decide in eight days whether or not to add language to their state constitutions that would make same-sex marriage illegal. In Florida, opponents there believe the language of the measure could pertain to heterosexual unions as well. Some religious groups have supported these constitutional amendments, but a group of clergy in Tampa led a rally Sunday in opposition to Florida's Amendment 2.  Emily Reddy reports.

Anniversary of Brad Will's Murder

Activists wrapped up a hunger strike outside Senator Hilary Clinton's office in New York City – the strikers are demanding a full investigation into the murder of independent journalist Brad Will, who was killed while covering massive anti-government protests in Oaxaca, Mexico two years ago this day. Today, we hear from two human rights activists and friends of Brad Will who took part in the hunger strike.

Colombian Cane Cutters on Strike, Other May Join

Protests against poor labor conditions are increasing in Colombia, following a lengthy sugar cane cutters strike.  More than 10,000 cane cutters, most of whom are Afro-Colombian, stopped working in mid-September, after the sugar industry refused to make them full time employees with regular wages and social security.  Their effort has been joined by educators, energy contractors and government bureaucrats, who are also seeking similar benefits.  Not all of these sectors have gone on strike, but dissatisfaction appears to be mounting. Manuel Rueda has more from Bogota.

Indonesia Prepares to Execute Three Convicted in Bali Bombings

Three men convicted over the 2002 Bali bombings in will be executed in early November. They were found guilty of planning the attacks, which targeted nighclubs at Bali's tourist resort of Kuta.  As Rebecca Henschke reports from Jakarta the executions are being met with relief and fear.