Intense Negotiations Continue Amid Possible Government Shutdown – On the eve of the deadline to approve a government spending bill, an agreement between the White House and Republicans and Democrats in Congress remains uncertain. Hardline Republicans insist on billions in funding for a border wall, and no agreement has been reached to resolve the DACA crisis. For their part, leaders of the Dreamer movement accuse legislators from both parties of using them as a bargaining chip. With a government shutdown imminent, Republican leadership in the House has proposed a budget agreement that would ensure public spending for another month. José López Zamorano has this report from Washington.
After Dr. King Day, LA Government Proclaims National Day of Racial Healing – Responding to calls from philanthropic leaders to combat racism and change hearts and minds, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors proclaimed a National Day of Racial Healing. Similar proclamations were adopted by other cities around the country the day after Martin Luther King Day. Meanwhile, various public events were held, including Healing Circles in which students, government employees, activists and religious and community leaders discussed the need to reveal truths and heal the open wounds left by centuries of racism. Ruben Tapia reports from Los Angeles. This report is part of the series “Speaking of Race.”
Central American Women Feel Trapped as U.S. Closes Door for Asylum Seekers – El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala are among the most dangerous countries in the world for women. Each year, thousands flee violence related to drugs and gangs or domestic violence. A U.S. court expanded the category of asylum to protect these women more than three years ago, but now, the new administration is closing this door, leaving many trapped in their countries of origin with little hope and nowhere to go. Our contributor María Martin, tells the story of two Guatemalan women embroiled in this crisis. This report received additional support from the Fund for Investigative Journalism at FIRE (Freelance Investigative Reporters and Editors).
