Presidential Candidates Discuss Excessive Incarceration – The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, and inmates are disproportionately African-American or Latino. Amid public clamor over this situation, which has been called a civil rights crisis, presidential candidates are beginning to mention reforms to the criminal justice system in their speeches. José López Zamorano examines some of the promises and changes being proposed by political campaigns.
New Plan to Help California’s Poorest Children – Despite California’s prosperous economy, nearly half a million children in the state are living in extreme poverty. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom recently toured the state with political and community leaders to win public support for his plan to end extreme child poverty during his administration. Ruben Tapia reports on the details of the government plan.
Quinceañeras in Texas Become Parties to Celebrate the Vote – In an effort to give new impetus to voter registration among millennials, young organizers in Texas are seeking unleash the power of quinceañeras. Through a campaign called “Poder Quince,” organizers hope to spark enthusiasm and the habit of voting among young people who attend these traditional Mexican parties to mark fifteenth birthdays. Antonio Arreola, communications director of the Jolt Initiative, a group that is promoting this original project, says he expects to see results in the 2020 elections.
