politics
States consider reforms to help domestic workers move out of shadows
Many domestic workers get stuck in jobs that pay them low wages, subject them to long hours and sometimes even expose them to physical abuse. And because many are undocumented, they don't, or can't, speak up. But some states are trying to change that.
Firestorm brews over IRS targeting of right-wing groups for additional scrutiny
Late last week, an IRS official apologized for her department targeting right-wing groups for additional scrutiny. Over the weekend, various media outlets got a look at a pending inspector general report. The report is expected to be released publicly this week, but the controversy is already swirling.
As China prospers, residents increasingly demand more rights, freedoms
China's economic prosperity has opened the world to its people. But that openness has meant many of them are demanding the rights and freedoms they see residents of other successful countries enjoying. But so far, the Communist Party has been slow to offer up reforms, despite the people's demands.
EPA raises concerns about State Department's Keystone environmental statement
The U.S. State Department has prepared an Environmental Impact Statement for the pending, and controversial, Keystone XL pipeline that lays the groundwork for the project to go ahead. The Environmental Protection Agency, however, has some issues with what the statement says.
Texas Democrats discussing prospects for turning state blue -- or at least purple
Texas is one of just four states that are majority minority -- and its the only one that is Republican. But Democrats see those changing Demcorats as providing an opening, and an opportunity to turn one of the brightest red states more purple -- if not outright blue.
Obama still trying to get green team in place
President Barack Obama is still trying to get his second-term cabinet nominees in place. A number of those still to be confirmed focus on the environment, including Energy Secretary nominee Ernest Moniz and EPA administrator nominee Gina McCarthy. Moniz and McCarthy both recently had confirmation hearings.
Senate moves to allow votes on bills to reform immigration, increase gun background checks
Republicans in the U.S. Senate this week have indicated they'll allow votes on two bills — one that would reform the country's immigration system and another that would provide for background checks in all commercial gun sales. Whether they'll pass, though, remains to be seen.
Obama's nominee to D.C. appeals court has implications for environmental policy
President Barack Obama nominated Sri Srinivasin to be the newest judge on the Washington, D.C., Court of Appeals. Srinivasin, should he be confirmed, and all of the rest of the D.C. judges play an outsized role in the country's environmental policy.
Families of Filipino World War II vets largely still waiting for visa, dozen years later
Filipinos make us the second largest group of immigrants to the United States. Many came after serving in the U.S. military during World War II. But because there are so many, getting visas to bring adult family members to the United States can be nearly impossible -- with the wait for most stretching a dozen years or more.
Around the world, people remember Britain's Margaret Thatcher, dead at 87
Margaret Thatcher was a controversial figure in life and was similarly so in death. While world leaders, especially conservative ones, praised her accomplishments, some liberals panned the Iron Lady's legacy while recognizing the impact she had on the world in 11 years as Britain's prime minister.
JOIN PRI COMMUNITIES:
-
PUdden N Tane (20 May, 2013 09:40:50)Take her crayons away then put her in the corner. How could anyone even 'think' they are doing right by the picture when they make ... -
Womprat (20 May, 2013 02:50:44)There were no swamp rats. There were Womprats, though.
-
Jonathan (20 May, 2013 11:59:28)You're quite right. Sorry about that! Jonathan Kealing PRI.org
-
My Other Car's the Tardis (20 May, 2013 11:37:03)I think you dropped a letter in the album's title: "Ela" is "she"--not "he"--in Portuguese.
-
Jonathan (20 May, 2013 11:08:23)Hi Carl-- We can't think of such a solicitation coming from The World — and The World typically airs Monday through Friday. Is it possible you ...