American Southwest

A call from a potential donor to an international NGO working on access to clean water proved a turning point for both the group and a fight in the US.

Since 2011, California has been in the grip of one of the worst droughts in recent history. It’s shrinking water reserves, intensifying wildfires and, so far, costing farmers billions of dollars in agricultural losses. But all of that may be just a preview of what’s to come later this century.

Some migrant families with young children detained shortly after arriving from Central America are sent to live with relatives in the US as they await their date in court. That transition — suddenly being released — can be frightening and overwhelming. But there is one effort in McAllen, Texas, to help these migrants during their first few minutes on US soil.Some migrant families with young children detained shortly after arriving from Central America are sent to live with relatives in the US as they await their date in court. That transition — suddenly being released — can be frightening and overwhelming. But there is one effort in McAllen, Texas, to help these migrants during their first few minutes on US soil.

The 11 candidates at CNN’s Republican debate on Wednesday clashed over immigration and the issue of building a wall on the US-Mexico border. But a year ago, we spoke to some people living closest to the border who say it’s time to consider options outside of longer fences and increased patrols.The 11 candidates at CNN’s Republican debate on Wednesday clashed over immigration and the issue of building a wall on the US-Mexico border. But a year ago, we spoke to some people living closest to the border who say it’s time to consider options outside of longer fences and increased patrols.

Nevada’s unemployment rate peaked during the Great Recession at 14 percent. A lot of people looking for work were immigrants: the maids, line cooks, and blackjack dealers who keep the Nevada tourism industry afloat. Now with the Nevada economy picking up, many of those workers want more job security and better pay. They want to be in a union. But it’s not coming easy for some.Nevada’s unemployment rate peaked during the Great Recession at 14 percent. A lot of people looking for work were immigrants: the maids, line cooks, and blackjack dealers who keep the Nevada tourism industry afloat. Now with the Nevada economy picking up, many of those workers want more job security and better pay. They want to be in a union. But it’s not coming easy for some.