Jason Margolis
Mariachi Music Gaining Credibility in Texas Schools
Mariachi music is a quintessential sound of Mexico. But in Mexico, it’s a style of folk music that’s never been taken all that seriously and certainly not among music educators. It’s considered bar music, unworthy of academic study. But it’s becoming different story just north of the border in Texas.
Justice Department Memo Makes Legal Case for Killing Americans Abroad
A leaked Justice Department memo is the talk of the town in Washington, and around the globe, Tuesday. The memo, obtained and published by NBC News, sets out the Obama Administration’s legal case for the targeted killing of American terrorism suspects abroad.
Should Immigration Reform Be Comprehensive?
President Obama has spoken a lot about the need for “comprehensive” immigration reform. That means taking on a lot: Securing the border, providing more visas, protecting worker’s rights, and figuring out how to deal with the 11 million unauthorized immigrants living in the US. That’s a lot to sort out. Some argue, too much to take on at once, especially when the parties agree on small pieces of the immigration debate.
The Skies Could Fill With (small) Unmanned Aircraft
Drones aren’t just used for spying and dropping bombs. The civil applications for unmanned aircraft are numerous, from spreading seeds on fields to delivering medical supplies to remote areas. The World’s Jason Margolis has more.
Making the Case for Immigration Reform from Texas
Immigrant rights advocates will be making their case to President Obama and Congress — they want a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living and working in the US.
Could Car Sharing Work in a Place Like China?
As millions of more Chinese enter the middle class, many are demanding a key passport to that lifestyle: a car. Millions throughout the developing world have the same demand. The world can’t sustain this. One possible solution: car sharing.
Massachusetts Looks East to Lure Chinese Tourists
China has a middle class of some 300 million people. And more and more of them are traveling internationally. When they travel, they spend, and American states are increasingly trying to market themselves to bring Chinese tourists to their corner of the world.
Israelis React to NRA’s Claim That Armed Guards Keep Israeli Schools Safe
The National Rifle Association’s Wayne LaPierre continued his efforts to oppose gun regulations and to install armed security guards in US schools. LaPierre spoke Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press and trumpeted what he said was Israel’s model for dealing with school violence. Some Israelis have called the comment ludicrous.
Michigan Auto Worker Reflects on NAFTA, 20 Years Later
This week marks the 20th anniversary of the ceremonial signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement or NAFTA. We examine the impact NAFTA has had on two communities linked to the auto industry, one in Michigan, the other in Mexico.
NAFTA 20 Years After: Florida’s Tomato Growers Struggling
Florida produces the most fresh tomatoes of any state in the nation. But the growers there say they can’t compete with lower-priced Mexican imports much longer. And now they’re fighting a 16-year-old trade agreement that could put the idea of free trade at risk and potentially spark a trade war between the US and Mexico.
Colorado River Agreement to Help Restore Vanished Wetlands in Mexico
A new agreement between the US and Mexico to manage water from the Colorado River has been applauded as a breakthrough for cross-border cooperation on water rights. And it’s also being applauded by environmental groups working in Mexico.
Chinese Consumers Willing to Pay More for American-Made Goods
Millions of American shoppers have been swarming malls to get those Black Friday deals and a lot of the stuff we’re buying is made in China. But in China, an increasing number of shoppers now prefer American-made goods.
Abandoned Horse Barn in Denver to Become Center for Combatting Global Poverty
A group of engineers and business entrepreneurs in Denver is looking to transform some 19th century horse stables into a hub for helping the poorest of the poor in the developing world.
The New Top Commander in Afghanistan
Even before the Petraeus scandal widened, General John Allen’s time as top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan was winding down. Last month, President Obama nominated General Joseph Dunford to replace Allen. If confirmed, Dunford would become the sixth American commander to lead the war in Afghanistan since the conflict began 11 years ago.
How Should We Judge our Economy?
The central question of the presidential election came down to this: Are you better off than you were four years ago? Well, it depends on who you ask and how you measure it. A small, but growing group thinkers say traditional economic measures don’t give an accurate picture of the true health of our economy. And their movement is gaining steam.
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