Fronteras: More Mexicans are trying to escape intimidation and/or violence by petitioning the U.S. for political asylum. Human trafficking is a growing problem in the Southwestern United States. Authorities in Juárez are finalizing their investigation into the cause of a deadly explosion at a candy factory last month. The McDonald Observatory in West Texas is now home to the historic Otto Struve telescope.
Mexican Political Asylum Requests Up
More Mexicans are trying to escape intimidation or violence by petitioning the U.S. for political asylum. In the past, those applications typically came from victims of wars in Guatemala or El Salvador. Lorne Matalon reports asylum applications from Mexicans have quadrupled since 2009.
In Albuquerque, Human Trafficking Evolves And Grows
A recent study claims that nearly 30 million people on the planet live in slavery -- a practice that relies on the trafficking of human beings. While the majority of victims are found in places such as India, Thailand and Russia, it’s also a growing problem in the Southwestern United States. Tristan Ahtone reports that the black market trade is growing in New Mexico.
NAD Bank Announces Plans for First Cross-Nation Wind Farm Project
Two bi-national groups have proposed building a wind farm project that spans Mexico and the United States. As Joey Palacios reports, the North American Development Bank and the Border Environment Cooperation Commission made the announcement as part of their 20th anniversary celebration.
Investigation Into Factory Explosion In Juárez Ongoing
Authorities in the Mexican border city of Juárez are finalizing their investigation into the cause of a deadly explosion at a candy factory last month. This week an eighth person died as a result of his injuries. Seven others remain hospitalized with severe burns.
The factory is one of thousands spread across the border region that manufactures products and components for the United States. From our Fronteras Desk, Mónica Ortiz Uribe reports this accident is raising questions about safety standards at these factories.
Whooping Cough Cases Prompt Officials To Push Vaccinations
After 32 whooping cough cases were discovered at a high school in Albuquerque, officials began urging parents to get their teens a booster shot to stop the spread of the illness. KUNM’s Deborah Martinez reports.
McDonald Observatory In Texas Retrofits Historic Telescope
The jet black skies in remote sections of the Southwest are the perfect setting for astronomers. Besides the Palomar Observatory in San Diego and the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona there’s the McDonald Observatory in Texas, now marking its 75th anniversary. Fronteras reporter Lorne Matalon recently joined the festivities for a night of contemplating the origins of the Universe.
