Fronteras: After Arizona’s immigration enforcement law strained that state’s relations with Mexico, things seem to be getting friendlier. Why Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto spent the day in a tiny border town. The high cost of liquor licenses in New Mexico. Finally, the USDA's ban on its inspectors entering Mexico at border crossings to inspect cattle has crippled an important part of the border economy.
Arizona-Mexico Tensions Begin To Thaw
There are signs that relations between the State of Arizona and Mexico are on the mend. That’s after Arizona’s immigration enforcement law provoked deep tensions a few years ago. From the Fronteras Desk in Phoenix, Jude Joffe-Block reports local leaders are making an effort to boost trade and tourism.
Mexican President Peña Nieto Pushes Border Trade
Mexican President Enrique PeñaNieto recently spent the day in a border town so small no Mexican president had ever gone there. PeñaNieto unveiled an economic stimulus for the border region. The story from Fronteras reporter Lorne Matalon.
Baja Wineries Say New Law Allowing Development Threatens Budding Industry
The wine region of Baja California has put itself on the map in recent years, as a producer of quality artisanal wines, and as a tourist destination for wine lovers and foodies. But Jill Replogle from our Fronteras Desk reports that local vintners are furious about a recent rule change that they say threatens the region’s future.
Fines Given for Yarnell Hill Fire
The Arizona State Forestry Division was fined nearly 560,000 dollars in violations for the way the division handled the Yarnell Hill Fire. Nineteen Arizona firefighters were killed this summer when they were trapped in a wildfire. The Industrial Commission of Arizona approved the fines at a hearing Wednesday. From Phoenix, Al Macias reports.
The High Cost of A Liquor License In New Mexico
Since the end of prohibition, states have grappled with how to regulate the sale of alcohol. Some retain laws that haven't changed much in the last 80 years. For example, New Mexico has some of the most expensive liquor licenses in the country. The state’s last liquor store license sold for nearly $1 million dollars. Mónica Ortiz Uribe takes a look at how these antiquated laws impact the state's economy.
USDA And Mexico: Pullout Spells Loss For Border Economy
Over a year ago, the federal government banned USDA inspectors from entering Mexico at five Texas border crossings to inspect cattle headed to the U.S. That decision has had a huge economic impact on small border towns in Texas and now cattle producers and border politicians are asking for relief. Fronteras reporter Lorne Matalon of Marfa Public Radio has the story.
