Environment New Federal Fuel-Efficiency Rules Limit State Input March 31, 2006 • A little-noticed provision in new federal fuel-efficiency standards for cars and trucks makes it much harder for states to set their own levels for how many miles per gallon vehicles should achieve.
World Rice Greeted by Protests During Visit to England March 31, 2006 • Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is greeted by protests during a visit to Blackburn, Lancashire, the hometown of British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw. Muslims and anti-war activists protested outside a high school where Rice was speaking. Twenty percent of the Blackburn population is Muslim.
Sen. Feingold Finds Little Support in Censure Motion March 31, 2006 • The Senate Judiciary Committee holds a hearing on the motion by Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) to censure President Bush. But, besides Feingold, only one other Democrat shows up at the hearing, illustrating the problems Feingold has in getting his party's support.
Tom DeLay to Resign from Congress Former DeLay Aide Pleads Guilty in Abramoff Inquiry March 31, 2006 • Tony Rudy, a former aide to Texas Congressman Tom DeLay, pleads guilty in the investigation of lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his relationship with members of Congress. It's the first guilty plea in that investigation, but it may not be the final one, leaving lawmakers associated with Abramoff nervous.
Calls for Censure Show a Divide in Democratic Party March 31, 2006 • The Democratic base -- the blogosphere and liberal activists -- want President Bush censured. The Democrats in the Senate, except for two co-sponsors of Russell Feingold's censure resolution, are running from it.
Media Freedom of Information Act Losing Its Power March 31, 2006 • The Freedom of Information Act made it possible for the Associated Press to acquire the video of President Bush's pre-Katrina teleconference. Similar releases have resulted in big stories, but journalists say it has become harder to get government documents through the use of this act.
National Pro-Immigrant March Planned for Costa Mesa, Calif. March 31, 2006 • Organizers of last week's massive pro-immigrant march in Los Angeles have turned their sights to Costa Mesa in Orange County. The city has allied itself with U.S. Immigration and Customs to question and detain illegal immigrants. Opponents of that practice are planning a protest rally for Saturday.
Law Bid to 'Court Proof' S.D. Abortion Ban May Be in Vain March 31, 2006 • The South Dakota abortion ban was crafted with court challenges in mind. But that may not materialize if the ban is derailed by popular vote in a ballot initiative.
Political Insider Political Roundup: Immigration Policy March 31, 2006 • Madeleine Brand talks with with senior correspondent Juan Williams about the political pressures of immigration policy, and what may happen to the president's guest worker proposal in the Senate.
Race Blacks, Latinos and the Immigration Debate March 31, 2006 • The immigration debate has exposed tensions between Latinos and African Americans. Farai Chideya discusses the issue with Marcelo Suarez-Orozco, co-director of Immigration Studies at New York University, and Earl Ofari Hutchinson, a political analyst and author of numerous books about the African-American experience.
Colorado Congressman Fights Illegal Immigration March 31, 2006 • The House of Representatives passed legislation late last year that included strict provisions for immigration control and border enforcement. Renee Montagne talks to Colorado Republican Congressman Tom Tancredo, a leading critic of illegal immigration.
Republicans Tackle Split Over Immigration March 31, 2006 • Senate Republicans are dealing with the same division over immigration as the rest of the country. They're debating a controversial bill that would change laws covering illegal immigrants. Some want an easier path to citizenship. Others say that the rule of law must be respected.
World North American Leaders Talk Immigration, Trade March 31, 2006 • President Bush is in Cancun wrapping up a summit with the leaders of Mexico and Canada. Immigration with Mexico and trade with Canada were the two issues that took up most of the president's time. Steve Inskeep talks with David Greene.
National Alaska Town Watched by Eighty Security Cameras March 30, 2006 • The city of Dillingham, Alaska -- population 2,400 -- has eighty surveillance cameras installed around town and at its port. The cameras were purchased with grant money from the Department of Homeland Security. City councilor Andy DeValpine and barge captain Freeman Roberts talk with Michele Norris.
NSA Questioned on Scope of Domestic Spying Government Won't Release NSA Information to Attorneys March 30, 2006 • Attorneys trying to find out whether their U.S. clients were monitored by the NSA are running into a problem that could make it difficult to challenge the surveillance program. The government says that any information about the cases is classified, and that even attorneys can't view it.
