August 28, 2008

New data released by the World Bank estimates that the number of poor people around the world is far higher than originally estimated. The number of poor people in 2005 is now estimated at 1.4 billion, an increase of 500 million from earlier estimates of 948 million. Full release

Steelworkers across the United States -- and even in Canada -- will host "watch parties" tonight in their homes and in union halls as Sen. Barack Obama accepts the Democratic Party's nomination for president. More than 400 parties are planned, from Minersville, Pennsylvania to San Antonio, Texas to celebrate the acceptance speech by the candidate endorsed by the largest industrial union in the U.S., with more than 850,000 members. Full release

More than 2,000 healthcare workers launched a 24-hour strike up and down California Thursday, calling on the Daughters of Charity Health System to improve patient care. Caregivers represented by SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West organized the strike in response to Daughters of Charity's continued attempts to undermine the voice of caregivers in how quality care is delivered, and to protest a series of unfair labor practices committed by management, including the failure of hospital administration to bargain in good faith. Full release

Music star John Rich today announced he will perform "Raisin' McCain" -- his original song in support of Republican presidential candidate John McCain -- at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, MN on Sept. 3. In addition to his performance of the rock-infused anthem, Rich is also slated to perform "Our America" with Gretchen Wilson and Cowboy Troy at the Convention on Sept. 3. Full release

SIRIUS XM Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) announced today that Academy Award(R)-winning actor, American Music Award-winning and Grammy(R)-nominated artist and comedian Jamie Foxx is taking his SIRIUS Foxxhole Radio channel to the Democratic National Convention to broadcast live from Invesco Field, the site where Barack Obama will accept the Democratic party's nomination for president. Full release

The Republican National Committee (RNC) restarted the countdown clock since Joe Biden's last gaffe on August 27, 2008, at 10:49:52 p.m. MDT - the time at which the Democrat vice presidential nominee and chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee mixed up military "battalions" with "brigades." This comes only four days, 17 hours, and 59 minutes since his last gaffe, made shortly after beginning his vice presidential bid. Full release

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) celebrates 31 years of serving Latino youth with its 31st Annual Awards Gala on Wednesday, September 10, 2008. This year's theme, The Power to Make the Difference, commemorates the vast contributions Hispanic Americans have made to this country and celebrates the historic opportunity it has to impact the future of the United States. Full release

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (LOCAL), Live Performances (before gavel) - Yonder Mountain String Band Performance, Jeff Austin, Adam Aijala, Ben Kaufmann, Dave Johnston - Voter Registration Presentation, Remarks, The Honorable Luis Gutierrez, Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois, David Plouffe, Obama Campaign Manager... Full release

The following is a transcript of a speech, as prepared for delivery, by The Honorable Chet Edwards at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, August 27, 2008: Revised Version - As the proud son of a World War II naval aviator, it is a privilege for me to express tonight, on behalf of America's Democrats, our profound respect for the sacrifices made by our service men and women and our veterans. We also salute the unsung heroes in our nation's defense: the spouses, children, and loved ones of our troops and veterans. Maybe they haven't worn our nation's uniform, but they have surely served us all through their daily sacrifice. Full release

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