April 09, 2009

President Obama's recent trip to the Muslim world within the first 100 days of his presidency highlights to many his firm commitment to improving relations with the Muslim world. "We seek broader engagement based on mutual interest and mutual respect," the President said during a speech in Turkey, just before flying to Iraq. "We will listen carefully, we will bridge misunderstandings, and we will seek common ground." An upcoming conference in the metro-D.C. area, hosted by the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy (CSID), will explore whether the current administration's proposed policy changes indicate the beginning of a more positive relationship. Full release

The Somali Justice Advocacy Center has been in contact with Somali pirates in the northeastern region of Somalia and is currently talking to them about the release of a Nigerian ship that has been held hostage for a couple of months. The Nigerian ship captain's brother is a resident here in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Somali Justice Advocacy Center, while on the phone yesterday with pirates in Somalia, asked about Captain Phillips' condition and will talk to them further today. Full release

As the New York Times reported today, the Obama administration has reiterated its intention to tackle comprehensive immigration reform this year. Recent statements from Speaker Pelosi and Senator Reid have also signaled their support. Yet some observers had assumed that the promise President Obama made during his campaign to reform the dysfunctional U.S. immigration system during his first year in office would be sidelined by the current recession. But, as the White House made clear today, the President intends to make good on his promise. The following is a statement by Angela Kelley, Director of the Immigration Policy Center (IPC) in Washington, DC. Full release

The following is being issued by Randall Terry, founder of Operation Rescue. On Good Friday, April 10, at 12:00 Noon, DC area Pro-life leaders and activists will protest at the White House (gathering in the Northwest quadrant of Lafayette Park) to denounce President Obama's speech at Notre Dame's commencement on May 17, and the proposed change in "conscience regulations" regarding abortion referrals and dispensing Plan B, etc. Full release

A new report from United for a Fair Economy (UFE) concludes that President Obama's tax proposals could be sharply improved to raise $300 billion more per year in revenue. The report also finds that improvements would make the taxes more progressive and reduce incentives for extreme financial risk-taking. The report is available at: http://faireconomy.org/reports/tax_day_2009. Full release

Mere steps from indicted former Governor Rod Blagojevich's office, hundreds of people gathered in downtown Chicago today with a simple message: "We've had enough!" Voters joined with civic and business leaders, religious and non-profit groups for a public CHANGE Illinois! rally calling for an end to corruption in Illinois politics. Full release

Internet-only radio is rapidly gaining acceptance as another way to listen to music, according to a national survey that American Media Services released today. The latest AMS Radio Index shows that more than a quarter (27 percent) of Americans say they have listened to Internet-only radio on an Internet site. This includes nearly half (47 percent) of young adults 18-24 and about a third (34 percent) of those under the age of 50. Full release.

Real estate developer Kitson & Partners today announced a landmark agreement with electric utility Florida Power & Light to build the world's largest solar photovoltaic power plant at Babcock Ranch, Florida - making it the world's first city powered by solar energy. With Congress debating energy policy and the economy shedding jobs at a record pace, the Kitson-FPL deal will start the city on a path to create 20,000 permanent jobs. Full release.

President Barack Obama has been selected as the 2009 recipient of the Jerald Washington Memorial Founders' Award, the highest honor bestowed by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV). The award will be presented at the organization's annual conference in Washington, D.C., in May. Full release.

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