As of this writing there are 11 failing tests left in the py3k-struni branch (the branch that is unifying str and unicode) which is holding up the alpha release of Python 3.0. Once those failing tests are fixed that branch will become the Py3K development branch (according to Guido's blog).
So if you have any interest in helping get Py3K out the door please help! Since all the failing tests are stdlib stuff you don't need to worry about digging into the core.
