by Blake Bishton

McCain Shifts His Message Toward Latino Immigrants
John McCain, who has been trailing rival Barack Obama among Latino voters, is now stepping up his efforts to win them over. In a new series of commercials airing in both English and Spanish, McCain says that immigrants' needs are "as important" as securing the border.

Obama Says His Critics Haven't Been Listening
On Tuesday, Obama addressed growing accusations that he has shifted his politics to the center. He said, "This whole notion that I am shifting to the center ... the people who say this apparently haven't been listening to me."

Black Digerati: A New Vision of Africa
Cheick M. Diarra, Africa chairman at Microsoft, believes there are "tremendous opportunities" opening up for entrepreneurs and young businesspeople in Africa. To address the local needs of various populations across the continent, Microsoft is working with relief agencies to provide Internet access and computer training centers.

 

Democrats Open Door to a Deal On Expanded Offshore Drilling
Faced with pressure from voters to respond to record gas prices, senior Democratic lawmakers Tuesday opened the door to a compromise with Republicans that would open more land on- and off-shore to oil and gas exploration and production.

Obama Shows Signs of Trail-Weariness
As November looms on the horizon, Obama is beginning to show signs that the stress of the campaign is getting to him. He is able to find brief respites, such as informal birthday celebrations for his daughter, but these moments are rare at best.

Sports
Cavendish Earns First Tour Victory
Mark Cavendish, a 23-year-old Briton, won the fifth and longest stage of the Tour de France. Germany's Stefan Schumacher retains the overall lead.

Two Concerns for Olympics
The International Olympic Committee cited two open issues that remain concerns for Beijing: whether the city can deliver good air quality and fulfill promises to allow television networks to broadcast from non-Olympic sites. The controversy over broadcast access began in March, after authorities suppressed the violent Tibetan protests in western China and Beijing announced that networks would not be allowed to broadcast live from Tiananmen Square.

Entertainment
Lessons from Dad
Ta-Nehisi Coates' new memoir, titled The Beautiful Struggle, focuses on the Civil Rights Movement and the challenges black people still face today. But the book also pays tribute to his father, Paul Coates, and all that the Vietnam-veteran turned publisher taught him.

African-American Character a Role Model for Girls Her Age
Children's author Derrick Barnes has recently launched his new literary series, Ruby and Booker Boys. The main character, Ruby, has captured the hearts of all who read about her, and is seen as a role model for black children of all ages. Barnes says that if his books are made into a movie he hopes he can get Willow (daughter of Will Smith) to play the role.

A Radio Shock Jock Who's Ready for TV
On Monday, New York radio personality Wendy Williams will begin a six-week run of The Wendy Williams Show, a live hour-long syndicated show to be broadcast weekdays on Fox stations in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Detroit.