Notes on the News: Black Iraqis Rooting for Obama

Black Iraqis Hoping for a Barack Obama Win
Racism is rampant in Iraq, says an African Iraqi named Abdul Hussein Abdul Razzaq. He faces daily occupational and social discrimination and, if he felt so inclined, could never successfully run for public office. For those reasons and more, Razzaq -- and other Iraqis like him -- are hoping for a Barack Obama victory in November. "It will be a historic accomplishment for black people all over the world if Barack Obama wins," he said.

Zimbabwe Hopes Hinge on Regional Africa Meeting
With talks between Morgan Tsvangirai and Robert Mugabe all but dissolved, the hope for a peaceful resolution in Zimbabwe rests with an upcoming meeting between the leaders of various southern African countries. Despite upbeat talks between Mugabe and South African President Thabo Mbeki, little progress has not yet been made.

Negrito, Please
In Mexico, as well as many other countries around the world, political correctness in advertisements does not seem to be seen as important as it is in the United States. One such prominent example of this is the new Twinkie-like product produced by the Mexican brand, Bimbo: Negritos.

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Blake Bishton

6:09 PM ET | 08-15-2008 | permalink

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Notes on the News: Gay Marriage and the Black Vote

Gay Marriage and the Black Vote
The notion that homophobia is rampant in the black community will be put to the test in November. California's black voters, who are predicted to show up in record numbers to support Barack Obama, will also be voting on the same-sex marriage measure, Proposition 8. For more on how gay marriage advocates are reaching out to the black community, check out the group And Marriage For All.

As Gas Prices Soared, He Filled Up With Prayer
59-year-old Rocky Twyman says that America has his movement, Pray at the Pump, to thank for the lowering of gas prices. "Prayer is the answer to every problem in life," he said while leading a group of people sitting around a gas pump in prayer. "If the whole country keeps on praying, we can bring down prices even more, to even less than $2."

White Americans No Longer a Majority by 2042
According to new projections issued by the U.S. government, white people will no longer make up the majority in America by 2042. This is eight years earlier than was predicted in a 2004 estimate. It's due, in part, to the increased birth rate of minorities, particularly Hispanics, but also because of the aging of the white baby boomer generation.

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Blake Bishton

5:45 PM ET | 08-14-2008 | permalink

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Notes on the News: Zimbabwe Talks End, No Deal

Zimbabwe Talks Break Without Deal
For the past three days, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai have been in intensive negotiations to resolve the political crisis. Today, the two clashed over the key issue of which of them should lead the new unified government. Though many hoped the talks would provide a quick settlement, they were adjourned with no date scheduled for their continuation.

Opulence and Chaos Meet in an African Boomtown
Lagos, Nigeria has long been known as Africa's most traffic-plagued, most populous, and fastest growing city. Now it is also being called the most expensive and elite city in Africa. In the world it ranks 30th, making it slightly less expensive than New York, but far more so than Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington D.C. However, the contrast is all the more extreme here, as the average Nigerian makes $2 a day.

Amid Ruined New Orleans Neighborhoods, a Gadfly Buzzes
Citizens of New Orleans are beginning to grow accustomed to officials promising various plans that will do wonders for the cities rehabilitation, yet never seem to get off the ground. Most people have stopped listening to such promises as a result, but not Karen Gadbois, who investigates every claim made by officials and then blogs about their lack of progress. The New Orleans Affordable Homeownership Corporation has been the target of much of her research. "It wasn't even that the house didn't exist; the whole block didn't exist."

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Blake Bishton

2:52 PM ET | 08-13-2008 | permalink

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Notes on the News: Republicans Weigh Obama Vote

Airing New Views in America's Cul-de-sacs
Long-time Republican voters living in suburbs across the nation are considering voting for the other party in the ever-increasing economic crisis. This voting block of golf course communities was crucial to Bush's victory in 2004, and it was founded by cheap mortgages and cheap gas. But more members of this demographic are considering other options: "This is the first election I ever actually looked at someone else other than the Republican candidate."

Anti-Obama Book Tops 'Times' Bestseller List
Jerome V. Corsi, co-author of Unfit for Comamand, the book that took to task John Kerry's Vietnam War record, has come out with a new book. But this time it targets Barack Obama. The Obama Nation will debut at No. 1 on the New York Times hardcover nonfiction best-seller list.

For a Recently Plumbed Neighborhood, Validation in a Verdict
Zanesville, Ohio was a small town that until recently did not supply water to many of its residence. On Coal Run Road, a mostly black neighborhood, water pipes did not reach these homes until 2004. The expansion was set in motion after residents complained in 2002 that the water stopped "where the black folks started."

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Blake Bishton

6:44 PM ET | 08-12-2008 | permalink

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Notes on the News: Ethiopian Singer Jailed

In Ethiopia, Jailed Singer Is a Political Symbol
In what is being called a nationally galvanizing incident, Ethiopia's reggae star Tewodros Kassahun is being held on prison on charges of striking a homeless boy with his BMW before fleeing the scene. Fans of Kassahun are skeptical due to the fact that he wasn't charged until April, although the boy was apparently killed in 2006. Many believe that he is being framed due to the perceived anti-government message in much of his music.

Tennessee Defies Cliches on Race and Politics
Tennessee has proven itself to be a state that defies the stereotypes of racial politics. Though its voting body is comprised of a majority of black voters, Tennessee's 9th Congressional district -- where Dr. King was assassinated by a white man -- voted against African American candidate Nikki Tinker in favor of her white opponent, Stephen Cohen. "Whites have voted for blacks and blacks have voted for whites in this state, but never like this before."

SF African American Population Shrinking
Researchers are noticing a rapid shrinking of San Francisco's African-American population, where black people are disappearing faster than in any other sizable U.S. city. Research shows that this is happening because of growing lack of good schools, affordable housing, jobs, and black culture. Over half the black population has left between 1970 and 2005. Most blame the Redevelopment Agency.

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Blake Bishton

2:35 PM ET | 08-11-2008 | permalink

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Notes on News: Obama Muslim Outreach Director Out

Obama's Muslim Outreach Director Resigns
Mazen Asbahi, an attorney who volunteered to help the Obama campaign reach out to Muslim and Arab-Americans, resigned from the campaign Monday. Asbahi briefly served on the Dow Jones Islamic Index Fund, resigning his position on the board when he "became aware of public allegations against another member of the board." He said he was resigning from the presidential campaign "to avoid distracting from Barack Obama's message of change."

Mauritanian Military Overthrows President
The elected president of Mauritania in northern Africa was overthrown in a relatively quick and painless military coup on Wednesday. President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi, along with many government officials were placed under house arrest, ending the nation's brief experiment with democracy.

Human Rights Take Field in China
With the Beijing Olympics only a day away, human rights takes center stage as critics attack China for banning Darfur activists from the country. In response, and in criticism of China's support of the Sudanese government, the U.S. has selected former Sudanese refugee Lopez Lomong to carry the flag in the opening ceremonies. Lomong: "It's more than a dream... There are no words to describe it."

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Ashley Lystne

1:51 PM ET | 08- 7-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Obama and McCain Bicker Over Tire Gauge

Obama Is Pumped Up Over Attack
After arguing about issues such as war, taxes, and healthcare, John McCain and Barack Obama are now debating over tire gauges. When Obama advised motorists to properly inflate their tires to help reduce oil consumption by improving gas mileage, McCain responded by handing out tire pumps which read: "Obama's Energy Plan." Obama retaliated, adding, "It's like these guys take pride in being ignorant."

Detainee Convicted by Military Panel
The first military commission trial in the U.S. since WWII ended Tuesday in a conviction for Osama bin Laden's former driver, Salim Hamdan, on war crime charges. Hamdan was acquitted of a conspiracy charge. Hamdan faces a possible life term.

In Changing Harlem, Soul Food Struggles
Many traditional soul food restaurants in Harlem are losing customers and closing down as life in the city changes. Increased health consciousness and a growing demographic of wealthier young adults, including African Americans, are some of the many reasons these venues are on the out.

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Blake Bishton

6:18 PM ET | 08- 6-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Teenagers Charged In Immigrant's Death

Mexican's Death Bares a Town's Ethnic Tension
Four teenagers in Shenandoah, Pa., have been charged in the death of Luis Ramirez, an illegal Mexican immigrant, who was beaten to death weeks ago. Ramirez's death has illuminated conflicts in the town that surprise local officials, who claim that local ordinances promoting discrimination against illegal immigrants in hiring and renting policies have nothing to do with the area's climate of increasing ethnic tension.

Hunger is Once Again Stalking Ethiopia
Rising food prices along with drought combine to form a new hunger crisis that is reminiscent of 1984 famine that killed almost one million people. Oddly, Ethiopia couldn't look greener right now, but children are still dying from malnutrition right and left. The Ethiopian government claims that the situation can only get better.

Up From Chicago
The term "uppity," a word the McCain campaign has used to describe Barack Obama, has a history of being used to refer to "Negroes who didn't know their place." By using terms like this to paint Obama as arrogant, the campaign may be pandering to voters who think maybe Obama doesn't know his place either.

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Ashley Lystne

5:44 PM ET | 08- 5-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Obama Wants Florida and Michigan Back In

Obama Wants Michigan and Florida Back In
Sen. Barack Obama has formally requested Democratic Party leaders to grant voting rights to Florida and Michigan delegates at the national convention. They had initially been stripped of voting rights for violating party rules. In a compromise reached in May, the delegates were granted half votes, but Obama is now pushing to fully reinstate them.

Track Squad Tries to Unite a Divided Country
Human rights activists have pushed for boycotts against Sudanese teams in this year's Olympic Games, as the conflict in the Darfur region persists. But 19-year-old Kaki Khamis, a runner and Sudan's best hope for its first Olympic medal, is hoping to get to Beijing to "do something positive for Sudan."

Out of FEMA Park, Clinging to a Fraying Lifeline
State and federal officials in New Orleans have been struggling to address the thousands of people left homeless when the Renaissance Village, a FEMA trailer park outside of Baton Rouge, closed down in May. No one is sure how many people are left homeless and ineligible to receive further aid from FEMA, but their numbers far exceed expectations. Many are mentally or physically disabled.

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Blake Bishton

3:25 PM ET | 08- 4-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: More Sad Stats on Black America, AIDS

U.S. Blacks, If a Nation, Would Rank High on AIDS
The advocacy group Black AIDS Institute released a report, saying that if black America was its own country, it would be number 16 on the list of countries with the highest amount of people living with AIDS. 600,000 African Americans currently have AIDS, and as many as 30,000 are being infected each year.

AIDS-Related Deaths Decline 10% in 2007
The United Nations says the number of new AIDS infections, as well as the number of deaths has dropped significantly over the last year. There were 2.7 million new HIV cases in 2007, which is down from the 3 million in 2001. The UN has attributed this trend to increasing AIDS awareness, prevention tactics, and access to treatment.

McCain Charge Against Obama Lacks Evidence
John McCain has launched a renewed attempt to discredit Barack Obama's trip through Europe and the Middle East. McCain alleges Obama canceled a visit to a military hospital because he could not take reporters with him. Critics of the ad claim that there is "no evidence that the charge is true."

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Blake Bishton

6:23 PM ET | 07-30-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Bush Condones Execution of Military Man

Bush: Former Army Cook's Crimes Warrant Execution
President Bush declined to commute the death sentence of Ronald A. Gray, an Army cook who was convicted of multiple rapes and murders, saying that his crimes warranted execution. This marks the first incident in 51 years where a president called for the death sentence in regards to an individual in the U.S. military.

Ads Putting Candidates Over an Oil Barrel
As voters getting angrier about rising gas prices, the GOP is bracing itself for an onslaught of ads attacking their vast array of oil company connections. Oil companies are beginning to worry about how much power they will have in Congress and the White House after Election Day.

Ex-Newark Mayor Faces 20 Years for Corruption
Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James receives his sentence today for his corruption conviction. Federal prosecutors were seeking up to 20 years, but such a sentence seems unlikely.

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Blake Bishton

2:40 PM ET | 07-29-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Candidates Split on Affirmative Action

Obama, McCain Split on Affirmative Action
In an interview Sunday, John McCain endorsed a proposed ballot measure to end race and gender-based affirmative action in Arizona. Barack Obama told journalists at the UNITY conference the same day he was "disappointed that John McCain flipped." Obama went on to discuss his vision for a more effective model of affirmative action.

Bombings in Baghdad, Kirkuk kill 57
The relative calm Iraq has enjoyed for years was broken when 57 people were killed in two simultaneous attacks today. 280 people were wounded. The attack in Baghdad by three female suicide bombers was on a group of marching Shiite pilgrims, while in Kirkuk a Kurdish demonstration was targeted.

Campaigns Turn Attention to Florida's Black Voters
Both presidential candidates are expected to address audiences at the National Urban League convention this week in Orlando. Outreach efforts to Florida, largely targeting African-American voters, are becoming a high priority for both campaigns.

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Ashley Lystne

5:11 PM ET | 07-28-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Pillay Appointed UN Human Rights Chief

Leaving the Bench to Stand Up
Navanethem Pillay, the first woman of color to be appointed to the South African High Court, faces new challenges now that she has been named the UN's new chief of human rights. Despite criticism that she is not qualified for the position, she says she is used to it, citing that she was not allowed to sign a contract without her husbands consent for years even though she has a law degree. "The first time I entered a judge's chambers was when I entered my own."

House Passes Broader Plan to Fights AIDS
The House approved a bill Thursday to finance a five-year, $48 billion plan to fight AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. The legislation will provide funds to AIDS-devastated nations in sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and other areas worldwide. The bill also puts an end to American policy that disallows people who are HIV-positive to get U.S. visas.

Obstacles Linger for Obama
Despite the monumental coverage Obama has received abroad, he is struggling to turn this coverage into a substantial lead over John McCain, who is using the opportunity to make Obama look elitist and arrogant. "I'd love to give a speech in Germany ... but I'd much prefer to do it as president of the United States, rather than as a candidate for the office of presidency."

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Blake Bishton

6:36 PM ET | 07-25-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Obama Delivers Speech In Germany

Obama in Berlin
Barack Obama spoke to an estimated crowd of 200,000 in Berlin, Germany today. According to the polls, 72 percent of Germans favor him, with 11 percent supporting John McCain. Click here to read the transcript of his speech.

Sudanese Leader Mounts Charm Offensive
Facing charges of genocide, Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir stopped in El Fasher, Darfur, to visit peacekeeper headquarters, discuss his plans for building new schools, and reach out to rebel groups. Al-Bashir's charm offensive seems to be an attempt at showing some good will, in hopes that the UN will intervene in the case.

Fearsome Zimbabwe Militias are Also Afraid
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has managed to keep his ZANU-PF party in control with the use of his youth militia known as the "Green Bombers." Zimbabwe citizens are terrified by them, but recent interviews of Green Bomber members reveal that they are just as afraid as their fellow citizens.

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Blake Bishton

5:28 PM ET | 07-24-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: CNN Trains Its Lens on Race

CNN Trains Its Lens on Race
In a year that marks both the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Barack Obama's rise to become the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, CNN set out to explore how black people are feeling, thinking and doing. The effort has been spun into a pair of two-hour documentaries: "The Black Woman and Family," which airs tonight, and "The Black Man," set to broadcast tomorrow.

Strengthened Storm Rakes Texas Coast
The first bands of Hurricane Dolly raked south Texas and northern Mexico this morning with a deluge of rain and high winds. On Tuesday, Gov. Rick Perry declared 14 counties in South Texas disaster areas in anticipation of flooding and mobilized 1,200 national guardsmen. Three shelters were set up in San Antonio to take in refugees should there be a massive flood.

Envy's in the Air Over Obama and the Press
In response to the overwhelming press coverage Obama has received during his trip through the middle east, McCain has launched a new retaliation campaign against him, accusing the media of being 'in love' with the Illinois Senator. Watch the video here.

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Ashley Lystne

6:17 PM ET | 07-23-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Obama Gets Backing on Iraq Plan

Obama's Views Resonate in Iraq
As Barack Obama nears the end of his trip through Iraq, the effects of his presence there are already being felt at home and abroad. Despite John McCain's repeated insistence that setting a date for withdrawal from Iraq is dangerous, Iraqi government official Ali Dabbagh seemed to be supportive of Obama's stance.

Mugabe, Foe Shake Hands, Will Hold Talks
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and leader of the Movement for Democratic Change Morgan Tsvangirai shook hands in Harare along with Arthur Mutambara -- leader of a breakaway faction within the MDC. The three leaders have agreed to discuss working towards an "inclusive government."

Anti-Obama Movie Campaign Starts
The conservative research organization Citizens United plans to debut their new film in September. The movie is called Hype: The Obama Effect. Their recent press release describes it as "a full-length, feature documentary that goes beyond the media adulation surrounding Barack Obama's meteoric and unexamined rise to the national spotlight."

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Blake Bishton

2:24 PM ET | 07-22-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Obama Agrees to Late Unity Appearance

Obama Agrees to Late Unity Appearance
Senator Barack Obama plans to address the UNITY convention on Sunday, July 27, after he returns from his trip to Europe and the Middle East, in lieu of the promised "presidential candidates forum" with Senator John McCain. The organization said it still hoped John McCain would change his schedule and appear.

Zimbabwe Rivals Sign Agreement
Zimbabwe's feuding political leaders, President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, met for the first time in years today, in a ceremony overseen by South African president Thabo Mbeki. The two signed a preliminary agreement laying out the terms for negotiations to wrest the nation out of political chaos.

Marion Jones Asks Bush to Commute 6-Month Sentence
Disgraced Olympic track star Marion Jones has asked President Bush to commute her prison sentence for lying to federal agents about her use of performance-enhancing drugs and a check-fraud scam. Jones entered prison March 7, after being sentenced in January to six months in prison.

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Ashley Lystne

6:12 PM ET | 07-21-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Obama, McCain Abandon UNITY

UNITY Presidential Candidates Forum All but Dead
Promises of a presidential candidates forum next Thursday at the UNITY: Journalists of Color convention in Chicago have been a major drawing card, but it is now clear that both senators have other plans. On July 24, John McCain is to be in Columbus, Ohio, for a town hall meeting on cancer, while Barack Obama is to hold talks in Berlin, Germany, as part of his European tour.

A New Rights Chief for United Nations
On Thursday, United Nations officials announced that Judge Navanethem Pillay of South Africa will be named as the UN's new human rights commissioner. Born in 1941, Pillay experienced many human rights violations firsthand while growing up, and was the first woman of color on South Africa's High Court. She was also a part of the Rwanda war crimes tribunal.

Governing in Black and White
As November nears, voters are beginning to weigh how each candidate will affect race relations if elected. A recent New York Times poll said that "about half of black voters said race relations would improve in an Obama administration, compared with 29 percent of whites. About 40 percent of blacks said that Mr. McCain, if elected president, would favor whites over blacks should he win the election."

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Blake Bishton

6:52 PM ET | 07-18-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Gene Variation May Raise Risk of HIV

Gene Variation May Raise Risk of HIV., Study Finds
A genetic variation that once protected people in sub-Saharan Africa from malaria may have left them more vulnerable to infection by HIV. A 25-year study tracing infections revealed that African Americans who carried the variation were 50 percent more likely to acquire HIV than African Americans who did not. More than 90 percent of people in Africa carry this variation, as do about 60 percent of African-Americans.

Obama and McCain Expand Courtship of Hispanics
Latino voters have complained in the past that politicians view them as a one-issue bloc, concerned only about immigration. But Obama and McCain are taking care to avoid that trap, emphasizing a number of issues important to the community, and investing in campaign tactics never before afforded to Hispanic voters.

Warrant for Sudanese President Is Talk of Security Council
In a closed session Wednesday, the UN Security Council began its first discussion on Sudan since prosecutors at the International Criminal Court requested an arrest warrant for Sudan's president. Russia and China voiced concerns about the possibility that the Council could intervene to forestall the prosecution.

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Ashley Lystne

2:58 PM ET | 07-17-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Obama Stands by His Plan to End War

Obama Stands by His Plan to End War
Barack Obama has begun trying to reassure his supporters that he has not softened on his position regarding ending the war in Iraq. "I will give our military a new mission on my first day in office: ending this war." McCain responded by promising to send three more brigades to Iraq in order to "turn around the war."

Israel Releases Prisoners After Hezbollah Returns Dead Soldiers
In a long-awaited prisoner exchange between Israel and the Lebanese militia Hezbollah, two black coffins containing the remains of Israeli soldiers were carried across the border this morning. Israel released five Lebanese prisoners in return, including Samir Kuntar, a convicted murderer who'd been held for nearly three decades.

McCain Praises Obama in NAACP Address
Sen. John McCain spoke at the NAACP convention Wednesday, looking to close a wide divide on race in the polls. He avoided criticizing his rival before the largely pro-Obama audience, praising the Democratic candidate's success. His speech was centered on education, particularly Obama's lack of faith in public school vouchers for low-income Americans.

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Ashley Lystne

2:48 PM ET | 07-16-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Haitian Immigrant Dies in Detention Center

Group Calls for Inquiry Into Death of Detainee
The Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center is calling for an investigation into the death of Valery Joseph, 23, a disabled Haitian immigrant who arrived in the US as a young boy and died last month while being held at a detention center in South Florida.

Push for Sudan Warrant Gets a Mixed Response
Luis Moreno-Ocampo, chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court filed charges against President Bashir of Sudan. He called Bashir's motives "largely political". He said, "His alibi was counterinsurgency, his intent was genocide." However, many feel that this will only further impede the progress towards peace in Darfur. The U.N. Ambassador to Sudan said, "This would lead to disastrous consequences for the entire region. Without a head of state, with whom are you going to talk?"

Bush Lifts Offshore Drill Ban, Urges Congress to Follow Suit
President Bush, on Monday, officially lifted the ban on offshore drilling that was put in place by his father and re-enforced by Bill Clinton. However, this will not change anything unless Congress withdraws their bans as well. Critics of this move by Bush suggested that instead of drilling for oil that won't have a noticeable affect on the market for years, why not tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Bush refused, claiming that the reserve was put in place in case of a national emergency.

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Blake Bishton

4:19 PM ET | 07-15-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: McCain, Obama to Speak to NAACP

McCain, Obama to Speak to NAACP
Obama and McCain vie for African-American votes this week with appearances at the NAACP Convention in Cincinnati. Obama, scheduled to speak tonight, is expected to talk about how the nation's economy is affecting African Americans. McCain, to speak Wednesday, will focus his remarks around opportunity and education.

A Crisis It Can't Paper Over
As hyperinflation worsens in Zimbabwe, a German corporation refuses to continue providing resources to print money. A 50 billion dollar note in Zimbabwean currency is now worth $1 on the street. As the paper runs out, the Mugabe regime will be unable to pay the militia groups who keep them in power, which in turn could result in a total collapse.

Sudan Leader is Accused of Genocide
The prosecutor at the International Criminal Court formally requested an arrest warrant this morning for Sudan's president, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity. If the past is any indication, the judges will probably sign the warrant. An answer to the request is expected in the fall.

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Ashley Lystne

2:39 PM ET | 07-14-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Sudan's President To Be Arrested?

The Pursuit of Justice vs. the Pursuit of Peace
This week, Hague prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo indicated he would ask judges on Monday to issue an arrest warrant for Sudan's president, Omar Hassan al-Bashir. The prosecution plans to bring charges of crimes against humanity and genocide in Darfur.

For Harlem Congressman, Four Cheap Apartments
Rep. Charles B. Rangel has four rent-stabilized apartments at Lenox Terrace in Harlem, including three adjacent units on the 16th floor and a fourth six floors below, which he uses as a campaign office, despite regulations that require rent-stabilized apartments to be used as a primary residence. Rangel held a conference immediately following the story's release, unapologetically fielding questions from reporters and residents alike.

Mississippi Mayor Is Indicted on Civil Rights Charges
Mayor Frank Melton of Jackson, Miss., was indicted Wednesday on federal civil rights charges related to the unannounced demolition of a duplex that he said was a crack house. Reports indicate it was actually just a house in an impoverished neighborhood, in which no drugs were found.

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Blake Bishton

6:16 PM ET | 07-11-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: McCain Targets Latino Voters

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.

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Blake Bishton

5:28 PM ET | 07- 9-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Death of the Last Openly Racist Politician?

Who Will Call Jesse Helms a Racist?
Senator Jesse Helms died Friday at age 86. Richard Prince takes a look at the obituaries and other discussions surrounding the conservative politician's death, many of which have used euphemisms to get around the fact that Helms was "the last prominent unabashed white racist politician in this country."

Biracial Voters Take Pride in Obama's 'Milestone'
The presidential candidacy of Barack Obama, the son of a white woman from Kansas and a black man from Kenya, has become a source of pride for biracial Americans. But some mixed-race families want Obama to speak more openly about his biracial experience.

Zimbabwe Sex Slave Reveals Her Ordeal
Asiatu, 21, says that she is being kept as a sex slave to ZANU-PF soldiers at one of 900 camps established to harass the public into voting in Zimbabwe's recent election. Asiatu says that if she runs away, her mother will be killed. She had hoped she would be set free once the elections were over, but now she says there seems to be no end in sight.

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Blake Bishton

3:12 PM ET | 07- 7-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: McCain Shuffles Up Advisors Again

McCain Again Shuffles Advisors
John McCain has recently decided to shuffle his campaign advisors' positions around. Steve Schmidt will now be in charge of day-to-day operations instead of Rick Davis, who will now play a smaller role. No one has ever made such a radical change in staff so close to November before. Some Republicans feel the decision was a long time in coming, while others feel it is a mistake.

Report Faults Immigrant Detainee Care
The Department of Homeland Security has launched an internal investigation into the deaths of two immigrants being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The investigation concluded that better access to medical care, stronger oversight, and improvements to detention standards needed to be made, but applauded the system's handling of the deaths. Many of criticized the investigation of being too narrow, as is only investigated two of the 74 that have occurred since 2004.

Proposed FBI Plan Would Authorize Racial Profiling
The Justice Department will be debating whether to allow the FBI to put a policy in effect that would give them the power to investigate Americans without any evidence of law breaking, but instead based on a terrorist profile that will likely single out Muslims, Arabs, and other ethnicities.

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Blake Bishton

5:09 PM ET | 07- 3-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: High Court Death Penalty Ruling Flawed?

In Court Ruling On Executions, A Factual Flaw
When the Supreme Court ruled last week that the death penalty for child rape was unconstitutional, it cited that a child rapist could face execution in six states, and not under the federal government's jurisdiction. Over the weekend, a military law blog pointed out a factual flaw.

Poll: Terrorism Fears Are Fading
According to a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey released today, 35 percent of Americans believe a terrorist attack is likely to occur in the US over the next several weeks. This figure is the lowest since the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001. For McCain, who is seeking to highlight his national security credentials, these poll results may not be viewed in a positive light.

Black Republicans Launch Racial Anti-Obama Ads
The National Black Republican Association has released videos as well as three radio spots accusing Barack Obama of being an "arrogant elitist" and citing the Democratic Party as a racist organization. The NBRA claims these ads are "eye opening," but many are skeptical that the attacks will even be taken seriously.

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Ashley Lystne

7:26 PM ET | 07- 2-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Romney Tops McCain Veep List

Romney Tops McCain Veep List
It appears at the moment, Mitt Romney is at the head of the race for McCain's running mate. Experts say one of the primary reasons is his ability to fundraise. McCain expects Romney could potentially raise at least $50 million.

U.S. Calls for Sanctions on Zimbabwe
U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Zalmay Khalilzad, has urged the Security Council to step in in Zimbabwe and stop allowing Mugabe to "thumb his nose at the Security Council." Other council members, including representatives from China, Russia, and South Africa were more reluctant to intervene.

Annual African-American Festival Attracts 300,000
The city of Baltimore held its annual African American Heritage Festival this past weekend. The event attracted over 300,000 attendees. Over $600,000 was raised for the event.

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Ashley Lystne

2:54 PM ET | 07- 1-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Mugabe's Enforcers Are Also Victims

Mugabe's Enforcers Are Also Victims
In most cases, those enforcing the Mugabe regime by beating up opposition supporters are only doing so to avoid being beaten themselves. Showing even the smallest amount of sympathy in front of the ruling party youth militia leaders will lead to themselves becoming victims.

North Korea Destroys Tower at Nuclear Site
South Korean and U.S. officials welcomed the early demolition of the cooling tower as an encouraging sign of North Korea's commitment to a broader deal under which Washington hopes to eradicate all the North's nuclear assets.

Black Clergy Demand Candidates Reject Planned Parenthood Money
On Wednesday, a group of African-American pastors met in Washington to demand that both parties reject campaign funding from Planned Parenthood, claiming that they promote a racist agenda by targeting black babies for abortion.

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Ashley Lystne

5:29 PM ET | 06-27-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Bush Calls Zimbabwe Runoff a 'Sham'

Bush Ramps Up Criticism of Mugabe, Calls Runoff a 'Sham'
President Bush is the latest in world leaders to oppose the actions of President Mugabe. Queen Elizabeth II stripped Mugabe of his knighthood Wednesday. Nelson Mandela mourned the "tragic failure of leadership" Mugabe has exhibited. The European Union is threatening Zimbabwe with more sanctions in addition to those already in place.

Zimbabweans Make Plea For Help as Runoff Nears
Hundreds of wounded and newly homeless Zimbabweans are taking refuge outside the South African Embassy, awaiting the runoff presidential election still set to take place tomorrow. American ambassador James D. McGee reports that ZANU-PF intends to force Zimbabweans to vote on Friday, and to take action against those who refuse to vote.

Boosts in African-American, Youth Vote Could Turn States Democratic
The Institute for Southern Studies in North Carolina is espousing their belief that an increase in black as well as youth votes could turn many swing states Democratic, particularly in the South. They cite this as a key point to a potential Obama victory.

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Ashley Lystne

3:12 PM ET | 06-26-2008 | permalink

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Headlines: Obama Giving Muslim Voters Short Shrift?

You've asked for it, you've got it: our headlines are back.

Muslim Voters Detect a Snub from Obama
Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN), a Muslim congressman, volunteered to speak on Obama's behalf at a mosque in Cedar Rapids, but Obama aides urged Ellison to cancel the rally, fearful that it might stir controversy.

Black Women Face Higher Death Risk from Metastatic Breast Cancer
Black women were more likely "to be receiving second line therapy, to be younger and premenopausal, and to have estrogen receptor-negative tumors."

Mugabe Rival Takes Refuge in Embassy
Despite his withdrawal from the runoff, Tsvangirai is still the target of the ruling party's attacks. He has taken refuge in embassy for his own safety as more and more MDC officials are arrested.

In Southwest, Obama Sets Sights on Female Voters
Obama has begun to call McCain's women's rights record into question, criticizing him for opposing a bill that would make it easier for women to sue for pay discrimination.

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Blake Bishton

5:11 PM ET | 06-24-2008 | permalink

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