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U.S. combat role in Iraq nears formal end
President Barack Obama will give a live televised address Tonight night from the Oval Office to mark the formal end of the U.S. combat role in Iraq. Hundreds of U.S. bases have already been turned over to the Iraq military and most U.S. soldiers are home. About 50,000 soldiers remain in Iraq, serving in a support role. That is down from a peak of almost 170,000 during the military buildup in 2007.
Venus Williams prevails under U.S. Open lights
Williams, the top American in the draw since her sister and world number one Serena Williams did not enter the championship due to a foot injury. "It's not the same without two Williamses," Venus told a crowd of nearly 24,000. "I have a lot of big shoes to fill with just one Willliams here."
'Takers' grabs top box-office spot from 'Exorcism'
"Takers" debuted with $20.5 million to grab to grab a narrow win over "The Last Exorcism," which opened in second-place with $20.4 million. Based on studio estimates a day earlier, "The Last Exorcism" had a thin lead over "Takers." But the movies switched places once final weekend numbers were released. Rounding out the top ten is The Expendables, Eat Pray Love, The Other Guys, Vampires Suck, Inception, Nanny McPhee Returns, The Switch, Piranha 3D. Avatar and Lottery Ticket just missed the top 10.
President hails New Orleans spirit on Katrina anniversary
President Barack Obama has paid tribute to the people of New Orleans, five years to the day after Hurricane Katrina destroyed large parts of the city. Katrina was a natural disaster but also a man-made one, he said, which saw a "shameful breakdown" of government. More than 1,800 people died when Katrina hit the Gulf coast in 2005. A fortified levee system would be finished next year, the President pledged. "We should not be playing Russian roulette every hurricane season," he said.
Yankees, Jay-Z team up on co-branded merchandise
Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z (Sean Carter) is teaming up with his favorite baseball squad on co-branded clothes that will be sold exclusively at Yankee Stadium beginning next week. All the items, from baseball caps to T-shirts and hooded sweat shirts, will feature Yankees and Jay-Z logos. the Yankees said the attire was created to commemorate the first official concerts at the new Yankee Stadium on Sept. 13 and 14, when Jay-Z and Eminem will co-headline.
Black rice: More antioxidants than berries
A spoonful of black rice bran contains more health promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than a spoonful of blueberries, U.S. researchers say. Zhimin Xu of the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in Baton Rouge, La., black rice is one variety of the "Forbidden Rice" in ancient China that was kept by nobles for themselves. Black rice bran is rich in anthocyanin antioxidants, substances that show promise for fighting heart disease, cancer and other diseases and it may be used by food manufacturers to boost the nutrition of breakfast cereals, beverages, cakes, cookies and other foods.
Kimora Lee quits Baby Phat
Kimora Lee has quit her role at the clothing company set up by her ex-husband Russell Simmons. The reality TV star carved out a career in fashion by joining Simmons' Phat Farm firm and designing for the Baby Phat brand. She stayed on as creative director after the company was sold in 2004 as part of a massive $140-million deal. Lee says in a statement, ".... I adore all those who have faithfully been with me since the beginning. I'm forever dedicated to my family, fans, and customers."
Toyota to recall 1.13 million Corolla, Matrix cars
Toyota Motor Corp said that it would recall about 1.13 million Corolla and Matrix cars in the United States due to defective electronic control units that could cause the vehicles to stall. Toyota said it had unconfirmed reports of three accidents and one minor injury in connection with the problems with the units on vehicles from the 2005 through 2008 model years. It will replace the units. The recall of the Corolla and Matrix cars adds to the 11 million vehicles Toyota has recalled in the past year, denting the automaker's reputation for safety and leaving it under intense scrutiny by U.S. safety regulators.
Miss. Middle School Bars Black Students From Running For Class President
After 30 years of barring black students from running for class president, Nettleton Mississippi public middle school, reversed a Jim Crow era policy. In all three grades, only white students could run for president. In eighth grade black students could run for vice president and reporter. In seventh grade blacks could only run for secretary-treasurer, and in sixth grade only for reporter.
Google offers free voice calls via Gmail
Google is taking on internet telephone companies like Skype by allowing users to call from its free web-based email service. The service allows users to make calls to land lines and mobiles from inside their Gmail account. Phoning anywhere in the US and Canada will be free until the end of the year, while calls to the UK, France, China and Germany will cost 2 cents a minute.
Credit card debt drops to lowest level in 8 years
The amount consumers owed on their credit cards in this year's second quarter dropped to the lowest level in more than eight years as cardholders continued to pay off balances in the uncertain economy. The average combined debt for bank-issued credit cards fell to $4,951 in the three months ended June 30, down more than 13 percent from $5,719 in the same period a year ago, according to TransUnion.
Web scam hits iTunes and Paypal
iTunes accounts linked to PayPal have been targeted in a scam with a number of users complaining that they have been cleaned out. Apple and PayPal refused to discuss the details of the incident. PayPal said that any unauthorised charges will be reimbursed.
AIG repaying nearly $4 billion in federal loans
In its single biggest repayment of bailout loans so far, American International Group Inc. said Monday it is paying back nearly $4 billion in taxpayer aid with proceeds from a recent debt sale. The insurer's aircraft leasing company, International Lease Finance Corp., completed the sale of $4.4 billion in debt. AIG will use more than $3.9 billion of the proceeds to repay the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, trimming the balance on its credit line with the Fed to about $15 billion. Adding interest, the total is about $21 billion.
'Vapor trail' leads to Paris Hilton's Vegas arrest
Smoke wafting from a Cadillac Escalade on the Las Vegas Strip set off Paris Hilton's latest legal troubles when a motorcycle officer who suspected the smell was marijuana stopped the vehicle and police say a bag of cocaine later fell out of the 29-year-old socialite's purse.
Cuse Most Affordable Place To Live
CNN Money ranks Syracuse as the most affordable city in the U.S. Syracuse snatched the title from Indianapolis. According to CNN, affordability is high here because home prices are so low. The median home sells for under $65,000. The national average income is $64,400. Here's the top five most affordable cities: Syracuse, Indianapolis, Detroit, Youngstown, Ohio and Buffalo.
Last US combat brigade exits Iraq
The last US combat brigade in Iraq has left the country, seven years after the US-led invasion. The 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, began crossing by land into Kuwait in the early hours of Thursday. Some 50,000 US troops will remain until the end of 2011 to advise Iraqi forces and protect US interests. A further 6,000 support troops will be in Iraq until the end of the month.
Forbes ranks the richest rappers: Jay-Z tops the list
Jay-Z has topped the business magazine's annual list of highest-earning hip-hop stars, raking in an impressive $63 million over the past year. That's over twice as much as his nearest competition, Diddy, and $28 million more than he made last year. Rounding out the top ten is Akon (A.Thiam), Lil Wayne(D.Carter), Andre "Dr. Dre" Young, Ludacris (C.Bridges), Snoop Dogg (C.Broadus), Timbaland (T.Mosley), Pharrell Williams and Kanye West.
Dr. Laura plans to end radio show (Unrepentant After N-Word Rant )
Dr. Laura Schlessinger, the talk show host who recently apologized for saying the N-word 11 times on the air, said she plans to give up her radio show when her contract is up at the end of this year. She says that she wants to "regain her First Amendment rights."
Murdoch gives $1m to Republicans
Rupert Murdoch's News America Inc, parent company of Fox News, donates $1m to the Republican Governors Association. "Fox can no longer pretend that it is a fair and balanced news organisation when Rupert Murdoch greenlights a million dollar contribution to defeat Democratic governors," Democratic Governors Association executive director Nathan Daschle said.
Chicago Couple Charged in HUD Race Compaint
Comedian George Wiiborn and his wife Peytyn Willborn had found their dream house in Chicago and met the requirements, but despite agreeing on a $1.7 million purchase price, owners would not sell. The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that it has charged Daniel and Adrienne Sabbia, their real estate agent and a real estate broker with refusing to sell their home to a black couple, a violation of the Fair Housing Act. the Willborns' offer was the highest the sellers had received in the two years the property had been on the market.
Erykah Badu gets fine, probation for Dallas strip
A city spokesman says singer Erykah Badu has paid a $500 fine and will serve six months of probation for stripping during a music video shoot at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, where President John F. Kennedy was fatally shot in 1963. Badu performed a walking striptease March 13 for her "Window Seat" music video. The video ends with a nude Badu falling to the ground as if she has been shot.
Wear wristwatch? Use e-mail? Not for Class of '14
For students entering college this fall, e-mail is too slow, phones have never had cords and the computers they played with as kids are now in museums. The Class of 2014 thinks of Clint Eastwood more as a sensitive director than as Dirty Harry urging punks to "go ahead, make my day." Few incoming freshmen know how to write in cursive or have ever worn a wristwatch.
All cool for Law & Order SVU'S Ice-T in NYC unlicensed-driving case
Ice-T has been cleared of unlicensed driving charges stemming from a New York City arrest. The rapper-actor called out "that's what I'm talking about - dismissed!" in a Manhattan courtroom. The entertainer, born Tracy Marrow, said last month when he was arrested that he had a valid New Jersey license. Prosecutors said Tuesday that New York Department of Motor Vehicles records wrongly reflected that his license was suspended because of a lack of insurance. His 2009 Cadillac is insured and registered in New Jersey.
Delta To Let Passengers Book Through Facebook
Delta Air Lines Inc. said Thursday it's launched a new "Ticket Window" on Facebook that will allow passengers to book directly on the social media site. Delta plans to expand the Ticket Window to other sites, including online banner ads from which customers could book directly.
Ex-social secretary Desiree Rogers named CEO of Ebony-Jet
Former White House social secretary Desiree Rogers, who resigned after an uninvited couple crashed a state dinner, was named as chief executive officer at Johnson Publishing Company Inc. The Chicago-based company, which publishes Ebony and Jet magazines, is the largest black-owned and -operated publisher. Rogers, 51, said "My attraction (to the job) and reasons that I thought I could have an impact is that I believe these brands are iconic brands that are true symbols of America".
Flight attendant leaves jail to hero's welcome
Prosecutors say the JetBlue flight attendant flipped out over a fight with an agitated traveler, cursing over the intercom before grabbing some beer from the plane's galley and making a grand exit down the emergency slide at Kennedy Airport. Slater, whose father was an airline pilot,was arraigned on charges of criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and trespassing, counts that carry a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
NBA Stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Others Play Ball with the President
President Barack Obama pulled together an informal dream team of current and former basketball superstars. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and other NBA all-stars joined Obama in Washington to entertain wounded troops. The present-day stars were joined by some retired legends, including Bill Russell and Magic Johnson. College player Maya Moore of the Connecticut Huskies women's team also played. The game was played for a group of "wounded warriors" – troops injured in action – and participants in the White House's mentoring program.
Senate approves Obama nominee Kagan to top court
President Barack Obama's nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court won Senate approval, his second appointment to the court that decides abortion, death penalty and other contentious cases.
Rice and Smith headline Hall of Fame inductions with SU's Floyd Little
Jerry Rice was the 16th name called in the 1985 NFL draft. Emmitt Smith saw 16 players selected before he was taken in 1990. Their wait to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame was nowhere near as excruciating. On Saturday night, Rice and Smith will be inducted together in the Canton, Ohio shrine as the top receiver and top rusher in league history. They were slam-dunk choices back in February, having proven through so many years how unwise so many teams were for bypassing them.
Celtics sign 15-time All-Star Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal has changed The Big Three of the Boston Celtics into a Very Big Four. The 7-foot-1, 325-pound center in the twilight of a brilliant career is coming to the Eastern Conference champions, hoping to add to his four NBA titles. O'Neal signed a two-year contract worth about $3 million. Shaq's colorful career will end after 20 seasons if he completes his contract with the Celtics.
34 billionaires pledge to give away 50 percent of wealth
Thirty-four U.S. billionaires pledged to give away at least 50 percent of their wealth to charity as part of a campaign by investor Warren Buffett and Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Gates and Buffett launched "The Giving Pledge" in June to convince hundreds of U.S. billionaires to give away most of their fortune during their lifetime or after their death and to publicly state their intention with a letter of explanation.
Aretha Franklin recovering from broken ribs after fall
Aretha Franklin says she's recovering from a fall and will miss two free concerts in New York. Franklin's office says the Queen of Soul broke ribs and has abdominal pain from Sunday's fall. Franklin says her doctors advised her to undergo tests. She says efforts are under way to reschedule the canceled concerts for late August.
Obama signs bill to close gap in disparity in sentencing
President Barack Obama signed a bill reducing the disparity between federal mandatory sentences for convictions for crack cocaine and the powder form of the drug. Obama's signing of the bill in the Oval Office was open to news photographers but not the rest of the media. He made no remarks. But as a longtime thorn for the black community, the matter is important to a key Obama constituency. the new law is not retroactive, and it applies only to federal defendants,
LeBron Thanks Akron (Hometown) Fans in Ad
LeBron James is showing appreciation to his Ohio hometown fans with a full-page newspaper ad as he leaves to play basketball in Miami. James thanks Akron residents for their love and support in the ad in Tuesday's Akron Beacon Journal. He calls the city his home and the "central focus" of his life and says he will always come back. The ad features photos of James in Akron, including at his annual charity bike-a-thon. This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, and James plans to appear.
Northwest Airlines agrees to pay $38m price-fixing fine
Northwest Airlines is to plead guilty and pay a $38m fine for its role in fixing air-cargo prices, the US Department of Justice has said. The department said as part of a plea deal Northwest would co-operate with an ongoing anti-trust investigation. Northwest Airlines Cargo, which is no longer operating, conspired to fix air-cargo rates from July 2004 to February 2006.
President to confirm plan for troop withdrawal from Iraq
President Barack Obama is to confirm the withdrawal of all combat troops from Iraq by the end of August. Some 50,000 of 65,000 US troops currently in Iraq are set to remain until the end of 2011 to advise Iraqi forces and protect US interests. Pres Obama is to make the announcement in a speech to disabled veterans in Atlanta, Georgia.
Disney sells Miramax to investor for $660 million
The Walt Disney Co. said that it agreed to sell its Miramax Films to an investor group for about $660 million, ending a 17-year association with the studio and a six-month bidding process.
Anheuser-Busch InBev loses Budweiser name case
The European Court of Justice has ruled that AB InBev cannot have exclusive European rights to the Budweiser name. Czech brewer Budejovicky Budvar retains exclusive rights to the Budweiser name in Germany. Budvar also uses the Budweiser name in several European markets. Anheuser Busch, which was bought by InBev in 2008, first began producing their Budweiser in 1875 in the US, while Budvar's use of the brand dates back to 1895.
FBI access to e-mail and Web records raises fears
Invasion of privacy in the Internet age. Expanding the reach of law enforcement to snoop on e-mail traffic or on Web surfing. Those are among the criticisms being aimed at the FBI as it tries to update a key surveillance law.
President Obama Visits daytime talk show "The View"
President Barack Obama said that the racial firestorm that led to the ouster of a black Agriculture Department official was a "phony controversy" and his administration overreacted by forcing her out. Pres Obama remains optimistic about the direction the U.S. is headed. "What has been satisfying is just seeing how resilient the American people are," the President said.
Arizona plans appeal against blocks on immigration law
The court issued a temporary injunction against a requirement that police check the immigration status of suspects they had stopped while enforcing other laws. A section making it a crime not to hold immigration papers was also blocked. The ruling is seen as a warning to other states considering Arizona-style immigration strictures, analysts say.
New York City Settles Sean Bell Case for $7.15M
Four years after Sean Bell was killed in hail of 50 bullets on the eve of his wedding, the City of New York has agreed to pay $7.15 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by his family, reports the New York Times. Bell's two daughters Jada, 7, and Jordyn, 4, will receive $3.25 million. His friend Joseph Guzman will receive $3 million, and Trent Benefield will get $900,000. His fiancee, Nicole Paultre Bell, who has worked tirelessly on the case, will not receive a share of the money because they were not married.
Aretha and Rice make music for inner-city youth
Condoleeza Rice and Aretha Franklin, two notable and powerful African-American women, joined forces last night for a great cause. In hopes of raising money for arts education for underprivileged youth, Franklin showcased her world-renowned vocals while Rice tickled the keys with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Rice recalls being caught off guard when Franklin first introduced the notion to her. "I thought, 'yeah, right...we'll just jam, Aretha.'" Rice says with a laugh.
Hard-hitting former Raider Jack Tatum dies at 61
Jack Tatum, the All-Pro safety for the Oakland Raiders has died. He was 61. Nicknamed "The Assassin," Tatum died of a heart attack Tuesday in Oakland.
Kraft to raise whole grains in crackers
Kraft Foods Inc. says it will more than double the amount of whole grain in many of its Nabisco crackers, becoming the latest food maker to respond to consumer and health advocates' demands for improved nutrition from packaged foods. Kraft will increase the whole grain in more than 100 products over the next three years, the company announced. As a result, its Ritz and Premium crackers will contain whole grains for the first time. Whole grain will more than double and quadruple in the company's Wheat Thins crackers in its Honey Maid graham crackers.
French hospital: Singer Al Jarreau getting better
Hospital authorities say Grammy-winning singer Al Jarreau will stay hospitalized in the French city of Marseille for three or four more days. Jarreau's managers says he will undergo tests in Marseille and "hopes to resume his tour at the end of the coming week." The 70-year-old Jarreau was hospitalized in the Alps on Friday after suffering breathing problems in the mountains that forced him to cancel several concerts.
'Inception' trumps 'Salt' with $43.5M weekend
Leonardo DiCaprio's "Inception" has won a battle of superstar action thrillers over Angelina Jolie's "Salt" at the weekend box office. "Inception" remained the No. 1 movie for the second-straight weekend with $43.5 million. The Warner Bros. thriller featuring DiCaprio as leader of a team that sneaks into people's dreams raised its 10-day total to $143.7 million.
Shirley Sherrod "Very Pleased" After Phone Call with Obama
"The President reached Ms. Sherrod by telephone at about 12:35. They spoke for seven minutes," the White House said. "The President expressed to Ms. Sherrod his regret about the events of the last several days. He emphasized that Secretary Vilsack was sincere in his apology yesterday, and in his work to rid USDA of discrimination." "The President told Ms. Sherrod that this misfortune can present an opportunity for her to continue her hard work on behalf of those in need, and he hopes that she will do so," according to the White House.
President Obama to Sign Sweeping Financial Overhaul
President Barack Obama aims to usher in a new era of consumer protections and banking restrictions Wednesday, checking off another legislative victory just before election-year politics overtake the rest of his major agenda. The president was expected to sign a sweeping overhaul of financial regulations, a signature achievement that comes nearly two years after Wall Street's failures knocked the economy into the worst recession since the Great Depression. "These reforms represent the strongest consumer financial protections in history," the president said.
China surpasses US as world's top energy consumer
China has overtaken the United States as the world's largest energy consumer, the International Energy Agency said Tuesday. China immediately questioned the calculation. The Paris-based agency said China's 2009 consumption of energy sources ranging from oil and coal wind and solar power was equal to 2.265 billion tons of oil, compared to 2.169 billion tons for the U.S.
Gulf of Mexico oil stoppage going well, BP says (After 85 days and up to 184 million gallons)
President Obama gave a cautious welcome but added: "It is important we don't get ahead of ourselves."Pressure within the well is steadily rising, a good sign, said Kent Wells, BP's vice president. The oil has been stopped for the first time since 20 April, as part of a 48-hour test. There is currently no evidence of the well rupturing.
Stimulus saved 3 million jobs
President Barack Obama's economic policies have significantly boosted U.S. growth and hiring this year. A quarterly White House report estimated Obama's $862 billion economic stimulus package, which he signed last year, has so far lifted employment by between 2.5 million and 3.6 million jobs, while giving growth a big boost.
More cops charged in post-Katrina bridge shootings
Four more New Orleans police officers have been charged in the deadly shootings of two people in Hurricane Katrina's chaotic aftermath and could face the most serious punishment yet - the death penalty - for the killings that have brought down a string of other officers. Six current or former officers are charged in a 27-count indictment unsealed Tuesday. Five former New Orleans police officers already have pleaded guilty to helping cover up the shootings on the Danziger Bridge that left two men dead and four wounded just days after the August 2005 hurricane. In one instance, a mentally disabled man was shot in the back and stomped before he died.
Usher to Sing in Chinese in China Debut
Usher will sing in Chinese, briefly, during his China debut concert Sunday in Beijing. Usher will sing one of Asian pop sensation Wang Lihong's songs in Chinese, Wang told a joint press conference Saturday night, and the two will also sing Usher's No. 1 "OMG." "I wanted to make a great impression, so I wanted to do something very special," Usher said. "After hearing (Wang's) music, I wanted to collaborate with him." The American recording artist said he came to China because he knows there's an audience for him. He arrived in Beijing from Manila.
Former Orangemen and NBA Star Carmelo Anthony & LaLa Vazquez wed in NYC
Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony and actress LaLa Vazquez have tied the knot in New York City. Michael Gagliardo, a publicist for Vazquez, confirms that the wedding took place Saturday night at the Manhattan restaurant Cipriani. 30-year-old Vazquez and 26-year-old Anthony were escorted down the aisle by their 3-year-old son, Kiyan. Vazquez, a former MTV VJ, and Anthony, an All-Star forward, were engaged in 2004.
Martin Lawrence Marries Again…
Martin Lawrence and his longtime girlfriend, Shamicka Gibbs, were married in an intimate wedding in Beverly Hills. Lawrence, 45, and Gibbs, 35, exchanged Christian vows in the backyard in front of 120 guests, including Eddie Murphy and Denzel Washington. Their daughters Lyana, 9, and Ameria, 7, and Lawrence’s daughter Jasmine, 14, from a previous marriage were flower girls.
James decision draws big ratings for ESPN
The Nielsen Co.'s measurement in the nation's 56 biggest cities show more than seven of every 100 homes with television sets was tuned to ESPN to see where James would play. It's expected to be the biggest audience ESPN has ever gotten for a news program. In Cleveland, "The Decision" drew a staggering 26 rating - meaning more than one in four homes had TVs tuned to ESPN to see James say he was leaving his hometown Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.
U.S. and Russia swap 14 spies in Vienna
Russian and U.S. planes met in Vienna to exchange agents in the biggest spy swap since the end of the Cold War, capping off a dramatic espionage scandal that threatened to derail U.S.-Russia ties. The exchange was a clear demonstration of President Barack Obama's "reset" ties between Moscow and Washington, enabling the U.S. to retrieve four Russians, some of whom were suffering through long prison terms.
Federal government challenge to Arizona migrant law
The US federal government is to challenge the constitutionality of a law passed by Arizona to target illegal immigrants. A justice department lawsuit will argue that the law passed by the border state usurps federal authority. The law requires state police to query people's immigration status if there is "reasonable suspicion".
Amare Stoudemire agrees to sign with Knicks for $100 mil
Amare Stoudemire agreed Monday to sign with the Knicks for nearly $100 million, vowing to lead a rebirth in New York that the team hopes won't have to be done alone. Stoudemire has already started recruiting, saying he spoke to James' people and directly to Wade last week. He plans to pitch them again, but insisted he won't be affected if those players say no to New York.
Nephew of Clarence Thomas Allegedly Beaten, Tased at New Orleans Hospital
Derek Thomas, the 24 year old nephew of Justice Clarence Thomas, was admitted to the West Jefferson Medical Center on Thursday. After declining to put on a hospital gown and requesting to leave the ER, Thomas explained, “The guy asked me, you’re either going to do it or we’re going to tase you.” Before being tased, Thomas says he was punched in the lip and had a fist full of his hair pulled out. To make matters worse, he is epileptic, and says he suffered a massive seizure as he was being tased. His sister Kimberly says he could’ve died.
Oprah Winfrey top of Forbes celebrity power list
TV host Oprah Winfrey has has been named the most powerful celebrity in the world by Forbes magazine. Winfrey knocked film star Angelina Jolie off the top spot of Forbes's annual Celebrity 100 list, which is based on earnings and media exposure. Singer Beyonce came second, while film director James Cameron re-entered the chart at number three following his success with Avatar. Golf superstar Tiger Woods was the only sports star to make the top 10.
BET Awards: Chris Brown's tribute to WGE Micheal Jackson was the Best
HipHollywood reported: There’s no other 2010 BET Awards performance that left the audience in more emotional awe than Chris Brown’s Michael Jackson tribute. For the nearly seven minutes that he performed, it was looked like he literally embodied the spirit of Jackson. Every move was so eerily on point, you wondered if MJ left heaven for a few moments to grace us with one last show.
US Supreme Court extends gun rights
The US's highest court ruled by 5-4 that a ban on handgun ownership in Chicago was unconstitutional. Justices said the US Constitution protected the right to keep and bear arms for the purpose of self-defence. The ruling could potentially change laws on gun ownership in many of the US states. The justices said the Second Amendment right "applies equally to the federal government and the states".
Former Klansman Sen Robert Byrd dead at 92
Robert C. Byrd, who rose from the poverty of West Virginia coal country to become the sage and conscience of U.S. Senate in a political career stretching more than half a century, died Monday. He was 92. Byrd's desk in the Senate chamber was draped in black, in recognition both of his longevity - he served longer and cast more votes than any senator in history - and the tenacity in which he defended the traditions and prerogatives of the Senate.
Jackson's '84 Victory Tour glove sells for $190K
It was one year ago that WGE Micheal Jackson died in prep for a series of concerts in London. His hometown of Gary Indiana announced the 300 million dollar cultural center and museum in his honor. Bidders from around the world bought up Michael Jackson memorabilia worth nearly $1 million at an auction on the anniversary of his death, including $190,000 for the Swarovski-crystal-studded glove he wore on his 1984 Victory Tour.
US childlessness is up, but racial gaps narrowing
Nearly 1 in 5 American women beyond childbearing years never gave birth as fewer couples. Broken down by race, roughly 20 percent of white women are childless, compared with 17 percent of blacks and of Hispanics and 16 percent of Asians. Still that gap has been narrowing: Since 1994, childlessness for blacks and Hispanics has grown by 30 percent, about three times the rate for whites.
Ted Turner tops the list of the biggest land barons in America
Billionaire Ted Turner owns just shy of three Rhode Islands, totaling 2 million acres. Turner now oversees a herd of more than 50,000 bison and has devoted himself to conservation, restoring his hundreds of thousands of acres to their state before settlers began building roads and stringing telephone wires. To prevent future development, he's encumbered much of the land with conservation easements.
Tupac's Music Chosen For Libray of Congress
Rapper Tupac Shakur's song Dear Mama, Bill Cosby's second comedy album and (Soul Folk in Action) The Staple Singers (1968) are among 25 recordings the U.S. Library of Congress is preserving for their cultural significance. Tupac's Dear Mama was a heartfelt homage to mothers struggling with addiction and poverty. It's also a "relatively tame" recording, and the cultural impact of hip-hop is undeniable, program co-ordinator Steve Leggett said. Tupac is the third rapper inducted, following Grandmaster Flash and Public Enemy.
White House releases 'patients' bill of rights'
Most health insurance plans will soon be barred from turning children down due to pre-existing medical problems, the White House announced Tuesday, spelling out how early benefits of the new health care law will work. President Barack Obama is marking the first 90 days since he signed the landmark health care overhaul by packaging a series of consumer safeguards into what the administration is calling a "patients' bill of rights."
New Law Nixes Tobacco Shipments by Mail
A law taking effect June 29 will ban most tobacco products from being delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, closing a loophole that the government considered a tax dodge and a way for young people to skirt age restrictions. The law, Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act was signed into law March 31, part of a growing regulatory crackdown on tobacco under President Barack Obama that has included bans on flavored cigarettes (except for menthols) and on cigarettes labeled as "light". The mailing ban will extend to cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco. It does not include cigars.
WGE: Jackson's estate reportedly earns $1 billion in past year
In the year since Michael Jackson died, his estate has pulled in more than $1 billion, mainly on the strength of a new record deal with Sony and a hugely successful concert film. $429 million has flowed into his estate in the of music sales. About 9 million albums were bought in the U.S., while the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons have sold about 800,000 units, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Legendary P-Funk guitarist Garry Shider dies at 56
Legendary funk guitarist Garry Shider, whose work with Parliament and Funkadelic earned him a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has died. He was 56. Shider was known to millions of fans as "Starchild" or "Diaperman," the latter because of the loincloth he often wore onstage.
Facebook '09 revenue neared $800 million
Facebook's financial performance is stronger than previously believed, as the Internet social network's explosive growth in users and advertisers boosted 2009 revenue to as much as $800 million. That growth in profit and revenue underscores how Facebook is increasingly making money off its 6-year-old service, which ranks as the world's largest Web social network with nearly half a billion users.
Native Canadians to recall boarding school abuse
Hundreds of indigenous Canadians are to give evidence before a commission of their experiences at state-funded schools set up to enforce assimilation. About 150,000 children attended the Church-run boarding schools which operated up to the 1970s. The pupils were forced to abandon their cultural identity and many were physically and sexually abused. The truth and reconciliation commission is part of a settlement agreed by the Canadian government four years ago.
FDA: 'Female Viagra" falls short
The first pill designed to boost the female sex drive failed to make a significant impact on libido in two studies, federal health regulators said, though some women did report slightly more sexually satisfying experiences. The Food and Drug Administration is considering Boehringer Ingelheim's drug flibanserin for premenopausal women who report a lack of sexual desire.
Key Blood Test For Diabetes Is Inaccurate On Blacks
The hemoglobin A1C test is supposed to give doctors a sense of diabetics' long-term blood sugar levels, but new research suggests the test may have different results depending on race, even if daily blood sugar levels are the same. What's more, those differences became greater as blood sugar levels and A1C increased, according to the new analysis, which is published in the June 15 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Denzel wins his first at the 64th Annual Tony Awards
Academy Award winners Denzel Washington took home his first Tony Award along with his fences co-star. Viola Davis and Denzel Washington (from the revival of August Wilson's Fences), winners of the 2010 Tonys for Best Actress and Actor is a Play.
Census: Multiracial U.S. becoming even more diverse
The minority population in the United States is steadily rising and makes up 35% of the total, advancing an unmistakable trend that could render them the new American majority by midcentury. U.S. minorities make up 49% of the children born in the U.S., up one percentage point from 2008. Based on current rates, data from the 2010 census could show a new “tipping point” in which babies born to minorities outnumber those of babies born to whites.
Kennedy docs show death threats as late as 1985
Previously secret FBI records released Monday show there were death threats against then-Sen. Edward Kennedy, even five years after his failed 1980 White House bid. The documents showed that on May 23, 1985, the U.S. Capitol Police passed onto the FBI a copy of a letter sent to the Secret Service, ostensibly by a Warren, Mich., resident. The sender, whose name was redacted, declared: "Brass tacks, I'm gonna kill Kennedy and (President Ronald) Reagan, and I really mean it."
Census: Multiracial U.S. becoming even more diverse
The minority population in the United States is steadily rising and makes up 35% of the total, advancing an unmistakable trend that could render them the new American majority by midcentury. U.S. minorities make up 49% of the children born in the U.S., up one percentage point from 2008. Based on current rates, data from the 2010 census could show a new “tipping point” in which babies born to minorities outnumber those of babies born to whites.
Bush Lawyer Jailed For Attempted Murder
A former White House attorney charged with trying to kill his wife at their Connecticut home has posted bail and is undergoing treatment at a mental hospital. Fifty-seven-year-old John Michael Farren, who worked in both Bush administrations, posted $750,000 bail Monday and was sent to the Institute of Living in Hartford. After treatment, he will live at a relative's home in West Hartford under house arrest. Farren has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and other charges. Police say he beat Mary Farren in their New Canaan home in January after she filed for divorce.
Don Cheadle named goodwill ambassador for UN
Actor Don Cheadle has become a spokesman for the United Nations environment program. He was appointed Saturday in Rwanda's capital as a U.N. Environment Program Goodwill Ambassador and vowed to fight climate change and promote environment conservation. UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner announced the appointment, saying that Cheadle would help raise green awareness among millions of people around the globe.
NY joins 22 other states with e-waste laws
New Yorkers will be able to recycle their dusty dot-matrix printers and cobwebbed computer monitors for free, now that the state has joined 22 others in enacting an electronic waste recycling law. Under the law recently signed by Gov. David Paterson, all manufacturers that sell covered electronic equipment in the state must have a free, convenient electronic waste, or "e-waste," recycling program in effect by April 1, 2011. The law also makes it illegal for individuals to dispose of electronic waste at landfills, effective Jan. 1, 2015.
WGE Micheal Jackson's hometown donates land for museum
In 2003, the Worlds Greatest Entertainer Micheal Jackson visited his hometown Gary, Indiana to discuss building a museum and cultural centre, but no progress was made before his passing. Gary's Mayor Rudy Clay officially announced plans for a $300 million US museum and arts centre in his honour. "This project will be the magnet that will draw people from all over the world," said Mayor Clay.
Temptations singer Ali-Ollie Woodson dies at 58
Ali-Ollie Woodson, who led the legendary Motown quintet The Temptations in the 1980s and '90s and helped restore them to their hit-making glory with songs including "Treat Her Like A Lady," has died, a friend said. He was 58.
Winfrey’s Angel Network charity to shut down
The Angel Network, is shutting down as her talk show draws to a close. The network stopped accepting donations this week and said on its website that it plans to dissolve as soon as its remaining funds are disbursed. The Angel Network was launched in 1998 with donations from viewers of Oprah's talk show; its demise stems from Oprah's decision to end her Chicago-based show in 2011 after 25 years on the air, Angel Network spokeswoman Angela DePaul said. The website notice said Winfrey and the network's directors are "extremely grateful" to the nearly 150,000 donors who gave more than $80 million to the charity.
Success is getting in the way of new Maxwell CD
The plan was for Maxwell to release the second album in his "BLACKsummers'night" trilogy this summer. But success is getting in the way. The best-selling crooner said the popularity of his comeback disc is forcing him to delay the release of the next one. "BLACKsummers'night" - his first album in eight years - has sold more than 1 million copies since it was released last summer. It won the 37-year-old the first two Grammys of his career earlier this year.
FBI reports finds US crime down despite recession
FBI statistics show that US crime rates have fallen for the third consecutive year. The data upends historical trends which suggests that crime rates increase during economic downturns. Car thefts have fallen the most this year - 17.2% - while murders are down 7.2%. Reported rapes also fell 3.1% and robberies are down 8.1%. Arson, assault and property crime have also declined. All numbers are preliminary, and will be supplemented by local agency reports in the coming months.
Supreme Court backs black applicants in firefighter discrimination suit
Chicago could be liable for as much as $100 million in damages in the case in which minority candidates passed a fire department exam but were not hired. The Supreme Court reinstated a discrimination ruling in favor of 6,000 black applicants for Chicago firefighting jobs in the 1990s, saying they had properly sued after it was clear that an entry-level test had a "disparate impact" based on race. Monday's ruling is the latest twist in a long-running set of lawsuits over the use of civil-service exams for hiring police and firefighters, both in Chicago and elsewhere.
NFL loses bid for antitrust protection
The Supreme Court turned away the National Football League's request for broad antitrust law protection, ruling that the league can be considered 32 separate teams -- not one big business -- when it comes to selling branded items like jerseys and caps. The high court unanimously reversed a lower court ruling throwing out an antitrust suit brought against the league by one of its former hat makers.
Miss America back on network TV in 3-year ABC deal
Miss America is getting back to network television in time for her 90th birthday. The beauty pageant has signed a three-year deal with ABC, with plans to air next year's competition live on Jan. 15, pageant officials said. "It's a wonderful deal," Sam Haskell, chairman of the Miss America Organization, told The Associated Press. "It's much better than any deal that we've had in the last five years."
Wealth gap grows between black and white Americans
The study released by the Institute on Assets and Social Policy (IASP) found that African-Americans who earn substantial incomes have been unable to increase their net worth. In 23 years, the wealth gap has risen by $75,000, from $20,000 to $95,000. The study suggested these figures reflected public policy in the US. IASP found that public policies in the US benefited the wealthiest people, through tax cuts on investment income and inheritances, and disadvantaged others through discrimination in housing, credit and labor markets.
Court rules out some life sentences for juveniles
The Supreme Court has ruled that teenagers may not be locked up for life without chance of parole if they haven't killed anyone. By a 5-4 vote Monday, the court says the Constitution requires that young people serving life sentences must at least be considered for release.
NBA team sale to Russian tycoon Prokhorov approved
The US National Basketball Association (NBA) has approved the sale of the New Jersey Nets franchise to Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov. Mr Prokhorov, whose fortune, according to Forbes magazine, stands at $13.4bn, becomes the first non-North American owner in the league. Under the deal agreed last September, Mr Prokhorov would acquire 80% of the basketball club and 45% of the Nets' arena project in Brooklyn. The deal is thought to be worth more than $200m.
Philly Police sergeant lied about being shot by black man
A white city police sergeant made up a story about being shot by a black man while on patrol last month and actually intentionally shot himself. Sgt. Robert Ralston, 46, confessed to making up the story and will have to pay the costs of the massive manhunt that followed. Ralston, who had been on the force more 21 years, will not face criminal charges because granting immunity was the only way to obtain his confession.
Brookings Study: Black population shifts to suburbs, pct of minorities increase in the South
As the first decade of this century comes to a close, more black, Asian, Hispanic, foreign-born and poor people live in the suburbs of the nation's largest metropolitan areas than in their primary cities. States of the "Old South" accounted for 57 percent of the nation's black population in 2008, compared with 54 percent in 1990. Fully one-fifth of the metropolitan gains in black population since 2000 occurred in Atlanta, pushing it past Chicago for the second-largest black population, behind New York. Racial and ethnic minorities now account for a majority of the population in 17 metropolitan areas, most of them in California and Texas, although New York, at 50.7 percent in 2008, is poised to pass that threshold in the 2010 census.
Icon Singer/Actress Lena Horne dies aged 92
Renowned for her beauty and sultry voice, Horne battled against racial segregation to become Hollywood's first black sex symbol. In 1943, she played Selina Rogers in the all-black film musical Stormy Weather, the title song of which was to be a major hit and her signature tune. Her career spanned more than 60 years.On screen, on records and in nightclubs and concert halls, Horne was at home vocally with a wide musical range, from blues and jazz.
"I was always battling the system to try to get to be with my people. Finally, I wouldn't work for places that kept us out. ... It was a damn fight everywhere I was, every place I worked, in New York, in Hollywood, all over the world," she said
MLB Has Fewer Black Players
A new report shows Major League Baseball equaled its best grades for racial and gender diversity hiring, even as the percentage of black players dropped again last year. MLB received an A for race and a B for gender hiring on Wednesday in the annual study by the University of Central Florida's Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports. MLB received the same grades in last year's report. The latest data indicates a steady rise among black players might be years away.
Dolphins GM apologizes for question to Dez Bryant
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross will "take appropriate actions if necessary" against general manager Jeff Ireland for asking former Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant whether his mother was ever a prostitute. Ireland apologized for the question, and the NFL players union raised concerns Wednesday about discrimination and degradation.
NCAA to expand March Madness to 68 teams
The NCAA is on the verge of expanding the men’s basketball tournament from 65 to 68 teams beginning next year and has a new, $10.8 billion TV deal that will allow it to show every game live. The NCAA also said it reached a new, 14-year agreement with CBS Sports and Turner Broadcasting System Inc. that is worth more than $10.8 billion. The deal, which runs from 2011 through 2024, will show every game live across four national networks for the first time.
Title IX Strengthened: Bush Policy Reversed By Department Of Education
The U.S. Department of Education is repealing a Bush-era policy that some critics argue was a way to avoid complying with federal law in providing equal opportunities for female athletes. Under the move, schools and colleges must now provide stronger evidence that they offer equal opportunities for athletic participation under the federal Title IX gender equity law. It reverses a 2005 policy under former President George W. Bush that allowed schools to use just a survey to prove a lack of interest in starting a new women's sport and encouraged schools to consider a non-response to the questionnaire as disinterest.
GM To Repay Government Loan Early
General Motors Co. will fully repay the $6.7 billion loan portion of its U.S. government aid earlier than its previously promised payback date of June. GM already has made two $1 billion payments, leaving a $4.7 billion balance on the U.S. loans. It also will repay early the $1.4 billion borrowed from the Canadian and Ontario governments.
World's Opinion Of U.S. Has 'Improved Sharply' Under Obama, Says BBC Poll
This year 46% of the respondents rated the US's influence as positive - the first time since 2005 that the survey returned more positive votes than negative for America. "After a year, it appears the 'Obama effect' is real" said Steven Kull director Program on International Policy Attitudes (Pipa) at the University of Maryland, who helped conduct the poll. "Its influence on people's views worldwide, though, is to soften the negative aspects of the United States' image, while positive aspects are not yet coming into strong focus."
Nuclear Summit: Pres. Obama calls together 47 world leader (Largest Since WWII)
The White House announced that Ukraine was giving up all its highly enriched uranium, marking success for a major U.S. arms control initiative shortly before President Barack Obama opens a conference on locking down nuclear materials. Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said the Ukrainian stockpile, sufficient for several nuclear weapons, would be transferred to the United States for reprocessing by 2012.
Notre Dame names first black valedictorian
A Gary, Indiana native will make history next month as the first black valedictorian from the University of Notre Dame. Katie Washington, 21, is a biology major and minor in Catholic social teaching with a 4.0 GPA. "I am humbled," said Washington to the Northwest Indiana Times. "I am in a mode of gratitude and thanksgiving right now."
Obama, Medvedev sign treaty to cut nuclear arms
Casting aside years of rancor, President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the biggest nuclear arms pact in a generation. The treaty, sealed after months of halting negotiation, is significant not just for what it does but for what it symbolizes: a fresh start for the United States and Russia, and evidence to a watching world that nuclear disarmament is more than a goal.
Former New Orleans cop pleads guilty to bridge shooting and cover-up
The former officer, Michael Hunter, pleaded guilty to helping cover up the shootings on the Danziger Bridge less than a week after the August 2005 storm. Seeing no danger to officers, Hunter says he shouted "Cease fire!" after an unidentified sergeant with an assault rifle and other officers opened fire on a group of unarmed civilians who took cover behind a concrete barrier on the bridge. "(The sergeant) suddenly leaned over the concrete barrier, held out his assault rifle, and, in a sweeping motion, fired repeatedly at the civilians lying wounded on the ground," the filing says.
March job growth strongest in 3 years
U.S. non-farm payrolls, a key measure of the economy's health, rose in March for only the third time since recession struck in late 2007 as the private sector stepped up hiring at the fastest pace in almost three years. The White House welcomed an "encouraging" monthly jobs report but warned of a bumpy road ahead. Employers added 162,000 jobs last month, the Labor Department said, leaving the unemployment rate steady at 9.7 percent for the third straight month.
Obama Signs Student Loan Overhaul Legislation
President Obama today signed into law the final piece of the health care puzzle, which mandates sweeping changes in the way the nation provides health care and makes the federal government the primary distributor of student loans. "That's two major victories in one week that will improve the lives of our people for generations to come," Obama said. To highlight the education reforms in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, Obama signed it at the Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Va., and focused on the largely overshadowed student loan reforms.
Former Bush Speach Writer Ties Fox With Republicans
David Frum said on "Nightline" that the Republican Party's lockstep with the Fox News attack machine has hurt the party, and that "we're discovering we work for Fox", insead of them working for us. Frum made waves with a column for CNN.com declaring that health care had proven to been "Waterloo" for the GOP, not for Obama.
Calif. voters to decide whether to legalize pot
California voters will decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults, after the secretary of state on Wednesday certified the initiative for the November ballot. It would become the first state to legalize recreational marijuana use if the proposition is approved. Marijuana use is legal for medicinal purposes in California and 14 other states, but the drug is illegal under federal law.
Irish Bishop Resigns, Apologizes to Abuse Victims
Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Bishop John Magee, a former papal aide who stands accused of endangering children by failing to follow the Irish church's own rules on reporting suspected pedophile priests to police. Magee apologized to victims of any pedophile priests who were kept in parish posts since he took charge of the southwest Irish diocese of Cloyne in 1987. "To those whom I have failed in any way, or through any omission of mine have made suffer, I beg forgiveness and pardon," the 73-year-old Magee said in a statement.
U.S. health-care bill Signed by President
The U.S. House of Representatives passes an historic health-care reform bill that will make coverage possible for more than 30 million uninsured Americans and end discrimination by insurance companies of people with existing medical conditions. Legislators voted 219 to 212 in favour of the landmark health-care legislation that has been debated on Capitol Hill for a year. The bill, previously passed by the Senate, didn't receive a single vote from Republicans. It was signed into law by President Barack Obama.
Bootsy Collins Opens Online Funk University for Bass Players
Bootsy Collins has opened Bootsy's Funk University, an online bass school for players around the planet to study under his direction. Bootsy’s Funk University begins its first semester on July 1, 2010 with enrollment based on a first come, first serve basis. Currently, interested players are to sign-up for exclusive information at thefunkuniversity.com. Registration for enrollment is set to begin in April for the summer launch.
Hawaii May Start Ignoring Requests For Obama Citizenship
As the state continues to receive e-mails seeking Obama's birth certificate, the state House Judiciary Committee heard a bill Tuesday permitting government officials to ignore people who won't give up. Hawaii Health Director Dr. Chiyome Fukino issued statements last year and in October 2008 saying that she's seen vital records that prove Obama is a natural-born American citizen. Both Fukino and the state registrar of vital statistics have verified that the Health Department holds Obama's original birth certificate.
Malcolm X assassin granted parole in New York
One of three men convicted of killing civil rights activist Malcolm X 45 years ago was granted release from weekends in prison in his 17th appearance before a state parole board. Thomas Hagan, 69, appeared before a parole panel March 3 and was granted release effective April 28. Until then, he'll remain at the Lincoln Correctional Facility in New York City, where he has been locked up two days a week for 22 years. The other five days, he's been allowed to work and live with his family.
NCAA graduation rates between blacks and whites widening
The disparity in graduation rates for white and black players on NCAA tournament-bound men's basketball teams grew this year, according to a study released Monday. The annual report by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of Central Florida found 45 teams graduated 70 percent or more of their white players, up from 33 teams last year. But only 20 teams graduated at least 70 percent of their black players, the same as last year. The differences among the four No. 1 seeds in the tournament: Duke led the top seeds with a 92 percent graduation success rate. Kansas followed at 73 percent, Syracuse at 55 percent and Kentucky at 31 percent.
Estate of WGE Michael Jackson lands biggest Record Deal Ever!
The estate of Michael Jackson has landed the late King of Pop the biggest recording deal in history: a $200 million guaranteed contract with Sony Music Entertainment for 10 projects over seven years, according to a person familiar with the deal. The record-breaking contract through 2017 could be worth up to $250 million if certain conditions are met. One of the albums will be of never-before-released Jackson recordings that will come out in November. "During his life, Michael's contracts set the standard for the industry," said John Branca, the co-administrator of the Jackson estate.
Court Upholds Mention of God on Money, in Pledge
References to God on U.S. money and in the Pledge of Allegiance do not violate the Constitution's separation of church and state, the 9th Circuit ruled Thursday. In separate rulings, the court weighed in on the phrase "In God We Trust" inscribed on U.S. currency and the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance recited at public schools, ruling that neither is a government endorsement of religion and both represent patriotism. "The Pledge of Allegiance serves to unite our vast nation through the proud recitation of some of the ideals upon which our Republic was founded and for which we continue to strive: one Nation under God - the Founding Fathers' belief that the people of this nation are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights," Judge Carlos Bea wrote.
Brazil slaps trade sanctions on US
The Brazilian government has announced trade sanctions against a variety of American goods in retaliation for illegal US subsidies to cotton farmers. The World Trade Organization (WTO) approved the sanctions in a rare move. Brazil published a list of 100 US goods that would be subject to import tariffs in 30 days, unless the two governments reached a last-minute accord. It said it regretted the sanctions, but that eight years of litigation had failed to produce a result.
US eases Cuba, Iran, Sudan sanctions to allow freer web
The US treasury department has eased sanctions on Iran, Cuba and Sudan to help further the use of web services and support opposition groups. US technology firms will now be allowed to export online services such as instant messaging and social networks. Companies had not offered such services for fear of violating sanctions.
Louisiana's incarceration rate is No. 1 in nation
One out of every 55 Louisiana residents is behind bars, a higher incarceration rate than any other state, according to research group. One in 26 Louisiana adults is under correctional control, if probation and parole are included, the group found. The Pew group argued that, particularly during a recession, rising costs of incarceration should push states to reduce prison spending by moving more nonviolent inmates out of prisons and into community-based parole and probation systems.
FBI confirms investigations into conduct of NO police after Katrina
The FBI confirmed that it has opened two other civil rights investigations into the post-Katrina actions of New Orleans police officers, adding to a growing list of inquiries. The FBI now has at least seven active civil rights probes into the New Orleans Police Department.
Alcohol use lower among blacks
African Americans have lower drinking rates than other racial groups, according to a new survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. It found that blacks ages 18 and older use alcohol at a rate of 44.3% compared with the national average of 55.2% Moreover, blacks ages 18 to 25 are much less likely than other young adults to engage in binge drinking -- 25.3% compared with 41.6% in the general population.
'Toyota Defense' May Free Jailed Minnesota Man
Ever since his 1996 Toyota Camry shot up an interstate ramp, plowing into the back of an Oldsmobile in a horrific crash that killed three people, Koua Fong Lee insisted he had done everything he could to stop the car. A jury didn't believe him, and a judge sentenced him to eight years in prison. Relatives of the victims – who condemned Lee at his sentencing three years ago – now believe he is innocent and are planning to sue Toyota. The prosecutor who sent Lee to prison said he thinks the case merits another look.
Study: Hospital Infections Kill 48,000 in U.S. Each Year
Infections of sepsis and pneumonia acquired in the hospital may kill 48,000 people each year, a new study shows. Researchers examined hospital discharge records in 40 states between 1998 and 2006 in drawing their conclusions about the potential death toll from pneumonia and sepsis -- two of the most common hospital-acquired infections. They also calculated that these infections cost $8.1 billion to treat and lead to 2.3 million total days of hospitalization.
School Used Laptop Webcams To SPY On Students
The suit says Lower Merion School District officials (Philadelphia) can activate the webcams remotely without students' knowledge. The lawsuit alleges the cameras captured images of Harriton High School students and their families as they undressed and in other compromising situations. Families learned of the alleged webcam images when an assistant principal spoke to a student about inappropriate behavior at home.
Black farmers win $1.25 billion in discrimination suit
Thousands of black farmers who were discriminated against by the U.S. Agriculture Department will be eligible to receive $1.25 billion in a settlement. The settlement of the case, known as Pigford II, is contingent on Congress approving $1.15 billion for the farmers, in addition to $100 million already provided in the Farm Bill. Black farmers able to demonstrate they suffered from discrimination and filed complaints between 1981 and 1997 will get up to $50,000 and debt relief. A separate, more in-depth claims process could provide some farmers with up to $250,000 in damages.
Facebook Teacher-Bashing Is Protected Speech
A South Florida student can sue her former high-school principal after he suspended her for three days for creating a Facebook group that criticized a teacher, a federal judge in Miami ruled.
Former Bush Homeland Security Nominee Sentenced to Prison
Former NYC police detective, and Rudy Giuliani driver, Bernard Kerik was sentenced to four years in prison for tax evasion and lying to White House officials. His career began to unravel during background checks when President George W. Bush nominated him in 2004 to become Secretary of Homeland Security.
Marijuana Provides Pain Relief, New Study Says
The first U.S. clinical trials in more than two decades on the medical benefits of marijuana confirm pot is effective in reducing muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis and pain caused by certain neurological injuries or illnesses. "There is good evidence now that cannabinoids may be either an adjunct or a first-line treatment," Igor Grant, a psychiatrist who directs the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at UC San Diego, said at a news conference.
Obama says stimulus headed off depression
President Barack Obama said a $787 billion stimulus program helped the United States avoid dipping into an economic depression. So far, $179 billion in the plan has been spent and $93 billion in tax cuts have been issued. Another $154 billion is in the process of being sent out, and $247 billion is left to spend. The remainder comes in tax cuts yet to be granted. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the package is responsible for employing up to 2.4 million people.
Canada to build Haiti government base
Canada will build a new headquarters for Haiti's government, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced at the start of a two-day visit to the country. Mr Harper said Canada would spend CAN$12m on a temporary base after January's earthquake destroyed many government offices. The base, made of prefabricated modules and inflatable shelters, is to house key ministries for up to a year. Canada is the second biggest donor to Haiti after the United States.
Number of Cell Phones Worldwide Hits 4.6B
The number of mobile phone subscriptions worldwide has reached 4.6 billion and is expected to increase to five billion this year, the U.N. telecommunications agency said Monday. The number of mobile broadband subscriptions worldwide is expected to exceed one billion this year, the agency said. There were around 600 million such subscriptions at the end of 2009, it added.
Southwest Airlines finishes first in on-time arrivals for 2009
Southwest Airlines Co. finished first among major carriers in 2009 for arriving on time or within 14 minutes of schedule, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported Friday. Southwest, which saw 83 percent of its flights arrive within 14 minutes, edged out Alaska Airlines Inc., with 82.9 percent on time. At the bottom of the 10 major carriers was AirTran Airways Inc. at 75.8 percent. Just ahead of it was American Airlines Inc., with 77.2 percent of its flight on time or within 14 minutes.
Miss Virginia is Miss America 2010
Miss Virginia Caressa Cameron won the 2010 Miss America title Saturday night after strutting in a skintight yellow dress, belting Beyonce's "Listen" from "Dreamgirls" and telling kids they should get outside more often. Cameron, a 22-year-old from Fredericksburg, Va., won a $50,000 scholarship and the crown in Las Vegas after a pageant that started with 53 contestants. She outlasted her opponents in swimsuit, evening gown, talent and interview competitions. You can be and become anything that you want to be, even Miss America," she said.
Poll: 83% Approve State of the Union Proposals
A large majority of Americans who watched President Obama's State of the Union Address generally approve of the proposals he outlined in his speech, according to a CBS News Poll. The same individuals were interviewed both before and after the State of the Union, and after the speech, 70 percent said Mr. Obama shares their priorities for the country, up from 57 percent before the speech.
Supreme Court rules in favor of Noriega extradition
The US Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal from Panama's ex-leader Manuel Noriega against his extradition to France on money laundering charges. Noriega wanted to be sent back to his country after completing a drug sentence at a jail in Florida. The US convicted Noriega of laundering illicit drugs money in 1990 and he was sentenced to 30 years, later reduced to 17 years for good behaviour. He has remained in US custody ever since the completion of his 17-year US prison term, pending his appeal against extradition.
'Hope For Haiti' Brings In $57 Million
Friday's 'Hope For Haiti' telethon, organized by George Clooney and broadcast across nearly every major network, raised over $57 million in phone, online and text donations, in the 24 hours following the event. The telethon will continue to spur donations through the sale of the night's musical performances on iTunes. The recorded album was #1 in 18 countries over the weekend. The money raised will be split equally among seven relief organizations: Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF, The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, the United Nations World Food Programme, and Wyclef Jean's Yéle Haiti.
BBC to start Creole broadcasts
The BBC will start broadcasting radio programmes in Creole to earthquake-stricken Haiti on Saturday. The program will provide much-needed information to Haitians struggling to deal with the effects of last week's devastating disaster. Connexion Haiti will be a 20-minute daily show, broadcast from 0910 to 0930 local time (1410 to 1430 GMT) on FM in Haiti's six largest towns and cities. It will also be available on satellite and online, and via social media. This is the first time the BBC will have broadcast in Creole, Haiti's national language.
U.S. says wind could power 20 percent of eastern grid
Wind energy could generate 20 percent of the electricity needed by households and businesses in the eastern half of the United States by 2024, but it would require up to $90 billion in investment, according to a government report. For the 20 percent wind scenario to work, billions must be spent on installing wind towers on land and sea and about 22,000 miles of new high-tech power lines to carry the electricity to cities.
Mourning-Wade fund raises over $800K for Haiti
Calling the initial wave of support "overwhelming," the Haitian earthquake relief fund co-founded by Alonzo Mourning and Heat star Dwyane Wade said Monday its pledge total has surpassed $800,000. Wade's donation was a one-game salary, about $175,000, while Mourning, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul each pledged $100,000, fund officials said. The "Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti" began soliciting from pro athletes Friday. "I expected nothing less from my friends and colleagues in the sports community," Wade said in a release. Mourning spent about 36 hours in Haiti last week.
FBI broke law for years in phone record searches
The FBI illegally collected more than 2,000 U.S. telephone call records between 2002 and 2006 by invoking terrorism emergencies that did not exist or simply persuading phone companies to provide records, according to internal bureau memos and interviews. FBI officials issued approvals after the fact to justify their actions. E-mails obtained by The Washington Post detail how counterterrorism officials inside FBI headquarters did not follow their own procedures that were put in place to protect civil liberties.
NYC Fire Dept. Purposely Discriminated Against Blacks
A federal judge ruled that New York City intentionally discriminated against black applicants to the Fire Department by continuing to use an exam that it had been told put them at a disadvantage. In his decision, the judge highlighted how “black and other minority firefighters have been severely underrepresented,” characterizing that as a “persistent stain on the Fire Department’s record.” In July, Judge Garaufis — acting on a claim being pushed by the United States Justice Department — ruled that the Fire Department used a test in 1999 and 2002 that had a discriminatory effect on black applicants.
New Jersey Lawmakers Pass Medical Marijuana Bill
The New Jersey Legislature approved a measure that would make the state the 14th in the nation, but one of the few on the East Coast, to legalize the use of marijuana to help patients with chronic illnesses. The measure — which would allow patients diagnosed with severe illnesses like cancer, AIDS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis to have access to marijuana grown and distributed through state-monitored dispensaries — was passed by the General Assembly and State Senate on the final day of the legislative session.
POTUS personalizes Oval Office
The decorative china plates are long gone. Historic metal gadgets and Native American pottery now stand in their stead. Resting on a bookshelf is a framed program from the 1963 March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I have a dream" speech. President Barack Obama gradually has made the Oval Office his own. The table behind Obama's desk is full of family photos - a wedding picture, shots of his girls as toddlers, a picture from the day he announced for president and more - photos that he says remind him "why I'm doing what I'm doing."
Ebony Fashion Fair's Eunice Johnson Died
Eunice Johnson, the widow of Ebony magazine founder John Johnson and a fashion maven who ran thousands of traveling runway shows aimed at black audiences, has died. She was 93. Johnson had been the director and producer of the Ebony Fashion Fair since 1961. The traveling high fashion charity event that showcasesblack designers and models is staged in nearly 200 cities each year. Ads for the show have featured singer Aretha Franklin, and actor Richard Roundtree made his debut as a model with the show. Along with her husband, Johnson developed a popular makeup and skin-care line — Fashion Fair Cosmetics — specifically for women of color. The products are sold in many high-end department stores.
Morgan Freeman Replaces Walter Cronkite On "CBS Evening News" Voiceover
Nearly six months after Walter Cronkite's death, his voice is leaving the "CBS Evening News."His introduction of anchor Katie Couric was replaced Monday by a voiceover featuring actor Morgan Freeman. The legendary CBS News anchor recorded the introduction, played at the beginning of most newscasts, when Couric started at CBS in 2006. Cronkite's voice was kept on the air even after his death July 17.
ACORN Didn't Commit Voter Fraud or Misuse Federal Funding
The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) did not commit voter fraud, and it didn't misuse federal funding in the last five years, according to a recently released report prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), a nonpartisan investigational arm of Congress. Among its findings, CRS also reported that recently enacted federal legislation to prohibit funding to ACORN raises significant constitutional concerns. This report came on the heels of another report that also cleared ACORN of wrongdoing. That outside report indicated ACORN doesn't show a pattern of intentional and illegal behavior in undercover videos that conservatives shot of ACORN staffers.
Worst home-front disaster of WWII gets recognition
President Obama has signed legislation making the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial a full unit of the National Park System, following approval by Congress. The powerful story it holds has gone little-noticed as well: the worst home-front disaster of World War II, when 320 men — two-thirds of them African Americans — perished in a giant munitions explosion. Fifty of the black survivors were court-martialed for refusing orders to return to work. For many who survived, the aftermath compounded the trauma. The white officers were given 30 days leave to recover; more than 300 African-American sailors were ordered to resume loading at another munitions depot.
Court sets limits on police use of Tasers
A federal appeals court issued one of the most comprehensive rulings yet limiting police use of Tasers against low-level offenders who seem to pose little threat and may be mentally ill. Some lawyers called it a landmark decision.
Michael Jackson's FBI Files Released
Secret documents (673 pages) on Michael Jackson were kept on the Superstar by the FBI. Only 300 pages were released and no documents show any proof of past allegations aganist him.
22 Million Bush White House E-Mail's found
Computer technicians have found 22 million missing White House e-mails from the administration of President George W. Bush and the Obama administration is searching for dozens more days' worth of potentially lost e-mail from the Bush years, according to two groups that filed suit over the failure by the Bush White House to install an electronic record keeping system. The two private organizations say there is not yet a final count on the extent of missing White House e-mail and there may never be a complete tally.
US to pay Native Americans $1.4bn
The Obama administration says it is settling a long-running and contentious lawsuit over royalties owed to American Indians. Under an agreement, the Interior Department will distribute $1.4 billion to more than 300,000 tribe members to compensate them for historical accounting claims, and to resolve future claims.
FDIC: Poor, minorities struggle to access banks
More than a million American households lost access to basic banking services like savings accounts last year, bank regulators say. Households are considered "unbanked" if they report that no member has a checking or savings account. "Underbanked" households have bank accounts but still rely on costly, lightly regulated services like payday loans, check-cashing services and pawn shops. The survey found that black, Hispanic and native American families are more likely to fall into these categories.
Canada's doctors told to stop using swine flu vaccine
GlaxoSmithKline has advised doctors in Canada to stop using a batch of its swine flu (Aperanix) vaccine, amid reports of severe side-effects in some patients. The batch of some 170,000 doses was put on hold because of the reported higher than usual number of patients having anaphylactic reactions. This may include breathing problems, raised heart rate and skin rashes.
Utah's first black female mayor-elect Mia Love
Councilwomen Ludmya "Mia" Love become the first black female mayor in Utah's history. In the northern Utah County city where Love defeated the challenger by a vote of 861 to 594, blacks make up just 0.6 percent of Saratoga Springs' population.
Sportscaster must pay ex-wife $916,000 a year
A Connecticut judge has ordered CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz to pay his ex-wife $916,000 a year in alimony and child support. Monday's ruling comes after Nantz and his ex-wife, Lorrie, testified about the breakdown of their 26-year marriage. Nantz must pay $72,000 monthly in alimony until he dies or his ex-wife remarries, and another $1,000 weekly in child support for their 15-year-old daughter, Caroline, for the next two years.
Pew study: African-Americans more likely to use Twitter than any other segment
According to a just released study from the Pew Internet and American Life Project, African-Americans are more likely than any racial or gender group to use Twitter or another status update service. Pew found that 26% of African Americans online use Twitter or other service.
New black Barbies get mixed reviews
The new black Barbies released by Mattel have fuller lips, curlier hair and other features that the company says more accurately represent African-American women. Grace, Kara and Trichelle were created to fill a void for young black girls who for so long have been playing with dolls that don't look like them. The dolls were created by Stacy McBride-Irby, an African-American who watched her daughter play with dolls and wanted to create a doll that looked more like her.
Feds to issue new medical marijuana policy
Pot-smoking patients or their sanctioned suppliers should not be targeted for federal prosecution in states that allow medical marijuana, prosecutors were told Monday in a new policy memo issued by the Justice Department. The guidelines issued by the department do, however, make it clear that federal agents will go after people whose marijuana distribution goes beyond what is permitted under state law or use medical marijuana as a cover for other crimes.
FBI delves into DMV photos in search for fugitives
In its search for fugitives, the FBI has begun using facial-recognition technology on millions of motorists, comparing driver's license photos with pictures of convicts. "Everybody's participating, essentially, in a virtual lineup by getting a driver's license," said Christopher Calabrese, an attorney who focuses on privacy issues at the American Civil Liberties Union.
Nobel prize win 'humbles' Obama
US President Barack Obama has won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation." Since coming to office in January, President Obama has pursued an international agenda that includes a push to restart peace talks in the Middle East and negotiations over Iran's controversial nuclear program.
Alicia Keys Goes Into Business for Herself
Alicia Keys is launching AK Worldwide, a company that will handle the 28-year-old's projects outside of music. The first is The Barber's Daughters, a handcrafted jewelry line engraved with messages of hope. Keys will also launch a Web site, iamasuperwoman.com, devoted to spotlighting inspirational women and causes.
British girl dies after cervical cancer vaccine
British health officials temporarily suspended a vaccination program in an English city after a 14-year-old girl died a few hours after being vaccinated. Natalie Morton died in a hospital Monday, a few hours after being the given the Cervarix vaccine. The school principal, Julie Roberts, said a few other girls also reported being unwell after receiving the vaccine and some were sent home.
Fidel Castro praises Obama on climate change
The former Cuban leader on Wednesday called the American president's speech at the United Nations "brave" and said no other American head of state would have had the courage to make similar remarks. In a speech at the United Nations on Tuesday, Obama acknowledged that the United States had been slow to act on climate change, but said Washington was now prepared to be a full partner as the world confronts the threat.
General Motors expands in China
General Motors has signed up to a 2bn yuan ($293m) joint venture with the Chinese state-owned carmaker FAW to make light trucks and vans. The vehicles will initially be sold in China under the FAW brand, but could in future be exported under the GM brand. They will be produced at existing FAW facilities. GM sold 818,442 vehicles in China in the first six months of 2009, compared with 1,094,561 in the whole of 2008.
Disney to buy comic book powerhouse Marvel for $4B
The Walt Disney Co. said it is buying Marvel Entertainment Inc. for $4 billion in cash and stock, bringing such characters as Iron Man and Spider-Man into the family of Mickey Mouse and WALL-E. Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of 5,000 Marvel characters. Many of them, including the Fantastic Four and the X-Men, were co-created by the comic book legend Stan Lee.
Toyota pulls plug on US factory
The world's largest carmaker will stop production at the Fremont, California-based New United Motor Manufacturing plant in March 2010. GM announced earlier this year that it would withdraw from the venture. Toyota said: "Over the mid to long-term, it just would not be economically viable to continue production." The firm will move production to its other plants in the US and in Japan.
Air travelers now must provide birthdates
Travelers will now be asked to give their birthdate and gender when booking flights, along with a full name matching their ID, as part of a federal security initiative. The new requirements are part of a Transportation Security Administration program aimed at improving security and reducing misidentification of people on terrorist watch lists.
Sidney Poitier recieves Presidential Medal
President Barack Obama presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to ambassador and actor Sidney Poitier during a ceremony in the East Room at the White House on August 12, 2009. Obama awarded 16 individuals the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour.
US wins trade case against China
The US has won a ruling at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against China's restrictions on the import of American DVDs and other media products. The WTO ruled that China's current policy of only allowing the goods to be imported by state-run organisations broke global trade agreements. However, the WTO upheld China's limits on the distribution of US films, and made no ruling on Chinese censorship.
GM says new Volt to get 230 mpg in city driving
General Motors Corp. said its Chevrolet Volt rechargeable electric car should get 230 miles per gallon of gasoline in city driving, more than four times the mileage of the current champion, the Toyota Prius. The Volt is powered by an electric motor and a battery pack with a 40-mile range. After that, a small internal combustion engine kicks in to generate electricity for a total range of 300 miles.
Bolivian Natives in historic step
The Bolivian government has begun implementing provisions outlined in the new constitution that give indigenous people the chance to govern themselves. President Evo Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous leader, enacted a decree setting out the conditions for Indian communities to hold votes on autonomy. These referendums will take place in December, alongside presidential and parliamentary elections. The new charter was bitterly opposed by Bolivia's traditional elite.
Castro says Cuban system to stay
Cuban President Raul Castro says he is willing to enter into dialogue with the US but the island's communist system remains non-negotiable. He repeated Cuba's willingness "to sustain a respectful dialogue with the United States, between equals". "With all due respect, in response to Mrs Clinton, but also to the European Union... I was not chosen as president to restore capitalism to Cuba or to renounce the revolution," Mr Castro said.
former Fed Chair Greenspan: "There's been a very significant improvement in the financial system"
"We were teetering for awhile,” he said, “but I do think that the TARP program, for example, was very helpful in shoring up the capitals, that stock of banks and the like, Alan Greenspan said on abc's this week show. Greenspan listed a number of reasons for his positive outlook, citing upward production trends in several industries and the recovery of the financial system. "There's been a very significant improvement in the financial system and it's been the financial system where the problems have been," he said.
Divorce 'health scars permanent'
A Chicago study involving 8,652 people aged 51 to 61 found divorced people have 20% more chronic illnesses such as cancer than those who never marry. The figure only drops to 12% for those who remarry. Although people who remarry after a divorce or being widowed do tend to be happier as a result - being no more depressed than those continuously married and less depressed than those who never married - they gain little in terms of chronic health conditions.
Report: Female minority lawyers don't stay at U.S. firms due to barriers
A study has found that more than 75 percent of female minority attorneys at U.S. law firms will leave their jobs within five years due to continuing barriers to advancement. "Those who leave often report experiencing institutional discrimination and unwanted and or unfair critical attention, which combine to create an exclusionary and challenging workplace," the report said. Black women were more likely to believe diversity programs don't address workplace biases and feel that partners and other supervising attorneys get insufficient training on how to work effectively with diverse cultures.
NY/NJ Corruption probe nets Rabbis, Mayors and more
More than 40 people, including politicians, officials and several rabbis have been arrested in a major FBI operation. There were 29 suspects on what was termed the "public corruption" side of the investigation, including the politicians, and 15 suspects in connection with alleged international money-laundering, including the rabbis and their "associates". The money laundering ring reportedly spanned the US, Israel and Switzerland.
WGE Michael J Jackson 1958-2008
Born Michael Joseph Jackson in Gary, Ind., in 1958, "The King of Pop" was the fifth of nine children of Joe and Katherine Jackson. Both parents instilled a love of music early in their children's lives: Katherine taught them folk music while Joe, a budding guitarist, managed them and molded their musical work ethic. Michael was only 4-years-old when he started singing with his older brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon and formed the original Jackson 5. Jackson is survived by his three children, Prince Michael I, Paris and Prince Michael II
Government tightening food safety standards
New safety standards aimed at reducing salmonella and E. coli outbreaks are part of a government effort to try to make food safer to eat. A food safety panel established by President Barack Obama developed the new rules for eggs, poultry, beef, leafy greens, melons and tomatoes as well as for better coordination and communication among the agencies overseeing the nation's food supply.
School's face shortage of Black Male Teachers
The shortage of black male teachers compounds the difficulties that many African American boys face in school. About half of black male students do not complete high school in four years, statistics show. Black males also tend to score lower on standardized tests, take fewer Advanced Placement courses and are suspended and expelled at higher rates than other groups, officials said. Educators said black male teachers expose students to black men as authority figures, help minority students feel that they belong, motivate black students to achieve, demonstrate positive male-female relationships to black girls and provide African American youths with role models and mentors.
Prince George's Co. board votes to name school after President Obama
The Prince George's County school board has voted to name an Upper Marlboro elementary school after President Barack Obama.The board voted unanimously on the name for the school just miles from the White House. Barack Obama Elementary School, which is expected to be completed later this year, would be the first school in the Washington region to be named after the president, but not the first in the nation. A Long Island, N.Y., school was renamed shortly after Obama was elected in November.
Strip-search of US girl illegal
The US Supreme Court has ruled that school staff broke the law when they ordered a 13-year-old girl to strip while searching her for painkillers. The Arizona school, which bans prescription and over-the-counter drugs, suspected Savana Redding, then 13, of carrying ibuprofen. After no drugs were found in her bag, she had to remove her clothing, and then move her bra and underwear. However, the court said individuals could not be held liable in a lawsuit.
Fortune 500 First Black Women CEO
Xerox Corp.’s Ursula Burns, who takes the reins at the world’s largest high-speed color printer maker in less than six weeks, has a mandate: getting budget-cutting customers to increase spending on office equipment. Burns, 50, will become chief executive officer on July 1, ending the eight-year run of Anne Mulcahy, who will stay on as chairman. Mulcahy, 56, named Burns president in 2007, almost three decades after Burns joined Xerox as a summer intern. Burns will be the first black female CEO among Fortune 500 companies
Obama picks former astronaut to lead NASA
Charles F. Bolden Jr. has been nominated by President Obama to serve as NASA's next administrator. Bolden, a former combat pilot and Marine Corps major general, is also a veteran space shuttle commander. Bolden, 62, the third African-American to fly in space, had met with Obama at the White House, the day the Hubble Space Telescope was relaunched from the shuttle Atlantis. The five-spacewalk overhaul marked NASA's fifth and final visit to the storied telescope since Bolden helped launch it in 1990.
Native American tribal issues to be a priority for Pres. Obama
"Barack has pledged to honor the unique government-to-government relationship between tribes and the federal government," she said. The new senior staffer "will be tasked to work with tribes (on) issues such as sovereignty, health care (and) education — all central to the well-being of Native American families and the prosperity of tribes all across this country."
Music industry drops effort to sue song swappers
The group representing the U.S. recording industry said it has abandoned its policy of suing people for sharing songs protected by copyright and will work with Internet service providers to cut abusers' access if they ignore repeated warnings.
(Hatian Born) Canada head weighs crisis options
Canada's governor general, Michaelle Jean, has cut short a trip to Europe to deal with a growing political crisis. Opposition parties have united in a bid to topple the minority conservative government of Stephen Harper less than two months since a general election. "The prime minister and myself need to have a conversation... I have to see what the prime minister has to say to me and what he is actually thinking of doing." Ms Jean told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Obama Popular Vote Margin Largest Ever for Non-Incumbent: site 538
President-Elect Obama has received at least 68,724,397 popular votes for the Presidency. It's "at least" because they're still counting in California and several other states, and so Obama's total should wind up comfortably over 69 million. This total represents 22.62 percent of the population. The victory margin from November 4th now stands at 9,124,522 votes.
NYC bridge renamed for Robert F. Kennedy
Several generations of Robert F. Kennedy's family have gathered for a ceremony renaming New York City's Triborough Bridge in honor of the slain senator and U.S. attorney general. The bridge will be the first major public work dedicated to Kennedy in the state he represented from 1965 to 1968. It is a complex of three spans that connect Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens.
Obama's Rise Forces Brazil to Look At Racial Divide
Barack Obama's rise to power in the United States has exposed cracks in Brazil's self-image as a racially integrated society. With almost half the population considered black, Brazilians often boast that their country is a more harmonious melting pot than the United States. But analysts say that is only because blacks in Brazil have never posed a threat to the dominance of the white elite in politics and business. Brazil was the last country in the Americas to abolish slavery in 1888 and is home to the largest black population outside of Africa.
Secret Service Releases Code Names
The new First Family has been issued code names by the Secret Service. Barack Obama's is "Renegade," Michelle Obama's is "Renaissance," Malia Obama's is "Radiance," and Sasha Obama's is "Rosebud." Joe and Jill Biden also received code names, though it's tough to top "Renegade" and "Renaissance." Joe Biden's is "Celtic," and Jill Biden's is "Capri."
Former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan
Almost three years after stepping down as chairman of the Federal Reserve, a humbled, 82 yr old, Alan Greenspan admitted that he had put too much faith in the self-correcting power of free markets and had failed to anticipate the self-destructive power of wanton mortgage lending. “Those of us who have looked to the self-interest of lending institutions to protect shareholders’ equity, myself included, are in a state of shocked disbelief,” he told the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
