Martin Luther King Blvd Is Often A Dividing Line

By Jeff Johnson

There are over 900 Martin Luther King Boulevards across the country. The images and the communities that surround them vary from city to city. In Baltimore this street has historically been the dividing line between a booming Downtown and an underdeveloped black community. CONTINUE....

Weekly Address: Necessary Reform, Absurd Attacks

President Barack Obama calls health insurance reform critical to our nations long-term economic strength and dispels the outlandish rumors being promoted by those who are defending the status-quo.

This Economic Storm Will Pass

The President discusses the state of the economy amidst positive signs from the GDP. Making clear that this is little comfort to those struggling, he notes that we appear to have averted an even worse disaster and offers hope for the time ahead.

Weekly Address: Recovery and the Jobs of the Future

The President explains how the Recovery Act helped end our economic free fall, and how his agenda is helping to set a new foundation for our economy. From health reform, to energy, to creating the jobs of the future, the Presidents proposals will make our economy stronger for both the current generations and our children, all in a way that will get our deficits under control.

5/9/09: Your Weekly Address

This week the President recaps a busy week, from strides on fiscal discipline, to financial stability, to cracking down on tax havens and tax breaks for shifting jobs overseas. For his next big step, he calls for a credit card reform bill: "Americans know that they have a responsibility to live within their means and pay what they owe. But they also have a right to not get ripped off by the sudden rate hikes, unfair penalties, and hidden fees that have become all-too common in our credit card industry." Watch Your Weekly Address to find out what he plans to do about it.

4/29/09: Presidential Press Conference

The President gives his third prime time press conference from the East Room of the White House.

4/4/2009: Your Weekly Address

The President discusses the breadth and depth of the global challenges we face, as well as our potential to address them through renewed international alliances. This week's address was filmed aboard Air Force 1 amidst vital diplomatic stops at the G-20 Summit, a NATO summit, and bilateral meetings.

2/21/09: Your Weekly Address

President Obama announces that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will start having an impact as soon as a few weeks from now, in the form of the quickest and broadest tax cut in history.

Obama Warns of Consequences Without Stimulus

President-elect Barack Obama warned of dire and lasting consequences if Congress doesn't pump unprecedented dollars into the economy, making an urgent pitch Thursday for his mammoth spending proposal in his first speech since his election.

Obama Talks Economic Mess in Video Address

President-elect Barack Obama urged Congress to get moving next week on an economic rescue plan that would extend jobless benefits among other actions. The radio address was also videotaped and posted online.

With Weakened Economy, Churches Seeing Harder Times

By: Tom Breen


CHARLESTON, W.Va. - On a recent Sunday, the Rev. Richard Mahan scrapped a sermon on forgiveness. He felt compelled instead to address the economic turmoil battering the nation.

"Everybody's facing hard times," he told worshippers at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Charleston. "If you're not, you're going to."

Include churches in that dismal forecast.

With the economy in crisis, congregations around the country are cutting expenses at the very moment many members need help with food, heating bills and gasoline.

Some members of the clergy say their fundraising has remained steady despite the economic downturn, but how long that will last is unclear. Some are postponing building plans and delaying new programs just in case.

Among the congregations faring best are those with a strong tradition of tithing - the biblical mandate to give at least 10 percent of one's income to the church.

At Stevens Creek Community Church in Augusta, Ga., which practices tithing, "you would never know that things are taking a nosedive in terms of the economy," said Dave Willis, a pastor.

"It's part of the DNA here, so we have seen some consistency even in rough times," said Willis, whose church draws an average of 1,300 worshippers each Sunday.

With Weakened Economy, Churches Seeing Harder Times....

UPI VIDEO NEWS 02.27.08

Obama and Clinton square off in Ohio.

Democratic presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama went head to head in Cleveland last night. The two had their final debate before the primaries in Texas and Ohio next week. Obama took on Clinton for her past position on the Iraq war, while Clinton attacked the Illinois senator on health care mailings and NAFTA. She also said Obama was unprepared to handle foreign policy crises. Clinton has upped her attacks on her opponent recently, after he took 11 states in a row.

The European Union is fining Microsoft for failing to obey an antitrust order. The EU is fining the corporation a record 1.3 billon dollars for charging its rivals too much for software information. Microsoft says the fine refers to past problems, and they're now working to make their product more open. This is the largest fine the EU has ever issued to a single company for this issue.

The U.S. dollar has hit a new low in Europe today. The euro reportedly soared to more than $1.50 and the British pound reached $1.99...making it more expensive for Americans to travel in Europe. This comes as reports released show the U.S. economy is slowing and predicts the Federal Reserve will continue cutting interest rates. Meanwhile the sliding dollar caused oil prices hit a new high today...at $102 dollars a barrel.

Today is day three in the trial for the shooting of Sean Bell. Bell was killed on his wedding day by New York detectives last November...the 3 officials accused of the shooting say they thought Bell was reaching for a gun. The young man's father William testified in court yesterday, emotionally recalling the night of his death. Bell's father was with him celebrating his bachelor party, shortly before his death. The defense claims Bell was drunk and disorderly on that night.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 01.28.08

Bush to announce earmark changes tonight.

President Bush is expected to announce big changes tonight in the way lawmakers earmark money for their own special projects. Bush will deliver his last State of the Union address as president this evening to the nation. He'll reportedly sign an executive order tomorrow that says Congress should debate spending items in the open and hold a public vote. Besides the issue of earmarks, the President is expected to talk about Iraq, the economy, permanent extensions of his tax cuts and free-trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama.

Lebanon is declaring a day of mourning today after eight people were killed overnight in anti-government rioting. Dozens of others were wounded. The violence happened in Beirut's mostly Shi'ite southern suburbs. Demonstrators reportedly took to the streets, setting fire to vehicles, to protest cuts in electricity. However, Lebanon's pro-Western government accuses protestors of deliberately trying to create violence.

Five U.S. soldiers are dead following a roadside bomb attack in Iraq. Today's incident in the northern city of Mosul was one of the deadliest attacks against U.S. troops in months. The U.S. military says Al Qaeda has regrouped in northern provinces after being driven away from western areas like Anbar and from around Baghdad during security crackdowns.

Senator Edward Kennedy will endorse Senator Barack Obama for president. Kennedy reportedly intends to announce his support for the Illinois senator later today. His niece, Caroline Kennedy, who's daughter of the late president, has already endorsed Obama. She wrote in the New York Times saying the first-time senator seems to be able to inspire people the way her father did a half century ago.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 01.25.08

Egpyt closes off parts of border to Gaza.

Egypt is now sealing off parts of its border with Gaza. That's after tens of thousands of Palestinians have crossed back and forth with little interference for the past two days. Earlier this week, Palestinians breached a border crossing, allowing them to get supplies since Israel sealed its border with Gaza a week ago. Egyptian soldiers in riot gear formed a human chain today while other soldiers rolled out barbed wire. The U.S. and Israel have been pressuring the country to close open border areas because they're worried that terrorists with weapons could travel undetected from Egypt into the Palestinian territory.

Washington leaders have agreed on a stimulus plan to give American taxpayers rebates of $600 or more, but people may not see that money for a while. Government officials say it could be May or June before Americans get any real cash. That's because the IRS has to cut the checks, and the agency is now in the middle of the '07 tax-filing season. However, nothing can get started until the bill is passed by the House and Senate. Congressional leaders say they hope to have legislation on the President's desk by the middle of next month.

Democrat Dennis Kucinich is reportedly dropping out of the presidential race. The congressman from Cleveland told a newspaper yesterday that he would make his withdrawal announcement today. The 61 year old has been an outspoken Iraq war critic who's consistently voted against funding the war and led anti-war efforts in Congress. Kucinich has said he won't endorse another candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.

An explosion in Beirut today has killed four people, including Lebanon's top anti-terror investigating officer. The attack, which wounded 38 others, happened in a Christian neighborhood northeast of the capital. Violence has escalated in Lebanon as pro and anti-Syrian lawmakers in parliament are locked in a battle to elect a president. The country has been without a leader since November when pro-Syrian Emile Lahoud (a-meel la-hood) stepped down at the end of his term.

THE BUSH ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE

With the economy verging on a recession which would increase public anger with his administration and the Republican Party, President Bush this past Friday bowed to political pressure and proposed a nearly $150 billion stimulus package aimed, he said, at giving the economy "a shot in the arm."

The Bush proposal basically consists of tax rebates.

What does the proposal mean for American Blacks? In dollars terms, it could mean as much as $800 in tax rebates for individuals and $1,600 for families.

The Democratic controlled Congress must still have its say but if differences in approach can be worked out quickly, Blacks (along with other Americans) could start getting their rebate checks as early as this coming April or May.

The battle will probably center around Democratic demands for less focus on business tax breaks and a greater concentration on tax breaks aimed at the middle class (Those making less than $150,000 a year).

Democrats are also expected to insist on an extension of unemployment benefits. Bush increased the likelihood that differences will be quickly resolved by dropping his demand that his previous tax cuts be made permanent.

Some Democrats and Civil Rights advocates have derisively labeled those cuts "tax cuts for the rich."

UPI VIDEO NEWS 01.23.08

Palestinians breach wall, flood into Egypt

Tens of thousands of people from Gaza are reaching food and fuel in Egypt after militants destroyed a border wall earlier today. Last week, Israel closed all border crossings with Gaza to punish Hamas for days of rocket attacks on the southern part of the country. Since then, food and other necessities in Gaza have been in short supply and residents there have struggled with major power cuts. Egyptian guards reportedly didn't intervene as scores of people washed over the fences.

Former Senator Fred Thompson is abandoning his bid for the White House. His decision follows a disappointing third-place finish in South Carolina's GOP primary last Saturday. Thompson entered the race in September, long after his Republican rivals had announced their candidacies and began raising money. Analysts say the late entry may have hurt the former "Law and Order" actor.

And yesterday's rate cut by the Fed is giving borrowers immediate relief. Analysts say the average borrower could save hundreds of dollars in just a few months. The nation's 75 million homeowners are reportedly likely to feel the most significant and immediate benefits. But the rate cut could hurt those who save. Rates on money market accounts and certificates of deposits have been dropping in recent weeks.

President Bush says that common ground can be reached on an economic stimulus package. Last week, Bush proposed a temporary, broad-based tax relief package aimed at spurring the nation's slowing economy. That package would infuse about $140 billion into the economy. The Democratic congressional leadership has vowed to pass a stimulus bill quickly. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says their hope is to have something on the President's desk before President's Day, which is Feb. 18.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 01.22.08

Fed cuts interest rates.

The Federal Reserve has cut two key interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point. The rate cut happened earlier today, just as stocks plunged at the opening bell. The Fed lowered its federal funds rate from 4.25 percent to 3.5. That rate affects how much people pay on credit card debt, home equity lines of credit and auto loans. It also lowered its discount rate three-quarters of a point to 4 percent. That rate determines what it costs banks to borrow directly from the central bank. This was the biggest rate cut by the Fed since October 1984.

Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama engaged in their most heated debate yet last night. Just minutes into the debate in South Carolina, the two exchanged sharp criticisms over health care and other issues. On numerous occasions, they interrupted each other and even turned to direct their responses to each other instead of a panel of moderators. Former Senator John Edwards tried to stay out of the heated exchange. South Carolina voters will go to the polls on Saturday for the first Democratic primary in the South.

Israel is allowing fuel and medical supplies into Gaza today after an earlier blockade left residents struggling with major power cuts. Last week, Israel closed all border crossings with Gaza after days of rocket attacks on the southern part of the country. That sparked massive protests and a fear from aid agencies that the move could turn into a humanitarian crisis.

President Bush marked the Martin Luther King holiday yesterday with a visit to Washington's downtown library named after the historic individual. The President, First Lady and D.C.'s mayor participated in a lesson for a handful children. Bush posted pictures on a bulletin board and taught the students how King fought to change unfair laws.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 01.18.08

Bush to present plan to boost economy.

President Bush is putting together an economic stimulus package in an effort to jump-start the sagging economy. He's scheduled to unveil his plan later today. That reportedly includes income tax breaks for people...up to $800 for individuals and $1,600 for married couples. Yesterday, Bush discussed options over the phone with lawmakers with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. Those on Capitol Hill are reportedly considering smaller rebate checks and more money for the unemployed and people on food stamps.

And time may be running out for Republican presidential hopefully Fred Thompson. Thompson has reportedly admitted that a disappointing finish in tomorrow's GOP primary in South Carolina may end his chance in the race. The former Tennessee senator is hoping that a combination of his Southern roots and conservative views will lead to a breakthrough in South Carolina for his campaign. Thompson came in third in Iowa and received one percent of the vote in New Hampshire.

The CIA says Al-Qaida and followers of a tribal leader are to blame for the death of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. CIA Director Michael Hayden says fighters allied with Pakistani leader Baitullah Mehsud (By-too-la May-sood), with support from Al-Qaida, plotted Bhutto's assassination. The two groups are also apparently behind the violence that threatens to destabilize Pakistan. Hayden warns that they intend to do more harm to the country in the future.

The Israeli Defense Minister has ordered that border crossings be closed that lead to and from the Gaza Strip. This comes after days of rocket firings into Israel by Palestinian militants in Gaza. More than a hundred rockets have reportedly been fired. The Israeli Army has retaliated with military strikes that have apparently killed at least two-dozen Palestinians. The border closings will block food, fuel and medicine from entering Gaza.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 01.17.08

Fed chief may support stimulus effort for economy.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke may encourage lawmakers today to stimulate the economy. Legislators are scheduled to question the Fed chief on steps to avoid a possible recession. Democratic lawmakers say Bernanke has already told members of Congress this week that some kind of fiscal stimulus is needed. But analysts say he'll avoid supporting any particular tax or spending policies. Doing so could spark criticism from legislators who oppose them which would put the Fed's reputation for independence at risk.

The Food and Drug Administration is declaring that cold medicines are too risky for babies and toddlers. It hasn't declared yet whether the remedies are okay for older children to continue using. The FDA says the drugs pose serious and potentially life-threatening side effects for children under two. Health groups also say that there's no evidence that oral drugs actually cure cold symptoms in children so young.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is vowing to wage a war to stop Gaza militants from firing rockets into Israel. Militants have fired about 70 rockets at southern part of the country in the past couple of days. In response, an Israeli air strike killed at least two people in Gaza and destroyed a truck. The strike reportedly intended to target a Palestinian rocket position. This is the latest in a surge violence that began after President Bush visited the area last week to spur talks on a Palestinian statehood.

The former adviser to President Bush is dismissing Senator Hillary Clinton's Michigan primary win. During a conference yesterday, Karl Rove said Clinton's victory showed signs of weakness. The former First Lady, who was the only major candidate to appear on the Democratic presidential primary ballot, received about 55 percent of the vote. Another 40 percent of those voting opted for the "uncommitted option." Rove said she ran against quote nobody and nobody got 40 percent of the vote. He also took aim at Clinton's rival, Senator Barak Obama, and questioned his lack of national experience.

UPI VIDEO NEWS 12.12.07

Obama and Clinton now tied in New Hampshire.

Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama has inched ahead in New Hampshire while the popularity of his rival, Senator Hillary Clinton has slightly dropped. That's according to a poll released today. The shift comes a month before the first presidential primary. Clinton fell 5 percentage points since a previous survey in November. Obama has gained 8 percentage points. Meanwhile, the poll shows that Republican Presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee has yet to catch fire in New Hampshire despite a dramatic jump in some Iowa and national surveys.

President Bush's list of pardons doesn't include his vice-president's former top aide, Scooter Libby. Libby was convicted in the case of the leaked identity of a CIA operative. Yesterday, Bush issued pardons to 29 convicts, including carjackers and drug dealers, and reduced the prison sentence of one more. The move is an end-of-the-year presidential tradition. In July, Bush commuted Libby's 2 and a half-year sentence, sparing him from serving any prison time.

A new poll shows more Americans are worried about the economy rather than the war in Iraq. Fifty-seven percent believe the nation is in a recession. That's the first time in more than four years that a majority believes that. The economy is now the biggest issue in the presidential campaign. Following the economy, Poll respondents said health care and illegal immigration were of concern.

Rescuers are searching for survivors after two car bombs ripped through Algeria's capital yesterday. The attack leveled government and U.N. buildings. Officials say at least 26 are dead, but the actual toll is still unclear. At least 10 U.N. staffers were among those killed. Rescuers are working around the clock to try to pull people who are trapped. Al-Qaeda militant have claimed responsibility for the attack.