Topic: Al Sharpton

Obama vs. Boehner speech spat: Another sign of presidential disrespect?

For the first time, Congress refused a president's request to speak before a joint session. Some Dems see this as part of a pattern of disrespect toward Obama.

Philadelphia 'flash mobs': black mayor takes aim at black community

The crackdown on 'flash mobs' by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter has put him in the center of a debate about how black leaders should respond to violence within their own community.

Strauss-Kahn and five other vexing sexual assault cases

Sexual assault cases rank among the most difficult to prosecute, as the one against ex-IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn is demonstrating. Held under house arrest since being charged with sexual assault of a maid at a New York hotel, the French politician was released on his own recognizance Friday amid questions about his accuser’s credibility. The “he said, she said” nature of such cases is one complicating factor (as is getting victims to report sexual assaults in the first place). But so are prosecutorial zeal, power politics, personal troubles of accusers, and even false accusation. Here are five high-profile sex-crime cases that fell apart, in which one or more of those factors played a role.

Obama's nod to Al Sharpton: asset or liability for 2012 reelection bid?

Obama attends the Rev. Al Sharpton's event Wednesday for his National Action Network. Rubbing shoulders with Sharpton may help Obama reinforce his standing with African-American voters, analysts say.

Has Sarah Palin peaked? Poll numbers sag, and she's taking GOP friendly fire.

It has been a tough couple of days for former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. Her favorability ratings among GOP voters have slipped, a new poll shows, and fellow Republicans are taking pot shots.

Jail time for sneaking kids into a better school: Was justice served?

The case of an Ohio woman who lied so her girls could attend a better school triggers a sharp debate about equity in public education.

The Juan Williams treatment: five other ousted media personalities

As NPR's Juan Williams learned when he was fired Thursday for comments that were taken to be anti-Muslim, the axe is swift to fall when media personalities speak out on controversial topics. Here is his story and those of five others recently ousted for voicing unpopular views.

The Blaze: reviews are in on new Glenn Beck website

Glenn Beck on Tuesday launched The Blaze, a news website Beck says aims to 'make sense of the world.' Some liked the look of The Blaze. Some thought it was a travesty of honest news.

Education secretary Arne Duncan: headmaster of US school reform

As students head back to school, educators nationwide are implementing controversial school reform wrought by Arne Duncan. Pushing competitive market approaches and armed with unprecedented funding and support from the president, he is possibly the most powerful education secretary ever.

Glenn Beck rally: 'I have a dream' theme takes tea party turn

Thousands gathered at Glenn Beck's 'Restoring Honor' rally at the Lincoln Memorial. Beck's message was more religious than political – but less so among tea partiers in the crowd.

Glenn Beck rally: Why is it on the anniversary of King's speech?

It’s only a coincidence that the Glenn Beck rally will be held at the same spot where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech 47 years ago, the talk-show host says.

Glenn Beck Lincoln Memorial rally draws criticism

Glenn Beck will hold a rally at the Lincoln Memorial, exactly 47 years to the day after Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his 'I have a dream,' speech on that spot.

What's behind yet another summer of racial discontent in America?

President Obama's election spread a balm on America's racial divides. But judging by the flap between the NAACP and the ‘tea party’ movement, its effects were short-lived.

Michael Jackson tributes: Michael Jackson fans around the world honor his memory

Michael Jackson fans are holding tributes worldwide. Michael Jackson passed on a year ago. Vigils, prayers, and music are part of the Michael Jackson tributes.

Michael Jackson fans get ready for Michael Jackson memorials

Michael Jackson anniversary: Michael Jackson fans across the world remember Michael Jackson on first anniversary of death.

Arizona immigration law and illegal immigrants: state of extremes

Where lawmen Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday mowed down outlaws at the O.K. Corral, Arizona immigration law brings its modern brand of western justice to the issue of illegal immigrants.

Passing of Dorothy Height: What future for civil rights movement?

Internecine fighting and the passing of icons like Dorothy Height and Benjamin Hooks indicate a civil rights movement unmoored from its past. Its search for relevance is coming to a head.

As Obama meets black leaders, four facts on race and the economy

President Obama met with national African-American leaders Wednesday over economic concerns in the community. Here are four indicators of how African-Americans are faring in the recession.

Jackson memorial: Unity the keynote

In a spectacle befitting the ultimate entertainer, friends and fans pay tribute to a man whose music touched millions worldwide.

Obama on Michael Jackson’s role

Mayor Bloomberg on Air Force One fiasco: Fughedaboutit...

Now Rupert Murdoch apologies for NY Post cartoon

Jewish street patrols curb crime – and generate controversy

Hasidic groups in New York patrol religious neighborhoods in marked cars, but they occasionally clash with outside groups and even among themselves.

The Monitor's View: Will Obama focus on race issues?

He did not run from race, but he did not run on it. That's a balance right that's for the times.