Topic: United States

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President Obama: 'The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy for America'

George Zimmerman was found not guilty in the shooting death of black teenager Trayvon Martin. In a statement Sunday, President Obama said, 'I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son.'
George Zimmerman 'not guilty' verdict: Legal fight could continue

George Zimmerman has been found not guilty in the shooting death of teenager Trayvon Martin. But the US Justice Department may pursue the case under civil rights law, and Trayvon's parents are considering whether or not to file wrongful death civil charges against Zimmerman.
9 suspected militants killed in drone strike, Pakistani military operation

Nine insurgents were killed in Pakistan this weekend, in two separate military operations. A US drone strike and an operation by the Pakistan Air Force targeted the mountainous tribal region which borders Afghanistan.
The Simple Dollar The National Park system is the best vacation value in the country

The National Park Service provides tremendous value for US travelers. If you’re planning a family summer vacation, keep our national parks and national forests in mind.
Zimmerman not guilty: Victory for new kind of civil rights era?

Persecution of lawful gun owners is the new civil rights battle, many Americans claim. George Zimmerman just became their icon.
Latin America Monitor 1,200 miles by bus through Mexico? Bring your laptop.

North of the border Mexico's infrastructure has a reputation as dilapidated and dangerous. But the country's efficient and comfortable bus system tells a different story, as Lourdes Medrano explains.
Africa Monitor As Zimbabwe election approaches, West softens its condemnation

In July, Zimbabweans will vote in another election likely to be rigged by the ruling party. But President Robert Mugabe's small reforms have eased pressure from the West.
George Zimmerman verdict: 'Not guilty' in death of Trayvon Martin

After 17 months, the case of George Zimmerman – charged with shooting unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin – came to a close Saturday night when a jury of six women found Zimmerman not guilty of all charges. The case came to be seen as a parable involving civil rights, racial profiling, racism, gun rights, and the changing definitions of self-defense in public places.
A Texas end run on Roe v. Wade abortion rights?

Despite fierce resistance from Democrats, Texas Senate Republicans on Friday pushed through a bold anti-abortion bill, becoming the 13th state to ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy,
Can Janet Napolitano staunch University of California's financial struggles?

Janet Napolitano announced she will resign as Secretary of Homeland Security to run the University of California. After five years of nearly $1 billion in cuts, hikes in tuition, and hiring freezes she'll have her work cut out for her.
Food stamps fact check: For now, program will continue as is

Food stamps have historically been linked to farm programs, but on Thursday the House passed the farm bill without addressing food stamps at all, saying the $80 billion program would be addressed in a separate bill. In 2012, one in seven Americans used food stamps.
Edward Snowden: Is it illegal for US to block his asylum claim?

NSA leaker Edward Snowden has made it clear that he believes he is being pursued for political offenses. But the US government considers him a common lawbreaker and not a human rights case.
Police in Florida warn against riots in wake of a George Zimmerman verdict

As jurors in the George Zimmerman trial began deliberations Friday, officials warn against post-verdict violence and take precautions to stem it. Are conditions ripe for racial unrest? At least one expert doubts it.
Progress Watch Cocaine use: Will the factors behind its steady decline continue?

The US government released more good news this month about impeding entry of cocaine into the country. Still, opinions vary when it comes to interpreting the overall cocaine-use decline and the possible reasons for it.
Is Edward Snowden stuck in Russia?

Edward Snowden's announcement Friday that he is seeking temporary refuge in Russia may indicate that all his 'offers of support or asylum' from other nations are not panning out as the NSA leaker may have hoped.
Weighty words, charged atmosphere as Zimmerman trial rests with jury

Lawyers' closing arguments in the George Zimmerman trial invoked the Founding Fathers and Martin Luther King Jr. – portentous words for a high-stakes case. Jurors began deliberations Friday afternoon.
Stocks inch higher in record day on Wall Street

Stocks rallied in the closing minutes on Wall Street Friday, closing high enough to post new record highs for the Dow Jones industrial average and the Standard & Poor's 500 index. Profits at big banks Wells Fargo and JP Morgan came in better than expected, and that helped financial stocks.
Energy Voices Gas prices expected to soar. What gives?

Gas prices will rise dramatically in the near term, analysts predict. Many attribute it to a rise in oil prices, but the gas prices spike has more to do with gasoline fundamentals, writes Styles.
Energy Voices Lac-Megantic train crash: How it will change Canadian oil

The Lac-Megantic train crash, among other recent oil mishaps, is making it difficult for Canada to put a good face on their oil resources. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said parts of Quebec look like a 'war zone' following last weekend's Lac-Megantic train crash.
The Monitor's View As US eyes retreat in Afghanistan, it must listen to Malala

The young Pakistani girl is a model for the global struggle against the anti-women Taliban. With Obama weighing troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, Malala's speech to the UN today gives reasons to finish the job.
Dreamliner fire disrupts Heathrow Airport; Boeing shares plunge

Two separate issues involving Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes have disrupted travel and sent Boeing shares falling Friday. A 787 Dreamliner en route from England to the US had to turn back after experiencing a technical issue, and Heathrow Airport briefly shut down its runways after a fire on an empty 787.
Global News Blog Snowden asks to stay in Russia until path to Latin America opens (+video)

In exchange, the former NSA contractor says he will not release any more US secrets.
Microsoft gave NSA access to encrypted messages

Microsoft worked closely with the NSA, granting access to encrypted messages, according to leaked NSA documents published in the Guardian.
Asiana Flight 214: Was the pilot training program to blame?

After Asiana Flight 214 crash-landed in San Francisco, the airline announced plans to intensify its training program in an effort to prevent accidents in the future.
Modern Parenthood I'm a dad, not a hero: Thoughts on Tom Stocky's Facebook post

Tom Stocky wrote an essay on Facebook about paternity leave and gender inequality. What resonated for this blogger is: dads taking care of kids is ordinary, not heroic.