Former President Obama Seeks to Build US Civic Engagement at Summit

Former U.S. President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that at a time of political divisiveness, more civic activism was needed to solve community problems across the nation. Obama kicked off a two-day leadership summit in his hometown of Chicago by saying it marked the start of a wider effort to promote civic activism, a cause …

A Community Experiment Promoting Heathier Habits to Reduce Obesity Among Latinos

The suburbs of Washington are the setting for a pilot project to promote healthier eating habits, a partnership between leaders of the Latino community there and researchers at George Washington University. The “Water up Project” encourages the community to drink more water and reduce their consumption of sugary beverages. Faiza Elmasry reports. Faith Lapidus narrates. …

Community Experiment to Reduce Obesity Among Latinos Promotes Healthier Habits

The luncheon special has brought a crowd into El Puente de Oro, a Salvadoran restaurant in Langley Park, Maryland. Owner and chef, Ciro Castro, has put together a meal with a large plate of chicken, beans and rice, salad, and a bottle of water. “The plate that costs $10, for them costs only $5,” he …

Yomiuri: Japan to Launch Crackdown on Asylum Seekers

Japan will clamp down on asylum seekers’ rights to work and detain other refugee applicants, the Yomiuri daily reported on Tuesday, in a move that would put further curbs on one of the developed world’s tightest refugee systems. From as early as mid-November, Japan will only allow those it regards as bona fide refugees the …

May Calls for Changes in Handling UK Sex Harassment Cases

British Prime Minister Theresa May is calling for changes in the way Parliament deals with allegations of inappropriate behavior as she responds to suggestions that dozens of U.K. lawmakers have sexually harassed their employees or other people.   May wrote to House of Commons speaker John Bercow proposing a mediation service and contractually binding grievance …

Manafort, Associate Surrender to US Authorities in Russia Probe

Paul Manafort, who for a short time was U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign chairman last year, turned himself in to authorities Monday, as part of the criminal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016  presidential election. A federal grand jury on Friday approved charges in the probe led by special counsel Robert Mueller. Manafort long …

Taliban Claims US Hostage Health Deteriorating

Afghanistan’s Taliban claims the health condition of an American hostage, Kevin King, is rapidly deteriorating and he urgently needs better medical care. The 60-year-old King and his Australian colleague, Timothy Weeks, 48, were teaching at Kabul’s American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) before they were kidnapped at gunpoint near the campus in August 2016. The Islamist insurgency later claimed responsibility and …

In Calm Before Storm, Madrid and Catalan Separatists Maneuver

An air of calm settled over Barcelona after hundreds of thousands of Catalans attended a rally Sunday for Spanish unity.  The atmosphere of the rally was peaceful, as police helicopters monitored from above. Amid a forest of Spanish national flags and chants of “Viva Espana,” protesters called for the jailing of Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, …

Puerto Rico Governor Calls for Cancellation of Power Grid Repair Contract

The governor of Puerto Rico, the U.S. territory that was devastated by a hurricane a month ago, called Sunday for the immediate cancellation of a contract to restore electrical power to the Caribbean island as questions grow about the small company that was awarded the work. Governor Ricardo Rossello said the board of the island’s …

Mexico City Honors Quake Victims, Rescuers in Day of Dead Parade

A raised fist made of helmets, pick axes and broken rubble rolled ahead of hundreds of walking skeletons, costumed dancers and flowery floats Saturday in Mexico City’s Day of the Dead parade, which this year honored the 228 capital residents killed by a Sept. 19 earthquake.  “Thank you, rescuers!” belted out Guadalupe Perez, 56, as …