Politics
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Is Race to the Top Working?
There’s a new conversation bubbling up these days at Howard High School of Technology in Wilmington, Delaware. “We’ve been researching best practices, visiting other schools to learn about programs that have worked for them, and we are constantly talking about what’s best for our students,” says assistant principal Clifton Hayes. “Vice President Biden coming by…
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Obama Takes a Moral Stand on Libya
Leave it to the inimitable Sarah Palin to have an incoherent — make that asinine — reaction to President Barack Obama’s strongly argued case for America’s intervention in the Libyan civil war. On one hand, the Republican presidential wannabe protested, “We’re not hearing from our president what is the endgame here. And with Qaddafi still…
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The Bitter Battle Over Voter ID
On the list of types of state legislation with the potential for big national impact, voter identification is right up there with moves to reduce collective-bargaining rights of public-sector unions. Such efforts, which would require voters to provide ID at the polls, are being voted on amid fierce debate in many states. But are they…
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No Muslims Allowed in a Herman Cain Administration
Presidential hopeful Herman Cain told Think Progress’ Scott Keyes over the weekend that he’d refuse to appoint a Muslim to his cabinet if elected president. Why? It’s because (brace yourself for a new conspiracy theory) “there is this creeping attempt … to gradually ease Shariah law and the Muslim faith into our government.” Asked by…
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Obama Featured on Anti-Abortion Billboards
Life Always’ New York billboard warning, “The most dangerous place for an African American is in the womb,” was taken down earlier this year after SoHo residents and members of the black community voiced their outrage. The anti-abortion group has moved on from that advertisement, which prominently featured a black child, to one that centers…
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Obama Speaks: Will Hold Town Hall on Libya
The Associated Press is reporting that President Barack Obama wll give an update on Libya in a televised speech tonight. The speech is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET from the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. The White House says Obama will talk about the actions taken with allies and partners, the transition to NATO…
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Michelle Obama to Speak at Spelman's Commencement
Spelman seniors have at least two reasons to look forward to May 15: They’re graduating, and first lady Michelle Obama will deliver their commencement address. “Having Mrs. Obama as our 2011 commencement speaker is a true honor because she embodies the Spelman College mission, which is to prepare women to change the world in a…
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Chicago Veterans Stand Guard Over Schoolkids
NPR reports that the Chicago public school system will spend nearly $5 million this year on contracts with community groups and other nonprofits, in an innovative approach to keeping kids safe in some of Chicago’s most dangerous and gang-saturated neighborhoods. The city’s Safe Passage works with an organization called No Veteran Left Behind to…
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'Virginity Tests': Female Detainees in Egypt Forced to Submit to Horrid Practice
Lauren Frayer of AOL News is reporting that disturbing details are emerging about the treatment of some young female protesters briefly detained by Egyptian soldiers. At least 18 women were captured and held in military detention after army officers violently cleared Cairo’s Tahrir Square on March 9, nearly a month after pro-democracy protesters ousted President…
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Why No One Likes Obama's Libya War
With all the flak Obama was taking a week ago for his go-slow approach on Libya — and all the phony bouquets for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s handling of the crisis — you might have been tempted to think that she was the one who had green-lighted missile strikes on Muammar Qaddafi, and Obama…