Longtime civil rights leader Benjamin Hooks dead at 85

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Benjamin L. Hooks, a champion of minorities and the poor who, as executive director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), increased the group's stature, has died. More »

AG Holder in N.C.: More work needed on civil rights

RALEIGH, N.C. - The United States still suffers from racial inequality in everything from unemployment rates to the length of prison terms, Attorney General Eric Holder told a group of civil rights veterans on Saturday. More »

Ex-mentor: Sharpton is Obama's link to the streets

NEW YORK - The Rev. Al Sharpton is a "lightning rod" for President Barack Obama on inner-city streets, Obama's former Harvard mentor and friend said Saturday at a forum in Harlem. More »

Zimbabwe marks 30 years under President Mugabe

HARARE, Zimbabwe - When will all this end? It's a common refrain in Zimbabwe. "Only when the old man goes," said Tinaye Garande, a street vendor. More »

Tea partiers rally on Boston Common

Thousands of Tea Partiers descended upon the Boston Common last week, protesting high taxes and big government. More »

Fast food fueled by insurance firms

In yet another slam against the life and health insurance industries, a recent study compiled by Harvard researchers detailed billions of dollars of industry money invested in fast food restaurants - an apparent contradiction, given the role fast food has played in the nation's obesity crisis. More »

Mass. GOP gathers with goal of unseating Patrick

WORCESTER, Mass. - Newly elected Sen. Scott Brown implored Massachusetts Republicans on Saturday to rally around gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker, saying he has the best chance of ousting a tempting target, Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick, a close ally of President Barack Obama. More »