NATIONAL NEWS

Black businessman spars against affirmative action

OMAHA, Neb. - When it comes to Ward Connerly, the California businessman on a state-by-state war against affirmative action, it's hard for many people on either side of the issue to be colorblind. More »

Campaigns woo new Hispanic citizens as key bloc

MIAMI - On a muggy afternoon, more than 3,000 immigrants, most of them Hispanic, wave flags, cheer and weep as they swear to protect and defend the United States of America as its newest citizens. More »

McCain, Obama trade barbs in town hall debate

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - John McCain dismissively called rival Barack Obama "that one," Obama mocked McCain's "Straight Talk Express," and both left the debate stage to return to the campaign trail Wednesday. More »

J.L. Chestnut, first black lawyer in Selma, dies

SELMA, Ala. - J.L. Chestnut Jr., the first black lawyer in Selma and a prominent attorney in civil rights cases across a half-century, died last week at age 77. More »