Dallas County’s First African-American District Attorney, Craig Watkins, Named Texan of the Year

Jan.1, 2007, the day Craig Watkins was sworn in as Dallas’ first African-American district attorney, marked a seismic shift in local politics. Perhaps even more significant than the election of Ron Kirk, our first black mayor, Mr. Watkins’ first two years in office illustrate a commitment to just and effective enforcement of the law; citizens expect as much and rightly so.

Why Obama May Be Good News for Christian Higher Education

Leaders in Christian higher education could be in for an easier time under Barack Obama’s administration than they had under George Bush. Under Bush’s administration, the federal government became increasingly involved in accreditation for higher education, said Paul Corts, president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Corts and others in Christian higher education are hopeful that the Obama administration will back off from further involvement.

Obamas Miss Out On Religious Services in Hawaii

Barack Obama has long stressed the importance of religion in his life. But as his fellow Christians around the world attended Christmas services on Wednesday and Thursday, the president-elect and his family remained sequestered at their vacation compound on the windward coast of Oahu.

Blagojevich Scandal: Governor’s Lawyer Wants Obama Staff Subpoenaed

In a move intended to force public testimony from President-elect Barack Obama’s inner circle, a lawyer for Gov. Rod Blagojevich has asked the legislative panel considering impeachment of the governor to subpoena more than a dozen witnesses, including Obama’s incoming chief of staff.

Poll Shows that Americans Choose Obama as the Man they Admire Most in the World

A month before his inauguration, Americans choose Barack Obama as the man they admire most in the world, according to a new USA TODAY/Gallup Poll. It’s the first time a president-elect has topped the annual survey in more than a half-century.

Donor Fatigue, Contribution Limits Creating Hurdles For Obama Inauguration Planning

From the announcement of Barack Obama’s longshot candidacy to the management of his presidential transition, his organization — including the biggest fundraising operation in U.S. political history — has rolled forward with seemingly flawless precision.

Rev. Jesse Jackson Warns Inmates of `Jail Hotels’

The Rev. Jesse Jackson has warned against prisons becoming “jail hotels” during his annual Christmas visit to the Cook County, Ill., jail.

Homeland Security Forecasts 5-Year Terror Threats for U.S.

The terrorism threat to the United States over the next five years will be driven by instability in the Middle East and Africa, persistent challenges to border security and increasing Internet savvy, says a new intelligence assessment obtained by The Associated Press.

Looking Back, Bush and Cheney Reveal Different Views

President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney have been unusually talkative in recent weeks, sharing candid thoughts in a string of exit interviews.

Small Fire Reported At Jesse Jackson, Jr’s Chicago Home

A small fire started at the home of U. S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. early Wednesday on the South Side. At 12:15 a.m. Chicago Fire Department’s truck 49, Engine 126 and Battalion Chief 17 responded to a fire in the 2500 block of East 72nd Street, police said.