How a traveling ‘health train’ has become an essential source of free care in South Africa

How a traveling ‘health train’ has become an essential source of free care in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG — Thethiwe Mahlangu woke early on a chilly morning and walked through her busy South African township, where minibuses hooted to pick up commuters and smoke from sidewalk breakfast stalls hung in the air. Her eyes had been troubling her. But instead of going to her nearby health clinic, Mahlangu was headed to the … Read more

Frankie Beverly, the Maze singer who inspired generations of fans with lasting anthems, dies at 77

Frankie Beverly, the Maze singer who inspired generations of fans with lasting anthems, dies at 77

NEW ORLEANS — NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Frankie Beverly, who with his band Maze inspired generations of fans with his smooth, soulful voice and lasting anthems including “Before I Let Go,” has died. He was 77. His family said in a post on the band’s website and social media accounts that Beverly died Tuesday. In … Read more

Ohio is sending troopers and $2.5 million to a city that has seen an influx of Haitian migrants

Ohio is sending troopers and .5 million to a city that has seen an influx of Haitian migrants

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The governor of Ohio will send law enforcement and millions of dollars in healthcare resources to the city of Springfield as it faces a surge in temporary Haitian migrants that has landed it in the national spotlight. Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday he doesn’t oppose the Temporary Protected Status program … Read more

George Lucas, Mark Hamill, Debbie Allen, Bob Iger, CNN and more mourn James Earl Jones

George Lucas, Mark Hamill, Debbie Allen, Bob Iger, CNN and more mourn James Earl Jones

Famous fans and collaborators are paying tribute to James Earl Jones, the award-winning actor and commanding voice of Darth Vader, who died Monday at 93. “One of the world’s finest actors whose contributions to ‘Star Wars’ were immeasurable. He’ll be greatly missed.” — actor Mark Hamill, who played Vader’s son Luke Skywalker in the “Star … Read more

James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93

James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93

NEW YORK — NEW YORK (AP) — James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen — eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, “The Lion King” and Darth Vader — has died. He was 93. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died … Read more

A Palestinian team in Chile offers soccer with a heavy dose of protest

A Palestinian team in Chile offers soccer with a heavy dose of protest

SANTIAGO, Chile — Arms raised high. Banners denouncing the war in Gaza. Crowds united in song and wrapped in keffiyehs, the black-and-white checkered scarves that have become a badge of Palestinian identity. It could have been any other pro-Palestinian rally erupting over the Israel-Hamas war if it weren’t for the fact that these thousands of … Read more

‘I’m living a lie’: On the streets of a Colorado city, pregnant migrants struggle to survive

‘I’m living a lie’: On the streets of a Colorado city, pregnant migrants struggle to survive

AURORA, Colo. — She was eight months pregnant when she was forced to leave her Denver homeless shelter. It was November. Ivanni Herrera took her 4-year-old son Dylan by the hand and led him into the chilly night, dragging a suitcase containing donated clothes and blankets she’d taken from the Microtel Inn & Suites. It … Read more

A remote tribe is reeling from widespread illness and cancer. What role did the US government play?

A remote tribe is reeling from widespread illness and cancer. What role did the US government play?

OWYHEE, Nev. — The family placed flowers by a pair of weathered cowboy boots, as people quietly gathered for the memorial of the soft-spoken tribal chairman who mentored teens in the boxing ring and teased his grandkids on tractor rides. Left unsaid, and what troubled Marvin Cota’s family deep down, was that his story ended … Read more

Hundreds of places in the US said racism was a public health crisis. What’s changed?

Hundreds of places in the US said racism was a public health crisis. What’s changed?

More than 200 cities and counties declared racism was a public health crisis in the past few years, mostly after George Floyd was murdered by police in Minneapolis in May 2020. Racial justice advocates said they finally felt heard by the quick swell of political will to address disparities like disproportionate COVID-19 deaths or infant … Read more

US Justice Department says Kentucky may be violating federal law for lack of mental health services

US Justice Department says Kentucky may be violating federal law for lack of mental health services

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky is likely violating federal law for failing to provide community-based services to adults in Louisville with serious mental illness, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a report issued Tuesday. The 28-page DOJ report said the state “relies unnecessarily on segregated psychiatric hospitals to serve adults with serious mental illness who … Read more