US Secretary of State John Kerry meets with South African Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Saturday May 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Jim Young, pool) by Kirubel TadesseADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — The African Union on Saturday marked 50 years since the founding of a continentwide organization that helped liberate Africa from colonial masters and which now is trying to stay relevant on a continent regularly troubled by conflict.
MAKING CASE--President Barack Obama speaks about strengthening the economy for the middle class and the nations struggle with gun violence at an appearance at Hyde Park Academy, Feb. 15, in Chicago. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) by Darlene Superville Associated Press WriterCHICAGO (AP) — Pressing his case in the town that launched his political career, President Barack Obama called Friday for the government to take an active, wide-ranging role in ensuring every American has a "ladder of opportunity" into the middle class.