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The article focuses on Kansas Department of Transportation's (KDOT) efforts to address congestion issues on Kansas State Highway 96 (K-96) in Wichita, Kansas through a significant expansion project. Topics discussed include K-96's importance, the involvement of a technical advisory group (tiger team), and the innovative use of diverging diamond interchanges (DDIs) to improve traffic flow and safety.

Home-price gains in the US slowed in July due to high mortgage rates and an increase in inventory. The national measure of prices rose 5% from the previous year, which was smaller than the 5.5% increase in June. Despite the slowdown, prices still reached a record high for the 14th consecutive time. The supply of homes on the market increased by 14% from the previous year, and sales have been subdued. The Federal Reserve's recent interest-rate cut may help lower mortgage costs and stimulate the housing market. [Extracted from the article]

Mortgage rates in the US have reached their lowest level since February 2023, with the average rate for a 30-year fixed loan at 6.09%. This decline in rates is due to anticipated interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, which announced a half-point reduction on Wednesday. While the immediate impact on the housing market may be minimal, experts are optimistic that lower loan costs will attract more buyers and sellers, addressing the current shortage of inventory. Autumn is traditionally a slower time for the housing market, making it a potentially opportune time for house hunters to find a deal before the market becomes more competitive. [Extracted from the article]

The article looks at Olympic and Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius's February 2013 alleged murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in the context of social and economic trends in South Africa. It discusses the country's high rates of violent crime, including murder, rape, and domestic violence, citing its high level of social and economic stratification, largely along racial lines, as a factor. Topics include Pistorius's personal history, including becoming a double amputee as a baby, South Africa's private security industry, and political and labor unrest in the country.

The article discusses the French military intervention against Islamist militants in Mali in January 2013, with a focus on its military strategy to combat terrorism in the region. Topics include the history of French military missions and political aims in Africa, the background of the Malian militants and their links to Algeria, the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram, and terrorist organization al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and how the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have assisted the intervention with technology, intelligence, and troops.

The article discusses economic growth in Africa's developing countries as of December 2012, with a focus on Africa's future. Topics include the social and political activism of a group of street artists led by the photographer Boniface Mwangi; the development of the high-technology industry in African cities including Nairobi, Kenya; and corruption in political leadership in Africa. Foreign investments in technology companies are discussed, along with the changing social demographics due to greater political freedoms and access to education.

The article discusses a search by U.S. filmmakers and numerous special operations forces for African war criminal Joseph Kony, the leader of the Ugandan guerilla group known as the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). According to the article, the town of Obo, Central African Republic has witnessed an increase in its population as people descend on the region in search of Kony. The U.S. advocacy group Invisible Children and its film "Kony 2012" are both mentioned. The diplomatic attempts to capture Kony which were initiated by former U.S. President George W. Bush and U.S. President Barack Obama are both examined. A timeline of Kony-related events from 1986 through 2011 is also provided.

The article focuses on the African National Congress (ANC), the liberation revolutionary movement that began in South Africa by founders Thomas Maphikela and Nelson Mandela. Information is provided on the annual ANC celebration held in Bloemfontein, South Africa, which aims to further equality. It is noted that even though apartheid ended in 1994, the country is marked by a racial divide due to enduring prejudice and economic inequality. The author explores how the ANC-led government has been marked by corruption and abuses of power.

The article reports on an antimalaria campaign in Africa and the business model of humanitarian aid. Companies such as ExxonMobil and AngloGold Ashanti recognized that controlling malaria is in their financial interest and contributed millions of dollars to protect their workers. The cycle of illness and poverty caused by the mosquito carrying disease is mentioned. The question of whether global aid, which is about $120 billion per year, works to prevent malaria and save lives is discussed. The countries that account for a majority of malaria cases and most deaths from the disease are noted. The effectiveness of nets in preventing malaria is also noted.

The article discusses, from a political perspective, a famine in Somalia that is causing severe malnutrition in children and death, especially in the southern region of the African country. The United States and United Nations allies' strategy against Islamic terrorists, as well as drought and climate change, are blamed for creating conditions for famine. Background information is given about the lawlessness in Somalia which allows piracy and terrorist activity and about the Transitional Federal Government. The U.S.' withholding of food aid in the al-Shabab territory in 2009 is discussed.

The article focuses on the ongoing conflict in the Sudan region despite the division of Sudan into two countries on July 9, 2011. It states that on June 26, 2011 a Sudanese air force plain dropped five 45-gallon barrels of oil attached to explosives, killing 12 people. It mentions Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir has proclaimed northern Sudan will be a monolithic Islamic state under Shari'a law. Sudan specialist Jehanne Henry at Human Rights Watch said that it appears certain war crimes are being committed. The article comments that witnesses report rebel supporters in the Sudan People's Liberation Army are being rounded up and shot. It talks about South Sudan's constitution that appears to concentrate power in the central government.

The article discusses increases in rates of rhinoceros horn poaching in South Africa despite a ban on international horn trade by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). The African white rhinoceros had overcome extinction but is at risk due to high levels of poaching in South Africa, which contains the majority of the world's rhinoceros population, despite police attempts to arrest poachers. The article attributes the increase in poaching to increased interest in traditional medicine in Vietnam, where rhinoceros horn is reputed to cure cancer, and China. The author discusses rhinoceros breeding programs in China that provide horns to pharmaceutical companies and new tools to harvest horns from live rhinoceroses.

The article discusses Libyan president Muammar Gaddafi and his determination to maintain power at all costs. According to the author, Gaddafi, who dispatched tanks and jet fighters against protesters in Libya, killing hundreds, has refused to give up his position of power quietly, such as Egypt's president Hosni Mubarak. Topics include Gaddafi's response to civil uprisings, such as ban on foreign media, the reaction of world leaders to Gaddafi and his cruelty, and why a Libyan civil war would be a humanitarian disaster for the rest of the world.

The article discusses the future of the Republic of Sudan and a January 9, 2011 political referendum that will dictate whether it splits into 2 countries, north and south. The article questions whether a new nation will be born in peace or if war will result. Sudan's geographic location between Africa and Arabia is pointed to in explaining the differences in culture, race, and religion that exist in the north and south of Sudan. Worldwide effects of a prospective war in Sudan are discussed, noting refugees who will leave Sudan and economic interests in Sudan's natural resources.

The article looks at technological innovations which are helping to improve the health, economic, and social conditions of developing countries in Africa's desert regions. The author comments on how climate changes have led to droughts that have extended the desert areas. Wars in countries such as Somalia and Sudan are discussed, noting how similar they are to the competition between tribes for natural resources such as livestock or land. The economic conditions of desert regions are reviewed. Projects to restore farming lands in Africa are also discussed.

The article discusses the illicit diamond trade from the Marange Seam diamond fields in Mutare, Zimbabwe from the perspective that mining is keeping the country's dictator Robert Mugabe in power. The outlook for Mugabe to share power with the Movement for Democratic Change party leader Morgan Tsvangirai is mentioned. Global efforts to eliminate blood diamonds, the Kimberley Process regulatory agency of the diamond trade, and the Global Witness natural-resource protection agency are discussed. The owner of the Marange mines, African Consolidated Resources company, claims the Kimberley Process certifies stolen diamonds.

The article describes efforts to combat Malaria in Africa. The Lake Kwania region of Uganda is home to a deadly subspecies of mosquito, Anopheles funestus, which has caused thousands of deaths a year in the region, most of whom are children. According to the organization Malaria No More, founded by Ray Chambers, malaria costs Africa 12 billion dollars a year and thus making gains in prevention and treatment would boost the economy, health and development of Africa. Well-run anti-malaria campaigns have resulted in malaria cases being reduced by half in nine African countries since 2000. According to the article, government corruption and financial mismanagement in some African nations often result in allocated funds not being used for appropriate malaria prevention and treatment.

The article discusses the role soccer has played in South African politics and society. In the 1960's South Africa's Robben Island served as a prison during the nation's long period of apartheid and the prison soccer field became a symbol of the struggle for racial equality and human rights. The 2010 World Cup soccer tournament is an opportunity for South Africa to combat negative global perceptions about the country resulting from record levels of poverty, unemployment and violent crime. According to South African President Jacob Zuma, the 2010 World Cup will demonstrate to the world that South Africa is a capable country which is equal to all others.

The article discusses extremism in Somalia, the al-Shabab Islamist group led by Sheik Fuad Mohamed Shangole, and its allegiance to terrorist leader Osama bin Laden. Refugees from Somalian war have settled throughout the globe and are said to be evidence of the reach of al-Shabab. U.S. military action taken against al-Shabab leaders is noted. The threats represented by al-Shabab and the Taliban are compared.

The article discusses the African nation of Zimbabwe, its history, government, economy, social conditions, and uncertain future. It reports on the ruthless reign of Zimbabwe's first and only President Robert Mugabe and his role in the country's economic disintegration. It discusses the emergence of Morgan Tsvangirai as Prime Minister after Mugabe and his Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) refused to accept Tsvangirai's victory in the March 2008 general election.

The article discusses the South African parliamentary and presidential election on April 22, 2009, and how the African National Congress (ANC) party is expected to win a fourth consecutive term. The author describes how the ANC, the party of leader Nelson Mandela, has been affected by scandal, infighting, and the financial crisis. The article describes the affect of the economic crisis on the country's Eastern Cape and why it has not been alleviated by the ANC.

The article discusses the United Nations' 2005 World Summit "responsibility to protect" resolution, R2P, and its implementation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It describes the history of the ethnic conflict and examines the role MONUC, French acronym for United Nations Observer Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is taking to help secure civilians. The author raises questions about MONUC's effectiveness, the ability to implement R2P and its ability to resolve problems.

The article discusses the political and social turmoil in Somalia and examines why this turmoil is spreading beyond Somalia's borders. Details about the piracy and war which are prevalent in Somalia are provided. The challenges facing aid workers in Somalia are described and the rise in Somalian refugees appearing in countries such as Yemen and Kenya is also explored.

The article discusses Baptist minister Rick Warren. His political activity, religious leanings, and goals for the U.S. are discussed. His Global Peace Plan is also mentioned, which is a program with the goal of empowering churches to handle health care, literacy, leadership training, and economic development. Warren's August 2008 meeting with the 2008 presumptive U.S. presidential candidates will give them an opportunity to discuss their views on issues including poverty and human rights.

The article discusses the hunger situation in East Africa, specifically in Ethiopia. The role of U.S. aid for food supplies and HIV/AIDS medicine is mentioned. Also discussed is a program launched in 2005 that would supply Ethiopians with employment so that they could afford to buy food grown by Ethiopian farmers instead of relying free food from foreign aid.

The article discusses the social and sexual behavior of the endangered African apes known as bonobos, found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Congolese government created a nature reserve for bonobos and other endangered species in November, 2007. Conservationist André Tusumba notes the importance of involving local human communities with conservation efforts.

The article discusses violence in the African nation of Kenya, following the December 2007 presidential election. On January 1, 2008 an armed mob attacked men, women, and children for money before setting fire to the church were many had taken shelter and killing 35 people. Survivors recognized the mob as neighbors and friends. Violence has stemmed from a civilian coup by President Mwai Kibaki's tribe the Kikuyu. INSET: What's at Stake.

The article reports on the rising violence and incidence of Islamic terrorism in Somalia. Focus is given to steps the United States has taken to subdue the worry in the region, including the creation of a military base opened in Djibouti in 2002, as well as air strikes which are being used to eradicate the al-Qaeda leadership hiding within Africa. Article topics include Ethiopian soldiers in Somalia, regional war, and government conflicts.

The article presents lists regarding the countries which are seeing the most growth in business and the countries which have the highest competitiveness ranking.

This article presents an inside view of conditions in Zimbabwe after twenty years of rule by Robert Mugabe. The author reports being arrested and describes his detention in a Zimbabwe prison and in a country with no cars on the road, products in the store, employment, electricity or food. He contrasts the country that boasted having the best education and health programs in Africa to its current status as having the lowest mortality in the world.

This article discusses China as a growing world power. The article notes that China's economy has grown by leaps and bounds during the 21st century, and speculates as to whether China will eventually challenge the United States as one of the world's leading military powers as well. The article also discusses China's history.

The article discusses Bombay, India, the country's biggest city. The author suggests that Bombay represents modern India and globalization in general. The city's problems, such as infrastructure, government, inequality, corruption, and crime, are examined. Bombay's entrepreneurs and businesses are also looked at. INSET: 10 WAYS INDIA IS CHANGING THE WORLD.

Reports on the devastation in Pakistan and India from the October 8, 2005 earthquake whose epicenter was in Kashmir, a region under cease-fire since 2003. Efforts of both India and Pakistan to send aid to remote villages; Estimation of the death toll and the number of homeless; Factors contributing to the delay in disaster relief reaching towns such as Balakot; Indication that thousands of volunteers and militant Islamic groups were among the first responders.

Looks at Condoleezza Rice and her dazzling of audiences abroad. Evidence that the new Secretary of State has consolidated her power as the chief exponent of the Administration's foreign policy; Belief her best asset is her direct line to President George W. Bush with whom she is very close; Actions she has taken to calm the U.S. position towards Hizballah in Lebanon and leading the push for reform in the Middle East.

Reports on the relief efforts in Asia following the December 26, 2004 tsunami. Efforts of aid workers who are rushing to beat disease and hunger which threaten as many lives as the tsunami itself; Challenges involved in providing relief, such as language barriers, and civil wars in parts of some Asian nations; Extent of the outpouring of charity from individuals and governments worldwide; Overall analysis of the relief effort.

Discusses how governments, NGOs, private charities, and individual donors have taken efforts to contribute to the relief efforts in the areas of Southeast Asia which were drastically affected by the tsunami. Consideration of how the U.S. government and President George W. Bush received criticism for only pledging $15 million in his initial announcements; How websites such as Amazon.com.Oxfam has raised millions of dollars to be used by the Red Cross and other aid programs; Warning from the U.N. World Health Organization that millions of people will face life-threatening situations unless aid is delivered timely and effectively; Importance of avoiding diseases such as malaria or dengue among the survivors; Role of the United Nations in delegating tasks associated with the relief efforts; Consideration of how it will take a long time for aid workers to assess the damage and repair the communities.

Presents images of the tsunami disaster across Asia and offers observations on how Red Cross and other aid workers are taking efforts to help the living and bury the dead. Reference to how the earthquake off the western coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra sent shock waves which caused the death of over 120,000 people; Consideration of the estimated death counts in India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand; Development of numerous funds from public and private sources worldwide to deliver water, food, and medicine to those still in danger; How the U.S. Pentagon sent the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and 11 warships loaded with supplies to help the relief effort on the coast of Sumatra; Impact of the tsunami on the tens of thousands of tourists who were on the beaches of Southeast Asia on vacation; Details about the tsunami early-warning systems in the Pacific and whether or not the deaths could have been prevented.

Describes the chaos, violence, looting, freedom, and jubilation in Iraq after the collapse of the Saddam Hussein regime in Baghdad. Rumors that Saddam has survived the bombings; Disappearance of the Baath Party enforcers and official communications; The search by United States soldiers for weapons of mass destruction; Relations between the Iraqis and the liberating soldiers; The challenge of planning humanitarian and postwar efforts; Discussion of setting up a government authority that will support democracy, installing a legitimate army, and recruiting a police force; Efforts to prevent looting; Statistics of the war in Iraq.

Focuses on the message U.S. President George W. Bush is trying to convey with respect to the war in Iraq while the American public and press question the progress made and military preparedness. Discussion of the administration's new message about resolve; View of the progress made by coalition forces as being stalled by guerrilla attacks and sand storms; Discussion of the expectations of the administration when entering the war; Recount of press conference.

Describes the allied bombing attack on Iraq which destroyed military and government installations in Baghdad. How the original plan was pre-empted due to an intelligence report that pinpointed the location of a bunker used by Saddam Hussein; Details of how ground troops invaded southern Iraq; Outlook for resistance from Saddam's Republican Guard units; Discussion of the decision of United States President George W. Bush to target Saddam directly; Impact of aerial bombardment and propaganda. INSETS: THE TOP GUNS OF A DYING REGIME;BOMBING IRAQ;HIGH-TECH BRUTE FORCE.

Presents a view from the front lines with soldiers preparing to do battle with Iraq. Description of Kuwait's northern border, which has several thousands of U.S. and British troops preparing for war; Training exercises in which the troops are participating; Indications that the troops have finished intense training and are ready to begin the battle.

Discusses the United States strategy in executing a war on Iraq. Goals of armed forces within the first week of a military campaign that the U.S. hopes will convince the Iraqi military that resistance is futile; Comments from Army General Tommy Franks about the preparedness of soldiers; How the military strategy plans to use smart bombs in defeating Iraq. INSET: SEIZING KEY OBJECTIVES.

Evaluates the U.S. war in Afghanistan. Belief that the combat phase of the war is over; Remarkable aspects of the defeat of the Taliban, including the speed, precision and few U.S. casualties of the war; Number of U.S. and British troops; Continued search for Osama bin Laden; Difficulties for the stabilization of Afghanistan; Flaws in the U.S. strategy; Damage to the al-Qaeda infrastructure; Casualties of Afghan civilians; Peacekeeping efforts.