Violence and state laws are hurdles for religious freedom in India

India's Hindu, Muslim and Christian populations are experiencing unease in states where religious practices often incite violence. I wrote in September's issue of Columbia about how, in certain parts of the country, inter-religious violence and state laws that are criminalizing some charitable activities have a deep effect.

Literacy nonprofit adapts to changing demands

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Rajae Anabi walks to the Rose Center on Ashmun Street three times a week to participate in a small, two-hour class in conversational English.
Anabi, one of the center's many new students, left Morocco and came to the United States because she wanted to study and work here. She applied and, to her surprise, was granted a 10-year visa. A registered anesthesia nurse in Morocco, she hopes to pass an equivalency test that would enable her to work here as a nurse. Wearing a blue hijab and carrying a small library of books in her arms, Rajae Anabi took time to practice her English in front of a microphone and share her story.

New Haven basketball camp says, 'No books, no ball'

Basketball players from throughout New Haven gathered for the final day of the 18th annual Hot Shots Basketball Camp at James Hillhouse High School. Tyrese Sullivan, Jason Burgo and Tayvon Allen talk about the camp and basketball in the city.

New Hillhouse principal readies 4 “academies”

On Sept. 1, New Haven schools will reopen after a long summer nap. James Hillhouse High School, on Sherman Avenue in New Haven, will reopen, but it didn't get its nap this summer. The New Haven Independent picked up my story about Hillhouse's new principal who worked with his staff this summer to turn one high school into four academies, raising the bar for the city's public high school students.

New Haven housing center expands

Demand for services rises nearly tenfold.

New Haven's Neighborhood Housing Services expanded its center for home ownership in June. I spoke with Patricia Hinds about how her home was foreclosed upon, how she was scammed by a fake loan-mod company, and how she got back on her feet.

Interview with Devon Cooper

I met up with Devon Cooper on Shelton Avenue in New Haven. He was sitting with a friend on the front porch. This two-minute profile tells a few things about him.

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Vatican satellites powered by generous Knights

I wrote in December about the Vatican's satellite uplink program and how the Knights of Columbus provided much of the material support to get the program off the ground. The Knights continue to keep the program funded, and a spokesperson for the Pontifical Council for Social Communications looks to the future of the program.