NEW YORK — Gary Haugen, founder and CEO of human rights organization International Justice Mission, recently visited the American Bible Society in NYC to talk with Gabe Lyons of Q Ideas about his new book, The Locust Effect: Why the End of Poverty Requires the End of Violence.

"Beneath the surface of the world's poorest communities, common violence — like rape, forced labor, illegal detention, land theft, police abuse and other brutality — has become routine and relentless. And like a horde of locusts devouring everything in their path, the unchecked plague of violence ruins lives, blocks the road out of poverty, and undercuts development," reads a publisher description of Haugen's The Locust Effect, co-written with Victor Boutros.

Haugen has led International Justice Mission for 17 years in its mission to protect the world's poorest and most vulnerable from violence, exploitation and oppression. Haugen, formerly a lawyer at the U.S. Department of Justice, saw the horrors of unchecked and systematic violence firsthand when he served as director of the U.N. investigative team in a post-genocide Rwanda. more >>

Biden's remarks clarify President Obama's declaration last month that "it's important" for pot legalization in Colorado and Washington to go forward and that marijuana is no more dangerous than alcohol. In light of these comments, Representative John Mica (R-Fla.) declared, "We have the most schizophrenic policy I have ever seen." more >>

The proceeds will help fight the rise of homelessness in Charlotte through the Social Impact Housing Fund, created to provide short-term rental assistance for families and veterans, and assist residents who earn less than 50 percent of the area's median income.

"I can't thank you enough for hearing my cry on the trail as I talked about how important this subject matter is to me," said Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon to Furtick in a video interview. "$300,000, that's a big deal and you do it with humbleness and without asking for anything back. Charlotte will be set up as a place for best practices, where we can be looked upon by other places in this country, if not the world." more >>

WASHINGTON – Catholic school experts discussed the twin goals of education reform at religious private schools, arguing that faith formation and high academic standards are equally important to a school's success.

A leader of a pro-Israel organization has expressed disapproval of President Barack Obama's statements at his State of the Union regarding the veto of new sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Christians United for Israel provided The Christian Post with comments from CUFI Exectuvie Director David Brog.

"I'm saddened that the president has declared his intention to oppose the will of a majority of the Senate and the House on Iran. His policy towards Iran isn't working and won't work," said Brog. more >>