Topic: Alabama
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Focus
The Monitor's top 11 US stories of 2012
From storms to politics, the year was a wild ride. What are the most meaningful US stories of 2012? Here's the Monitor's list, in roughly chronological order.
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Zig Ziglar: 10 quotes from the motivational author
Ziglar died Nov. 28, 2012 after penning many self-help books and speaking around the country. Here are 10 quotes from the author.
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Election 2012: top seven super PACs
Decoder profiles the seven top super PACs, the organizations that have spent the most trying to influence the elections – and still have the most money in the bank.
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20 banned books that may surprise you
The following books may seem harmless to most readers, but they all made it onto banned books lists at one time or another.
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F. Scott Fitzgerald: 10 quotes on his birthday
Here are 10 memorable quotes from America's great 20th-century author F. Scott Fitzgerald.
All Content
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Declaring His Genius
In his 1882 lecture tour of the US and Canada, Irish wit Oscar Wilde let his clothing and set design do half the work.
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House Republicans' 'fiscal cliff' gripe: When will we ever get spending cuts? (+video)
What riles House Republicans isn't the taxes on the rich in the Senate's 'fiscal cliff' bill, it's the absence of significant spending cuts. But changes at this late date could scuttle the bill.
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GOP governors waver on Obamacare
Republican governors like Rick Scott in Florida, and Chris Christie in New Jersey, are struggling on how to handle President Barack Obama's remake of the health insurance market. While some have said they won't set up state-run exchanges, others say they're open to having a 'conversation.'
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The Last Lion: Defender of the Realm
Despite some noteworthy shortcomings, Paul Reid's examination of the last third of Churchill's life gives us the British statesman in all his robust complexity.
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Christmas snow storm kills 3, tornadoes knock out power in South (+video)
A snow storm caused flights across the country to be cancelled. Three died, and many were injured in dangerous highway conditions and as trees fell on homes. In the South, tornadoes left 100,000 without power on Christmas Day.
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The Monitor's View: Take steroids out of college football
An in-depth investigation shows that despite avowals to the contrary, college football programs are rife with the use of illegal steroids. A tougher stand is needed.
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Cover Story
Who's filling America's church pewsIn Puritan New England, Protestant and Catholic churches are declining while evangelical and Pentecostal groups are rising. Why the nation's most secular region may hint at the future of religion.
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Is the NRA push for guns in schools crazy? It depends on where you live.
Reaction to the NRA’s controversial proposal to have armed guards in all schools illustrates the regional divide over guns – how and even whether to control the nation’s private arsenal.
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Midwest blizzard leaves some stranded
Blizzard conditions in the midwest on Thursday delayed holiday travelers and caused hazardous conditions on the roads. Despite the inconvenience, some were glad to see the snow.
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Sandy Hook shooting: why Obama is acting fast (+video)
President Obama announced a White House-led effort that will send a proposal to Congress in a matter of weeks, focusing on firearms as well as mental health, school safety, and law enforcement.
- Focus
The Monitor's top 11 US stories of 2012
From storms to politics, the year was a wild ride. What are the most meaningful US stories of 2012? Here's the Monitor's list, in roughly chronological order.
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Stir It Up!
The rise of independent cheesemakersArtisanal cheesemakers represent a new version of an old American dream: people making living doing what they want, where they want, on their own land. An MIT anthropologist looks inside the growing world of do-it-yourself American cheesemakers.
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Geminid meteor shower peaks tonight: When to watch for falling stars
A new and as-yet unnamed meteor shower may also make an appearance tonight, ramping up the celestial display even further.
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How does US compare in math, science, reading? Younger students do better.
Two international studies show fourth- and eighth-grade scores in math, science, and reading in 2011. In the US, there’s no cause for alarm, or celebration.
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Obama's Medicaid expansion: How many states are likely to rebel?
The Supreme Court ruled that states do not have to abide by the expansion of Medicaid under President Obama's health-care law. There are strong economic arguments on both sides.
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Michigan to join 'right to work' states. A blow to unions?
Michigan is set to become the 24th state with a 'right to work' law prohibiting unions from collecting fees from nonunion workers. Data on such laws' economic impact are mixed.
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Does Bush's immigration speech signal Latinos' new clout?
Developments in recent days, including the speech by former President Bush and an Illinois bill to issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, suggest a shift in attitudes on immigration issues.
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'Stand your ground' laws: Do they put teens in greater danger?
Three shooting deaths in the past week raise questions about whether prank-prone and reckless teens are particularly vulnerable under states' 'castle doctrine' and 'stand your ground' laws.
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Zig Ziglar: 10 quotes from the motivational author
Ziglar died Nov. 28, 2012 after penning many self-help books and speaking around the country. Here are 10 quotes from the author.
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Sandy recovery claims mount. How much will a divided Congress pay? (+video)
Congress may be wrangling over the 'fiscal cliff,' but budget experts are confident that both parties will agree to provide billions in Sandy recovery aid sought by Northeastern governors.
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Focus
Obamacare countdown: States all over the map on insurance marketsStates have until Dec. 14 to decide whether they will implement their own insurance exchanges under 'Obamacare' or have the federal government do it. Many governors have already refused to set up exchanges.
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With GOP lawmakers flouting anti-tax pledge, is Norquist losing power? (+video)
Several senior Republicans are breaking ranks with Grover Norquist, and are willing to consider raising more money through taxes as part of a deal with Democrats to avoid a catastrophic budget meltdown.
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Death threats against Obama: Did Florida cop 'fan flames'?
Many offhand death threats against President Obama, including several by US police, are leading to public scrutiny and concern – even if they are not leading to legal action.
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Violent dolphin deaths: $5,000 reward to find their attackers (+video)
Violent dolphin deaths are on the rise in the Gulf of Mexico. The violent attacks on dolphins include bullet wounds and hacked off fins. Five dolphin deaths are from gunshot wounds.
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BP to pay $4.5 billion in fines for Gulf oil spill. Is legal saga over?
A deal on federal criminal charges helps bring legal action over the Gulf oil spill nearer a conclusion. But many more claims remain – totaling perhaps tens of billions of dollars.
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