Topic: Arkansas

Opinion: Hate-crime legislation would backfire

Prosecute violent criminals for their actions, not their ideas.

Where does Palin's exit leave GOP for 2012?

First, Sen. John Ensign and Gov. Mark Sanford admitted to having affairs. Friday, Palin left politics (for now). But the list of potential Republican candidates for the White House is still long.

Study: San Antonio is America's top recession-resistant city

Why Democrats relent on gun issues

They’ve allowed concealed-carry weapons in national parks, considered easing gun restrictions in the District of Columbia, and turned back a campaign pledge on gun-record transparency.

Why cover Obama's hamburger lunch? People like it.

Foreclose vs. resetting mortgages: the fight goes on

The Senate nears a vote on a bill to help ease the foreclosure crisis, as banking and real estate lobbies successfully resist efforts to let courts adjust terms of mortgages.

Shhhh... Joe Biden ditches work for baseball game in Baltimore

Roundup: Other countries' efforts to develop and support teachers

A recent study identified teaching-related areas in which nations with high student achievement tend to have an advantage over the US.

Great Depression icon meets the great recession

A modern visit to the nonfictional Sallisaw, Okla. – home of the fictional ‘Grapes of Wrath’ Joads

Controversial 'card check' bill back for fourth time

The business community says the bill, which makes it easier for workers to unionize, would be a job killer.

Financial Q&A: Credit cards used to build a house lead to big financial trouble

Submit your questions to Steve at: money@csmonitor.com

Alaska - a peony paradise?

In the Last Frontier. peonies mature at a time that no others in the world are blooming.

USA

A coal giant rethinks coal

Battered by the financial crisis and under pressure from environmental groups, the Houston-based energy giant Dynegy announced that it is abandoning plans to construct six coal-fired power plants.

Early tax planning can save you money

Changes in tax rules open the door to moves that may reduce your tax bill.

Political websites: Clocks that never stop.

The presidential election may be over, but those covering politics have plenty to write about.

Georgia’s US Senate runoff has broader political importance

The post-election vote could tighten Democrats’ grip on Capitol Hill while giving GOP stars a chance to shine.

Roads to Quoz: An American Mosey

William Least Heat-Moon takes another look at America's lesser-traveled roads.

McCain appears on Letterman show (for real)

USA

A history-making nomination for Obama, and America

Clinton, the first woman to credibly vie for a major-party presidential nomination, made the motion that gave the nod to the first black nominee.

Bill Clinton looms large at Obama’s party

His prime-time speech Wednesday is an opportunity to heal a Democratic rift.

Bid to allow guns in national parks

The Interior Department considers a proposal to lift a 25-year ban on concealed weapons in national parks.

Best tomato varieties in Masschusetts

Winners of the 2008 Massachusetts State Tomato Contest

Relief for consumers: prices falling

After soaring for months, prices for oil, rice, and other commodities are going down.