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Is furor over football coach's 'fascism' really a sign of Britain's progress?

Newly signed Sunderland manager Paulo Di Canio denied that he supported fascism, in response to criticism for past pro-fascism statements and straight-arm salutes he made as a player.
Africa warms to new Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

Members of Africa's largely conservative Anglican communion say Welby understands the challenges that the church faces on the continent and can stave off a schism.
Global News Blog Who is new Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby?

As a former oil executive turned Anglican bishop, the new archbishop followed an atypical path to leadership of the Church of England.
Can a former oil executive hold together the Anglican Church?

Justin Welby, appointed Archbishop of Canterbury today, is equipped to deal with the church's divisions, observers say, thanks to his corporate experience and charisma.
Mother gets 99 years for beating, gluing daughter: Has the US had it with bad parents?

Elizabeth Escalona, a 23-year-old mother of five, was sentenced to 99 years in prison after severely beating her daughter and gluing the girl’s hands to a wall. The sentence is one sign that society – and the courts – are taking child abuse more seriously.
As Anglican Church picks new leader, gay marriage weighs heavily

The Anglican Church makes its final recommendation to government for a new Archbishop of Canterbury this week. Whoever gets the nod will have to resolve the church's split on gay marriage.
Free speech vs. reverence for Muhammad: Can they coexist?

The violence in Egypt, Libya, and Yemen show the results of American ideals clashing with those of nascent Arab democracies. Caught in between are American Muslims.
Obama: Outsourcing is part of Romney's 'economic vision'

Speaking in Boston today, President Obama criticized Mitt Romney's economic plan, saying outsourcing is part of the former Massachusetts Governor's record. Romney's spokespeople say the president is attempting to divert attention from his own record.
Cover Story Employment solutions: Can a town’s good deeds lower unemployment?

The dollars and cents of good deeds: Communities with high social capital tend to have lower unemployment. Some seeking employment solutions see this altruistic glue as something to study.
Gay marriage now front and center in battleground states (+video)

President Obama's support for the unions has pushed the issue into the spotlight.
Obama, North Carolina at odds on gay marriage: Will it cost him the state? (+video)

Obama announced his support for gay marriage a day after North Carolina, which he won narrowly in 2008, voted for a constitutional ban on such unions. The Democratic convention is in Charlotte, but that's no guarantee.
Home-grown terror threat receding, but post-9/11 America remains on edge

The number of domestic terror cases fell to 20 in 2011, down from 26 in 2010 and 49 in 2009, according to a study released Wednesday. Yet for much of the public, anxieties remain high.
Mitt Romney's tithing: Do voters see it as very generous or very Mormon?

The strength of Romney's religious conviction now has a dollar sign attached to it. Will his tithing invigorate the unease that many Americans feel toward the Mormon church?
Obama visits New Hampshire, but is the state swinging against him?

President Obama talked about jobs and the economy Tuesday in this small but crucial state. His approval rating is 41 percent in New Hampshire – the lowest it's been since his first month in office.
Six Southern cookbooks

A round-up of recent cookbooks featuring new twists on traditional Southern tastes.
Can Rick Perry snatch the New Hampshire primary from Mitt Romney?

A new poll of likely voters in the New Hampshire GOP primary shows Mitt Romney at 36 percent, followed by Rick Perry at 18 percent. It was ‘a strong first showing’ for Mr. Perry, NH Journal said.
Seattle arrests show how domestic terror fight is evolving

The use of informants and sting operations has become a major tool in the fight against domestic terrorism, illustrated in the arrest of two men charged with plotting an attack on a military facility.
A Singular Woman: The Untold Story of Barack Obama’s Mother

Barack Obama's mother was bright, generous, ambitious, naive, and chronically disorganized – an unusual woman who broke the mold long before her son made history.
Defending Jared Lee Loughner: Will an insanity plea work?

If Jared Lee Loughner's defense attorney, Judy Clarke, decides on an insanity plea, many experts believe it will fail. The burden of proof that the defense bears in such cases has grown in recent years.
In 2011, better economic outlook – for some

Pundits predict healthy growth in 2011 and fewer unemployed. But housing and state budgets may struggle.
Census: Segregation hits 100-year lows in most American metro areas

New Census figures released Tuesday shows that 75 percent of US metro areas – most of them in the South and West – saw racial segregation drop to levels not seen for more than a century.
In Pictures: Best of Monitor Photography 2010 National
Autumn begins: Will weather pattern leave leaf-peepers blue?

On first day of autumn, thoughts often turn to the coming blaze of fall foliage. But in New England, an unusually hot and dry summer may portend a shorter, and paler display this year.
Gulf oil spill: After it hit beaches, where did it go?

Some crude from the Gulf oil spill has seeped into the sand. It may be altering ecosystems – 'for all time,' one expert says.
Elena Kagan: Would she turn Supreme Court into We the People?

Elena Kagan, if confirmed as the next Supreme Court justice, would shift the balance dramatically – with three women and a Jewish-Catholic bloc. So would the high court look like We the People?