Topic: Durham

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.

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?

Why US violent crime keeps falling

US crime rate is down: six key reasons

The crime rate fell last year across America, across all categories. Here, criminologists cite the key factors, which include better policing.

New England, a leader in creating jobs, stumbles. Should we worry?

Only four states lost jobs in April, according to the Department of Labor. All four were in New England.

More Americans on the move: why that's a good thing

More Americans moved last year than in 2008, according to the Census Bureau, suggesting that the economy is improving. But the mobility rate is still at historic lows.

Cairo's revered Al Azhar University now overshadowed by TV imams

Al Azhar’s edicts were once heeded from Morocco to Indonesia, but the Cairo institution has lost clout as TV imams are reaching larger audiences and Egypt’s President Mubarak has taken greater control. That's a problem for the regime as it braces for its biggest political transition in nearly 30 years.

The Protestant debate over justification: Here I stand.

Ignorance about how we get right with God has weakened the church. We must reassert that we're saved by faith alone.

Fort Hood: If Nidal Malik Hasan talks, will he live?

Prosecutors could throw Fort Hood shooter, Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, a lifeline in exchange for intelligence if any links to terrorist groups are confirmed.

Tapping Dumbledore's wisdom

A new campaign asks 'What would Dumbledore do?' as the latest 'Harry Potter' movie hits the screens.

Tuna’s plight is a problem the world must solve

Too many boats and technology that is too good mean that nations must cooperate to preserve tuna and other fish stocks.