Topic: Madison

Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: one of history's myths?

New research being published in "The Jefferson-Hemings Controversy" disputes claims that Thomas Jefferson fathered children with Sally Hemings.

Will Wisconsin recall clip Gov. Scott Walker's power? Three scenarios.

Political eyes around the nation are on Wisconsin today, as voters in six districts cast ballots in the third – and most critical – of four recall votes. The vote is widely seen as a referendum on the anti-union strategies of Republican Gov. Scott Walker, and thus has drawn interest – and funding – from across the country.

Blair Mountain II: The new battle over coal mining in West Virginia

Hundreds are marching to Blair Mountain in West Virginia to commemorate the coal miners who fought for their rights there 90 years ago – and to secure our future. Coal mining companies are raping our land with mountaintop removal, destroying what has nourished us for generations.

Can Obama, Congress meet minds to revamp No Child Left Behind?

A new version of No Child Left Behind may target only the bottom 5 percent of schools for intervention. For most schools, mandates based on student test scores would be rolled back.

7 history books worth checking out in 2011

Keep your eyes out for these new titles fit for both presidents and kings.

Where does the tea party philosophy come from? One hint is in its name.

Historians and political scientists will be examining the tea party movement for years. Some are starting to lay out what they see as the philosophical underpinnings of this unique insurgency.

Vincent Gray beats Adrian Fenty: What does it mean for school reform?

Michelle Rhee, the D.C. schools chancellor, launched aggressive school reforms under Mayor Adrian Fenty. But with Vincent Gray's win Tuesday, she'll probably be ousted.

Markets and government: intersection and interference

The American government is an adaptive system, but one which, inadvertently, is structured to grow by destructively feeding off other systems, particularly markets and firms.

New home sales plunge to record low

New home sales fall to an annual rate of 300,000, the lowest level since at least 1963.

Baby names have long-lasting effects, for better or worse

Plenty of research suggests the name chosen impacts a baby's life well into adulthood.

Obama's stature among Muslims slips over Israeli-Palestinian standoff

A year after Barack Obama's famous Cairo speech, failure to make headway in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has become a focal point for disappointment among Muslims. Sixty percent of Arabs say he's too weak to deliver a peace agreement.

No Child Left Behind: Obama overhaul takes flak from both parties

Education Secretary Arne Duncan took the Obama administration's plans for No Child Left Behind to Capitol Hill Wednesday. Lawmakers were pleased but also had tough questions.

China vs. America: Which government model will triumph?

If the 20th century was about the competition between democracy and totalitarianism, the 21st century pits the excesses of consumer democracy against capable governance with too little democratic accountability.

Tishman deal fails: sign of trouble in commercial real estate

Tishman sends its $5.3 billion investment in 11,000 apartments back to its bankers. The move involves two massive developments in Manhattan: Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village.

New Jersey governor's race: Obama’s 11th-hour pitch for Corzine

Corzine, the incumbent, is neck and neck with the Republican challenger in the New Jersey governor's race. Obama will make two appearances with Corzine Sunday.

Half Broke Horses

The author of ‘The Glass Castle’ spins a “true life novel’ around the life of her irrepressible grandmother.

The Magician's Elephant

A boy and an elephant yearn for home and family in Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo’s magical tale.

Al Capone Shines My Shoes

This sequel continues the adventures of the children whose parents work on Alacatraz Island.

When You Reach Me

There’s a mystery woven throughout this original tale of a teen and her troubled friendship.

Summer reading list

Mare's War

Two teens learn a lot about themselves – and American history – when they’re forced to spend the summer with their grandmother.