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Thomas Jefferson: 16 quotes on his birthday

Here are 16 quotes to mark the birthday of American founding father Thomas Jefferson.
Briefing
Roe v. Wade at 40: Six questions about abortion rights

On Tuesday, the United States marks the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the historic US Supreme Court decision that granted women the right to an abortion. Here is a look at the state of abortion rights in America today.
Gender pay gap: Top 5 best and worst states

The pay gap between men and women has steadily narrowed during the past few decades. Women earned 77 cents for every dollar men earned in 2011, compared with 59 cents in 1963. Here is a look at states with biggest and smallest gender pay gaps today.
Top 5 bullying myths

We all know that bullying is wrong but you may know even less about bullying than you originally thought. Monitor correspondent Stephanie Hanes debunks 5 popular misconceptions.
Penn State football: A dozen questions as the post-Paterno era begins

This year will be the most closely watched football season in the history of Penn State. The post-Paterno era comes with many questions. Here are 12.

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Q&A with Rep. Van Hollen

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen discussed House Democrats' strategy for the 2010 election at a May 24 Monitor Breakfast.
New public school 'core standards': Which states might not sign on?

The core standards unveiled Wednesday would establish a national bar for what students in any state should know when they graduate from high school. But some states are wary.
BP Gulf oil spill: Congress zeroes in on federal oversight

Was the government adequately monitoring the drilling by the Deepwater Horizon? Is the government too cozy with the industry it's regulating? Lawmakers of both parties want answers following the Gulf oil spill.
'Tea party' a 'double-edged sword' for GOP, top Democrat says

Rep. Chris Van Hollen, the head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, says Republicans have a more engaged voting base, thanks to the 'tea parties.' But the GOP's shift to the right could hurt it in the general election, he says.
Opinion: Politicians in Congress should serve you, not rich contributors

'Fair Elections' reform would allow public servants like those in Congress to focus on policy, not fundraising.
Economy top issue of 2010 elections, says House Democrats' Van Hollen

Though data show the economy is on the mend, voters' perception ahead of the 2010 elections is that it is still struggling, says Rep. Chris Van Hollen, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
5 gripping real-life adventure stories

Five paperbacks that will make excellent summer reading.
Opinion: Gulf spill: What oil habits will you change?

I'm not an activist. But the BP oil spill prompted to me to commit to using less petroleum.
Arlen Specter out, Rand Paul advances, Blanche Lincoln fights on

Tuesday's primaries signal a restless electorate unwilling to follow the behest of either party establishment. Sen. Arlen Specter lost in Pennsylvania. 'Tea party' pick Rand Paul is GOP's Senate candidate in Kentucky. Sen. Blanche Lincoln faces a runoff in Arkansas.
At Gulf oil spill hearing, plenty of blame, not many answers

Senators grilling executives from the companies at the center of the Gulf oil spill tried to discern why fail-safe systems failed and why the spill has gotten out of hand. They got few answers.
Not-so-free iced coffee day at Dunkin Donuts

Dunkin Donuts free iced coffee day turns out to be limited in scope this year.
After Arizona, why are 10 states considering immigration bills?

The Arizona immigration law set off a national powder keg. But state lawmakers are not shying away from the issue – and some appear to be inspired by Arizona.
Romaine lettuce recall 2010: Stores offer refunds

In the wake of a romaine lettuce recall, Kroger, Giant Eagle, Ingles Markets say they'll refund customers who return salads made with the suspect lettuce.
Lettuce recall: Avoid these romaine salads

The lettuce recall involves romaine 'grab and go' salads sold at in-store salad bars and delis in Kroger, Giant Eagle, Ingles Markets, and Marsh stores.
Roses: Disease-resistant rose power for any garden

The award-winning Kordes Vigorosa series of roses promises long blooming times with minimal maintenance.
What will Washington do about the Arizona immigration law?

The Arizona immigration law takes center stage in Washington after Gov. Jan Brewer signed a bill Friday that makes it a crime to be in the United States illegally.
Steny Hoyer: immigration reform not more urgent than energy bill

Steny Hoyer, the No. 2 Democrat in the House, says new reports about a push for immigration reform don't mean Congress will put an energy bill on the back burner.
A simple way to water orchids

Want to know when to water your orchid? Here's a simple solution.
Opinion: McDonnell Confederate history storm: slavery, treason, and true Southern courage

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s controversial proclamation of Confederate History Month should help us remember the South’s rebellion for what it really was.
Obama's new offshore drilling plan won't cut gas prices

President Obama announced Wednesday he will open parts of the southern Atlantic coast and Alaska to offshore drilling. But don't look for gas prices to fall.
A rose thorn by any other name

Maybe a rose is a rose is a rose, but a rose thorn isn't a thorn at all. It's a prickle.
Earth Hour 2010 aims to get 1 billion to turn off the lights

For this year's Earth Hour, set for 8:30 p.m. Saturday, more businesses and governments are expected to take part in the campaign to turn off the lights. The aim: at least 1 billion participants.
Healthcare reform's politics of anger: GOP fights back

Some Democrats have been attacked or threatened over passage of healthcare reform. Now, GOP leaders are fighting back against suggestions that their party is somehow responsible.
ACORN sliding toward bankruptcy?

Embattled housing advocacy group ACORN could announce bankruptcy, officials say, after a raft of state chapters disbanded.
Iraq and Afghanistan: America's invisible wars

After seven years in Iraq and nine in Afghanistan, residents of York, Pa., talk about how the wars have become like a screen saver: always there but rarely acknowledged.