Topic: Massachusetts

BP oil spill update: Smooth sailing for 'top kill,' MMS director ousted

Even after the leaking well is permanently sealed, the Deepwater Horizon drama won't be anywhere near over. Just in Thursday's BP oil spill update, the MMS director is out, the spill is resized, and hearings proliferate on Capitol Hill.

The Monitor's View: Sen. Kerry makes his case for an energy bill

The Senate energy bill to cap carbon emissions is flawed and in trouble, but Kerry makes some important points about the bill he coauthored with Sen. Joe Lieberman.

Did BP intentionally 'low-ball' the extent of the Gulf oil spill?

US Geological Survey estimates on the flow of oil from the wrecked wellhead are more than double what BP has been claiming, leading some to accuse BP of misrepresenting the flow of oil to minimize fines.

Sen. John Kerry: an alternative to offshore oil drilling

Obama's National Security Strategy: Is 'I'm not Bush' ending?

As the Obama administration seeks to differentiate itself from its predecessor, it may risk playing down the role of 'hard power' too much. The National Security Strategy will be unveiled Thursday.

Counting the votes: Enough to repeal 'don't ask, don't tell'?

It appears as if Democrats will rally enough votes in the House to pass a repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell.' The situation in the Senate is less clear, though the bill seems set to get through committee.

Does your state have Google mojo?

Here are the Top 10 states with the most Google business mojo per capita.

Q&A with DNC Chairman Tim Kaine

Democratic National Committee chairman Tim Kaine discussed the DNC's strategy for the 2010 election at an April 28 Monitor Lunch.

Is Congress forcing Obama's hand on 'don't ask, don't tell' repeal?

President Obama and Defense Secretary Robert Gates wanted to move forward with a repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' more slowly. But Congress is pressing for a vote this week.

Secret Washington: Where to go to get away from the crowds

Who knew Washington has more than monuments and steakhouses? Among our top-secret spots: a grotto, a terrace with a view, and a gargoyle carved in the shape of Darth Vader.

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.

Is Haiti on the brink of another earthquake?

Scientists have found that the devastating Jan. 12 Haiti earthquake has placed stresses on the fault system beneath the island nation, which could lead to another major quake.

After Senate passage, what's next for financial reform bill?

Negotiations with the House over the final financial reform bill are expected to be more transparent than they were with health-care reform. Exemptions or special deals sought by industry lobbyists are likely to stir intense debate.

EPA scolds BP in Gulf oil spill: dispersant is too toxic, change it

After saying last week that it had no authority to tell BP which disperant to use for the Gulf oil spill, the EPA on Thursday told BP to switch dispersants to one that is less toxic.

Times Square bomb plot: Massachusetts man had suspect's phone number

Federal prosecutors said a Massachusetts man arrested last week on immigration charges had the phone number of the Times Square bombing suspect.

Harvard hoax: Adam Wheeler case points to rise of student fraud

Student Adam Wheeler is accused of masterminding a Harvard hoax, using fake documents to get into the university and secure financial aid. Student fraud is an growing problem, experts say.

PA-12: A template for Democrats in November election?

Democrat Mark Critz won the special election Tuesday in PA-12 – a Pennsylvania congressional district where President Obama has a 35 percent approval rating. In some ways, his campaign could be a model for Democrats in the November election.

Five lessons from Tuesday’s primary election results

Primary election results from Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Arkansas give a snapshot view of the state of the electorate.

Harvard student who is accused of falsifying records pleads not guilty

Adam Wheeler, a Harvard student from Delaware, pleads not guilty to larceny, identity fraud and other charges and ordered held on $5,000 bail Tuesday.

Opinion: Kagan, abortion, and the Supreme Court’s coming moment of truth on Roe v. Wade

A new Nebraska abortion law could make its way to the Supreme Court. Instead of using evolving medical science to redefine when life begins, the court must hold that the due process clause’s primary guarantee of life make abortion unconstitutional.

The War Lovers

When war was considered glorious.

Gulf oil spill: Has BP 'turned corner' with siphon success?

BP says its siphon is collecting one-fifth of the oil leaking into the Gulf of Mexico. But questions linger over BP's use of underwater dispersants in the Gulf oil spill.

Tuesday primaries: four crucial questions

The Tuesday primaries will be dominated by four key races in three states – Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Arkansas. On election eve, here is the central question to each race.

Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan: Will her own words bite her?

Republicans are already throwing the words of Elena Kagan back at her. She once called Supreme Court nominee hearings 'vapid.' GOP senators are challenging her to open up.

Republicans aim for a Scott Brown-style upset in Pennsylvania

Republicans are gunning for the House seat of the late Democratic Rep. John Murtha in Pennsylvania. They hope Tuesday's special election will replicate Scott Brown's 'Massachusetts miracle.'