Topic: Mount Holyoke College

Castros say they knew nothing of Cleveland kidnappings. How is that possible?

Members of the Castro family say they saw signs that Ariel Castro was hiding a dark secret. But in dysfunctional families, people often don't ask questions 'because you don’t want to know the answer,' one expert says.

Oregon fourth graders wax philosophical about nature of work

Students in a fourth grade classroom in Eugene, Ore. are tackling tough questions about the ethics and values of work in discussions led by University of Oregon philosophy students. 

Briefing: How violent is South Africa?

The prosecution say Oscar Pistorius murdered his girlfriend. He says he shot her in mistaken self-defense, taking her for a burglar. Whatever the truth, the case has put a spotlight on crime in South Africa.

Cover Story The Mars mystique

After 50 years of missions to Mars, scientists are unlocking some of the mysteries surrounding a planet that has captivated mankind for millenniums. Will ­humans ever leave a boot print on Mars?

Could man linked with anti-Islam film be in trouble with the law? (+video)

Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, the man at the center of the controversy over an anti-Islam film, is on probation and has been questioned by federal officials. It is unclear whether he violated the terms of his parole, but if he did, he could face jail.

Karen Lewis: Fiery Chicago Teachers Union chief takes on wrath of Rahm (+video)

An Ivy League union organizer with deep ties to Chicago's community activists, Karen Lewis is emerging as the new face of resistance to a national education reform movement. She's a match for Mayor Rahm Emanuel's storied temper, backers say.

Did Mars have ancient oceans? Maybe not, new study says. (+video)

Clay deposits on Mars have been seen as evidence that the planet once had a warm, wet climate. But a new study suggests the clay could have volcanic origins.

Why Mars rover will be blasting its heat ray as it searches for life

The Mars rover Curiosity, which is due on the Red Planet next week, is outfitted with an infrared laser and telescope package called ChemCam that will vaporize bits of rock to study its chemical makeup.

Opinion: Yemen loses a dictator, but not his shadow

Yemen elected a new president this week, but one of the conditions for the vote was complete amnesty for the ousted longtime dictator, Ali Abdullah Saleh. Whether that amnesty will eventually be overturned has implications for Yemen, and other dictators in the region.

Kraken monster ruled ancient seas? Scientists wary of new theory.

Kraken skeptics say a new theory proposing the existence of a real-life 200-million-year-old Kraken sea monster involves too much inference and guesswork to be serious science.

Kraken lair? Paleontologist identifies giant sea monster's bone heap.

Kraken lair: A paleontologist says that the arrangement of and markings on bones of giant sea creatures in a Nevada desert indicates that they were devoured by a giant mollusc.

Opinion: Budget battle: Four points of advice from Ike

We can only begin to imagine the depth of the political fissures once Congress seriously addresses our budget challenges as opposed to punting tough compromises down the road with last-minute, stop-gap spending bills. Just consider the intensity of the heat generated today over the Republicans’ continued resolve to cut “only” $100 billion from President Obama’s proposed budget for this year, which still would leave a massive deficit in excess of $1.4 trillion. Ultimately, Americans must consider a painful, indelicate balance of much larger spending cuts along with tax increases, coupled with the need for crucial investments in our nation’s future. In confronting these agonizing political choices, both parties, and the electorate, would benefit from advice from “Ike.” Such advice can be found in President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s memorable (though little remembered) radio and television address on taxes in 1954. The address was delivered on March 15, which was Tax Day back then. Its value lies not in its details but in what he said about the government’s role domestically, about sound budgeting, and about being a “good American.” These words, from a Republican, challenged listeners then regardless of party, as they will challenge listeners today. Mount Holyoke College tax-policy scholar John O. Fox gives us Ike's four critical pieces of advice.

Triangle Shirtwaist fire: Why it inspires plays and poetry readings 100 years later

A defining moment of labor history, the deadly fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York remains a powerful touchstone even after 100 years.

Opinion: The real intern scandal: working without pay privileges the privileged

As the Obama administration tightens intern rules, the rise of unpaid internships is giving a leg up to those who can afford to work for free.

The White House’s ‘ironic’ Mao moment? Glenn Beck doesn’t get it.

You just knew the Anita Dunn-Glenn Beck feud would involve Socrates and Seinfeld, didn't you?

Classic book review: A Summer of Hummingbirds

At the close of the Civil War, a unique moment in US culture.

U.S. limited in Georgia crisis

American effort to spread democracy wanes in post-Iraq era.

At the close of the Civil War, a unique moment in US culture

The hummingbird became the symbol of an era for 19th-century America.

Those who write don't speak?

For working moms, a way to connect with college

About 40 mothers are receiving scholarships from Project Working Mom to earn degrees online.