Topic: New Jersey

Cigarette taxes: Where there’s smoke, there’s money

A new study by a national anti-smoking group argues that states could raise more than $9 billion in new revenues if they all hiked cigarette taxes by $1-a-pack.

Cigarette Taxes: Where There’s Smoke, There’s Money

White House to security critics: We are tough, just like Bush

As Republicans continue their unrelenting criticism of the Obama administration's national security measures, the White House points out similarities to the Bush era. But that raises Democrats' hackles.

Energysavers.gov offers cash for more-efficient appliances

Patterned after 'cash for clunkers,' the Energysavers.gov program has allocated $300 million in rebates for consumers who buy Energy Star-rated appliances.

Behind mid-Atlantic snowstorms: a rare weather pattern

Meteorologists see similarities between the weather patterns that have led to this winter's mid-Atlantic snowstorms and the Northeast's blizzard of 1978.

Snowfall in the East busting records, and more is on the way

Back-to-back storms have shattered snowfall records in many cities, but don't put away your shovels just yet. Forecasters are predicting more snow next week.

Imagination in Place

Berry’s latest collection of essays celebrates the power of place.

Harnessing ‘tea party’ spirit won’t be easy. Convention is proof.

There’s no doubt that the tea party movement is having political impact. But activists at the Tea Party Convention in Nashville have very different ideas about how to proceed, and there's internal struggle.

Toyota recall: Great cars, poor consumer relations

Despite a Toyota apology and their loyalty to the cars, some owners are furious over the handling of the Toyota recall.

The Monitor's View: Super Bowl betting can’t be a goldmine for states

Revenue-hungry states are asking why Congress bans sports betting. Their attempts to repeal a 1992 law must be resisted. Sports must not be corrupted by gambling.

Lawmakers grill Geithner on federal deficits, tax hikes

Lawmakers railed against rising federal deficits as well as proposed tax increases at a House hearing Wednesday where Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner defended President Obama's budget plan.

Opinion: Temporary Protected Status for Haitians: not an amnesty card for illegal immigrants

As the leading democracy of the Western Hemisphere, the US should be proud of its efforts to assist Haiti as it emerges from the rubble.

Will Scott Brown make the 'party of no' more obstructionist?

Democrats say Republicans use petty tactics to block President Obama's agenda. But Senate Democrats had a hard time passing legislation even when they had a filibuster-proof majority.

Obama's federal budget: What's in it for cities?

President Obama's federal budget includes proposals to increase housing assistance and boost programs that help low-income Americans. That's good news for cities.

Bernanke vote in the Senate gives Fed chairman another term

Senators approved a second term for Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke Thursday to avoid turmoil in world financial markets. But the Bernanke vote saw 30 members oppose his nomination.

Will California gay-marriage trial go to Supreme Court?

As a federal court considers the constitutionality of a voter-approved ban in California, some gay-marriage advocates say a Supreme Court decision could be the best path to legalization.

Michele Bachmann: 'tea party' tenets will lead to GOP resurgence

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R) of Minnesota, talking with Bill O'Reilly of Fox News Monday night, asserted that the tea party movement will come to 'dominate' the GOP.

A Mountain of Crumbs

A writer recalls a Soviet childhood, lived at the height of the cold war.

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.

David Plouffe on a rescue mission? Hardly, White House says.

President Obama has called on his 2008 campaign manager, David Plouffe, to help Democrats avoid major losses in the 2010 midterm elections. But it's not a major shift, the White House said Monday.

Haiti earthquake reignites debate over fast-tracking adoptions

Haiti and the US have cut red tape in order to facilitate adoption of the hundreds of children who are believed to be orphaned by the Jan. 12 earthquake, but some argue that rushing the process could jeopardize family reunification.

Marijuana in the classroom? Sometimes it's legal

Medical marijuana legally prescribed to young people is showing up in classrooms. This is putting teachers and principals in a new and challenging position.

Scott Brown Senate win leaves Obama, Democrats scrambling

Scott Brown’s Senate victory in Massachusetts has shifted the political landscape. Endangered Democrats are likely to play it safe, and some might retire.

Scott Brown’s Massachusetts win fueled by independent voters

In 2008, most independent voters went for Obama. But Scott Brown's US Senate victory in Massachusetts shows that, even in a liberal state, independents won't necessarily stick with him.

Scott Brown offered change to Massachusetts. Sound familiar?

The election of Republican Scott Brown is an indication that voters in Massachusetts – and perhaps nationwide – feel President Obama has not yet been able to deliver the change he promised in 2008.