Topic: Southern States

If Gov. Scott Walker prevails, will Wisconsin look more like the South?

The South's small-government, pro-business, boot-strap ideals are drawing jobs to states in the region. That economic model may hold appeal for Wisconsin's Scott Walker and other Northern GOP governors. But it also has a dark side.

Snow now in 49 states

Thanks to unusual weather patterns, there's snow on the ground in 49 out of 50 US states, including Hawaii.

Inside the FBI report: The recession is hard on criminals, too.

The FBI report showing plunging rates of violent and property crime is really just another indication of tough economic times. In a nutshell, there's a lot less worth stealing.

The 'lame duck' Congress: an uninspired history

The 'lame duck' Congress begins work this week. Sometimes, these post-election legislative periods are do-nothing disasters.

Third parties leave a mark

A timeline of third party showings.

'Dead aim' ad: Rifle-toting Senate hopeful blasts hole in cap-and-trade

Joe Manchin is a Democrat from West Virginia running for Senate, but in his new 'dead aim' ad, he takes on the White House, Obamacare, and cap-and-trade. It's an indication of how the traditionally Democratic state might be turning red. The seat is crucial to GOP Senate takeover aims.

Sweet autumn clematis: a fragrant, fall-blooming charmer of a vine

Looking for a charming, fragrant vine that blooms exuberently in fall? Consider sweet autumn clematis.

Beyond racism: lessons from the South on racial discrimination and prejudice

Seven lessons from the deep South on racism, racial discrimination, and prejudice.

The Monitor's View: Reducing the US carbon footprint, toe by toe

The best hope for a climate-change bill this year is one that would mandate use of alternative energy sources for electric utilities. Many states are already doing this, and Congress should follow – especially when it can't lead on global warming.

Lyndon B. Johnson

This biography of LBJ is the latest in the well-received American Presidents Series.

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.

Virginia governor: Is it so wrong to love the Old South?

The Virginia governor, Bob McDonnell, is reinstating Confederate History Month. But that brings back ideas and symbols of the Old South that are offensive to many Americans – including many Southerners.

Opinion: Obama health care reconciliation: save your outrage for the unconstitutional filibuster

Forget President Obama's health care reconciliation. The real abuse of power is the filibuster. 

Woodrow Wilson: A Biography

This excellent biography offers a much-needed adjustment of Woodrow Wilson’s place in popular history.

Snow storm: East Coast races to save Christmas (shopping)

Buried by a major snow storm, East Coast cities are mobilizing all their resources to clear streets for Christmas shopping.

Atlanta's mayoral runoff may hinge on city's gay voters

A black candidate and a white candidate are facing off in Atlanta's mayoral runoff election Tuesday. But another bloc, gay voters, may well decide the outcome.

Election Day November 2009: What will it mean?

If Republicans prevail in three key contests on Election Day November 2009, it can mean more funding and high-quality candidates for the GOP on 2010.

Recession pummels South’s ‘miracle' economy

With seven states now seeing double-digit unemployment rates, the region is feeling some of the costs of a low-wage economy.

Opinion: Should blacks get reparations?

The US senate's apology for slavery revives the debate. Compensation seems fair, but complications abound.

Impeached

A second look at the tangled tale of America’s first impeachment trial.

US states step up efforts to help jobless

Armed with federal funds, governors have announced new programs ranging from gas vouchers to job training.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about why the US attorney general should not be elected, how healthcare in the US could be improved, and how to make digital health records safe from identity theft.

USA

On Obama's night, an election to remember

His victory means many things to many people. Here's how a cluster of Americans – black and white, liberal and conservative – experienced the historic 2008 election.

Surging Obama campaign suggests US racism on the wane

Prejudice lingers, but there’s evidence it’s becoming a thing of the past.