Topic: United States
Top galleries, list articles, quizzes
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Bestselling books the week of 1/3/13, according to IndieBound*
What's selling best at independent bookstores across America.
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10 best books of January, according to Amazon's editors
Amazon editorial director Sara Nelson shares her thoughts about the Amazon staff picks for the 10 best books of January 2013.
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Fiscal deal will cost you: 8 tax changes
[Editor's note: This story was updated on Jan. 2 at 10:00 am ET.]
Congress has passed a fiscal deal that averts the worst of the tax increases under the "fiscal cliff." But most Americans will still end up paying more in federal taxes. Here are eight tax changes under the fiscal deal that may hit your pocketbook:
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Sports in 2012: here are some Monitor highlights
It’s impossible to list all the records set in 2012, but here’s a short rundown of some heralded highlights, plus 20 of our favorites, including some you might have missed.
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How much do you know about US entitlement programs? Take our quiz.
The push to reform entitlement programs is at the heart of debates about the future of the US budget. They include Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment benefits, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (welfare).
All Content
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Opinion: In fighting gangs, US should look to El Salvador
In combating the MS-13 gang, the Obama administration should look to El Salvador, which has adopted a far less confrontational approach, and is seeing a drop in gang violence as a result. A negotiated 'truce' with gangs is possible in the US and Mexico.
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Drone use surges in Yemen, the frontline against Al Qaeda
Drone strikes in Yemen skyrocketed in 2012, as much as tripling in frequency when compared to 2011.
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Opinion: Putin shows Russian insecurity in signing ban on US adoption of orphans
Russia's ban on US adoption of orphans is retaliation for a US law that targets human-rights abusers in Russia. Moscow's response reveals one of its greatest weaknesses, a deep-seated national sense of insecurity. Now Russians themselves must demand better for their children.
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General Norman Schwarzkopf, Desert Storm commander, dies at age 78
General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, who had an illustrious military career which included many high-profile commands, died Thursday of complications from pneumonia.
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Wind energy: Boom sputters as industry tax credit is set to expire
Congress has so far not extended the tax credit for wind energy, resulting in the layoffs of thousands of workers. Communities that a few years ago were elated to attract a promising new industry are left wondering what will the future bring.
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Pakistan Taliban chief says TTP will negotiate, but not disarm
'We believe in dialogue but it should not be frivolous,' Pakistan Taliban chief, Hakimullah Mehsud said in a 40 minute video. 'Asking us to lay down arms is a joke.'
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Russia urges Damascus to talk with Syrian opposition
Russia, Syria's biggest international supporter, is leaning on President Bashar al-Assad to begin a dialogue with the Syrian opposition and take steps toward ending the conflict.
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Terrorism & Security
US embassy evacuated as rebels surge in Central African RepublicThe turmoil in the landlocked African nation has prompted calls for France to intervene militarily in its former colony. 'Those days are gone,' said French President François Hollande.
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Global News Blog
Putin signs antiadoption law, throwing pending adoptions into confusion (+video)About 1,000 Russian children were adopted by US families in 2011, and around 50 such adoptions are pending.
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Focus
Immigration reform: Is 'amnesty' a possibility now?Congress seems primed to address immigration reform in 2013, and even a path to citizenship – which critics deride as 'amnesty' for illegals – may be on the table. The shift in the national conversation came suddenly. Here's why.
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Energy Voices
Top energy stories of 2012. What's your pick?From the fracking revolution to the CAFE standards to India's record blackout, 2012 had plenty of energy stories. Vote for your pick of top energy story for the year.
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The Last Lion: Defender of the Realm
Despite some noteworthy shortcomings, Paul Reid's examination of the last third of Churchill's life gives us the British statesman in all his robust complexity.
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LNG exports still iffy, even if they win approval
The Obama administration looks like it will approve exports of liquefied natural gas. But that doesn't mean LNG exports will take off.
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British team abandons drilling in Antarctic lake
Technical problem, fuel shortage force suspension of scientific project to find life in Earth's remotest environment. US, Russia set to begin their Antarctic drilling projects.
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'Fiscal cliff': Finger-pointing furiously, Congress slouches toward deadline
Speaker Boehner, who called the House back into session Sunday evening, said Thursday it was up to the Senate to act, while majority leader Reid spoke on the Senate floor of a 'dysfunctional' GOP caucus.
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Russia's proposed ban on US adoptions: What would it mean for orphans?
Children's rights advocates say there's nothing wrong with efforts to reduce international adoption – if those efforts are focused on strengthening families and encouraging domestic adoption. Russia, however, has a long way to go to find domestic families for its orphans.
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Madoff prison letter: Beware 'dark pools' on Wall Street
Madoff prison letter warns of lack of transparency in the markets from 'dark pools,' where institutions buy and sell privately outside stock exchanges. Hedge funds' push into riskier ventures also comes under fire in Madoff prison letter.
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Gun owner map ricochet: Blogger publishes journalists' personal data
A newspaper published names and addresses of thousands of legal handgun owners, generating widespread criticism. In retaliation, a blogger mapped the names and addresses of the journalists.
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Horizons
Next Mac Mini might be 'Made in USA'Apple CEO Tim Cook said earlier in December that the company would produce some Mac computers in the US in 2013, but he didn't say which ones. A new rumor from Taiwanese tech magazine DigiTimes says the Mac Mini will be moved stateside.
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Global News Blog
India gang rape spurs national dialogueAn Indian woman who was the victim of a gang rape and brutal beating earlier this month in New Delhi has been flown to Singapore for treatment, while the rest of India debates women's safety.
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Gun control: Is David Gregory’s on-air stunt proof of media bias?
Washington police are investigating ‘Meet the Press’ host David Gregory for holding up a rifle clip on air. Gun control opponents see the incident as proof the media are biased against them.
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Energy Voices
Energy independence for fossil fuels? There's no such thing.In a world energy market, where companies seek the highest profits, far-away events affect domestic prices.
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Pakistani Taliban capture 22 soldiers after government rejects terms
Pakistan's interior minister dismissed today Pakistani Taliban conditions for a cease-fire, including changes to the constitution and a break with the US.
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Latin America Monitor
Why Latin Americans top the happiness rankingsA global index on happiness shows several Latin American countries topping the list. The report cites centrality of family as a key reason.
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Focus
In 2013, possibilities for stability from Somalia to South China SeaPolicymakers in many of the world's hot spots have a common New Year's wish: for unity to usher in and consolidate political and economic stability.
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