Topic: United States

Today's briefing: Pakistan's struggle, China after the quake, and the health of the US economy

Harnessing the power of proxy to expand the voice of shareholders

Individual investors normally feel powerless at shareholder meetings, but one man is trying to rally them together through a "Global Proxy Exchange."

Four big banks need more capital to weather recession, US finds

'Stress tests' reveal that banks need to raise more than $65 billion to be able to keep lending if the recession drags on.

Retail sales rise, but Americans just want basics

Murdoch: No more free lunch, and no Kindle love

As recession lingers, cell phones take over

Fledgling radio observatory gets first out-of-this-world glimpse

Have you prayed for your country today?

A Christian Science perspective.

Report: Bush lawyers will not face charges for approving torture

A draft report of a Justice Department inquiry recommends the officials face professional sanctions, but no criminal charges.

Five things the bank stress tests will and will not do

The tests will be the first clear look at which banks are doing better than others, for example, but they won't be the last word.

One aim of US-Afghan-Pakistani summit: a parade for aid

Congress holds the key to billions in new assistance, but some lawmakers are skeptical it would diminish the terrorist threat.

Maine allows same-sex marriage -- Gibbs sounds like Miss California

Obama asserting authoritarian control on Prayer Day says Limbaugh

Legalize marijuana? Schwarzenegger says let's debate it

US, Karzai seek to mend fraying relationship at summit

Washington has been increasingly critical of the Afghan president. But with Karzai likely to win reelection this year, both sides will want to dial back the recriminations.

California prisons could get tougher on cellphones

The handsets are already banned, but a proposed law would make it a crime for prisoners to possess them.

End of the road for America's biker culture?

Fed up with growling tailpipes, one more city cracks down on the world's largest Harley rally.

With piracy odds in their favor, ships shun armed guards

The small number of successful pirate attacks, an increase in military patrols, and legal concerns have kept many firms from hiring security.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about the Doha Debates and how taxpayers are supporting private companies.

Opinion: Boost national cybersecurity without stifling freedom

The US government should apply stricter control over its own network, but it should leave public networks alone.

Opinion: A newspaper business model that's working

We make community news free and have watched profits soar.

The Monitor's View: The Obama doctrine: Charm enemies, arm-twist friends

For a friendly foreign leader, a visit to the White House can be a visit to the woodshed.

Today's briefing: Pakistan's next hot spot, Mexico returns to normal

Trapped in TARP? Banks eager to exit the US bailout program find it's not so easy.

A hasty exodus could weaken the wobbly banking system, US officials say. They're poised to raise the bar for those wanting out of the Treasury-runprogram.

Will anyone want to buy banks’ toxic assets?

Prospective buyers hunt for the good stuff amid all the bad debt, anticipating a supersale.