Topic: United States

Is Russia trying a dead whistle-blower because of a US law?

The US recently enacted legislation targeting those Russian officials involved in the 2009 death of whistle-blowing lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, spurring an angry reaction from the Kremlin.

In Gear
2013 Ford Fusion Energi gets best fuel efficiency rating for US sedans

2013 Ford Fusion Energi becomes America's most fuel-efficient sedan, with a rating of 108 MPGe in city driving, Ingram writes. At $39,495 in SE trim, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi costs $350 more than the Chevy Volt.

Opinion: India gang rape: Why US should ratify UN treaty on women's rights

The gang rape and death of a student in India, which has sparked protests there to change cultural views on women, should remind the United States why it’s high time to ratify the UN 'bill of rights' for women. American criticism of the treaty is based on misconceptions.

Chapter & Verse
Neil Gaiman says this summer may mark his last book-signing tour

Neil Gaiman explained via his blog that the very long lines for his book signings – and the lengthy delays for readers – mean that the experience is "no fun for anybody."

Chapter & Verse
'Fiscal cliff': banished for overuse

Lake Superior State University's 2012 list of terms that need to be removed from the English language was topped by 'fiscal cliff,"

In Gear
Zipcar bought by Avis for $500M cash

Zipcar, the popular car-sharing service, will be bought by rental car company Avis in a cash deal worth nearly $500 million. The merger will help Zipcar meet high weekend demand and should boost Avis' earnings. 

Sperm donor fights Kansas request to pay child support

Kansas is trying to force a sperm donor to pay child support for the child conceived through artificial insemination for a lesbian couple now having trouble supporting it.

$1 million Apple heist: Thieves hit Paris store on New Year's Eve

$1 million Apple heist at the flagship store in Paris was a 'well prepared' operation, police said. Four armed thieves used the commotion around New Year's Eve festivities in downtown Paris to carry out the $1 million Apple heist.

Quandrantid meteor shower: The best time to catch it

Quadrantid meteor shower: With a  bright gibbous moon, the best time to view the Quandrantid meteor shower is between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. EST, before the sun rises.

5 female teachers killed in Pakistan: Another anti-polio vaccine attack?

5 female teachers killed in latest attack that may be related to an anti-polio vaccination campaign. The 5 female teachers and two health-care workers were buried Wednesday.

Energy Voices
Food vs. fuel debate: It's about much more than corn

Cellulosic biofuels aren't ready for prime time. So the EPA should reduce the 2013 mandates for biofuels, not only for cellulosic but also for corn and other food-based biofuels.

House Republicans' 'fiscal cliff' gripe: When will we ever get spending cuts? (+video)

What riles House Republicans isn't the taxes on the rich in the Senate's 'fiscal cliff' bill, it's the absence of significant spending cuts. But changes at this late date could scuttle the bill.

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:   

Chapter & Verse
Doris Kearns Goodwin on her bestselling books and the movie adaptation of 'Lincoln'

Doris Kearns Goodwin talks about her book 'Team of Rivals,' and what it was like to see her work come to life in Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln.'

In 'fiscal cliff' deal, Joe Biden upstages President Obama (+ video)

With 'fiscal cliff' talks teetering, Vice President Joe Biden – a former longtime senator – stepped in to broker a deal with his old colleagues and and stave off big tax hikes for most Americans.

The Vote
Dancing troupe of middle-class taxpayers: Obama's 'fiscal cliff' trump card?

President Obama took to the stage Monday to press Congress not to allow taxes to go up on middle-class taxpayers – and he had a rambunctious group of them on hand to support him.

'Dairy cliff'? Milk prices poised to spike unless Congress acts.

Prices could surge in January, but probably not double, if inaction by Congress results in the revival of a 1949 price system. And it probably won't come to that, as lawmakers work to avert dairy-case price shock.

In Gear
Carbon-fiber wheels: a promising technology?

An Australian company says it's producing the world's first carbon-fiber wheels. The lighter and stronger carbon-fiber wheels should improve handling, acceleration, and fuel mileage – although they're an expensive upgrade.

Backchannels
Happy new year, Cairo?

Residents speak of a tough year, and worry about a tougher one ahead.

Readers Write: Obamacare should keep religious exemption narrow. What has Obama done for Palestinians?

Letters to the Editor for the weekly print issue of Dec. 31, 2012: The religious exemption to Obamacare's contraceptive mandate should remain narrow, so few groups have the right to deny employees insurance coverage for contraception. President Obama should stop support for Israel's West Bank takeover and bring US foreign policy in line with American democratic principles.

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.

Change Agent
Restoring US native prairies, acre by acre, yard by yard

Across the US Midwest, homeowners are restoring their yards and former farmland to the native prairie that existed in pre-settlement days. The benefits can be substantial — the need for less water and no fertilizer, and an ecosystem that supports wildlife.

Hillary Clinton hospitalized: Tough end to successful 2012? (+video)

Hillary Clinton has been hospitalized for a blood clot. The setback comes at the end of a very successful year for her professionally.

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).

Opinion: New Year's resolution: Stop drunk driving with ignition locks

The New Year’s holiday contributes more alcohol-related traffic fatalities than any other day of the year. We challenge states to join our New Year’s resolution and require ignition interlocks for all those convicted of drunk driving. These devices work.