Topic: United States

Market struggles for direction as 'fiscal cliff' nears

Though the stock market rose steadily through much of November and December, the past week has seen losses. On Monday, with fiscal cliff negotiations down to the wire, the market was uncertain.

The world begins celebrating 2013

Australia and Asian nations are celebrating the New Year in style, from fireworks in Sydney and Hong Kong to a street party in Indonesia. Around the world, people are greeting 2013 with optimism.

Focus
Obama's pivot to Asia? Middle East will still demand attention in 2013.

The popular unrest of the last two years has left the Middle East volatile as 2013 kicks off.

9 chats with top true-crime authors

In 2012, writers pondered murder and mayhem across the globe and across centuries.

Terrorism & Security
UN envoy: Without deal in Syria, think Somalia not Yugoslavia

The United Nations' envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi argued against hopes that the country could find stability by devolving into a set of smaller states. 

Despite looming 'fiscal cliff,' world markets calm

Although 'fiscal cliff' talks go down to the wire, many investors confident a deal will be reached. World markets in Asia, Europe mixed. US stock futures point to a higher open. 

Netflix CEO pay: Hastings' gets 100 percent raise

Netflix CEO pay will double after he took a 43 percent pay cut this past year for management missteps. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings will be paid $4 million in salary and stock options for the coming year.

Afghan violence falls, but insider attacks up in 2012

Insider killings by uniformed Afghans against their foreign allies rose dramatically in 2012, eroding confidence between the two sides at a crucial turning point in the war.

In Gear
Canada jump starts country's electric car charging network

Canada is seeing the development of several charging station programs across the country, in preparation for increased electric vehicle ownership, Ingram writes.

2012's 'good news' stories

2012 saw jobs returning to the US, health concerns improve in historic numbers, and more.

Cover Story
Progress watch 2012: Smart phones, jobs returning to America, and war crimes trials

The often-slow arc of good news may not make headlines. But 2012 brought its quiet share: from extreme poverty dropping by half since 1990 to a robot with the bulky profile of an NFL player that may have a role in bringing jobs back to the US.

Little enthusiasm among GOP for Hagel, but he has Obama's support

President Barack Obama said he saw nothing that would disqualify former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel from being nominated for US defense secretary. However, some Republicans have expressed doubts about Hagel's positions on Iran and Israel.

George H.W. Bush out of intensive care, on the mend

Former President George H.W. Bush has been moved from the intensive care unit to a regular room in Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. Bush, who is 88, was admitted for respiratory problems following a bought of bronchitis.

How much do you know about Pakistan? Take this quiz.

Pakistan is home to more than 180 million people, making it the sixth most populous country in the world. But how much do you know about this country?

Pakistan militants attack Muslim pilgrims

More than 320 Shiites have been killed this year in Pakistan and attacks are on the rise, which suggests the government is 'indifferent,' according to New York-based Human Rights Watch.

GOP 'fiscal cliff' endgame: Let big government sting the middle class?

For some tea party Republicans, part of the political calculation ahead of the 2014 elections is whether going off the fiscal cliff would spell political disaster or instead be seen as a return to principled governance.

2012 enters the record books. Were you paying attention? A news quiz.

The year 2012 brought no shortage of significant news, from scheduled political transitions in the US and China to unexpected tragedies, moments of human triumph, and more record-setting in the realm of social media.

It's gone by quickly. Were the London Olympics really just a few months ago? Test your knowledge of these events with the Monitor's 2012 news quiz.

Six ways fleet operators save on gas (and you can, too)

While you may long for $2 gas, the truth is that higher prices – in the $3 to $4 a gallon range – are the new normal. Here are six money-saving tips, used by fleet operators, to save money on fuel:

Investors peek over 'fiscal cliff' and find ... blue skies?

Professional investors see plenty of minefields, but many believe a congressional deal will avert the worst of the 'fiscal cliff.' Another plus: Beyond the 'fiscal cliff' is a slowly improving economy.

Chicago registers its 500th homicide of 2012 – the highest number since 2008

Public-housing and school policies, gang activity, access to guns, and budget cuts for social programs have all been cited as factors in Chicago’s homicide rate.

Experts: Trained police needed for school security

The National Rifle Association wants armed volunteers in all US schools. But school safety experts and school board members say there's a huge difference between a trained law enforcement officer who becomes part of the school family — and a guard with a gun.

Energy Voices
Why is world using more coal? The China trade.

International trade – especially the addition of China to the World Trade Organization in 2001 – has sharply boosted coal mining.

Gay marriage at Supreme Court: Will military couples get more benefits?

Same-sex military couples are not eligible for many benefits that heterosexual married couples in the military receive, including housing and medical care. But the Supreme Court could redefine the federal status of gay marriage next year.

Port strike averted in eastern US, for now. Is labor starting to claw back?

Eastern port operators and longshoremen agreed Friday on a royalties package, extending contract negotiations 30 days. The strike threat at ports signals that labor is ready to fight for its life, experts say.

In Gear
Hybrid and electric car sales jump 73 percent in 2012

US sales of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric cars should reach 440,000 units in 2012 – a 73% improvement over 2011 – according to market research firm Mintel.