Topic: University of Richmond

Tunisia debate turns personal: 'Pray more and turn down that Metallica'

Tensions between Tunisia's secularists and newly empowered Islamists are playing between brothers and sisters, mothers and daughters, as the country drafts a new constitution.

The next 'Potter'? 'Hunger Games' takes kids to darker, more violent place.

The buzz over the 'Hunger Games' movie suggests a new blockbuster young-adult franchise is being born. But the coming-of-age tale set in a fascist future has less humor than 'Potter.'

With Indiana 'right to work' vote, a GOP thumb in the eye to unions

The Indiana House approved a 'right to work' bill late Tuesday, taking the state a giant step closer to ruling out mandatory dues for workers at union workplaces. Indiana would be the first 'right to work' state in the upper Midwest.

Virginia primary: Was it so hard for Perry and Gingrich to get on the ballot?

Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry failed to collect enough signatures to get on the primary ballot in Virginia. Yes, the state has tough rules, but other candidates have managed to register.

Homeowners cheer Fed's 'Operation Twist.' Wall Street, not so much.

The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday that it will drive down long-term interest rates through a strategy called 'Operation Twist.' The move has already pushed mortgage rates to historic lows, but Wall Street appears to have doubts about the plan's broader economic impact.

On eve of 9/11, what story is the media telling?

Media imagery can play a profound role in shaping the cultural memory of an event like 9/11, and some media experts worry that coverage could veer too far toward mythmaking.

Payroll taxes: keystone of Obama jobs plan

Payroll taxes would be slashed for workers and employers, under the Obama proposal. Besides payroll taxes, the plan calls for $105 billion in public works and $50 billion in renewed unemployment benefits.

Obama jobs speech: 'Time to stop the political circus'

In his speech to a joint session of Congress, President Obama proposed a $447 billion "American Jobs Act" to help those 14 million Americans out of work. Can he convince Republicans to vote for it, and will it help his own tough re-election bid?

Harry Potter is just like ... what? Five leading templates for comparison.

Harry Potter fans just know they love the record-breaking series of books. But everyone from academics to mythologists, classicists to historians, and literary critics to, well, geeks have a special “template” they perceive at the heart of the tale.

From positing Albus Dumbledore as the infamous Richard III to taking us aloft the scaly back of St. George’s dragon, here are five of our top takes on what’s going on behind the scenes in the Harry Potter narratives.

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2': The bookend of a generation

Since 1997, the adventures of Harry Potter have not only entertained, but also shaped the morals and attitudes of a generation. Will Harry Potter's impact remain afloat after tomorrow's release of the final movie, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2'?

Feds had eye on Sky Express before Tuesday's deadly bus crash

US regulators had begun work to suspend operations of the Sky Express bus line even before a company bus flipped over Tuesday on an interstate highway in Virginia, killing four.

Yemen: six 'facts' to question

Don't believe everything you hear about Yemen.

Julian Assange: Extradition to Sweden just a stop en route to US?

Julian Assange should be extradited to Sweden, a British judge ruled Thursday. His attorneys argued that the US will extradite him from there, putting him at risk of a death sentence.

Muslims tread carefully around proposed mosque near ground zero

As public opposition to the proposed mosque near ground zero grows and Sept. 11 approaches, Muslims are preparing for anti-Islamic acts, encouraging adherents to participate in 9/11 remembrance ceremonies, and changing how they celebrate the end of Ramadan.

Mosque debate: Behind America's anxiety over Islam

Controversy over the New York and other mosques underlines the struggle to balance values of religious tolerance with fears, real and imagined, in an age of terrorism.

World Cup 2010: Closer to the finals, closer to world support for Africa

South Africa's hosting of the 2010 World Cup reminds the world that Africa is part of humanity. Let's build on this progress by setting a goal of liberation from crushing human poverty.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Obama White House: a tit for tat

Chief Justice John Roberts said Tuesday, in response to an audience question, he was troubled that President Obama used the occasion of his State of the Union address to criticize a Supreme Court ruling. The Obama White House, in turn, reiterated its objection to the court's decision.

Terror suspect Zazi pleads guilty, cooperates with government

Terror suspect Najibullah Zazi, arrested in September in New York explosives plot, pleaded guilty Monday and is apparently cooperating with federal officials.

Quick hearing for bomb suspect, but probably a long road ahead

At a hearing in Detroit, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab pleaded not guilty to charges that he tried to blow up a plane on Christmas Day. US authorities will undoubtedly want to examine every step of his journey before proceeding with a trial.

Onetime foes, companies and activists find ways to cooperate

Companies and activists are partnering on environmental, health, and other issues. Labor initiatives are more problematic.

Tapping Dumbledore's wisdom

A new campaign asks 'What would Dumbledore do?' as the latest 'Harry Potter' movie hits the screens.

What's behind string of terror plots

Arrests in separate terror plots in Springfield, Ill., and Dallas Thursday followed the indictment of Najibullah Zazi for plotting an attack in New York. Experts say the cases highlight the danger of domestic terrorism.

Bomb plot: When should authorities have stepped in?

Two members of an alleged bomb-making operation with links to Al Qaeda, including a New York imam, were ordered held without bail Monday.

Why Yemen could become Al Qaeda haven

Four clashes in the past eight days underscore the state's vulnerability. Southern secessionists and northern rebels have weakened the central government.

Sotomayor navigates Senate corridors on her way to confirmation hearing

Democrats push for July; GOP senators say they need more time to examine her record.