Topic: Wheaton (Illinois)

George Beverly Shea dies, leaves legacy as Gospel baritone

George Beverly Shea dies: Known as the soloist for the Billy Graham crusade, George Beverly Shea sang before some 200 million people.

Retail sales rise. Shoppers unfazed by payroll tax hike.

Retail sales rose 1.1 percent in January, despite worries that the expiring payroll tax and high gas prices would curb spending. Is the rise in retail sales a sign of more sustained economic growth? 

Opinion: State of the Union: US needs a statesman, but Obama played politics as usual (+video)

President Obama devoted most of his State of the Union address to a laundry list of initiatives – and no answer for how to pay for them. Instead, he should foster bipartisan cooperation, working with Congress to build trust, bridge divides, and usher in needed reform.

Opinion: Why Evangelicals are the new partners for immigration reform

Advocates for immigration reform should seek support from an unlikely source – evangelical Christians. Their political agenda is broadening as Hispanic congregants – documented and undocumented – increase and pastors speak of immigration as a religious concern.

Opinion: Exit polls show President Obama should go on listening tour, not take victory lap

Mitt Romney will be chastised for his missteps. But he isn’t the only one who was tone deaf. Voters are ambivalent about President Obama and his record. He needs to listen to the echoes from the exit polls, broaden his approach, and seek a new direction for his second term.

Opinion: R.I.P. town-hall presidential debates

In Tuesday’s presidential debate moderated by Candy Crowley, both candidates focused more on delivering their prepared quips and the equality of timekeeping than directly answering voters' questions. The town-hall debate has not lived up to its promise. It is time to try a fresh format.

Doctors' advice to keep older patients off the road can save lives, study finds

A Canadian study found that doctors, rather than well-intentioned family members, are more effective at keeping older patients and other drivers safe on the road.

Opinion: After the confetti, Obama faces a reality check

Voters still need hope and change. But it is much harder for Obama to justify four more years, given historic numbers of Americans living in poverty, record high food-stamp use, and sluggish job growth. Last night, the president only partly succeeded in pointing the way ahead.

Five ways the Republican National Convention can excite voters

The images, themes, and sound bites generated at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., Aug. 27-30 will set the tone for the rest of the election season. Here are five suggestions the GOP can use at its convention to excite voters and chart a path to victory.

Opinion: This 4th of July: The dawn of a new 'independents' day

A record-high 38 percent of Americans now describe themselves as independents. Republican and Democratic party leaders ignore this growing lack of party allegiance at their peril. Whichever party shifts to accommodate more moderate voters first will survive and even thrive.

Is GOP at war with women? 4 points to keep in mind on the gender gap

To hear all the buzz, Republicans are at war with women and “hemorrhaging the women’s vote.” A reality check is certainly in order. Here are four points Republicans should keep in mind as they look to bridge the gender gap and chart a winning path to November.

Opinion: How GOP can win more women voters

Let Democrats waste their energies trying to woo women on 'reproductive rights.' They will shore up their base and alienate the middle. Republicans can win more women voters and bridge the gender gap by focusing on what is most important to women in 2012: jobs and the economy.

Housing market showing signs of turnaround

Last year was so dismal, home sales almost certainly have to go up in 2012. If home prices stabilize later this year, as many analysts expect, the housing market will be set for a turnaround. 

US troops confident of Afghan war counterinsurgency strategy

The counterinsurgency strategy of the Afghan war surge shows signs of success, say US troops, who point to fewer attacks better local relations.

Spice up your garden with ornamental peppers

Ornamental peppers spice up the garden with a hot new look. Not only are the peppers colorful, they're also edible.

The case for cautious optimism

Many economic forecasters see nothing but further sinking, but with a rising number - if not percentage - of people employed, there are grounds for optimism.

Wyclef Jean's uncle to run for president of Haiti

Wyclef Jean's uncle, Raymond Joseph – who is Haiti's ambassador to the US – tells the Monitor that he is running for president this fall. Will the hip hop artist and his uncle team up – or compete against each other in Haiti's presidential campaign?

In time for trial, a celebrity makeover for ex-gov Blagojevich

Illinois' ousted governor is all over the media, boosting his star power. Will that help Blagojevich when his corruption trial starts in June? It might, some analysts now say.

My favorite cookbook

Readers share their favorite collection of recipes.

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