Topic: William Bennett

Former Ed secretary: Only 4 percent of colleges worth the money. Families: Pick value.

Former Education Secretary Bennett argues that most of America's 3,500 colleges aren't worth the investment. As costs rise, more families are taking a harder look at a college's value instead of its reputation.

Opinion: Long history of US school shootings means Obama is right, NRA is wrong

Gun advocates say the cause of mass-casualty school shootings isn't guns but eroding values. But America has a long history of school shootings. The toll is worse now because of the weapons available. President Obama and his allies in Congress are right to seek a ban on assault weapons.

Things you probably didn’t know about Paul Ryan

Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan is a 'gym rat' who considered becoming a pro skier before turning to politics. He's a budget hawk and strongly antiabortion, but he's gone against the GOP on some issues. And what about his job driving the Wienermobile?

Paul Ryan: bold, risky pick for Romney VP (+video)

Conservatives applaud Rep. Paul Ryan as the intellectual leader of the Republican Party. Liberals see Ryan as an ideologue who would destroy the nation’s social safety net.

Focus Student debt: What's been driving college costs so high, anyway?

Average tuition at public four-year colleges rose 73 percent from 1999 to 2009, even as median family income fell about 7 percent. Tuition at private colleges outpaced income, too. Here's why.

President Obama smoked pot in high school. Why is he against legalizing marijuana?

A new biography details Barack Obama's use of marijuana in high school and college, not unusual for a young man at that time. As president, Obama has taken a tougher line on drug use, including marijuana for medical reasons.

Trayvon Martin case: Is George Zimmerman being unfairly tried in media? (+video)

Conservative commentators decry a rush to judgement over George Zimmerman, but others say without the media attention there'd be no new investigation of Trayvon Martin's death.

Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney: How different are they on the economy?

If Newt Gingrich is the new 'anti-Romney,' shouldn't they have fundamental differences? While the two share some views on core economic issues, Gingrich has staked out other positions well to Romney's right. 

Opinion: Newt Gingrich and the adultery question

Newt Gingrich's candidacy revives an old question: How relevant is adultery when it comes to choosing a president?

State of the Union 2011: Who is Paul Ryan?

Rep. Paul Ryan has been chosen to give the Republican response to President Obama's State of the Union address. Why did Republicans choose this seven-term Congressman from Wisconsin?

Rough weather delays teen sailor Abby Sunderland rescue

Rough weather will delay Abby Sunderland's rescue.

Kids and books: The view from both sides of the Atlantic