Christian Science Monitor | USA

The next Race to the Top? Arne Duncan outlines vision for teacher reform.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan launched a $5 billion proposal Wednesday aimed at improving the teaching profession at every level. It would be modeled after the Race to the Top program.

Unemployment benefits 101: When will your state cut off extended benefits?

Congress is nearing a deal to extend long-term unemployment benefits to the end of the year. But many states plan to cut off the benefits well before Dec. 31.

The Jeremy Lin Show goes global

Jeremy Lin isn't just big in the Big Apple. Jeremy Lin is emerging as a star in Canada, Britain, Taiwan and China.

Iran's good cop, bad cop act: agrees to talks, flaunts nuclear advances

Iran has agreed to return to talks about its nuclear program. But it also trumpeted advances in that nuclear program, showing that it wants to bargain from a position of strength.

Chicago area called most corrupt in US. Why Rahm Emanuel is under fire.

Chicago and its suburbs have averaged 51 public corruption convictions per year since 1976, a new study finds. Critics say Rahm Emanuel has not made City Hall sufficiently transparent.

Why did Democrats choose Antonio Villaraigosa to lead national convention?

Antonio Villaraigosa has built an impressive résumé in the California Assembly and as mayor of Los Angeles. As chair of the Democratic National Convention, he could help woo Latinos.

Should Ron Paul demand a new vote count in Maine?

Evidence is mounting that the vote totals for the Maine caucuses, in which Mitt Romney edged out Ron Paul, were pretty messed up. In addition to towns that hadn't voted yet, others' totals were not recorded.

Payroll tax deal close: Why did Republicans back down? (+video)

Senate Republicans came to a realization on the payroll tax cut fight: We got the policy right but the politics wrong and it’s time to move on. Specifics of the deal are still being hashed out.

2012 Westminster dog show: some viewers barking over 'Best in Show' choice

The Pekingese, which won Best in Show at the 2012 Westminster dog show, is adorable to many. Some view the waddling ball of fur as a wonder of nature. Others ask, is that really a dog?

Rick Santorum's new machine-gun ad: Will it work? (+video)

Rick Santorum is not going to sit back and wait for Mitt Romney to come after him. He’s going to take some preemptive punches – like with his new machine gun-toting Romney ad.

Amanda Knox family not worried about Italian acquittal appeal

Amanda Knox and her family say they aren't concerned about an Italian prosector's plan to appeal her acquittal last year. The attorney for Amanda Knox said he's not surprised by the legal maneuver.

Why is China's Xi Jinping going to Iowa?

China's heir apparent, Xi Jinping, will return to Iowa Wednesday. Xi spent a week in Muscatine, Iowa, in 1985, and will be feted upon his return.

'Crate-Gate' puts Mitt Romney in doghouse at Westminster show

Nearly 30 years ago, Mitt Romney put his Irish setter in a crate lashed to the roof rack for a trip to Canada. Democratic protesters at the Westminster dog show were not amused.

No budget? No problem! The strange politics behind a budgetless America.

President Obama has proposed a federal budget. Congress looks sure to ignore it, and Senate Democrats show no desire to pass any budget. It would be the fourth straight budgetless year.

Congress poised to scale back unemployment benefits from 99 weeks

House and Senate negotiators agree to shrink the maximum number of weeks someone can collect unemployment benefits. Many states have been reducing them anyway, as jobless rates fall.

Anti-Valentine’s Day: how to weather Feb. 14

Numerous websites and even a handbook give suggestions on how this contingent can spend Valentine's Day. Comfort food is in; steaks and candlelight are out.

Is Rick Santorum facing a brewing 'women problem'?

Recent statements about women, and passages from his 2005 book, have put Rick Santorum on the defensive. Even within GOP ranks there are signs of a gender split.

Abraham Lincoln, vampire hunter? What if it were true? (+video)

In the new movie, 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter,' Honest Abe learns that vampires are behind slavery. He gets himself elected president and fights the Civil War to end the fang-toothed scourge.

Westminster dog show 2012: Could a Dalmatian win it all? A Dachshund?

A Dalmatian and a Dachshund are group winners at the Westminster dog show 2012, but they are among dozens of breeds that have never won 'Best in Show.' Why that is.

Why Ahmadinejad is eager to show off new Iran nuclear facilities

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad could boost his sagging political standing at home by wrapping himself in the mantle of the Iran nuclear program, which is popular with Iranians. He is set to unveil new facilities Wednesday.