Christian Science Monitor | USA

In surprise move, GOP leaders admit defeat in payroll tax battle

House GOP leaders had wanted to offset the cost of a payroll tax extension by spending cuts. But their decision Monday suggests that the political cost of a stalemate was too high.

Deadlock on Syria: Likely crimes against humanity, but no plan of action

Turkey's foreign minister discussed Syria for hours with US officials Monday, but no 'road map' for action resulted, even as the top UN human rights official warned of crimes against humanity.

Fracking study sends alert about leakage of potent greenhouse gas

A new study finds that fracking is releasing methane, a greenhouse gas, from a Colorado field at a higher rate than estimates suggested. Researchers must determine if the field is an anomaly or part of a bigger problem.

Whitney Houston death: a moment of national mourning, shared on Twitter

Some 2.5 million tweets about the passing of Whitney Houston had filled the digisphere within an hour, making it the most-tweeted breaking-news event in Twitter's history.

Is Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show dissing shelter dogs? (+video)

The 2012 Westminster Kennel Club show is, er, dogged by controversy after dumping its long-time sponsor Pedigree over dog food ads that promote the adoption of sad-eyed shelter dogs.

Judge allows Jerry Sandusky visits with grandkids, with supervision (+video)

Child protection advocates express concern after a Pennsylvania judges allows former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky to see and correspond with his grandchildren, albeit in the presence of a parent.

Three weeks until Super Tuesday, but some states are already voting

Of the 10 Super Tuesday states, early voting is now under way in three: Vermont, Ohio, and Georgia. It begins in Tennessee on Wednesday. How early voting might affect the outcome.

Rick Santorum tied with Mitt Romney in new national poll

Rick Santorum was slightly favored over Mitt Romney by Republican voters in a new national poll by Pew Research. But Rick Santorum's lead is within the margin of error.

Modern romance: Gen-Y is late to the wedding, but wants marriage

Gen-Y is is rewriting modern romance as the path to marriage gets longer but more certain: Young people want more certainty before the wedding.

Beyond the hookup: Some Gen-Y singles like old-fashioned dating

The conventional dating wisdom of the hookup culture is not embraced by all Gen-Y singles.

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire signs gay marriage bill into law

Gregoire signed the bill surrounded by gay rights supporters. 'I'm proud our same-sex couples will no longer be treated as separate but equal,' she said.

Pentagon budget: Does it pit active-duty forces against retirees? (+video)

Personnel costs in the Pentagon’s base budget have grown enormously over the past decade. Now, officials are trying to making tough choices about where to make cuts.

Could Mitt Romney lose to Rick Santorum in Michigan? (+video)

It looks like 'anti-Romney' Republicans in Michigan are coalescing around Rick Santorum as their candidate. Even on his home turf, Mitt Romney suffers from an 'enthusiasm gap' problem.

Does Obama blueprint reduce budget deficit fast enough? (+video)

US budget deficit, which has hit $1 trillion for four straight years, would fall to $900 billion in 2013, under Obama's budget blueprint released Monday. It is slated to keep falling, but even by 2018 would barely satisfy credit-rating firms.

Two years after US breaks up Michigan militia, trial begins

Members of the Hutaree militia are charged with conspiring to commit sedition, or rebellion, as well as weapon crimes.

Did Mitt Romney steal Maine caucuses from Ron Paul?

The caucus for Washington County, Maine was cancelled Saturday due to the threat of inclement weather. Ron Paul supporters believe that with those votes, Paul could have won the state contest.

Whitney Houston: a singing sensation silenced too soon

Whitney Houston, who died tragically Saturday in Los Angeles, was a child of the African-American church and a trailblazer for black female singers. Whitney Houston, some say, had a 'once-in-a-generation' voice.

Phil Mickelson soars, Tiger Woods stumbles, at Pebble Beach

Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods were paired together in the final round. But Phil Mickelson finished with a victory, and an 11-stoke margin, over Woods at Pebble Beach.

Lessons for US in Greek debt deal?

The Greek parliament approved a new round of budget cuts, including lowering the minimum wage and cutting 20 percent of civil service jobs. Is there a lesson here for Washington?

Reactions to Whitney Houston's passing

"My friend Whitney sang better than anyone. She was magnificent. She gave us everything she had. May she rest in peace and may we let her memory rest in peace." – Liza Minnelli