Christian Science Monitor | USA

Oprah Winfrey queen of a declining empire - daytime TV

22 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Oprah Winfrey announced this week that she will discontinue 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' in 2011. Her timing is impeccable. Daytime TV is on a steep decline.

In Chicago, mixed feelings about end of Oprah Winfrey show

21 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

The loss of Oprah Winfrey's show could affect local tourism and businesses in Chicago. But many Chicagoans seem unconcerned about her potential departure from the city.

Woman charged in Fort Hood-related hate crime: Pulling a headscarf

20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

An Illinois woman is charged with a hate crime for berating a Muslim woman about the Fort Hood shooting and then pulling at her headscarf. The charge could lead to three years in prison: justice or prosecutorial overkill?

Afghanistan troop surge could be a slow rollout

20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Any surge of US troops to Afghanistan is likely to be tougher than it was in Iraq, because of the dearth of good roads and airfields, say defense officials.

Pentagon to probe 'internal weaknesses' behind Fort Hood shooting

20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

In the wake of the Fort Hood shooting, the Pentagon will conduct an inquiry to assess its ability to identify and root out internal threats. The review will be headed by two retired service chiefs.

Senators say Fort Hood shooting was terrorism

20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Several lawmakers and terror experts at Senate hearings on the Fort Hood shooting Thursday called the incident a terrorist attack, and warned of the danger of homegrown jihad.

Weather for Black Friday? Cold and a strong chance of shopping.

20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Retailers hoping for Black Friday crowds like wintery weather, which reminds people of the holidays. Meteorologists predict that's what they'll get on that big shopping day after Thanksgiving.

Fewer hate crimes in 2008, Obama's election year, data show

20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Reported hate crimes dropped 2 percent in 2008 from 2007 levels. Is rising 'atmosphere of rage' a threat to gains?

California budget crisis spurs reform efforts

20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

With a $20.7 billion shortfall expected over the next 18 months, the California budget crisis remains severe. Economic recovery may help ease the budget crunch, but many say true reform is needed.

New York, terror trial capital of the US

20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

New York's federal courts have seen many major terrorist trials since the early 1990s, several involving Al Qaeda-linked operatives.

Great American Smokeout 2009: Which states have most smokers?

20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Biggest opportunity for Great American Smokeout 2009 is in West Virginia, where 1 in 4 residents smokes.

The mystery of the mastodons gets a few big clues

20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

When and how mammoths and mastodons went extinct has long puzzled scientists. But a new study suggests the animals vanished much earlier than previously thought.

Anger and anxiety over fee hike at University of California

20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

The University of California Thursday decided on a 32 percent fee hike to make up for slashed state funding. Student protests flare on campuses.

Army Corps liable for Katrina damage, US court finds

19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Army Corps' 'myopic' maintenance of a shipping channel led to levee failure, much Katrina damage, US court judge rules. Appeal is expected.

Lesson from foiled pirate attack on Maersk Alabama? Fire back.

19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Monday's thwarted pirate attack on the Maersk Alabama was the first time a large cargo ship with an armed security team were able to repel an attack, according to US Navy commanders.

Fort Hood Senate hearings risk politicizing Hasan investigation

19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

The Senate Homeland Security Committee hearings into whether the Army missed warning signs about Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan could lead to finger-pointing about Fort Hood shooting and political battles over Obama’s terrorism policy.

Holder: 'Failure not an option' in New York 9/11 terror trial

19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

But Attorney General Eric Holder also told senators Wednesday that accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed could be detained indefinitely if acquitted in a New York terror trial.

New York divided over 9/11 terror trials

19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

New York has seen seven major terror trials in the past, the most of any city in America. But residents – both ordinary citizens and elected officials – appear to be split over the decision to try the perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks in the city.

Iran nuclear deal collapses. Time for US to get tough?

19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Iran rejected a UN-brokered nuclear deal Wednesday that would have sent its uranium stockpile abroad. The Obama administration is now under pressure to make good on its promises of 'consequences.'

Flight delays fade as airports recover from computer glitch, FAA says

19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Worst flight delays on Thursday morning came in Atlanta, Washington, and New York area. FAA grapples, again, with flight-plan computer glitch.

Chicago schools get new tool in fight against youth violence

19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

A new program announced Wednesday, seeks to stem youth violence in Chicago schools by reaching out to students through sports and counseling. It hopes to become a national model.

Obama’s new push for preschool for at-risk children

19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

President Obama wants to offer states some $1 billion a year to help them improve preschool and early education programs for at-risk children.

Fort Hood: How Nidal Malik Hasan's path turned more radical

18 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

New details suggest the alleged Fort Hood shooter, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, was a misfit who was self-radicalized. The Army is looking into how red flags raised by his earlier behavior were missed.

US Army suicides on track to hit new high in 2009

18 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

US Army is short on mental health professionals as it tries to stem rising number of Army suicides.

US 'dismay' at expansion of Israeli settlement in Jerusalem

18 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

The White House criticized Israel's decision to expand the Gilo settlement in East Jerusalem Tuesday. New settlement activity on West Bank land annexed to Jerusalem harms Middle East peace efforts, a spokesman said.