Obama and race on the Range Minnesota's Iron Range has a history of being a stronghold for Democrats. But party leaders openly acknowledge some party loyalists have concerns about voting for Barack Obama because he's black.7:20 a.m.
Immigrant workers sending less money home A recent report estimates the amount of money immigrants living in the U.S. will send relatives in Latin America will grow at its slowest rate on record this year.7:40 a.m.
In Hard Times, Michigan School Running On Empties
In the tiny town of Paradise, Mich., John Dreves has donated $16,000 to the struggling sports program at the local school. He raised every dime by collecting and returning empty bottles and cans.
Is Another Economic Stimulus Package Needed?
There are increasing signs that frozen credit markets are thawing, and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says he could support another stimulus package. David Wessel, economics editor of The Wall Street Journal, talks about whether another stimulus package can stave off a recession.
Southern Calif. Home Sales Up Dramatically
The housing crisis may be starting to turn around in at least one part of the country. Last month, home sales in Southern California jumped 65 percent from a year ago.
Economic Crisis Dims Alternative Energy Plans
There's a lot of talk lately about the importance of alternative energy. However, the economic crisis is making it difficult for some fledgling energy companies to move ahead with their projects.
Still No Power-Sharing Pact In Zimbabwe
President Robert Mugabe and Zimbabwe's main opposition party have been working on a political power-sharing arrangement for months. An emergency regional summit aimed at ending a deadlock has been postponed until next week. It was supposed to be held earlier, but main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai refused to attend.
South Africa's ANC In Trouble
South Africa's ruling African National Congress is involved in an increasingly acrimonious split. The ANC faces a growing number of dissidents who are on the verge of creating their own party. That raises questions about the impact of the ANC's problems on the country's young democracy.
Are Sports Fans Recession Proof?
The New York Jets are auctioning 2,000 personal seat licenses for their new stadium. The PSLs allow holders the right to buy season tickets — but are not actual tickets. Other NFL teams are watching to see if the auction is affected by the recent downturn in the economy.
Journalism Prof Asks "Who Can You Trust?"
With Fox News Channel skewing right and MSNBC skewing left, students studying journalism and general audiences are finding it harder than ever to distinguish between news and opinion, says commentator and journalism professor Judy Muller.
Fox's Shep Smith Keeps Opinions To Himself
Fox News Channel promotes itself as fair and balanced, but detractors point to its conservative talkers to argue that the top-rated cable news channel is anything but. Fox News Anchorman Shep Smith says he brings a Central time zone sensibility to the news — and tries to leave his personal beliefs at home.
Helene Cooper's 'The House At Sugar Beach'
Journalist Helene Cooper fled her home country of Liberia as a young woman when civil war erupted in 1980. She details the journey that took her back to Liberia in her memoir, The House at Sugar Beach: In Search of a Lost African Childhood.
Lower Oil Prices Hurt Venezuela's Budget
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez depends on oil for half the government's revenue and almost all of its export earnings. As oil prices rose to historic highs, Venezuela's spending increased accordingly. A continued drop in oil revenue could put a major pinch on Chavez's ambitious social programs.
Election Day Scenario Plays Out In Mock Court
Some legal experts wondered: What happens if the presidential election is contested and ends up before the Supreme Court again? Several academics and legal experts held a moot court hearing Monday to explore some of the issues that might be raised, and how they might be resolved in a less contentious way than they were in 2000.
McCain Works To Keep Missouri Red
Republican presidential nominee John McCain was in the swing state of Missouri Monday, hammering away against Barack Obama's plan to raise taxes on the wealthy. Missouri voted for President Bush in 2004, but Democrat Barack Obama has been drawing big crowds there.
Obama Gets Campaign Help from Rays, Hillary
Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama is on a two-day swing through Florida, which voted for President Bush in 2004. Obama got some campaign help Monday from members of the Tampa Bay Rays, who hours before clinched their first trip to the World Series, and later from former rival Hillary Clinton.
Vanguard Founder Advises Riding Out The Storm
Investors have been pulling tens of billions of dollars out of stocks and mutual funds. But if history is any guide, this is probably not the time to panic and sell a lot of stock. John Bogle, the founder of the giant mutual fund company Vanguard, offers some advice for people trying to protect their nest eggs.
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