As hopes for China miners fade, Chile mine rescue comparison lingers

Boo! Halloween for Democrats comes early with spooky poll numbers

It's scary times for Democrats. Some 100 House seats are now in play – almost all of them held by Democratic incumbents. And one-quarter of Obama's 2008 supporters are defecting to the GOP.

Meghan McCain roils GOP waters with Christine O'Donnell 'nutjob' slam

One wonders what original 'maverick' John McCain is saying after hearing what his outspoken daughter Meghan McCain said about Christine O'Donnell. Then there's her row with Sarah Palin.

Iran frees Iranian-American businessman Reza Taghavi

Iran released Orange Country businessman Reza Taghavi on Saturday after holding him in prison for two and a half years for bringing money to Iranian rebel group, Tondar.

Why climate change isn't much of a campaign issue

When an economy is in the tank, it’s a lot tougher to sell what may be expensive environmental solutions whose benefits aren't seen for decades to people worried about their job today.

NASA's Bolden walks tight rope on China trip

NASA administrator Bolden's trip to China comes at a time of upheaval in the US human spaceflight program, including doubt about Bolden's future at the space agency's helm.

Did Glenn Beck's rhetoric inspire violence?

Glenn Beck's attacks on the Tides Foundation are being linked to a heavily-armed man's attempt to assassinate the progressive organization's employees. Rhetoric has consequences, critics say.

Dreams of the middle class deferred by the recession

The recession has stalled the expectation of upward mobility in the American middle class: The unemployed are forced to live frugally, while many others choose financially cautious paths.

• America's Job No. 1: A better employment rate
• A middle class thrift store: Only their retailer knows for sure

Mistaken identity theory gains traction in Falcon Lake 'pirate' attack

An intelligence firm suggests that Americans David Hartley and Tiffany Hartley, who were attacked on Falcon Lake along the Texas-Mexico border, were mistaken as drug cartel spies by junior members of a rival Mexican gang.

Marijuana in California: Prop. 19 won't stop federal drug enforcement

Even if voters pass Proposition 19 on Nov. 2, which would legalize use of marijuana in California, the Justice Department will continue to enforce federal drug laws there, Attorney General Eric Holder said Friday.

Pentagon to federal court: Give us time to end 'don't ask, don't tell'

Its lawyers warned that the military could be 'irreparably' harmed by a court order to stop enforcing the ban on openly gay troops. Still, around Pentagon halls, it's clear an end to 'don't ask, don't tell' is coming.

As media circus wanes, Chile miners' families turn spotlight on reporters' antics

Sitting around a campfire in the Atacama Desert, family of the rescued Chile miners laugh about the media's excesses over the past 70 days.

• Chile mine rescue spurred unprecedented global coordination
• Chile mine rescue a PR coup for Chile – and President Piñera
• Five things Chile miners will have to tackle next

Americans split over public education for illegal immigrants, poll shows

Few favor government benefits for illegal immigrants, a Monitor/TIPP poll shows. Less than half back admitting them to public schools.

• Out-of-staters fuel fight over Arizona immigration law

Are Iran nuclear program talks back on?

Iran’s foreign minister said Friday that his country welcomes a proposal from the European Union’s top diplomat to resume talks on its nuclear program. The invitation is for November, but no date set.