Complete Index

On Nov. 1, 1950, two Puerto Rican nationalists, Oscar Collazo and Griselio Torresola, tried to assassinate President Truman in hopes of bringing their country closer to independence.

With the death penalty already under attack in a number of states, a study conducted by the Death Penalty Information Center found that ending it would save states a considerable amount of money.

In a media environment currently dominated by highly partisan ranters, what media figures can, like the recently deceased Walter Cronkite and Tim Russert, earn trust and respect from a wide audience?

The choice of Barack Obama for the 2009 Nobel Peace Laureate has surprised many, including the president himself, and generated criticism. In the 108 years of the Nobel Peace Prize, there have been many controversies and curious choices by the Nobel Committee.

American veteran Robert Thomas presented the German ambassador with books he appropriated during WWII. Often the return of significant relics is a welcome gesture, though in some instances it rekindles old tensions.

The botched execution of Romell Broom causes Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland to put executions on hold, the latest in a string of challenges to capital punishment.

William Safire’s death and the recent interest in his life’s work remind us of the value of the written word and the impact of speechwriters on history.

The Senate rejected two public option amendments to the health care bill, but Democrats are not ready to give up the fight to reform the health care system.

On Sept. 26, 1960, 70 million American viewers watched the first presidential debate between candidates Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal’s urgent plea for troop reinforcements in Afghanistan has stirred debate over the already unpopular campaign.

After all the criticism, many—including some Republicans—responded favorably to President Obama’s back-to-school speech, though some students remained apathetic and disinterested.

A new study suggests that parenting has a polarizing effect on where men and women stand on social welfare issues.

Parents, politicians and commentators disagree on the aim of Obama’s speech. Some say he’ll encourage students to take their education seriously while others contend that he’ll promote a political agenda.

On Sept. 8, 1974, Ford granted Nixon a full pardon, freeing him from the possibility of indictment or prosecution for his role in the Watergate scandal.

On Sept. 6, 1901, Leon Czolgosz shot President William McKinley at the World's Fair in Buffalo. McKinley would die eight days later.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal is reexamining the American military strategy in Afghanistan, and has stressed that Afghan forces must take the lead.

Recent events indicate a thawing of North Korea’s relationship with its neighbors and the U.S., but have not yet led to the fulfillment of the country’s denuclearization promises.

By rejecting Costa Rica’s proposal to reinstate Manuel Zelaya as president, the Supreme Court continues to support the military coup that removed Zelaya in an effort to defend the Honduran constitution.

On Aug. 24, 1814, British forces set the White House, Capitol, and much of Washington, D.C., ablaze during the War of 1812, aiming to demoralize America and then take Baltimore.

Blackwater, a private company contracted by the U.S. government for security work during the war in Iraq, was involved in the CIA’s recently abandoned plan to assassinate al-Qaida operatives.

In the aftermath of the mostly peaceful Afghan elections, reports are swirling as to who will be named president.

On Aug. 21, 1858, Illinois Sen. Stephen Douglas faced off against challenger Abraham Lincoln in the first of seven historic debates focused on the future of slavery.

Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia has successfully negotiated the release of John Yettaw, the Missouri man who swam to the house of jailed pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in May.

On Aug. 17, 1998, Bill Clinton testified before a grand jury that he had had an “inappropriate” relationship with former intern Monica Lewinsky. That night, he apologized to the American people in a nationally televised address.

Some members of Congress have taken to town halls to discuss important issues like health care overhaul with citizens, often with dramatic consequences.

Vladimir Putin’s promise to defend the Abkhazia region has reignited tensions with Georgia, stoking fears of another armed conflict.

As Afghanistan approaches its Aug. 20 national elections, attacks and threats may prevent some voters from going to the polls.

On Aug. 8, 1974, President Richard Nixon, facing impeachment charges for his role in the Watergate Hotel break-in, announced his resignation.

Frustrated by delays and an increasingly hostile GOP, Obama and Democratic congress members are threatening to scrap bipartisanship for the sake of health care reform. Why are the two sides unable to reconcile?