More than 92 percent of Cubans say they feel unaffected by the policy changes Raul Castro has instituted since he took over leadership of their island country from Fidel Castro in February 2008, a survey released today shows. ...more

January 16, 2009

As America prepared for a new president to take office, Carrollwood Day School looked back on a historical campaign on Monday. The private school hosted its first political forum, the brainchild of high school humanities teacher Kenneth Grodd. He assembled a nine-member panel with seven teachers and two students who spoke about election issues before a middle and high school audience. They dissected why Barack Obama won and mistakes John McCain made during the campaign. They talked about how the environment, the economy and the Middle East affected voters' choices, and what was ahead for Republicans and Democrats in the future. "This is part of that rigorous education that we owe you," high school humanities teacher Kelly Benedetti told students at the assembly. Teachers want to go beyond a traditional high school curriculum and force them "into the world that awaits you," she said. Carrollwood Day School offers an International Baccalaureate program for all of its students, from preschool through high school. International Baccalaureate follows a global curriculum and emphasizes community service, culminating in an intensive diploma program in high school. Stephen Orbison, who coordinates the school's diploma program, moderated the political forum and said it was a great way to recap a campaign season that was "electrifying, exhilarating and polarizing." "One cannot deny the 2008 campaign has rejuvenated interest in American politics," Orbison said. ...more

January 14, 2009

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer will serve another two years after being overwhelmingly re-elected. ...more

January 10, 2009

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says CBS News anchor Katie Couric and comic actress Tina Fey have been "exploiting" her. ...more

January 9, 2009

Long before Barack Obama and John McCain were nominated to run for president last year, tour group organizers in Europe were eagerly planning all-night, post-U.S. election parties. ...more

January 9, 2009

Joe The Plumber is putting down his wrenches and picking up a reporter's notebook. The Ohio man who became a household name during the presidential campaign says he is heading to Israel as a war correspondent for the conservative Web site pjtv.com. ...more

January 7, 2009

Long before Barack Obama and John McCain were nominated to run for president last year, tour group organizers in Europe were eagerly planning all-night, post-U.S. election parties. ...more

January 4, 2009

Sherry Jones was driving son Malcolm, 13, to school recently when he mentioned something about a kid he didn't like. ...more

January 4, 2009

The 2008 presidential campaign was grueling and seemingly never-ending, but when it came to a close in the wee hours of Nov. 4, history was made. ...more

December 31, 2008

The death of "the Strawberry King," visits by presidential candidates, a shooting that temporarily paralyzed the city and a veteran politician's return to office were among the top stories of 2008. ...more

December 31, 2008