Sea level rise, like the warming of our planet’s surface temperatures, has slowed over the past decade, defying climate model predictions. Now, scientists say they think they know why: more rain is falling over land.

President Obama will have his hands full in Riyadh later this week working with the Saudis in light of recent policy differences. Unlike Lehman Brothers, however, the U.S.-Saudi relationship really is too big to fail.

Pope Francis proves his dedication to real reform by including a vocal critic, as well as several other women and laypeople, on a committee to review the Vatican’s sex abuse crisis.

Indiana has just passed a bill dropping the Common Core standards and replacing them with standards developed at home. This is not only good for Indiana; it’s good for democracy.

Remember when the BRICs were going to rule the world? Brazil, Russia, and China are having a rough start to the year.

A Chinese oil firm says it will produce more shale gas sooner than expected. Beijing has to overcome a number of hurdles, both natural and otherwise, to reach its shale potential, but where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Puerto Rico’s citizens are voting with their feet and against their blue model government. We’re not surprised.

Japan announces its support of non-proliferation and agrees to downsize its stock of nuclear material. After enduring criticism of his policies in the Pacific region, President Obama can enjoy a welcome, if minor, victory there.

The United States needs to respond to Moscow’s partition of Ukraine. Redeploying NATO forces in Eastern and Central Europe would be a good first step to a comprehensive deterrence strategy.

Harvard Business School launches its first online course. Will this new “serious” class threaten struggling, lower-tier schools?