As the health care debate continues in Washington, some states are taking steps to limit or block changes. In Arizona, voters are being asked to ratify a legislative move that gives residents the right to opt-out of any health-care system. Full Story »
If you listen to Congress, you might think most people owe a lot of taxes when they die. Republicans like to call the inheritance tax the "death tax," while Democrats say it hits only the very rich. But, as is often the case, the truth is more complicated. Full Story »
Glenn Richardson, the first Republican to become speaker since Reconstruction, resigned Thursday after a suicide attempt and allegations by his ex-wife that he carried on an affair with a lobbyist. Full Story »
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke faced tough questions from the Senate Banking Committee about the Fed's failures leading up to the financial crisis and the role it played in the bailout of Wall Street firms. While Bernanke is ultimately expected to be reconfirmed, the hearing may influence the Fed's future role in an overhauled financial system. Full Story »
The head of the Secret Service says the security breach at last week's White House state dinner was an aberration. But Mark Sullivan told a House panel the president was never at risk. Full Story »
After a half-day brainstorming session with some of the nation's top CEOs, small-business leaders, union reps and economists, Obama said he'd heard many "exciting ideas and proposals." He said there were some ideas that could be put to work almost immediately and others that would become part of legislation for Congress to consider. Full Story »
The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee told NPR that establishing military teams from both countries is the key to successfully stabilizing the country. Full Story »
Maryland Democrat Barbara Mikulski's measure would expand coverage of women's health care, allowing the government to require insurers to cover preventive care and screenings for women at little or no cost to them. Full Story »
A new generation of U.S. bishops is both more conservative on social issues and more vocal. They are irked by the new political landscape: Abortion remains legal, President Obama lifted a ban on stem cell research, and a few states are allowing same-sex marriage. Full Story »
Even without a filibuster, Republicans have plenty of parliamentary tools to delay the Senate's consideration of health care overhaul legislation. Full Story »
