World powers tell Iran to answer fast on nuclear talks

Officials from Germany and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council met in Frankfurt Wednesday.

Dugard case: Is California's parole system overstretched?

Jaycee's abductor was a parolee, Phillip Garrido. His story is now framing the debate about how the state should relieve overcrowded prisons, and who should be watched most closely.

'Surge home' overwhelms Veterans Affairs clinics

With many soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, the Department of Veterans Affairs has seen treatment requests and disability claims soar.

Labor chief: Public option 'essential' for healthcare reform

Senator Schilling would be Kennedy's polar opposite

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling said on his blog Wednesday that he might consider running for the late senator's vacant seat.

Kennedy's Senate seat: How much money do contenders need?

Most of the potential Democratic candidates have more than $1 million available. But for those who officially enter the race, more fundraising may be necessary.

With speech, Obama aims to retake control of healthcare

The president will address Congress next Wednesday in prime time. He must win over lawmakers and the American people, who are growing skeptical of Obama's healthcare plan, polls suggest.

Conservatives wave red flags over Obama school speech

Schilling as senator? Don't count on it.

Spitzer lands teaching gig at New York City college

Contractors in Kabul accused of 'lewd and deviant behavior'

Security guards at the US Embassy in Afghanistan indulged in hazing and nudity, the Project on Government Oversight says. It calls for Pentagon oversight.

Post-Katrina 'vigilante' violence: rumor or fact?

The US Attorney's Office and the FBI are looking into allegations of roaming 'people hunters' targeting blacks in the floods and chaos of four years ago.

US use of private contractors in war hits record high

They make up 57 percent of Pentagon's personnel in Afghanistan, report shows.

California Assembly passes diluted prison reform bill

Lawmakers stripped out crucial reforms such as a proposal for an independent panel to review tough sentencing guidelines.

Firefighters' battle to save California town 'truly amazing'

Mega-hot fires race up and down the steep canyons near La Canada, fanned by wind, and fed by the angle of the geography.

Swine flu roundup: How are US schools, states preparing?

The measures include everything from vaccinations to forced quarantines to marketing campaigns with Elmo.

How Congress might change the way you buy health insurance

All the reform bills would establish a nationwide system of government-run insurance exchanges. Here's how they'd work.

Was Atlanta's 'black mayor first' memo racist - or just blunt?

The uproar suggests that new dynamics – both politically and demographically – are at play in Atlanta and beyond.

Bad timing for Obama on any troop buildup in Afghanistan

Drumbeat of opposition grows louder as antiwar movement looks to ramp up in the fall – and as some in Congress start talking of planning for the US exit.

How far will Democrats go to pass health reform?

They're talking about using the budget reconciliation process for some parts, but it could be risky. Part 2 of two.