During winter recess, Democrats keep Congress in session to thwart Bush

The tactic is a result of a 'press for presidential power,' some analysts say. But it's too early to tell whether the use of pro forma sessions will mean no more recess appointments by the president.

Gingerly, U.S. reaches out to Sharif in Pakistan

With elections there postponed until Feb. 18, and turmoil unabated, the Bush administration evaluates its options for spurring its war-on-terror ally toward greater democracy.

How one town aids returning soldiers

Churches, schools, and families in Warroad, Minn., go to unusual lengths to help smooth the transition from military to civilian life.

Pay for college chiefs rising fast

Their compensation has outpaced inflation for five years, prompting demands for oversight, disclosure.

NASA plays down its air safety report

It faults the methods used in the controversial study and says flying is safe in the US.

Suicide prevention program focuses on teens

Research shows 'Signs of Suicide' helps reduce the number of attempts by high school students.

A handbook for Muslim teens

Being a young Muslim in the US got much tougher after 9/11, so a brother-sister team came up with a book to help peers in their faith.

Global elections watch: All eyes on U.S. race

Who would foreigners like to see at the helm of the world's superpower – a Republican or Democrat?

As his lead slips, Romney targets McCain and Huckabee

Polls released Sunday show Romney in dead heats in both Iowa and New Hampshire.

Ron Paul: an absolute faith in free markets and less government

The 10-term congressman from Texas has been a strict constitutionalist since he came into public life some 30 years ago.

Do polar bears need U.S. protection?

A federal agency is poised to say whether global warming means the bear should be added to the 'threatened species' list.

Does a safer Iraq mean more US troops can exit?

Service member fatalities fell to 21 in December, compared with 126 in May.

Zogby: Iowans, New Hampshirites angry but less focused on Iraq

Veteran pollster finds Huckabee and Romney neck and neck in Iowa, while Clinton's lead shrinks in the Granite State.

Edward Lazear: Lower growth expected for 2008

White House may soon take new steps to deal with the troubled housing market, president's chief economist hints.

Excerpts of remarks by leading newsmakers

The economic outlook of the White House budget director

Jim Nussle strikes a note of caution on government finances as the economy potentially slows down.

The view from the House majority leader

Rep. Steny Hoyer has strong criticism for the Iraq war and sees potential political fallout from economic turbulence.

Margaret Spellings: 'No Child Left Behind' faces political head winds

After much anticipation, Rep. Tom Davis won't seek U.S. Senate seat in Virginia

The spate of Republican retirements will make it difficult for his party to take control of Congress in 2008, he said at a Monitor breakfast Thursday.

Levin: Time-limited funding best hope to change US war policy

Bush's $46 billion request for Iraq and Afghanistan offers an opening, says the head of the Senate Armed Services committee.