Topic: Pennsylvania

Complaints arise about White House kibitzing in key Senate primaries

Team Obama has picked favorites for races in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York. Local party figures say that undermines democracy – and is not the national party's job.

California crisis a threat to US economic recovery

Economists worry that the budget deficit could hurt the state just as it has begun showing signs of recovery.

Are Specter's Senate days numbered?

The five-term senator from Pennsylvania faces dipping polls and now, a Democratic primary contender in Rep. Joe Sestak.

Franken as 60th Senate Democrat: How big a prize?

It's better for Democrats than 59. But a Senate supermajority didn't much help the last president to have one: Jimmy Carter.

New budget year finds many states still scrambling

Some will need to make midyear cuts, beyond what they've sliced from their budgets already, say fiscal experts.

Opinion: Where have all the state capitol reporters gone?

It doesn't matter if they blog, e-mail, or text, but we need journalists there to hold politicians accountable.

Cities' gun restrictions begin to topple

After big D.C. case in '08, San Francisco and Philadelphia have seen setbacks for local gun controls. More laws are expected to come under fire.

GOP weakened by demographic, political forces

Experts say changing geographic and demographic trends are further endangering an already-beleaguered Republican party.

My Father's Tears

This final collection of short stories from John Updike makes a fitting coda to his career.

Sotomayor navigates Senate corridors on her way to confirmation hearing

Democrats push for July; GOP senators say they need more time to examine her record.

ECONOMIC SCENE: Can the US manage China’s economic comeback?

The giant’s revival will help cushion the blow of falling global output. But the Obama administration will need to take care in its dealings.

Hoyer says Murtha and other Dems should be investigated

Did lawmakers exchange millions in earmarks for campaign contributions?

Air France tragedy: Time to require black boxes that float? (They exist)

Impeached

A second look at the tangled tale of America’s first impeachment trial.

Democrats mount impassioned defense of Pelosi

They defeat a resolution to investigate the Speaker and insist that the CIA is not above criticism.

Nope, Dick Cheney didn't change his mind...

Congressman: FBI should investigate CIA over Pelosi's charge

Clinton announces $110 million in refugee aid for Pakistan

The aid is partly to offset anger at the US-supported counterinsurgency campaign.

A rifle in one hand, a laptop in the other. Behind the scene with pro-gun bloggers

"Cowboy Blob" and other online commentators fill the press box at the National Rifle Association convention.

Cash-strapped jails begin charging inmates for snacks – even room and board

Shades of Charles Dickens, critics say the controversial measures create debtors prisons

Tiff over? Democrats present Specter with peace offering

Ridge says no -- Specter could retain powerless Senate seat

For Specter and the Democrats, it was a brief honeymoon

The Pennsylvania senator has been stripped of his seniority, at least until 2011, and he hasn't exactly voted in lock step with Democrats.

Foreclose vs. resetting mortgages: the fight goes on

The Senate nears a vote on a bill to help ease the foreclosure crisis, as banking and real estate lobbies successfully resist efforts to let courts adjust terms of mortgages.

Life in prison for criminal teens? Supreme Court to decide.

Two Florida teens were given life sentences without parole for nonlethal crimes. The top court will consider if the punishments are constitutional.