Ethics committee: No punishment for Burris

The Senate ethics committee on Friday admonished Democratic Sen. Roland Burris for misleading investigators about his maneuvering to get Barack Obama's old Senate seat from the governor who was ousted for trying to sell it.

Couple pleads guilty in Cuban spying case

A retired State Department worker and his wife accused of a three-decade-long plot to spy for Cuba have pleaded guilty in federal court.

US to drop shooting case against Blackwater guard

The Justice Department intends to drop manslaughter and weapons charges against one of the Blackwater Worldwide security guards involved in a deadly 2007 Baghdad shooting, prosecutors said in court documents Friday.

Army announces review of how it tests body armor

The Army says there will be an outside review of how body armor for its soldiers is tested.

AP sources: Giuliani leaning toward Senate run

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, encouraged by many Republicans to run for governor in 2010, is instead leaning toward a run for U.S. Senate, according to two party advisers.

Sen. Nelson a 'yes' on health care test vote

Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska is a "yes" in a crucial weekend test vote on health care.

Senate Dems moving ahead on crucial health vote

Senate Democratic leaders are looking ahead to a crucial test vote on health care amid indications the rank-and-file will stand together Saturday to give them the support they need.

Health care issues: Bundling payments

A look at key issues in the health care debate:

Obama drops by daughter Sasha's school for event

Fresh from his weeklong trip through Asia, President Barack Obama is taking time to catch up on dad duty.

Pentagon looking for Fort Hood management lapses

The Pentagon said Thursday it will scour its procedures for identifying volatile soldiers hidden in the ranks following the Fort Hood shooting rampage and lapses that might allow others to slip through bureaucratic cracks.

Gates says Afghan surge could happen swiftly

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said any new U.S. forces President Barack Obama sends to Afghanistan could move into the country swiftly, despite logistical hassles that force almost all major deliveries of troops and supplies to go by air.

GOP governors push for 2010 party rebirth

Thrilled with twin victories this month, Republican governors are looking to lead a party-wide resurgence in 2010 and shape the GOP for years to come.

Obama faces showdowns on health, Afghanistan, jobs

President Barack Obama will have scant time to rest up from his eight-day Asia trip. On Saturday, two days after his return to Washington, the Senate plans a make-or-break vote on his hard-fought plan to overhaul the nation's health care system. Obama also confronts a difficult choice on strategy and troop levels in Afghanistan, which will be criticized no matter what he decides.

FEC fines Fieger firm over campaign donations

A Michigan law firm has agreed to pay a $131,000 fine to resolve an investigation into donations to former Sen. John Edwards' 2004 presidential campaign.

Details of state dinner scarce, White House mum

It's the hottest ticket in town. Just don't ask the White House who got them.

Conservative seeks cash to contest NY House race

A Conservative Party candidate is writing to supporters saying he lost a New York race for a U.S. House of Representatives seat because of scheming and needs money in case he lodges a legal challenge.

Govt wants speedy screening at more airports

The Homeland Security Department wants to expand speedy screening of preapproved, low-risk air travelers arriving in the United States to most international airports in the country.

Health bill helps wavering Louisiana senator

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has included at least $100 million in Medicaid funds for Louisiana in his health care bill at the same time he is trying to persuade that state's wavering Democratic senator to cast a pivotal vote for the overhaul legislation.

Obama faces showdowns on health, Afghanistan, jobs

President Barack Obama will have scant time to rest up from his eight-day Asia trip. On Saturday, two days after his return to Washington, the Senate plans a make-or-break vote on his hard-fought plan to overhaul the nation's health care system. Obama also confronts a difficult choice on strategy and troop levels in Afghanistan, which will be criticized no matter what he decides.

US charges firms defrauded deaf phone fund

Federal prosecutors have charged more than two dozen people with scheming to steal millions from a telephone program for the deaf.