NJ gov signs bill reining in employee benefits
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday signed landmark legislation that increases pension and health contributions paid by a half-million teachers, police and other public workers and removes the issue from collective bargaining for four years.

New speaker has fewer millions than predecessor
New House Speaker John Boehner doesn't have as many millions as his predecessor, Nancy Pelosi, but like many new committee chairmen and other leaders, he has holdings in companies that have major financial stakes in the actions of Congress.

Alaska set to release Sarah Palin's emails
The nation is about to get a new look at Sarah Palin's tenure as Alaska governor.

House passes $690 billion defense bill
The Republican-controlled House on Thursday overwhelmingly passed a $690 billion defense bill that limits President Barack Obama's authority on reducing nuclear weapons and deciding the fate of terrorist suspects.

Emanuel to be sworn in as Chicago's new mayor
In a major power shift for a city that thrives on tradition, former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel takes over as Chicago's first new mayor in two decades on Monday when he replaces the retiring Richard M. Dale

Tea party godfather Ron Paul running for president
Texas Rep. Ron Paul announced Friday that he will run for the GOP nomination for president in 2012, the third attempt for the man known on Capitol Hill as "Dr. No" for his enthusiasm for bashing runaway spending and government overreach.

Californians want budget vote, pension change: poll
Californians support major changes in state worker pensions and want the chance to vote on a fix for the state budget, pollsters said on Monday.

"I miss Tucson", says recovering Congresswoman Giffords

Wis. court challenger will seek statewide recount
Wisconsin Supreme Court challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg asked election officials Wednesday for a statewide recount in her flagging upset bid against Justice David Prosser.