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D.C. health exchange won't impose higher premiums on smokers
D.C. officials setting up an insurance marketplace under President Obama's health care law have barred insurance companies from charging higher premiums to smokers, citing potentially adverse effects on low-income populations and minorities.
North Korea's travel warning 'unhelpful,' White House says
White House spokesman Jay Carney called North Korea's warning to foreigners in South Korea to leave the country yet another "unhelpful" threat by Pyongyang.
Medicare head promises to probe market leak
The acting administrator for the federal Medicare agency told Sen. Chuck Grassley she will conduct a thorough investigation of a possible intelligence leak from her ranks that jolted the stock market earlier this month.
Conservatives reveal new scholarship to honor Margaret Thatcher
There were some distinct shortcomings and lack of respect in press coverage marking the death of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. But on the flip side, there's a new scholarship to honor her, just created by the nation's leading conservative organization.
Reid slams Republicans on threatened gun bill delay
For the second consecutive day, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid slammed Republicans for threatening to delay debate on gun legislation and accused them of talking out of both sides of their mouths.
Gabby Giffords' husband Mark Kelly takes target practice, during CNN interview
They may be staunch supporters of stricter gun laws, but former Rep. Gabby Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly still keep their own firearms.
Poll: Obama most popular on gay issues
President Obama's handling of gay issues is the only policy area in which a majority of voters support his efforts, according to a new poll.
Bulldog 'Chesty XIV' becomes an official U.S. Marine
He wears his uniform beautifully. And he's got undeniable charisma. That would be Pfc. Chesty XIV, a young English bulldog who made his first official appearance as a U.S. Marine when he received his eagle, globe and anchor emblems in a ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. on Monday.
White House says Kiev's pardons are good step
The White House Monday praised Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to pardon two jailed allies of imprisoned former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, but also said Kiev needs to do more to establish a true democracy in the country as it seeks to create closer relations with the European Union.
Grassley demands answers on Medicare leak
Sen. Chuck Grassley said the acting director of the federal Medicare agency needs to hold someone accountable for a supposed leak of information that had an immediate impact on Wall Street last week.
Catholic bishop thanks people who filed contraception lawsuits
The Catholic archbishop in charge of promoting religious liberty expressed his "deep gratitude" to religious nonprofits and devout corporate owners who are challenging a mandate in President Obama's health care law that requires most employers to insure contraception.
Gay marriage prompts campaign finance question to FEC
Even with the Supreme Court set to rule on the Defense of Marriage Act in the near future, conflict between federal and state definitions of marriage is causing problems in relation to other laws, most recently in the campaign finance arena.
Reid blasts GOP over threatened filibuster on gun bill
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Monday blasted a growing group of Senate Republicans threatening to delay debate on gun-control legislation.
White House praises China, Russia on North Korea
The Obama administration Monday applauded efforts by China and Russia to discourage North Korea from its threats to conduct a missile launch or to commit other military provocations.
Make it legal? Jumbo study confirms that potheads "more likely to misuse other drugs"
Is marijuana a dangerous gateway drug or harmless diversion? The argument has gone on for years. A new, large scale study, however, suggests alarming news.
Surveyed seniors tell Congress not to mess with their benefits
America's foremost interest group for seniors asked voters aged 50 and older if they would support changes to how cost-of-living increases for Social Security benefits are calculated as a way to cut the deficit. The verdict was a resounding "no."
American presidents lauded and occasionally ignored Margaret Thatcher
One respected her more than any other world leader. One gave her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. And another celebrated Meryl Streep's portrayal of her on film.
Hillary not the only Clinton woman pondering run for office
As her mother's political machine gears up for a potential 2016 presidential run, Chelsea Clinton says politics could be in her future, too.
Trump: Rodman 'seems to do a better job than anybody else' as North Korea envoy
Dennis Rodman faced a torrent of criticism after his bizarre trip to North Korea last month, but there's at least one person who thinks it was worthwhile.
Americans growing more concerned about global warming, poll says
After a steep decline during the darkest years of the Great Recession, Americans' fears about global warming are growing, a new poll finds.