Ryan Says He's 'Cautiously Optimistic' On A Bipartisan Budget Deal
The House Budget Committee chairman says the president's budget, which includes cuts to entitlements, amounts to an "olive branch" to Republicans.
National
Texas Contractors Say Playing By The Rules Doesn't Pay
With a large labor force willing to work for low wages, construction may appear to be a lucrative field for contractors in Texas. But prices have been driven so low that many say they can't compete if they play by the rules. Instead, some misclassify their workers or turn a blind eye to undocumented laborers.
Looking To Broaden Appeal, RNC Heads To Hollywood
Republicans are meeting in a Democratic stronghold this week to talk about retooling their message. So far, there are sharp divisions among RNC delegates about the future direction of the GOP.
Fair Or Foul? Pigeon Shoots Ruffle Feathers In Pennsylvania
Animal-rights activists in Pennsylvania are fighting to end pigeon shoots in the state. The tradition includes shooting at the birds after they're sprung from boxes into the air. Opponents call the practice "cruel," but hunters and sportsmen are wary of any step toward more regulations.
El Paso Schools Cheating Scandal: Who's Accountable?
The former superintendent of the Texas school district was sentenced to three years in prison for rigging standardized test scores. Other employees could still face charges for helping him carry out his scheme. Now, local and state education officials are blaming each other for letting it go on so long.
A Mother's Fight Against 3 Strikes Law 'A Way of Life'
Shane Reams owes his freedom from prison in no small part to his mother's 17-year campaign to change California's tough three strikes sentencing law. Sue Reams' work is not done, she says, not when people are still in prison "for stupid things" like stealing baby food.
Some States Hike Gas Tax; Va. Tries New Route To Fund Roads
Revenues from gas taxes often fall short of what's needed for repairs and construction of the nation's roads, so states are starting to take action. Some are considering an increase in the state gas tax while others are getting creative.
Michelle Obama Steps Into Gun Control Debate
The first lady gave a personal and emotional speech in her hometown, two months after attending the funeral of a Chicago teen who was shot and killed earlier this year. Michelle Obama is encouraging business leaders to donate millions of dollars for programs to help at-risk youth.
'The Way Of The Knife': Soldiers, Spies And Shadow Wars
The CIA has morphed from a traditional espionage service concerned with stealing the secrets of foreign governments into an organization consumed with hunting down its enemies. New York Times journalist Mark Mazzetti chronicles this transformation in a new book, The Way of the Knife.
Tiger At The Masters: The Juncture Of Exhilaration And Peril
When Tiger Woods tees off at Augusta National Golf Club this week, he will have overcome injuries and personal scandal. But commentator Frank Deford wonders whether a Masters win for Woods would be a comeback or his way of getting back at his detractors.