National

President Bush has signed an executive order revising rules for intelligence agencies and expanding the national intelligence director's powers. Congressional Republicans are irked over what they say is disrespect for congressional oversight in the process.

The House Judiciary Committee has convened a session on "the Imperial Presidency." Democrats accuse the administration of overstepping its authority and the subject has repeatedly turned to whether it is guilty of "high crimes and misdemeanors."

The House Judiciary Committee has convened a session on "the Imperial Presidency." Democrats accuse the administration of overstepping its authority and the subject has repeatedly turned to whether it is guilty of "high crimes and misdemeanors."

Primary season is (finally) over, summer is (almost officially) here and, as Publishers Weekly reports, a new crop of political books is about to make its way to the stores. Hankering for a political classic? Check out our favorite books of all time.

Robert Ball, the man known as the father of Medicare, died this week at 93. Ball was the commissioner of Social Security under three U.S. presidents and an influential counselor on social issues to politicians of all political stripes. NPR's Joanne Silberner offers a remembrance of the man who masterminded hospital desegregation.

Robert Ball, the man known as the father of Medicare, died this week at 93. Ball was the commissioner of Social Security under three U.S. presidents and an influential counselor on social issues to politicians of all political stripes. NPR's Joanne Silberner offers a remembrance of the man who masterminded hospital desegregation.

President Bush delivers the final State of the Union speech of his two-term presidency Monday night. If similar speeches by Presidents Reagan and Clinton are any indication, Bush will highlight his accomplishments and set the agenda for his last year in office.

President Bush delivers the final State of the Union speech of his two-term presidency Monday night. If similar speeches by Presidents Reagan and Clinton are any indication, Bush will highlight his accomplishments and set the agenda for his last year in office.

While the future of Social Security may be uncertain, some who are retiring now are forgoing Southern beaches in favor of Western mountains. Reports in recent days have noted a new trend in baby boomer retirement: They're choosing to settle in the West.

While the future of Social Security may be uncertain, some who are retiring now are forgoing Southern beaches in favor of Western mountains. Reports in recent days have noted a new trend in baby boomer retirement: They're choosing to settle in the West.