AP - Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Thursday he's willing to talk with the Taliban chief in a bid to bring peace to the country if the move has the backing of the United States and other international partners.

AP - The Senate cast its first votes on remaking the nation's health care system Thursday, approving an amendment to safeguard coverage of mammograms and preventive screening tests for women under a revamped system.

AP - Under pressure from Republicans and a recession-weary public, President Barack Obama put the focus on jobs on Thursday by gathering local officials, economists, business and labor leaders at the White House to talk about putting people back to work.