The issue of federal funding for abortions -- indeed abortion itself -- can't be ignored. This divisive issue needs legislative solutions, not more court decisions.

Waters around the Florida Keys are nine inches higher than a century ago. Efforts to battle rising sea levels make the Keys 'a canary in the coal mine,' an indicator of what other areas might need to prepare for.

AP - House Democratic leaders are pushing to finish far-reaching health legislation and hold a climactic vote in the next three weeks, aiming to overcome reluctance from the rank-and-file lawmakers while answering President Barack Obama's challenge for swift action.

AP - Rep. Sander Levin of Michigan was chosen Thursday as acting chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, a post that plays a major role in health care and billions of dollars in expiring tax cuts.

AP - The economy is showing renewed strength as retail sales surged last month and factory orders also increased. Yet there's little evidence such growth will lead to more hiring soon — unless recent gains in consumer spending force companies to add workers.