New Earmark Rules Have Lobbyists Scrambling

Obama Social Secretary Ran Into Sharp Elbows

26 minutes ago

The rise and fall of Desirée Rogers, the White House social secretary who became a victim of a publicity stunt by aspiring reality show stars.

Health Care and Student Loan Programs Collide

By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN and TAMAR LEWIN

The deal would bundle a bill on student loan overhaul into an expedited budget package along with the Democratic health care legislation.

Democrats Struggle to Finish Health Bill

By ROBERT PEAR

Rank-and-file House Democrats were frustrated, saying they had received few details about what would be in the legislation.

Births to Minorities Are Approaching Majority in U.S.

By SAM ROBERTS 55 minutes ago

Births to Asian, black and Hispanic women in the United States are on the verge of surpassing births to non-Hispanic whites.

U.S. Falters in Screening Border Patrol Near Mexico

By RANDAL C. ARCHIBOLD 39 minutes ago

Representatives from the F.B.I. and the Department of Homeland Security painted a grave picture of drug traffickers trying to recruit federal officers to work for them.

Board’s Decision to Close 28 Kansas City Schools Follows Years of Inaction

By SUSAN SAULNY 34 minutes ago

The decision to shutter 28 of its 61 schools reveals the depth of dysfunction in the chaotic, almost non-functioning Kansas City School Board.

• Room for Debate: Does the Size of a School Matter?

Outraged by Glenn Beck’s Salvo, Christians Fire Back

By LAURIE GOODSTEIN 38 minutes ago

The Rev. Jim Wallis and others were outraged when the broadcaster said the words “social justice” and “economic justice” were code for Communism and Nazism.

Board Extends Deadline for Everglades Land Deal

By DAMIEN CAVE 55 minutes ago

A vote kept a deal alive to pay $536 million for land from United States Sugar, but officials said they continued to struggle with whether the agency could afford it.

Obama Links Immigration Overhaul in 2010 to G.O.P. Backing

By JULIA PRESTON

President Obama devoted much of Thursday to immigration issues. He said he would push for an overhaul this year only if he had Republican support.

Obama Lists Who Will Get Prize Money From Nobel

By HELENE COOPER

The recipients include organizations that help military service members and veterans, nontraditional students and Haitian earthquake victims.

Agency Weighs the Need for a ‘Black Box’ in Cars

By MICHELINE MAYNARD 45 minutes ago

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is considering whether data recorders similar to those on planes should be required on all new cars and trucks.

Holder Failed to Disclose Detainee Briefs on Policy

By CHARLIE SAVAGE and BERNIE BECKER

A Justice Department spokesman said the omission by Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. during his confirmation hearings was inadvertent.

Democrats Push Ahead on Finance Bill

By SEWELL CHAN

Senator Bob Corker, a Republican on the Senate Banking Committee, called Senator Christopher J. Dodd’s announcement on Thursday “very disappointing.”

Interactive Map: The Reach of Eli Broad in Los Angeles

Eli Broad, the billionaire philanthropist, wields an influence in Los Angeles that is unparalleled in any other American city. An interactive map reveals his vast imprint.

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Audio Slide Show: Unemployed, and Relying on Family

Like many Americans, Matt Ley and his wife have supported his mother since she lost her job.

Interactive Graphic: Cuts in California

An interactive feature details the impact of budget cuts in California.

Graphic: Roundup of the Key National Election Results

Across the country, voters chose new elected officials and cast ballots on referendum questions.

Video: Women at Arms

While serving in Iraq, Capt. Margaret H. White's biggest threat came from a fellow soldier.

Video Feature: Obama's Health Care Address to Congress

Interactive video and transcript of President Obama’s speech before a joint session of Congress on the need to overhaul health care.