NewsObserver.com

NATIONAL POLITICS

A look at why the Benghazi issue keeps coming back

The night of smoke, chaos, gunfire and grenades that killed four Americans in Benghazi, Libya, is well-documented. Eight months later, it is the decisions made back in Washington that remain murky and in perpetual dispute.

54 minutes ago

NATIONAL POLITICS

Money tangle: The IRS and its tea party tempest

The Internal Revenue Service is feeling the sort of heat that targeted taxpayers feel from the tax agency. It's the sense that a powerful someone is breathing down your neck.

NATIONAL POLITICS

Kerry to Mideast to advance struggling Syria plan

Secretary of State John Kerry is heading back to the Middle East this week to press his case for peace talks between Syrian rebels and President Bashar Assad's regime amid increasing signs the new U.S. strategy to halt the war is being undermined by Russia.

1 hour ago

NATIONAL POLITICS

Senate committee moves toward vote on immigration

The Senate Judiciary Committee is aiming this week to pass a landmark immigration bill to secure the border and offer citizenship to millions, setting up a high-stakes debate on the Senate floor.

1 hour ago

NATIONAL POLITICS

AP CEO calls records seizure 'unconstitutional'

The Associated Press' president and chief executive says the government's secret seizure of two months of reporters' phone records has already had a chilling effect on newsgathering, a week after the subpoenas were revealed publicly.

NATIONAL POLITICS

Myanmar leader making landmark White House visit

Former general Thein Sein on Monday becomes the first Myanmar president to be welcomed to the White House in almost 47 years, crowning a dramatic diplomatic rehabilitation for his nation after years of international isolation.

1 hour ago

NATIONAL POLITICS

Column: Dustups have government's role in common

A big brother you can trust to keep you safe, give you a hand and do right by you? Or a big brother who snoops, lies and bullies you in all corners of your life?

2 hours ago

NATIONAL POLITICS

AP IMPACT: Military sex abuse victims seek VA help

More than 85,000 veterans were treated last year for injuries or illness stemming from sexual abuse in the military, and 4,000 sought disability benefits, underscoring the staggering long-term impact of a crisis that has roiled the Pentagon and been condemned by President Barack Obama as ""shameful...

2 hours ago

NATIONAL POLITICS

GOP ponders how to capitalize on Obama's woes

The scandals dogging President Barack Obama are a political gift to Republicans, who could use some good luck after recent election losses. It's not clear, however, how Republicans can best capitalize on Democrats' woes, legislatively or politically.

2 hours ago

NATIONAL POLITICS

Obama exhorts good deeds by Morehouse graduates

President Barack Obama, in a soaring commencement address on work, sacrifice and opportunity, on Sunday told graduates of historically black Morehouse College to seize the power of their example as black men graduating from college and use it to improve people's lives.