WASHINGTON – Moving toward the final stage of a historic debate, the Senate’s top Democrat prepared to unveil a new health care bill that aims to meet President Barack Obama’s goal of expanding coverage without adding to the federal deficit.
Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada met Wednesday morning at the Capitol with Vice President Joe [...]

Despite pressure to leave China having racked up political wins, President Obama found time today to sightsee and marvel at the Great Wall.
Wrapping up his visit, President Obama’s thoughts were spread across a myriad of issues, and he even hinted at revealing his strategy regarding Afghanistan.
“This decision will put us on a path towards ending [...]

By Patricia Burkett
Media General News Service
COLUMBIA, S.C. — On Tuesday, the South Carolina House of Representatives formally received an impeachment resolution on Gov. Mark Sanford. The first bill was pre-filed Tuesday as the House opens the door to new legislation ahead of its January session beginning.
State Rep. Greg Delleney of Chester said the bill will [...]

CHARLOTTE, N.C.  – A state lawmaker in North Carolina has pleaded guilty to contempt of court for missing a client’s trial in 2007.
The Charlotte Observer reported that a judge ordered Mecklenburg County Rep. Nick Mackey to pay $262 in court costs Tuesday, entering what’s called a prayer for judgment continued. That allows defendants to plead [...]

RALEIGH, N.C.  – A political operative who guided former Gov. Mike Easley’s two campaigns for North Carolina’s top office testified before a federal grand jury that’s hearing more about the Democratic governor.
Jay Reiff arrived with attorney Michael Weisel shortly before 9 a.m. and left before noon. Weisel says his client answered all the questions from [...]

RALEIGH, N.C.  – The health insurance plan for North Carolina state employees is still paying out more claims than budgeted for the first three months of the fiscal year.
Lawmakers received State Health Plan data Thursday showing paid medical claims are 4 percent higher than expected through Sept. 30.
That’s better compared to an 8 percent increase [...]

RALEIGH, N.C. – The prosecutor handling the campaign finance case of former North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley says he wants to decide by February whether to seek criminal charges against the two-term Democrat.
Rowan County District Attorney Bill Kenerly told The Associated Press on Thursday he understands Easley and the public want resolution in the matter [...]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an unscheduled visit on this Veterans Day, President Obama spent time among the graves at Arlington National Cemetery.
Specifically in a section set aside for the fallen from Iraq and from Afghanistan, where Mr. Obama’s considering sending more U.S. troops.
It’s a tough decision for the president.
“And as long as I am commander-in-chief, [...]

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – Gov. Bev Perdue today thanked North Carolina veterans at a Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony in Jacksonville and issued a proclamation honoring the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country.
During the ceremony, Gov. Perdue announced the creation of the “I Hire Military” campaign to encourage businesses to hire veterans [...]