Obama ousts acting IRS chief

WASHINGTON - President Obama forced out the head of the IRS on Wednesday, seeking to restore the public's faith in the tax agency while asserting a measure of control over a rapidly growing political problem.

Reid: Senate gun bill to include universal background checks

WASHINGTON - The gun legislation set to hit the Senate floor next month will include universal background checks, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., announced Thursday.

Giffords, Kelly seek to counter gun lobby

WASHINGTON - Seeking to counter the influence of the pro-gun lobby, former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, are launching a campaign to change the nation's gun policies.

Cain accuser received settlement, restaurant group says

WASHINGTON — The National Restaurant Association confirmed Friday that it had paid a financial settlement to a woman who complained of sexual harassment by Herman Cain.

Key GOP fundraisers playing it safe - on sidelines

WASHINGTON - Michael Ashner was one of Sen. John McCain's major fundraisers in the 2008 presidential campaign, bringing in $500,000 for the Republican nominee.