Column: Dustups have government's role in common
WASHINGTON (AP) -- 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?...

GOP ponders how to capitalize on Obama's woes
WASHINGTON (AP) -- 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....

High court to weigh in on legislative prayers
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court said Monday it will hear a new case on the intersection of religion and government in a dispute over prayers used to open public meetings....

Kerry to Mideast to advance struggling Syria plan
WASHINGTON (AP) -- 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....

Court won't get involved in Miss. redistricting
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court won't order new legislative elections in Mississippi over complaints about the timing of the state's redistricting....

Kerry vows better security at US diplomatic posts
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Secretary of State John Kerry is vowing that the Obama administration will spare no expense or effort to protect U.S. diplomats serving overseas....

Court: woman can seek lawyer fees in vaccine case
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court says a woman can seek lawyers' fees from the government even though her lawsuit over damage she said was caused by a vaccine was ruled untimely....

Senate committee moves toward vote on immigration
WASHINGTON (AP) -- 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....

AP IMPACT: Military sex abuse victims seek VA help
WASHINGTON (AP) -- 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 and disgraceful."...

Myanmar leader making landmark White House visit
WASHINGTON (AP) -- 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....