Obama joins Wisconsin's budget battle, opposing Republican anti-union bill  —  MADISON, WIS. - President Obama thrust himself and his political operation this week into Wisconsin's broiling budget battle, mobilizing opposition Thursday to a Republican bill that would curb public-worker benefits …

Jeff Bingaman to retire  —  New Mexico Democratic Sen. Jeff Bingaman is expected to announce his retirement today, according to a source close to the decision, a move that further complicates his party's efforts to hold their Senate majority in 2012.  —  Bingaman had been mulling whether …

Rep. Jackie Speier gets personal on abortion  —  The debate over defunding Planned Parenthood turned personal Thursday night as California Democratic Rep. Jackie Speier told colleagues of her own abortion experience.  —  Speier spoke out after Republican Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey read …

Government shutdown is likely, Pelosi aide says  —  A high-ranking aide to Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) told chiefs of staff of Democratic lawmakers that a government shutdown is more likely than not, according to attendees.  —  Speaking at a regular meeting of the top aides to House Democrats …

Firefighter refused call to Tucson shooting spree scene  —  A veteran city firefighter's refusal to respond to the Jan. 8 shooting spree, citing “political bantering,” may have slowed his Tucson Fire Department unit's response to the incident that left six dead and 13 wounded, city memos show.

Democrat suggests ‘ObamaCare’ rhetoric should be banned from House floor  —  House Republicans and Democrats started Friday morning's debate over whether to defund last year's healthcare law, and as part of this debate sparred over whether members should be allowed to call that law “ObamaCare.”

Outrageous cuts  —  PAUL KRUGMAN'S columns tend so often toward scathing criticism of Republicans that it's easy to discount the outrage and dismiss it.  It would be a shame if that's the reaction to his writing today, which couldn't be more on point.  To wit:

Administration asks judge to tell the states that healthcare law isn't optional  —  The Obama administration is asking a federal judge who struck down the healthcare reform law to clarify that states must still implement the overhaul as the appeals process plays out.

Obama administration replaces controversial ‘conscience’ regulation for health-care workers  —  The Obama administration rescinded most of a federal regulation Friday designed to protect health workers who refuse to provide care they find objectionable on personal or religious grounds.

Ont. couple's appeal to bring baby home dismissed  —  A Superior Court judge has dismissed a Windsor couple's appeal of a decision to have their dying baby's breathing tube removed in hospital.  In this undated handout photo, Joseph Maraachli, a one-year-old boy from Windsor, Ont. …

Stunner!  Supremes to give eligibility case another look  —  Challenge to Obama getting 2nd conference before court  —  In a stunning move, the U.S. Supreme Court has scheduled another “conference” on a legal challenge to Barack Obama's eligibility to occupy the Oval Office …

Security Forces in Bahrain Open Fire on Mourners  —  MANAMA, Bahrain — Government forces opened fire on hundreds of mourners marching toward Pearl Square Friday, sending people running away in panic amid the boom of concussion grenades.  But even as the people fled, at least one helicopter sprayed fire …

Capitol Chaos: State Patrol Goes After Democratic Senators  —  MADISON - According to the Wisconsin senate majority leader, the Governor's office is sending out state troopers to go after Wisconsin's Democratic Senate members to bring in a vote on Governor Walker's budget bill …

Tomorrow Never Comes  —  Jonathan Alter wrote a book about Barack Obama's first year in office called “The Promise.”  That's a great title because it works on so many levels.  For example, over the past four years, Obama's career has been marked by a constant promise: He has continually …

Obama Turns His Back on Israel  —  The Obama administration has been seeking a way to avoid vetoing a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Israel.  It has floated the idea of meeting Israel's critics halfway with a U.N. “presidential statement” calling Israeli settlements “illegitimate.”