Roger Ebert dies at 70 after battle with cancer  —  Except for those he hated.  —  For a film with a daring director, a talented cast, a captivating plot or, ideally, all three, there could be no better advocate than Roger Ebert, who passionately celebrated and promoted excellence in film …

In Obama Budget, Social Programs Face a Cutback  —  WASHINGTON — President Obama next week will take the political risk of formally proposing cuts to Social Security and Medicare in his annual budget in an effort to demonstrate his willingness to compromise with Republicans and revive prospects …

Bill Nelson reverses opposition to gay marriage  —  Sen. Bill Nelson has reversed his opposition to gay marriage, becoming the latest senator to do so.  Now, only six Democrats in the chamber are opposed to gay marriage.  —  In a statement to the Tampa Bay Times editorial board, he wrote:

The 13 Hottest Attorneys General  —  Weird thing to say, President Obama.  —  Rosie Gray  —  an hour ago  —  39 responses

Majority Now Supports Legalizing Marijuana  —  OVERVIEW  —  For the first time in more than four decades of polling on the issue, a majority of Americans favor legalizing the use of marijuana.  A national survey finds that 52% say that the use of marijuana should be made legal while 45% say it should not.

Blair Scorned at Home Builds Business Empire Abroad  —  Blair Builds Business Empire, Embraces Philanthropy  —  On a snowy morning in the middle of February, Tony Blair, looking trim from his four- to five-times- a-week workout regime, is sipping coffee in his office in London's Mayfair district.

Most don't want same-sex marriage decision left to states, poll finds  —  Half of the country supports same-sex marriage, and most people don't believe the issue should be left to the states, according to a new poll.  —  The latest Quinnipiac University survey comes just a week …

Elizabeth Colbert Busch: Spring training over for rookie  —  For months, rookie South Carolina congressional candidate Elizabeth Colbert Busch has had the luxury of kicking back and watching Republicans fight among themselves.  With a big hand from her famous brother, comedian Stephen Colbert …

Obama: Newtown Shooter Gunned Down 20 Children With ‘Fully Automatic Weapon’  —  At a fundraiser last night in San Francisco, President Barack Obama said that the Newtown killer gunned down 20 children using a “fully automatic weapon.”  From the official transcript, provided by the White House:

Scott Brown Won't Rule Out New Hampshire Senate Bid  —  ABC News' Arlette Saenz, Michael Falcone and Elizabeth Hartfield report:  —  Former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown told reporters Thursday night that he is not ruling out a run for Senate in the neighboring state of New Hampshire in 2014.

As Senate Prepares To Take Up Background Checks, NRA Warns Of Outright Gun Confiscation  —  As the U.S. Senate prepares to consider a package of gun violence prevention proposals next week, the National Rifle Association has moved into full campaign mode, fighting against reforms backed by 91 percent of the American public.

Introducing Home  —  Today we're introducing Home - a new way to turn your Android phone into a great, living, social phone.  —  We all want to share and connect.  That's how we discover new information and build meaningful relationships.  But today, phones are built around tasks and apps.

Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the 15th Annual National Action Network Convention  —  Thank you, Reverend Sharpton - and thank you all for such a warm welcome.  It's a privilege to be included, once again, in this important Annual Convention.  It's a pleasure - as always - to be back home in New York City.

George Osborne parks in disabled bay: Tory Chancellor causes outrage by ignoring restrictions  —  He was branded selfish and arrogant after allowing his chauffeur to park his £50,000 Land Rover in a space reserved for the disabled  —  Dozy parker: Mr Osborne returns to his car

Jim DeMint: ‘69.5 Million Americans’ Are Dependent On Government  —  Former Sen. Jim DeMint, the new president of the Heritage Foundation, began work there Thursday with a letter to the group's staff outlining his vision for the organization.  Mitt Romney would find much to admire in it.

Judge Who Sent Racist, Anti-Obama Email Will Retire From Bench  —  Last year, former Chief Judge Richard Cebull, a George W. Bush appointee to the federal district court in Montana, admitted to sending a racist email forward comparing President Obama's conception to sex with a dog:

Holder takes $10,750 sequester pay cut in gesture to Justice Department workers  —  Attorney General Eric Holder is joining other top Obama administration officials in voluntarily taking a pay cut to show solidarity with federal workers affected by sequestration.