Why the Speaker capitulated to Obama  —  Speaker John Boehner's (R-Ohio) abrupt decision to capitulate and hand President Obama a straightforward debt-ceiling increase resulted from simmering divisions that have virtually paralyzed his majority.  —  On an issue that once defined his Speakership …

First on CNN-Confidant's diary: Clinton wanted to keep records for ‘revenge’  —  Fayetteville, Arkansas (CNN) - Shortly before Hillary Clinton's effort to pass health care reform died in the summer of 1994, the first lady asked a close friend and confidant for advice on “how best to preserve …

Wendy Davis backs 20-week abortion ban that defers to women  —  Wendy Davis said Tuesday that she would have supported a ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, if the law adequately deferred to a woman and her doctor.  —  Davis, a Fort Worth senator and the likely Democratic nominee for governor …

The Obama administration has a mandate on the health-care law, too  —  THE OBAMA administration on Monday announced that it was delaying, once again, enforcement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) “employer mandate.”  Yes, Republicans have done everything they can to impede implementation of this law.

‘Morning Joe’ Panelist Outraged That Chuck Todd Didn't Praise Chris Christie (VIDEO)  —  A “Morning Joe” panelist was shocked to learn Wednesday that some people weren't as dazzled by Chris Christie's visit to Chicago.  —  NBC chief White House correspondent Chuck Todd stopped …

Eight Corvettes swallowed by massive sink hole at National Corvette Museum  —  A 40-foot sink hole at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green swallowed eight of the sports cars on display inside the the facility's iconic Sky Dome Wednesday morning, said executive director Wendell Strode.

De Blasio Called Police Over Pastor's Arrest  —  A Member of the Mayor's Inaugural Committee Who Had Two Outstanding Warrants Was Arrested  —  A member of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's inaugural committee who had two outstanding warrants was arrested Monday night after a traffic stop …

From Snowy Atlanta to Sunny Sochi, This Winter Is All About Global Weirding  —  Every time the thermometer drops, another anti-science politician mocks climate change as a fallacy.  Here's why they're wrong.  —  So much for “HotLanta.”  Georgia is starting to look a lot like the opening scene from The Day After Tomorrow.

Exclusive: Stop the NSA while we still can  —  Editor's note: Rand Paul is a Republican senator representing Kentucky.  Matt Kibbe is president and CEO of FreedomWorks.  Ken Cuccinelli is former attorney general of Virginia and a former Republican candidate for governor.

Michelle Obama covers those famous arms in ‘$12,000’ Carolina Herrera gown at the White House state dinner  —  Michelle Obama chose Venezuelan-American designer Carolina Herrera for the gown she wore Tuesday to the state dinner honoring French President Francois Hollande.

Biggest rises and falls in the 2014 World Press Freedom Index  —  The 2014 World Press Freedom Index spotlights the negative impact of conflicts on freedom of information and its protagonists.  The ranking of some countries has also been affected by a tendency to interpret national security needs …

The Insiders: Obamacare creates new ways to prosecute American business  —  It's been a bad week for Obamacare.  Incredibly, the White House has had to grant yet another delay in the employer mandate.  This time, employers with between 50 to 99 employees who don't already offer health insurance …

Michael Sam's Troubled Upbringing in Texas  —  COLUMBIA, Mo. — Michael Sam was the loud country boy who wore a tank top and a cowboy hat.  He was the smooth-singing baritone who could irritate his coaches and crack up his teammates with his improvised songs.

Maine Gov. Paul LePage Looks Set To Reject Overdose Prevention For No Good Reason  —  Naloxone Drug Overdose Paul Lepage Heroin Maine Politics Naloxone Heroin Overdose War on Drugs Naloxone Access Video Paul Lepage War on Drugs Paul Lepage Drug Overdose Maine Overdose Bill Paul Lepage Naloxone …

SC Gov. Haley says she backs carrying firearms without permits, training  —  COLUMBIA, SC — S.C. Constitutional Carry Act  —  S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley said Tuesday that she backs a proposal that would make it legal for most South Carolinians to carry guns - concealed or in the open …

Faulconer wins mayor's race  —  Alvarez says works goes on whether as mayor or city councilman  —  SAN DIEGO — Republican City Councilman Kevin Faulconer defeated Democratic Councilman David Alvarez in the San Diego mayor's race Tuesday night.  —  Faulconer had 55.2 percent compared …

Republicans expanding field in Senate contests, but what about the House?  —  BELTWAY CONFIDENTIAL BARACK OBAMA OBAMACARE POLLS 2014 ELECTIONS CAMPAIGNS  —  There's no question that Obamacare hurts the prospects of Democratic candidates in 2014.  The question is how much — and where?