The House has set aside a proposal to allow federal employees to phase into retirement, a plan some see as an innovative cost-saving measure that could also allow older staff members the opportunity to help train younger ones. Read full article > >

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Phased retirement plan falls out of defense bill

Follows February break-in at vacation house.

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Justice Breyer’s House Burglarized

Up to 1,600 people are expected to form a human chain in Derby to pay tribute to six children who died after a house fire a week ago.

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Human chain tribute for fire dead

The first pictures are released showing inside the “world’s most expensive house”, owned by the Ambani family in Mumbai.

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Inside world’s ‘priciest house’

Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner drew a hard line in the sand this week, renewing a battle over the debt ceiling unless President Barack Obama agreed to significant budget cuts during what may be a lame-duck session after the November elections.

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Do voters want moderates out of D.C.?

Japan urges businesses and households to cut electricity use by up to 15% to avoid possible blackouts.

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Japan urges cuts in power usage

There are only about 10 House Republicans who have refused to stand by Grover Norquist’s pledge against tax increases. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) is one of them, having declined to renew his pledge last year. He doubled down on his refusal in an interview this week with the American Conservative: Read full article > >

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Jeff Fortenberry: One House Republican who’s dared to defy Grover Norquist

Housing groups warn that problems in Britain’s housing market are not being fixed, on the day that figures on new house building are due.

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Housing market ‘not being fixed’

Wednesday was a day of bipartisan harmony — at least in two congressional panels. In the Senate, a committee passed legislation allowing same-sex spouses of federal workers to receive employment benefits. In the House, subcommittee members on a panel often riven with partisanship took testimony on the Hatch Act and everyone agreed it needs fixing. Read full article > >

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Lawmakers find bipartisan ground on behalf of federal workforce

Come January, Rep. Dennis Kucinich ’s career in Congress will end. Ever since losing a member-vs-member primary against Rep. Marcy Kaptur , the Ohio Democrat has been considering a bid in Washington state. Today, he announced that he would step down instead. Read full article > >

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Dennis Kucinich will not run in Washington

A Senate committee approved legislation Wednesday allowing same-sex partners of federal employees to receive employment benefits. The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee passed the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act with a bipartisan voice vote. It must be approved by the full Senate and the House before enactment. Read full article > >

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Senate panel approves benefits for same-sex partners of federal employees

Leith Anderson and Lynne Hybels says a new House version of the Violence Against Women Act erodes protections from abuse for immigrant women.

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Opinion: Save immigrant women in U.S.

Leith Anderson and Lynne Hybels says a new House version of the Violence Against Women Act erodes protections from abuse for immigrant women.

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Opinion: Save immigrant women in U.S.

White House stresses giving “nonlethal” assistance.

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U.S. Helps Syrian Rebels

Police say petrol was used to start a fire in a house in Derby in which six children died, as their parents appeal for privacy.

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Fatal fire ‘started with petrol’