Finance committee senators to offer proposals Friday to create gov’t option

WASHINGTON — Two top Democrats say they’ll offer proposals to create a government-sponsored health insurance plan to the Senate Finance Committee on Friday.

Democrats try to win support from seniors for overhaul without alienating drug companies

WASHINGTON — For the moment, the health care fight is all about older folks.

Prominent Democratic fundraiser leaves jail for house arrest in his $20M NYC apartment

NEW YORK — A prominent fundraiser for President Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton and other top Democrats left jail Wednesday for his $20 million Manhattan apartment, where he will remain under house arrest.

Rep. Henry Waxman’s skills as a negotiator put to the test by health care and climate change

WASHINGTON — The necktie, replete with Democratic donkeys, sailed toward Tom Davis, propelled in that direction by a very frustrated Henry Waxman.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin formally steps down to write book, build right-of-center coalition

FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Sarah Palin stepped down Sunday as Alaska governor to write a book and build a right-of-center coalition, but she left her long-term political plans unclear and refused to address speculation she would seek a 2012 presidential bid.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s resignation day arrives, future plans still unclear

FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin steps down Sunday giving few clues about a political future clouded by ethics probes, mounting legal bills and dwindling popularity.

Indiana facial recognition system leads to arrest of ex-con accused of seeking 6th fake ID

INDIANAPOLIS — A new facial recognition system at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles led to the arrest of a convicted forger as he tried to establish a sixth fake identity just months after his parole, the agency’s head said Tuesday.

US Gandhian collector, Mallya in deal to set up foundation for poor

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK - James Otis, US-based collector of Mahatma Gandhi’s belongings, has struck a deal with Indian liquor baron Vijay Mallya to set up a foundation to raise money for the poor and promote non-violence.

Former Red Sox great Dom DiMaggio, younger brother of Yankees legend Joe, dies at 92

BOSTON — Dominic DiMaggio, the bespectacled Boston Red Sox center fielder who made his own mark on the major leagues despite playing in the shadow of Hall of Fame brother Joe and teammate Ted Williams, died early Friday at his Massachusetts home. He was 92.

San Francisco police to look into woman’s claim her father was Zodiac Killer

SAN FRANCISCO — A Southern California woman said Wednesday that her late father was the infamous Zodiac killer who terrorized the San Francisco Bay area four decades ago.

Mallya seek govt. approval for waiver of import duty on Gandhi’s memorabilia

BANGALORE - Industrialist Vijay Mallya, who bought the belongings of Mahatma Gandhi for 1.8 million dollar at an auction in New York, has sought government’s approval for waiver of import duty on the memorabilia of historical value and national sentiments.