The severe weather weakens as it heads for the Great Lakes region, but another system may break out later in the week.

None of the new, highly restrictive laws has taken effect, but advocates are hoping they will force the Supreme Court to rethink Roe. v. Wade.

Their aim is to avoid automatic spending cuts – and to minimize the chances of a government shutdown .

Communities with obsolete plants are eager to get rid of them, but not everyone is convinced it can be done with a new, accelerated process.

Critics of the current system say it is overwhelmed by an unending stream of migrants from the south.