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Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testified before the Senate Banking Committee Tuesday about the $700 billion rescue plan for the financial sector. They stressed that it was urgent that lawmakers pass the bill this week. Many committee members were not swayed.

Researchers analyzing recent drug spending in the U.S. say that high-priced drugs for rare diseases aren't having a widespread or significant effect on overall health care spending.

Hospitals have been fighting to block the rankings, but Medicare released them Wednesday. Of the 102 hospitals that got a five-star rating, few are among those generally praised for great care.

Tom Daschle, President Barack Obama's pick to head the Department of Health and Human Services, withdrew his nomination Tuesday amid a controversy over his taxes. Also Tuesday, Nancy Killefer withdrew her nomination for the post of chief performance officer after bungling payroll taxes.

President Obama announced stricter rules on executive compensation at banks receiving "exceptional" levels of aid from the federal government. Some executives will have their annual salary capped at $500,000. Anything above that would have to be paid in stock that won't vest until the firm has paid back its government loans.

The global economic crisis tops the agenda as President Barack Obama meets with Britain's prime minister Tuesday. Gordon Brown is the first European leader to visit the new president. Brown will also address Congress during his U.S. visit.

Congress returns this week with several outstanding issues, including passing a short-term spending bill to avoid a government shutdown.

In author David Kaplan's view, the top court has taken an increasing role in policymaking, having issued critical decisions on abortion, voting rights, gun control, health care — and the president.

Around the world, hip-hop gives a voice to the voiceless. Our photo essay spotlights rappers in Senegal, who shout out their frustrations about living in poverty and their dreams of a better future.

At issue are alleged overpayments from the government to the the insurer UnitedHealth Group, which runs popular Medicare Advantage plans.