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The science behind the debate over federal funding of stem-cell research has evolved since it first became a political issue. Opponents of stem-cell research suggest there are alternatives to using embryonic stem cells, while proponents say the cells could lead to cures of a number of diseases.

Law enforcement said Andre Longmore was shot after an intense manhunt. A sheriff's deputy and a police officer were injured trying to take the suspect into custody, authorities said.

President Barack Obama is expected to sign an executive order Thursday closing the Guantanamo Bay detention center within a year and stopping military trials of terror suspects held there. It's one of a number of foreign policy decisions expected in coming days over how the United States treats terrorism suspects and foreign combatants.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday said the Washington, D.C., law banning handguns violates individual rights protected by the Second Amendment. The court had not conclusively interpreted the Second Amendment since its ratification in 1791.

The markets have had a wild ride, with the Dow Jones industrial average falling more than 700 points at one stage before closing down 128 points. More than once, the Dow fell below 8,000 points. Roben Farzad, senior writer for BusinessWeek, says fear has gotten the best of everyone.

The Senate is braced for a showdown next week, when the Democrats plan to push through a nearly $900 billion economic stimulus package. The House passed a slightly smaller measure Wednesday. Not a single Republican voted for the plan, which was after President Obama lobbied GOP lawmakers for a bipartisan bill. The question now is how many Senate Republicans will heed his call?

E.J. Dionne of the Washington Post says President Barack Obama's speech marked a break with a lot of thinking since Ronald Reagan became president. David Brooks of The New York Times says Obama's speech represented the renunciation of a whole political era.

NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with legal expert Edgar Chen about the recent slew of legislation aimed at restricting U.S. land ownership for Chinese citizens and businesses.

Those who want a health bill passed by Christmas fear that if that doesn't happen, there could be a repeat of the brutal August town hall meetings. Others don't think the situation is so dire and say that Democrats could deliver the bill to Obama by the spring.

NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Progressive Caucus whip Greg Casar, D-Texas, about the proposed debt ceiling bill.