Fears that providing arms would pull the United States into a civil war, as well as concerns that some fighters may have links to Al Qaeda, have spawned fierce debate.
Coalition forces are banking on a challenge to official authority from the people and tribes of western Libya to drive Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi from power.
Increasingly, contentious policy issues that House Republicans insist must be addressed in any budget deal are as much of a stumbling block as the final dollar figure.
Administration efforts have failed to stanch a rising tide of foreclosures and a decline in home prices.
Studies suggest a link between food dyes and hyperactivity in children.
The flow of bad news has undermined the drumbeat of optimistic statements by officials who have tried to reassure a nervous public that progress is at hand.
Some local officials are questioning a spending increase as New York City is planning to cut 6,100 teaching positions.
James Barron, a reporter at The New York Times, summarizes the top headlines every weekday.