OBAMA SPEECH IN FULL: A MORE PERFECT UNION  —  “We the people, in order to form a more perfect union.”  —  Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America's improbable experiment in democracy.

A McCain Gaffe in Jordan  —  AMMAN, Jordan — Sen. John McCain, traveling in the Middle East to promote his foreign policy expertise, misidentified in remarks Tuesday which broad category of Iraqi extremists are allegedly receiving support from Iran.  —  He said several times that Iran …

Clinton Widens Lead Over Obama In Pennsylvania, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Momentum Shifts To Her, But Racial Split Grows  —  The momentum in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary battle has shifted back to New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, who now leads Illinois Sen. Barack Obama 53 …

Writer Arthur C. Clarke dies at 90  —  COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - Arthur C. Clarke, a visionary science fiction writer who won worldwide acclaim with more than 100 books on space, science and the future, died Wednesday in his adopted home of Sri Lanka, an aide said.  He was 90.

John Murtha Endorses Hillary Clinton  —  LANCASTER, Pa. — Rep. John P. Murtha has announced his endorsement of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, bringing his clout as a 17-term member of the House and a prominent anti-war Democrat to bear with more than a month until the primary here in his home state.

U.S. Supreme Court seems poised to strike down D.C. handgun ban  —  Several justices indicate they believe the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution protects individual rights.  —  WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court justices, hearing a historic argument on the meaning of the 2nd Amendment …

Michigan do-over depends on Obama's backing, Senate leaders say  —  LANSING - Legislation to set a second Democratic presidential primary for June 3 won't be acted upon until and unless it wins the endorsement of the Barack Obama campaign, state Senate leaders said Tuesday morning.

Obama's New Radio Ads  —  PHILADELPHIA — Senator Hillary Clinton may be ahead in the polls here in Pennsylvania, but Senator Barack Obama is the first one up on the air, with two radio spots starting today.  They are the first ads in advance of the state's primary, April 22.

For immediate release  —  The Federal Open Market Committee decided today to lower its target for the federal funds rate 75 basis points to 2-1/4 percent.  —  Recent information indicates that the outlook for economic activity has weakened further.  Growth in consumer spending has slowed and labor markets have softened.