National

WASHINGTON — Nearly 50,000 prison inmates claimed more than $130 million in tax refunds this year without providing any wage information to the IRS, a government investigator says in a report to be released Thursday.

Illinois — Many Illinois representatives and senators stood up in recent days to voice either their support or opposition to the state’s recently passed civil unions bill.

WASHINGTON — The White House held the door open Wednesday for a year-end compromise that would extend all the Bush-era tax cuts temporarily and the Senate’s top Republican said the only question that remained was how long current rates should be allowed to continue before they expire.

WASHINGTON– Rep.-elect Tim Scott, R-S.C., released a statement Wednesday saying he would not be joining the Congressional Black Caucus.

Flo Henry, A Texas woman  reaches out for support in maintaining a historic cemetery.

Below is a piece contributed to CNN by the African actor. Africa — As an African man, I have always felt a sense of responsibility, not only toward my country, but to those living on the continent who face the daily challenges that poverty and disease bring.

Washington D.C.–Two attorneys for the House ethics committee have been placed on indefinite “paid administrative leave” stemming from serious problems within the secretive panel.

December 1st marks World AIDS Day 2010 all around the world. People famous and not so famous are making the most out of this day to raise awareness and celebrate loved ones who are dealing with this disease, lost the battle and highlighting positive developments with research and prevention.

WikiLeak’s impresario Julian Assange has stirred up multiple hornet’s nests with the release this year of intelligence documents on the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and, most recently, candid diplomatic cables that reveal the raw underbelly of U.S. international relations.

CINCINNATI – A white man who pleaded guilty to six robberies in Ohio used a black mask so lifelike that police initially arrested a black man for one of the crimes, authorities said Tuesday.