US guns

Campaigners are blaming lobby groups like the National Rifle Association for blocking gun control legislation. Is the NRA really more powerful than the President of the United States?

This is a shameful day for Washington, President Obama declared - as his efforts to push through stricter gun control laws hit a brick wall in Congress.

The US Senate holds its first debate on major gun control legislation for almost 20 years. But the parties are split: now, even a compromise deal on stricter background checks could fail.

by Jonathan Miller

The US Senate votes for a debate on reforming gun laws following Sandy Hook. The vote means plans for background checks will now be considered by Congress in the coming weeks. Jonathan Miller reports.

As unemployment falls by 14,000 between October and December to 2.5 million in the latest official figures, employment experts claim lower redundancy levels are down to 'structural change'.

The death of Reeva Steenkamp - girlfriend of Paralympian Oscar Pistorius - may have shocked South Africa, but with the fear of gun violence widespread, are their laws tough enough?

Assertive, confident and in no mood for compromise. After years of frustration at a bitterly divided Congress, Obama laid out his priorities for the next four years: a wish list, or a realistic plan?

A chance to lay out his priorities and the goals of his second term. As President Obama prepares to make his State of the Union address tonight, he will be warning congress: don't try to stop me.