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Melissa Block As special correspondent, Melissa Block produces richly reported profiles of figures at the forefront of thought and culture, as well as stories and series on the critical issues of our day. In addition, she is a guest host on NPR news programs.
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World

U.K. Lawmakers Vote Against Syria Strike

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron called a special gathering of Parliament to argue forcefully for military intervention in Syria in response to the apparent chemical strike that he said killed hundreds there. He met with opposition among legislators who don't want to rush to war. After a vigorous debate, they voted against the government.

U.K. Lawmakers Vote Against Syria Strike

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National

Treasury, IRS Debut New Tax Rules For Same-Sex Couples

Officials of the Treasury Department and the IRS announced new rules allowing same sex couples who marry in states with gay marriage to file jointly if they move to other states.

Treasury, IRS Debut New Tax Rules For Same-Sex Couples

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Law

DOJ Won't Sue To Overturn Recreational Pot Laws

The Department of Justice issued new guidance Thursday on enforcement of marijuana laws. The move comes after two states — Colorado and Washington — legalized marijuana for recreational use. The department said it would not sue to pre-empt those laws as long as the two states follow the new policy, which applies to all 50 states. The government's priorities for prosecutors include keeping drug profits away from gangs and cartels, and keeping marijuana away from children.

DOJ Won't Sue To Overturn Recreational Pot Laws

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Politics

Middle East, Civil Rights Intersect At White House

President Obama reached the White House largely on his opposition to U.S. intervention in the Middle East and his gift for both using and transcending his race. This week, the pressure to intervene in Syria has become overwhelming, just as the nation marks the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington — the iconic climax of the civil rights movement.

Middle East, Civil Rights Intersect At White House

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National

San Diego Mayor Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

San Diego Mayor Bob Filner resigned on Friday. The city council struck a deal under which Filner — a Democrat — will step down on Aug. 30. It's the end result of a sexual harassment scandal that has seen more than a dozen women accuse Filner of inappropriate behavior.

San Diego Mayor Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

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National

San Diego City Council Considers Mayor's Resignation

San Diego Mayor Bob Filner is expected to resign on Friday after the city council approves a tentative deal struck earlier this week. The details of the agreement are not know at this point.

San Diego City Council Considers Mayor's Resignation

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Education

Obama Calls For College Affordability On Bus Tour

President Obama was in Buffalo, N.Y., today, talking up the college affordability program at the SUNY campus there and urging Congress to do more to support higher education. The president also has a political agenda as he drives from town to town. NPR's Scott Horsley is with the president and joins us now.

Obama Calls For College Affordability On Bus Tour

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Law

Soldier Who Admitted To Killing Afghans Apologizes In Court

"Sorry just isn't good enough, but I am sorry." That apology was offered Thursday by Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, in a military court at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. Bales agreed to plead guilty to killing 16 Afghan civilians as part of a deal that spared him the death penalty. His sentencing hearing is wrapping up this week.

Soldier Who Admitted To Killing Afghans Apologizes In Court

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National Security

Secret Ruling Found NSA's Surveillance Violated Constitution

The U.S. intelligence community is releasing a secret court opinion concerning an National Security Agency surveillance program. The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act court opinion is known to have found the NSA program unlawful. But civil liberties advocates have called for it to be made public.

Secret Ruling Found NSA's Surveillance Violated Constitution

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Law

Prosecution Rests In Court Martial Of Maj. Nidal Hasan

The prosecution has wrapped up its case against the former psychiatrist accused of opening fire at Fort Hood, killing 13 people. Army Maj. Nidal Hasan, who is representing himself, will present his case beginning tomorrow.

Prosecution Rests In Court Martial Of Maj. Nidal Hasan

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'Treme' Cookbook Captures The Flavor Of A Show And A City

Microwave pralines are easier to make than stovetop pralines, and just as tasty. Ed Anderson/Chronicle Books hide caption

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Ed Anderson/Chronicle Books

The Salt

'Treme' Cookbook Captures The Flavor Of A Show And A City

Melissa Block talks with Lolis Eric Elie, a writer and editor behind the HBO series Treme about a new cookbook written in the voices of the show's characters. Elie says it reflects both old New Orleans traditions and more recent influences.

'Treme' Cookbook Captures The Flavor Of A Show And A City

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National Security

Obama Supports Some Senators' Call For NSA Reform

At his press conference on Friday, President Obama promised more transparency about the government's secret national security surveillance programs. The president expressed support for some reform efforts being considered in Congress and called for the release of more documents that explain how and why the surveillance effort works and whether it safeguards the privacy of Americans.

Obama Supports Some Senators' Call For NSA Reform

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Law

Attorneys Assigned To Fort Hood Shooter Want To Back Out

There was an unexpected hold-up on day two of the court martial of Army Maj. Nidal Hasan, accused of gunning down fellow soldiers at Fort Hood. His "standby" attorneys have told the judge that don't believe it's ethical for them to keep assisting a man who they believe is trying to get the death penalty.

Attorneys Assigned To Fort Hood Shooter Want To Back Out

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