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John Thune, the freshman senator from South Dakota became a hero in the Republican Party last year when he toppled Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle. Thune said that, as an ally of President Bush, he would make things happen for South Dakotans. But the Pentagon's decision to close Ellsworth Air Force Base has put him on the defensive.

Former prosecutor Jeff Chamberlain gave up his briefcase five years ago for a life in baseball. He shares stories of his new life as an umpire in a semi-pro league.

The G8 group of industrialized nations wipes out $40 billion in debt owed by 18 poor nations. Most are in sub-Saharan Africa. Some observers say much bigger steps are still needed. British officials will push for a larger effort at G8 talks in Scotland, coming in July.

Howard Dean, the chairman of the Democratic Party, has once again made news. And, once again, it's because of something he has said. His colorful description of Republicans may have caused some Democratic leaders to wince. But party support outside of Washington, D.C., remains strong.

In the debate between nature and nurture, journalist and social activist Gloria Steinem believes we are asking the wrong question. She says we are an unpredictable mix of both, a mix that creates endless possibilities for a better future.

As a new, more restrictive bankruptcy bill comes closer to becoming law, our commentator points out there are other ways Congress could reduce individual bankruptcy filings. Capping interest rates, a health insurance overhaul and better consumer education could also have an effect. Liz Pulliam Weston is a personal finance adviser and author of the book Your Credit Score.

The Washington Nationals play their home opener Thursday night at RFK Stadium. It will be the first regular season pro baseball game in the nation's capital in 34 years. Melissa Block talks with Tom Boswell of the Washington Post.

The House of Representatives approves an overhaul of the nation's bankruptcy laws, voting 302 to 126 in favor of a bill that will make it more difficult for people to erase debts by declaring bankruptcy. The Senate passed the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act last month.

Residents of LaPorte, Ind., the hometown of Jeffrey Ake, holds a candlelight vigil for the 47-year-old American contractor who is being held hostage in Iraq.

Next week, Roman Catholic cardinals will convene to elect the next pope. Noah Adams discusses the process with John Allen, Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter.