A state commission voted Thursday to seek an attorney general's opinion on whether Maryland law would allow the state to reduce cost-of-living adjustments for retirees.

The weeklong shutdown of Minnesota's government stems from a deep conflict about the state's tradition of generous public assistance programs.

Members of the NFL Players' Association executive board and team owners met for hours Thursday at a law firm in Manhattan, hoping another push could finally resolve the labor lockout that began in March.

President Barack Obama declared a debt-crisis session Thursday with congressional leaders was "very constructive" but said the parties were still far apart on deficit reduction proposals. He said he would reconvene the negotiators on Sunday.