The Vermont Senate has passed a bill designed to put the state on a path toward a universal, single-payer health care system.

A report this week found that the United States has the highest percentage of single parents in industrialized countries, and lacks family care policies for employees such as child care at work, and paid parental leave, a standard benefit in other countries.

A proposal to renew a fee on Tennessee hospitals designed to avoid millions of dollars in TennCare cuts is headed to the governor.

A key North Carolina House committee on Wednesday approved a Republican budget proposal that critics say makes avoidable cuts in public education and health programs but that GOP leaders argue protects classroom teachers and health services for the poor.