Keepingitreal

Today's News Highlights 08.31.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Minorities now a majority in Washington area
The Washington region, along with seven other big-city metropolitan regions in the United States, became majority-minority over the past decade. Minorities are the majority in 22 of the nation’s 100-largest metro areas.
(By Carol Morello and Ted Mellnik)

ATF head is reassigned amid probe
The replacement of Kenneth E. Melson part of a shake-up in response to gun operation.
(By Jerry Markon and Sari Horwitz)

Different takes on Obama’s foreign policy
Mitt Romney and Rick Perry criticize his approach as weak, while the president touts his successes.
(By David Nakamura and Philip Rucker)

CEOs’ pay and Uncle Sam’s
According to the Institute of Policy Studies, 25 of the highest-paid CEOs in the country earned more in pay than their company recorded as a tax expense in 2010.
(By Peter Whoriskey)

National Guard airlifts take food, water to Vt. towns cut off by Irene's flooding
MONTPELIER, Vt. — National Guard helicopters began taking food and water Tuesday to about a dozen Vermont towns cut off by flooding from the rainy remnants of Hurricane Irene in a deluge that took inland areas of New England and upstate New York by surprise with its ferocity.
(By Associated Press)

POLITICS
Obama to urge Congress to pass federal highway bill he says will save 1 million jobs
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will make a push for more transportation spending on Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Security to ramp up nationwide in preparation for 10-year anniversary of Sept. 11 attacks
WASHINGTON — The federal government is escalating security around the country in preparation for the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and conducting confidential briefings with state and local law enforcement organizations. But officials say there is no specific indication that a terror plot against the U.S. is under way.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Independent panel says as much as $60 billion lost to waste and fraud in Iraq and Afghanistan
WASHINGTON — As much as $60 billion in U.S. tax dollars has been lost to waste and fraud in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past decade due to lax oversight of contractors, poor planning and corruption, according to an independent panel.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Palin to speak at NH tea party rally, Labor Day appearance to come 2 days after Iowa speech
WASHINGTON — Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will appear at a New Hampshire tea party rally this weekend.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Taking leadership by storm
For the governors of Maryland and Virginia, the hurricane has offered national attention and a chance to display executive leadership skills in a time of crisis.
( by John Wagner and Anita Kumar , The Washington Post)

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STYLE
Pentagon Memorial offers lesson for the living
The memorial honoring the lives lost there pushes visitors to work to figure it out — and how to relate to it.
( by Manuel Roig-Franzia , The Washington Post)

Just how clean do you want your house?
On the division of labor at home, a reader advises, the first task is to decide as a couple what your standards of home cleanliness are.
(, The Washington Post)

Hints From Heloise: Make weevils wobble
Weevils have staked their claim to a reader’s pantry.
(, King)

Ask Amy: Parents wonder if they’ve erred with guardian
Parents chose his sister as their children’s guardian should anything happen to them, but they’re not thrilled with the sister’s new guy.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Nightlife agenda
The Going Out Gurus highlight the week’s best DJs, bands, dance nights and parties.
(, The Washington Post)

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SPORTS
Former California prep stars Shoemate and McEntee playing together again at Connecticut
STORRS, Conn. — D.J. Shoemate and Johnny McEntee have crossed the United States to fulfill the football dream they shared when they were children in Southern California.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Loudest of the Redskins: High-gear special teams coach Danny Smith commands the field
ASHBURN, Va. — Danny Smith is the loudest member of the Washington Redskins. Wins the title hands down.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Taiwan Jones' solid debut has Raiders beaming at the prospects speedy runner offers
ALAMEDA, Calif. — Taiwan Jones spent all training camp trying to impress the Oakland Raiders with his speed.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Charismatic Wilson ready for spotlight as No. 11 Wisconsin faces big underdog UNLV
MADISON, Wis. — Russell Wilson will step back into the spotlight on Thursday night for No. 11 Wisconsin.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson anxious to begin his run as starter
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Tyler Wilson hasn’t started a football game since 2007 — when he was a high school senior.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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WORLD
China further ramps up security for Central Asian expo in troubled Xinjiang region
BEIJING — Already tight security in China’s troubled Xinjiang region was ramped up further Wednesday ahead of a major Central Asian trade gathering in the capital Urumqi.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Frankfurt shooting suspect admits killing US airmen, says he regrets his crimes as trial opens
FRANKFURT, Germany — A 21-year-old Kosovo Albanian says he killed two U.S. airmen at the Frankfurt airport on March 2 and wounded two others, but insists he doesn’t understand why he committed the crime.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Frankfurt shooting suspect admits killing US airmen after watching radical Islamic propaganda
FRANKFURT, Germany — Frankfurt shooting suspect admits killing US airmen after watching radical Islamic propaganda online.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

North Korea snubs South Korea, starts group tours from China to a former joint Korean resort
MOUNT KUMGANG, North Korea — A rusty cargo ship festooned with welcome banners arrived Wednesday at North Korea’s Diamond Mountain resort to mark the launch of new tours from China that snub Seoul and aim to replace suspended South Korean trips.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

AP Exclusive: 6 months after disaster, holdout embodies dilemma of Japan's nuclear refugees
TOMIOKA, Japan — Vines creep across Tomioka’s empty streets. Dead cows rot where they were left to starve in their pens. Chicken coops writhe with maggots, a sickening stench hanging in the air.
(Associated PressAssociated Press, AP)

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LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Ask Boswell
Sports Columnist Tom Boswell will take your questions about baseball, the Redskins, the Wizards and more.
(, vForum)

ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

Debt Ceiling drama: Why Jonathan Capehart thinks your voice needs to be heard
In his Post-Partisan blog post today, Opinion writer Jonathan Capehart said that "Folks should be marching on the Capitol" in protest of the way the debt issue is being handled. Do you agree?
(, vForum)

Chatological Humor: Monthly with Moron
Gene Weingarten takes polls and chats about his recent columns.
(, vForum)

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TECHNOLOGY
Volvo Cars and Siemens join forces in the development of new line of electric cars
STOCKHOLM — Swedish automaker Volvo Cars says it is joining forces with Germany’s Siemens AG in the development of a new line of electric cars.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

AT&T, T-Mobile pledge to bring 5,000 wireless call center jobs back to US
WASHINGTON — AT&T Inc. is pledging to bring 5,000 wireless call center jobs, currently based abroad, back to the U.S. if it is allowed to proceed with its proposed $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile USA.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Barnes & Noble 1st quarter loss narrows, helped by higher Nook, e-book sales
NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble Inc. said Tuesday it narrowed its net loss in its fiscal first quarter as sales of its Nook e-book reader and e-books helped offset lower physical book sales.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

NASA MMO Gets Kickstarter Funding, Beta In 2012

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Intel Forms ‘Federal’ Business Unit To Sell Supercomputing Services To The U.S. Government

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

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BUSINESS
New Danish statistics show country is not in recession just 2 weeks before national election
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — New data shows that Denmark is no longer in a recession and technically wasn’t in a recession in previous quarters either.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Japan's industrial production edges higher in July but misses forecast
TOKYO — Japan’s industrial production fell short of expectations in July as a strong yen, power shortages and slowing global economy compounded the struggle to recover from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Eurozone inflation rate steady at 2.5 pct in Aug, adding to expectations ECB won't hike rates
BRUSSELS — Inflation in the 17 euro countries remained steady at 2.5 percent in August, adding to expectations the European Central Bank will hold off from raising interest rates — and may even consider cutting them — as economic growth slows.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Greek government in talks with foreign creditors on how to limit recession
ATHENS, Greece — Greece’s finance minister says the government is discussing with its international creditors measures to reduce the impact of its deep recession, stressing that the next few weeks are crucial.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Number of Germans out of work in August inches up slightly as labor market cools
BERLIN — The number of Germans out of work increased slightly in August, the Federal Labor Agency said Wednesday, in a further indication that Europe’s economic powerhouse is slowing down.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Today's News Highlights 08.29.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Area returning to normal despite school closings, power outages
Remnants of the hurricane battered New England after pounding the Mid-Atlantic. Aleast 24 deaths were reported, and thousands of people were without electricity.
(By Nikita Stewart, Theresa Vargas and Michael E. Ruane)

Perry: Not a Bush Republican
GOP candidate has drawn a stark contrast with the “compassionate conservatism” of his fellow Texan.
(By Perry Bacon Jr.)

Syrian unrest raises fears about chemical arsenal
A sudden collapse of the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad could mean a Libya-like breakdown in controls over the country’s vast chemical weapons arsenal.
(By Joby Warrick)

Japan’s ruling party elects Noda chief
The pairing of a non-charismatic prime minister and Japan’s unbecoming political mess seems somehow fitting. Fiscal hawk Yoshihiko Noda may be well-suited to deal with the muck.
(By Chico Harlan)

Inventor writes own rules of the road with green car
A Leesburg man designed an environmentally friendly car, and people in town can’t seem to get enough of it.
(By Susan Svrluga)

POLITICS
Obama taps Krueger to head White House Council of Economic Advisers
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has chosen labor economist Alan Krueger for a top administration post as the White House scrambles for solutions to boost a fragile economy with the 2012 election looming.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

China expands controls over fast-changing banks to tighten lending curbs
BEIJING — Regulators reportedly are expanding controls over China’s banks to keep pace with a fast-changing industry and curb a credit boom as Beijing fights surging inflation.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Swedish bank Nordea to lay off 2,000 staff in Nordic countries in 2011 and 2012
STOCKHOLM — The Nordic region’s largest bank, Nordea AB will lay off around 2,000 employees in 2011 and 2012, partly due to the increased costs of new global bank regulations, it said Monday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Members of deficit panel had moments of independence, bipartisanship, offering hope of a deal
WASHINGTON — Even lawmakers most loyal to their leaders and political party on occasion buck them with a flash of independence or bipartisanship. That includes some of the six Republicans and six Democrats given the task of finding up to another $1.5 trillion deficit savings over the next decade.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

How the poll on Obama and the 2012 presidential race was conducted
WASHINGTON — The Associated Press-GfK Poll on Obama and the 2012 presidential race was conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications from Aug. 18-22. It is based on landline and cellular telephone interviews with a nationally representative random sample of 1,000 adults. Interviews were conducted with 700 respondents on landline telephones and 300 on cellular phones.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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STYLE
Pentagon Memorial offers lesson for the living
The memorial honoring the lives lost there pushes visitors to work to figure it out — and how to relate to it.
( by Manuel Roig-Franzia , The Washington Post)

Making a memorable exit
“The Aristocrats” was an appropriate exit for Cherry Red Productions — lotta party, not much art.
( by Nelson Pressley , The Washington Post)

Book World: ‘Requiem for a Gypsy’
At the heart of “Requiem for a Gypsy,” Michael Genelin’s thriller set in Bratislava, is Jana Matinova, a police commander who is cool, methodical and distant.
( by Tracy Grant , The Washington Post)

NYC's subway service running OK Monday after Irene
NEW YORK — New York City subways resumed service Monday after Tropical Storm Irene forced an unprecedented closure of the nation’s largest mass transit system. Trains and buses in and around the metropolitan area faced their first major test as millions of commuters ventured to work for the first time since the storm hit.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

KidsPost’s ‘Dream’ essay contest
KidsPost wants to know what your dream for changing the world is. Tell us how you would change the world in the spirit of Dr. King in 75 words or less.
(, The Washington Post)

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SPORTS
Fenerbahce to appeal to CAS over expulsion from Champions League
ANKARA, Turkey — Fenerbahce says it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after its removal from the Champions League by the Turkish Football Federation over a match-fixing scandal.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Defending champion Jessica Ennis moves into 1st place in heptathlon after 4 events at worlds
DAEGU, South Korea — Defending champion Jessica Ennis moved into the lead after four events in the heptathlon Monday at the world championships.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Dayron Robles DQ'd after winning 110 hurdles at worlds following protest from Liu
DAEGU, South Korea — One of the most anticipated events of the world championships turned into one of the most controversial, with Olympic champion Dayron Robles disqualified for interfering with Chinese star Liu Xiang in a 110-meter hurdle race awarded to Jason Richardson of the United States.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Vikings waive QB Rhett Bomar, 9 others in 1st round of roster cuts
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have waived quarterback Rhett Bomar and nine other players in their first round of roster cuts.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Pawel Wojciechowski of Poland wins men's pole vault at worlds, Borges 2nd with same height
DAEGU, South Korea — Pawel Wojciechowski of Poland won the gold medal in the men’s pole vault at the world championships Monday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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WORLD
Government official: landslides have killed at least 29 people in Uganda's eastern district
KAMPALA, Uganda — Landslides killed at least 29 people on Monday, including children buried in their homes in an eastern district of Uganda, officials said.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Uganda minister says death toll has risen to 29 after landslides bury homes in country's east
KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda minister says death toll has risen to 29 after landslides bury homes in country’s east.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Iran defies UN by saying it won't stop uranium enrichment program
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s nuclear chief Fereidoun Abbasi says his country won’t stop uranium enrichment activities the U.N. has demanded it halt.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

AP EXCLUSIVE: Afghans furious US held secret talks with Taliban, leak identity, scuttle talks
KABUL, Afghanistan — Infuriated that Washington met secretly at least three times with a personal emissary of Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar, the Afghan government intentionally leaked details of the clandestine meetings, scuttling the talks and sending the Taliban intermediary into hiding, The Associated Press has learned.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Syrian forces going after protesters storm northern village, killing at least 6
BEIRUT — Syrian security forces pursuing anti-government protesters stormed several towns and villages Monday, killing at least six people — including a child — and wounding many others during raids and house-to-house searches, activists said.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Ask Boswell
Sports Columnist Tom Boswell will take your questions about baseball, the Redskins, the Wizards and more.
(, vForum)

ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

Debt Ceiling drama: Why Jonathan Capehart thinks your voice needs to be heard
In his Post-Partisan blog post today, Opinion writer Jonathan Capehart said that "Folks should be marching on the Capitol" in protest of the way the debt issue is being handled. Do you agree?
(, vForum)

Chatological Humor: Monthly with Moron
Gene Weingarten takes polls and chats about his recent columns.
(, vForum)

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TECHNOLOGY
Video: New Atomic Clock Reaches A 100 Quadrillionth Of A Second Accuracy

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Post Citrix Acquisition, Cloud.com’s CloudStack Goes 100% Open Source

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Zeebo Raises $17 Million For Interactive Entertainment, Education Platform

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Samsung To Launch ChatON, A Cross-Platform Mobile Chat Service

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Leaked! Toshiba To Release Powerful, Ultra Thin Android Tablet At IFA

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

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EDITORIAL
Formula for a good school
Is there an innovative model for education that you think works well? Send your suggestions, and find out what methods other readers favor.
(, The Washington Post)

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BUSINESS
Consumer spending rose 0.8 pct. in July, rebounding after first decline in 20 months
WASHINGTON — Consumers rebounded in July to lift spending after the first decline in 20 months. The boost is likely to ease fears that the U.S. economy is on the verge of another recession.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

EU official warns that recent financial markets turmoil could hurt economic recovery
BRUSSELS — The European Union’s top monetary official is warning that recent turmoil on financial markets threatens economic recovery in the 27-country bloc.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Video: New Atomic Clock Reaches A 100 Quadrillionth Of A Second Accuracy

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Ranchers in drought-stricken southern Plains struggle to find, afford hay to feed their cattle
OMAHA, Neb. — A scorching drought in the southern Plains has caused hay prices to soar, benefiting farmers to the north but forcing many ranchers to make a difficult choice between paying high prices or selling their cattle.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

European Central Bank spends €6.65 billion ($9.6B) on bond purchases to halt debt crisis
FRANKFURT, Germany — The European Central Bank last week slowed down its government bond-buying program, spending €6.65 billion ($9.64 billion) on debt by countries like Italy and Spain to protect them from financial market turmoil.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Today's News Highlights 08.22.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Gaddafi’s rule crumbling as rebels enter Tripoli
The six-month -old battle for control of Libya appeared to be hurtling toward a dramatic finale.
(By Thomas Erdbrink and Liz Sly)

Libyan rebels encounter little resistance on way
The opposition’s Tripoli brigade had braced for a long fight, but it didn’t materialize.
(By Thomas Erdbrink)

Obama: Libya slipping from ‘tyrant’
He says battle between rebels, Gaddafi at “tipping point,” urges longtime leader to relinquish power.
(By Associated Press)

Chris Cillizza: The economy: Obama’s toughest test
There’s no question Obama is in the most difficult patch of his presidency. So what does he do?
(By Chris Cillizza)

In Texas schools, a criminal response to misbehavior
An array of get-tough policies in U.S. schools in the past two decades has brought many students into contact with police and courts.
(By Donna St. George)

POLITICS
Public to get first glimpse of Martin Luther King Jr. memorial on National Mall in Washington
WASHINGTON — Tourists and Washingtonians alike are about to get their first up-close look at the memorial to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Grief takes many forms after SUV crash kills 4 NJ high school football players, injures 4 more
LINWOOD, N.J. — As Chris Hickey thought about what she could say to comfort her daughter on the death of her schoolmates, she opened her mouth once, then twice, unable at first to put sound to words. She tried a third time, standing on the track of Mainland Regional High School Sunday night, a day after a crash on the Garden State Parkway killed four of the school’s football players and injured four more.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Economy strains Social Security disability program
Social Security’s disability program continues to weaken as more apply for benefits in a precarious economy.
( by Stephen Ohlemacher , The Washington Post)

Statement of President Barack Obama on Libya
WASHINGTON — Text of President Barack Obama’s statement on events in Libya, as provided by the White House:
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

A few stones tossed across Potomac
Neighboring governors Martin O’Malley of Maryland and Robert McDonnell of Virginia made their first joint TV appearance as heads of their respective governors associations.
( by John Wagner and Anita Kumar , The Washington Post)

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STYLE
Hints From Heloise: Can swimsuit fade be delayed?
The key to prolonging the life of a swimswuit is to rinse with cold water, and avoid detergents.
(, King)

Ask Amy: Parents stick to their guns over violent games
Tween sons are pressuring parents to let them buy and play violent games because “all the kids do.”
(, Tribune Media Service)

Bitter over a ‘destroyed’ life
She’s angry over the ex-husband and his boyfriend, her lost house, her low-paying job and the fact that her ex gets all the sympathy.
(, The Washington Post)

Bayard Rustin’s place in history
The March on Washington organizer pulled off one of the most crucial moments of the civil rights movement.
( by Steve Hendrix , The Washington Post)



(, The Washington Post)

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SPORTS
Inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge begins with prologue in Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge starts Monday with a five-mile prologue in Colorado Springs.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Ex-Wake Forest star Simpson returns to ACC country to earn 1st PGA Tour win at Wyndham
GREENSBORO, N.C. — A former Wake Forest player claimed his first PGA Tour victory by holding off a late-charging, ex-Florida State standout.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Kyle Busch outlasts Jimmie Johnson to win Sprint Cup race in Michigan
BROOKLYN, Mich. — Kyle Busch held off Jimmie Johnson — for the time being, at least.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Plax-a-go: Burress caps big return to NFL with TD catch to help Jets top Bengals 27-7
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Plaxico Burress stepped onto the football field, looked around and smiled.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Bolt comes into the worlds with same swagger, tells AP he is ready for another triple gold
DAEGU, South Korea — Usain Bolt will put his famous “Who faster?” taunt to the test again at the world championships.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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WORLD
Clashes erupt near Gadhafi compound in Libyan capital
TRIPOLI, Libya — Tanks opened fire at rebels trying to storm Moammar Gadhafi’s main compound in Tripoli on Monday, although the whereabouts of the longtime Libyan leader remained unknown a day after a lightning advance by opposition fighters who poured into Tripoli capital with surprising ease.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Biden praises Mongolia's democratic development, says it captured world's imagination
ULAN BATOR, Mongolia — U.S. Vice President Joe Biden arrived Monday for a brief visit in Mongolia, which he called a shining example of democratic development.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

World leaders say end is near for Gadhafi, urge him to surrender
ROME — World leaders said Monday the end is near for the regime of Moammar Gadhafi and called on the Libyan leader to relinquish power, as hundreds of Libyans living abroad celebrated in the streets after rebels took control of most of the Libyan capital.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Some areas near Japan's crippled nuke plant to remain off-limits for foreseeable future
TOKYO — Some residents evacuated from around Japan’s stricken nuclear power plant may not to be able to return to their homes for “a long time” due to projections that high radiation levels will linger, a top government official said Monday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Vietnam detains 50 protesters who took part in anti-China rally over disputed territory
HANOI, Vietnam — A Vietnamese state media report says police detained 50 people following an anti-China rally in Hanoi.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Ask Boswell
Sports Columnist Tom Boswell will take your questions about baseball, the Redskins, the Wizards and more.
(, vForum)

ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

Debt Ceiling drama: Why Jonathan Capehart thinks your voice needs to be heard
In his Post-Partisan blog post today, Opinion writer Jonathan Capehart said that "Folks should be marching on the Capitol" in protest of the way the debt issue is being handled. Do you agree?
(, vForum)

Chatological Humor: Monthly with Moron
Gene Weingarten takes polls and chats about his recent columns.
(, vForum)

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TECHNOLOGY
Germany's Osram files new complaints in lighting patent battles with South Korean companies
SEOUL, South Korea — German lighting manufacturer Osram is filing new patent infringement complaints against South Korean companies amid a global wave of intellectual property disputes in the technology sector.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Gadgets Week In Review: Parts

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Cisco To Buy Comptel’s Axioss Software Assets For $31 Million In Cash

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Content Snackers Become Cord Cutters; Change The TV World As We Know It

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Software Is Eating All the Jobs Too

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

BUSINESS
World stock markets mixed amid fears US economy is slipping back into recession
BANGKOK — World stocks swung between gains and losses Monday, as hopes the Federal Reserve might take action to keep the U.S. from slipping back into recession offset fears of a global slowdown.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Germany's Osram files new complaints in lighting patent battles with South Korean companies
SEOUL, South Korea — German lighting manufacturer Osram is filing new patent infringement complaints against South Korean companies amid a global wave of intellectual property disputes in the technology sector.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Hollywood's Legendary, China's Huayi Bros raise $220.5 million for co-production venture
HONG KONG — Hollywood production house Legendary Entertainment and a Chinese studio have raised $220.5 million for the joint venture they’ve set up aimed at China’s increasingly lucrative film market.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

New worry for orchards: Scientists say apple scab is growing more resistant to pesticides
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Apple growers in the eastern U.S. have a despised enemy known as apple scab — a disease caused by a fungus that forms ugly brown or greenish-black pockmarks on the fruit’s skin. A scabby apple is unfit for grocery stores because consumers are notoriously picky about blemished fruit.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Brent oil falls near $105 as Libyan rebels overrun most of Tripoli, threaten to topple Gadhafi
SINGAPORE — Brent crude fell to near $105 a barrel Monday as Libyan rebels captured most of the country’s capital, boosting hopes the OPEC nation’s oil exports could resume soon.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Today's News Highlights 08.18.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Details of Obama’s jobs plan emerge
President Obama has decided to press Congress for a new round of stimulus spending and tax cuts as he seeks to address the great domestic policy quandary of his tenure: how to spur job growth in an age of austerity.
(By Zachary A. Goldfarb and Peter Wallsten)

Romney, Perry offer contrast on jobs, economy
Each candidate pitches himself as the only one with the skills needed to create jobs. But their records as job creators are strikingly different, as are most other aspects of their personal biographies.
(By Philip Rucker)

Extended-family households grow in D.C. area
Census statistics show a 33 percent increase in the Washington region among people living with friends and extended family members.
(By Carol Morello and Ted Mellnik)

SEC accused of destroying case files
Former agency official says SEC violated federal law by destroying records of enforcement cases in which it decided not to file charges.
(By David S. Hilzenrath)

Viola Drath’s husband forged document, court paper say
Friends of 91-year-old Viola Drath’s say they had warned her about her husband, Albrecht Muth, now charged in her death.
(By Josh White, Keith L. Alexander and Allison Klein)

POLITICS
SPIN METER: Special-interest money that's bad for the president is good for some in his party
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has sworn off special-interest money to pay for his re-election bid. But it turns out those dollars are fair game for congressional Democrats — to the tune of millions.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

New disability evaluation system has war wounded facing bureaucracy to leave military
WASHINGTON — Staff Sgt. Nicholas Lanier has entered what he calls the “vast unknown.” A combat veteran and father to four daughters, he can’t remain in the military because of a serious back injury earned in Iraq.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Obama's Martha's Vineyard vacation prompts annual debate: Should he stay home and work?
WASHINGTON — Is there ever really a good time for the president to go on vacation? President Barack Obama’s summer getaway to Martha’s Vineyard has reignited a seemingly annual debate.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

AP sources: US demand for Syrian President Assad to leave power is imminent
WASHINGTON — U.S. officials say the Obama administration is ready to make an explicit call for Syrian President Bashar Assad to leave power and has notified Arab and European allies that an announcement is imminent.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Obama returns to Washington briefly before heading to Martha's Vineyard for family vacation
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is back in Washington after spending three days touring small, Midwestern towns by bus. But he isn’t staying long.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

STYLE
Miss Manners: Job interview is not the place to adjust your clothes
Should recent college grad unbutton suit when sitting down for interview?
(, Universal Press)

Ask Amy: Pop’s politics peeve family
Her father is a political bully, but his drinking may be the elephant in the room.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Hints From Heloise: A gift of thank-you
A godparent laments the silence that follows the cards and gifts she sends.
(, King)

Sit out the mommy war
What is a non-mommy-war response to, “Oh, I was so glad I didn’t have to work when my kids were young”?
(, The Washington Post)

Conn. police investigate theft of 2 ancient Chinese head sculptures worth $800,000 each
WESTPORT, Conn. — Police say they’re investigating the theft of two rare ancient Chinese head sculptures valued at $800,000 each from a private collection in Connecticut.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

SPORTS
Els, Harrington among big names chasing playoff spots this week at Wyndham Championship
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Ernie Els and Padraig Harrington have combined to win six major championships. Their next challenge: playing their way into golf’s postseason.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Former Texas star Ogbonnaya gaining notice at Texans camp, bonds with RB Foster
HOUSTON — Chris Ogbonnaya has bonded with Houston Texans star running back Arian Foster, and it’s only fitting.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

After $62.5M stadium renovation, James Madison looks to measure up on the field
HARRISONBURG, Va. — James Madison linebacker Pat Williams left campus for the summer to work at an internship in northern Virginia and was stunned when he got back.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Comfortable Kolb looks forward to challenge at Green Bay
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — New quarterback Kevin Kolb says he is finally comfortable with the Arizona Cardinals’ offense and looks forward to putting his newfound knowledge to a stern test when the team travels to Green Bay to face the NFL champion Packers.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

While CJ's away in his holdout, Titans other running backs try to take advantage of extra work
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans want star running back Chris Johnson in camp as soon as possible.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
Officials: Clashes in western Baghdad kill 2 Iraqi soldiers, 4 militants
BAGHDAD — Health and security officials say two Iraqi soldiers and four militants have been killed in clashes in western Baghdad.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Yugoslav war crimes tribunal opens its first-ever retrial in case against former Kosovo leader
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal is opening its first-ever retrial, with Kosovo’s former prime minister again facing charges of murdering and torturing civilians in 1998 as the province battled for independence from Serbia.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Syria’s Assad says military operations have ended
BEIRUT — Activists say Syrian troops have shot dead nine people in the central city of Homs as President Bashar Assad was quoted as telling the U.N. chief that military operations in his country have ended.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Violence in Pakistani city kills 33 in 24 hours; many victims tortured, shot, stuffed in sacks
KARACHI, Pakistan — A wave of violence killed 33 people in the last 24 hours in Pakistan’s largest city, with many of the victims tortured, shot and stuffed in sacks that were dumped on the streets, officials said Thursday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Turkey's military confirms cross border raids into northern Iraq, vows more strikes
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s military confirmed on Thursday that its air force has pounded Kurdish rebel targets in northern Iraq and vowed to continue the attacks until the guerrilla group is “rendered ineffective.”
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Ask Boswell
Sports Columnist Tom Boswell will take your questions about baseball, the Redskins, the Wizards and more.
(, vForum)

ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

Debt Ceiling drama: Why Jonathan Capehart thinks your voice needs to be heard
In his Post-Partisan blog post today, Opinion writer Jonathan Capehart said that "Folks should be marching on the Capitol" in protest of the way the debt issue is being handled. Do you agree?
(, vForum)

Chatological Humor: Monthly with Moron
Gene Weingarten takes polls and chats about his recent columns.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
IBM breakthrough: chips that behave like brains
SAN FRANCISCO — Computers, like humans, can learn. But when Google tries to fill in your search box based only on a few keystrokes, or your iPhone predicts words as you type a text message, it’s only a narrow mimicry of what the human brain is capable.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Red Hat CEO At LinuxCon: I Have No Idea What’s Next

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Ford to Sell Solar Panel System Alongside Electric Cars

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Sincerely Launching An iOS Photo App Monetization Platform: Picture Printing For All

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

doubleTwist Now Has 1 Million Active Users — Every Day

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

BUSINESS
British retail sales barely grow in July, in another sign of faltering economy
LONDON — Retail sales in Britain barely grew in July, in another sign that the country’s economy is struggling in the wake of waning global growth and high inflation, official figures showed Thursday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Air Berlin to cut routes as German tax weigh on earnings as CEO plans to quit
BERLIN — Germany’s second-biggest airline, Air Berlin PLC, says it is cutting back unprofitable routes as high fuel prices, a new German aviation tax and sagging demand for travel to North Africa weighed on earnings.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Oil hovers below $87 in Asia amid fears a weakening US economy may hit demand
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Oil prices fell below $87 a barrel Thursday in Asia on renewed concerns that the U.S. economy may weaken and hit fuel demand in the world’s top crude consumer.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

World stocks down amid economic pessimism as Japan exports fall for 5th straight month
BANGKOK — World stocks sank Thursday after an uneven day on Wall Street added to pessimism about the global economic outlook and Japan announced that exports had fallen for the fifth straight month in July.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

In latest global bid, Asahi to buy New Zealand's Independent Liquor for $1.28 billion
TOKYO — Asahi Group Holdings Ltd. said Thursday it has agreed to buy major New Zealand beverage maker Independent Liquor Ltd. as part of its drive for global growth.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Today's News Highlights 08.16.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
CT scans for lung cancer ignite debate
Proponents say screening could save thousands of lives, while critics of wide-scale testing argue that it’s not clear whether benefits outweigh risks.
(By Rob Stein)

Obama wants government to keep big mortgage role
President Obama has directed a small team of advisers to develop a proposal that would keep the government playing a major role in the nation’s mortgage market, extending a federal loan subsidy for most home buyers, according to people familiar with the matter.
(By Zachary A. Goldfarb)

Perry takes aim at Bernanke
Texas Gov. Rick Perry, making his maiden campaign swing in Iowa after jumping into the race for the Republican presidential nomination, suggested Monday night that Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke would be committing an act of treason by printing more money between now and November 2012.
(By Philip Rucker)

Slain D.C. woman, 91, sought protection against husband
Viola Drath, who was found dead in her Georgetown home Friday, had a tumultuous relationship with her much younger husband, court documents show.
(By Josh White and Allison Klein)

Gaddafi isolated amid setbacks
With rebels reaching within 30 miles of Tripoli, the Libyan leader’s government suffered its latest apparent defection.
(By Leila Fadel)

POLITICS
Perry warns of Fed treason
Candidate says Ben Bernanke would be committing a “treasonous” act if the Fed ordered printing of more money before the 2012 election.
( by Dan Balz , The Washington Post)

400 hidden cameras show Earth's real wild side _ up-close look at jaguars, gorillas, elephants
WASHINGTON — They are the hidden family portraits of Earth’s most remote jungles finally revealed: A touching snapshot of an endangered female mountain gorilla carrying an infant on her back. A giant anteater sticking its enormous snout practically in your face. Soulful eyes of a curious chimpanzee, a speedy jaguar and a rare tapir staring back at you.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

400 hidden cameras show Earth's real wild side _ up-close look at jaguars, gorillas, elephants
WASHINGTON — They are the hidden family portraits of Earth’s most remote jungles finally revealed: A touching snapshot of an endangered female mountain gorilla carrying an infant on her back. A giant anteater sticking its enormous snout practically in your face. Soulful eyes of a curious chimpanzee, a speedy jaguar and a rare tapir staring back at you.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

McDonnell to lead GOP governors group
The new role gives the Va. governor a greater platform to fundraise, network and gain national attention.
( by Anita Kumar and John Wagner , The Washington Post)

US officials: Gadhafi forces fire first Scud missile in Libyan conflict; no one hit
WASHINGTON — Libyan government forces tapped into their stores of Scud missiles this weekend, firing one for the first time in this year’s conflict with rebels, but hurting no one, U.S. defense officials said Monday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

STYLE
Ask Amy: Block, lock or ‘unfriend’ this Facebook buddy
Her friend’s dad “friended” her on Facebook, but his comments are not at all friendly.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Miss Manners: Shower for married niece may be politely unattended
Her niece had a quick, low-key marriage. A bridal shower invite came long after the event.
(, Universal Press)

Hints From Heloise: Capsule countdown
One reader’s mom took pill-counting to an extreme.
(, King)

Interested in a dad, but not his daughter
She’s dating a divorced father with a daughter, but has no interest in “the mommy role.” Can this relationship work?
(, The Washington Post)

Rembrandt theft ‘well-planned’
A Rembrandt drawing titled “The Judgment” has disappeared from an exhibit near Los Angeles and police say the theft was “well-planned.”
( Reuters , The Washington Post)

SPORTS
Anti-corruption group responds to Blatter's request with tough advice on FIFA reform program
ZURICH — Invited by FIFA to propose reforms, Transparency International has urged world soccer’s governing body to order independent investigations into past corruption allegations to help overcome a “crisis of trust.”
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Monday's Sports in Brief
DETROIT — Jim Thome hit his 600th home run an inning after he hit No. 599 to help the Minnesota Twins outslug the Detroit Tigers 9-6.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Rebuilt Houston defense looks solid in preseason opener
HOUSTON — Houston coach Gary Kubiak brought in Wade Phillips to rebuild the Texans’ defense.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Shane Beamer returns to Virginia Tech, hopes to help father win elusive national title
BLACKSBURG, Va. — Every day, Shane Beamer thinks about the night he could have won a national championship with Virginia Tech.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Rookie WR Randall Cobb continues to stand out for Packers
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Packers rookie Randall Cobb turned some heads in practice, then made some plays during Green Bay’s preseason loss at Cleveland on Saturday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

WORLD
Russia opens top air show aimed at showing off its aviation achievements, nabing new contracts
ZHUKOVSKY, Russia — Lines of sleek combat jets and gleaming airliners filled an air base outside Moscow on Tuesday for Russia’s top air show, as the country aimed to burnish the image of its aviation industries and secure new export contracts.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

In Helmand, local leaders wield levers of a fragile Afghan government for 1st time
SIRAQULA, Afghanistan — The local Afghan leader’s community meeting was off to an unpromising start.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Royal Dutch Shell says is struggling to stop second, smaller oil leak in North Sea
LONDON — Royal Dutch Shell has shut down the main leak at one of its North Sea oil rigs but said Tuesday it is struggling to stop a secondary spill in a hard-to-reach part of the ocean floor.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Zimbabwe Gen. Mujuru, power broker in President Mugabe's fractured party, dies
HARARE, Zimbabwe — Former military chief Gen. Solomon Mujuru, one of Zimbabwe’s main political power brokers and husband of the vice president, has died, relatives and family friends said Tuesday. Mujuru was 63.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

US and South Korea start annual military drills slammed by North Korea as a provocation
SEOUL, South Korea — The United States and South Korea on Tuesday began joint war games that North Korea has warned would choke off budding diplomacy and drive the Korean peninsula to war.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Ask Boswell
Sports Columnist Tom Boswell will take your questions about baseball, the Redskins, the Wizards and more.
(, vForum)

ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

Debt Ceiling drama: Why Jonathan Capehart thinks your voice needs to be heard
In his Post-Partisan blog post today, Opinion writer Jonathan Capehart said that "Folks should be marching on the Capitol" in protest of the way the debt issue is being handled. Do you agree?
(, vForum)

Chatological Humor: Monthly with Moron
Gene Weingarten takes polls and chats about his recent columns.
(, vForum)

TECHNOLOGY
UK’s ICO ‘Satisfied’ With Google’s Privacy Policy Improvements, Asks For More

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Daily Crunch: Gundamcraft

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Screw The Rich (Here’s How)

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

“Defending Android”

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

BART Shuts Down Cell Service To Thwart Rumored Protests, Gets Actual Protests (And Has To Close Stations)

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

BUSINESS
UK’s ICO ‘Satisfied’ With Google’s Privacy Policy Improvements, Asks For More

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Rising rents push UK consumer price inflation up to 4.4 percent
LONDON — Rising rents and banking fees pushed Britain’s annual inflation rate up to 4.4 percent in July.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Eurozone sees growth sag to anaemic 0.2 percent in Q2 as officials struggle with debt crisis
FRANKFURT, Germany — Economic growth in the 17 countries that use the euro sagged to a lackluster quarterly rate of 0.2 percent in the second quarter as a previously robust expansion in Germany almost ground to a halt.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Global stocks lose steam on weak German growth and dashed eurobond hopes to tackle debt crisis
MILAN — After an optimistic start to the trading week, global stock markets lost their steam Tuesday after subdued German growth figures reinforced fears over the global economy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Eurozone economic motor Germany sees growth rate drop to 0.1 percent
FRANKFURT, Germany — Germany’s economic growth nearly ground to a halt in the second quarter, in another downbeat sign for the global economy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Today's News Highlights 08.10.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Fed pledges very low interest rates for 2 years; stocks rally
The Federal Reserve pledged to keep interest rates very low for two more years after a policy meeting Tuesday in an effort to try to bolster the flailing U.S. economy, sparking wild trading on Wall Street that ended with a strong rally.
(By Neil Irwin)

Republicans win 2 Wis. recall elections
Votes were still being counted in the four other races after the AP called the two winners.
(By Michael A. Fletcher)

Obama pays respects to slain troops
President Obama went to Dover Air Force Base on Tuesday to pay his respects to the 30 U.S. troops who were killed in Afghanistan on Saturday when their helicopter was shot down.
(By David Nakamura and Craig Whitlock)

Britain vows to halt riots, restore order
Prime Minister David Cameron announced an almost tripling of police on London streets, after the capital and other British cities burned in this nation’s worse civil disturbances in decades.
(By Anthony Faiola)

Debt crisis, sure. But a good day for life’s tiny joys.
If one is willing to recognize that people often don’t measure life in Dow points but in tiny pleasures — friendly dogs, pumpkin curry — then Tuesday was an extremely good news day.
(By Monica Hesse)

POLITICS
Police flood London streets, halt violence, but some rioting erupts elsewhere in England
LONDON — Thousands of extra police officers on the streets kept a nervous London quiet Wednesday after three nights of rioting, but looting flared in Manchester and Birmingham, where a murder probe was opened when three men were killed after being hit by a car.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Obama to host Iftar dinner celebrating Ramadan after day of meetings
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is hosting an Iftar dinner Wednesday evening to celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Police flood London's streets but chaos spreads across England with 1,100 arrests nationwide
LONDON — Thousands of extra police officers flooded into London Wednesday in a bid to end Britain’s worst rioting in a generation. An eerie calm prevailed in the capital, but unrest spread across England on a fourth night of violence driven by diverse and brazen crowds of young people.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Cuomo says NY now reviewing whether to bring commercial, non-Indian casinos to New York
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York may yet have commercial, non-Indian casinos as part of a comprehensive gambling plan, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

How Uncle Sam holds back innovation
Uncle Sam talks a good game when it comes to encouraging his staff to find better ways of serving the public, but the reality is a different story.
(, The Washington Post)

STYLE
Ask Amy: Diarist’s youthful journals are cringe-worthy
She’s married with children, in her late 30s, and came across her young adult diaries. Should she keep them? What if she should die and her family reads them?
(, The Washington Post)

Hints From Heloise: Baking soda tackles tough spots
Reader stumbles across a surprisingly easy way to clean burnt spots in his slow cooker.
(, King)

Who’s really to blame for the cheating tipoff?
Told that her boyfriend was cheating, she snapped at the messenger. Turns out he was. Now what?
(, The Washington Post)



(, The Washington Post)

Poet laureate Philip Levine: Greatness wasn’t on his road map
The new poet laureate of the United States is surprised by the accolade.
( by Jessica Goldstein , The Washington Post)

SPORTS
Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer drops Tiger Woods, wishes him well with personal "difficulties"
GENEVA — Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer says it’s ended its 10-year commercial relationship with Tiger Woods and hopes he can “overcome his difficulties.”
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Tuesday's Sports in Brief
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Joe Paterno was released from the hospital Tuesday, two days after getting blindsided at Penn State practice by a player and injuring his right shoulder and pelvis.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

When he ran qualifying time, double-amputee Pistorius earned right to test himself at worlds
All Oscar Pistorius wants is a chance. Not charity, not special treatment.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

2 suspects in Giants beating case due to be arraigned in Los Angeles courtroom
LOS ANGELES — The two suspects accused of brutally beating a San Francisco Giants fan outside Dodger Stadium are due in court to face charges of assault and other counts.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

New Redskins DE Stephen Bowen burdened with infant son's death, other son's fight for survival
ASHBURN, Va. — Stephen Bowen is trying to adjust to a new team, learn a thick new playbook and figure out a new life in a new city as a free agent defensive end signed by the Washington Redskins.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

WORLD
Italy sees borrowing costs drop on 12-year bonds, easily raises €6.5 billion from markets
MILAN — The Italian Treasury saw borrowing costs drop sharply in its latest bond sale Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Pakistan to send Bali bombing suspect this month to stand trial in Indonesia for 2002 attack
JAKARTA, Indonesia — A top anti-terrorism official says Pakistan will extradite a key suspect in the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people to Indonesia by the end of the month.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

South Korea responds after North fires artillery
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean forces returned fire Wednesday after North Korean artillery shells fell into waters near the tense maritime line that separates the two rivals, a South Korean defense official said.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Afghan president issues decree that courts cannot change election results
KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghanistan’s president issued a decree Wednesday stating that the country’s courts do not have the power to alter election results, a move that appeared aimed at ending months of uncertainty over the parliament’s legitimacy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Two years after civil war, Tamils still suffer despite Sri Lankan promises of reconciliation
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — The roadblocks have been dismantled, the sandbags removed, and Sri Lanka is again a palm-fringed tourist paradise, the government says. But for ethnic Tamils living in the former war zone, it is still a hell of haunted memories, military occupation and missing loved ones.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

Debt Ceiling drama: Why Jonathan Capehart thinks your voice needs to be heard
In his Post-Partisan blog post today, Opinion writer Jonathan Capehart said that "Folks should be marching on the Capitol" in protest of the way the debt issue is being handled. Do you agree?
(, vForum)

Chatological Humor: Monthly with Moron
Gene Weingarten takes polls and chats about his recent columns.
(, vForum)

ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

TECHNOLOGY
Rewriteable, non-electric e-paper makes big promises, but is it really useful?
A new display technology called i2R e-paper is making the rounds today. i2R is essentially a plastic substrate with a heat-activated liquid crystal coating: you pass it through a thermal printer and a 300dpi monochrome image is impressed on its surface — until you want to rewrite it, which you can do up to 260 times by their calculations.
( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

AOL posts smaller 2nd-quarter net loss, ad revenue grows even as total revenue declines
NEW YORK — Internet company AOL Inc. said Tuesday that its net loss narrowed in the second quarter even though revenue fell, largely because the results a year ago were weighed down by a huge accounting charge.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

New York Times reporters get deal for book on News Corp. phone-hacking scandal
NEW YORK — Two New York Times reporters have a deal for a book about the phone hacking scandal that has shaken Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

BUSINESS
Global stocks higher as global rally continues on Fed low rates pledge, hopes of more easing
LONDON — A pledge by the Federal Reserve to keep extremely low interest rates for another couple of years has calmed investors’ jitters, sending stock markets around the world higher Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

IEA cuts forecast for global oil demand in 2011 on back of renewed recession fears
PARIS — The International Energy Agency has trimmed its forecast for global oil demand this year, saying increased evidence of economic slowdown has raised fears of a double-dip recession.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Nestle half-year net profit down on franc's rise, holds onto growth forecast
GENEVA — Swiss food and drink giant Nestle SA posted a drop in half-year earnings Wednesday, blaming volatile markets, rising commodity prices and particularly the strength of the Swiss franc for dragging down profits.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Bank of Ireland cuts losses in H1, says on track to meet targets for the year
DUBLIN — Bank of Ireland — the only major Irish lender to avoid state control — saw its losses narrowed in the first half of the year, and said it is on track to meet its targets for the year.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Commerzbank net profit falls sharply on losses on Greek bonds
FRANKFURT, Germany — Germany’s Commerzbank AG reported Wednesday that net profit fell sharply in the second quarter as the bank wrote down €760 million ($1.1 billion) in bonds issued by financially troubled Greece.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Today's News Highlights 08.08.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
U.S., European officials scramble to calm financial anxiety
The U.S. downgrade and European debt problems threatened to feed on each other.
(By Zachary A. Goldfarb and Anthony Faiola)

European leaders scramble to calm investors before markets open
European leaders on Sunday were scrambling to calm investors’ fears of an escalating debt crisis in the region as markets prepared to open Monday following a historic downgrade of U.S. debt by Standard & Poors.
(By Anthony Faiola)

Geithner tells Obama he will remain as Treasury secretary
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner has told President Obama he plans to remain in his job through the fall of 2012.
(By Zachary A. Goldfarb)

Mark Hatfield dies: Former Oregon senator was 89
Former senator Mark O. Hatfield of Oregon, whose liberal Republican politics during five terms in Congress made him an increasingly rare breed within his party, died Sunday. He was 89.
(By Emma Brown)

Asian markets open lower in first day of trading since U.S. downgrade
Markets in Tokyo and Sydney opened sharply lower Monday, their first day of trading after the U.S. lost its top-notch credit rating.
(By Cezary Podkul)

POLITICS
Catholic hospitals supported Obama's health care law, but now object to covering birth control
WASHINGTON — They defied the bishops to support President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul. Now Catholic hospitals are dismayed the law may force them to cover birth control free of charge to their employees.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

With trade and patent bills, Congress has shot at finally creating jobs during stalled economy
WASHINGTON — When Congress gets back to work after Labor Day it will have the chance to achieve something that has largely eluded it for the entire year, passing legislation that might actually create jobs.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

G-7 countries pledge to take all necessary measures to support financial stability
WASHINGTON — Finance officials from major industrial countries, seeking to calm nervous global markets, pledged Sunday to increase cooperation on attacking economic problems.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Kansas City lawmakers face voters
Two congressmen who voted against the debt ceiling bill talk to constituents and find they want compromise — but on their terms.
( by Robert Barnes and Stephanie McCrummen , The Washington Post)

G-7 countries pledge to take all necessary measures to support financial stability
WASHINGTON — G-7 countries pledge to take all necessary measures to support financial stability
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

STYLE
Ask Amy: Anorexic wants to continue “lifestyle”
Despite her parents’ worry, a young adult says anorexia is “the lifestyle she wants.” Amy edifies her on her word choice: For “lifestyle,” read “disease,” and a progressive one at that.
(, The Washington Post)

Hints From Heloise: No sale on lack of courtesy
More comments on courtesy in retail environments.
(, King)

Just a bump in the road for the wedding parade?
Her fiance has developed doubts about whether they should get married. How can she tell whether this is serious?
(, The Washington Post)

Berlusconi, Murdoch face off
Their respective troubles have only sharpened the competition between them.
( by Jason Horowitz in Milan , The Washington Post)

Squeezed ‘Hoffmann’ doesn’t fulfill promise
Wolf Trap Opera presents “The Tales of Hoffmann” in its tiny theater; it’s okay, but why take the risk?
( by Anne Midgette , The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
Oscar Pistorius named in South Africa's team for able-bodied world championships
JOHANNESBURG — Double-amputee runner Oscar Pistorius was selected by South Africa’s athletics federation on Monday to compete in this month’s world championships.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Weekend Sports in Brief
AKRON, Ohio — Adam Scott hit all the right shots Sunday in a round that was close to flawless and earned him his first World Golf Championship title.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Qatar fires soccer coach Rajevac after struggles against Vietnam in 2014 World Cup qualifier
DOHA, Qatar — Qatar has fired Serbia’s Milovan Rajevac after only four months in charge of the national team, replacing him with Brazilian Sebastiao Lazaroni.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Las Vegas native Piercy gets first PGA win by 1 stroke over Perez at Reno-Tahoe Open
RENO, Nev. — Scott Piercy was so pumped up, his hands were shaking with a one-stroke lead at the Reno-Tahoe Open and only the 616-yard closing hole standing between him and his first victory on the PGA Tour.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Reddick, Red Sox walk off with win
osh Reddick hit a game-ending RBI single in the 10th inning and the Boston Red Sox beat the New York Yankees 3-2 on Sunday night.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
Asian markets open lower
Markets across Asia sank Monday, their first day of trading after the U.S. lost its top-notch credit rating, providing the first indication of how investors are likely to react to the country’s first-ever credit downgrade.
( by Cezary Podkul and Chico Harlan , The Washington Post)

Fresh gunfire heard as Syria intensifies crackdown; Saudis, other Arab nations decry violence
BEIRUT — A besieged Syrian city came under fresh artillery fire early Monday as a deadly military assault left President Bashar Assad’s regime increasingly isolated, with Arab nations forcefully joining the international chorus of condemnation for the first time.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

AP Interview: Colombia's president rides high after first year spreads his influence in region
PAIPA, Colombia — Juan Manuel Santos is burdened by thorny challenges aplenty as he marks a year in office: sophisticated drug traffickers, criminal gangs marauding in the provinces, hit-and-run attacks by Latin America’s last rebel army.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

UK police arrest over 160 after gangs loot shops, attack police in riots across London
LONDON — Police arrested 160 people after a weekend of riots and looting, as scattered copycat violence spread from a disadvantaged north London neighborhood to other parts of the city, authorities said Monday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

New Tibetan leader sworn in as prime minister of government-in-exile in India
DHARMSALA, India — A Harvard-trained legal scholar was sworn in Monday as new head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, taking over from the Dalai Lama as leader of his people’s fight for freedom.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

Debt Ceiling drama: Why Jonathan Capehart thinks your voice needs to be heard
In his Post-Partisan blog post today, Opinion writer Jonathan Capehart said that "Folks should be marching on the Capitol" in protest of the way the debt issue is being handled. Do you agree?
(, vForum)

Chatological Humor: Monthly with Moron
Gene Weingarten takes polls and chats about his recent columns.
(, vForum)

ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
Apple Will Sell A Sub $1,000 iMac For Education

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

I Am Jonathan’s Starbucks Card: A Social Payment Experiment (With Free Coffee)

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Activity Junky Wants To Be Your Go-To Online Resource For Outdoor Gear (And Give You Cash Back)

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

I’m Android Watch Now Available For Pre-Order

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Chinese Smugglers Shoot A Zip Line Across A River To Illegally Ship iPads

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

BUSINESS
Apple Will Sell A Sub $1,000 iMac For Education

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

US dollar hits new low against franc as Swiss govt holds urgent meeting on market turmoil
GENEVA — The U.S. dollar has hit a record low against the Swiss franc of 0.7485 centimes to the dollar — a drop of almost 30 percent from a year ago.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

G-7 ministers to talk early Monday on market stability after US rating downgrade, report says
TOKYO — Financial ministers from the Group of Seven leading economies are to hold a teleconference Monday to discuss world market stability.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

French finance minister says vote on new euro fund can't be speeded up
PARIS — France’s finance minister says the French parliament can’t approve an expanded European bailout fund before September.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

I Am Jonathan’s Starbucks Card: A Social Payment Experiment (With Free Coffee)
( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Today's News Highlights 08.03.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Obama signs debt-limit bill into law
Obama vowed to keep working for a “balanced approach” to deficit reduction.
(By Lori Montgomery)

In the debt compromise, the triumph of the old Washington
Behind the scenes, it was veterans of the Capitol who forged the deal.
(By David A. Fahrenthold, Lori Montgomery and Paul Kane)

Giffords does what she was elected to do
Seven months after being shot in the head, the congresswoman votes on the debt ceiling.
(By Sandhya Somashekhar and Rob Stein)

A ‘decisive moment’ for Egypt
On Wednesday, former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak is to appear inside an iron cage in a makeshift courtroom as his trial begins.
(By Leila Fadel)

Gifts to Loudoun sheriff’s campaign questioned
As Loudoun Sheriff Stephen O. Simpson seeks reelection, donations from people and businesses that rely on county contracts have raised questions among critics and county leaders.
(By Caitlin Gibson)

POLITICS
Obama administration to announce broad strategy Wednesday to combat violent extremism
WASHINGTON — Local communities around the country are best suited to take on the challenge of combatting the kind of violent extremism that inspires people to kill, the Obama administration concludes in a new national plan to fight the threat of al-Qaida and other violent radicals at home.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Source still unknown of tainted ground turkey linked to 1 death in California; 76 others ill
WASHINGTON — Consumers looking for answers about a salmonella outbreak linked to ground turkey will have to continue to wait as the government investigates the source of at least 76 illnesses and one death.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Obama and taxes: A populist stand from 2008 is not finding traction in 2011
WASHINGTON — Time and again during his presidential campaign, Barack Obama was unequivocal: “We are going to roll back the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.”
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Obama signs debt-limit bill into law
Obama vowed to keep working for a “balanced approach” to deficit reduction.
( by Lori Montgomery , The Washington Post)

FAA shutdown to continue through September in partisan standoff as Congress leaves
WASHINGTON — A stalemate that has partially shut down the Federal Aviation Administration will continue into September. A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says Senate Democrats were unwilling to accept cuts in subsidies for rural air service.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

STYLE
Dish: The disappearing bread basket
As restaurants try to cut costs, will free bread be a thing of the past?
( by Tom Sietsema , The Washington Post)

Hints From Heloise: The best spot for oven racks
It all depends on what you’re cooking, but when in doubt, place it in the middle of the oven.
(, King)

Ask Amy: Colleague asks for unusual donation
Her boyfriend was approached by a co-worker to donate sperm, but she has reservations. Amy has even more.
(, The Washington Post)

Time to speak up about bullying
Their son’s young friend is a bully in training. Should they talk to his parents?
(, The Washington Post)

Battle over home by famed architect prompts Beverly Hills to reconsider preservation approach
LOS ANGELES — The streets of Beverly Hills are graced with homes by such 20th-century architectural luminaries as Richard Neutra, John Lautner and Paul Williams for a simple reason: The affluent enclave’s residents of decades past could afford to build them.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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SPORTS
Tuesday's Sports in Brief
Trying to head off the chance of an antitrust lawsuit from the NBA Players Association, the league went ahead and beat the union to court.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Detroit Lions practice in pads for first time during training camp
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Training camp unofficially started for the Detroit Lions on Tuesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

After knee injury cost him most of last season, Red Bryant back for Seahawks
RENTON, Wash. — The first time the Seattle Seahawks put on pads during training camp, second-year offensive tackle Russell Okung locked up with Red Bryant during a drill.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

NC State opens practice with Mike Glennon under center, Russell Wilson far away in Wisconsin
RALEIGH, N.C. — For the first time, Mike Glennon isn’t facing a familiar obstacle to playing time at North Carolina State.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Steelers veterans getting anxious while playing NFL's new waiting game
LATROBE, Pa. — Doug Legursky can’t wait to change his shoes.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

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WORLD
Top US diplomat to Taiwan unhurt in fatal car accident
TAIPEI, Taiwan — A spokesman says the de facto U.S. ambassador to Taiwan was unhurt in a car accident that led to the death of a local man.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Rights group demands int'l probe of massacre of 17 Sri Lankan aid workers 5 years ago
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — An international human rights group urged the United Nations on Wednesday to investigate the execution-style slaying of 17 workers for a French aid agency in Sri Lanka five years ago, after a government probe did not identify the killers.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

In China, rights advocates say trial of citizen activist shows gov't fear of public action
BEIJING — Chinese rights advocates are calling for the release of an Internet activist who will soon face trial in a case that they say highlights the government’s fear of increasingly bold public activism.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Novelist Tony Parsons starts work as Heathrow Airport's writer-in-residence
LONDON — British novelist Tony Parsons is gearing up to tell tales from the terminal, as he assumes the role of writer-in-residence at London’s Heathrow Airport.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Bedridden Mubarak appears in court
The ousted Egyptian president, bedridden and looking sickly, is wheeled into the cage of a Cairo courtroom to be put on trial.
( by Ernesto Londono and Leila Fadel , The Washington Post)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

Debt Ceiling drama: Why Jonathan Capehart thinks your voice needs to be heard
In his Post-Partisan blog post today, Opinion writer Jonathan Capehart said that "Folks should be marching on the Capitol" in protest of the way the debt issue is being handled. Do you agree?
(, vForum)

Chatological Humor: Monthly with Moron
Gene Weingarten takes polls and chats about his recent columns.
(, vForum)

ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
AT&T Announces Their Next Three BlackBerries: The Torch 9810, Bold 9900, And Torch 9680

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

The iPhone Actually Has No Competition Where It Matters Most

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Daily Crunch: Bee Hundred

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

VibeDeck Adds A Free eCommerce Layer To SoundCloud

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Facebook Wants Your Unborn Child

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

BUSINESS
Eurozone retail sales up 0.9 percent in June, higher than expectations for 0.5 percent rise
BRUSSELS — Retail sales in the 17 countries that use the euro rose by more than anticipated in June, largely on the back of an exceptionally strong performance in Germany, official figures showed Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Italian bond markets battered again as Berlusconi prepares to address parliament on economy
MILAN — Italy’s borrowing rates hit a new euro-era high Wednesday as a global market sell-off reignited fears that the debt crisis will engulf the eurozone’s third-largest economy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Despite debt deal, world stocks fall amid pessimism over prospects for US economy
SEOUL, South Korea — World stocks fell Wednesday as relief the U.S. averted a debt default gave way to increasing pessimism over prospects for the world’s biggest economy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

AT&T Announces Their Next Three BlackBerries: The Torch 9810, Bold 9900, And Torch 9680

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Oil falls to near $93 in Asia as weak US economy hurts global investor confidence
SINGAPORE — Oil prices fell to near $93 a barrel Wednesday in Asia as investor pessimism about U.S. economic growth dragged down global markets.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Diggy Simmons: Copy, Paste (Music Video)

Today's News Highlights 08.02.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
House handily passes debt deal on eve of default
One day before a deadline set by Treasury to raise the debt ceiling, the House finally approved on Monday evening a debt deal that would save the country $2.1 trillion over the next decade.
(By Paul Kane and Lori Montgomery)

Giffords makes surprise return for debt vote
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), grievously wounded by a gunman in her home town of Tucson seven months ago, made a surprise return to the House floor Monday evening to cheers and hugs from her colleagues.
(By David A. Fahrenthold and Felicia Sonmez)

What debt-ceiling battle means for 2012
It now looks likely that President Obama’s battle for reelection will be fought around big issues, including the size and role of government.
(By Karen Tumulty and Perry Bacon Jr.)

U.S. may ease anti-terror rules to help hungry Somalis
The shift reflects the administration’s alarm about the drought in East Africa, the region’s worst in two decades.
(By Mary Beth Sheridan)

Insurance coverage for contraception required
Tens of millions of women will soon be able to get birth control, breast pumps, HIV tests and other preventive services without co-pays or other out-of-pocket insurance charges.
(By N.C. Aizenman)

POLITICS
Years after new law, US to propose rules over explosive chemical used in fertilizer bombs
WASHINGTON — More than 15 years after a fertilizer bomb was used to blow up a government building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people, the federal government is proposing to regulate the sale and transfer of the chemical ammonium nitrate.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Senators: The cost of FAA shutdown could exceed $1 billion if unless action taken this week
WASHINGTON — The congressional standoff that has partially shut down the Federal Aviation Administration has some curious math.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Advocates for seniors and health care industry fear big cuts could flow from debt deal
WASHINGTON — When it comes to Medicare and Medicaid, the debt deal raises more questions than it answers.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

On historic day in House, Giffords' vote the most memorable of the 430
WASHINGTON — The total number of votes on the historic debt-limit bill was 430. One vote was more memorable than any of the others.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Romney and Huntsman in spotlight as GOP contenders weigh in on debt deal in Washington
EXETER, N.H. — Conservatives are warning of lasting political consequences as the Republican presidential field offers conflicting positions on the debt-ceiling compromise.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

STYLE
Ask Amy: Single man feels heat from friend
He may be newly separated, but he’s just not into his romantically inclined platonic friend.
(, The Washington Post)

Hints From Heloise: Calling out telemarketers
Accessing the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call registry.
(, King)

Miss Manners: Husband’s nonstop texting leaves wife searching for words
Her husband’s constant texting with his buddy is driving her batty.
(, Universal Press)

Facing doubts about baby decision
It’s toward the end of the child-bearing years, and she’s ready. He’s willing — but hesitant.
(, The Washington Post)

Dolly’s big voice takes center stage
Dolly Parton radiated that adorable, uber-inclusive sunshine at Wolf Trap, singing both the classics and fresh tunes.
( by Chris Richards , The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
Monday's Sports in Brief
NEW YORK — David Stern returned to the bargaining table Monday and said “nothing” gave him reason for encouragement.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

LB Tulloch, other Lions cool their heels before they can practice
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Stephen Tulloch is a Detroit Lions player in limbo.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Panthers RB Williams happy to re-sign, ready to help team bounce back from 2-14 season
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Carolina running back DeAngelo Williams was ready for change after last year’s miserable season. Turns out, he found it without leaving the Panthers.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Buffalo Bills WR Marcus Easley remains upbeat despite latest injury setback
PITTSFORD, N.Y. — After nearly a full year without football, Buffalo Bills receiver Marcus Easley was more eager than most for training camp to start.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

All eyes on Stanford in Bay Area, beyond heading into fall practice
SAN FRANCISCO — Andrew Luck can grab the attention of a room these days without muttering a word.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

WORLD
Lawyer for confessed Norwegian killer says his client has 'unrealistic' demands
OSLO, Norway — The confessed killer in Norway’s twin terror attacks that claimed 77 lives has presented a long list of “unrealistic” demands, including the resignation of the government and that his mental condition be investigated by Japanese specialists, his defense lawyer said Tuesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Italy recalls ambassador to Syria over deadly crackdown on anti-government protests
ROME — Italy said Tuesday it had recalled its ambassador to Syria, citing Damascus’ ”horrible repression” of anti-government protests, and urged other EU nations to do the same.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Syrian rights group says 24 people have been killed in Syria on first day of Muslim holy month
BEIRUT — Syrian troops advanced in the central city of Hama on Tuesday, taking up new positions in a residential area a day after government forces killed 24 people throughout the country on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, activists said.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

China says Philippines lacks sincerity over resolution of island claims, warns of consequences
BEIJING — An official Chinese newspaper accused the Philippines Tuesday of lacking a sincere desire to resolve South China Sea territorial disputes and warned of unspecified consequences if China’s concerns are ignored.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Family of slain Libya rebel commander calls for speedy trials of his assassins
BENGHAZI, Libya — Family members of the Libyan rebel commander assassinated last week have demanded an open investigation and speedy trials for the perpetrators of his slaying.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

---

LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Opinion Focus with Eugene Robinson
Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson discusses his recent columns and the latest news in a live Q&A.
(, vForum)

Debt Ceiling drama: Why Jonathan Capehart thinks your voice needs to be heard
In his Post-Partisan blog post today, Opinion writer Jonathan Capehart said that "Folks should be marching on the Capitol" in protest of the way the debt issue is being handled. Do you agree?
(, vForum)

Chatological Humor: Monthly with Moron
Gene Weingarten takes polls and chats about his recent columns.
(, vForum)

ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

ComPost Live with Alexandra Petri
The Compost, written by Alexandra Petri, offers a lighter take on the news and political in(s)anity of the day.
(, vForum)

---

TECHNOLOGY
CollegeBudget Brings Daily Deals And Group Buying To Campuses

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Alfred Lin Almost Leaves Sequoia for Airbnb; Moritz Convinces Him to Stay

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Google Ventures Invests In Coupon Startup Whaleshark Media

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Not Only Do iCloud Web Apps Exist, They’re Beautiful

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Porting iOS to Android: Spotlight Mobile Shares The Pitfalls And Perks

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

BUSINESS
EU scrutiny of Deutsche Boerse, NYSE Euronext takeover shines light on transforming market
BRUSSELS — In the U.S., the planned takeover of NYSE Euronext by Germany’s Deutsche Boerse made waves because it means ceding the storied trading floor on 11 Wall Street to foreign control.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

South Korea's foreign reserves hit fresh record high in July
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea’s foreign reserves hit a fresh record high in July as the country’s buffer against potential financial turmoil renewed its rise after two months of decline.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

World markets fret over US economy after weak manufacturing survey despite apparent debt deal
BEIJING — Global stock markets tumbled Tuesday after downbeat U.S. data fueled fears the world’s largest economy might be sliding back into recession.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Barclays Bank first half profits fall, hit by mis-selling claims
LONDON — Britain’s Barclays PLC saw its profits fall by a third in the first half of the year as the bank’s earnings were hit by a charge related to the mis-selling of products to customers.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Toyota ekes out 1.1 billion yen ($14 million) first quarter profit, raises forecast
TOKYO — Toyota eked out a 1.1 billion yen ($14 million) quarterly profit and raised its annual earnings forecast Tuesday as it mounts a comeback from the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)