Keepingitreal

Today's News Highlights 09.29.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Supreme Court asked to rule on health care
The Obama administration is appealing to the Supreme Court to uphold the law that aims to extend insurance coverage to more than 30 million Americans.
(By Robert Barnes)

Remote-controlled planes were part of alleged plot to attack Pentagon, Capitol
Mass. man is charged with plan to bomb the buildings using aircraft armed with explosives.
(By Peter Finn)

Solyndra violated terms of federal loan in late 2010, Energy Dept. confirms
The Department of Energy learned in 2010 that Solyndra was in default on its half-billion-dollar federal loan, but allowed it to keep getting taxpayer funds, DOE confirms.
(By Carol D. Leonnig)

Hispanic kids are the largest group of children living in poverty
For the first time in U.S. history, white children are not the largest group of kids living in poverty.
(By Carol Morello and Ted Mellnik)

House is having polite year, insult-wise, according to a new report
The House of Representatives is having a polite year, according to a new report that assessed the chamber by an unusual measure: its insults.
(By David A. Fahrenthold)

NATION
Loving Judaism, questioning Israel
I love almost everything about the Judaism I practice. Only these days, I’m not so crazy about Israel – the nation-state, that is.
( by Lisa Miller , The Washington Post)

Remote-controlled planes were part of alleged plot to attack Pentagon, Capitol
Mass. man is charged with plan to bomb the buildings using aircraft armed with explosives.
( by Peter Finn , The Washington Post)

Report questions EPA’s greenhouse gas emissions ruling
Study by agency’s inspector general provides new fodder to those who question the government’s role in addressing global warming.
( by Juliet Eilperin , The Washington Post)

Death penalty case set for USS Cole defendant
A Pentagon official referred the first death penalty case under Obama for trial by military commission at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
( by Peter Finn , The Washington Post)

The science behind saying you’re sorry
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Anthony Weiner. Why do our reactions to even the most direct and explicit mea culpas differ markedly from one incident to another?
( by Peter H. Kim , The Washington Post)

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METRO
Muse considers challenging Cardin
Maryland Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-Prince George’s) announced Wednesday that he is considering a primary challenge next year against U.S. Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.).
( by John Wagner and Ben Pershing , The Washington Post)

Obama: Discover new passions
President Obama delivered his annual back-to-school speech to the nation’s students Wednesday at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in Northwest Washington.
( by Bill Turque , The Washington Post)

Census workers sleeping on the job
The U.S. Census Bureau is asking employees to stop napping in public areas of its Maryland headquarters.
( by Ed O'Keefe , The Washington Post)

Wilson Greatbatch, implantable pacemaker inventor, dies at 92
Wilson Greatbatch, an electrical engineer who helped develop the first implantable pacemaker, died Sept. 27.
( by T. Rees Shapiro , The Washington Post)

Desperate search for N.Va. man
Alexandria activist Lenwood “Lenny” Harris vanished last week. Police suspect foul play, and friends and relatives are conducting search parties and passing out fliers.
( by Allison Klein , The Washington Post)

---

POLITICS
Harassment complaints on Hill
Complaints of harassment and hostile work environments on the rise on Capitol Hill.
( by Ed O’Keefe , The Washington Post)

Muse considers challenging Cardin
Maryland Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-Prince George’s) announced Wednesday that he is considering a primary challenge next year against U.S. Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.).
( by John Wagner and Ben Pershing , The Washington Post)

Harassment complaints on the Hill
Complaints of harassment and hostile work environments on the rise on Capitol Hill.
( by Ed O’Keefe , The Washington Post)

Perry backs off immigration remarks
The Texas governor said it was “inappropriate” to refer to critics of his state law on tuition tax breaks as “heartless.”
( by Philip Rucker , The Washington Post)

Exploding toilets injure 2 workers
The toilets literally blew up into tiny shards of porcelain in the General Services Administration headquarters.
( by Lisa Rein , The Washington Post)

---

STYLE
Carolyn Hax: It’s not your typical in-law problem
A reader gets along fine with her mother-in-law, and her sister-in-law is acting jealous.
(, The Washington Post)

Ford’s somber ‘Parade’
A musical about a Jewish factory manager’s ordeal in 1913 Georgia is a passionless look at what happens when passions are unleashed.
( by Peter Marks , The Washington Post)

For Md. tap dance studio, the next step
When funding cuts forced Knock on Wood Tap Studio to shutter its longtime Silver Spring location in March, the close-knit D.C. tap dance community swung into action.
( by Hetty Lipscomb , The Washington Post)

America’s house, furnished with pride
The national treasurers in the Renwick Gallery’s new exhibit, “Something of Splendor: Decorative Arts from the White House,” represent more than 200 years of presidential history.
( by Jura Koncius , The Washington Post)

House is having polite year, insult-wise, according to a new report
The House of Representatives is having a polite year, according to a new report that assessed the chamber by an unusual measure: its insults.
( by David A. Fahrenthold , The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
TV and radio listings: September 29

(, The Washington Post)

Virginia QB Rocco might start
Virginia Coach Mike London says quarterback Michael Rocco will play Saturday vs. Idaho, but he’s unsure whether Rocco or David Watford will start.
( by Steve Yanda , The Washington Post)

DeAngelo Hall reconsiders his criticism of play call
He says he now understands why Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett sent eight blitzers at a critical moment against the Cowboys
( by Barry Svrluga , The Washington Post)

F. hockey notes: Seahawks win
Senior goalkeeper Shannon Flanagan withstands a late barrage to help South River hold on for a 2-1 win over Broadneck.
( by Greg Schimmel and Preston Williams , The Washington Post)

Strasburg strikes out 10 in finale
Capping promising season, he pitched six strong innings against the Marlins in Nationals’ 3-1 victory.
( by Adam Kilgore , The Washington Post)

---

WORLD
Taliban stalks outskirts of calm Afghan city
In Afghanistan’s north, insurgents are tightening their grip in the area’s farmlands and villages.
( by Joshua Partlow , The Washington Post)

Egyptian presidential hopefuls criticize slow pace of change
Country’s interim military rulers could remain in power for at least another year.
( by Leila Fadel , The Washington Post)

Top banker flees Iran amid scandal
A leading Iranian banker has fled the country, the latest development in a spreading $2.6 billion embezzlement scandal.
( by Thomas Erdbrink , The Washington Post)

Death penalty case set for USS Cole defendant
A Pentagon official referred the first death penalty case under Obama for trial by military commission at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
( by Peter Finn , The Washington Post)

Palestinian statehood bid stokes tensions in West Bank
The bid for membership of a Palestinian state in the U.N. has ratcheted up the chronic, sporadic violence that plagues the West Bank.
( by Joel Greenberg , The Washington Post)

---

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
How does Amazon’s tablet stack up against competition?
Consumers will likely be cross-shopping Amazon’s tablet and Apple’s iPad this holiday season.
( by Chris Ziegler , The Washington Post)

Amazon tablet: What to expect from the ‘Kindle Fire’
A roundup of what Amazon is expected to show today.
( by Hayley Tsukayama , The Washington Post)

---

EDITORIAL
Why give away free parking?

(, The Washington Post)

Why Egypt needs its international aid
Cash will help avert a crisis.
( by Editorial , The Washington Post)

Montgomery should expand fitness program
Rather than suspend an fitness program, officials should expand it.
( by Editorial , The Washington Post)

Texas’s strange electoral map
Four new seats, but none for Hispanics.
( by Editorial , The Washington Post)

Taming of the Fed
For Barney Frank, no dissent will do.
(, The Washington Post)

---

BUSINESS
With Fire, Amazon aims at Apple
The Kindle tablet sells for $199, less than half the price of the cheapest version of the iPad.
( by Cecilia Kang , The Washington Post)

Has the IMF gone lax on Europe?
In previous agency-backed rescue efforts for developing nations, private investors were hit harder.
( by Howard Schneider , The Washington Post)

Washington unemployment up in August
Unemployment in the Washington region rose in August to 6% from 5.9% in July, the Labor Department said.
( by V. Dion Haynes , The Washington Post)

Kindle Fire: For the first time, Apple may feel the heat
Amazon’s new tablet has a smaller screen than the Apple iPad 2, less storage, no cameras and no 3G. But it may have just changed the tablet game.
( by Joshua Topolsky , The Washington Post)

FAQ: Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablet
Here are some basic facts about the tablet computer that debuted Wednesday morning.
( , The Washington Post)

Today's News Highlights 09.28.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Christie pressured to run
Speaking at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, the New Jersey governor called for strong leadership. But he didn’t jump into the presidential race.
(By Philip Rucker)

Mullen’s Pakistan remarks criticized
Adm. Mike Mullen’s assertion that an insurgent group in Afghanistan is a “veritable arm” of Pakistan’s spy service was overstated, some U.S. officials say.
(By Greg Miller and Karen Deyoung)

Questions about a Solyndra backer
The biggest investor in the failed solar firm was a type of nonprofit group that opponents say mainly serves as a tax loophole for the wealthy.
(By Joe Stephens)

Health costs shifted to workers as premiums surge
Employers have been steadily shifting the cost of health insurance onto workers over the past decade, according to survey data.
(By N.C. Aizenman)

Competing in a streaming world
In today’s entertainment arena, you don’t just decide what to watch — you choose how to watch it.
(By Cecilia Kang)

NATION
Mullen’s Pakistan remarks criticized
Adm. Mike Mullen’s assertion that an insurgent group in Afghanistan is a “veritable arm” of Pakistan’s spy service was overstated, some U.S. officials say.
( by Greg Miller and Karen DeYoung , The Washington Post)

Report: D.C. has fewer than 3,000 active doctors
A new report finds that less than one-third of licensed doctors in the District are actively practicing.
( by Lena H. Sun , The Washington Post)

Health costs shifted to workers as premiums surge
Employers have been steadily shifting the cost of health insurance onto workers over the past decade, according to survey data.
( by N.C. Aizenman , The Washington Post)

What the U.S. should really fear about China
COLUMN | When it comes to China’s ability to surpass the U.S. in innovation, our policy makers are right to worry, but they are worried about the wrong things. China’s real advantage lies in its next generation.
( by Vivek Wadhwa , The Washington Post)

---

METRO
Federal workers not in the clear
Federal workers could be asked to sacrifice more than they already have to help reduce the deficit, White House budget chief Jack J. Lew said.
( by Lisa Rein , The Washington Post)

HPV vaccine remains a tricky balance
The most trusted medical institutions, including the FDA and CDC, agree that the HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent a devastating disease that is hard to detect and harder to treat.
(, The Washington Post)

Prosecutor, defense spar in Md. lawmaker’s trial
Different portrayals of Maryland Sen. Ulysses Currie’s relationship with a local grocery chain were presented to jurors Tuesday.
( by John Wagner , The Washington Post)

Team inspects external monument damage
On Tuesday, a team began the job of checking each of the Washington Monument’s stones to assess the damage from the earthquake that struck the area in August and has had the structure closed ever since.
( by Michael E. Ruane , The Washington Post)

15-year-old rape suspect held on $5 million bond
New details emerged about a rape last month on an Olney playground at a court hearing for the 15-year-old suspect.
( by Dan Morse , The Washington Post)

---

POLITICS
Federal workers not in the clear
Federal workers could be asked to sacrifice more than they already have to help reduce the deficit, White House budget chief Jack J. Lew said.
( by Lisa Rein , The Washington Post)

HPV vaccine remains a tricky balance
The most trusted medical institutions, including the FDA and CDC, agree that the HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent a devastating disease that is hard to detect and harder to treat.
(, The Washington Post)

Prosecutor, defense spar in Md. lawmaker’s trial
Different portrayals of Maryland Sen. Ulysses Currie’s relationship with a local grocery chain were presented to jurors Tuesday.
( by John Wagner , The Washington Post)

Christie pressured to run
Speaking at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, the New Jersey governor called for strong leadership. But he didn’t jump into the presidential race.
( by Philip Rucker , The Washington Post)

Rick Perry moves to reassure Republicans
Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s campaign is moving aggressively to reassure Republicans of his strength as a candidate after a series of uneven performances.
( By Philip Rucker and Perry Bacon Jr. , The Washington Post)

---

STYLE
Grading ‘Playboy Club,’ ‘2 Broke Girls’
In one the bunnies look bored, and in the other we get a weak revamp of “The Odd Couple.”
(, The Washington Post)

His low income draws women’s contempt
He’s fit, good-looking and educated, but his income level as a security guard draws only scorn from women.
(, The Washington Post)

Richard Wong
“It’s just a job; it’s not your life.”
(, The Washington Post)

Abbey Kos
“Think as hard as you possibly can.”
(, The Washington Post)

Rachel Homer
“It’s critical to know when to run and hide.”
(, The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
TV and radio listings: September 28

(, The Washington Post)

Oakton surges past Westfield
In field hockey, the Cougars score three second-half goals on the Bulldogs, who had allowed three all season, in a 3-1 Concorde District win.
( by Preston Williams , The Washington Post)

Maryland holds off ambitious 49ers
Sasho Cirovski’s squad gets a test from nonconference opponent Charlotte and comes away with a 3-1 win for the Terps’ best start since 1968.
( by Steven Goff , The Washington Post)

Red Sox hang on for dear life
Boston survives for another day, remaining tied for the American League wild-card lead with Tampa Bay with one game remaining.
( by Dave Sheinin , The Washington Post)

Nationals denied winning record
Bryan Petersen tags Nats reliever Doug Slaten with a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth to drop Washington to 79-81 with a game to play.
( by Adam Kilgore , The Washington Post)

---

WORLD
Yemen’s defense minister escapes attack
Yemen’s defense minister survives second assassination attempt in less than a month.
( by Sudarsan Raghavan , The Washington Post)

Mullen’s Pakistan remarks criticized
Adm. Mike Mullen’s assertion that an insurgent group in Afghanistan is a “veritable arm” of Pakistan’s spy service was overstated, some U.S. officials say.
( by Greg Miller and Karen DeYoung , The Washington Post)

Greece passes austerity measure
Property tax is approved as leaders try to steer the country away from default and secure a bailout.
( by Michael Birnbaum and Neil Irwin , The Washington Post)

Libyans worry over governmental delays
Libyans see themselves as a patient people, but many are worried that their new leaders’ delay in naming a cabinet could undermine their revolution.
( by Tara Bahrampour , The Washington Post)

In Taiwan military, Chinese spy stirs unease
A senior Taiwanese officer betrayed his country at a time of deep divisions over ties to China.
( by Andrew Higgins , The Washington Post)

---

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
A closer look at HTC Amaze 4G and Galaxy S II

( by Sean Hollister , The Washington Post)

Happy 13th birthday, Google
Google is now the typical awkward teenager. Of course, there’s a doodle.
( by Hayley Tsukayama , The Washington Post)

---

EDITORIAL
Cain could deliver
Don’t rule out this candidate.
(, The Washington Post)

Hate speech, ignored
Calls for violence against Jews go unchecked.
( by Robert L. Bernstein , The Washington Post)

Syria on the cusp
How can the U.S. help avoid civil war?
( by Editorial , The Washington Post)

Fiscal Trivial Pursuit
A serious debate derailed by a mythical $16 muffin.
(, The Washington Post)

Making Bashar al-Assad illegal
A legal method to end dictatorships.
( by Mark Palmer and Patrick Glen , The Washington Post)

---

BUSINESS
Competing in a streaming world
In today’s entertainment arena, you don’t just decide what to watch — you choose how to watch it.
( by Cecilia Kang , The Washington Post)

Obama’s unfortunate remarks on people’s misfortunes
President Obama told members of the Black Congressional Caucus to “stop crying” about tough times.
(, The Washington Post)

Between Greece and default, a German caught in the middle
Chancellor Angela Merkel holds the key to any bailout but faces opposing pressures: the markets abroad and politics at home.
( by Michael Birnbaum in BERLIN , The Washington Post)

Md. health officials propose crib bumper ban
Maryland health officials proposed banning the sale of crib bumper pads for infants starting January 2013.
( by Dina ElBoghdady , The Washington Post)

Papandreou’s government wins vote on property tax, speaker says
Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou won a vote on a new property tax in the parliament in Athens today, bolstering his chances of pushing through austerity cuts aimed at securing further international financial aid for the country.
( by Natalie Weeks and Maria Petrakis Bloomberg News , Bloomberg)

Today's News Highlights 09.27.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Senate leaders reach agreement to avert shutdown
Senate leaders reached an agreement Monday evening that is almost certain to avert a federal government shutdown, a prospect that had flared up as congressional leaders fought over disaster relief funds.
(By Paul Kane and Rosalind S. Helderman)

Administration will not appeal ruling against health-care law
Justice Department decision means the Supreme Court will likely determine whether the law is constitutional in the thick of the 2012 presidential campaign.
(By Robert Barnes)

Shaken by attacks, many Pakistanis fault U.S.
An epidemic of growing violence since 2001 has contributed to anti-U.S. sentiment in Pakistan.
(By Karin Brulliard)

Washington Monument closed indefinitely
Damage to the elevator inside from August’s earthquake is one of several problems officials face as they try to assess the extent of repairs and how much they will cost.
(By Michael E. Ruane)

Redskins fall short against Dallas
The Redskins give up six field goals to the Cowboys, who capi­tal­ize on a late drive and Rex Grossman’s fumble in the closing minute to win, 18-16, and hand Washington its first loss.
(By Mike Jones)

NATION
When ‘I’m sorry’ is a sign of the times
In a 24/7 news world, one cycle in the modern spin machine can obliterate a brand.
( by Christopher Lehane , The Washington Post)

The art of a good apology
Mistakes are inevitable, but we can at least all aspire to making straightforward explanations and clear apologies. Last week’s bizarre mea culpa by Netflix CEO Reed Hastings was neither.
( by Paul A. Argenti , The Washington Post)

Putin may bring back tougher tone with U.S.
When Vladi­mir Putin returns to the Russian presidency, he will likely bring a harsher tone to Moscow’s engagement with the Obama administration.
( by Peter Finn , The Washington Post)

On red alert over cyber-espionage in China
The country’s massive market beckons to U.S. businesses, but many are increasingly concerned about working amid electronic surveillance that is sophisticated and pervasive.
( by Ellen Nakashima and William Wan , The Washington Post)

U.S. to send 800 more military trainers to Afghanistan
They will help with specialty skills to enable Afghan army units to be better prepared to operate without U.S. support by 2014, Lt. Gen. William Caldwell said.
( by Walter Pincus , The Washington Post)

---

METRO
U-Md. lab fire injures 2
University of Maryland chemistry lab explosion burns two students.
( by Matt Zapotosky , The Washington Post)

D.C. has worst traffic in U.S., study says
Washington drivers spend an average 74 hours stuck in traffic, more than twice the national average of 34 hours, annual study says.
( by Ashley Halsey III , The Washington Post)

In N.H., McDonnell criticizes Obama
Va. Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) blasted President Obama’s policies and sidestepped questions about his national ambitions in a prominent speech Monday night in New Hampshire.
( by Anita Kumar , The Washington Post)

Kenyan Nobelist Maathai dies
Wangari Maathai, 71, a Kenyan environmentalist and women’s rights advocate, has died.
( by Emily Langer , The Washington Post)

Grandmother stands trial for murder
Fairfax County’s top prosecutor painted Carmela Dela Rosa as “a spiteful woman.” But her attorney contends she has mental health problems.
( by Justin Jouvenal , The Washington Post)

---

POLITICS
Federal Diary: Budget cuts
Budget cuts are coming but how will the slicing be done?
( , The Washington Post)

In N.H., McDonnell criticizes Obama
Va. Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) blasted President Obama’s policies and sidestepped questions about his national ambitions in a prominent speech Monday night in New Hampshire.
( by Anita Kumar , The Washington Post)

Obama gets a feel-good moment about jobs package
President Obama gets a rare — and welcome — positive comment about his jobs package and tax proposals.
( by David Nakamura , The Washington Post)

Herman Cain’s long-shot run
While Herman Cain’s chances of winning the GOP nomination may not have improved with his straw-poll victory in Florida, he’s not thinking of dropping out.
( by Rachel Weiner and Perry Bacon Jr. , The Washington Post)

Senate leaders reach agreement to avert shutdown
Senate leaders reached an agreement Monday evening that is almost certain to avert a federal government shutdown, a prospect that had flared up as congressional leaders fought over disaster relief funds.
( by Paul Kane and Rosalind S. Helderman , The Washington Post)

---

STYLE
Grading ‘Playboy Club,’ ‘2 Broke Girls’
In one the bunnies look bored, and in the other we get a weak revamp of “The Odd Couple.”
(, The Washington Post)

Really ready for marriage?
She loves her boyfriend and is ready to marry him. Yet she’s still intrigued by the possibility of dating other guys.
(, The Washington Post)

TV column: Smooth takeoff for ‘Pan Am’
The maiden flight of “Pan Am” on Sunday night attracted about 11 million people.
(, The Washington Post)

Wilco at Merriweather Post Pavilion
The band’s performance was heavy on tracks from its latest album, “The Whole Love,” but it included some old-style tunes, too.
( by Aaron Leitko , The Washington Post)

We Are Augustines at Red Palace
The band’s album, released independently in June, is good. Very good, even. But the band’s live performance was extraordinary.
( by Megan Buerger , The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
Redskins defense falters on critical play
In the face of an all-out blitz on third and long, the Cowboys gain 45 yards on a pass to Dez Bryant, thanks in part to a facemask penalty on DeAngelo Hall.
( by Rick Maese , The Washington Post)

Offensive line struggles when it counts
For much of Monday night’s game against the Cowboys, Washington’s offensive line played well. In the final two drives, however, Dallas struck decisive plays.
( by Barry Svrluga , The Washington Post)

TV and radio listings: Sept. 27

(, The Washington Post)

Despite loss, all is not lost
COLUMN | Despite losing to the Cowboys on Monday night, the Redskins are an improved football team.
( by Jason Reid , The Washington Post)

Redskins fall short against Dallas
The Redskins give up six field goals to the Cowboys, who capi­tal­ize on a late drive and Rex Grossman’s fumble in the closing minute to win, 18-16, and hand Washington its first loss.
( by Mike Jones , The Washington Post)

---

WORLD
Anti-Gaddafi forces close in on Sirte
Backed by NATO warplanes, fighters made progress against stronghold of Gaddafi loyalists.
( by Alexander Dziadosz and Sherine El Madany , The Washington Post)

Between Greece and default, a German caught in the middle
Chancellor Angela Merkel holds the key to any bailout but faces opposing pressures: the markets abroad and politics at home.
( by Michael Birnbaum , The Washington Post)

Putin may bring back tougher tone with U.S.
When Vladi­mir Putin returns to the Russian presidency, he will likely bring a harsher tone to Moscow’s engagement with the Obama administration.
( by Peter Finn , The Washington Post)

On red alert over cyber-espionage in China
The country’s massive market beckons to U.S. businesses, but many are increasingly concerned about working amid electronic surveillance that is sophisticated and pervasive.
( by Ellen Nakashima and William Wan , The Washington Post)

U.S. to send 800 more military trainers to Afghanistan
They will help with specialty skills to enable Afghan army units to be better prepared to operate without U.S. support by 2014, Lt. Gen. William Caldwell said.
( by Walter Pincus , The Washington Post)

---

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
How a Kindle tablet could shake up the market
Amazon is expected to unleash an Android-based tablet unlike any other, with its own, independent flavor of the market-leading operating system.
( by Hayley Tsukayama , The Washington Post)

Facebook changes: Fact and fiction
Facebook is changing a lot, but maybe not quite as much as you’ve been hearing.
( by Hayley Tsukayama , The Washington Post)

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EDITORIAL
How a longer school day fails teachers

(, The Washington Post)

Vladi­mir Putin, genius
He is a great czar, if not a great man.
( by Ralph Peters , The Washington Post)

Unfair to Fairfax schools: A lingering lame duck

(, The Washington Post)

By the book
Life lessons in an eighth-grade reading list.
(, The Washington Post)

Why ‘Buy America’ is integral to the jobs act

(, The Washington Post)

---

BUSINESS
Mortgage settlement hasty, agency says
Government regulators may have cost taxpayers billions of dollars by settling claims with Bank of America before addressing the methods used to evaluate the loans involved, according to a report.
( by Brady Dennis , The Washington Post)

Paths to easing Europe’s debt crisis
Efforts to resolve the crisis are moving on three parallel and related tracks, with political and economic challenges in each.
(, The Washington Post)

Cost of government shutdown
A possible government shutdown would cost taxpayers a lot more than the parties are fighting over.
(, The Washington Post)

U.S. stocks advance
U.S. stocks advanced Monday, giving the Dow Jones industrial average its biggest increase in a month, amid speculation that European policymakers will act to stem the debt crisis.
( by Rita Nazareth , Bloomberg)

A bureaucracy’s green-energy stumbles
The Obama administration’s loan guarantee program became a case study of what can go wrong when a bureaucracy tries to play venture capitalist.
( by Steven Mufson and Carol D. Leonnig , The Washington Post)

Black & Gay in Corporate America: Coming Out At Work

We’re not going to pretend this was an easy topic for Black Enterprise to consider. Let’s face it—the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community is one of which our society whispers, mocks, ignores, and, in extreme cases, vehemently rejects. For Black members of this community, the emotional backlash can be even more intense. Editor-at-Large Carolyn M. Brown and I spent months producing this feature. Due to the topic’s controversial nature, we had some difficulty finding subjects. Even some of those who agreed to participate in our cover story, “Black and Gay in Corporate America,” felt some trepidation about how revealing their sexual orientation would affect relationships with family, friends, and associates outside the workplace.

Who is the gay Black professional? If you were to rely on media images, they are overtly flamboyant and dramatic male hairstylists and fashion designers. Depictions are often skewed comedic renderings of members of a community who in real life too often lead separate lives to buffer themselves—and their families—from ridicule. “Many professionals are out in their community but private in the world,” says Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks, executive director and CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition, a civil rights organization that seeks to empower the African American LGBT population. “There’s a healthy Black, educated professional class of the gay, lesbian, and transgender community in this country. But there’s no recognition of their existence. There’s no protection for their rights—for silent or overt discrimination. Black people in general treat the existence of gays and lesbians and transgender people in the African American community like ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’” the former U.S. policy governing homosexuality in the military.

That code of silence has been the mode in which many LGBT employees have operated for decades. It’s one of the reasons we structured our 40 Best Companies for Diversity differently this year. In addition to listing companies based on the percentage of African American and ethnic minority employees, senior managers, and board members, and on the procurement spend with Black and minority firms, we identified those corporations that also made the Human Rights Campaign’s Best Places to Work list for LGBT employees. It’s an indication that these firms believe in the power of full inclusion, and also that they’re choosing not to overlook an $800 billion-plus market.

What also drove the development of our feature is the growing number of professionals who have decided to share with the world their true selves (see sidebar on CNN anchor Don Lemon). Advocacy is never an easy journey, particularly when an individual has been thrust into such a position. The need to live behind a protective shield is very real to those who have suffered rejection, embarrassment, humiliation, and sometimes even violence. Sometimes, however, it becomes evident that coming forward with a personal testimony and an example of success could help improve the lot of others. We developed this feature to communicate that anyone can make a significant contribution. They just need to gain the opportunity to stand up and be counted. READ MORE...

Today's News Highlights 09.25.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Obama campaign targets minorities, core liberals
President’s team looks to expand support from ethnic groups, other traditional Democratic voters.
(By Peter Wallsten)

Medvedev to step aside for Putin
Russian leaders intend to swap jobs, putting the country on an authoritarian path for years to come.
(By Will Englund and Kathy Lally)

Euro-zone leaders feel pressure
At the IMF meeting, the United States warns of “catastrophic risk” and China makes it personal.
(By Howard Schneider and Ylan Q. Mui)

Parents wrestle with rear-facing carseat advice
Parents say they’re going to have a tough time complying with a recent recommendation to keep children in rear-facing carseats until at least age 2.
(By Katherine Shaver)

80 arrested as ‘Occupy Wall Street’ protest of bank bailouts, mortgage crisis marches in NYC
NEW YORK — About 80 people have been arrested as demonstrators who were camped out near the New York Stock Exchange marched through lower Manhattan.
(By Associated Press)

NATION
Obama faces hurdles in aiding Arab Spring countries
The Obama administration has promised to help emerging democracies in the Middle East. But Congress has been wary, and critics say the effort is moving too slowly.
( by Mary Beth Sheridan , The Washington Post)

Autism benefits could be at risk
Provision in federal health overhaul law could put state-required autism benefits in jeopardy.
( by Phil Galewitz , The Washington Post)

Fruit company fights charges of salmonella contamination
The fruit company’s challenge of the FDA and Oregon health officials regarding its cantaloupe could have an impact on how authorities investigate and try to contain foodborne illnesses.
( by Brandon Questerand Tarryn Mento , The Washington Post)

---

METRO
Cicely Angleton dies
Cicely Angleton, 89, a poet and history scholar who was the wife of a former CIA director of counterintelligence, James J. Angleton, died Sept. 23 at her home in Great Falls.
(, The Washington Post)

D.C. police investigate slaying
Authorities are investigating the shooting death of a 24-year-old man in Northeast Washington on Saturday afternoon.
( By Avis Thomas-Lester , The Washington Post)

More ‘non-signers’ enroll at Gallaudet
Gallaudet University, a longtime haven for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, is enrolling more undergraduates who have no experience with deaf culture.
( by Daniel de Vise , The Washington Post)

Metro’s single-tracking tests riders
The resilience of Metro riders — both area residents and visitors — was put to the test on Saturday as the system ran trains on a single track through the heart of the District.
( by Martin Weil , The Washington Post)

Autumnal equinox is about rain, not sun
Almost every hour , the National Weather Service station at Reagan National Airport reported fog and mist. With rain, light rain and drizzle. And a bit of overcast.
( by Martin Weil , The Washington Post)

---

POLITICS
Romney, Perry make a dash for donor cash
With three debates behind them, Rick Perry and Mitt Romney embarked this weekend on a mad dash for campaign cash.
( by Philip Rucker and Dan Eggen , The Washington Post)

Obama campaign targets minorities, core liberals
President’s team looks to expand support from ethnic groups, other traditional Democratic voters.
( by Peter Wallsten , The Washington Post)

D.C. ends contracts with outside lobbyists
The city ends contracts after paying two companies more than $300,000 for their services in the last two years.
( by Ben Pershing , The Washington Post)

Cain wins Fla. straw poll
Businessman Herman Cain won the Florida GOP presidential straw poll in a major surprise on Saturday, finishing well ahead of Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
( by Perry Bacon Jr. , The Washington Post)

Records illuminate Allen’s energy connections
Financial forms, campaign records and George Allen’s staff show how close the former governor and senator has become to the energy industry since he lost his Senate seat in 2006.
( by Anita Kumar , The Washington Post)

---

STYLE
Grading ‘Playboy Club,’ ‘2 Broke Girls’
In one the bunnies look bored, and in the other we get a weak revamp of “The Odd Couple.”
(, The Washington Post)

Mixed signals toward the ex-wife
He calls the ex-wife a “lying, cheating [expletive].” But then he hugs her when they meet, and they’re Facebook friends. What’s the current wife to think?
(, The Washington Post)

Where faith runs deep, very deep
In Peru’s Colca Valley, the Spanish are gone but their churches stand.
( by Rebecca Dalzell Special to The Washington Post , The Washington Post)

Details: Hotel Normandy
The Hotel Normandy, a hidden gem in Northwest D.C.
(, The Washington Post)

National Book Festival’s scavenger hunt ends
National Book Festival’s scavenger hunt ends Sunday, but KidsPost readers can still participate.
(, The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
TV and radio listings for Sept. 25

(, The Washington Post)

Darby lifts Hoyas to victory
Scott Darby threw for four touchdowns and rushed for another, and the Georgetown defense played strong in a 52-28 win over Marist.
( From news servicesand staff reports , The Washington Post)

O’s keep Verlander from win No. 25
Matt Angle gets it started with a home run in the first inning and adds a bunt in the ninth to plate the winning run against the Tigers.
( by Dan Connolly , The Washington Post)

Brilliant De Rosario lifts United
Dwayne De Rosario nets a hat trick and an assist in the first 31 minutes of a 4-1 win over Real Salt Lake as D.C. United stops MLS’s hottest team.
( by Steven Goff , The Washington Post)

Virginia has QB quandary after loss
David Watford replaces an injured and ineffective Michael Rocco at quarterback, but is unable to rally Virginia against Southern Miss.
( by Steve Yanda , The Washington Post)

---

WORLD
In postwar Iraq, housing still scarce
With homes in short supply, prices are booming, and ordinary Iraqis find themselves left out.
( by Annie Gowen , The Washington Post)

Yemen leader’s return fans tensions
An influential general blasts Saleh’s tactics as new assaults kill at least 40 and injure scores nationwide.
( by Sudarsan Raghavan , The Washington Post)

Abbas stalls bid to renew talks
Leader signals he will nix any U.N. plan that disregards Palestinian conditions for resuming negotiations.
( by Amy Teibel and Mohammed Daraghmeh , The Washington Post)

Obama faces hurdles in aiding Arab Spring countries
The Obama administration has promised to help emerging democracies in the Middle East. But Congress has been wary, and critics say the effort is moving too slowly.
( by Mary Beth Sheridan , The Washington Post)

Medvedev to step aside for Putin
Russian leaders intend to swap jobs, putting the country on an authoritarian path for years to come.
( by Will Englund and Kathy Lally , The Washington Post)

---

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)

---

EDITORIAL
Obama in retreat
A bold Middle East stance gave way to stagnation.
(, The Washington Post)

What if there were no euro?
Would Europe have avoided financial crisis?
(, The Washington Post)

What Obama needs
More women on his staff would be smart.
(, The Washington Post)

Bulova for Fairfax
In a county of 1.1 million people, a strong, calm leader.
( by Editorial , The Washington Post)

Drone Dependence
Unmanned aircraft are a useful but not sufficient tool in the war against al-Qaeda.
( by Editorial , The Washington Post)

---

BUSINESS
Tysons Corner: The building of an American city
Fairfax officials imagine this onetime rural crossroads as a “walkable, sustainable, urban center.”
( by Jonathan O'Connell Capital Business Staff Writer , The Washington Post)

No rogue traders, only rogue banks
If your business involves the use of leveraged capital for speculation by your employees, then it is your job to know which, if any, of your people are not competent.
(, The Washington Post)

Euro-zone leaders feel pressure
At the IMF meeting, the United States warns of “catastrophic risk” and China makes it personal.
( by Howard Schneider and Ylan Q. Mui , The Washington Post)

Hewlett-Packard, soap opera star
Yes, government can be inefficient and silly. But so can the private sector. Just look at Hewlett-Packard, once the heart and soul of Silicon Valley.
(, The Washington Post)

Picky about dining options? New app listens.
Based on your preferences for restaurants and bars, the Alfred app will offer suggestions, even taking into account time of day and location.
(, The Washington Post) 

Planet B - Tramp Stamp (Official Music Video)

Video: Troy Davis denied clemency

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Today's News Highlights 09.20.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Old debate on taxes in new landscape
On Monday, President Obama arrived at the place that many presidents reach when a recession won’t quit: He went after the rich.
(By David A. Fahrenthold and Annys Shin)

Revision of organ donations considered
New requirements for controversial organ-retrieval process spark debate over whether patients’ interests are being protected.
(By Rob Stein)

Dan Balz: Obama turns fire on Republicans
President Obama showed the lessons learned from the debt ceiling debate. Rather than taking on his own party to get a budget deal, he turned his fire on Republicans.
(By Dan Balz)

A future for drones: Automated killing
EYES IN THE SKY | Autonomous robotics could be the future of the American way of war, with drones hunting, identifying and killing the enemy based on software calculations, not human decisions.
(By Peter Finn)

Mike Wise: Bringing Redskins fans down to Earth
COLUMN | Presenting the Redskins Fan Exam, which gauges overreaction to the team’s 2-0 start. See which exuberant thoughts you identify with.
(By Mike Wise)

NATION
A future for drones: Automated killing
EYES IN THE SKY | Autonomous robotics could be the future of the American way of war, with drones hunting, identifying and killing the enemy based on software calculations, not human decisions.
( by Peter Finn , The Washington Post)

Revision of organ donations considered
New requirements for controversial organ-retrieval process spark debate over whether patients’ interests are being protected.
( by Rob Stein , The Washington Post)

Weight may affect food impulse
A study suggests that thin people’s brains may control the desire to eat better than the brains of obese people.
( Reuters , The Washington Post)

Curbing noncommunicable diseases

( by David Brown , The Washington Post)

Noncommunicable diseases are killers
Noncommunicable diseases — cancer, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes — kill the most people.
( by David Brown , The Washington Post)

---

METRO
Delegation returns from Iran without hikers
Members of the interfaith group said they remain optimistic about what they call the “imminent” release of Americans Shane Bauer and Joshua Fattal.
( by Jeremy Borden , The Washington Post)

Toddler is fatally shot in Prince George’s
Police are investigating whether the 2-year-old boy accidentally shot himself.
( by Martin Weil , The Washington Post)

Casino developer courts Chinese
Cordish Cos. of Md. offer wealthy Chinese chance for green cards in exchange for $500,000 to develop Maryland Live! casino in Anne Arundel County.
( by Keith B. Richburg and John Wagner , The Washington Post)

Roadblocks imperil D.C. online gambling
The District is learning a lesson in the risks of trying to play casino boss in a place where even the traditional lottery has proved to be a messy enterprise.
( by Michael Laris , The Washington Post)

Free time for working moms? LOL!
Getting nine working mothers to a theater for “I Don’t Know How She Does It” was a logistical miracle. Seeing our daily battles and triumphs on the screen was reassuring.
(, The Washington Post)

---

POLITICS
In early Obama White House, female staffers felt frozen out
There was much friction about the roles of women in the Obama White House during the first two years of his tenure.
( by Peter Wallsten and Anne E. Kornblut , The Washington Post)

America’s ‘go-to’ legal adviser for New START
Working behind-the-scenes on the arms-control treaty with Russia was Paul Dean, a State Department lawyer who is credited as one of the legal architects of the accord.
( by The Partnership for Public Service , The Washington Post)

Costs of military’s Tricare could rise
The White House deficit plan would increase some co-payments and establish an annual fee in the health benefits program for Medicare-eligible retirees.
( by Steve Vogel and Eric Yoder , The Washington Post)

Casino developer courts Chinese
Cordish Cos. of Md. offer wealthy Chinese chance for green cards in exchange for $500,000 to develop Maryland Live! casino in Anne Arundel County.
( by Keith B. Richburg and John Wagner , The Washington Post)

Old debate on taxes in new landscape
On Monday, President Obama arrived at the place that many presidents reach when a recession won’t quit: He went after the rich.
( by David A. Fahrenthold and Annys Shin , The Washington Post)

---

STYLE
Grading ‘Playboy Club,’ ‘2 Broke Girls’
In one the bunnies look bored, and in the other we get a weak revamp of “The Odd Couple.”
(, The Washington Post)

Anger flares over a family cookout
A family is at loggerheads over invitations to a cookout. The problem is the ex-son-in-law’s brother, who made some nasty comments during the daughter’s divorce.
(, The Washington Post)

Ashton Kutcher’s ‘Two and a Half Men’ debut
The actor proved Monday night on the show’s Charlie Sheen-less premiere that almost any sentient being could have easily joined the cast.
( by Hank Stuever , The Washington Post)

A ‘self’ portrait of artist with memory loss
What is the link between creativity and identity? A woman’s work after profound amnesia offers a prism into a puzzling science.
( by John Pancake Special to The Washington Post , The Washington Post)

Too zany ‘New Girl,’ familiar ‘Unforgettable’
Zooey Deschanel is nauseatingly zany in her new sitcom; Poppy Montgomery is TV’s newest specially-abled detective.
(, The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
Phillies rolling into postseason
Starting pitching has powered Philadelphia, but a trade for Hunter Pence was a turning point.
( by Dave Sheinin , The Washington Post)

TV and radio listings: September 20

(, The Washington Post)

Baltimore safe from 100 losses
The Orioles beat the Red Sox in the first game of a doubleheader for their 63rd win before dropping a dreadful shootout in the second game.
( by Dan Connolly , The Washington Post)

U-Md. looks for budget solutions
Maryland hosts open forum to solicit ideas for how to fix athletic department budget deficit, but the discussion yields few answers.
( by Liz Clarke , The Washington Post)

Two wins down, Skins hope for more
After starting 2-0, the Redskins try not to let their guard down as they prepare for a divisional matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
( by Rick Maese , The Washington Post)

---

WORLD
Japan asks 1.2M to evacuate ahead of typhoon
Typhoon Roke has prompted concerns of landslides and flash flooding, particularly in the industrial city of Nagoya.
( by Chico Harlan , The Washington Post)

Fierce fighting in Yemen as political talks stall
Government security forces fire heavy artillery on protesters and defected soldiers raising concerns the situation could deteriorate into civil war.
( by Mohammed al-Qadhi and Alice Fordham , The Washington Post)

Netanyahu calls for direct talks with Palestinians
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tries to parry a Palestinian bid for statehood by calling for direct negotiations.
( by Joel Greenberg , The Washington Post)

U.S. defends decision not to sell new F-16s to Taiwan
An administration official said Washington had balanced competing pressures from Taiwan and China with plan to refurbish existing jets.
( by William Wan and Keith B. Richburg , The Washington Post)

The Pentagon’s spending culture
Pentagon leaders face a challenge — the deficit — that, unlike previous military problems, can’t be overcome by throwing money at it.
(, The Washington Post)

---

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
Mokono, Just Acquired By Populis, Buys German Blog Network Adnation

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Skype Aware Of XSS Vulnerability In iOS Apps, “Working Hard To Fix” It

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Daily Crunch: Coiled

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

MyHeritage.com Acquires Family Tree Backup Service BackupMyTree

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Hi5 Confirms “Significant” Layoffs, Wraps Them In Mumbo Jumbo Speak

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

EDITORIAL
Mitt Romney, a safe choice for risky times
Romney is stronger than his campaign appears.
(, The Washington Post)

Downwardly mobile
“Mad Men” and the loss of the American Dream.
(, The Washington Post)

Not big enough
Mr. Obama’s debt plan comes up short.
( by Editorial , The Washington Post)

Abbas’s heedless push
A U.N. statehood vote will gain Palestinians very little.
( by Editorial , The Washington Post)

D.C.’s new sex-ed test
An assessment of students’ health knowledge is useful information.
( by Editorial , The Washington Post)

---

BUSINESS
Mokono, Just Acquired By Populis, Buys German Blog Network Adnation

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Skype Aware Of XSS Vulnerability In iOS Apps, “Working Hard To Fix” It

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Daily Crunch: Coiled

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

MyHeritage.com Acquires Family Tree Backup Service BackupMyTree

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Germans’ sacrifices reap rewards
Many Germans wonder why neighboring countries can’t make the economic sacrifices they have made.
( by Michael Birnbaum , The Washington Post) 

Today's News Highlights 09.19.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Obama debt plan sets up clash on taxes
President’s proposal will call for $1.5 triilion in new revenue, with total savings of more than $3 trillion.
(By Zachary A. Goldfarb)

Energy falls flat at Emmy Awards
‘Mad Men’ and ‘Modern Family’ win big at show that included a lot of lukewarm laughs and a lack of excitement.
(By Hank Stuever)

Actors work to stand out on red carpet
TV monitors are smaller than movie screens, but Emmy guests appeared ready to go bigger, attempting dozens of ways to stand out, walk tall and step up their public personas.
(By Ned Martel)

Front-runners Mitt Romney, Rick Perry define two wings of Republican Party
The two candidates couldn’t be any more different.
(By Philip Rucker)

The public face of an embattled mosque
Almost no other mosque in the country has been linked to as many cases of alleged terrorism as Dar Al-Hijrah in Northern Virginia.
(By William Wan)

NATION
WHO puts pricetage on fighting noncommunicable diseases
Millions of deaths from chronic illness and one-third from heart disease could be avoided or postponed if developing nations increased their health budgets by about 4 percent, the WHO said.
( by David Brown , The Washington Post)

Golf courses using up methyl bromide supplies before phaseout
Golf courses are using a soon-to-be-banned pesticide to fight weeds.
( by Darryl Fears , The Washington Post)

NASA satellite expected to hit Earth soon
Exact estimates of the timing and location of the UARS crash are difficult even for the precision-minded folks at NASA.
( by Joel Achenbach , The Washington Post)

What Spain could learn from its former colony
COLUMN | In his latest column, Wadhwa outlines how Spain is failing its aspiring entrepreneurs, and what that means for its flagging economy.
( by Vivek Wadhwa , The Washington Post)

---

METRO
Md. sets site for housing agency
The Department of Housing and Community Development will become the first state agency to be headquartered in Prince George’s as part of a new development near the New Carrollton Metro station.
( by Ovetta Wiggins , The Washington Post)

Despite efforts, graffiti still a concern in D.C.
This month, D.C. police arrested four people associated with the KGB Crew of graffiti painters. A fifth person was also arrested.
( by Martin Weil , The Washington Post)

Prince George’s County Council candidates
The contenders for the District 6 seat include 14 Democrats and one Republican.
(, The Washington Post)

In Pr. George’s, candidates struggle to be heard
It’s been difficult for candidates to connect voters in District 6, who go to the polls Tuesday to choose Leslie Johnson’s successor.
( by Miranda S. Spivack , The Washington Post)

Man believed to be serial bank robber
Police have charged Samuel Lewis of Beltsville with seven bank robberies, and they suspect he committed several more in Montgomery and Arlington counties and Alexandria.
( by Ashley Halsey III , The Washington Post)

---

POLITICS
To save money, federal government buying in bulk
The Obama adminstration is adopting a tactic frequently used by penny-pinching shoppers: It’s planning to buy in bulk.
( by Ed O’Keefe , The Washington Post)

Prince George’s County Council candidates
The contenders for the District 6 seat include 14 Democrats and one Republican.
(, The Washington Post)

Is Hispanic vote up for grabs in 2012?
In recent Gallup polling, President Obama’s approval rating among Latinos dipped to 48 percent.
(, The Washington Post)

Obama to appear at Clinton Global Initiative
The former president’s philanthropic gathering will take up the issues of job creation, sustainable consumption and programs for women and girls.
( by Michelle Nichols , The Washington Post)

Front-runners Mitt Romney, Rick Perry define two wings of Republican Party
The two candidates couldn’t be any more different.
( by Philip Rucker , The Washington Post)

---

STYLE
Grading ‘Playboy Club,’ ‘2 Broke Girls’
In one the bunnies look bored, and in the other we get a weak revamp of “The Odd Couple.”
(, The Washington Post)

Energy falls flat at Emmy Awards
‘Mad Men’ and ‘Modern Family’ win big at show that included a lot of lukewarm laughs and a lack of excitement.
( by Hank Stuever , The Washington Post)

Family of a pregnant 15-year-old faces choices
Her sister’s 15-year-old daughter is pregnant and wants to keep the baby. Sister and her husband want her to have abortion, since they would end up raising the baby.
(, The Washington Post)

Actors work to stand out on red carpet
TV monitors are smaller than movie screens, but Emmy guests appeared ready to go bigger, attempting dozens of ways to stand out, walk tall and step up their public personas.
( by Ned Martel , The Washington Post)

‘Fela!’ at Sidney Harman Hall
The infectious beats and funky rhythms of Afrobeat serve as the soundtrack to the story of late Ni­ger­ian activist Fela Kuti.
( by Peter Marks , The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
TV and radio listings: September 19

(, The Washington Post)

Brady shines as Patriots improve to 2-0
New England quarterback Tom Brady throws for 423 yards and no interceptions as the Patriots beat the Chargers, 35-21.
( by Mark Maske , The Washington Post)

Gaithersburg’s Kpadehyea battles an injury
MORE THAN A GAME | Gaithersburg senior Larry Kpadehyea left in an ambulance after breaking his collarbone in a game against rival Sherwood.
( by Toni L. Sandys , The Washington Post)

Redskins’ runners walk the talk
They compile 177 yards on the ground and back up Coach Mike Shanahan’s commitment to the running game
( by Rick Maese , The Washington Post)

These aren’t the same old Redskins
COLUMN | Washington pulls out a victory over Arizona in the sort of game they would have found a way to lose the last few seasons.
(, The Washington Post)

---

WORLD
Release of U.S. hikers in Iran delayed; judge on vacation
Delay coincides with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s visit to U.S. on Monday.
( by Thomas Erdbrink , The Washington Post)

Palestinian statehood bid gets sober review in West Bank
Palestinians are taking a sober view of the bid for statehood at the U.N., acknowledging that it would do little to change their daily lives.
( by Joel Greenberg , The Washington Post)

Russians await Putin’s decision
As Putin refuses to say whether he will retake the presidency, the opposition is thrown into more than the usual disarray.
( by Kathy Lally in MOSCOW , The Washington Post)

Colombian cyclists try to pedal out of poverty
The Andean mountains are the perfect training ground for boys with big dreams of racing in Europe.
( by Juan Forero , The Washington Post)

Pakistan says troops, militants clashed over downed drone
Apparent drone crash could have exposed extremely sensitive systems to the Pakistani Taliban.
( by Karin Brulliard and Haq Nawaz Khan , The Washington Post)

---

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
Gadgets Week in Review: Composite Device

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Buddy Media Launches Intelligent Facebook Data And Analytics Platform For Marketers

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Uh Oh … Qwikster Already Has A Lively Twitter Account, But It’s Not Owned By Netflix

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Look Out, GameFly: Netflix’s New Qwikster Service Ships Video Games, Too

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

This Stevie Wonder Thanking Steve Jobs Thing Is Just Awesome

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

EDITORIAL
Obama’s panicky party
Democrats are anxious about the 2012 elections.
(, The Washington Post)

Parental rights is behind the HPV issue

(, The Washington Post)

Death by clerical errors
An Alabama death-row inmate deserves one last appeal.
( by Editorial , The Washington Post)

Virginia’s abortion end run
Gov. McDonnell takes a back-door approach against a valid medical procedure.
( by Editorial , The Washington Post)

Whose Iran is it?
The Tehran regime’s influence unravels.
( by Ray Takeyh , The Washington Post)

---

BUSINESS
Gadgets Week in Review: Composite Device

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Buddy Media Launches Intelligent Facebook Data And Analytics Platform For Marketers

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Uh Oh … Qwikster Already Has A Lively Twitter Account, But It’s Not Owned By Netflix

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Look Out, GameFly: Netflix’s New Qwikster Service Ships Video Games, Too

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

This Stevie Wonder Thanking Steve Jobs Thing Is Just Awesome

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Today's News Highlights 09.15.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
White House effort to create green jobs lags
A $38.6 billion loan guarantee program that the Obama administration promised would create or save 65,000 jobs has created just a few thousand new jobs two years after it began, government records show.
(By Carol D. Leonnig and Steven Mufson)

Activist’s death stokes debate in Syria
Colleagues voice outrage and fear after the death of a man whose passionate commitment to nonviolence earned him the nickname “Little Gandhi.”
(By Liz Sly)

Perry speaks about spirituality
Texas Gov. Rick Perry casts himself as a jobs creator, but he demonstrated Wednesday that he would not shy away from cloaking his candidacy in his Christianity.
(By Philip Rucker)

European banks face major reckoning
Policymakers remain divided over a core question: Are Europe’s banks largely healthy, or in need of cash to protect against losses.
(By Howard Schneider)

F-16 pilot was ready to take down dad’s plane
Heather Penney’s extraordinary “kamikaze mission” on Sept. 11 might have been directed at a plane that carried the man who had once tucked her in and taught her to love fast airplanes.
(By Steve Hendrix)

NATION
Expert: Movement grows to fight worldwide diseases
A “moral imperative” is emerging to prevent and treat noncommunicable diseases in poor countries, a leading health expert said.
( by David Brown , The Washington Post)

Feds: BP cost cuts contributed to oil spill disaster
A federal investigation has concluded that BP’s efforts to limit costs on its Macondo well in the Gulf of Mexico contributed to the disastrous blowout last year.
( by Joel Achenbach , The Washington Post)

---

METRO
Alexandria and Arlington Animal Watch
Cases handled by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and of Arlington County.
(, The Washington Post)

Things to do in Arlington and Alexandria
Signature Theatre shows, spoken-word poetry and other events Sept. 15-22.
(, The Washington Post)

Crime watch for Alexandria and Arlington
Incidents reported Aug. 28-Sept. 7 by police.
(, The Washington Post)

Health events in Arlington, Alexandria
Walking groups, children’s dental clinic, a discussion on holistic diets and more healthy things to do Sept. 15-22.
(, The Washington Post)

Spiritual things to do in Arlington, Alexandria
A movie night and a food drive at St. John’s Episcopal, fall sermons and more Sept. 17 and 18.
(, The Washington Post)

---

POLITICS
Looking for a corps?
Federal jobs experts Derrick T. Dortch reviews the variety of federal government corps.
(, The Washington Post)

Romney compares himself, favorably, to Perry
Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney continued to draw a sharp contrast with his top foe for the Republican presidential nomination, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, in a town-hall-style gathering Wednesday at this sprawling retirement community near Phoenix.
( by  Amy Gardner , The Washington Post)

White House effort to create green jobs lags
A $38.6 billion loan guarantee program that the Obama administration promised would create or save 65,000 jobs has created just a few thousand new jobs two years after it began, government records show.
( by Carol D. Leonnig and Steven Mufson , The Washington Post)

Perry blasts Obama in Richmond speech
Rick Perry tells Virginia Republicans that he would repeal the federal health-care law and “make Washington as inconsequential as I can in your lives.”
( by Anita Kumar , The Washington Post)

Democrats try to regroup after special election loss in N.Y.
Democrats are trying to shake off the beating they took in a special congressional election in New York. They said that the results were a wake-up call and that he voters were angry.
( by Paul Kane and Felicia Sonmez , The Washington Post)

---

STYLE
A to-do about tattoo
Boyfriend’s tattoo displaying former wife’s name is bothering his girlfriend.
(, The Washington Post)

Retrofitting theater classics
Reaction to a revised ‘Porgy and Bess’ puts a spotlight on a practice that has become common.
( by Peter Marks , The Washington Post)

Building Museum cancels prize ce remony
National Building Museum cancels this year’s Turner Prize ceremony amid political protests over the winner, Caterpillar.
( by Monica Hesse , The Washington Post)

Missoni for Target sells out in stores, crashes Web site
The retail giant’s new lux partnership caused a rush for the limited-edition goods.
( by Cara Kelly , The Washington Post)

Morning-show bookers’ race for ratings
If you’re a booker for one of the networks’ morning programs, being first on the scene often means getting “the get” — securing interviews with the most newsworthy and compelling people.
( by Paul Farhi , The Washington Post)

---

SPORTS
TV and radio listings: September 15

(, The Washington Post)

An auspicious beginning for Peacock
Brad Peacock, an afterthought as a draft pick in 2006, continues his ascent with five scoreless innings and a win over the Mets in his inaugural start.
( by Adam Kilgore , The Washington Post)

Orioles hit home runs to down Rays
Tampa Bay’s wild card chances take a turn for the worse after Baltimore hits three home runs in a 6-2 victory.
( by Peter Schmuck , The Washington Post)

Leyva sets goals, reaches them
Cuban-born Danell Leyva enters next month’s world gymnastics championships in a familiar position: as a decided underdog.
( by Amy Shipley in Miami , The Washington Post)

The Redskins’ multiple-option offense
Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman has five wide receivers and two tight ends who catch passes under the team’s approach, so opponents will have a difficult time focusing on just one or two pass-catchers.
( by Rick Maese , The Washington Post)

---

WORLD
Israeli embassy emptied ahead of Jordan protest
Fearing a repeat of the violence outside its embassy in Cairo last week, Israel brought diplomats home from Amman.
( by Joel Greenberg , The Washington Post)

Activist’s death stokes debate in Syria
Colleagues voice outrage and fear after the death of a man whose passionate commitment to nonviolence earned him the nickname “Little Gandhi.”
( by Liz Sly , The Washington Post)

Web users targeted in Mexican drug wars
Two corpses were hung from a bridge in Nuevo Laredo, with a sign threatening “Internet-busy bodies.”
( by William Booth , The Washington Post)

Anxieties mount over Palestinian statehood bid
As the Palestinian bid heads toward a United Nations vote, Israel warns that approval would bring grave consequences.
( by Joel Greenberg , The Washington Post)

Iran’s judiciary says U.S. hikers won’t be freed
Iran’s judiciary is denying statements by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that two imprisoned Americans will be released.
( by Thomas Erdbrink , The Washington Post)

---

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
Daily Crunch: Meeting Of The Minds

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Barry Diller Skewers AOL For Firing Michael Arrington From TechCrunch

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

The Ultimate Guide To TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2011

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Elon Musk: Starting A Company Is Like Staring Into The Face Of Death

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

And The Winner Of TechCrunch Disrupt Is…Shaker

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

---

EDITORIAL
Pedestrians don’t have a green light to walk unsafely

(, The Washington Post)

Pr. George’s doesn’t need Whole Foods

(, The Washington Post)

The crude truth about Iraq

(, The Washington Post)

No ‘quick fix’ to prevent strokes

(, The Washington Post)

Antiabortion demonstrators’ inappropriate protest

(, The Washington Post)

---

BUSINESS
Daily Crunch: Meeting Of The Minds

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Barry Diller Skewers AOL For Firing Michael Arrington From TechCrunch

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Business digest
Canada says it will fight the “buy America” provision in President Obama’s jobs proposal; SEC says records were shredded, but investigations didn’t suffer.
(, The Washington Post)

The Ultimate Guide To TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2011

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Obama debt plan likely to cede less ground
Aides say his latest proposal would not represent the sort of compromise on the table this summer.
( by Zachary A. Goldfarb , The Washington Post)

Today's News Highlights 09.13.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Rick Perry on defensive during Republican debate
Texas Gov. Rick Perry found himself on the defensive in a Republican presidential debate, pilloried for suggesting that states should take over Social Security, for trying to mandate vaccinations for young girls and for immigration policies he has supported in his state.
(By Dan Balz and Nia-Malika Henderson)

Obama outlines jobs bill funding
The president’s proposal to increase taxes on wealthier families prompts measured Republican opposition.
(By Rosalind S. Helderman and David Nakamura)

Suit challenges jails’ strip-search policies
A New Jersey man is suing two jails, saying it was unreasonable to strip-search him after he was arrested for failing to pay a fine he had, in fact, paid.
(By Robert Barnes)

D.C. near settlement in mental health case
The District is on the cusp of ending court oversight of its services for the mentally ill.
(By Mike DeBonis)

Camp Victory preparing to close
As the troop drawdown deadline gets closer, officials are busy clearing the base for its turnover to the Iraqi government in early December.
(By Annie Gowen)

POLITICS
Remapping Congressional districts can mean revenge, more 'Godfather' than 'Federalist Papers'
WASHINGTON — The first time the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature tried to get rid of Rep. Lloyd Doggett, they cut his district into three pieces. This year, they sliced it into five — and plopped him into a primary against an ambitious up-and-comer for good measure.
( Associated Press , AP)

Obama moves at historic pace to diversify federal bench; white males under half his choices
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is moving at a historic pace to try to diversify the nation’s federal judiciary: Nearly three of every four people he has gotten confirmed to the federal bench are women or minorities. He is the first president who hasn’t selected a majority of white males for lifetime judgeships.
( Associated Press , AP)

Poll: Government, military trusted to keep Americans safe; Congress, not so much
WASHINGTON — Congress may be in the doghouse with the American public, but the broader government — especially the military — gets high marks for keeping the nation safe and secure, a new poll suggests.
( Associated Press , AP)

AGING AMERICA: Caregivers urge action as Obama administration drafts national Alzheimer's plan
WASHINGTON — As her mother’s Alzheimer’s worsened over eight long years, so did Doreen Alfaro’s bills: The walker, then the wheelchair, then the hospital bed, then the diapers — and the caregivers hired for more and more hours a day so Alfaro could go to work and her elderly father could get some rest.
( Associated Press , AP)

Unhappiness with Obama's policies could throw NY special House election to Republicans
NEW YORK — Democrat David Weprin faced an unusually tight race against Republican Bob Turner in a special election Tuesday in New York’s heavily Democratic 9th Congressional District, where voters unhappy with President Barack Obama could elect a Republican for the first time.
( Associated Press , AP)

STYLE
Bitter battle over corn syrup's rebranding attempt heads to Los Angeles courtroom
LOS ANGELES — The setting sun splashes warm hues across a ripening cornfield as a man and his daughter wander through rows of towering plants.
( Associated Press , AP)

Ask Amy: Couch-surfing spud overstays his welcome
It’s time for their lazy guest to get a move on.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Miss Manners: Courteous little gentleman is no threat to equality
Miss Manners applauds mother who’s teaching her young son that feminism and etiquette are not mutually exclusive.
(, Universal Press)

For this guy, you have to spell it out
Home sick and wanted a boyfriend visit, but she said she could manage without. He didn’t come and now she’s upset. Should she be?
(, The Washington Post)

The '70s slouch has become clean, easy elegance at New York Fashion Week
NEW YORK — An easy spring elegance, deceitfully simple but never sloppy, brought a bit of good clean fun to New York Fashion Week as the twice-annual round of frenzied runway shows moved into the fifth day Monday.
( Associated Press , AP)

SPORTS
Utah-BYU rivalry still heated, even in September as both teams struggle to find groove
PROVO, Utah — Last year’s matchup started with pre-game taunting and was decided by a last-second blocked field goal.
( Associated Press , AP)

Canadian youth hockey associations mandate baseline concussion testing
Canadian hockey players as young as 10 years old will be put through the same concussion testing as NHL players this season.
( Associated Press , AP)

Monday's Sports In Brief
WESTON, Fla. — Former World Series MVP Manny Ramirez was arrested and charged with battery Monday after a domestic dispute at his South Florida home, police said.
( Associated Press , AP)

Believe it: Novak Djokovic tops Rafael Nadal, adds US Open title to already sensational season
NEW YORK — Novak Djokovic was on the wrong side of the court, and the celebration, a year ago after the last ball was struck in the U.S. Open final.
( Associated Press , AP)

Michigan AD says Wolverines get to keep their legacy jerseys from victory over Notre Dame
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Fans aren’t the only ones who never want to forget Michigan’s last-second win over Notre Dame
( Associated Press , AP)

WORLD
China says Libya's provisional government promises to honor existing accords with Beijing
BEIJING — China has received reassurances from Libya’s provisional authority that the country’s new government will uphold all agreements signed with Beijing before the overthrow of Moammar Gadhafi, officials said Tuesday.
( Associated Press , AP)

Red Cross: Death toll from gasoline pipeline explosion in Kenya capital rises to 82
NAIROBI, Kenya — A Red Cross official says the death toll from a gasoline pipeline explosion in the Kenyan capital has risen to 82.
( Associated Press , AP)

World markets extend gains following Monday's rally on Wall Street
SHANGHAI — Asian markets were mostly higher Tuesday as investors took heart from a late rally on Wall Street, while European shares were only briefly lifted by reports German Chancellor Angela Merkel had ruled out allowing Greece to slide into insolvency.
( Associated Press , AP)

Police: Gunmen attack school bus in Pakistan, killing 3 children, a teacher and a driver
PESHAWAR, Pakistan — Police: Gunmen attack school bus in Pakistan, killing 3 children, a teacher and a driver.
( Associated Press , AP)

9 North Korean defectors reach Japan by boat
TOKYO — Nine people who say they are from North Korea arrived Tuesday in a black wooden boat off the western Japanese coast in what authorities suspect is a rare defection from the communist nation to Japan.
( 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
Ultra-luxury brand Rolls-Royce presents its electric concept car at Frankfurt show
FRANKFURT, Germany — In yet another sign that car manufacturers are really trying to go greener, Rolls-Royce is experimenting with an electric vehicle.
( Associated Press , AP)

Nintendo seeks to rev up 3DS popularity with array of holiday games
TOKYO — Nintendo is readying an array of video games for the holidays in an aggressive attempt at catch-up for lost time from the sales delay of the 3DS portable machine last year.
( Associated Press , AP)

iPhone, iPod, iPad trade-ins at GameStop
Gamestop is now taking trade-ins on all generations of iOS devices.
( by Hayley Tsukayama , The Washington Post)

Michael Arrington leaving AOL and TechCrunch blog he founded
NEW YORK — Michael Arrington, founder of the popular technology blog TechCrunch, is leaving the blog and its owner, AOL, to work on the venture capital fund he recently started.
( Associated Press , AP)

A look at the BlackBerry Bold 9790
If you’re digging the Bold 9900′s touchscreen + QWERTY combination but aren’t quite as fond of its larger footprint, the Bold 9790 might be just the device for you.
( by Jacob Schulman , The Washington Post)

BUSINESS
Ultra-luxury brand Rolls-Royce presents its electric concept car at Frankfurt show
FRANKFURT, Germany — In yet another sign that car manufacturers are really trying to go greener, Rolls-Royce is experimenting with an electric vehicle.
( Associated Press , AP)

UK consumer inflation rises to 4.5 pct, 21st month of overshooting official 2 pct target
LONDON — Official figures show that higher utility and clothing costs pushed Britain’s consumer prices up to 4.5 percent in the year to August from 4.4 percent the month before, but economists expressed hope that the rate could begin falling within months.
( Associated Press , AP)

Europe struggles to contain Greek debt crisis as Merkel says progress being made
ATHENS, Greece — German Chancellor Angela Merkel sought to calm febrile markets Tuesday that Greece is heading for a chaotic default on its debts as Europe struggles to contain a crippling financial crisis that is roiling global markets.
( Associated Press , AP)

Italy held talks with China's sovereign wealth fund amid reports it asked it to buy its bonds
ROME — Italy confirmed reports Tuesday that the treasury minister has met with China’s sovereign wealth fund amid speculation that Rome is looking to persuade Beijing to buy its bonds or invest in its companies.
( Associated Press , AP)

Reports: Italy asks China to buy bonds, invest as Rome tries to resolve financial crunch
BEIJING — Italian officials have held talks with China’s sovereign wealth fund in an effort to persuade Beijing to buy Italy’s government bonds or invest in its companies, news reports said Tuesday.
( Associated Press , AP)

Today's News Highlights 09.11.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Security increased in D.C. ahead of 9/11 anniversary 
Security has been increased in Washington as officials continue to investigate a threat of a possible terrorist attack. 
(By Jia Lynn Yang, Dana Hedgpeth and Ovetta Wiggins) 

Egypt cracks down after Israeli embassy attack 
Egypt’s government responds to U.S. and Israeli calls by moving to tighten control of the streets after weeks of taking a more low-key approach. 
(By Michael Birnbaum and Joel Greenberg) 

Redskins’ Snyder drops City Paper suit 
Team owner ends his legal battle with the publication over an article that he said defamed him.
(By Paul Farhi) 

Actor Cliff Robertson dies 
The Oscar and Emmy winner died Saturday, a day after his 88th birthday.
(By Adam Bernstein) 

9/11 memorial unveiled in Pa. 
George W. Bush, Bill Clinton were among those honoring the Flight 93 victims outside Shanksville.
(By Shyamantha Asokan) 

POLITICS 
Obama urges service, unity on 9/11 anniversary, pays tribute to war dead at Arlington 
WASHINGTON — Summoning the nation to unity and service, President Barack Obama paid tribute to America’s resilience and the sacrifice of its war dead Saturday as the country prepared to mark 10 long years since the horrors of 9/11. 
( Associated Press , AP) 

---

SPORTS 
Finland's Jari-Matti Latvala leads Rally Australia by 22.6 seconds going into final day 
COFFS HARBOUR, Australia — Jari-Matti Latvala overtook Ford and Finland teammate Mikko Hirvonen to take a 22.6-second lead in Rally Australia on Saturday. 
( Associated Press , AP) 

---

WORLD 
New Japanese trade minister resigns after calling nuclear evacuation zone 'town of death' 
TOKYO — Japan’s new trade minister resigned Saturday over a remark seen as insensitive to nuclear evacuees, dealing a blow to a government that took office just eight days ago in the hopes it could better tackle the daunting tsunami recovery. 
( Associated Press , AP) 

Israel, Egypt try to stem damage in worst crisis in decades after protesters riot at embassy 
CAIRO — Israel and Egypt’s leadership tried Saturday to limit the damage in ties after protesters stormed Israel’s embassy in Cairo, trashing offices and prompting the evacuation of nearly the entire staff from Egypt in the worst crisis between the countries since their 1979 peace treaty. 
( Associated Press , AP) 

Europol says bombings IKEA stores around Europe likely the work of 1 person 
AMSTERDAM — Europol says it believes a series of bomb attacks at IKEA stores in several European countries this year is likely the work of a single man, and called on the public for help in identifying him. 
( Associated Press , AP) 

Anti-American cleric in Iraq asks followers to cease attacks on US troops to hasten withdrawal 
BAGHDAD — An anti-American cleric in Iraq is calling on his followers to cease attacks on U.S. troops leaving the country so that the withdrawal isn’t slowed down. 
( Associated Press , AP) 

Libya fighters pour in for Bani Walid battle 
WISHATA, Libya — Volunteer fighters poured in from the Libyan capital and other towns held by the former rebels on Saturday to join what they expect to be the final battle for Bani Walid, one of Moammar Gaddafi’s last remaining strongholds. 
( 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) 

---

BUSINESS 
Germany proposes deputy finance minister Asmussen as Stark successor at ECB 
MARSEILLE, France — Germany proposes deputy finance minister Asmussen as Stark successor at ECB. 
( Associated Press , AP) 

Italian finance minister: further measures may be needed on top of current austerity package 
MARSEILLE, France — Italy’s finance minister said Saturday his country may have to take further austerity measures on top of massive spending cuts currently making their way through parliament. 
( Associated Press , AP) 

Wealthy nations, global lenders pledge $58 billion to Arab countries to encourage democracy 
MARSEILLE, France — Wealthy countries and international lenders promised more money Saturday to encourage democratic reforms in Arab nations, promising at least $58 billion. 
( Associated Press , AP) 

Italian finance minister: further measures may be needed on top of current austerity package 
MARSEILLE, France — Italy’s finance minister says his country may have to take further austerity measures on top of massive spending cuts currently making their way through parliament. 
( Associated Press , AP) 

Fall Issue Swagga Digital Magazine 2011

Today's News Highlights 09.06.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Obama’s ratings sink to new lows
Public pessimism about the direction of the country has jumped to its highest level in nearly three years, pushing the president’s approval ratings to a record low, according to a new poll.
(By Jon Cohen and Dan Balz)

Obama tells labor unions in Detroit he won’t wait on Congress over new jobs plan
The remarks came as the president attempts to restore public confidence in his administration’s ability to create jobs, boost the economy and avoid another recession.
(By David Nakamura)

European markets tumble over economic worries
European stock markets stumbled Monday on warnings of a broad crisis developing in the region’s financial sector.
(By Howard Schneider and Anthony Faiola)

Hunt for Gaddafi leads to desert triangle
On the chaotic quest are competing factions of military commanders, bounty hunters and Libyan commandos.
(By Simon Denyer)

USPS could lose up to $10 billion
The U.S. Postal Service could lose up to $10 billion and have about one weeks’ worth of money left in the bank when its fiscal year ends Sept. 30, the nation’s top postmaster will tell Congress Tuesday.
(By Ed O’Keefe)

POLITICS
NYC Mayor Bloomberg, his tenure bookended by 9/11 milestones, deepens involvement at WTC site
NEW YORK — It didn’t take long after his election for Mayor Michael Bloomberg to alienate some of those most closely affected by the Sept. 11 attacks. In unemotional terms, he advocated for a “less is more” approach to a memorial, explaining that rental agents wouldn’t like the area to seem like a “cemetery.”
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Blogger says he received transcripts of FBI wiretaps in Israeli Embassy
WASHINGTON — A blogger has told The New York Times that an FBI translator gave him transcripts of conversations that were recorded by FBI wiretaps in the Israeli Embassy in Washington.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Obama’s ratings sink to new lows
Public pessimism about the direction of the country has jumped to its highest level in nearly three years, pushing the president’s approval ratings to a record low, according to a new poll.
( by Jon Cohen and Dan Balz , The Washington Post)

Changes at top of Bachmann’s staff
Veteran campaigner Ed Rollins will take a reduced role in Michele Bachmann’s presidential campaign, and another top aide is leaving.
( by Aaron Blake and Chris Cillizza , The Washington Post)

Tea party calls on Obama to rebuke union chief
A tea party group called on President Barack Obama to rebuke Teamsters President Jim Hoffa for urging him to use supporters at a Labor Day rally as an army to march and “take out” tea partyers, describing the remarks as “a call for violence.”
(, The Associated Press)

STYLE
An unwelcome visit from the past
A writer is on the board of a nonprofit. A person from the writer’s unhappy past has joined the group. The writer’s choice: leave, or report the other person.
(, The Washington Post)

Hints From Heloise: A home for used stamps
Stamp Camp USA helps kids learn about stamp collecting.
(, King)

Ask Amy: Husband’s crisis throws wife a curveball
After 30 years of marriage, her husband says he can’t stand to be around her or their two sons and is leaving her.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Still feeling at home up in the sky
Flight attendant Dannye Drake-Ivey was supposed to fly on Sept. 11, 2001. Now, 10 years after the attacks, she still lives in the sky.
( By Monica Hesse , The Washington Post)

Theater review: ‘Or’
A farce from the past, the play is fit for modern times.
( By Celia Wren , The Washington Post)

SPORTS
Robinson's misplay leads to 3 1st-inning runs in Mariners' 7-3 loss to Angels
ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Seattle Mariners were charged with a season-high five errors in their loss to the pennant-contending Los Angeles Angels. It very easily could have been six.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Quickly, now: Federer dispatches Monaco in 3 quick sets at US Open, sets up Tsonga rematch
NEW YORK — Roger Federer waited around at the U.S. Open for hours and hours, eager to get on court for his fourth-round match. Once he finally started playing, shortly before midnight, he didn’t take long to win.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

TV and radio listings: Sept. 6

(, The Washington Post)

Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki stay on path to possible semifinal meeting at US Open
NEW YORK — They are two different players and, at times, it looks as if they’re playing two different games.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Angels trim Rangers' AL West lead to 2½ as Trumbo, Wells homer in 7-3 win over Mariners
ANAHEIM, Calif. — The only time Dan Haren isn’t thinking about catching the Texas Rangers in the AL West race is when he’s pitching. And that focus has enabled the Los Angeles Angels to stay in the hunt after a sluggish start to the season.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

WORLD
Activist says daughter of blind Chinese dissident not allowed to attend school
BEIJING — The 6-year-old daughter of a blind Chinese activist under unofficial house arrest has been barred from leaving her home and is unable to attend school, another activist said Tuesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Hunt for Gaddafi leads to desert triangle
On the chaotic quest are competing factions of military commanders, bounty hunters and Libyan commandos.
( by Simon Denyer , The Washington Post)

Australian police in standoff with man who claims to have bomb, holds daughter at office
SYDNEY — Australian police cordoned off a Sydney building Tuesday in a tense standoff with a man who claimed to have a bomb, smashed a window and issued threats from a lawyer’s office where he holed up with his teenage daughter.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Indian Prime Minister Singh visits neighboring Bangladesh in effort to warm prickly ties
DHAKA, Bangladesh — Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh began a visit to Bangladesh on Tuesday aimed at warming often prickly ties between the two South Asian neighbors.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Tougher laws against animal abuse sought after 300 cats found starved in cages in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysian pet owners and activists who found nearly 300 starving cats caged and soaked in excrement at pet care centers demanded sterner laws Tuesday against cruelty to animals.
( 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
The Wicked Lasers Krypton S3 Will Fry Passing Satellites

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Deutsche Telekom Is Offering Pre-Orders For A Nebulous, Unnamed Apple Phone

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

One Medical Raises $20 Million For The Modern Doctor’s Office

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Netflix Starts Rolling Out Streaming Service To Mexico, Latin America And The Caribbean

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Chinese Online Gaming Giant ‘Perfect World’ To Invest $100M In A VC Fund

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

BUSINESS
World Bank's Zoellick expects slow US growth, high unemployment but no recession
SINGAPORE — The U.S. economy will likely limp along with slow growth and high unemployment but avoid a recession, World Bank President Robert Zoellick said Tuesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Starbucks plans to triple its China coffee shops by 2015, open first stores in India, Vietnam
SINGAPORE — Starbucks Corp., the world’s largest coffee retailer, plans to triple the number of its coffee shops in China during the next four years, an executive said Tuesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Oil falls to near $84 in Asia amid rising fears of slowing global economic growth
SINGAPORE — Oil prices headed lower to near $84 a barrel Tuesday in Asia as fears of a recession in developed countries sent stock markets and commodities lower.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

The Wicked Lasers Krypton S3 Will Fry Passing Satellites

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Deutsche Telekom Is Offering Pre-Orders For A Nebulous, Unnamed Apple Phone

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Today's News Highlights 09.02.11

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
CIA shifts focus to killing targets
The CIA’s focus and resources are increasingly centered on the cold counterterrorism objective of finding targets to capture or kill.
(By Greg Miller and Julie Tate)

Voters press GOP candidates on immigration
Although Republican presidential candidates are voicing concerns about jobs and the economy, voters appear more passionate about illegal immigration.
(By Philip Rucker and and Amy Gardner)

Is Romney ready for the next round?
The former Massachusetts governor no longer has the luxury of running the way he’s run most of this year.
(By Dan Balz)

Beck is not at his best vs. Bucs
Redskins quarterback John Beck delivers a shaky performance in the team’s preseason finale, a 29-24 win over visiting Tampa Bay.
(By Mike Jones)

White House projects lower deficit
Cost-cutting on Capitol Hill and higher-than-expected tax collections will push this year’s budget deficit down by $300 billion, White House says.
(By Lori Montgomery)

POLITICS
Smithsonian acquires TSA metal detector, other items for 9/11 collection, special exhibit
WASHINGTON — One of the least popular pieces of security equipment since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks is now part of the Smithsonian’s collection at the National Museum of American History — a metal detector from the Transportation Security Administration.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Texas Gov. Perry has fundraising muscle in his home state, but can he woo donors nationally?
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s on a mad dash for cash. He’s reaching beyond his traditional in-state base as he tries to build a national fundraising machine large enough to compete with Mitt Romney’s very deep pockets.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

List of 27 nuclear power reactors where gov't says earthquake damage is more likely
The 27 nuclear reactors identified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as possibly needing upgrades to better withstand earthquakes. Plants listed more than once have multiple reactors on the NRC list.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Gov't says 27 US reactors could be more vulnerable to earthquakes than previously thought
WASHINGTON — The risk that an earthquake would cause a severe accident at a U.S. nuclear plant is greater than previously thought, 24 times as high in one case, according to an AP analysis of preliminary government data. The nation’s nuclear regulator believes a quarter of America’s reactors may need modifications to make them safer.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Federal Diary: Readers comment
Reader comments sent to The Federal Diary are published, including opinions on the U.S. Postal Service’s budget problems.
(, The Washington Post)

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)

Style Invitational: Week 935, the 400 blows
A light-verse contest commemorating the Empress’s 400th consecutive column. And the winning limericks from Week 931, Limerixicon 8.
(, The Washington Post)

Ask Amy: Readers respond on destroying diaries
Scores of readers responded to one reader’s question with stories of diaries lost, found and destroyed. The majority of responses suggested saving these diaries.
(, Tribune Media Service)

Hints From Heloise: Cleaning stained oak cabinets
The solution to sprucing up sticky oak-stained cabinets.
(, King)

It’s not you, it’s them
Readers speak on how to shield children from racist grandparents.
(, The Washington Post)

SPORTS
QB Kerry Collins struggles as Colts beat Bengals 17-13
CINCINNATI — The Colts finished their preseason with a rare win and a clear idea of what comes next.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Stephen Strasburg allows 1 hit over 6 shutout innings, strikes out 4 in Double-A rehab start
HARRISBURG, Pa. — His red socks pulled up high over his calves and a gold chain dangling off his neck, Stephen Strasburg pushed off the mound and unleashed a 99 mph fastball.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

New-look Maryland defense expects tough test from Miami despite suspensions
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Maryland’s defensive players don’t want to hear about how much Miami will miss suspended quarterback Jacory Harris.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Baylor ready, not hyped for rematch against No. 14 TCU in season opener after big loss in '10
WACO, Texas — Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin believes his team has to take a calmer approach with another chance against 14th-ranked TCU.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

No. 10 Nebraska vows to give Mocs full attention after sweating out 2010 win over FCS foe
LINCOLN, Neb. — No. 10 Nebraska is proceeding with caution as it prepares to open against Chattanooga.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

WORLD
Turkey suspends military cooperation with Israel over Gaza flotilla raid
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey suspends military cooperation with Israel over Gaza flotilla raid.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Turkey expels Israeli ambassador over its refusal to apologize for Gaza flotilla raid
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey expels Israeli ambassador over its refusal to apologize for Gaza flotilla raid.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

US military's Landstuhl hospital at forefront of saving lives from a decade of war
LANDSTUHL, Germany — Volunteer staff from the U.S. military’s Landstuhl Regional Medical center huddle outside the emergency room doors, waiting under heat lamps on a crisp morning for what has become a daily routine in a decade of war — the arrival on a blue bus of the latest casualties from Iraq and Afghanistan.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Russian president calls for regional solutions in Afghanistan and neighboring nations
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan — Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says the fate of Afghanistan and surrounding nations should be decided by regional powers, an apparent call for reduced U.S. engagement.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Libyan rebels watch outskirts of possible tribal haven for Gadhafi
MISRATA, Libya — A flash of sunlight reflecting off a distant windshield heralded the approach of a vehicle across the endless Libyan desert. So the rebel truck slammed into reverse, taking cover behind a sandy hill and swiveling its heavy machinegun to take aim at whatever was coming.
( 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
Toshiba Outs Monstrous 55″ 4K, Glasses-Free 3D TV With Facial Recognition

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Twitter’s Dorsey To Developers: With Apple, We Can Take This To A Whole New Level

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Mobile Social Gaming Platform OpenFeint Launches GameFeed On iOS And Android

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

The Nexus S Powers NASA’s Lightsaber Sparring Spheres, In Space

( by TechCrunch.com , TechCrunch.com)

Starz to stop Internet streaming on Netflix, dealing blow to top US video subscription service
SAN FRANCISCO — Netflix’s negotiations to keep a key piece of its Internet video library have collapsed, dealing a major blow to the largest U.S. video subscription service as it raises the prices for most of its 25 million customers. The setback triggered a nearly 9 percent drop in Netflix Inc.’s stock price.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

BUSINESS
Oil falls to near $88 in Asia as investors await key US employment report
SINGAPORE — Oil prices fell to near $88 a barrel Friday in Asia as investors awaited a key jobs report later in the day for evidence about the strength of the U.S. economy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Greek finance chief denies reports that debt review pause was due to break-down in talks
ATHENS, Greece — Greece’s finance minister rejected on Friday reports that the country’s international debt review has been suspended due to a break-down in talks, saying the pause was scheduled.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Oil falls to near $88 in Asia as investors await key US employment report
SINGAPORE — Oil prices fell to near $88 a barrel Friday in Asia as investors awaited a key jobs report later in the day for evidence about the strength of the U.S. economy.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Greek FinMin: Recession in 2011 will see economy contract by nearly 5 percent
ATHENS, Greece — Greek FinMin: Recession in 2011 will see economy contract by nearly 5 percent.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)

Sandbox toys get life-sized treatment in Sin City, giving adults a new way to play
LAS VEGAS — Las Vegas has seen its share of heavy construction equipment as it bulldozed its way through one giant casino project after another. But with the recession having gutted the construction industry, excavators and bulldozers near the Strip are being put to use as toys for thrill-seeking visitors.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)