TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS NATION
Obama’s dilemma over the Keystone pipeline
A collision of interests among President Obama’s supporters over the proposed Keystone oil pipeline has created a tough decision for the administration.
( by Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson , The Washington Post)
Some states seek flexibility to push health efforts further
A handful of states are pursuing health-care measures that go far beyond the Obama administration’s signature legislative accomplishment, the Affordable Care Act.
( by Sarah Kliff , The Washington Post)
‘Supercommittee’ could affect public health initiatives
Funding for a host of public health initiatives could be sharply cut if the “supercommittee” fails to agree on a deficit-reduction package.
( by Marilyn Werber Serafini and Mary Agnes Carey Kaiser Health News , The Washington Post)
President Obama speaks at MLK Memorial dedication
President Obama urged the nation to celebrate the dedication of the memorial to slain civil rights leader by continuing to press for the goals and hopes of the “black preacher with no official rank or title who somehow gave voice to our deepest dreams.”
( by Miranda S. Spivack , The Washington Post)
METRO
IndyCar driver Wheldon dies at 33
The race-car driver whose victory this year in the Indianapolis 500 made him a two-time winner of one of the best-known events in auto racing was killed after a crash at an event in Las Vegas.
( by Martin Weil , The Washington Post)
CIA colleagues memorialize Iran-contra figure
Clair George was found guilty and later pardoned of charges relating to the Iran-contra affair, but at his memorial service, his CIA colleagues showed they believe his loyalty never faltered.
( by Ian Shapira , The Washington Post)
Defense to begin in Currie bribery trial
The defense team for Md. Sen. Ulysses Currie (D-Prince George’s) will begin presenting its case in the trial involving the senator’s connections with Shoppers Food Warehouse.
( by John Wagner , The Washington Post)
A hostage in your own home
Those hours spent waiting for the cable guy, dishwasher repairman and electrician? You’ll never get them back.
(, The Washington Post)
Search for William McQuain continues
Law enforcement officers, volunteers and cadaver dogs searched two parks in Montgomery County for signs of the missing boy.
( by Dan Morse , The Washington Post)
POLITICS
Defense to begin in Currie bribery trial
The defense team for Md. Sen. Ulysses Currie (D-Prince George’s) will begin presenting its case in the trial involving the senator’s connections with Shoppers Food Warehouse.
( by John Wagner , The Washington Post)
Cain defends ‘9-9-9’ tax overhaul plan
GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain acknowledges that some Americans would see a tax increase under his “9-9-9” plan, but “most people” would pay less.
( by Lisa Rein and Matthew DeLong , The Washington Post)
Perry and Romney dominate GOP fundraising
Rick Perry and Mitt Romney are sitting on four times as much cash as the rest of the GOP field combined in the final weeks before Republican voters begin casting ballots.
( by Dan Eggen , The Washington Post)
If everyone is unhappy with the Supreme Court, has it found the right spot?
The Supreme Court isn’t winning any popularity contests, reports High Court columnist Robert Barnes.
(, The Washington Post)
For Romney, Iowa a fork in road to GOP nod
Taking a shot at the Iowa caucuses would be a risk for the candidate, but the payoff could be huge.
(, The Washington Post)
STYLE
Carolyn Hax: Misaligned sex drives cause problems
We hear from lots of men complaining about not getting enough sex. But what about women who want more?
(, The Washington Post)
Review: ‘Love Potion #1’
GALA Hispanic Theatre opens its season with the delightful “Love Potion #1,” an adaptation of Donizetti’s “L’Elisir d-Amore.”
( by Cecelia Porter , The Washington Post)
‘Occupy’ inspires protest music
The music identifies deeper streams that seem to link disparate cultures of rebellion across the world.
( by David Montgomery , The Washington Post)
Virginia Opera’s wonderful ‘Aida’
This production is an example of a company reaching beyond its means — and proving that such ambition can be worthwhile.
( by Anne Midgette , The Washington Post)
Review of Emerson String Quartet
The Emerson String Quartet turned in a conservative but superb and often deeply involving performance Saturday at the National Museum of Natural History’s Baird Auditorium.
( by Stephen Brookes , The Washington Post)
SPORTS
TV and radio listings: Oct. 17
(, The Washington Post)
Cardinals advance to World Series
In a gory victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series, St. Louis moves on to the World Series for the third time in the past seven years.
( by Dave Sheinin , The Washington Post)
QB controversy reignited
After Rex Grossman throws four interceptions, John Beck plays well enough to restart the contest he lost during training camp.
( by Barry Svrluga , The Washington Post)
Boswell: Reality check for Redskins
The Redskins’ fears are realized with new problems at quarterback along with questions on defense and the offensive line.
(, The Washington Post)
Strong second half lifts Baltimore
After falling behind about midway through the third quarter, the Ravens scored the game’s final 16 points to pull away from the Texans, 29-14.
( by Jeff Zrebiec , The Washington Post)
WORLD
Young South Koreans question unification goal
The idea that South and North Korea can be reunited once had broad appeal. But many young people don’t share that view.
( by Chico Harlan , The Washington Post)
Hospital in Sirte is a casualty of Libyan war
Amid a raging battle for Moammar Gaddafi’s home town, humanitarian groups have discovered a tableau of horror.
( by Mary Beth Sheridan , The Washington Post)
Perry a hawk on Texas border security
Governor, GOP presidential hopeful takes military-style tack to protect area from Mexican cartels.
( by William Booth , The Washington Post)
Pakistan leans toward talks with Taliban
As American discontent rises, Pakistan shows less willingness to fight.
( by Karin Brulliard and Haq Nawaz Khan , The Washington Post)
Occupy Wall Street protests continue worldwide
Protesters in London entered a second day of demonstrations Sunday as they reiterated their anger at the global financial system, corporate greed and government cutbacks.
( by Karla Adam , 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
The legacy of a Lady in White
How Laura Pollan changed Cuba.
( by Yoani Sanchez , The Washington Post)
Family economics
Rick Santorum gets it only partially right.
(, The Washington Post)
America on the decline?
Our children’s future no longer looks so bright.
(, The Washington Post)
An aid agency in the crosshairs
Saving the Millennium Challenge Corp.
( by Raj Kumar and John Hewko , The Washington Post)
Not much representation for progressives
(, The Washington Post)
BUSINESS
Veterans’ unemployment outpaces civilian rate
Recent veterans are having a harder time finding work than their civilian counterparts, highlighting a disconnect between military and civilian jobs.
( by Michael A. Fletcher , The Washington Post)
Economic events for the week of Oct. 17
The week will include key data on housing and inflation, as well as a speech by Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke.
(, The Washington Post)
Careers on the move
Washington area appointments and promotions for the week of Oct. 17, 2011.
(, The Washington Post)
Exchange program for entrepreneurs
Afghan entrepreneur Ahmad Reza Zahedi is a Web programmer who runs TechSharks, which develops software for media companies, non-government organizations and governments.
(, The Washington Post)
SpaceX battles for satellite launches
Elon Musk makes a pitch for his SpaceX, and not just the Lockheed-Boeing joint venture, to get some satellite launches.
( by Brendan McGarry , The Washington Post)