United States
Army private transferred to Virginia amid leak investigation
An Army private suspected of leaking classified material, including videos and other documents, has been transferred from Kuwait to a Marine Corps brig in Quantico, Virginia.CNN
July deadliest month for U.S. forces in Afghan war
Three U.S. soldiers were killed in two separate blasts in southern Afghanistan, making July the deadliest month for American forces since the war started nine years ago. .CNN
Opinion: Arizona can prevail on immigration law
A district judge on Wednesday preliminarily barred the enforcement of two sections and two subsections of Arizona's new immigration law, SB 1070.CNN
Ex-mayor injects race into primary
An African-American candidate who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is hoping the voters in this Democratic primary race will look at the color of his skin. .CNN
Immigration Debate: Border Cities See Less Violent Crime
The crime rates in large U.S. cities near the border, contrary to the fears that lie behind Arizona's tough new immigration law, are among the lowest in the country .TIME.com: Top Nation and US stories
WikiLeaks Case: Military Data Security in the Spotlight
The leaks have prompted calls to re-evaluate how the military treats classified informationTIME.com: Top Nation and US stories
Rod Blagojevich’s Trial: A Look at the Court’s 12 Jurors
A brief look at the six men and six women who are tasked with deciding whether the guilt or innocence of the ex-governor of Illinois and his brotherTIME.com: Top Nation and US stories
New BP boss discusses long-term Gulf recovery
Incoming BP CEO Bob Dudley is expected to discuss the oil giant's long-term recovery efforts in the Gulf of Mexico during a news conference in Mississippi on Friday.CNN
Third blaze ignites as fire crews gain ground on two more
Hundreds of firefighters battled a third wildfire in the Los Angeles area early Friday as two more raged within 60 miles of one another.CNN
Crews fight damage from abandoned leaking well off Louisiana
An abandoned well struck by a barge in southeastern Louisiana early Tuesday is still spewing a mixture of oil, gas and water, and it could take 10 days before it is capped.CNN
New York AG: Insurance firms defrauded military families of millions
New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is launching a fraud investigation into the life insurance industry for "practices that appear to have denied grieving military families and others of millions in life-insurance cash," Cuomo's office announced Thursday.CNN
Army private moved in leak probe
An Army private suspected of leaking classified material, including videos and other documents, has been transferred from Kuwait to a Marine Corps brig in Quantico, Virginia.CNN
Protests mark 1 year of hikers in Iran
A protest Friday afternoon outside Iran's U.N. mission in New York kicks off a weekend of events demanding the country release three American hikers it has held for one year. .CNN
Op-Ed Contributor: Avoiding a Bust in the Drug War
Colombia’s strategy to end its drug crisis succeed because tax reform and improved government accountability was part of the plan.New York Times
Joint Chiefs Chairman Mullen: WikiLeaks release endangers troops, Afghans
The U.S. military's top officer charged Thursday that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, in releasing tens of thousands of secret documents, had endangered the lives of American troops and Afghan informants who have assisted U.S.Washington Post
Few in U.S. move for new jobs, fueling fear the economy might get stuck, too
PALM COAST, FLA. -- The recession is claiming yet another victim: Americans' near-constitutional right to pick up and move to a better job. .Washington Post
Body of Jarod Newlove, second missing U.S. sailor, found in Afghanistan
KABUL -- A second U.S. sailor who disappeared in eastern Afghanistan last week has been found dead. .Washington Post
Gen. Pace’s somber Pentagon portrait evokes the struggles of warfare
Hundreds of portraits of generals and admirals hang like wallpaper along the Pentagon's endless corridors.Washington Post
Static kill of BP well could begin over weekend
NEW ORLEANS -- A procedure intended to ease the job of permanently plugging the blown-out oil well in the Gulf of Mexico could start as early as the weekend, the government's point man for the spill response said Thursday.Washington Post
Judge who ruled on Arizona law is well versed in immigration cases
The federal judge who blocked key aspects of Arizona's new immigration law was so well regarded across the political spectrum that she was nominated to the federal bench by President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, who tapped her on the recommendation of Sen.Washington Post
Afghan war spending faces new scrutiny
As part of its attempt to boost Afghanistan's economic and political development, the United States is paying thousands of Afghan contractors and subcontractors to perform much of the work that supports U.S.Washington Post
The allegations
Among the House ethics committee's charges against Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.) are allegations that he: .Washington Post
Corrections
-- A Going Out Guide listing in today's Weekend section, which was printed in advance, contains incorrect schedule information for the Street Soccer USA Cup. The event takes place Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m.Washington Post
Toyota to recall 412,000 cars in the United States
Toyota said Thursday that it is recalling 412,000 Avalons and Lexuses for steering problems, bringing the number of cars recalled around the world since October to nearly 9 million.Washington Post
Shaking things up
Read a profile of Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and join him for a chat about his political rise and beliefs at 3 p.m. Go to PostLocal.com . .Washington Post
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Wash Post Nation
David Walls is overseeing the transition at the GPO to digital archiving
The U.S. Government Printing Office provides Americans with permanent access to government information, printing about 2 billion pages every year. .Washington Post
On Leadership: The Federal Coach
The nonprofit Partnership for Public Service and The Washington Post's On Leadership site jointly produce the Federal Coach, hosted by Tom Fox, director of the partnership's Center for Government Leadership.Washington Post
The Take: Democrats’ ad spending reflects election anxieties
So Robert Gibbs was right. Remember the uproar the White House press secretary created when he said on national television that there were certainly enough seats in play for Republicans to take control of the House in November? House Democratic leaders upbraided him and expressed their anger to t... .Washington Post
Arizona appeals judge’s ruling on immigration law
Hundreds of opponents of Arizona's new immigration law swarmed the streets of downtown Phoenix Thursday, confronting police in riot gear as the state's governor filed an urgent appeal of a judge's ruling that prevented key portions of the law from taking effect.Washington Post
World
Police quiz Bettencourt financial adviser
Police questioned financial adviser to L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt on Friday as part of an ongoing investigation into his client's finances.CNN
Medvedev calls in army to fight wildfires
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Friday the army needs to help tackle wildfires that have left five people dead and around 100 injured in central Russia.CNN
July worst month for U.S. in Afghanistan
Three U.S. soldiers were killed in two separate blasts in southern Afghanistan, making July the deadliest month for American forces since the war started nine years ago. .CNN
Leaders of Syria and Saudi Arabia in Lebanon to Discuss Tribunal
The visit, five years after the assassination of a former Lebanese prime minister, showed that Syria’s influence over Lebanon was rising again.New York Times
Letter From Europe: Trying to Spread Africa’s Wealth
Africa's riches still draw a cast of prospectors and predators, and the question is the same: who benefits - the people, or a coterie of political and military elites, fed by foreign powers and investors?New York Times
Bomb blast kills four soldiers in India
A bomb blast killed four soldiers and injured 41 others in northeastern India on Friday morning, authorities said.CNN
Men burn fingers to avoid deportation
People seeking asylum burn their fingerprints in effort to avoid deportation from France. CNN's Paula Newton reports. .CNN
Gunmen execute 15 in Mexico
Fifteen people -- including two women -- were tortured and executed in the border state of Tamaulipas, state media said.CNN
Mandela family sells wine
CNN's Robyn Curnow reports on a new wine venture spearheaded by members of Nelson Mandela's family.CNN
Dozens killed in Somali violence; many more forced to flee
Fighting in the Somali capital this week led to the deaths of dozens of civilians and injuries to scores of others, the U.N. refugee agency said Friday. .CNN
Police evict women, children from camps
Disturbing video shows women with babies strapped to their backs being forcibly removed from French camps.CNN
At least 325 people dead in Pakistan flooding
Flooding caused by monsoon rains has killed at least 325 people across Pakistan, according to an aid organization.CNN
London’s new bike system
CNN's Zain Verjee and Charles Hodson try out London's new bike for hire system.CNN
Palestinians Hold to Preconditions for Talks with Israel
U.S. efforts to cajole Mahmoud Abbas into talks with the Israelis have yet to yield results. But the Obama Administration could soon find itself on the spot if such talks go ahead .TIME.com: Top World Stories
Daughters say mother accused of killing 8 babies was secretive
A French woman who admitted to giving birth to and smothering eight babies over a 17-year period was secretive but always supportive of her family, two of her daughters said in a local newspaper report published Friday.CNN
Fiscal Reform Hinges on Next Steps, I.M.F. Says
The effectiveness of the Wall Street reform act will rely heavily on execution, the I.M.F. said. .New York Times
More Spending on Weapons Systems Is Urged
A report said the military is not preparing to counter possible threats from abroad as it focuses on Afghanistan.New York Times
China: Factory Explosion, Toxic Spills as Disasters Rise
While China's boom has always been dogged by environmental and safety hazards, the frequency of disasters this summer has raised new questions about whether the country can maintain its pace of expansion without doing more harm than goodTIME.com: Top World Stories
Spanish Court Seeks Arrest of U.S. Soldiers in Hotel Attack
Spain's National Court has re-opened its case against three U.S. troops implicated in a 2003 attack on Baghdad's Hotel Palestine that killed two journalists .TIME.com: Top World Stories
Will Singer Wyclef Jean Run for President of Haiti?
Haitian-American Wyclef Jean, former leader of the Fugees, remains coy about declaring his candidacy for President of Haiti but may make an announcement soonTIME.com: Top World Stories
Washington Raises Iran War Rhetoric Over Nuclear Program
The bomb-Iran agitation in Washington combined with President Obama's keeping a military option "on the table" may be designed to sweat Tehran into backing down, but it could also limit U.S.TIME.com: Top World Stories
France After Baby Murders: Confronting Pregnancy Denial
As Dominique Cottrez is arrested for killing her newborn babies, France struggles to understand pregnancy denial, the condition experts say drives some women to commit the awful crimeTIME.com: Top World Stories
World Briefing | THE AMERICAS: Mexico: Army Kills Cartel Leader
One of the senior leaders of Mexico’s most powerful drug gang, the Sinaloa cartel, was killed in a clash with soldiers near Guadalajara.New York Times
World Briefing | MIDDLE EAST: Yemen: President Makes Offer to Rebels
President Ali Abdullah Saleh offered to bring leaders of an armed rebel faction into Yemen’s political process.New York Times
World Briefing | MIDDLE EAST: Arab League Supports Abbas on Talks
Arab nations on Thursday backed the Palestinian president’s refusal to immediately restart direct talks with Israel despite heavy pressure from the United States.New York Times
World Briefing | EUROPE: Britain: After Auction, a New Owner for Churchill’s Wartime Dentures
An anonymous buyer paid the equivalent of $23,750, more than three times the pre-sale estimate, after bidding at an auction house in Aylsham.New York Times
Afghan war spending faces new scrutiny
As part of its attempt to boost Afghanistan's economic and political development, the United States is paying thousands of Afghan contractors and subcontractors to perform much of the work that supports U.S.Washington Post
Gunmen attack checkpoint in Baghdad, briefly raise flag of al-Qaeda in Iraq
BAGHDAD -- Gunmen launched a rare, coordinated attack on Iraqi soldiers Thursday in a predominantly Sunni neighborhood of the capital and briefly erected the flag of the insurgent group al-Qaeda in Iraq near a smoldering army checkpoint.Washington Post
Democrat Rangel charged with 13 ethics violations
The House ethics committee charged Rep. Charles B. Rangel with 13 separate violations of House rules Thursday, saying his various financial dealings broke the "public trust." The long-awaited release of the charges against Rangel at an afternoon hearing was the first formal step toward a possible... .Washington Post
U.S. takes a tougher tone with China
The Obama administration has adopted a tougher tone with China in recent weeks as part of a diplomatic balancing act in which the United States welcomes China's rise in some areas but also confronts Beijing when it butts up against American interests.Washington Post
Business & Economics
Chile Breaks Foreign Bond Drought at Record Yield
Chile sold its first international bond in six years at a record-low yield as investors demanded less than half the premium on comparable debt from higher-rated Italy.BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Nuclear Woes Hurt Bottom Line at E.D.F.
Éléctricité de France cited costs related to its U.S. nuclear ventures and the construction of its latest generation nuclear power plant in France, which will be delayed until 2014. .New York Times
U.S. Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index Fell to 67.8
Confidence among U.S. consumers fell in July to the lowest level since November, posing a threat to the biggest part of the economy. .BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Merck Profit Rises More Than Estimated, Sales Lag
Merck & Co., the second-largest U.S. drugmaker, reported quarterly profit that rose more than analysts estimated as reduced costs helped overcome lower-than- expected sales. .BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Economy Grew at Rate of 2.4% in Quarter
The government on Friday also revised growth in the first quarter to 3.7 percent, higher than the previous estimate.New York Times
Czech Premier Says to Resist Exporter Calls for Euro
Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas, in office for less than a month, said his government won’t commit to a target date for joining the euro, resisting pressure from exporters whose sales are being crimped by the rising koruna.BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Stocks Drop, Treasuries, Yen Rally as U.S. GDP Growth Slows
U.S. and European stocks fell, two- year Treasury yields sank to a record low and the yen rose to its highest level this year versus the dollar after slower-than- estimated growth in America’s economy and consumer spending. .BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
RIM Said to Plan Tablet for November to Take on Apple’s IPad
Research In Motion Ltd., maker of the BlackBerry smartphone, plans to introduce a tablet computer in November to compete with Apple Inc’s iPad, according to two people familiar with the company’s plans.BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
U.S. Economy Grew Less Than Forecast
Growth in the U.S. slowed to a 2.4 percent annual rate in the second quarter, less than forecast, reflecting a larger trade deficit and cooler consumer spending. .BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Data: Recession Was Even Worse Than Estimated
The worst U.S. recession since the 1930s was even deeper than previously estimated, reflecting bigger slumps in consumer spending and housing, according to revised figures. .BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Wall Street Slips After U.S. Data on Growth
Investors were particularly fretful about the G.D.P. report because it comes at the end of a run of worse than expected economic data and a warning from the Fed. .New York Times
Are We a Nation of Property Owners?
Whatever people's political beliefs about the role of government, they are likely to continue to rely on the government for retirement benefits and health care, an economist writes.New York Times
Enel Said to Pick Mediobanca, Goldman Sachs for Green Power IPO
Enel SpA, Italy’s biggest utility, plans to hire Mediobanca SpA, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Credit Suisse Group AG to manage the initial public offering of its Green Power unit, said two people familiar with the sale. .BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Merck Profit Rises More Than Estimated on Cost Cuts
Merck & Co., the second-largest U.S. drugmaker, reported quarterly profit that rose more than analyst estimates as the company cut costs and boosted sales of treatments for diabetes and AIDS. .BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Emerging Yields at Record Low, Best Gain in 10 Months
Emerging-market bonds are heading for their biggest monthly rally since September, cutting yields to a record low, as accelerating economic growth and Argentina’s debt restructuring spur confidence.BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
The Owner Made a Promise: No Layoffs
Turning the recession into a growth opportunity.New York Times
Pelosi Plugs Into Silicon Valley for Policies, Cash
In two weeks, Nancy Pelosi and her husband, Paul, will host a two-day retreat at a Mediterranean- style inn in Napa Valley, just down the street from the legendary French Laundry restaurant.BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Kan Says Budget to Focus on Jobs, Growth as Economy Stutters
Japan’s Prime Minister Naoto Kan said his focus for next year’s budget will be job creation and measures to stimulate growth after the nation’s unemployment rate unexpectedly rose for a fourth month.BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Asian Stocks Drop on Japanese Data, Macquarie Earnings Outlook
Asian stocks fell, dragging down the MSCI Asia Pacific Index by the most in almost two weeks, as higher-than-estimated unemployment in Japan and a poorer Macquarie Group Ltd.BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Spain May Lose Rating, U.S. Needs Plan, Moody’s Says
Spain will probably lose its Aaa credit rating after the country was put under review for possible downgrade in June, and the U.S. needs a “clear plan” to tackle its deficit, Moody’s Investors Service said. .BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Yen Strengthens, Treasuries Rise Before U.S. GDP; Stocks Fall
The yen rose to its strongest level this year, Treasuries advanced and U.S. index futures fell on speculation America’s economic slowdown will damp the global recovery. European stocks and oil declined. .BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Disney to Sell Miramax to Filmyard for $660 Million
Walt Disney Co. agreed to sell Miramax to investors including Ronald Tutor and private equity firm Colony Capital LLC for more than $660 million, ending a six-month search to find a buyer for the art-house moviemaker. .BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Russia Debt Risk Drops Most in Four Months on Growth
The cost of protecting investors from a default on Russian government bonds fell the most in four months in July, helped by rising oil prices, accelerating economic growth and a declining budget deficit.BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Facebook to Put Off IPO to 2012
The social network wants to give CEO Mark Zuckerberg more time to gain users and boost sales, say people familiar with the matterBusinessWeek.com -- Top News
DPJ Lawmakers Urge Kan to Focus on Growth, Push BOJ
Lawmakers from Japan’s ruling party pressed Prime Minister Naoto Kan to shift the focus of his economic policy to growth from fiscal restraint and urge the central bank to do more to tackle deflation.BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Li Ka-shing Group in $9.1 Billion Bid to Buy EDF Unit
A group led by Li Ka-shing’s Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. offered 5.8 billion pounds ($9.1 billion) for Electricite de France SA’s U.K. power networks, the Hong Kong billionaire’s biggest acquisition. .BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Samsung Electronics Profit Jumps to Record on Chips
Samsung Electronics Co., Asia’s biggest maker of semiconductors, flat screens and mobile phones, said second-quarter profit jumped 83 percent to a record, fueled by a recovery in demand for computer-memory chips.BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Vedanta May Mine Bauxite at Orissa by End of Year
Vedanta Resources Plc, battling criticism from environmental groups and some shareholders over plans to extract bauxite in India’s Niyamgiri mountains, said it may begin mining at the site as early as the end of the year.BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Yen Rises to 2010 High Against Dollar on Global Slowdown Signs
The yen rose to its strongest level this year against the dollar before a U.S. report on gross domestic product as signs the global recovery is losing momentum boosted demand for a refuge. .BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Anglo American Doubles its Profit; Resumes Dividend
Anglo American Plc, owner of stakes in the world’s biggest platinum and diamond producers, said it’s resuming dividend payments after first-half earnings more than doubled on higher metals prices.BusinessWeek.com -- Top News
Articles & Opinion
Daily Lexeme: Sinicize
To invest with a Chinese character.By BEN SCHOTT
Editorial: Breaking a Promise on Surveillance
The Obama administration’s request to ease the F.B.I.’s access to citizens’ electronic records is a step backward, from a president who promised something very different.NYT > Opinion
Editorial: Gov. Paterson’s Non-Exoneration
The state’s inquiry may not have recommended criminal charges against Gov. David Paterson, but it paints a damning portrait. .NYT > Opinion
Editorial: Congressman Rangel Faces His Peers
Rep. Charles Rangel had every right to demand a full airing of the ethics charges against him. Now taxpayers have the right to know the truth. .NYT > Opinion
Editorial: The Beltway’s Lethal Ride
Congress must step in and give the federal government the authority to create and enforce safety regulations for the nation’s growing public transit systems.NYT > Opinion
Letters: Giving Up on a Climate Change Bill
Readers respond to articles about climate change legislation.NYT > Opinion
Letters: A Setback for Arizona’s New Immigration Law
Readers respond to articles about the Judge Susan Bolton’s ruling to block parts of the Arizona’s immigration law.NYT > Opinion
Letter: Getting It Right in Somalia
A reader responds to articles about how the United States should address terrorism in Somalia.NYT > Opinion
Letter: Youth Jails in New York
A reader responds to an article about improving the condition of jails for juveniles.NYT > Opinion
Op-Ed Contributor: The Volt: G.M.’s Electric Lemon
The worst thing about the the $41,000 electric car? As a taxpayer, you’ve already bought it.By EDWARD NIEDERMEYER
Op-Ed Columnist: The Growth Imperative
Now that we’re in the decade of the nasty crawl, what political approach is best for getting us out of it?
By DAVID BROOKS
Op-Ed Columnist: Curbing Your Enthusiasm
President Obama rode into office on a wave of progressive enthusiasm. But, for many reasons, that has given way to progressive disillusionment. .
By PAUL KRUGMAN
Op-Ed Contributor: Avoiding a Bust in the Drug War
Colombia’s strategy to end its drug crisis succeed because tax reform and improved government accountability was part of the plan.By GUSTAVO A. FLORES-MACÍAS
Letters: Job Training Alone Doesn’t Create Jobs
Readers respond to an article about the limitations of job training.NYT > Opinion
Letter: Web Moderators and Stress
A reader responds to an article about difficulties of policing illicit material on the internet.NYT > Opinion
Letter: Medical Marijuana
A reader responds to an article about the easing of rules for veterans that use medical marijuana.NYT > Opinion
Op-Ed Columnist: Modern Odysseys
The hope and the hurt of uprooting in a restless world.
By ROGER COHEN
When Less Was No Longer More
The rise of postmodern architecture began at home.By JAYNE MERKEL
Voting Behind Bars
In taking up the issue of voting rights for felons, the Supreme Court is forcing a public conversation about race on the Obama administration.By LINDA GREENHOUSE
Lessons From Two Important Climate Forecasts
A great climate scientist is defined by his successful forecast of warming and his acceptance that another forecast was flawed.By ANDREW C. REVKIN
APD
Unlikely initialism for an urban style of bicycling - Aggressive Pursuit of Destination.By BEN SCHOTT
Pornistan
Nickname bestowed on Pakistan after it was (inaccurately?) reported that the country led the world in Internet searches for adult material.By BEN SCHOTT
Daily Lexeme: Agathokakological
Composed of good and evil.By BEN SCHOTT
Op-Ed Contributor: In Haiti, a Lesson for U.S. Health Care
A strategy for keeping private clinics in Haiti open could also be a way to expand access to high-quality care in the United States.By JAMES WILENTZ
Editorial: Who Profits? Who Learns?
Congress needs to keep closer tabs on for-profit schools, many of which fleece students rather than work for them.NYT > Opinion
Letters: Nuclear Energy: The Safety Issues
Readers respond to a column about the U.S. plans to develop new nuclear power plants and the safety issues. .NYT > Opinion
Editorial: Get (Your iPhone) Out of Jail Free
The copyright office was right to legalize “jailbreaking” — modifying an iPhone so it runs applications that aren’t approved by Apple.NYT > Opinion
Op-Ed Columnist: The Kids Are All Right
Chelsea Clinton’s approaching wedding day gives us occasion to celebrate successful children from recent first families.
By GAIL COLLINS
Op-Ed Columnist: 1 Soldier or 20 Schools in Afghanistan?
Let’s take a chunk out of our bloated military budget in Afghanistan and use it to invest in building schools there instead.
By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF
Editorial: Energy Subsidies — Good and Bad
Congress should renew tax subsidies for wind, solar and geothermal energy, but end tax breaks for corn ethanol.NYT > Opinion