William Safire, Nixon Speechwriter and Times Columnist, Is Dead at 79  —  William Safire, a speechwriter for President Richard M. Nixon and a Pulitzer Prize-winning political columnist for The New York Times who also wrote novels, books on politics and a Malaprop's treasury of articles on language …

Was Census Worker Bill Sparkman A Child Predator?  —  Update: Before any more people start going bonkers that I'm accusing Sparkman of anything, take a breath.  I've done a fair amount of crime blogging mixed in with politics over time.  One doesn't rule anything in or out without some firm answers.

John Edwards' ex-mistress, Rielle Hunter, targeted by Elizabeth Edwards in blog comments - source  —  Former presidential candidate John Edwards is said to be ready to admit that he fathered a love child.  But Hades may have a skating rink before his wife, Elizabeth, signs off on such a confession.

‘Meet the Press’ transcript for Sept. 27, 2009  —  MR. DAVID GREGORY: This Sunday: The president on the world stage at a time of growing danger.  The U.S. says Iran has a secret underground nuclear facility capable of weapons production.  —  PRES. BARACK OBAMA: Iran is on notice that …

Babysitting ban review ordered  —  The Children's Minister has ordered a review of the case of two police officers told they had broken the law by caring for each other's children.  —  Ofsted said the arrangement contravened the Childcare Act because it lasted for longer than two hours a day, and constituted receiving “a reward”.

The dead end kids  —  Young, unemployed and facing tough future  —  The unemployment rate for young Americans has exploded to 52.2 percent — a post-World War II high, according to the Labor Dept. — meaning millions of Americans are staring at the likelihood that their lifetime earning potential …

Triumphant Merkel eyes new coalition  —  Chancellor Angela Merkel has been returned to power in Germany, with forecasts showing her conservative bloc on course for a clear election victory.  —  Mrs Merkel told supporters they had achieved “something magnificent”, but said she wanted …

D.C. job alleged as attempt to deter Romanoff  —  WASHINGTON — Not long after news leaked last month that Andrew Romanoff was determined to make a Democratic primary run against Sen. Michael Bennet, Romanoff received an unexpected communication from one of the most powerful men in Washington.

Policemen wounded in Temple Mt. riots  —  Article's topics: Jerusalem, Police, Riots  —  Twelve policemen and 15 rioters were wounded Sunday in riots on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and later in the Old City.  —  Approximately 150 Muslim worshipers participated in the disturbance on the Temple Mount …

The Taliban in Their Own Words … From the magazine issue dated Oct 5, 2009  —  During wars and after them, the real voice of the enemy is rarely heard.  Propaganda is plentiful, as are prideful boasts—and the Taliban have certainly been quick studies at the modern art of information warfare.

Polanski's Arrest Could Lead to Extradition  —  Roman Polanski at a court appearance in Los Angeles in 1977.  Soon after, he fled the country and never returned.  More Photos >  —  LOS ANGELES — In a surprising move arranged by prosecutors in Los Angeles and Washington …

Fed Held Back as Evidence Mounted on Subprime Loan Abuses  —  The visits had a ritual quality.  Three times a year, a coalition of Chicago community groups met with the Federal Reserve and other banking regulators to warn about the growing prevalence of abusive mortgage lending.