Long Hot Summer Begins: Congressman Attacks Student  —  Maybe it is my Catholic upbringing, but I've always been cursed with a bit too much empathy.  It is often difficult to witness people bearing the full weight of the consequences of their decisions, even when it is richly deserved.

U.S. Identifies Vast Riches of Minerals in Afghanistan  —  WASHINGTON — The United States has discovered nearly $1 trillion in untapped mineral deposits in Afghanistan, far beyond any previously known reserves and enough to fundamentally alter the Afghan economy and perhaps the Afghan war itself …

The Best Picture to Come From the World Cup  —  I am no big fan of soccer, but the whole World Cup extravaganza, angry-bee-swarm horns and all, will be worth it for having produced this photo:  —  Of course it is Barack Obama's instantaneous reaction, to David Beckham's instantaneous reaction …

Near-Record 49% Say Democratic Party “Too Liberal”  —  More Americans than in 2009 say Republican Party's views are about right  —  PRINCETON, NJ — In the past two years, Americans have become increasingly likely to describe the Democratic Party's views as “too liberal” (49%), and less likely to say its views are “about right” (38%).

You're losing your plan  —  Late last week saw the first leaks of the administration's draft regulations for imple menting the ObamaCare law — and everything is playing out just as the critics warned.  —  The 3,000-odd pages of legislation left most of the really important (and controversial) …

Lawmakers' committee assignments and industry investments overlap  —  Rep. Ron Paul is captivated by gold.  Over the past two decades, he has written books about the virtues of gold-backed currency.  He has made uncounted speeches about the precious metal.

Rawl to protest Greene victory  —  South Carolina Democratic candidate Vic Rawl announced Monday he'll lodge a protest against the June 8 primary vote that handed the little-known Alvin Greene the Democratic nomination for Senate.  —  Citing a “cloud” hanging over the result …

Angle: Reid ‘waterboarded’ economy  —  Nevada GOP Senate nominee Sharron Angle said Monday that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has “waterboarded” the economy.  —  Speaking during an interview on “Fox & Friends,” Angle said that her powerful Democratic opponent has “truly failed,” especially when it comes to the economy.

Olson surprises many conservatives by seeking to overturn gay-marriage ban  —  Cocktails had been served on the terrace, the ubiquitous Washington buffet of tenderloin and salmon consumed, and the gay law students settled in to hear from the famed legal mind who is leading the battle to make sure …

Iranian aid ships head for Gaza  —  Source: Reuters  —  * First ship left Iran Sunday, another leaves this week  —  * Iran says will continue until Gaza blockade lifted  —  * 100,000 Iranians volunteer to crew ships - report  —  Iran is sending aid ships to blockaded Gaza …

‘King’ of Israel  —  By REBECCA HARSHBARGER in NY and S.A. MILLER in DC  —  Rep. Pete King says President Obama's weak Mideast policy is forcing House Democrats to make the difficult choice of either supporting Obama or supporting Israel.  —  “I hope they put our relationship with Israel above …