Economy Creates 163,000 New Jobs but Rate Rises to 8.3%  —  The U.S. economy followed up a weak second quarter by creating more jobs than expected with 163,000 new positions added in July, but the unemployment rate rose to 8.3 percent.  —  Markets reacted positively to the announcement …

Porn star Jenna Jameson endorses Romney  —  “I'm very looking forward to a Republican being back in office,” Jameson said while sipping champagne in a VIP room at Gold Club in the city's South of Market neighborhood.  “When you're rich, you want a Republican in office.”

The Civil Rights Agenda files complaints against Chick-fil-A  —  Protesters at Chicago Chick-fil-A Aug. 1, 2012.  Photo: Tony Merevick.  —  The Civil Rights Agenda, a local LGBT rights advocacy group, filed multiple complaints with the Illinois Department of Human Rights Thursday …

Romney's Personal Image Remains Negative  —  Obama Leads Nationwide, But Closer Race in Swing States  —  OVERVIEW  —  By a 52% to 37% margin, more voters say they have an unfavorable than favorable view of Mitt Romney.  The poll, conducted prior to Romney's recent overseas trip …

Perry: Romney's VP pick won't make much difference  —  Aspen, Colorado (CNN) - The announcement of Mitt Romney's running mate won't do much to change the dynamics of the presidential race, Texas Gov. Rick Perry said Thursday.  —  Perry said the running mate pick will likely grab headlines …

The Bad History Behind 'You Didn't Build That'  —  The controversy surrounding President Barack Obama's admonishment that “if you've got a business — you didn't build that.  Somebody else made that happen” has defied the usual election-year pattern.  —  Normally a political faux pas lasts little more than a news cycle.

The Life of the Party  —  What Bill Clinton could add to the Obama re-election effort.  —  From a friend watching the Olympics: “How about that Michael Phelps?  But let's remember he didn't win all those medals, someone else did.  After all, he and I swam in public pools, built by state employees using tax dollars.

Obama's problems in the South  —  Ever since his national debut at the 2004 Democratic convention, Barack Obama's calling card has been that he practices consensus-oriented politics that transcend traditional divisions.  But four years after his historic presidential election …

What Makes Him Tick?  —  Americans want to feel they know the person they're electing president—but Mitt Romney seems determined to keep himself a secret.  —  Mitt Romney's contention in Jerusalem that “culture makes all the difference” in determining national economic strength caused …

Sir John Keegan  —  Sir John Keegan, who has died aged 78, achieved an international reputation as a military historian, then discovered a talent for writing rapid analyses of international crises as the defence editor of The Daily Telegraph.  —  He had been on the teaching staff …

Romney's excellent trip  —  At the outset of his recent foreign trip, Mitt Romney committed a gaffe.  In answer to a question about the Olympics, he expressed skepticism about London's preparations.  The response confounded and exasperated Romney supporters because it was such an unforced error.

The Credit Illusion  —  Over the past few years, I've built a successful business.  I've worked hard, and I'm proud of what I've done.  But now President Obama tells me that social and political forces helped build that.  Mitt Romney went to Israel and said cultural forces explain the differences in the wealth of nations.

Roseanne Barr: Peace and Freedom Party presidential candidate  —  Comedian Roseanne Barr is running for president on the Peace and Freedom Party ticket.  (Kevin Winter / Tonight Show / August 4, 2011)  —  Those who follow her Twitter feed know that Roseanne Barr, the 59-year-old actress and comedian …

Exclusive: ‘Regulatory czar’ Cass Sunstein returning to Harvard  —  Cass Sunstein, administrator of the powerful Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the White House Office of Management and Budget, will return later this month to his previous post at Harvard Law School, the White House will announce Friday.

Phil Bryant says it's ‘unfortunate’ church blocked black wedding (updated)  —  PHILADELPHIA, Mississippi — Gov. Phil Bryant said Thursday it is “unfortunate” that a predominantly white church in the state wouldn't allow a black couple to get married in its sanctuary.

Amtrak Lost $834 Million on Food in Last Decade, Audit Finds  —  WASHINGTON — Amtrak lost more than $800 million on its food and beverage services over the last 10 years, largely because of waste, employee theft and lack of proper oversight, government auditors have found.

Why Washington Accepts Mass Unemployment  —  Good news!  The economy added 163,000 jobs last month, just a bit over the level required to keep up with population growth.  A return to a free fall now seems less likely.  On the other hand, there is the small footnote that the return to full employment is nowhere in sight.