Obama's safe, overrated and airy speech  —  The president's remarks gave us context to the episode, but not a single opinion on the issues that brought us here  —  When people hold their breath for your imminent words, isn't it exasperating when you open your mouth, but don't say much?

Helen Thomas, trailblazing reporter, dead at 92  —  Helen Thomas, whose career covering the White House dated back to the Kennedy administration, died on Saturday at the age of 92, the Gridiron Club announced in an email to members on Saturday.  —  Thomas served for 57 years at United Press International …

We Have to Step In and Save Detroit  —  For months, the question in many minds has been not whether Detroit would file for bankruptcy, but when.  —  But while Detroit's decision this week to enter bankruptcy might make it easier to improve the city's fiscal position, it will prove far tougher …

Nate Silver of FiveThirtyEight Blog Is to Join ESPN Staff  —  Nate Silver, the statistician who attained national fame for his accurate projections about the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, is parting ways with The New York Times and moving his FiveThirtyEight franchise to ESPN …

Israel: Palestinian prisoners to be freed in talks  —  JERUSALEM — Israel will release some “hardcore” Palestinian prisoners as part of the new breakthrough by Secretary of State John Kerry in efforts to restart Mideast talks, a senior Israeli official said Saturday.

China's Flying Propaganda Weapon Will Blow Your Mind  —  What's the latest weapon in the Chinese military's arsenal of high-tech killing machines?  It might be an airplane capable of disseminating propaganda so powerful it induces nervous breakdowns, according to report in Tuesday's Global Times …

Congressional Black Caucus members would support Florida boycott  —  A number of House Democrats are lining up behind the Rev. Jesse Jackson's threat for an economic boycott of Florida following the not-guilty verdict in the death of Trayvon Martin.  —  The lawmakers, all members …

Obama Addresses George Zimmerman Verdict  —  Here's the transcript of President Obama's remarks on the George Zimmerman verdict today.  —  Here's what I agree with: … The rest of his remarks, on the topic of race, would be welcome following an incident involving racial profiling by police.

Ted Cruz could beat Hillary  —  There's been some more buzz this week about Ted Cruz's presidential prospects.  The demagoguing senator took his first trip to Iowa just six months after being sworn in to office, and he's pretty clearly reaching for the White House.  Early reports are that it's going well.

That Awkward Moment When The Tea Party Rally Gets Overtly Racist  —  Earlier this week, tea party activists and GOP lawmakers gathered near the Capitol to rail against an immigration reform bill passed by the Senate.  —  While the event was linked to a number of controversial figures …