European voters deal blow to spending cuts
Pushback against austerity could hold lessons for the U.S., where government spending and the deficit have emerged as major election-year issues.
U.S. frees Afghan prisoners
in attempt to quell violence
Secret release program has been used as a tool to quiet restive provinces.
A slain CIA secretary’s life and death
It took agency decades to publicly acknowledge Barbara Robbins as one of their own. But the first CIA woman to die in the line of duty has long been an object of curiosity within the agency.
Can liberal star Elizabeth Warren connect with center in Massachusetts?
U.S. Senate candidate is a celebrity on the left, but voters in the Bay State are still getting to know her.
U.S. airstrike kills al-Qaeda militant wanted for 2000 bombing of USS Cole
Drone attack, carried out in Yemen, killed Fahd al-Quso, a top terrorist leader on the FBI’s most wanted list.
The passive Catholic Church
Despite its insistence that it is rooting out sex criminals, the church seems stuck in a defensive crouch.
D.C.’s low-income tenants face choice: Leave, or deal with messy renovations
Low-income buildings are forced to undergo rapid makeovers to meet the demand for upscale housing.
Activist Chen Guangcheng’s family, friends face tempest of retribution
China’s Communist Party has long history of punishing challengers and their challengers’ supporters.
Battle of the beards
Ben Bernanke and Paul Krugman square off in a serious economic debate.
Top Headlines
- 9/11 detainee’s lawyer promises long, hard fight
- Actor George Lindsey, Mayberry’s ‘Goober,’ dies
- Israeli PM signals support for early elections
- Endangered-species truce faces test over lizard
- Orioles sweep away Red Sox in 17 innings
- New photos show Gulf oil spill’s impact on turtles
- Poll: Virginians’ support for McDonnell has faded
- Wife watches as deployed husband killed on Skype
What really caused Lenin’s demise?
Was it syphilis? Diabetes? Medical sleuths tackle this mystery and more at their annual Maryland meeting.
Nationals’ Harper steals home, but Phillies steal away chance for a sweep
Despite Harper’s electrifying play, the Nats couldn’t overcome Werth’s injury and the Phillies’ offense.
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French presidential campaign
Incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy and candidate Francois Hollande are headed to runoff.
Marvel’s ‘Avengers:’ Superhero primer
The long-awaited film uniting Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Thor and Captain America opens May 4.
Kate and Pippa’s selling power
Duchess of Cambridge and sister can make a dress sell out by being photographed wearing it.
I’ll Have Another wins the Kentucky Derby
Jockey Mario Gutierrez overcomes Bodemeister down the stretch in 138th Run for the Roses.
Big moon on the rise
Supermoon photos: The moon had its biggest, brightest night of the year Saturday, making its closest approach to Earth.
Eye on entertainment
Will Smith, Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, Cyndi Lauper, Kat Von D and other celebrities.
Quiz | How well do you know Mexico?
Cinco de Mayo was Saturday, but how much do you really know about Mexico and its May 5th holiday?
An Obama win in Ariz. — pipe dream, or not?
MONDAY FIX | Arizona will award 11 electoral votes in November, the largest prize of any of the southwestern states — including Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado — expected to be seriously contested this fall.
Elsewhere on washingtonpost.com
‘Avengers’ smashes box office records
The Marvel film grossed $200.3 million in its domestic debut, far surpassing “Harry Potter” record.
Chaka Khan goes ‘Through the Fire’
REVIEW | Soul legend brings the house down at Howard Theatre as she takes fans on a nostalgic trip.
‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ fans feel the love
The author of the best-selling erotic novel drew a feverish crowd to a book signing in Bethesda.
Otsuka accepts PEN/Faulkner Award
Julie Otsuka and fellow finalists read from their works of fiction during ceremony at Folger Library.
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The Avengers: Chat with Marvel editors
Live Q&A; transcript
Marvel Entertainment editors discussed The Avengers with readers in a live discussion.