Agencies monitor more of workers’ digital activities

Concerns of leaks spur government to increase monitoring, but practice is raising red flags for privacy advocates, who have cited the potential for abuse.

New rules expose funding gaps for public pensions

Increased gap could mean workers will have to contribute more to or see a reduction in benefits.

Punk band members on trial in Moscow. (Getty Images)

Russian p­unk rockers sentenced

In a case that has drawn international condemnation, three women were sentenced to 2 years each after they criticized Putin.

How the rich have a lower tax rate

REALITY CHECK | A look at why some wealthy Americans may pay a smaller share of their income to the IRS than those in the middle class.

Romney team rejects Obama camp’s offer to settle tax return questions

Romney team rejects Obama camp’s offer to settle tax return questions

Obama camp says it will back off if 5 years of tax returns are released.

Impact of U.S. drought on crops may be peaking, agriculture secretary says

Impact of U.S. drought on crops may be peaking, agriculture secretary says

Effects on corn and soybeans — nation’s two biggest crops — may be unknown until harvest, he says.

Niger struggles with militant Islam as fighters see gateway to terrorist groups

Niger struggles with militant Islam as fighters see gateway to terrorist groups

In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, the fight in a moderate swath of Africa has gained urgency.

Featured Videos

Paul Ryan: First week on the campaign trail

Paul Ryan: First week on the campaign trail

GOP vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan is wrapping up his first week on the campaign trail. Here are some of the highlights from his rigorous first week campaigning for presumptive presidential nominee Mitt Romney.
Facebook shares hit new all-time lows

Facebook shares hit new all-time lows

Facebook stock fell below twenty dollars per share Thursday, marking another low point in the continuing feed of bad news since its highly touted stock market debut.
D.C. brewers work together in the name of beer

D.C. brewers work together in the name of beer

District Chophouse, D.C. Brau and five other local breweries collaborate to showcase the area’s craft beer scene with a Beer Week blend.
Sixgill sharks still a mystery

Sixgill sharks still a mystery

The Sixgill breed is one of the most rarely seen sharks. Video courtesy of Discovery News. Shark week starts August 12 on The Discovery Channel.
‘Nothing to do with WikiLeaks’

‘Nothing to do with WikiLeaks’

‘Nothing to do with WikiLeaks’
U.S. troops die in Afghanistan helicopter crash

U.S. troops die in Afghanistan helicopter crash

The international military force in Afghanistan says seven American troops are among the 11 people who died in a Blackhawk helicopter crash in the country's south. A Taliban spokesman says the insurgents shot down the aircraft.
The Medicare debate on the campaign trail

The Medicare debate on the campaign trail

The Medicare debate on the campaign trail

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We’ve expanded our entertainment roster with launch of WP Games, and playing won’t cost you a dime.

What we think about the states

THE FIX | Using Google’s autocomplete function, a map shows what words we associate with each state.

Featured Photo Galleries

Republican National Conventions over the years

A look at some of the most memorable and consequential conventions.

Residents evacuate as wildfires rage through the West

This year’s wildfires are more numerous and have gotten bigger than last year’s.

Julian Assange granted political asylum by Ecuador

WikiLeaks founder went to Ecuadoran Embassy after Britain agreed to send him to Sweden.

Day in photos

India Independence Day, Syrian air strikes, Western wildfires, plastination and more.

Eye on entertainment

Charisma Carpenter, Chuck Norris, Lionel Richie, Joe Jonas, Nelly, Alice Cooper and other celebrities.

Hoppy days are here again

President Obama makes clear his love for beer on the campaign trail in an attempt to ferment a coalition of the swilling.

PHOTOS | The last time Washington was this good . . .

Nationals have had best record in baseball in August, starting to erase decades of mediocrity.

Animal views

Homeless and adopted dogs, sand kittens, snow leopards and more.

Featured Discussions

Ask The Post

Game On

Game On

We’ve expanded our entertainment offerings with the launch of our interactive WP Games section. Read about the (free) games and tell us what you think.

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WikiLeaks and Ecuador

WikiLeaks and Ecuador

Did Ecuador make an ethical decision in granting asylum to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange? Rabbi Brad Hirschfield and readers discuss.

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Is Joe Biden a liability for Obama?

THE FIX | Polls show the vice president was something short of popular - even before his recent comments drew fire.

Diversions

Entertainment News

Richard Thompson ends ‘Cul de Sac’ comic

Richard Thompson ends ‘Cul de Sac’ comic

Thompson has decided to stop working as a comic-strip creator amid a battle with Parkinson’s.

Cirque’s acrobatic anthropology

Cirque’s acrobatic anthropology

“Totem” traces Homo sapiens’ development, and humanity has never looked so superhuman.

Lifestyle

WATERFORD, VA, D.C., July 29, 2012. A small bear glass filled with freshly taped beer at Corcoran Brewing Co.. ( Photo by ASTRID RIECKEN For The Washington Post)

Va. wineries revisited: What’s new

New brewery, private estate tastings and yoga burgers find their way onto state’s ever-growing wine scene.