Code-cracking NSA quantum computer is goal

EXCLUSIVE | The agency is racing to build a machine that could break nearly every kind of encryption, according to files provided by Edward Snowden.

Five years after ‘reset,’ U.S., Russia face critical tests

With mutual trust all but gone, each blames the other for the deteriorating relationship, even as new challenges threaten more difficulties ahead.

Vonn is the most successful U.S. skier in history. She's also a celebrity. (Getty)

Ski or not, Vonn’s brand is still golden

Whether her career includes the Sochi Olympics, just a month out, is a bit murky. But sponsors continue to see her as a sure thing.

Fierce storm pushes into Northeast, bringing snow, frigid temperatures

Fierce storm pushes into Northeast, bringing snow, frigid temperatures

Snow begins falling in parts of the region, but the brunt of the storm isn’t expected until late Thursday.

On Dec. 31, Congress let 55 tax breaks
expire. Here’s a look at some of them.

On Dec. 31, Congress let 55 tax breaks <br>expire. Here’s a look at some of them.

WONKBLOG | Tax relief for underwater homeowners and a credit for commuters are gone.

The secret to happiness in 2014, according to the creator of Dilbert

The secret to happiness in 2014, according to the creator of Dilbert

Already regretting those New Year’s resolutions? Scott Adams has his own formula for change.

Egypt’s latest terror suspect: A puppet

Egypt’s latest terror suspect: A puppet

Phone company executives are being probed about a puppet’s remarks in a recent commercial.

Editors’ Picks

HANDOUT IMAGE - Steve McCurry
Sri Lanka, 1995.
Perched on wooden stilsts, Singhalese men fish for spotted herring in the monsoon-lashed surf pounding Sri Lanka’s south coast. When the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami crashed over these same beaches, it took the lives for 35,000 Singhalese with it.
Caption by Mark Collins Jenkins.
(National Geographic/TASCHEN)

ONE TIME USE ONLY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STORY - NOT FOR REUSE - NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION - CAN USE IN A GALLERY ONLINE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STORY. FOR REUSE PLEASE CONTACT: Caitlin Rider - tel +1-212-226-2048 -C.Rider@taschen.com

A window into the wider world

PHOTOS | A collection of National Geographic images showcases 125 years of capturing the planet.

12 months to a fitter, better you

The simple goal of “fitness” might seem a long way off, but with a few changes, it’s far from unattainable.

Featured Photo Galleries

Photos of the day

Polar swims, marijuana becomes legal in Colorado, Antarctic rescue mission and more.

Winter weather in the Northeast, Midwest

Snow already covers the ground in many places, but more is on the way. Forecasters also expect strong wind and bitter cold.

Inside North Korea

A visual tour of the reclusive and secretive country.

James Avery dead at 68

Avery, best known for his role as Uncle Phil on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” died Dec. 31.

Frozen bubbles

Inspired by winter weather, photographer Angela Kelly used bubble solution and her camera to show that bubbles can freeze.

Buyers line up for pot in Colorado

Long lines accompanied the first day of legal sales of recreational marijuana.

Animal views

Dolphins, a polar bear cub, horses, a painting sea lion and more.

Icebound off Antarctica

A Russian ship has been trapped since before Christmas in the far south.

Politics

Study: Expanding Medicaid doesn’t reduce ER trips

Study: Expanding Medicaid doesn’t reduce ER trips

WONKBLOG | New research on Oregon’s Medicaid expansion in 2008 shows a 40 percent increase in emergency department trips among those who gain coverage.

More Opinions

We need the NSA

We need the NSA

The agency’s actions keeps us safe, and should keep up its good work.

Lifestyle

Don’t ban these books: Graphic novels belong in schools

Don’t ban these books: Graphic novels belong in schools

With so many so-called “reluctant readers,” the bias against these powerful literary works must end.

Arts

Kate DiCamillo named children’s literature ambassador

Kate DiCamillo named children’s literature ambassador

The “Because of Winn Dixie” author hopes to encourage communities to engage in reading projects together.

Local

McAuliffe taps Obama official, ex-publisher for commerce position

McAuliffe taps Obama official, ex-publisher for commerce position

Maurice Jones was the publisher of the Virginian-Pilot before serving as deputy HUD secretary.

Sports

Carlson talks about Olympic honor

Carlson talks about Olympic honor

DC SPORTS BOG | It’s been a big 24 hours for Carlson, the first Capitals player ever to make Team USA.

Technology

Cybersecurity firm FireEye purchases Mandiant for $989 million

Cybersecurity firm FireEye purchases Mandiant for $989 million

THE SWITCH | California-based FireEye has purchased Mandiant in a deal amounting to nearly $1B.

Business

Corporate pension plans stronger than in years

Corporate pension plans stronger than in years

Analysts say that as funding levels improve, firms could be tempted to unload the plans.

Real Estate

Cash offer key to buyer bargain on high-end D.C. property

Cash offer key to buyer bargain on high-end D.C. property

Offering more cash was the secret in winning the competition against a developer also seeking the home.

Federal Government

Even the Postal Service is better at doing checkout than grocery stores now

Even the Postal Service is better at doing checkout than grocery stores now

THE SWITCH | The Postal Service faces a pretty dire budget situation, but in spite of that, officials there are still finding ways to make your visit less of a hassle.

World

Afghan prisoner release said to risk U.S. ‘backlash’

The Afghan government is weighing the release of 88 prisoners who killed dozens of U.S. and NATO troops.

Discussions

Free Range on Food

Free Range on Food

Q&A TRANSCRIPT | Easy ideas for a better brunch.

Diversions