Berlin is secretly feeding the U.S. data on Germans

Despite Germany’s vocal anger over NSA surveillance, it’s reluctantly enlisting U.S. help in tracking residents and citizens suspected of having joined insurgent groups in Iraq and Syria, officials said.

Rep. Scalise confirms he spoke to white nationalists

A spokeswoman for the House majority whip says the Republican was unaware of the group’s ideology in 2002.

An oil well in New Mexico flares off methane. (Courtesy of Michael Eisenfeld)

In the West, a Delaware-size plume
of gas illustrates cost of methane leaks

The colorless, odorless cloud over New Mexico comes from oil and gas rigs, spurring calls for tighter controls on leaks that cost potential tax revenue while contributing to the Earth’s warming.

    Rep. Michael Grimm, who pleaded guilty to tax fraud, expected to resign

    Rep. Michael Grimm, who pleaded guilty to tax fraud, expected to resign

    Under pressure from Democrats, the New York congressman privately told GOP leaders he will step down.

    One college’s revolution in recruiting: Stop giving discounts to the wealthy

    One college’s revolution in recruiting: Stop giving discounts to the wealthy

    A liberal arts school in Pennsylvania ended almost all merit-based aid to expand grants for students in need.

    Hopes dim for missing AirAsia flight
    as Indonesia asks for help in search

    Hopes dim for missing AirAsia flight <br>as Indonesia asks for help in search

    Authorities believe the plane is already at the bottom of the sea, making the hunt more difficult.

    Odds of Greece leaving the euro have never been better than right now

    Odds of Greece leaving the euro have never been better than right now

    WONKBLOG | If a far-left party wins power, it will push for less austerity — and Germany will never agree.

    How a children’s book sparked a backlash of military ‘brat’ pride

    How a children’s book sparked a backlash of military ‘brat’ pride

    The authors tried to come up with a new name for military children. But the brats didn’t approve.

    Politics

    Jeb Bush cuts ties with timber and real estate firm

    Jeb Bush cuts ties with timber and real estate firm

    Former governor’s move seen as another step toward a possible presidential run.

    Local

    Maryland Episcopal bishop placed
    on leave after fatal car crash

    Maryland Episcopal bishop placed <br> on leave after fatal car crash

    No charges have been filed after the accident on Saturday that left a cyclist dead in Baltimore.

    Sports

    When a name is not offensive

    When a name is not offensive

    Florida State and the Seminole Tribe have a bond that defuses most debate over the school’s nickname.

    Business

    Five contracts to watch in 2015

    Five contracts to watch in 2015

    From a new stealth bomber to the military’s health care records system, here are some important contracts to keep an eye out for in the new year.

    Diversions