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 permanent cloud over New Mexico is leaked or vented from oil rigs, spurring criticism that oil companies are costing the U.S. potential tax revenue while contributing to the Earth’s warming.

    Indonesian officials ask U.S. for help in search for missing AirAsia jet

    Indonesian officials ask U.S. for help in search for missing AirAsia jet

    The hunt, which is entering its third day, has yielded no solid evidence of the plane’s location.

    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.

    In China, a rarity: Evidence
    exonerates a man on death row

    In China, a rarity: Evidence <br> exonerates a man on death row

    The nation convicts 99.9 percent of suspects, often beating false confessions out of them.

    Throw Momma under the bus.
    And then back the bus over her.

    Throw Momma under the bus. <br> And then back the bus over her.

    COLUMN | The grown children who helped imperil former Va. governor McDonnell now blame their mom.

    Politics

    Rep. Scalise confirms he spoke to white nationalists

    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.

    Local

    Bowser taps officials to oversee D.C. homelessness, health, juvenile justice

    Bowser taps officials to oversee D.C. homelessness, health, juvenile justice

    Just days before she takes office, the mayor-elect turns to a trio with ties to the Fenty administration.

    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