$7B in gear U.S. sent to war will not return

Workers tear apart an armored vehicle at Kandahar airfield. (Post)

About 20 percent of the equipment sent to Afghanistan will be disposed of because it is not needed or too costly to ship back, and it’s too complicated to donate or sell.

More National News

Report: 700 doctors wrote possibly harmful Medicare prescriptions

Review calls doctors “very extreme” in prescribing and says Medicare should do more to stop them.

In this race, Anthony Weiner is just one of the characters

In this race, Anthony Weiner is just one of the characters

The Democratic field for New York mayor is fielding a host of characters, including Anthony Weiner.

Senators say NSA phone records did little to thwart terror plots

Intelligence panel members Wyden, Udall say convenience doesn’t justify agency’s huge database.

Proposal would allow more women to come to U.S. in immigration bill

Proposal would allow more women to come to U.S. in immigration bill

Senate’s emerging bloc of women plans to introduce the proposal.

State Dept. downgrades Russia, China on trafficking

State Dept. downgrades Russia, China on trafficking

Accusations of condoning human trafficking could complicate diplomatic negotiations on Syria.

A climate change worry on the wing

A climate change worry on the wing

Biologists worry that birds such as Arctic terns are starving, as climate change is leading to food shortages.

Column

House members find a new way to court their districts

Despite ban on earmarks, ‘en bloc’ amendments find their way into a defense spending bill.

Column

Intelligence contractors omitted from whistleblower protections

Whistleblowing federal employees have a promise of protection, but contractors don’t have that.

Former special agents sentenced to 8 months in prison for fraud

Prosecutors did not seek incarceration, according to the lawyer for one of the defendants.

Snowden extradition may be a very complicated process

Snowden extradition may be a very complicated process

If criminal charges are filed, the U.S. is likely to face many hurdles to bring the admitted leaker home for trial.

Talks held on resuming direct mail to Cuba from U.S.

An agreement would resume long-dormant mail delivery to the island.

New Prince George’s County school board postpones charter vote

New Prince George’s County school board postpones charter vote

Action was one of the first by reconfigured board including county executive’s hand-picked members.

Bernanke: Fed could pull back on bond-buying this year

Bernanke: Fed could pull back on bond-buying this year

Policy committee sees stronger housing market, slow growth through 2014.

IRS may pay $70 million in worker bonuses despite sequestration

IRS may pay $70 million in worker bonuses despite sequestration

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) sent a letter to the IRS requesting answers about the possible agreement.

Court ruling allows bison relocation

The state’s Supreme Court approved transfer of bison to tribal lands in Montana.

Column

Team Obama vs. Team Marijuana

The White House softball team again fell short against the pot advocates — but not as short as last year.

Drumming helps seniors with dementia become more upbeat

Drumming helps seniors with dementia become more upbeat

Music therapy eases anxiety, enhances communication for elderly in Annandale drumming circle.

Why parents make better entrepreneurs

Why parents make better entrepreneurs

Venture Beat | What better preparation for life in a startup could there possibly be?

Alex Sink says Charlie Crist as Democratic nominee would be 'a disaster'

Florida's 2010 Democratic gubernatorial nominee doesn't hold back when talking about the former governor's prospects.