Louisiana shooter’s life was caught in a downward spiral

John Russell Houser — an anti-tax activist whom police called a “drifter” — was arrested in an arson case, and his erratic behavior was noted in court filings.

U.S. in crossfire: Another day, another mass shooting

ESSAY | Each “active shooter” event has its own element of horror, whether it’s racism or sheer randomness.

Jonathan Pollard is imprisoned in Butner, N.C. (AP)

Jonathan Pollard, who leaked U.S. intel to Israel, could go free in months

He will be eligible in November for mandatory parole, American officials said. His release would eliminate a wedge in U.S.-Israel relations at a time of rising tension over a nuclear deal with Iran.

Back off my fries: In age of sharing, diners just want a dish to themselves

Back off my fries: In age of sharing, diners just want a dish to themselves

The small-plate craze challenges those who want the one-person, one-plate definition of dining.

Sen. Mike Lee will attempt nuclear option to repeal Affordable Care Act

Sen. Mike Lee will attempt nuclear option to repeal Affordable Care Act

He probably can find 51 senators to vote for repeal. Whether it gets a floor vote at all is another story.

Obama visits a rising Africa, but one still plagued by economic problems

Obama visits a rising Africa, but one still plagued by economic problems

Kenya’s growth is reflected in its tech sector, but it struggles with armed attacks and rising energy prices.

Inspector general asks Justice Dept.
to look into Hillary Clinton’s e-mails

Inspector general asks Justice Dept. <br>to look into Hillary Clinton’s e-mails

The probe, which Justice said isn’t criminal, would look into how sensitive information was handled.

A new kind of private eye says it can see if your spouse is cheating online

A new kind of private eye says it can see if your spouse is cheating online

Concerns about adultery Web sites help create clients for Trustify and other tech-savvy investigators.

Scientists see possible link between overeating and hormone deficiency

Scientists see possible link between overeating and hormone deficiency

Isolating where eating disorders happen in the brain could lead to better treatment, research suggests.

After 25 years, Roseanne recalls the day she shrieked the national anthem

After 25 years, Roseanne recalls the day she shrieked the national anthem

The crotch-grabbing part was meant as a joke, she said. But her vocal meltdown threw off her comic timing.

High schoolers use their noodles at engineering summer program

High schoolers use their noodles at engineering summer program

In one of the highlights, teens built bridges of uncooked spaghetti to test some weighty theories.

Politics

In Kenya, an Obama family reunion for the president

In Kenya, an Obama family reunion for the president

President Obama gathered with three dozen family members in Kenya’s capital Friday night, marking his first visit to his father’s homeland since becoming president.

Local

‘Someone killed my baby right
where he came from’

‘Someone killed my baby right <br>where he came from’

Wesley West, 25, was shot to death in Congress Heights, the community he tried to improve with peace.

Sports

ESPN cuts Cowherd over remarks on Dominicans

ESPN cuts Cowherd over remarks on Dominicans

“I’ve never bought into that ‘baseball is too complex.’ Really? A third of the sport is from the Dominican Republic,” he said Thursday.

Technology

How security experts protect themselves online

How security experts protect themselves online

Update your software, use a password manager and turn on two-factor authentication.

Business

Afraid your retirement nest egg won’t last long? You’re not alone.

Afraid your retirement nest egg won’t last long? You’re not alone.

COLUMN | Feeling better about your financial situation can start with having a frank discussion with a financial expert.

Diversions