TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
Within Obama’s war cabinet, battle looms over pace of Afghanistan pullout
The military is seeking to limit a reduction in combat forces; the White House is pressing for a substantial withdrawal.
(By Rajiv Chandrasekaran)
CIA operating in Libya
Teams are working to identify the rebels and their capabilities, and Obama has authorized possible broader action.
(By Karen DeYoung and Greg Miller)
Parties begin budget negotiations
After weeks of arguing, Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill began negotiations Wednesday on a possible budget agreement that would slash federal spending by as much as $33 billion and avert a government shutdown.
(By Paul Kane)
Sweeping changes proposed for Fairfax school discipline
They include recording disciplinary hearings, speeding up the process and giving school principals more leeway.
(By Donna St. George)
Wall ejected as Wizards fall to Heat
Washington’s John Wall is ejected along with Miami’s Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Juwan Howard following a second-period scuffle, after which the Wizards succumb to the Heat at Verizon Center.
(By Michael Lee)
POLITICS
First lady Michelle Obama urges DC high school students to have a plan in pursuing education
WASHINGTON — First lady Michelle Obama urged high school students on Wednesday to think about their career goals and the job market before deciding what type of education to pursue.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
AP sources: CIA operatives on ground in Libya, assisted in rescuing downed F-15 crew member
WASHINGTON — The CIA has sent small teams of operatives into Libya after the agency’s station in the capital was forced to close, and officers assisted in rescuing one of the two crew members of an F-15E Strike Eagle that crashed, an American official and a former U.S. intelligence officer told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
Ex-Rep. Kirkpatrick, defeated after one term in 2010 GOP wave, to run again for Arizona seat
PHOENIX — Former Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick says she’s running to win back the congressional seat she lost to tea party favorite Paul Gosar in last fall’s election.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
Cost-cutting measures?
Postal officials — eager to stave off an estimated $7 billion in losses this year — think they can save about $3 billion annually by stopping weekend mail deliveries.
( by Ed O’Keefe , The Washington Post)
Vice President Biden reports 'good progress' in talks to avoid government shutdown
WASHINGTON — Vice President Biden reports ‘good progress’ in talks to avoid government shutdown
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
STYLE
First Person Singular: Correctional officer Chastity Jones
A correctional officer talks about the ever-present dangers of working in a prison.
(, The Washington Post)
Home & Design: An urban roost in Kalorama
They were determined to be downtown but wanted enough room for their art collection and kids.
(, The Washington Post)
Best Bets: Where to eat before the show
The best pre-theater dining options for Studio Theatre
( , The Washington Post)
Home & Design: Rooftops with more than a view
Bocce, firepits and other rooftop amenities add to city living.
(, The Washington Post)
Date Lab: Everyone is interesting
On this blind date, she likes that he pays attention, and he’s sorry about all those health-care messages.
(, The Washington Post)
SPORTS
Report: 4 former Auburn players say they received thousands of dollars
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Auburn will investigate claims by four former football players, who told HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” they received thousands of dollars while being recruited by or playing for the Tigers.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
A look at developments in the Barry Bonds trial
SAN FRANCISCO — What happened Wednesday at the Barry Bonds trial on day 7:
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
Former Yank Velarde, ex-Giant Benard kick off day of former player testimony at Bonds trial
SAN FRANCISCO — Former New York Yankee Randy Velarde testified Wednesday that he purchased a performance-enhancing drug from Barry Bonds’ personal trainer throughout the 2002 season, the Texas native’s last after 16 years in the big leagues.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
A look at perks received by Fiesta Bowl officials
An investigative report outlines several perks and expenditures by Fiesta Bowl officials, including ousted CEO John Junker:
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
Braden pitches another gem, but A's fall to Giants 2-1 in ninth-inning rally
SAN FRANCISCO — Dallas Braden is ready to make this season memorable for more than just one start.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
WORLD
Pro-Ouattara rebels seize Ivory Coast capital in symbolic victory after 4 months of conflict
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — Fighters supporting Ivory Coast’s internationally recognized leader seized control of the country’s administrative capital on Wednesday, marking a symbolic victory after months of political chaos sparked when the incumbent refused to step down after an election.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
Teenage cartoonist lampoons Brazil's elite
To the surprise of the nation’s establishment, a ninth-grader has gained a powerful perch among Brazil’s irreverent political cartoonists.
( by Juan Forero , The Washington Post)
Ex-Nicaraguan priest, Sandinista foreign minister asked to represent Libya at United Nations
UNITED NATIONS — Libya has asked a former Roman Catholic priest who was Nicaragua’s first foreign minister after the Sandinista revolution to represent Moammar Gadhafi’s regime at the United Nations, the Nicaraguan government said Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
Gadhafi's forces retake oil town, using civilian vehicles to become tougher airstrike targets
AJDABIYA, Libya — Moammar Gadhafi’s ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday and moved within striking distance of another major eastern city, nearly reversing the gains rebels made since international airstrikes began. Rebels pleaded for more help, while a U.S. official said government forces are making themselves harder to target by using civilian “battle wagons” with makeshift armaments instead of tanks.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
UN imposes sanctions on Ivory Coast's Gbagbo who refuses to relinquish presidency
UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council on Wednesday demanded an immediate end to the escalating violence in Ivory Coast and imposed sanctions on Laurent Gbagbo, who has refused to relinquish the presidency, and his inner circle.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Home Front: Design advice from Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza
Chris Snowber AIA, a principal at Hamilton Snowber Architects, joins the weekly chat.
(, vForum)
The Web Hostess: Online manners, memes and must-see video
A weekly chat about the best ways to kill time online. Our Web Hostess, Monica Hesse, sifts the Internet so you don't have to, searching for meaning, manners and the next great meme.
(, vForum)
Video: The Weather Gang Lab: Your weekly forecast with Jason Samenow
Capital Weather Gang's Jason Samenow digs into this week's big weather story. Join the chat to find out what will happen -- and why.
(, vForum)
The Reliable Source chat
Washington Post columnists Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts discuss your favorite gossip, celebrity sightings and their recent columns.
(, vForum)
Campus Overload Live with Jenna Johnson: College humor
Jenna Johnson answers your questions about college life, on and off campus.
(, vForum)
BUSINESS
Fed turns down AIG offer to rebuy dodgy mortgage assets
WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has turned down an offer by American International Group to repurchase dodgy mortgage bonds that the Fed had taken off the insurance company’s hands during the financial crisis.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
Shutdown would send a dangerous message
A shutdown tells the market that our political system is so dysfunctional it cannot be trusted.
(, The Washington Post)
Despite angry rhetoric, 'good progress' on budget talks to avert federal shutdown next week
WASHINGTON — Vice President Joe Biden reported “good progress” Wednesday in budget talks to prevent a government shutdown next week as congressional negotiators began work on a proposal for around $33 billion in spending cuts over the next six months — considerably less than tea party activists demanded.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
State attorneys general negotiate with nation's largest banks in foreclosure crisis
WASHINGTON — State attorneys general and federal officials held an all-day negotiating session Wednesday on the nation’s foreclosure crisis with five of the nation’s largest banks, seeking to resolve allegations of wrongdoing that law enforcement officials say have impacted millions of Americans facing foreclosure.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
The Color of Money: College financial aid
After the college acceptance letters come the financial aid letters. Trying to compare schools’ offers can be confusing, but there are tools that can help.
(, The Washington Post)
Within Obama’s war cabinet, battle looms over pace of Afghanistan pullout
The military is seeking to limit a reduction in combat forces; the White House is pressing for a substantial withdrawal.
(By Rajiv Chandrasekaran)
CIA operating in Libya
Teams are working to identify the rebels and their capabilities, and Obama has authorized possible broader action.
(By Karen DeYoung and Greg Miller)
Parties begin budget negotiations
After weeks of arguing, Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill began negotiations Wednesday on a possible budget agreement that would slash federal spending by as much as $33 billion and avert a government shutdown.
(By Paul Kane)
Sweeping changes proposed for Fairfax school discipline
They include recording disciplinary hearings, speeding up the process and giving school principals more leeway.
(By Donna St. George)
Wall ejected as Wizards fall to Heat
Washington’s John Wall is ejected along with Miami’s Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Juwan Howard following a second-period scuffle, after which the Wizards succumb to the Heat at Verizon Center.
(By Michael Lee)
POLITICS
First lady Michelle Obama urges DC high school students to have a plan in pursuing education
WASHINGTON — First lady Michelle Obama urged high school students on Wednesday to think about their career goals and the job market before deciding what type of education to pursue.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
AP sources: CIA operatives on ground in Libya, assisted in rescuing downed F-15 crew member
WASHINGTON — The CIA has sent small teams of operatives into Libya after the agency’s station in the capital was forced to close, and officers assisted in rescuing one of the two crew members of an F-15E Strike Eagle that crashed, an American official and a former U.S. intelligence officer told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
Ex-Rep. Kirkpatrick, defeated after one term in 2010 GOP wave, to run again for Arizona seat
PHOENIX — Former Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick says she’s running to win back the congressional seat she lost to tea party favorite Paul Gosar in last fall’s election.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
Cost-cutting measures?
Postal officials — eager to stave off an estimated $7 billion in losses this year — think they can save about $3 billion annually by stopping weekend mail deliveries.
( by Ed O’Keefe , The Washington Post)
Vice President Biden reports 'good progress' in talks to avoid government shutdown
WASHINGTON — Vice President Biden reports ‘good progress’ in talks to avoid government shutdown
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
STYLE
First Person Singular: Correctional officer Chastity Jones
A correctional officer talks about the ever-present dangers of working in a prison.
(, The Washington Post)
Home & Design: An urban roost in Kalorama
They were determined to be downtown but wanted enough room for their art collection and kids.
(, The Washington Post)
Best Bets: Where to eat before the show
The best pre-theater dining options for Studio Theatre
( , The Washington Post)
Home & Design: Rooftops with more than a view
Bocce, firepits and other rooftop amenities add to city living.
(, The Washington Post)
Date Lab: Everyone is interesting
On this blind date, she likes that he pays attention, and he’s sorry about all those health-care messages.
(, The Washington Post)
SPORTS
Report: 4 former Auburn players say they received thousands of dollars
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Auburn will investigate claims by four former football players, who told HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” they received thousands of dollars while being recruited by or playing for the Tigers.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
A look at developments in the Barry Bonds trial
SAN FRANCISCO — What happened Wednesday at the Barry Bonds trial on day 7:
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
Former Yank Velarde, ex-Giant Benard kick off day of former player testimony at Bonds trial
SAN FRANCISCO — Former New York Yankee Randy Velarde testified Wednesday that he purchased a performance-enhancing drug from Barry Bonds’ personal trainer throughout the 2002 season, the Texas native’s last after 16 years in the big leagues.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
A look at perks received by Fiesta Bowl officials
An investigative report outlines several perks and expenditures by Fiesta Bowl officials, including ousted CEO John Junker:
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
Braden pitches another gem, but A's fall to Giants 2-1 in ninth-inning rally
SAN FRANCISCO — Dallas Braden is ready to make this season memorable for more than just one start.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
WORLD
Pro-Ouattara rebels seize Ivory Coast capital in symbolic victory after 4 months of conflict
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — Fighters supporting Ivory Coast’s internationally recognized leader seized control of the country’s administrative capital on Wednesday, marking a symbolic victory after months of political chaos sparked when the incumbent refused to step down after an election.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
Teenage cartoonist lampoons Brazil's elite
To the surprise of the nation’s establishment, a ninth-grader has gained a powerful perch among Brazil’s irreverent political cartoonists.
( by Juan Forero , The Washington Post)
Ex-Nicaraguan priest, Sandinista foreign minister asked to represent Libya at United Nations
UNITED NATIONS — Libya has asked a former Roman Catholic priest who was Nicaragua’s first foreign minister after the Sandinista revolution to represent Moammar Gadhafi’s regime at the United Nations, the Nicaraguan government said Wednesday.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
Gadhafi's forces retake oil town, using civilian vehicles to become tougher airstrike targets
AJDABIYA, Libya — Moammar Gadhafi’s ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday and moved within striking distance of another major eastern city, nearly reversing the gains rebels made since international airstrikes began. Rebels pleaded for more help, while a U.S. official said government forces are making themselves harder to target by using civilian “battle wagons” with makeshift armaments instead of tanks.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
UN imposes sanctions on Ivory Coast's Gbagbo who refuses to relinquish presidency
UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council on Wednesday demanded an immediate end to the escalating violence in Ivory Coast and imposed sanctions on Laurent Gbagbo, who has refused to relinquish the presidency, and his inner circle.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
LIVE DISCUSSIONS
Home Front: Design advice from Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza
Chris Snowber AIA, a principal at Hamilton Snowber Architects, joins the weekly chat.
(, vForum)
The Web Hostess: Online manners, memes and must-see video
A weekly chat about the best ways to kill time online. Our Web Hostess, Monica Hesse, sifts the Internet so you don't have to, searching for meaning, manners and the next great meme.
(, vForum)
Video: The Weather Gang Lab: Your weekly forecast with Jason Samenow
Capital Weather Gang's Jason Samenow digs into this week's big weather story. Join the chat to find out what will happen -- and why.
(, vForum)
The Reliable Source chat
Washington Post columnists Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts discuss your favorite gossip, celebrity sightings and their recent columns.
(, vForum)
Campus Overload Live with Jenna Johnson: College humor
Jenna Johnson answers your questions about college life, on and off campus.
(, vForum)
BUSINESS
Fed turns down AIG offer to rebuy dodgy mortgage assets
WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has turned down an offer by American International Group to repurchase dodgy mortgage bonds that the Fed had taken off the insurance company’s hands during the financial crisis.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
Shutdown would send a dangerous message
A shutdown tells the market that our political system is so dysfunctional it cannot be trusted.
(, The Washington Post)
Despite angry rhetoric, 'good progress' on budget talks to avert federal shutdown next week
WASHINGTON — Vice President Joe Biden reported “good progress” Wednesday in budget talks to prevent a government shutdown next week as congressional negotiators began work on a proposal for around $33 billion in spending cuts over the next six months — considerably less than tea party activists demanded.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
State attorneys general negotiate with nation's largest banks in foreclosure crisis
WASHINGTON — State attorneys general and federal officials held an all-day negotiating session Wednesday on the nation’s foreclosure crisis with five of the nation’s largest banks, seeking to resolve allegations of wrongdoing that law enforcement officials say have impacted millions of Americans facing foreclosure.
( Associated Press Associated Press , AP)
The Color of Money: College financial aid
After the college acceptance letters come the financial aid letters. Trying to compare schools’ offers can be confusing, but there are tools that can help.
(, The Washington Post)
