Politics

Controversy Erupts Over Politician's Appearance on BBC Talk Show

The debut of far-right British National Party leader Nick Griffin on BBC's political-debate show "Question Time" launched protests, along with a debate over media freedoms.

Swine Flu Widespread in U.S., Vaccine Delays Continue

The H1N1 swine flu virus is now widespread in 46 states, has hospitalized more than 20,000 people and caused more than 1,000 deaths in the U.S., Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Friday.

NATO to Move Toward More Troops, Afghan Aid

By Dave Gustafson

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, speaking at a NATO conference in Slovakia, said Friday that allies are moving toward sending more troops and civilian aid to Afghanistan.

Shields, Brooks: Obama Risks Looking Petty in Fox Fight

Columnists David Brooks and Mark Shields review the week's news, including the coming Afghan runoff and the war of words between the White House and Fox News.

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Pay Slashed for Bailed-out Firms' Executives

The government has ordered seven firms that received billions in bailout money to dramatically cut compensation to their highest-paid employees.

Brazil Works to Clamp Down on Drug Violence Ahead of Olympics

A firefight between drug gangs and the downing of a police helicopter in Rio de Janeiro last weekend heightened concerns about the city hosting the Olympic Games in 2016. Seth Kugel of GlobalPost provides an update in this Reporter's Podcast.

Obama: Small Businesses to Be Offered TARP Help

By Carolyn O'Hara

President Barack Obama unveiled plans Wednesday to shift government bailout efforts from Wall Street's banks to Main Street's small businesses by increasing lending and access to credit.

Stimulus Bill Data Offer Glimpse of Effectiveness

Americans and government watchdogs are getting their first glimpse at the results of the massive economic stimulus package heralded by President Barack Obama soon after taking office.

Other News: Wells Fargo Concerns Drive Market Sell-off

In other news, worries about the health of Wells Fargo triggered a late day sell-off on Wall Street, and former Afghan foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah agreed to the presidential runoff set for November.

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HIV Vaccine Tests Confirm 'Modest' Protection, More Research Needed

PARIS | The complete results of the first vaccine trial to ever show some protection against HIV were released Tuesday, and researchers sought to refute criticism that the study's results could be weaker than indicated.