Why have human rights in Russia largely been ignored until now? Contributor Joshua Foust weighs in on the Pussy Riot media frenzy.
In the News

As flotilla probe begins, filmmaker unveils new footage of deadly raid
Israel is now the subject of lawsuits and political pressure. But what about the ‘hit list’ at the center of the controversy? Need to Know talked to an American flotilla passenger about the mysterious document.
Utah inmate executed by firing squad after 25 years on death row
Ronnie Lee Gardner became the first man in 14 years to be executed by firing squad early Friday morning, ending a 25-year saga that in its final days stoked a national debate over the death penalty.
As Utah inmate faces firing squad, jurors from original trial speak out
A juror who sentenced a Utah man to death in 1985 told Need to Know she would have preferred life in prison. The inmate, who faces a firing squad, is seeking a last-minute reprieve.

At World Cup, vuvuzela may give South African music a bad name
A South African musicologist fears the vuvuzela, which produces a loud droning noise on television, will give his country’s music a bad name.

As Tea Party wins in Nevada, its candidates in the Northeast fade
The Tea Party has won victories in Nevada and Kentucky. But on Tuesday, Tea Party candidates were rebuffed in the battleground suburbs of the Northeast, where the battle for House may be won or lost.