Mistaken identity theory gains traction in Falcon Lake 'pirate' attack

Marijuana in California: Prop. 19 won't stop federal drug enforcement

Even if voters pass Proposition 19 on Nov. 2, which would legalize use of marijuana in California, the Justice Department will continue to enforce federal drug laws there, Attorney General Eric Holder said Friday.

Pentagon to federal court: Give us time to end 'don't ask, don't tell'

Its lawyers warned that the military could be 'irreparably' harmed by a court order to stop enforcing the ban on openly gay troops. Still, around Pentagon halls, it's clear an end to 'don't ask, don't tell' is coming.

As media circus wanes, Chile miners' families turn spotlight on reporters' antics

Sitting around a campfire in the Atacama Desert, family of the rescued Chile miners laugh about the media's excesses over the past 70 days.

• Chile mine rescue spurred unprecedented global coordination
• Chile mine rescue a PR coup for Chile – and President Piñera
• Five things Chile miners will have to tackle next

Americans split over public education for illegal immigrants, poll shows

Few favor government benefits for illegal immigrants, a Monitor/TIPP poll shows. Less than half back admitting them to public schools.

• Out-of-staters fuel fight over Arizona immigration law

Are Iran nuclear program talks back on?

Iran’s foreign minister said Friday that his country welcomes a proposal from the European Union’s top diplomat to resume talks on its nuclear program. The invitation is for November, but no date set.

Want votes? First, candidates in Election 2010 must make a pledge.

Grass-roots groups, mostly on the right, insist that House and Senate candidates in Election 2010 make specific pledges, before giving their thumbs' up. Spending cuts and repeal of the federal health-care law are often on the pledge list.

Israeli settlement building surges as US pushes for a new freeze

Israeli settlement monitors estimate that construction has begun on 500 new units – nearly one-quarter of the number for all of 2008 – as settlers try to make up for lost time.

India worries that troubled Commonwealth Games wounded its reputation

The Commonwealth Games revealed lax security, poor sanitation, and shoddy building in the capital of India.

Abortion debate heats up Brazil election

Following a Brazil election debate, Jose Serra's voter support climbed within several percentage points of Dilma Rousseff.

Is Joe Miller too 'tea party' for Alaska?

Joe Miller, the Republican candidate for Senate in Alaska, is trying to turn traditional Alaska politics on its head. It might not work.

Harry Reid, Sharron Angle debate: How could an hour go on that long?

Senate majority leader Harry Reid is in the fight of his long political life. Republican challenger Angle is one of the most prominent tea party-backed insurgents. But their debate Thursday was ... a letdown.

Nobel prize sparks Norway-China row, petitions for reform in Beijing

Norway faces a diplomatic backlash from China after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to jailed democracy activist Liu Xiaobo. The greater fallout may be within China itself.

Chile mine rescue spurred unprecedented global coordination

Mining and engineering experts were welcomed from around the world to assist in the Chile mine rescue.

• Chile mine rescue a PR coup for Chile – and President Piñera
• Five things Chile miners will have to tackle next

Can Wen Jiabao reform the Communist Party of China?

A two-day plenum of the Communist Party opened amid calls for relaxing China's repressive one-party rule. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao has called for political change in recent months.

Pakistan arrests suspected militants in assassination plot

Pakistani police arrested seven men in a suspected plot to kill the prime minister and other senior officials, as Pakistan rethinks its historic policy of sheltering militants.