Outside the Beltway

Is China’s drought caused by human action?

We need to stop talking as if the Medicare debate is a question of the Ryan Plan v. the Status Quo.

Despite what appear to be the fond hope of European central bankers that it will just all go away, something needs to be done. But what?

Cynthia Tucker regrets her support for majority-minority districts.

And even more bad news.

Upwards of 77,000 federal employees make more than the governors of the states in which they live, the Congressional Research Service reports.

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has announced his retirement after 19 years as a pro. On Twitter.

All in all, not looking like it will be a fun summer.

Sarah Palin will be heading to yet another important primary state while insisting she isn’t running for President yet. And the press follows her like a lonely puppy.

The battle of Iowa is beginning with Mitt Romney in the lead, but Herman Cain and Sarah Palin aren’t far behind.

Remember Egypt?

Army Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry will become the ninth Medal of Honor recipient for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan–and one of only two who lived to tell the tale.

A passenger started a fight over a reclined airplane seat, causing fighter planes to scramble.

President Obama has issued a Proclamation designating June 2011 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.”

In an op-ed in The Hill titled “Enviro elitists keep America unemployed,” Rick Manning of Americans for Limited Government argues that one factor behind the anemic jobs picture is the onerous regulatory environment.

It’s just about time to schedule the piteous press conference.

Despite recent obsession with him, Saul Alinsky’s work has not garnered much attention from political scientists.

44 Republican Senators have already pledged to filibuster John Bryson’s nomination as Commerce secretary.

Arguments for the Ryan Plan that characterize it as being “against bureaucracy” are apparently oblivious to the fact that private health insurance is full of bureaucracy.

Palin and the press are in mutual love, despite protestations to the contrary.

Herman Cain is getting a lot of attention lately, but will he amount to anything?

Real Estate prices continue to fall, but where are the buyers? Maybe they’re acting sane this time.

Film sales are down to 20 million rolls from nearly a billion in 2000.

America’s physicians are becoming more liberal in response to changing working conditions.

Sarah Palin’s latest media spectacle will be heading west next month.

Broadway actors are aiming a familiar lament at Hollywood stars: They’re taking our jobs!

David Blight recounts the story of the first Memorial Day.

Jim Tressel has resigned as head coach of the Ohio State football team.

Business Week’s cover story examines the coming implosion of the US Postal Service as we know it.