Today's Top News from The Washington Times

		Monday, August 15, 2011 Must Read Stories Today
Iowa straw poll reshapes GOP race The weekend's straw poll in Ames lived up to its historic role as presidential bouncer, validating Rep. Michelle Bachmann's front-runner status in Iowa and kicking former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty to the curb - reshuffling the Republican race for the White House along the way. Toomey focuses on fighting for spending cuts He's the only member who voted against last week's debt deal, and also the only one who wrote his own individual budget this year - both of which make Sen. Patrick J. Toomey the wild-card selection to the 12-member deficit supercommittee charged with finding $1.5 trillion in deficit cuts by Thanksgiving. Bachmann grabs Iowa momentum, says she's ready to take on Obama One day after winning the Iowa straw poll, GOP presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann did a victory lap Sunday, hitting all the major political talk shows and pushing the message that she is the Republican best qualified to defeat President Obama. Pressures bear down on Sudanese strongman A month after he lost part of his country to a new nation, Sudanese President Omar Bashir is facing multiple challenges that could destabilize his regime, Western officials and analysts say. Lawsuits challenge Lanier's policies on discipline One of Metropolitan Police Department Chief Cathy L. Lanier's methods of disciplining officers above the rank of captain accused of misconduct - or who have failed to meet her expectations - is to designate them as at-will employees who can be fired or demoted without the due-process rights commonly afforded to police officers. Union founder's legal woes are mounting Four years ago, Caleb A. Gray-Burriss, founder of the National Association of Special Police and Security Officers (NASPSO), insisted he had the support of his members amid a federal investigation into his handling of pension dues and health-benefit funds. Bradley caps comeback to capture PGA Championship in playoff Keegan Bradley has won the PGA Championship with an amazing comeback in regulation, then a three-hole playoff win over Jason Dufner at Atlanta Athletic Club. Estonian gunman echoed Russian propaganda Estonia is investigating whether a gunman who stormed the Defense Ministry last week was inspired by Russia's "massive propaganda attack" against the Baltic nation, a top Estonian official told The Washington Times. Obama embarks on 'economic bus tour' of Midwest swing states President Obama embarks on a taxpayer-funded bus tour of Midwestern swing states Monday, trying to make the case to voters that Republicans are blocking his efforts to create jobs for the middle class. D.C.'s medical-marijuana program accents risks Applicants for the District's medical-marijuana program now must state in writing that they assume the risk of federal prosecution for growing or distributing the drug and that they cannot hold the city liable for arrests, according to newly revised rules. D.C. retailers say it pays to be thrifty This Wednesday marks National Thrift Shop Day, an effort to help spotlight the small-business owners across the District and around the country who are offering affordable and unique alternatives to merchandise usually found in chain stores. Pawlenty calls it quits after poor Iowa showing Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Sunday that he's dropping out of the Republican presidential race, just hours after finishing a disappointing third in the Iowa Straw Poll. CURL: Maybe Iowa straw poll not so pointless after all Every four years, the pointlessness of Iowa returns. Why on earth would a state that has 3 million people -- 91 percent of them white, and just a quarter of them college-educated -- be the bellwether, be all and end all of American politics? Pakistani police don't know who kidnapped American Authorities searched for clues to who kidnapped an American in Pakistan but came up with no leads after questioning the guards at his house when he was abducted, police said Sunday. Ind. governor: Wind gust that felled stage a 'fluke' The wind gust that toppled a stage at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday night, killing five and injuring dozens of fans waiting for the country band Sugarland to perform, was a "fluke" that no one could have anticipated, the governor and others said Sunday. Libyan rebels battling Gadhafi loyalists Libyan rebels in pickup trucks mounted with weapons and troops loyal to Moammar Gadhafi battled in the streets of Zawiya Sunday, a day after opposition forces pushed from the western mountains into the strategic city in their most dramatic advance in months. Commentary KNIGHT: Left-wing Wisconsin recall amnesia Some stories have "legs." They don't disappear after a day or so but stay in the news, especially if they help move a liberal agenda. Think of global-warming findings or New York's assault on marriage. GHEI: Global meltdown: Is Paris next? With markets tumbling on both sides of the Atlantic, French President Nicolas Sarkozy interrupted his summer vacation to hold an emergency meeting about the crisis. EDITORIAL: Kick junkies off welfare There's a growing movement to make sure those on the public dole aren't also on drugs. The state of Florida is implementing a law passed in May requiring drug testing of all welfare applicants. Missouri enacted a similar law in July. Testing programs are being debated in Kentucky, Oklahoma, Iowa and other states. In these hard economic times, voters don't want their tax dollars wasted on fueling the habits of junkies. NUGENT: Rise of the goons Did you really expect anything different? From London to Philadelphia to Milwaukee, goons are rioting in the streets. And guess what? I don't believe it is the fundamental fault of the goon squads that they're rioting, although there's no excuse for beating people and destroying property. Other Recent Articles Paris Hilton loses cellphones on plane to Manila Rams whistled for only 2 penalties in opener Sales of gold up on eBay amid stock market turmoil Popular Indian actor Shammi Kapoor dies at 79 Brazil edges Spain in `real final' of U-20 AMC, Sony reach deal for 'Breaking Bad' finale Orion spaceship set for new round of tests in Colo Strong wind topples stage at Ind. fair, killing 5 IndyCar rookie Pippa Mann hospitalized after crash For now, SEC will stick with its 12 schools Marlins' Morrison surprised by demotion Family resemblance puts Bradley in winner's circle Autism risks for siblings are higher than thought Thunder F Perkins arrested in Texas at night club Skelton comfortable as Arizona backup quarterback		Most Read Stories Md. man held in Aruba had troubled past with women KNIGHT: Left-wing Wisconsin recall amnesia Philadelphia mayor talks tough to black teenagers after 'flash mobs' CURL: Maybe Iowa straw poll not so pointless after all Federal officer fatally shoots assault suspect in P.G. 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