2011 financial crisis

'Doomsday' defense cuts loom large for select 12 on 'super committee'

The six Republicans and six Democrats represent states where the biggest military contractors - Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics Corp., Raytheon Co. and Boeing Co. - build missiles, aircraft, jet fighters and tanks while employing tens of thousands of workers.

For cuts, Pentagon must choose among weapons, personnel

A decision to cut $350 billion in security spending over the next decade will force the Pentagon to make difficult trade-offs that could lead to layoffs, canceled weapons systems or a smaller nuclear arsenal.
U.S. credit down because of military spending, Rep. Frank says

A senior Democrat says the biggest reason the U.S. credit was downgraded is too much spending being "the military policemen of the world."
Panetta, Mullen continue press to head off excessive budget cuts

The United States military can handle targeted defense cuts, but if a “doomsday mechanism” of automatic cuts kicks in, national security will falter and downrange troops will suffer, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday.
15:43 August 4, 2011
As budget cuts linger, a call to spare special operations funds
Panetta calls deep budget cuts 'completely unacceptable'
Q&A: The Department of Defense and the debt deal
Debt deal includes billions in defense cuts, but pay and vet programs safe
Debt deal expected to hit Washington area economy, defense firms
Deal leaves defense hawks nervous
House Republican defense leaders blast Obama, Democrats over debt fight

Obama: Despite downgraded rating, U.S. still a triple-A nation

Eager to calm a nervous nation, President Barack Obama on Monday dismissed an unprecedented downgrade in the nation's credit rating, insisting investors will stand by the United States even as stock markets plunged.
Markets react to rating downgrade with steep decline
U.S. debt downgrade could mean rate hikes for all
China urges U.S. to handle debt responsibly
Budget battle moves on to super committee

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Europe Traveler

Glacierbike downhill in Switzerland

Those short on their fill of Alpine adventure this winter can head to the ski area of Saas-Fee, Switzerland, on Saturday, March 2, for a day out that includes more than the usual skiing and boarding.
Good game

PlayStation 4 unveiled - sort of

Sony talked up games, stats and social connections, but the console itself was nowhere to be seen.
The Ruptured Duck

American Legion to host claims fair

Goal of the event is to provide assistance to veterans having trouble completing their benefits claims.
Stripes Central

Guantanamo joke flies over the head of some readers

Kentucky reader contacts senator to protest fake news, prompting senator to demand answers from a bemused Pentagon.