A hard copy of a 2008 email chain sent to James Murdoch warned that phone hacking was "rife" at the now-shuttered tabloid The News of the World and could lead to a "nightmare scenario," calling into question again the truth of his sworn testimony that he learned of systemic illegality only in 2011.

Corruption in emerging markets is at the core of key development, globalization, foreign policy and national security problems facing the United States. In recent years, the U.S. has had some success in implementing an international anti-bribery convention. But it has had significant issues when fighting corruption in major counter-insurgency efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan and in new international development initiatives.  

As one of the most serious industrial accidents in history, the Gulf explosion should be a great case study for corporate leaders across the globe who are trying to manage risk in hazardous activities involving complex technology. Put simply, how did the directors, CEOs, top staff leaders and top business leaders at the companies involved — BP (owner of the Macondo Well), Transocean (rig owner), Haliburton (construction services), Cameron (manufacturer of the blow-out preventer) and other subcontractors — fail in establishing safety management, safety processes and safety cultures which would have prevented the accident or which would have led to more effective crisis response.

The Coast Guard cutter that was moored calmly off our beach on Martha's Vineyard is gone.  So is the man it was protecting,  our quiet neighbor, the president of the United States.  He left two days ago, after a tranquil week of fair skies and moderate winds and a largely private family vacation.

Today, we confront a new visitor who is brusquely making her  presence known.  As hurricane Irene storms into New England,  the sea is already a foaming white fury; the wind is whistling through the eaves; the rain is slanting like descending spears: the barrier beach separating the pond and the ocean has disappeared under crashing waves; and tall trees are bowing down to the gods of nature. And the worst is yet to come, with winds on the east side of the storm, where we are, intensifying throughout the day.

"Renowned as a jurist and scholar, Holmes was most proud of his service in the Civil War. A look back at his famous 1884 oration on the holiday in Keene, N.H."

When a senior member of an organization has sex with a junior member, what should that organization do?

"This week France becomes the first country to ban the Islamic face veil in public. President Sarkozy has said the veils imprison women and run counter to the country’s sense of equality; detractors say the ban suppresses cultural and religious expression. What's the best way for leaders to balance their responsibility to promote a nation's values while making sure they respect individual differences?"

"Japan faces the daunting task of rebuilding after the earthquake and the tsunami. But these natural disasters struck a nation with deep structural issues, including a slow-growth economy, an aging population, often sclerotic political, bureaucratic, and business leadership -- and significant workplace discrimination against women."

"The moment of truth for vice presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro was her debate against George H.W. Bush on October 11, 1984. The high command at the headquarters of presidential candidate Walter Mondale may have been worried. Her own campaign staff may have been concerned. But one person was utterly self-confident: the candidate herself."

"These two unprecedented events are stark reminders that effective crisis management involving complex science and technology is wholly dependent on well-thought-out — and actively practiced — crisis response plans."