Politics

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Analysts point to the release of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak as a significant sign that the military is preparing for long-term authoritarian rule. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

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Rep. Chris Van Hollen, Maryland Democrat, said the IRS scandal shows an agency that doesn't have good rules for keeping political organizations from operating as tax-exempt social welfare organizations. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

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Sen. Ron Wyden, Oregon Democrat, said the National Security Agency "has knowingly acquired tens of thousands of wholly domestic communications even though this law was specifically written to prohibit the warrantless acquisition of wholly domestic communications." (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

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Rep. Trent Franks, Arizona Republican, that undercover investigations from pro-life groups like Live Action have collected video evidence showing "the actions and mentality of the Kermit Gosnell clinic are not limited to Pennsylvania." (ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOGRAPHS)

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Wal-Mart is building a 106,000-square-foot store on Georgia Avenue but is threatening to stop its plans to provide as many as six stores in the city after the D.C. Council passed a bill requiring a minimum wage of $12.50 per hour. The outcome will provide insight into whether mega-retailers can continue their drive into the nation's urban cores. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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White House deputy press secretary Josh Earnest speaks during his daily news briefing at the White House in Washington on Aug., 21, 2013. "The United States strongly condemns any and all use of chemical weapons," Earnest said in a statement. "Those responsible for the use of chemical weapons must be held accountable." (Associated Press)

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Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper (34) and Denard Span (2) celebrate the Nationals' 4-2 win over the Chicago Cubs after a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)