EU backs Colombian peace
MIAMI -- A controversial U.S.-backed counterdrug offensive in Colombia received a much-needed boost this week after the European Union pledged almost $300-million in funding for Colombia.

Bush names panel to enact his plan for Social Security
WASHINGTON -- When President Bush named the members of a new Social Security reform commission Wednesday, he admitted he expects the panel to endorse his own controversial proposal for partial privatization of the program.

Spy plane is inspected; way to return it unclear
WASHINGTON -- U.S. civilian technicians spent about four hours aboard the Navy surveillance plane on China's Hainan island Wednesday to begin assessing the extent of damage, Pentagon officials said.

Washington in brief
Bush, Congress strike deal on budget increase

Nation in brief
Ex-chiefs of auctions indicted