Saumya Vaishampayan

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for a helicopter crash on Saturday, which killed 30 American troops in the deadliest day ever for U.S. forces in Afghanistan. The attack took place in the Tangi Valley of Wardak Province, to the west of Kabul, and illustrates how the insurgency is growing from its traditional strongholds and edging toward the capital city.

Twenty-two of the 30 Americans killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on Saturday were elite Navy SEALs, some of whom were members of the same squad that killed Osama bin Laden. The attack represents an irreplaceable loss of talent at a time when American and NATO troops are beginning to pull out of the region. The American forces were providing reinforcement for troops on the ground locked in a firefight.

The latest issue of the long-running Spider-Man comic book series comes out today, and there's a brand-new protagonist. Miles Morales, a half-Latino, half-African-American teenager is taking over the blue and red tights from Peter Parker, who was killed off recently. Marvel creators seized the opportunity to diversify the beloved American superhero series. Will comic enthusiasts come to love the new, multiethnic Spider-Man?

While the country anxiously waits to see if lawmakers can raise the debt limit before the August 2 deadline, a few economists and financiers are emphasizing the importance of a long-term financial solution to the deficit, even if that results in a temporary default. They question the lasting effects of a default in terms of investor confidence, citing the reputation and dominance of U.S. currency in financial transactions.

Contract negotiations between Chrysler and the United Auto Workers Union kicked off on Monday, as the industry fights to stay competitive with foreign automakers. Fellow "Big Three" companies General Motors and Ford will also begin negotiations with the UAW later this week. Will the parties involved be able to reconcile their demands and reach a suitable agreement before contracts expire in mid-September? Paul Eisenstein, publisher of The Detroit Bureau, has been following the negotiations.

Japan and the United States butted heads yesterday in a World Cup final match that stretched into overtime. The U.S. women's team, though ranked number one going into the tournament, was unable to outscore Japan during the final penalty kick shootout. This is Japan's first World Cup victory.