Boring but Important

Death-penalty moratoriumThe U.S. Supreme Court this week halted an execution in Mississippi, signaling an unofficial moratorium on the death penalty until the court rules on a Kentucky case involving lethal injection. The high court stayed the execution of Earl Berry, 48, just minutes before he was scheduled to die by lethal injection for a 1987 murder. The justices did not explain their ruling, but legal observers say it appears the court wants to halt all executions until it decides whether lethal injections amount to cruel and unusual punishment.

Veterans chief nominatedPresident Bush nominated former Army Surgeon General James Peake as Veterans Affairs Secretary, a move that could reopen the controversy over the care of wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Peake, 63, served as Army Surgeon General from 2000 to 2004, with ultimate responsibility for the quality of care at Walter Reed. Senate Democrats say they plan to question Peake during his confirmation hearings about his oversight of the hospital.