A group comprised of former Provisional IRA members announced themselves this week, taking responsibility for the murder of Ronan Kerr.
He was seen out and about at the Irish racing auction house Goffs this week, taking in the prestigious Orby Sale.
The cost of a first class stamp will rise to 64p this week, taking the price increase to 100% over the past decade.
Paralympic sales were also described as encouraging, with a further 125,000 tickets sold this week, taking the overall total to 1.2m.
The owner of the JP Tods brand sported by numerous celebrities purchased another 96,000 shares this week, taking his holding to just under 7.7%.
A typically eclectic mix of music recommendations from our readers this week, taking in soul, krautrock, Scottish alt-rock and lo-fi indie/electronica.
Summer school classes for elementary and middle schools ended last week, with students spending this week taking tests to determine if they will move to the next grade.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee released an ad this week taking note of the Washington living arrangements of the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, saying, "Harry lives at the Ritz-Carlton while thousands are losing their homes".
No word from the Senate yet — those members are back in their home states this week taking a breather from their legislative labors — but chances are the bill will clear that chamber, too.
Two of the top men's players in the world — Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer — are also absent this week, taking a little of the buzz away from what has often been considered the best nonmajor tournament.
Or Hollywood could listen to the likes of Elmore Leonard, who died this week, taking with him more knowledge of popular storytelling than the exists in all the suites of all the suits.
