SEAN M. HAFFEY / Union-Tribune Players celebrated after Crystl Bustos' three-run homer in the ninth inning today led the team to a 4-1 victory over Japan.

BEIJING – The mere mention of the word brings shudders, even tears, to the international softball community. Singapore. It is where the International Olympic Committee held its 107th session in July 2005, where it voted on the fate of the 28 sports in the Summer Games, where each sport needed a simple majority from the 100-odd voting members to stay in the 2012 program and beyond.

WASHINGTON – Wholesale inflation soared in July, leaving prices rising at the fastest pace in nearly three decades. While recent declines in oil and other commodity prices have raised hopes among some economists that inflation may have peaked, others worry about the widespread nature of the July price surge and caution it will take more time for that pressure to ease on Wall Street and Main Street.

Scripps Mercy Hospital could lose all government payments after a federal investigation into the death of one patient revealed extensive pharmacy delays, nursing shortages and management failures at its Chula Vista and Hillcrest campuses.

When Jose Nazario goes on trial this week in Riverside on charges of voluntary manslaughter, he won't exactly face a jury of his peers. Nazario, 28, is a former Camp Pendleton Marine sergeant accused of executing two prisoners during the battle to retake Fallujah, Iraq, from al-Qaeda militants in November 2004.

A University of San Diego decision rescinding a prestigious position to a Catholic feminist theologian has thrust it smack in the middle of a national debate over academic freedom versus adherence to church teachings. Faculty and Roman Catholics are divided over USD's decision to withdraw the appointment of Rosemary Radford Ruether to an endowed chair.