World/nation briefs

Minnesotan sues Maddow, MSNBCMinnesota firebrand preacher Bradlee Dean, whose anti-gay rhetoric set the Minnesota Capitol aflame this spring, filed a defamation complaint against NBC, MSNBC, Rachel Maddow, the Minnesota Independent website and one of the site's writers. His suit, filed in Washington, asks for damages in excess of $50 million. MSNBC called the suit by the ally of Rep. Michele Bachmann "baseless." The Minnesota Independent's parent, the American Independent News Network, called it "completely frivolous."

Walter Reed holds closing ceremonyWalter Reed Army Medical Center, the principal hospital for soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, held a closing ceremony as authorities prepared to move hundreds of patients next month to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and to a new facility in Fort Belvoir, Va. "These doors may close, the address may change, but the name, the legacy and most important, the work and healing will endure," said Army Secretary John McHugh of the century-old institution.

Locke confirmed as envoy to ChinaWith no debate, the Senate unanimously confirmed former Washington state Gov. Gary Locke as ambassador to China. The post was vacated in April by Jon Huntsman, who has become a Republican presidential candidate.

DuPont apologizes for herbicide damageChemical giant DuPont acknowledged that its herbicide Imprelis was responsible for injuring some tree species -- primarily Norway spruce and white pines. In a letter to lawn care professionals, Michael McDermott, global business leader for DuPont Professional Products, said: "We sincerely regret any tree injuries that Imprelis may have caused and will work with you to promptly and fairly resolve problems associated with our product." Problems have been reported in Minnesota, Wisconsin and several other states.

Libyan rebels given official recognitionBritain recognized Libya's rebel opposition -- the Transitional National Council -- as the country's sole government authority and expelled all of the remaining Libyan diplomats loyal to Moammar Gadhafi, Foreign Secretary William Hague said in London.

Palestinian leader urges pro-state ralliesPalestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas urged Palestinians to take to the streets throughout the West Bank for massive, peaceful rallies in support of a bid to get U.N. recognition for an independent Palestinian state.

STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS