FINAL LOOK: U.N. investigates accused WikiLeaker Manning’s prison conditions

The Lookout

NOTE: We'll be off tomorrow for the holidays, but we'll be back next week covering breaking news and wrapping up some of our favorite stories of the year. First and Final Look link roundups will be back next year.

Here is our roster of stories that managed to avoid the full-on blog treatment today:

• The U.N. is investigating whether the alleged WikiLeaks leaker is being treated humanely. (Al-Jazeera)

• Defense Secretary Gates warns troops "Don't ask, don't tell" law is still in effect. (CNN)

• Sewage has spilled into the beach where the Obamas are vacationing. (Hawaii Reporter)

• The number of civilians killed in Afghanistan jumped this year. (Washington Post)

• Check out the Times' annual collage on the lives of those who died this year. (NYT)

• NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg's office released its correspondence with the Park51 group, which shows his staff encouraged the proposed mosque near Ground Zero. (NY Observer)