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Monitor Breakfast Sen. Carl Levin imagines NSA phone-tracking in hands of J. Edgar Hoover

The Michigan Democrat frames in vivid terms the potential for abuse of the NSA phone-surveillance program, invoking the memory of J. Edgar Hoover and his secret FBI files on public officials. But the program has pluses, too, says Sen. Carl Levin.
Juror B37: 'Race did not play a role' in Zimmerman trial. Protesters disagree. (+video)

Juror B37 says race was not considered in the decision to acquit George Zimmerman. In a sign of a big disconnect, though, many Americans see race as an unavoidable factor in the outcome for Trayvon Martin.
How much has Obama influenced public debate on Trayvon Martin? (+video)

President Obama, who for the most part has maintained painstaking caution on topics of race, waded early into the national dialogue on the killing of Trayvon Martin. His statement Sunday was more restrained.
Pentagon girds for Senate fight over sexual assault bill

A bill to strip commanders of their authority in sexual assault cases has bipartisan support in the Senate. But Pentagon officials say it would make a bad situation worse.
Filibuster fight: Senators still wrestling over nominees (+video)

A series of roll call votes are planned for Tuesday morning to confirm seven presidential appointees whom Republicans have so far blocked from receiving yes-or-no votes.
Motorcycle crashes at 285 mph? Final speed remains unknown. (+video)

Motorcycle crashes at 285 mph? A motorcycle racer trying to top 300 mph died Sunday after losing control of his motorcyle at the long-closed Loring Air Force Base in Maine.
Wilt Chamberlain's record blown by Washington Kastles

Wilt Chamberlain's Lakers won 33 games straight, a record now surpassed by the Washington Kastles. But surely Wilt Chamberlain would join the current Lakers in praising the new record-holders.
Pennsylvania voter ID law back in court: Can it be enforced?

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court had upheld the constitutionality of the voter ID law, but challengers are asking whether enforcing it will disenfranchise a large number of voters in the state.
Bradley Manning case: lawyers battle over most serious charge

Defense lawyers say the prosecution has not proven that Pfc. Bradley Manning intended to aid the enemy in releasing classified information to WikiLeaks.
Federal probe of George Zimmerman not over, says Justice's Eric Holder

In his first statement since George Zimmerman was acquitted, Attorney General Eric Holder said Monday the Justice Department probe into Trayvon Martin's death will continue, 'consistent with the facts and the law.'
Stifling heat wave settles over northeast quarter of US. Not cool.

From the mid-Atlantic to the Northeast and back through Michigan, extreme heat is firing up this week over a broad area, prompting cities to prepare cooling centers.
American, National League starters named for MLB All-Star Game

Matt Harvey of the host New York Mets will be the starting pitcher for the NL, while Detroit's Max Scherzer will start for the AL Tuesday night.
Egypt upheaval: What does US hope to accomplish in dispatching a diplomat? (+video)

Deputy Secretary of State William Burns is holding talks with Egypt’s military-backed interim government and is also meeting with Egyptian business leaders during a two-day visit.
Why Tyson Gay scandal is not Marion Jones all over again

Top US sprinter Tyson Gay acknowledged that he has tested positive for a banned substance, rocking the track-and-field world. But the news also points to how much has changed in antidoping.
KTVU apologizes for airing racist pilot names, but Asiana says it will sue

KTVU apologizes, but still, the broadcast 'seriously damaged' Asiana Airline’s reputation, a company spokesman said. An anchor for the California TV station read incorrect and racially offensive names of the pilots.
20 offbeat facts about the 2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game

Here are some offbeat facts about the 2013 MLB All-Star Game in New York City.
'Nuclear option' 101: Why the big fight over the Senate filibuster? (+video)

The 'nuclear option' involves a rules change involving the Senate filibuster that may look to many Americans like another case of partisan bickering. But it would in fact change how Congress works. Here's what all the fuss is about.
Will George Zimmerman now face federal charges? (+video)

The Justice Department is reviewing the evidence to see if there is a basis for civil rights charges against George Zimmerman. Such a case would have to prove that Zimmerman shot and killed Trayvon Martin primarily due to race.
On immigration reform, more Americans hew to the Democrats' stance

Forty-eight percent of Americans say their views on immigration reform align best with the Democratic Party, compared with 36 percent whose views are closer to the Republican Party, a new poll shows. The gap is much wider for blacks and Hispanics.
Killeen police: Shooting near Killeen Mall leaves one officer dead

Killeen police: Killeen, Tex. tactical officers went to the complex about midnight Saturday after a man was reported threatening people in the pool with a gun.