Topic: California

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Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes

Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents – or their zealous underlings – have directed the IRS to use its formidable police powers to harass or punish enemies, political rivals, and administration critics. Here are six infamous episodes.
Briefing
IRS 101: Seven questions about the tea party scandal

The Internal Revenue Service is under the microscope now, as revelations have emerged that the agency wrongly targeted conservative groups seeking nonprofit status. Here’s an accounting of what has happened, along with the ramifications.
20 most obscure team nicknames in pro sports

Most pro team nicknames make sense at some level. But there are a fair number of head-scratching nicknames. Here are 20 with explanations on their selection:
Fortune 500: Top 10 companies in 2013

Fortune has released its annual list of the largest corporations in the United States, and there were a few notable changes in this year’s group. Here are the Top 10.
GMO, Organic, and seven other food labels you should know

A quick, easy guide to nine commonly seen (and misunderstood) food labels, from 'GMO' to 'grass-fed.'

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Shanghai Girls

A pair of Chinese sisters battle their way through the Japanese occupation of Shanghai and on to America.
Churches without the church

Foreclosures have forced some churches to meet in homes or cafes. Now, others are joining in – willingly.
Today's coverage: World reaction to Obama speech, and more
Key points of the climate-energy bill before Congress

Lawmakers craft a bill that will move the US to a far cleaner energy policy.
Gov't slams door on 'rogue' Internet provider, alleging criminal activity
Opinion: Redeem the prison generation

Treating prisoners like toxic social waste isn't working. Here's a better way.
Laid off? Don't pitch your business card.
Ahead of Obama's Cairo speech, Arab leaders see window of opportunity for peace

King Abdullah II of Jordan, embraced by the West and his Arab allies, is emerging as a facilitator for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Who wants to run California?

The state's budget is in shambles, but candidates are already lining up for the 2010 gubernatorial race. They include San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and former eBay chief Meg Whitman.
J.D. Salinger sues to block a "Catcher" sequel
The most deadly US foe in Afghanistan

The Haqqani network, born of the Russian war and nurtured by the CIA, is behind many spectacular assaults in Afghanistan.
Difference Maker People making a difference: Ellington Bell

Drill-team discipline saved his life. Now this one-time school-bus driver drums a sense of purpose into Kansas City youths.
The most anticipated books of 2009
Joyful bohemian

American-born folk singer Grace has tapped a noncynical streak in her French audience.
British expenses scandal spurs celebrities to run for office

A 1980s pop star, a TV presenter, a former Beirut hostage, and a right-wing newspaper columnist are among the high-profile personalities emerging as potential challengers for seats held by discredited MPs.
California now faces budget cuts "beyond draconian"

One of the first targets is 200 state parks, already causing a public outcry as summer approaches.
North Korea's next move: long-range missile tests?

Satellite photos show activity at a testing site, say US officials. A successful launch would signal progress toward a nuclear weapons arsenal.
Good ways to deliver bad news

Open talk, empathetic listening make staff cuts more than a cold exercise in cost saving.
Job searching? This week's unusual offerings.
The school lunchroom grows green

From kindergarten to college, school cafeterias become ecofriendly by banishing trays, growing veggies, and composting waste.
A bizarre new solar system, and a new tool for finding it
Why Democrats relent on gun issues

They’ve allowed concealed-carry weapons in national parks, considered easing gun restrictions in the District of Columbia, and turned back a campaign pledge on gun-record transparency.
Gay marriage fight isn't over in California, activists vow

Legal challenges ensue in federal court, and plans are afoot for a 2010 ballot measure to undo Proposition 8.
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court.
Opinion: What will America stand for in 2050?

The US should think long and hard about the high number of Latino immigrants.