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Focus The 'sequester': how three Americans see it working so far

So far at least, wide swaths of America haven't been reeling from the 'sequester.' But more budget cuts are taking effect this summer. Here are three examples of how Americans are starting to feel the impact.

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MLB trade rumors: Baseball's winners and losers could be dealing soon

MLB trade rumors have several players possibly moving from their present clubs out of town. One thing about MLB trade rumors: They're just rumors until a deal is made.
Editor's Blog The making of Americans

The "melting pot" has been glorified, vilified, and dismissed as obsolete. But both census data and the stories of millions of individual immigrants indicate that the not-always-easy process of assimilation is alive and well.
Year after drought, wettest Midwest spring in 40 years delays crop planting

Last year, Midwest farmers struggled with drought; this year, it's heavy rain and sodden farmlands, which have pushed back the planting season. By contrast, farmers in the South worry about too little rain.
Focus The 'sequester': how three Americans see it working so far

So far at least, wide swaths of America haven't been reeling from the 'sequester.' But more budget cuts are taking effect this summer. Here are three examples of how Americans are starting to feel the impact.
The 10 most expensive US natural disasters

Here are the top 10 priciest US natural disasters in billions of 2013 dollars adjusted for inflation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Modern Parenthood Minnesota power outage: A family learns four lessons to get by in a storm

Storms caused power outages in Minnesota this weekend that affected more than a half million people, including James Norton, his wife, and their 2-month-old.
Why wing walkers and stunt pilots inspire us

Wing walker Jane Wicker and pilot Charlie Schwenker were killed Saturday at an air show in Ohio. The kind of feats they performed have thrilled and inspired the earth-bound for generations.
Derecho windstorms could sweep the midwest: Who is in its path?

Derecho windstorms can blow 75 mph winds for hours, across vast distances. This derecho could affect Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and maybe Washington, D.C.
Top 10 states for clean tech

Clean Edge, a clean-tech research and advisory firm based in San Francisco and Portland, has ranked states for their leadership in clean tech. Here are its Top 10 picks:
Decoder Wire Michele Bachmann hints at another run. Is she back already? (+video)

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann, who announced last week she will not run for reelection to the House, said Thursday she is looking for a 'different perch' from which to advance her causes. As for 2016? Nothing is 'off the table,' she said.
Tea party firebrand Michele Bachmann to quit House next year (+video)

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R) of Minnesota said Wednesday she will not seek reelection to a fifth House term. The tea party standard-bearer and former GOP presidential hopeful did not disclose her future plans.
USA Update Collapse of I-5 bridge in Washington State: no fatalities, many questions (+video)

The collapse of a 'functionally obsolete' bridge on I-5 in Washington State plunged three, later rescued, into icy water. It's also reviving a debate on how to fund billions in infrastructure repair.
Zach Sobiech dies after his farewell song became a YouTube sensation (+video)

Zach Sobiech, a Minnesota teenager, dies after having written the song 'Clouds,' which was his farewell. Zach Sobiech recently turned 18.
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.
Focus Education reform's next big thing: Common Core standards ramp up

Common Core standards are aimed at building students' critical thinking skills, and 46 states have adopted them. But critics say the methods are unproven and the education reform is moving too fast.
When Minnesota approves gay marriage, does Supreme Court listen? Maybe. (+video)

Minnesota on Tuesday became the third state in two weeks to legalize gay marriage. According to one exchange at the Supreme Court earlier this year, that's exactly why the justices shouldn't get involved.
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.
Culture Cafe 'How I Met Your Mother' recap: The season finale includes a big surprise for fans

'How I Met Your Mother' aired its season finale May 13 and provided the answer to the longest mystery on the show. 'How I Met Your Mother' is a CBS comedy.
Minnesota governor expected to sign same-sex marriage bill (+video)

The Minnesota state Senate passed a bill to legalize same-sex marriage Monday. If the governor signs it, Minnesota will become the 12th state to sanction gay marriage.
Cane-fu and '50s music: Special gyms open up for US baby boomers

America's aging baby boomers are getting into shape and new fitness centers — with age-specific machines, classes, and classic tunes — are popping up across the country.
Student loans: Could GOP, White House strike a compromise on interest rates?

The interest rates set for student loans expire July 1 – one year after Congress took action. Now, there’s a growing desire to come up with a longer-term plan.
Immigration reform too late to fix one big problem, studies say

Immigration reform aims to fix a migrant worker system that all sides say is broken. But demographic and economic trends in Mexico mean the era of cheap migrant labor flooding American fields is nearing an end, two studies say.
Gay marriage clears Minnesota House, heads to Senate

If the Minnesota Senate votes to legalize gay marriage next Monday, as expected, it will be the 12th state in the US to offer full marriage equality, following on the heels of Rhode Island and Delaware.
Gay marriage hat trick: Will Minnesota make three?

As the US awaits the Supreme Court's ruling on marriage laws for same-sex couples, the states are approaching a gay marriage hat trick: Rhode Island last week, Delaware today, and possibly Minnesota by Saturday.
NBA's Jason Collins comes out: What does that mean for gay rights? (+video)

Jason Collins became the first active player in America's four major professional team sports to come out as gay. Given sports' elevated place in society, Collins might have just made a significant step for gay rights.