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Chapter & Verse 'Behind the Beautiful Forevers' will become a London stage play

'Behind the Beautiful Forevers' by Katherine Boo won the 2012 nonfiction National Book Award and received almost universal critical praise.
Colleges offer discounts, but you have to look

Colleges offer discounts as enrollments fall short, according to Forbes report. Among the colleges still seeking students for the fall term: Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, the University of Maryland, College Park, The New School in New York City, and Arizona State University in Tempe.
Terrorism & Security Afghanistan blast targets NATO convoy, kills at least 6 (+video)

Afghan insurgent group Hizb-e-Islami claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it plans further attacks against foreign troops.
USA Update White House releases Benghazi e-mails. Will that quiet critics? (+video)

The White House has released 100 pages of e-mails related to its handling of the terrorist attack on a US diplomatic facility in Benghazi, Libya. They present a fuller picture of a chaotic situation, but are unlikely to quiet critics questioning the administration's 'talking points' at the time.
The Monitor's View IRS scandal as a lesson in civic values

The IRS targeting of conservative political groups may not have been political itself. But it shows a serious need for more civics education in America about basic freedoms like the First Amendment.
Decoder Wire IRS tea party scandal: How bad for Obama? (+video)

President Obama himself has slammed the reported IRS actions regarding tea party and other conservative groups. But inevitably, Republicans will attempt to link the White House to this activity.
A Man Without Breath

German detective Bernie Gunther is back, to investigate an unspeakable atrocity.
Terrorism & Security North Korea explains why it sentenced American Kenneth Bae to hard labor

Mr. Bae was detained and sentenced to 15 years in prison. North Korea today spelled out its charges, which include plotting to overthrow the government.
Global News Blog Dennis Rodman to Kim Jong-un: 'Do me a solid' and free Kenneth Bae (+video)

US basketball star Dennis Rodman recently hung out with North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un - now he's tweeted a request that the American sentenced to 15 years' hard labor be released.
Decoder Wire Benghazi whistleblower: Has diplomat Gregory Hicks suffered for speaking out? (+video)

Gregory Hicks told a House panel that superiors opposed his meeting with House investigators and his questioning of claims that the Benghazi attacks were 'spontaneous.' He was reassigned to a desk job.
Terrorism & Security US and Russia team up to make fresh diplomatic push on Syria

US Secretary of State Kerry and Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov say they hope to convene an international conference on Syria later in May. The US has also stepped up humanitarian aid.
No backtracking on World War II apologies, Japan PM says

Shinzo Abe ruled out speculation that his government might water down Japan's official apologies for aggression and the use of sex slaves during World War II. What's behind the shift in tone?
Decoder Wire Bill: Hillary 2016 speculation is a lame topic right now. Oh, really? (+video)

Bill on Hillary 2016: Conjecture over whether Mrs. Clinton will run for president next time is 'worst expenditure of our time.' That's what he told attendees at a fiscal summit, anyway. Who's he kidding?
What My Mother Gave Me

Thirty women writers tell of the special gifts – everything from a scarf to a horse to a tourist cruise – that deepened appreciation for their mothers.
Howard Kurtz fired? Why the columnist is leaving The Daily Beast.

Was Howard Kurtz fired? The Daily Beast retracted his factually incorrect blog post about Jason Collins today, and 'both sides agreed it was best to part company,' he tweeted.
Scientists unravel mystery of cannibal shark embryos

Sand tiger sharks have been known for devouring each other in the womb. Scientists now believe that they can explain why.
Decoder Wire Ted Cruz presidential race 2016: Whose worst nightmare?

Some conservative leaders reportedly are urging Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas to run for president in 2016. That could be a nightmare for either Democrats, other Republicans, or even Cruz himself.
What's in the Internet videos posted by Tamerlan Tsarnaev?

The videos do not show ties to any specific group, but do hint at a deeper yearning in the alleged Boston Marathon bomber for a heroic jihadi persona.
With Planned Parenthood speech, Obama jumps into abortion debate

Dozens of states have moved to restrict access to abortion in recent months. Speaking to Planned Parenthood Friday, President Obama vowed to fight this trend.
Decoder Wire George W. Bush on the rebound? Nothing like a presidential library to help. (+video)

George W. Bush, his approval rating already on the rebound, opens his new presidential library to good reviews, and with all four other living presidents in attendance.
To Obama's dismay, America not outraged by gun control fail, poll suggests

A new poll finds that less than half of America is upset by the Senate's failure to pass expanded background checks. That was supposed to be the gun control issue with the broadest support.
USA Update Home prices up 12 percent as investors bet on real estate

The US housing market, long the sluggard in the recovery, builds on its rebound, with prices of existing homes up 12 percent last month from a year ago. In a twist, many buyers aren't individuals but rather corporate investors.
United in adversity: West, Texas, prays for Boston, which sends pizzas to West

As refugees in West, Texas waited to return to homes devastated by a massive explosion at a fertilizer plant, their talk, concern, and prayers turned to the terrorist attack in Boston. 'I've never been to Boston,' one Texan commented, 'but now I really want to go. It seems like a cool city.'
Decoder Wire Boston bombing. Ricin in D.C. Texas inferno. Any links?

Boston bombing case has no suspect or suspects, which has opened the door to speculation. But the fire in Texas appears to be happenstance, and an arrest has been made in connection with the poison-laced letters.
Terrorism & Security North Korea prepared to restart talks, raising hope for eased tensions

Some say that while Pyongyang's preconditions are unrealistic, its statement provides a noteworthy change in recent tone.