Topic: United States

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Bestselling books the week of 5/19/13, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.
Test your Gangnam style?

Pop music sensation Psy has taught his signature horsey dance to everyone from the UN’s Ban Ki-moon to Britney Spears. But how much do you know about the artist?
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.
Bestselling books the week of 5/12/13, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.

All Content

Sea of Glory
Nigerian amnesty deal with militants unravels

Three weeks into a cease-fire pact, some rebels are turning themselves in. But the main group – MEND – say they'll attack oil facilities on Sept. 15.
S. Korea's failed satellite launch sets back space effort

After its launch on a Russian-made rocket, the satellite missed its required trajectory. S. Korea has taken an aggressive stand in staying technologically in step with its neighbors.
The 'Elders' arrive in Israel to boost Mideast peace

The respected delegation, headed by former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, irked Israel by initially planning to meet Hamas in Gaza. That trip has been delayed.
Report: North Korea invites US for nuclear talks

US special envoy Stephen Bosworth is said to have accepted the offer, one of several recent overtures from Pyongyang.
Sweden says it can't address 'organ theft' article

The Swedish government protests that it's legally prevented from commenting on press reports as Israel complains about an unsourced article alleging organ theft from Palestinians.
Why is Italy honoring Libya's Qaddafi on coup anniversary?

As trade between Italy and Libya expands, Italy to honor Qaddafi with Air Force's aerobatics team. But some Italians compare this 'undeserved' honor to Scotland's release of Lockerbie bomber.
In a flu pandemic, what can the government do to you?

A report by the Centers for Disease Control, released Tuesday, raises concern about Washington’s potential response to the H1N1 virus.
Trillion-dollar deficits: How serious are they?

The White House predicts $9 trillion in red ink from 2010 to 2019. But the Congressional Budget Office estimates $7 trillion. What's an ordinary taxpayer to make of the confusing numbers?
Five questions for Ben Bernanke

The Senate is likely to confirm him, but not without asking things like 'How soon will you raise interest rates?'
Cheney, Fleischer slam Obama on 'disgusting' torture probe
Healthcare and immigration converge explosively
Qaddafi is coming to America. Protesters are ready.

The Libyan leader's plan to attend the UN Assembly next month could be overshadowed by anger over his role in welcoming home the Lockerbie bomber last week.
Young Gitmo detainee released, meets Hamid Karzai

The Afghan, who said tortured into falsely confessing that he attacked US troops, has spent nearly one third of his life in the detention center.
Review of alleged detainee abuse to have narrow scope

'Preliminary review' looks at whether interrogations followed guidance of the Bush 'torture memos.'
Schools can do better with less money

Budget cuts and demands for improved student achievement test public-school administrators more than ever – but, undaunted, some scrappy innovators are passing that test with an 'A.'
Discovery to-do list: build COLBERT, lug huge coolant tank

The comparatively low-key mission, scheduled to launch at 1:36 a.m. Tuesday, marks the winding down of the space shuttle program.
Opinion: Why Israel will thwart Obama on settlements

For the Jewish state, the settlements are eminently sensible and their growth is almost certain to continue, either openly or stealthily.
Opinion: What are big companies not telling you now?

Risks to human rights, health, and the environment – from Sudan to suntan lotion – should be part of required disclosure.
Home prices are up. No, down. No, flat. Where's the truth?

Latest Case-Shiller index shows monthly gains, though prices are down 15.4 percent from last June. But such barometers are not a one-stop guide to the housing market.
Bernanke to be reappointed Fed chief

He's widely credited with averting a second US depression.
ECONOMIC SCENE: US is slipping toward plutocracy

A look at the influence of money on US politics.
Bernanke's next term: As tough as the last?
Home-price rise: A Phoenix bounce – or Denver let-down?
Can bikes and cars share the road?