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

Glimpse into glittering eyes

A group will always cherish a special wildlife encounter on its last day in Denali National Park.
Plants to cost more?

Prices for plants such as poinsettias may rise because it costs more to heat commercial greenhouses.
Now more than ever, Olympic teams go multinational

Increasingly, athletes are switching national alliances – sometimes for money, but also for better training opportunities or a chance to compete in a sport that’s too saturated with talent back home.
An Olympic lift to U.S.-China relations

May the Games help break down walls of fear.
16 Chinese police killed in suspected Uighur attack

The attack highlights security threats posed by China's extremist groups in the run-up to the Olympics.
USA
Bush tours a more secure Asia

His trip, which ends at the Olympics, is intended to showcase achievements in the region.
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about Middle East minorities, organic farming, causes of inflation, and immigration-status verification.
Opinion: The U.N. can end these wars

It alone has enough clout to bring about peace in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Monitor's View: Can America still lead?

The collapse of the Doha trade talks reveals a clash of giants over how to run the world.
Slow economy forecast for fall election

Citing dreary job numbers, some economists see the first 'recession election' since 1980.
Community colleges: a great return on investment

By spending freshman and sophomore years there, parents and student can save thousands of dollars.
Warehouse shoppers: Do you save enough to justify the trip?

Bulk-buy spending at food 'clubs' doesn't always lessen your outlay.
Gatekeeper for clean sports

Don Catlin, one of the world’s top antidoping researchers, is tired of chasing down drugs. Now, he wants to help clean athletes prove their innocence.
Report: China is world's leading renewable-energy producer

A report from the Climate Group found that China leads the world in installed renewable energy and is overtaking more developed countries in developing sustainable technologies.
"Lost in Uttar Pradesh"

A collection of short stories about those who "take a peek at the world."
In Peru, women welders forge ahead

Two sisters in Lima win acclaim for breaking stereotypes – and teaching women business skills.
Intentional or not, US swimmer Jessica Hardy’s positive drug test denies her a trip to Beijing
Anthrax scientist – and top suspect – dead in apparent suicide

Leading bio-defense researcher Bruce Ivins died Tuesday from an overdose of prescription drugs after learning he would be charged for the 2001 anthrax attacks.
Scientists simulate early cosmos, find gigantic stars

New study is part of a broader effort to understand the early years of the universe, after the big bang.
Blackwater
Review: 'Swing Vote'

Political comedy uses wild premise to serve up a civics lessons without much substance.
In Britain, Labour pushes ambitious overhaul of welfare system

Gordon Brown's beleaguered party unveiled proposals last week to send recipients back to work, including nearly 2 million whose disability claims are not believed to be genuine.
New sports center helps Iraqi youths opt out of insurgency

With US Army support, the Adhamiya Sports Center in Baghdad helps kids become athletes.
Israeli settlers in West Bank defy promise

A permanent settlement in Maskiyot could hinder a faltering peace process as Palestinian and Israeli leaders meet with US secretary of State.