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

U.S. eases North Korea's isolation

Bush lifts some sanctions in exchange for pariah nation's step toward nuclear cooperation.
Ban torture for security's sake, coalition tells Bush

The bipartisan group this week sought an executive order, but acknowledged change may not occur until next presidency.
U.S. eases North Korea's isolation

Bush lifts some sanctions in exchange for pariah nation's step toward nuclear cooperation.
Alaskans call oil-spill payment 'tragic'

The Supreme Court cut Exxon's payment far more than many residents had expected.
Supreme Court asserts broad gun rights

The historic 5 to 4 ruling says the right to bear arms applies to individuals.
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about the US presence in Iraq and how to be an urban farmer.
Opinion: Georgia and Russia can avoid war – if the West helps

War could mean more pressure on already sky-high oil prices.
To lower oil price, boost the buck?

The weak dollar may push up energy prices by affecting supply, demand, and investor behavior.
How to eat seafood sustainably

Some general guidelines, tips, and resources for supporting good fishing practices.
A holistic approach to saving the sea

Scientists recognize that species cannot be managed in isolation; management must be based ecosystem-wide – including earth and sky.
The seaport that could slip away

Mark Kurlansky considers the future of Gloucester, Mass., and its fishermen.
Graphic novels, all grown up

Art form's influence rises, and broadens. A look at three of the genre's stars.
New documentary takes frank look at steroids use in sports

Rather than do the expected and condemn drug use, 'Bigger, Stronger, Faster' questions America's value system.
India at an impasse over civilian nuclear deal

Communists oppose the pact with the US, which would give India access to nuclear fuel and technology, threatening to bring down the government.
In search of Nepal's living goddesses

A prepubescent deity of Hindu-Buddhist tradition is also a modern child of HBO and Barbie.
Bangladeshi woman wins rights for garment workers

In the Dhaka slums, trade union leader Nazima Aktar campaigns for wage increases and rice subsidies.
Post-Soviet 'frozen conflicts' heat up as big-power interests collide

Tensions are growing as NATO and a resurgent Russia divide over future of breakaway statelets.
Saudi Arabia: Militant groups remain active despite record arrests

Detainees are accused of having links to Al Qaeda, but human rights groups fear arbitrary arrests have been made.
World
High court slashes Exxon Valdez oil spill damages

The ruling, a victory for Exxon, reduced the $2.5 billion punitive damages to about $500 million.
Supreme Court sharply limits use of death penalty

In a 5-to-4 ruling, the justices decide child rape isn't a capital offense.
G.I.s challenge injuries with new athletic efforts

Running, cycling, and swimming give them new strength and purpose.
Major turbulence ahead for airlines

Industry officials and analysts urge Washington to act to avert a collapse.
U.S. students improve in math and reading, report finds

Minorities and the poor make the most progress, narrowing the performance gap. Are federal reforms working?
Opinion: The key to a better U.S. image

USIA helped world views of the US before the cold war; let's revive it.