Top Read
America
'I Have Not Done Anything Wrong,' Says Key IRS Official
by Mark Memmott
Lois Lerner, who's at the center of the political firestorm over her agency's singling out of some conservative groups for extra scrutiny, then invoked her Fifth Amendment right not to answer questions from Congress.
America
Man Killed By FBI In Florida Was Linked To Boston Suspect
by Mark Memmott
A friend of the man killed Wednesday in Orlando says the FBI was questioning the man about his connection to Tamerlan Tsarnaev, one of the men suspected of planting the bombs in Boston.
America
Eric Garcetti Wins L.A. Mayor's Race
by Mark Memmott
In a non-partisan race in which two Democrats were the top contenders, the city councilman has edged out City Controller Wendy Greuel.
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Morning roundup
Top Stories: Oklahoma Recovery; Weiner For NYC Mayor?
Also: Eric Garcetti wins the Los Angeles mayoral race; suburbs in Stockholm experience a third night of rioting; Iran won't let one of its modern founders run for president; and you're probably mispronouncing "GIF".
America
Anthony Weiner Jumps Into Race To Be NYC Mayor
by Mark Memmott
The former congressman's career appeared to be over when he resigned in 2011 because of an extramarital sexting scandal and his lies about it. Now, he tells voters, "I've made some big mistakes. ... I hope I get a second chance to work for you." The Democratic primary is set for Sept. 10.
Books
Book News: Newly Found Pearl Buck Novel To Be Published This Fall
by Annalisa Quinn
Also: shameless book blurbs; new plays from Ayad Ahktar; and a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone draws a record price at auction.
America
In Oklahoma, Rescue Efforts Give Way To Recovery
by Mark Memmott
Officials think they've found all the survivors, and victims, of the massive tornado that devastated the community of Moore. The official death toll stands at 24. More than 230 people are said to have been injured.
America
IRS Official In Charge Of Nonprofits Declines To Testify
by Scott Neuman
Lois Lerner, who heads the IRS division dealing with nonprofits seeking tax-exempt status, will not testify on Wednesday despite a congressional subpoena, her attorney says. She is accused of closely scrutinizing conservative groups that sought tax-exempt status.
America
Idaho Terrorism Suspect Waives Detention Hearing
The waiver means the details of Fazliddin Kurbanov's alleged crimes remain mostly a mystery.
America
Why Oklahomans Don't Like Basements
by Scott Neuman
A high water table and red clay that soaks up the moisture make dry basements an expensive and iffy proposition right in the heart of Tornado Alley.
International
Two Key Candidates Barred From Seeking Iran's Presidency
by Krishnadev Calamur
The Guardian Council, which vets all candidates, approved eight names, but left out an influential former president and a top aide to the current president. Their exclusion gives establishment-friendly candidates a clear path to the presidency in the June 14 election.
America
Storm Chasers Seek Thrills, But Also Chance To Warn Others
by Steve Mullis
When disaster strikes, our natural instinct is to take cover and seek shelter. But in severe weather, especially the type that breeds tornadoes like we saw in Oklahoma and parts of the Midwest this week, there are those who ride toward the storm.
America
WATCH: Moore Tornado As Seen From Space
by Eyder Peralta
Once NOAA realized conditions were ripe for severe weather they put their satellites on overdrive. They beamed back amazing images.
Economy
Microsoft Reveals New Xbox One Game System
Microsoft unveiled its new Xbox One Tuesday, displaying a device that takes new steps in game consoles' journey into becoming all-purpose entertainment and communication devices. The new console replaces the Xbox 360, which has been on the market for more than seven years.
International
Gandhi Artifacts Could Fetch Steep Prices At Auction
by Scott Neuman
A pair of sandals, a shawl and a drinking cup that were used by the Indian independence leader are among the objects going under the hammer in the U.K.
International
Overturned: Former Guatemalan Dictator's Genocide Conviction
A Guatemalan court says because of a legal dispute, part of the genocide trial must start over for former dictator Efrain Rios Montt. His 80-year prison term was thrown out, and human rights activists are furious.
America
Oklahoma's GOP Senators Find Themselves In Tornado Aid Bind
by Liz Halloran
Sens. Tom Coburn and James Inhofe have become the faces of pushback on federal emergency spending. Now the deadly and devastating tornado in their home state has put them in an awkward position.
America
Dolphins Find 19th Century Navy Torpedo In Pacific Ocean
A rare piece of America's military history was located this spring, when dolphins from the Navy's Marine Mammal Program located an unusual artifact: a torpedo from the 19th century. Discovered during a training exercise in the ocean near San Diego, the torpedo will eventually make its way to a museum.
America
Court Backs Withholding 'Potent' Images Of Bin Laden's Body
by Scott Neuman
The government has argued that the classified images could spark violence against Americans abroad.
America
Airbnb Stays Are Illegal In New York, Court Rules
People who use Airbnb, the web company that pairs travelers with residents who rent out their homes on a short-term basis, are breaking New York City's laws, according to an administrative law judge. The vacation rental business was found to run afoul of the city's occupancy code.
