national news
Father of Chechen shot by FBI suspects son was tortured

FBI personnel walk through the complex surrounding the apartment, where Ibragim Todashev was shot and killed by FBI, in OrlandoGROZNY, Russia (Reuters) - The father of a Chechen immigrant killed during questioning over his links with one of the Boston Marathon bombings suspects said on Thursday he plans to travel to the United States where he suspects his son was tortured and killed. Ibragim Todashev, 27, was killed by a federal agent in his apartment complex when he became violent during questioning over his ties to Tamerlan Tsarnaev, the older of two brothers suspected of planting two bombs at the marathon on April 15. ...


Thu May 23 13:33:13 UTC 2013
Boy Scouts of America set to vote on gay youth ban

Boy Scouts statue titled Trail to Manhood outside the National Scouting Museum in IrvingBy Marice Richter GRAPEVINE, Texas (Reuters) - The Boy Scouts of America will vote on Thursday on a proposal to remove its ban on openly gay scouts that has been in place throughout the organization's 103-year history. The vote by more than 1,400 delegates comes amid intense lobbying by gay-rights activists and members of conservative organizations. The proposal would not remove the organization's ban on gay adult leaders. Representatives from both sides have rallied in Grapevine, Texas, near Dallas, where the scouting organization is hosting its national annual meeting. ...


Thu May 23 11:36:01 UTC 2013
Senate approves Obama nominee to key appeals court
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Senate on Thursday confirmed a White House nominee to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. In a break from partisan battles over judicial appointments, the Senate gave bipartisan support to Sri Srinivasan, 46, a political appointee in the Justice Department. The court is one level down from the Supreme Court and Srinivasan is viewed by some as a potential justice on the nation's highest court. (Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Doina Chiacu)
Thu May 23 13:36:39 UTC 2013
‘Extremely active’ 2013 hurricane season expected
A year after superstorm Sandy, residents along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts should prepare for "an extremely active" 2013 hurricane season, U.S. forecasters say. There will be between three and six major hurricanes this year with winds above 111 mph, according to the 2013 hurricane outlook unveiled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate [...]
Thu May 23 12:56:38 UTC 2013