National & World News

National & World Senator: IRS set to pay $70 million in employee bonuses Senator: IRS set to pay $70 million in employee bonuses
The Internal Revenue Service is about to pay $70 million in employee bonuses despite an Obama administration directive to cancel discretionary bonuses because of automatic spending cuts enacted this year, according to a GOP senator.
National & World Obama renews calls for nuclear reductions Obama renews calls for nuclear reductions
Issuing an appeal for a new citizen activism in the free world, President Barack Obama renewed his call Wednesday to reduce U.S. and Russian nuclear stockpiles and to confront climate change, a danger he called "the global threat of our time."
National & World Obama: 'Lives have been saved' by NSA programs Obama: 'Lives have been saved' by NSA programs
Trying to tamp down concerns about government over-reach, President Barack Obama on Wednesday defended U.S. Internet and phone surveillance programs as narrowly targeted efforts that have saved lives and thwarted at least 50 terror threats.
National & World Chimp attack victim not allowed to sue state for $150M Chimp attack victim not allowed to sue state for $150M
A woman disfigured by a friend's pet chimpanzee in 2009 plans to appeal a decision denying her permission to sue the state for $150 million on her claim that officials knew the chimp was dangerous but didn't do anything about it, her attorney told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
National & World Biden vows to 'beat the gun lobby' and pass laws Biden vows to 'beat the gun lobby' and pass laws
A scrappy Vice President Joe Biden vowed Tuesday to "beat the gun lobby" by ultimately passing stronger firearm laws and said some lawmakers who voted against background checks have privately told him they want another chance.
National & World House passes far-reaching anti-abortion bill
The Republican-led House on Tuesday passed a far-reaching anti-abortion bill that conservatives saw as a milestone in their 40-year campaign against legalized abortion and Democrats condemned as yet another example of the GOP war on women.
National & World Report: Too many teachers, too little quality
The nation's teacher-training programs do not adequately prepare would-be educators for the classroom, even as they produce almost triple the number of graduates needed, according to a survey of more than 1,000 programs released Tuesday.
National & World U.S., Taliban to start talks on ending Afghan war U.S., Taliban to start talks on ending Afghan war
In a major breakthrough, the Taliban and the U.S. announced Tuesday that they will hold formal talks on finding a political solution to ending nearly 12 years of war in Afghanistan but President Barack Obama warned the process won't be quick or easy.
National & World NSA director says surveillance foiled plot against Wall Street NSA director says surveillance foiled plot against Wall Street (Photo Gallery)
The director of the National Security Agency said Tuesday the government's sweeping surveillance programs have foiled some 50 terrorist plots worldwide, including one directed at the New York Stock Exchange, in a forceful defense of spy operations that was echoed by the leaders of the House Intelligence Committee.