Christian Science Monitor | USA

Obama’s struggle: How free should the press be?

President Obama says he's trying to strike a balance between national security and essential freedoms. Now, after his own Justice Department accessed reporters' phone records, he wants to protect against 'overreach.' Some say he's trying to have it both ways.

Would a US 'drone court' to authorize drone strikes be a good idea?

President Obama this week tentatively opened the door to the establishment of a drone court, to provide greater accountability for drone strikes on Al Qaeda affiliates abroad. The idea is drawing mixed reviews.

Can Senate candidate Gabriel Gomez help GOP repair its image among Latinos?

Massachusetts' Gabriel Gomez says he wants to make the Senate’s 'Gang of Eight,' which has been working on immigration reform, a 'gang of nine.' Many Latinos were turned off by Republicans' anti-immigrant rhetoric in the 2012 elections.

In soggy North Dakota, hopes rise that floodwaters won't

Threats of flooding began to abate Thursday, as emergency steps to protect towns along the Tongue River in northeastern North Dakota appeared to take effect. The Midwest has had its challenges with spring floods this year.

Has Obama tightened US drone strike policy, or not?

Administration officials had said Thursday's address by President Obama would contain big changes on drone attacks. But some sections were so carefully worded as to be 'opaque,' according to one expert.

Obama vows again to close Guantánamo: What are the sticking points? (+video)

Questions remain about how President Obama will handle a controversial and complex closure at Guantánamo. One issue: ensuring that detainees transferred overseas do not return to the US to engage in terrorist activities.

Rand Paul's beef with immigration reform bill: the E-Verify system

A photo-based E-Verify system for checking workers' legal status – a key part of the Senate immigration reform bill – does not mesh well with the libertarian leanings of Sen. Rand Paul (R). His worry: a 'national ID.'

Collapse of I-5 bridge in Washington State: no fatalities, many questions (+video)

The collapse of a 'functionally obsolete' bridge on I-5 in Washington State plunged three, later rescued, into icy water. It's also reviving a debate on how to fund billions in infrastructure repair.

Chris Christie to stroll Jersey Shore with Obama (again!): What's he thinking?

In the wake of superstorm Sandy, GOP Gov. Chris Christie praised President Obama for helping to speed the federal disaster response, infuriating conservatives. Now the two are set to tour again.

Memorial Day weekend: (almost) no sticker shock on gas prices

Some 31 million Americans set to hit the roads over Memorial Day weekend won't have to worry about a run-up in gas prices. Energy analysts say that – except for the upper Midwest – the gas spike is over.

Washington bridge collapse: Oversized truck causes span to fall into river

Washington bridge collapse occurs on the interstate highway between Seattle, Washington and the Canadian city of Vancouver, British Columbia. Amazingly, only three people were slightly injured in the Washington bridge collapse.

After superstorm Sandy, Jersey Shore priming for Memorial Day weekend

The Jersey Shore has been rebuilding since Sandy, and on Memorial Day weekend, merchants hope that tourists come for a dash in the surf and a walk along the boardwalk to spend some money.

Parking deck collapses: Mall parking garage traps two, kills one

Parking deck collapses: A parking garage outside a Macy's at a Maryland mall partially collapsed today. Officials say a construction worker died in the collapse.

IRS replaces official: How many heads will roll?

IRS replaces the official who oversaw the agents that targeted tea party groups, placing her on paid leave after she refused to resign. Her replacement is a 27-year IRS veteran.

Obama talks drones: Will it increase transparency for Pentagon to take lead?

In a speech Thursday, President Obama acknowledged some of the complexities involved in the drone war. A new presidential directive released this week says that the Pentagon, rather than the CIA, should ‘have the lead for the use of force.’

Boy Scouts allow gay Scouts, but leave ban on gay leaders in place

The Boy Scouts of America voted to lift a ban on gay Scouts, but critics say a decision to maintain a ban on gay Scout leaders sends a mixed message and leaves the issue unsettled.

Immigration reform is stuck in House, but 'gang' is resolute

Bipartisan group of House lawmakers depart the capital for recess without clinching a deal on immigration reform, missing their self-imposed deadline. But members insist they aren't giving up.

Obama renews push to close Guantánamo military prison

When he took office, President Obama pledged to close the military prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. But Congress and much of the public are against such a proposal for the remaining 166 detainees.

Trayvon Martin texts, photos: Might they change Zimmerman trial?

Trayvon Martin texts, photos – all unflattering – were posted online Thursday by George Zimmerman's defense team. They may yet be ruled inadmissible in court. But they are already making the rounds in the court of public opinion, ahead of Zimmerman's murder trial.

Abercrombie & Fitch: What's wrong with selling just to 'cool people'?

Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries set off a cultural backlash when said that his company is primarily interested in 'good-looking people.' But the company is jealously guarding its brand, even as the market for plus-size teens grows.