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National & World 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 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 (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.

Sports

Sports San Jose sues MLB over lack of action on potential A's move San Jose sues MLB over lack of action on potential A's move
Major League Baseball is dragging its feet on having team owners vote on the Oakland Athletics' proposed move to a new ballpark 40 miles south in San Jose, San Jose city officials said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday.

Top Video

Home Engineers create robot that runs like a cat Engineers create robot that runs like a cat (Video)
Thanks to the design of its legs, which faithfully mimic feline morphology, EPFL's four-legged "cheetah-cub robot" shares the advantages of its biological model: it is small, light and runs very fast.
Home Disabled teen gets 4,600 birthday cards Disabled teen gets 4,600 birthday cards (Video)
A Tucson teenager born with spina bifida and other problems has survived the incredible odds against him to celebrate a milestone birthday. Jacob Mockbee also received thousands of cards and well wishes from people around the world, including some major celebrities.

Your Life, Your Style

Life & Style Your guide to cheap summer fun for the family Your guide to cheap summer fun for the family (Video)
With summer break just around the corner, it’s just a matter of time before parents hear that complaint. To help parents in need and on a budget, KATU Problem Solver Shellie Bailey-Shah has her “Summer Seven” – the top picks for free or nearly-free fun.

Extras

Weather Blog ''Baked Alaska'': 90-96° temps shatter all-time records ''Baked Alaska'': 90-96° temps shatter all-time records
Many people head to Alaska to visit the snow-capped mountains and awe-inspiring glaciers.

Monday, sitting on a glacier might not have been a bad idea.

A major ridge of high pressure brought intense heat to south-central Alaska with four towns experiencing heat never before felt in their record-keeping history.

More News

Technology

Technology U.S. video game retail sales fall 25 percent
U.S. retail sales of video games, hardware and accessories declined 25 percent in May as demand for aging game consoles continued to fade and fewer new games launched compared with last year, according to market researcher NPD Group.
Technology Google settles suit, clears way for stock split
Google has resolved a shareholder lawsuit blocking a long-delayed stock split, clearing the way for the Internet search leader to issue a new class of non-voting shares later this year.
Technology Scientists moving 15-ton magnet to Fermi lab (Photo Gallery)
Scientists on Long Island are preparing to move a 50-foot-wide electromagnet 3,200 miles over land and sea to its new home at the U.S. Department of Energy's Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Illinois. The trip is expected to take more than a month.

Politics

Politics Oregon Senate votes down schools budget
The Oregon Senate has voted down a $6.55 billion budget for primary and secondary schools after one Democrat and all 14 Republicans said it didn't provide enough money.
Politics Senator: Bridge collapse wake-up call for Columbia I-5 bridge
The dramatic collapse of the Interstate 5 bridge over the Skagit River should serve as a wake-up call that officials need to replace the I-5 bridge over the Columbia River soon, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray said Friday.

Business

Business Turnabout: Chrysler agrees to recall of Jeeps at risk of fire
In one of the biggest-ever showdowns between an automaker and the government, Chrysler on Tuesday is expected to file papers explaining its refusal to recall 2.7 million older Jeep SUVs that are at risk of catching fire in rear-end collisions.
Business U.S. consumer prices rise just 0.1 percent in May
U.S. consumer prices rose slightly in May as higher energy costs were partly offset by cheaper food. The small increase comes after two straight declines, underscoring that American consumers are benefiting from mild inflation.
Business U.S. home construction rises 6.8 percent in May
U.S. builders stepped up home construction in May and applied for permits to build single-family homes at the fastest pace in five years. The gains show housing remains a key source of growth for the economy.

Entertainment News

Entertainment James Franco becomes the latest star to turn to crowdsourcing
Fundraising sites like Kickstarter are popular with regular folks looking to scrounge up a little cash to make a dream a reality, but celebrities are increasingly launching their own campaigns -- in spite of the fact that they could probably bankroll the projects themselves. For example, James Franco is looking to raise $500,000 to turn his book into a series of films. Franco is estimated to be worth over $20 million.
Entertainment New Miss USA crowned (Photo Gallery)
Erin Brady won the beauty pageant at the Planet Hollywood hotel-casino after strutting in a white sparkly gown and answering a question about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision upholding widespread DNA tests.