4 Americans killed since 2009 in US drone strikes

The Obama administration acknowledged for the first time Wednesday that four American citizens have been killed in drone strikes in Pakistan and Yemen since 2009. The disclosure to Congress comes on the eve of a major national security speech by President Barack Obama in which he plans to pledge more transparency to Congress in his counterterrorism policy.

Weiner launches comeback bid to become NYC mayor

Anthony Weiner knows there may be a lot of New Yorkers who would never consider voting for him again, but he says he's running for mayor because he wants to bring his ideas to the fore _ and win.

Who else took the 5th? Baseball star, banker, more

The baseball star, the Hollywood 10, Oliver North. And Lois Lerner of the IRS.

Man shot to death while questioned in Boston probe

A Chechen immigrant was shot to death by authorities in central Florida early Wednesday after he turned violent while being questioned about his ties to one of the Boston Marathon bombing suspects, officials said.

House passes GOP bill to speed pipeline approval

House Republicans pushed through a bill Wednesday to bypass the president to speed approval of the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada to Texas. Democrats criticized the legislation as a blatant attempt to allow a foreign company to avoid environmental review.

Broke no laws, IRS official says _ then takes 5th

At the center of a political storm, an Internal Revenue Service supervisor whose agents targeted conservative groups swore Wednesday she did nothing wrong, broke no laws and never lied to Congress. Then she refused to answer lawmakers' further questions, citing her Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate herself.

Union power at issue as Garcetti elected LA mayor

The incoming mayor of Los Angeles was able to defeat a fellow Democrat by depicting her as a pawn of utility union bosses in a city long friendly to labor, an outcome expected to echo beyond California as unions nationwide face threats to their clout.

Carney: Criticism of IRS response 'legitimate'

President Barack Obama's spokesman says the White House is facing "legitimate criticisms" for its shifting accounts about who knew what about the Internal Revenue Service's targeting of conservative political groups, and when they knew it.

Senate rejects bid to let states run food stamps

The Senate on Wednesday rejected a Republican bid to turn the federal food stamp program over to the states.

Senators warm to transportation nominee

President Barack Obama's nominee for transportation secretary _ Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx _ received a friendly reception from senators of both parties Wednesday laced with warnings that the nation needs to make a host of transportation improvements with no clear way to pay for them.

Key House chairman slams Senate immigration bill

A key House committee chairman on Wednesday sharply criticized a wide-ranging immigration bill just passed by a Senate committee, underscoring the difficulties ahead as the politically volatile measure moves forward in a divided Congress.