Nation news and national headlines from the Chicago Sun-Times

Poll: Teens leaving Facebook for Twitter

WASHINGTON — A new poll finds that teens are sharing more about themselves on social media. They’re also moving increasingly to Twitter to avoid their parents and the “oversharing” that they see on Facebook. In the Pew Research Center poll, 94 percent of teens who …

Court: U.S. can keep Osama bin Laden photos under wraps

WASHINGTON — A federal appeals court is backing the U.S. government’s decision not to release photos and video taken of Osama bin Laden during and after a raid in which the terrorist leader was killed by U.S. commandos. The three-judge panel of the U.S. Circuit …

Michigan man dies in traffic crash day after wedding

A newly married Detroit-area youth minister was killed in a traffic crash as he and his wife were en route to their honeymoon in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Storms pound Mount Olive, other Illinois sites

Cleanup efforts are under way in the downstate Illinois community of Mount Olive after severe storms pummeled that community, damaging at least a dozen buildings in its downtown area.

Grand Rapids helicopter patrols prompt complaints

Michigan State Police helicopter patrols over Grand Rapids as part of an effort to curb violent crime in the city and surrounding communities have prompted complaints from area residents.

Parents frantically search for kids after tornado blasts Moore

The parents and guardians stood in the muddy grass outside a suburban Oklahoma City church, listening as someone with a bullhorn called out the names of children who were being dropped off — survivors of a deadly tornado that barreled through their community. sFor many families, the ordeal ended in bear hugs and tears of joy as loved ones reunited. Others were left to wait in the darkness, hoping for good news while fearing the worst.

Missouri city aids tornado-ravaged Oklahoma town

MOORE, Okla. — Officials in Joplin, Mo., have brought together a team of public safety employees to send to tornado-stricken Moore. Two years ago, Joplin was devastated by a tornado that killed 158 people and injured hundreds more. On Monday, Joplin organized a team of about a dozen police and firefighters to assist in Moore.

Tornado season started late this year

TULSA, Okla. — Deadly tornadoes that have raked communities in Middle America over the past week, including Monday’s massive twister that carved a path of destruction through the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore, belie what had been a relatively quiet start of the 2013 tornado season. In fact, this is the longest the U.S. has gone into May without registering an EF1 or stronger tornado, which are the types that can cause damage.

Killing of gay man in NYC draws protesters

NEW YORK — The killing of a gay man who police say was taunted with homophobic slurs drew thousands of people to the scene of the crime to restore a sense of safety to one of the nation’s most gay-friendly neighborhoods.

More Obama aides knew of IRS audit but Obama wasn’t told

WASHINGTON — White House chief of staff Denis McDonough and other senior advisers knew in late April that an impending report was likely to say the IRS had inappropriately targeted conservative groups, President Barack Obama’s spokesman disclosed Monday, expanding the circle of top officials who knew of the audit beyond those named earlier. But McDonough and the other advisers did not tell Obama.

Search and rescue continues after devastating Moore tornado leaves at least 24 dead

MOORE, Okla. — A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow as children and teachers huddled against winds up to 200 mph. At least seven children were among 24 killed, and officials said the death toll was expected to rise. Hospitals were treating more than 120 patients, including about 50 children. The Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office said there could be as many as 40 more fatalities from the tornado.

2 children reported dead from Indianapolis fire

Two autistic children were killed and four other people were injured when they were caught in a fire Monday in the Indianapolis condominium, authorities said.

What do we eat? New food map will tell us

Until now, the only way to find out what people in the United States eat and how many calories they consume has been government data. Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are trying to change that by creating a gargantuan map of what foods Americans are buying and eating.

Alaska announces plan to assess oil, gas at Arctic refuge

The state of Alaska on Monday proposed a multiyear, multimillion-dollar plan aimed at determining the true oil and gas potential in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. State officials hope the plan will reinvigorate — and reshape — the debate over whether to drill on the refuge’s coastal plain.

Historic Superior lighthouse free for the taking

Wisconsin’s historic Superior Entry lighthouse is free for the taking. No longer needed by the U.S. Coast Guard, the lighthouse is being offered to any eligible group that would use it — and pay for its upkeep — for education, recreational, cultural or historic preservation purposes.

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