WASHINGTON (AP) — The commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service said Monday that Republican allegations that he misled congressional investigators probing his agency "are without merit," and said he wouldn't appear at a congressional hearing this week set to examine whether he deserves to be impeached.
John Koskinen, the head of the nation's tax-collection agency, said he hasn't had time to prepare for Tuesday's hearing because of travel and work required for an unrelated hearing, in a letter sent to Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., the chairman of the Judiciary Committee in the House or Representatives. Koskinen, who wasn't subpoenaed to appear, said he would be willing to testify in the future.
VIENNA (AP) — A pro-European Union candidate eked out a victory Monday over a right-wing, anti-migrant rival to become Austria's next president, in a tight contest viewed Europe-wide as a proxy fight pitting the continent's political center against its growingly strong populist and anti-establishment movements.
European mainstream parties joined Austrian supporters of Alexander Van der Bellen in congratulating him on his victory over Norbert Hofer, with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier declaring. "All of Europe is now breathing more easily."
