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peaceful end to weeks long protests, which at times devolved into violent clashes with riot police -- scenes that have dented the image of Erdogan's government on the world stage.
• An attempt to clear out the park on May 31 sparked demonstrations that morphed into broader protests against what many say is the prime minister's increasingly authoritarian style of government. Five people -- four demonstrators and a police officer --were killed in the protests that spread to dozens of other cities.
• The Taksim Solidarity group, two of whose members were in the meeting with Erdogan, has emerged as the most high-profile from the occupation that began last month. But it does not speak for all of those camping in the park. Many say they have no affiliation to any group or party.
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House heads toward passage of bill backing 2 years in jail for sexual assault in the military
• WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House is heading toward passage of a sweeping defense bill that reflects the outrage among lawmakers over the growing number of sexual assaults in the military.
• The legislation is expected to be completed Friday and includes a measure requiring a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison for a member of the armed services convicted of rape or sexual assault in a military court.
• "Being in a military uniform should not be a get-out-of-jail card," said Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, who proposed the measure that House lawmakers included in the bill authorizing spending for the 2014 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.
• The additional punishment is part of a series of steps lawmakers have taken to tackle the growing problem of sexual assault. Both the House and Senate appear determined to shake up the military's culture in ways that would ensure victims that if they report a crime, their allegations won't be discounted and their careers won't be jeopardized.
• Once completed, the House bill must be reconciled with the Senate's version.
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2 found dead in area burned by out-of-control Colo. wildfire that destroyed at least 360 homes
• COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- Firefighters have at least temporarily battled to a "draw" with a fast-moving fire that has already killed two people and destroyed at least 360 homes, giving weary authorities and residents the first glimmer (Continued on page 27)
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