National: Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg, 89, of New Jersey died last night of viral pneumonia. He was the oldest senator and its last WWII veteran. Republican Gov. Chris Christie must appoint a replacement until a special election. Lautenberg’s death leaves the Democrats with 52-seats.

➢The stars of the discontinued Discovery television show “Storm Chasers” were among those killed last week in Oklahoma tornadoes. Tim Samaras, 55, his son Paul, 24, and their 45-year-old colleague Carl Young were killed Friday pursuing an EF-3 tornado in El Reno outside Oklahoma City. Tim Samaras was a leader in measuring the forces of tornadoes. This is believed to be the first deaths of storm chasers in action.

➢California Republican Daryl Issa said yesterday that IRS scrutiny of conservative political groups was directed by The White House and he called spokesman Jay Carney “a paid liar.” Issa said, “The administration is still trying to say there’s a few rogue agents in Cincinnati, when in fact the indication is they were directly being ordered from Washington.” He offered no proof.

World: A report released today says the African Warlord Joseph Kony is supporting his army by killing elephants and selling their ivory. The Sub-Saharan elephant population was about 5 million 70 years ago, down to about 1 million today, with ivory at peak value.

➢Fire in a poultry processing plant in northeast China killed at least 119 workers. Safety in Chinese plants is an issue even as a Chinese company is moving ahead to buy the giant American pork processor Smithfield.

➢Rivers are rising in Central Europe after days of heavy rain threaten widespread flooding. Germany, Austria and Switzerland are on high alert and the Czech Republic has declared a state of emergency. Parts of the historic city of Passau in Bavaria are under water.

Weekend Box: The “Fast and Furious” sequel held on to number one at $34.5 million, ahead of the thriller “Now You See Me”, featuring a star-heavy cast of Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher and more. Will Smith’s “After Earth” fell to earth with a $27 million open.

No Ticket: The winner of the $590 million Powerball lottery two weeks ago still has not come forward to claim the money. Probably avoiding taxes.

Service Not Included: The 2,000 room New York Hilton will end room service in August, according to Crain’s New York Business. Not enough guests wanted a $28.50 hamburger or macaroni and cheese made with Velveeta at $23.50, plus a 15% service fee and a $5.50 in-room dining charge. But you can still pay $300 a night for the room.

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