Topic: Alabama

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Commencement season: Speakers share inspiration, insight, and advice with college grads

It’s college graduation season and the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” which began in late April, will be heard at commencement ceremonies until mid-June. Many more speeches have yet to be given that impart the usual pearls of wisdom and advice on pursuing dreams, being daring, and contributing to society. Here’s a sampling of excerpts from speeches given to graduates around the country.
Super Tuesday: Six things to watch for as results come in

Ten states vote on Super Tuesday, with 419 delegates at stake. It looks as if it may be a good night for Mitt Romney, but there are many unknowns. Aside from the biggest question – who wins Ohio – here are six things to watch for as the results come in.
Black History Month: Five major events and figures

Black History Month is the annual celebration of the struggles, achievements and overall contribution African-Americans have made to the US.
9 best books featuring notorious figures

Thomas Craughwell lists these books as the best myth-busting histories centered on notorious figures.
Sue Monk Kidd's 10 favorite books

Sue Monk Kidd, author of "The Secret Life of Bees," shares her favorite reads.

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Tax VOX
New online tool to help families maximize tax, transfer benefits

State taxes and transfers can be an important, albeit complicated form of assistance for low-income families. A new interactive calculator aims to help guide families through the process, including the options when family income increases.
Mitt Romney running mate search enters public audition phase

As his campaign evaluates potential running mates, Republicans with a possible shot at the No. 2 spot on the presidential ticket are starting to engage in unofficial public tryouts for the traditional vice presidential role of attack dog.
Commencement season: Speakers share inspiration, insight, and advice with college grads

It’s college graduation season and the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” which began in late April, will be heard at commencement ceremonies until mid-June. Many more speeches have yet to be given that impart the usual pearls of wisdom and advice on pursuing dreams, being daring, and contributing to society. Here’s a sampling of excerpts from speeches given to graduates around the country.
American jihadi in Somalia writes an autobiography

Omar Hammami, an American jihadist from Alabama, wrote a 127-page book about his experience fighting on the front lines with Somalia's Al Qaeda affiliate, Al Shabab.
Appeals court upholds key provision of Voting Rights Act. Supreme Court could loom

A federal court on Friday rejected an Alabama county's argument that a key part of the 1965 Voting Rights act is outdated. That could set the stage for a Supreme Court hearing.
The kudzu of global business languages

A call for companies to require English of all their employees seems insensitive – and unnecessary.
Senate Republicans plead for a budget as frustrations boil over

Senate Republicans proposed five budgets Wednesday, but the Democratic-controlled Senate defeated them all. Republicans say Democrats are punting on tough choices, Democrats say they already have a budget.
Cover Story
CSI Tornado: Decoding – and chasing – supercells with the experts

CSI Tornado: Chasing supercells, interviewing a homeowner sucked off his front porch in an Oklahoma tornado outbreak, and examining the path of a destructive funnel, an expert expedition shows how science is close to decoding the way a tornado works.
In Gear
Buying a car, college grad? Don’t forget the rebates.

Most major automakers offer discounts to college grads. All college grads need to do is read the fine print. 
Pet food recall 2012 now includes 39 states

Pet food recall 2012 involves brands including Kirkland, Premium Edge, and Diamond Naturals, manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods. The biggest pet food recall 2012 has been expanded multiple times since April. Counting additional recalls by separate brands manufactured in the Diamond Pet Foods facility, affected dog food has been sold in 39 states.
George Lindsey remembered as 'Goober' on TV's 'Andy Griffith Show' & 'Hee Haw'

George Lindsey, an Alabama native and veteran, was a teacher and coach before turning to acting on the stage, television and films.
Florida A&M hazing: Charges could clip violent traditions (+video)

Florida A&M hazing case might be paving the way for a new era of reform. On Wednesday, 13 individuals were charged in the hazing death of FAMU drum major Robert Champion last November.
A matter of discretion in immigration reform and Arizona law

Arguments made in Wednesday's Supreme Court hearing on the Arizona immigration law get to the heart of the national debate: How much discretion to give to police and prosecutors?
California fireball produces jackpot for meteorite hunters (+video)

Meteorite hunter finds pieces of a mini-bus sized meteor that lit up in the skies above California and Nevada this week. More pieces of the meteor are expected to be found as hunters scour the area.
Arizona immigration: Justices seem open to law

Today's questioning before the Supreme Court suggested the controversial Arizona law may be upheld.
Supreme Court takes up controversial Arizona immigration law

It was unclear what the court would do with other aspects of the law that have been put on hold by lower federal courts.
Mad cow disease: Big deal abroad. US? Not so much. (+video)

Mad cow disease has hit the US only four times since regulators took steps to control it 15 years ago. Although the latest announcement of mad cow disease may alarm American consumers, the biggest reaction may come from nations that decide to ban US beef.
Peru is evaluating extradition request for Joran Van der Sloot to US

Peru is evaluating a request to extradite Dutch citizen Joran Van der Sloot to the US in connection with the 2005 disappearance of Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway in Aruba, his lawyer said on Monday.
Illegal immigration slows almost to a standstill

The number of illegal immigrants from Mexico, the largest source of migrants, has dropped by the largest margin since the Great Depression.
Humongous exploding fireball in sky probably a meteor, say scientists (+video)

For many people in Nevada and northern California, Sunday morning was disrupted by a sonic boom and a fireball streaking across the sky.
Lyrid meteor shower lights up sky around world (+video)

Clear skies and the absence of a bright moon this past weekend made for a spectacular Lyrid meteor shower, which dazzles skywatchers around the globe.
Focus
Arizona immigration law: states vs. Obama at US Supreme Court, again

The US Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Wednesday concerning the tough Arizona immigration law. Key question: Does the state statute usurp federal authority to set immigration policy?
AP wins Pulitzer Prize for series on New York City police spying on Muslims

The Associated Press won a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting. The Patriot-News in Harrisburg, Pa., won for breaking the Penn State sexual abuse scandal. The Huffington Post received its first Pulitzer for reporting about American vets.
As Midwest storm bears down, forecasters use more urgent voice in tornado warnings

The National Weather Service is testing phrases like 'catastrophic' and 'unsurvivable' to describe looming storm systems in a bid to engage Americans’ survival instincts. Saturday's tornado-bearing storm was called 'high-end' and 'life-threatening.'
Tax day horror story: taking your money ... and your identity

The IRS is making it a top priority to crack down on the burgeoning tax day scam of identity fraud. In 2011 the agency thwarted $1.4 billion in fraudulent refunds.